bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Oral immunization with an attenuated Salmonella Gallinarum mutant as a fowl typhoid vaccine with a live adjuvant strain secreting the B subunit of Escherichia coliheat-labile enterotoxin
Authors: Jeon Byung Woo , Nandre Rahul M , Lee John Hwa 
Published: May 2013

Abstract

Background
The Salmonella Gallinarum (SG) lon/cpxR deletion mutant JOL916 was developed as a live vaccine candidate for fowl typhoid (FT), and a SG mutant secreting an Escherichia coli heat-labile enterotoxin B subunit (LTB), designated JOL1229, was recently constructed as an adjuvant strain for oral vaccination against FT. In this study, we evaluated the immunogenicity and protective properties of the SG mutant JOL916 and the LTB adjuvant strain JOL1229 in order to establish a prime and boost immunization strategy for each strain. In addition, we compared the increase in body weight, the immunogenicity, the egg production rates, and the bacteriological egg contamination of these strains with those of SG 9R, a widely used commercial vaccine.

Results
Plasma IgG, intestinal secretory IgA (sIgA), and cell-mediated responses were significantly induced after a boost inoculation with a mixture of JOL916 and JOL1229, and significant reductions in the mortality of chickens challenged with a wild-type SG strain were observed in the immunized groups. There were no significant differences in increases in body weight, cell-mediated immune responses, or systemic IgG responses between our vaccine mixture and the SG 9R vaccine groups. However, there was a significant elevation in intestinal sIgA in chickens immunized with our mixture at 3 weeks post-prime-immunization and at 3 weeks post-boost-immunization, while sIgA levels in SG 9R-immunized chickens were not significantly elevated compared to the control. In addition, the SG strain was not detected in the eggs of chickens immunized with our mixture.

Conclusion
Our results suggest that immunization with the LTB-adjuvant strain JOL1229 can significantly increase the immune response, and provide efficient protection against FT with no side effects on body weight, egg production, or egg contamination.
Effect of induced ruminal acidosis on blood variables in heifers
Authors: Marchesini Giorgio , De Nardi Roberta , Gianesella Matteo , Stefani Anna-Lisa , Morgante Massimo , Barberio Antonio , Andrighetto Igino , Segato Severino 
Published: May 2013

Abstract

Background
Ruminal acidosis is responsible for the onset of different pathologies in dairy and feedlot cattle, but there are major difficulties in the diagnosis. This study modelled the data obtained from various blood variables to identify those that could indicate the severity of ruminal acidosis. Six heifers were fed three experimental rations throughout three periods. The diets were characterised by different starch levels: high starch (HS), medium starch (MS) and low starch, as the control diet (CT). Ruminal pH values were continuously measured using wireless sensors and compared with pH measurements obtained by rumenocentesis. Blood samples were analysed for complete blood count, biochemical profile, venous blood gas, blood lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and LPS-binding proteins (LBP).

Results
The regression coefficient comparing the ruminal pH values, obtained using the two methods, was 0.56 (P = 0.040). Feeding the CT, MS and HS led to differences in the time spent below the 5.8, 5.5 and 5.0 pH thresholds and in several variables, including dry matter intake (7.7 vs. 6.9 vs. 5.1 kg/d; P = 0.002), ruminal nadir pH (5.69 vs. 5.47 vs. 5.44; P = 0.042), mean ruminal pH (6.50 vs. 6.34 vs. 6.31; P = 0.012), haemoglobin level (11.1 vs. 10.9 vs. 11.4 g/dL; P = 0.010), platelet count (506 vs. 481 vs. 601; P = 0.008), HCO3
- (31.8 vs. 31.3 vs. 30.6 mmol/L; P = 0.071) and LBP (5.9 vs. 9.5 vs. 10.5 μg/mL; P < 0.001). A canonical discriminant analysis (CDA) was used to classify the animals into four ruminal pH classes (normal, risk of acidosis, subacute ruminal acidosis and acute ruminal acidosis) using haemoglobin, mean platelet volume, β-hydroxybutyrate, glucose and reduced haemoglobin.

Conclusions
Although additional studies are necessary to confirm the reliability of these discriminant functions, the use of plasma variables in a multifactorial model appeared to be useful for the evaluation of ruminal acidosis severity.
A novel pair of inducible expression vectors for use in Methylobacterium extorquens
Authors: Chubiz Lon M , Purswani Jessica , Carroll Sean Michael , Marx Chistopher J 
Published: May 2013

Abstract

Background
Due to the ever increasing use of diverse microbial taxa in basic research and industrial settings, there is a growing need for genetic tools to alter the physiology of these organisms. In particular, there is a dearth of inducible expression systems available for bacteria outside commonly used γ-proteobacteria, such as Escherichia coli or Pseudomonas species. To this end, we have sought to develop a pair of inducible expression vectors for use in the α-proteobacterium Methylobacterium extorquens, a model methylotroph.

