bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Deep Ultra Slim Hole Drilling in Germany: Operational Experience, Current Developments, Way Forward
Authors: Elnozahy Moustafa , Schmidt Matthias , Durkee David L.
Published: March 2012

Slim hole drilling technology (with hole sizes down to 5⅞ in.) has been successfully developed and implemented since the mid-90’s in Germany, providing significant well cost reductions and minimizing the environmental impact of the drilling activity. It still remains part of the standard design in today’s deep drilling concepts in almost every gas well drilled by the operator in Germany. Well depths are typically 4500 m measured depth (MD) to 5500 m MD and inclination up to 110° in the reservoir.

Over the past 10 years, the operator in Germany has gone a step further by designing and drilling deep gas wells with ultra slim hole, 4⅛-in. reservoir sections as standard, which was previously a contingency hole size. This development allowed the operator to further downsize the wells achieving as much as 25% well cost reduction and enabling economically attractive deep side tracks out of existing small bore wells.

A total of 13 wells with 4⅛-in. reservoir section in deep high temperature gas producing zones were successfully drilled and/or sidetracked over this period of time. The well designs varied from short vertical to horizontal sections with azimuth turns. The wells were drilled in carbonates and in very hard and abrasive sandstones under different reservoir conditions ranging from initially pressurized to highly depleted. In addition to these geological challenges, some slim hole related technical challenges including short downhole tools life, weight on bit (WOB) transfer, and directional control challenges were encountered. Over time, this led to several optimizations with respect to well path and bottomhole assembly (BHA) design and operational practices in order to increase the drilling performance, increase the directional control/steerability behavior, and minimize the risk of losing either the borehole or the BHA.

This paper reviews the operational experience to date in Germany with 4⅛-in. ultra slim hole drilling. This review includes the technical and geological challenges encountered including directional control, vibrations, depleted reservoirs, and others. Current developments to address the issues and their effectiveness are also discussed. Finally, since the journey to the perfect 4⅛-in. ultra slim hole is still ongoing, the paper concludes with further areas of improvement for the future, focusing mainly on drilling systems.
Anaerobic thermophilic digestion of sewage sludge with a thickened sludge recycle
Authors: Vanyushina A. Ya. , Nikolaev Yu. A. , Agarev A. M. , Kevbrina M. V. , Kozlov M. N.
Published: March 2012

The process of anaerobic thermophilic digestion of municipal wastewater sludge with a recycled part of thickened digested sludge, was studied in semi-continuous laboratory digesters. This modified recycling process resulted in increased solids retention time (SRT) with the same hydraulic retention time (HRT) as compared with traditional digestion without recycling. Increased SRT without increasing of HRT resulted in the enhancement of volatile substance reduction by up to 68% in the reactor with the recycling process compared with 34% in a control conventional reactor. Biogas production was intensified from 0.3 L/g of influent volatile solids (VS) in the control reactor up to 0.35 L/g VS. In addition, the recycling process improved the dewatering properties of digested sludge.
Modelling the failure modes in geobag revetments
Authors: Akter A. , Crapper M. , Pender G. , Wright G. , Wong W. S.
Published: March 2012

In recent years, sand filled geotextile bags (geobags) have been used as a means of long-term riverbank revetment stabilization. However, despite their deployment in a significant number of locations, the failure modes of such structures are not well understood. Three interactions influence the geobag performance, i.e. geobag–geobag, geobag–water flow and geobag–water flow–river bank. The aim of the research reported here is to develop a detailed understanding of the failure mechanisms in a geobag revetment using a discrete element model (DEM) validated by laboratory data. The laboratory measured velocity data were used for preparing a mapped velocity field for a coupled DEM simulation of geobag revetment failure. The validated DEM model could identify well the critical bag location in varying water depths. Toe scour, one of the major instability factors in revetments, and its influence on the bottom-most layer of the bags were also reasonably represented in this DEM model. It is envisaged that the use of a DEM model will provide more details on geobag revetment performance in riverbanks.
Oligonucleotide-based fluorescence system for sensitive and selective detection of Ag(I) ions in aqueous solution
Authors: Chen Hui , Wang Dan , He Qizhi , Li Hua , Ding Xinghua , Chen Lingli , Deng Le
Published: March 2012

In this letter, a new homogeneous assay with high sensitivity and selectivity was developed for the detection of silver ions in aqueous media at room temperature by using EvaGreen (EG), polycytosine oligonucleotide C20 and single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs). The fluorescence of EG is weak in the absence or presence of randomly coiled C20. After C20 interacted specifically with Ag+ ions through C–Ag+–C bonding, C20 would form a folded structure that preferentially binds to EG. As a result, the fluorescence of the mixture of C20 and EG increased in the presence of Ag+. As having a higher affinity with ssDNA and organic dye, SWNTs could easily form a complex with EG and C20, which led to fluorescence quenching of the dye. Additionally, they can also effectively reduce background-signal fluorescence of the dye and greatly improve its specificity. Under the optimum conditions, the EG/C20 probe exhibited a high selectivity towards Ag+ over other metal ions. The detection limit was up to 7.4 nM (0.8 ppb). This method is low cost, label-free, and easy to use.
Changes in the drift and the settlement of the freshwater mussel Limnoperna fortunei along a headrace channel
Authors: Nakano Daisuke , Kobayashi Takuya , Sakaguchi Isamu
Published: March 2012

The nuisance species Limnoperna fortunei is a freshwater mussel whose infestations have harmed water intake facilities, such as water supply systems. We investigated the changes in the drift and the settlement of L. fortunei along a headrace channel. The densities of the drift and the settlement both decreased dramatically with the downstream distance from the L. fortunei source (a reservoir). In comparison with larval densities in the reservoir, drift densities decreased by 10 to 25% at 0.5 km downstream from the reservoir, and were less than 2% at sites more than 4.8 km downstream. Although larval densities at midnight (0:00–2:00) were approximately 1.5 times higher than those at noon (12:00–14:00) in a shallow layer (3 m depth) of the reservoir, we found no diurnal variation of drift densities in the headrace channel. Settlement densities at the site nearest the intake gate were much higher than those of the other sites further downstream in the headrace channel. The L. fortunei adult population in the channel could reduce drift individuals by attracting the larva. The attraction probably induces the massive aggregation at the location of the channel immediately below the drift source, resulting in biofouling.
Full-scale experience with the deammonification process to treat high strength sludge water – a case study
Authors: Jardin N. , Hennerkes J.
Published: March 2012

More stringent effluent criteria with regard to nitrogen calls for improved nutrient removal techniques in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). Besides optimisation of the liquid treatment train of the plants, attention has increasingly centred on the problem of return flows from sludge treatment. One of the most recent developments aimed at the reduction of this nitrogen load is deammonification which has been used at one of Ruhrverband's plants since 2002 by applying a moving bed system. To gain additional experience in operating this process, another full scale plant was modified in 2007 by integration of deammonification, using a SBR system with suspended biomass based on the DEMON® control scheme. By using seeding sludge from Strass WWTP in Austria, start-up has been achieved within only 1 day. After stable operation for several months, increasing nitrate concentrations were observed in the effluent of the system indicating growing activity of nitrite oxidising bacteria (NOB). Following severe process deterioration, it was decided to re-start the system again but the same behaviour, i.e. increasing levels of nitrate, was observed once again. Several approaches were used to suppress NOB organisms in full-scale without success, e.g. low oxygen levels and high free ammonia concentrations. Finally, the reduction of the aerobic cycle length during intermittent aeration down to 8 min, followed by an anoxic mixing period of only 18 min was successful in inhibiting the activity of NOB organisms, most probably due to their elevated lag-phase compared with ammonium oxidising bacteria. Today, nitrogen elimination that has been stabilised at more than 80% at a daily volumetric loading rate of 0.5 kg N/(m3 d). The total costs amount to €2.3/kg Neli.
Effect of nickel ions on anaerobic methane production from water hyacinth
Authors: Cai Xuan , Hong Zi-jian , Dai Rui-hua , Liu Yan , Liu Xiang
Published: March 2012