Findings
We found that the P
R
promoter from rhizobial phage 16-3 was active in M. extorquens and engineered the promoter to be inducible by either p-isopropyl benzoate (cumate) or anhydrotetracycline. These hybrid promoters, P
R/cmtO
and P
R/tetO
, were found to have high levels of expression in M. extorquens with a regulatory range of 10-fold and 30-fold, respectively. Compared to an existing cumate-inducible (10-fold range), high-level expression system for M. extorquens, P
R/cmtO
and P
R/tetO
have 33% of the maximal activity but were able to repress gene expression 3 and 8-fold greater, respectively. Both promoters were observed to exhibit homogeneous, titratable activation dynamics rather than on-off, switch-like behavior. The utility of these promoters was further demonstrated by complementing loss of function of ftfL - essential for growth on methanol - where we show P
R/tetO
is capable of not only fully complementing function but also producing a conditional null phenotype. These promoters have been incorporated into a broad-host-range backbone allowing for potential use in a variety of bacterial hosts.

Conclusions
We have developed two novel expression systems for use in M. extorquens. The expression range of these vectors should allow for increased ability to explore cellular physiology in M. extorquens. Further, the P
R/tetO
promoter is capable of producing conditional null phenotypes, previously unattainable in M. extorquens. As both expression systems rely on the use of membrane permeable inducers, we suspect these expression vectors will be useful for ectopic gene expression in numerous proteobacteria.
Particle Swarm Optimization Neural Network for Flow Prediction in Vegetative Channel
Authors: Jha Anjaneya , Kumar Bimlesh 
Published: May 2013

AbstractFlow prediction in a vegetated channel has been extensively studied in the past few decades. A number of equations that essentially differ from each other in derivation and form have been developed. Because the process is extremely complex, getting the deterministic or analytical form of the process phenomena is too difficult. Hybrid neural network model (combining particle swarm optimization with neural network) is particularly useful in modeling processes where an adequate knowledge of the physics is limited. This hybrid model is presented here as a complementary tool to model channel flow–vegetation interactions in submerged vegetation conditions. The hybrid model is used to overcome the local minima limitations of a feed-forward neural network. The prediction capability of model has been found to be better than past empirical predictors. The model developed herein showed significantly better results in several model performance criteria compared with empirical models.
The Effect of Human Resource Investment in Internal Control on the Disclosure of Internal Control Weaknesses
Authors: Choi Jong-Hag , Choi Sunhwa , Hogan Chris E. , Lee Joonil 
Published: May 2013

SUMMARY
This paper investigates the effect of human resource investment in internal control over financial reporting on the disclosure of internal control weaknesses at both the firm and the individual department level. Using a unique reporting requirement for Korean-listed firms, this study uses the ratio of the number of employees involved with the implementation of internal controls (hereafter, IC personnel) to the total number of employees of the firm as a proxy for a firm's human resource investment in internal control. We find that the proportion of IC personnel and the change of the proportion within the firm and several key departments are negatively associated with the disclosure of internal control weaknesses. We also find that a change in IC personnel is positively associated with the likelihood of remediation of the internal control weaknesses. These findings provide valuable insights into the role of human resource investment in determining the strength of a firm's internal controls over financial reporting.
The Insurance Hypothesis: An Examination of KPMG's Audit Clients around the Investigation and Settlement of the Tax Shelter Case
Authors: Brown Darryl L. , Shu Susan Z. , Soo Billy S. , Trompeter Gregory M. 
Published: May 2013

SUMMARY
Although prior literature has suggested that independent audits provide an implicit form of insurance against investor losses (the “insurance hypothesis”), it has been challenging to isolate the “insurance” effect. In this paper, we use a unique setting to examine this effect. In 2002, KPMG was investigated by the U.S. Department of Justice in relation to tax shelters sold by the firm. From then until early 2005, several news reports suggested that KPMG would be indicted and suffer potentially the same fate as Arthur Andersen. However, in August of 2005 KPMG entered into a deferred prosecution agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice, which ended widespread speculation of an impending federal indictment against the accounting firm. Because the investigation centered around tax services offered by the firm, we argue that the circumstances surrounding the investigation and settlement provide a natural setting to test the insurance value provided by auditors. We show that KPMG audit client firms experienced significant negative abnormal market returns when it appeared more likely that KPMG would face criminal charges, but earned significantly positive abnormal returns following news reports of an impending settlement. Further, these abnormal returns appear to be driven by KPMG client firms in greater financial distress or subject to greater litigation risk. These findings are consistent with the insurance hypothesis. Although we cannot completely eliminate other explanations such as an assurance effect or switching costs, we argue that such explanations are unlikely to drive our main findings.
A New Concept of Evaluation of the Production Assets
Authors: Rafalski Ryszard 
Published: May 2013