The effect of different concentrations of nickel ions (Ni2+, 0, 10, 40 and 80 mg/L) on the anaerobic methane production of water hyacinth were investigated. Under these four concentrations, the methane production in 40 d was 2,275, 2,703, 3,210 and 2,481 mL, respectively. This situation illustrated that the Ni2+ promoted the growth of hydrogen-producing acetic acid bacteria and methanogenic bacteria, even at high concentrations (i.e. 40–80 mg/L). The highest methane production per unit weight water hyacinth reached 206 mL/gTS with 40 mg/L Ni2+. Meanwhile, the modified Gompertz and Logistic equations were applied to describe the effect on anaerobic culture of Ni2+. According to these models, the values of methane production potential (mL) for four concentrations were in the following order: 40 mg/L (3,123.42 ± 60.08) > 10 mg/L (2,541.16 ± 46.94) > 80 mg/L (2,432.36 ± 40.18) > 0 mg/L (2,238.10 ± 31.90). According to the analysis of the digestate, the residual concentration of Ni2+ was approximately 1.05–4.9 mg/L, which was relatively low compared with the Ni2+ concentrations in the raw feedstock. The results would provide academic guidance and technical support for treatment of water hyacinth with an accumulation of heavy metals.
Biosorption of chromium(VI), nickel(II) and Remazol Blue by Rhodotorula muciloginosa biomass
Authors: San Nalan Oya , Dönmez Gönül
Published: March 2012

The passive removal of commonly used reactive dye and two heavy metals, from aqueous solutions by inexpensive biomaterial, yeast Rhodotorula muciloginosa biomass, termed biosorption, was studied with respect to pH, initial dye concentration and initial metal ion concentration. The biomass exhibited maximum dye and chromium(VI) uptake at pH 5 and pH 6 for nickel(II) in media containing 50 mg/L heavy metal and 50 mg/L remazol blue. It was found that the highest chromium(VI) removal yields measured were 31.3% for 49.0 mg/l initial chromium(VI) concentrations. The nickel(II) removal yield was 32.5% for 22.3 mg/L. Higher R. Blue removal yields were obtained, such as 77.1% for 117.5 mg/L. The maximum dye biosorption yield was investigated in medium with a constant dye (∼50 mg/L) and increasing heavy metal concentration. In the medium with 48.8, 103.8 and 151.8 mg/L chromium(VI) and constant dye concentration, the maximum chromium(VI) biosorption was 7.4, 9.3 and 17.1%, whereas the maximum dye biosorption was 61.6, 56.6 and 55.9%. The maximum nickel(II) biosorptions in the medium with dye were 38.1, 22.1 and 8.8% at 23.7, 37.7 and 60.1 mg/L nickel(II) concentrations. In these media, dye biosorptions were 93.9, 86.4 and 93.3%, respectively.
Attenuation of an ultrasonic beam by suspended particles and range of acoustic flow meters in sewer networks
Authors: Larrarte Frédérique , François Pierre
Published: March 2012

Ultrasonic flow meters are commonly used in wastewater management. Under certain circumstances, a reduction in the flow meter range may occur and cause significant error in the flow rate measurement. Attenuation due to suspended particles is one of the phenomena capable of reducing the flow meter range. The present paper examines attenuation resulting from re-suspended pond sediment over a wide range of concentration values. It appears that a formula established for sand suspensions provides a good estimate of ultrasound attenuation for these types of particles as well. Experiments conducted for wastewater under particle concentrations commonly encountered in sewer networks demonstrate that the attenuation by particles only contributes to a negligible extent towards intensity decay, in accordance with theoretical predictions. We also theoretically determine herein the operating conditions under which the range of an ultrasonic flow meter would be significantly reduced due to particle attenuation.
Column studies to determine mercury settling in road runoff
Authors: Zuo XiaoJun , Fu DaFang , Li He
Published: March 2012

A study was performed using a settling column to remove mercury (Hg) from road runoff. The emphasis was placed on the relationship between Hg removal and critical settling velocities, as well as the distribution of total suspended solids (TSS). The impact of rainfall characteristics and temperature on Hg removal was also discussed. Results indicated that Hg removal was significant within the initial 30 min of the settling process. The Hg removal rate increased with the decrease of critical settling velocity, and this trend became gradually significant, which could be used as an important reference for the optimization of sedimentation basin design. Hg removal at different settling times was significantly related to initial distribution of TSS. The impact of rainfall intensity on Hg removal was greater than other parameters of precipitation features, followed by rainfall. In addition, Hg removal was moderately related to temperature. The effect of antecedent dry periods on Hg removal was restricted by rainfall and rainfall intensity.
Disruption of Synechocystis PCC 6803 for lipid extraction
Authors: Sheng J. , Vannela R. , Rittmann B. E.
Published: March 2012