Abstract
Production assets management in a company is a traditional function, which in the period of transition of the Polish economy gradually lost the role of co-relation with the production function to the function of marketing and sales, finance or even logistics. An efficiency was selected as the main operating criterion at the company level i.e. the ability to reach a set goal of the final activities. Technological efficiency at the level of the production station is expressed by the ratio of technological efficiency, at the level of production cell the efficiency of technology influence on efficiency of production cell. The inspiration for this paper were the new approach to company value on the market, including the value of assets, and advancement in the production technology and an appearance of modern tools.
Conceptions for Financing a Universal, Open, Repository Hosting and Communication Platform for Web-Based Knowledge Resources
Authors: Hajkiewicz-Górecka Maria 
Published: May 2013

Abstract
The subject of this paper are alternative funding schemes for a planned universal, open, repository hosting and communication platform for web-based knowledge resources for science, education and an open knowledge society. An attempt is made to estimate the amount of funding needed by analysing the costs of procuring content from foreign and domestic sources, the digitization of library resources, capital expenditures and operating expenses of the institution that will manage the SYNAT platform. Assuming that access to knowledge resources will be free of charge for specified groups or all users, the potential revenue generated by the platform is defined - mainly: directly or indirectly from the national budget and supplementally from private sources. The possible organizational and legal forms of the institution administering the SYNAT platform - public and private sector entities - are reviewed in terms of the certainty and elasticity of funding by the national budget as well as other sources, ensuring the on-going operation of the scientific and technical information system.
Decision-Making in Flat and Hierarchical Decision Problems
Authors: Krupa Tadeusz , Ostrowska Teresa 
Published: May 2013

Abstract
The article is dedicated to the modelling of the essence of decision-taking processes in flat and hierarchical decision problems. In flat decision problems particular attention is drawn to the effectiveness of strategies in seeking decision variants on solution decomposition trees, taking into account the strength of their predefined contradictions. For hierarchical decision processes, the issue of iterative balancing of global (hierarchical) decisions is expressed, based on the valuation of the significance of flat decisions.
A Total Risk Assessment in an Enterprise
Authors: Wasilewski Wiesław 
Published: May 2013

Abstract
Risk assessment is an important task of risk management. It must take various aspects into consideration. For this reason the risk management involves various scientific disciplines: mathematics, psychology, law etc. Every institution must deal with many different kinds of risk. The question is: in order to ensure the continuation of the company, is it important to assess individual risk or to identify and evaluate the entire overall risk to the enterprise. This article aims to present a method of calculating the total organizational risk in relation to the ROI-return on investment (justifying the critical importance of profit [loss] in ensuring the continued operation of the entity).
Perfectly supportable semigroups are σ-discrete in each Hausdorff shift-invariant topology
Authors: Banakh Taras , Guran Igor 
Published: May 2013

AbstractIn this paper we introduce perfectly supportable semigroups
and prove that they are σ-discrete in each Hausdorff shiftinvariant
topology. The class of perfectly supportable semigroups
includes each semigroup S such that FSym(X) ⊂ S ⊂
FRel(X) where FRel(X) is the semigroup of finitely supported
relations on an infinite set X and FSym(X) is the group of
finitely supported permutations of X.
La réforme de l'orientation scolaire
Authors: Berthet Thierry , Simon Véronique 
Published: May 2013

L’objet de cet article est d’analyser la manière dont les émeutes urbaines de novembre 2005 ont constitué une fenêtre d’opportunité politique pour entamer une réforme du système d’orientation scolaire. Les auteurs étudient en premier lieu le processus de mise à l’agenda de la question de l’orientation. Dans une seconde partie, ils décrivent les différentes étapes du processus décisionnel ayant abouti à la loi de novembre 2009 réformant la formation professionnelle et l’orientation et analysent la nature des changements opérés par sa mise en œuvre.
Use of Intervention and Well Abandonment Resources To Increase Safety, Efficiency and Cost Savings Through an Innovative Total Service Package
Authors: Olstad Delaney 
Published: May 2013