In order to extract intracellular lipids from cyanobacterial Synechocystis PCC 6803 for biofuel production, seven cell-disruption methods – autoclaving, bead beating, freeze drying, French press, microwave, pulsed electric fields (PEF), and ultrasound – were tested prior to lipid extraction to make intracellular lipids more accessible by organic solvents. The different methods brought about distinct disruption effects to the cell envelope, plasma membrane, and thylakoid membranes that were related to extraction efficiency. Microwave, PEF, and ultrasound with temperature control had significant enhancement of lipid extraction (9–13% increases). Bead beating, freeze drying, and French press did not provide significant enhancement of lipid extraction. Furthermore, autoclaving, French press, and ultrasound treatments caused significant release of lipid into the medium, which may increase solvent usage and make medium recycling difficult. In order to minimize the cost of cell-disruption and lipid-extraction steps, microwave and PEF (with temperature control) might be best suited for large-scale cell disruption among all techniques investigated.
Simultaneous copper ion removal and hydrogen production from water over a TiO2 nanotube photocatalyst
Authors: Xu S. , Ng J. , Wang Y. , Du A. J. , Sun D. D.
Published: March 2012

A one-dimensional (1-D) mesoporous TiO2 nanotube (TiNT) was successfully synthesized via a hydrothermal-calcination process, and employed in simultaneous photocatalytic Cu2+ removal and H2 production. Under irradiation, Cu2+ in the wide concentration range of 8–800 ppm, could be reduced rapidly, and the reduction was not severely impacted by co-existing inorganic ions in solution. Simultaneous with Cu2+ reduction, noticeable H2 was produced over the in-situ fabricated Cu incorporated TiNT (Cu–TiNT) photocatalyst, while H2 evolution rate was controlled by the Cu2+ reduction process, due to competition of electron capture between protons and Cu2+. In addition, H2 generation activity of Cu–TiNT depended on the initial Cu2+/Ti ratio, and could be depressed by co-existing ions in solution. Fast Cu2+ reduction and remarkable H2 evolution confirmed the feasibility of simultaneous Cu2+ removal and H2 production over a TiNT photocatalyst.
Pedotransfer functions to determine water conducting macroporosity in South African soils
Authors: van Tol J. J. , Le Roux P. A. L. , Hensley M.
Published: March 2012

Macropores play an important role in the rapid transport of water, solutes and pollutants through the soil. Transport through these pores (>0.5 mm) is dominated by gravitational forces (i.e. matrix forces have low impact) resulting in flow rates orders of magnitude higher than rates that would be predicted, posing problems for modelling and understanding water and solute transport through soils. This study aimed to quantify the water conducting macroporosity (WCM) in a range of soils in South Africa and to develop three pedotransfer functions (PTFs) able to predict WCM. Saturated (Ks) and unsaturated (K30) conductivities were measured in situ on 120 soil profiles using double ring and tension infiltrometers methods. Differences between Ks and K30 in conjunction with Poiseuille's law and the capillary rise equation were used to calculate WCM. The first two multiple regression functions made use of all available soil properties influencing WCM using a ‘best model’ and ‘backward’ analysis approach respectively. The third model used only easily observable soil properties to predict the WCM. The functions were validated using a double-cross method. Results are encouraging with R2 values of 0.78, 0.74 and 0.69 for functions 1, 2 and 3 respectively.
Cities: A Window into Larger and Smaller Worlds
Authors: Sassen Saskia
Published: March 2012

Cities are complex systems. But they are incomplete systems. In this incompleteness lies the possibility of making — making the urban, the political, the civic, a history. The urban is not alone in having these characteristics, but these characteristics are a necessary part of the DNA of the urban. Every city is distinct and so is every discipline that studies it. And yet, if it is to be a study of the urban it will have to deal with these key features — incompleteness, complexity, and the possibility of making. This then also makes cities strategic sites for the exploration of many major subjects confronting society. But cities are not always a heuristic space — a space capable of producing knowledge about some of the major transformations of an epoch. Today, as we have entered a global era, the city is once again emerging as a strategic site for understanding some of the major new trends reconfiguring the social order. Each of those trends has its own specific contents and consequences. The urban moment is but one moment in their often complex multi-sited trajectories.
A Case Study of Parents' School Choice Strategies in a Finnish Urban Context
Authors: Poikolainen Jaana
Published: March 2012