Abstract
The need for an effective strategic plan to address intervention and well abandonment projects in an efficient manner requires an extensive array of multidisciplinary services and the utilization of equipment in innovative ways. The ability of an established service company to supply an inclusive project package allows the clients to focus their internal resources on further developments and provides the service company increased opportunities to innovate. This paper will review the successes realized by providing a total service package which included innovative equipment, technologies, and processes to optimize safety and increase cost savings by efficiently addressing the requirements and challenges associated with intervention and well abandonment operations.
By providing a full range of intervention and well abandonment equipment and services, a multitude of operations can be addressed by a single contractor, which greatly reduces the inefficiencies typical when utilizing multiple vendors. This unique product line consists of innovative operating systems which provide the client a range of services that result in an efficient total service package.
The most effective use of these services has been realized during operations utilizing the newly developed pulling and jacking units (PJU). The PJU have proven a safe and cost-effective alternative to conventional equipment and allow the client to address the project objectives from a single inclusive source. The units can be modified to meet the requirements of the operating system is in place, the full potential of the PJU can be realized. Evidence of the efficiencies associated with a total service package, including the collaborative efforts of experienced personnel and an array of product lines and services, are shown in both the safety record and via cost savings.

Introduction
Intervention and abandonment operations typically require a multitude of services, products and resources. Increasingly operators are requiring a total service package when addressing mature-well revitalization, late-stage intervention, and final abandonment. Operators, on a global scale, are seeking bundled services including fit-for-purpose equipment that maximizes cost saving potential while adhering fully to safety standards. Traditional late-stage intervention and final abandonment operations can be costly or could involve time-consuming methods potentially detrimental to personnel, assets, and the environment without the possibility of recouping operational costs. New technologies and resources are now available to address the intervention and well abandonment market. The ability to provide a total service package which includes innovative equipment and processes to optimize safety and increase cost savings is crucial to meeting the needs of the oil and gas industry.
Successful High-Density Cement Plugs in a HP/HT Presalt Deepwater Well in Brazil's Santos Basin
Authors: Silvestri Rodrigo , Moraes William Oda De Oliveira , Borba Robson Esteves , De Bruijn Gunnar G , Sobreira Mauro , Fagundes Luiz , Moretti Fabricio , Guerediaga Denis 
Published: May 2013

Abstract
Ensuring well safety during the well construction and abandonment process provided a challenge for an offshore exploration worldwide. More than ever the importance of the successful abandonment of exploration wells is critical. High quality cement plugs are required to provide a tested isolation barrier. Over the years the industry has experienced many problems in the correctly placing cement plugs. Historically, setting cement plugs in open hole at deep depths has been a difficult task. Often, several attempts are necessary to end with a proven barrier or a competent kickoff plug. Sometimes, small contaminations with synthetic drilling fluid have a detrimental effect on the physical properties of the set cement, resulting in catastrophic events. This challenging task becomes even more difficult when drilling in deepwater environments due to frontier exploration, increasing placement depth, high-pressure reservoirs, high-density drilling fluids, salt formations, and high-pressure gas reservoirs. In Brazil, the exploration campaigns are moving to pre-salt reservoirs where operators face a combination of these challenges.
An overpressured, presalt gas reservoir in the Santos basin was discovered with an equivalent pore pressure ranging from 18.5-18.7 ppg (ultra high pressure ~ 20.000 psi) at 6,136 m true vertical depth. During drilling operations in this high-pressure, high-temperature (HP/HT) deepwater well, a kick was observed after drilling a few meters below the salt. This led to the application of conventional methods of well control. Once the well was shut in, the pressure readings at the surface were stabilized at 5,600 psi, and the mud weight was increased to 19 ppg to achieve hydrostatic control of the well. Once well control was regained, the well was temporarily suspended with a sequence of cement plugs. These unexpected levels of pressures suggest a discovery. However, further research was postponed due to the current rig limitations and supplies.
A total of 392 m of 8 ½?? open hole section were abandoned using two cement plugs with a special high-density slurry of 21 ppg and high-density spacer of 20 ppg. A third cement plug was set in the previous casing string. The design included a special chemistry for formations with gas and salt. Software simulations and the analysis of placement techniques and practices help ensure the success of these operations in this challenging environment.
The successful practices demonstrated for these plugs will be useful for other ultrahigh pressure discoveries that may be encountered. These practices may also be useful when setting cement plugs in conventional wells or wells with high density drilling fluids.