This article analyses how Finnish parents of sixth graders in a comprehensive school act in the local ‘school markets' of the case city. The parents' subject positions as choosers are reflected on and explored in relation to the discourses and resources they use when discussing their school choices. The data were gathered in 2009 by administering a questionnaire ( n = 374) and by conducting interviews with 76 of the respondents. The main data used here were thematic interviews, which were analysed using the discoursive approach. The analysis revealed that the parents used three different types of subject positions and discourses when having conversations about their choices and when considering their options. These discourses used were partly overlapping and unexpectedly social, and cultural resources were capitalised on less than previously assumed. Contrary to earlier European research on school choices, most parents in this study were not eager to choose any other school than their allocated local school, because they trusted the quality of Finnish comprehensive schools. The parents' thoughts and actions were notably guided and governed by the local school authorities, according to whom the local school is good enough.
Spectroscopy and terahertz imaging for sigillography applications
Authors: Mounaix P. , Younus A. , Delagnes J.C. , Abraham E. , Canioni L. , Fabre M.
Published: March 2012

Sigillography is the science that studies the manifold aspects of the seals. A seal can be defined as an imprint obtained on a malleable medium by imprinting an incised matrix, which transfers on it the characteristic signs of a person or an institution. We use THz spectroscopy and imaging for non-destructive evaluation of natural materials within old seals. Using a time domain THz spectroscopy and imaging system, THz transmission images are generated in the 0.1–3 THz range and demonstrate that the spectral properties of these materials allow to see across and under a thick layer of old materials.
Analysis of the optical transmission through a nonlinear thin layer near the critical angle of incidence
Authors: Chifahi R. , Mountasser R. , Taouri A.
Published: March 2012

In this communication, we present an analytical study of the linear and nonlinear optical transmission through a thin layer near the critical angle of incidence. The optical linear transmission presents very important variations according to the optical Kerr effect. The study of the linear optical transmission allows defining the operation point of the thin layer in nonlinear regime. We have studied the nonlinear transmission for different operating points near the critical angle of incidence. These study effects are important for optical applications such as the all optical switching and the sensitive determination of the nonlinear refractive index (n2) of materials.
Thinking Intentionality
Authors: Joseph Suad
Published: March 2012

Thus far, scholarship on subjectivity, relevant to Arab men as well as women, skirts the key issue of “intentionality.” Feminist scholars often conflate agency and intentionality. Agency, as it is approached, is attached to the subject in the aftermath of observing actions. Intentionality invites a probe into before and during actions. The two main approaches to intentionality in psychology are “drive” theory and “relational-models.” First, I briefly consider drive theory. Second, I examine relational concepts from the field of psychology, by way of a query, ending with a discussion of Kenneth J. Gergen’s Relational Being: Beyond Self and Community (Oxford University Press, 2009). Third, I review some of the standing tropes through which Arab women as subjects are viewed. Fourth, I explore what these inquiries could mean for the study of Arab women’s subjectivity and intentionality. Finally, I gesture toward questions on methodologies and languages.
Belief in Sasa: Its Implications for Flora and Fauna Conservation in Ghana
Authors: Awuah-Nyamekye Samuel
Published: March 2012

The rate of depletion of plants and animal species in Ghana has assumed an alarming dimension, and the government is finding it difficult to control the process. Several factors account for this. A major one is the neglect of the traditional ecological knowledge prevalent in the culture of Ghana. Sasa is the Akan word for the spirit believed to be found in some plants and animals. This paper examines the role of sasa in flora and fauna conservation in Ghana. Traditional Ghanaians have a strong belief that some plants and animals have special spirits, which when cut (as in the case with plants) or killed (animals) can bring serious harm to the person. Thus, such plants and animals are not eliminated. This paper argues that sasa as an Akan indigenous conservation tool can complement the modern means of nature conservation in Ghana.
Defining Urban Sustainability in the Context of North American Cities
Authors: Lorr Michael J.
Published: March 2012

Urban sociology and urban studies increasingly employ the idea of sustainability to explain, analyze, and critique city redevelopment. While the ambiguous and oxymoronic nature of sustainability goals has been extensively covered in the past, the current resurgence and popularity of the term “sustainability,“ especially under the aegis of “urban sustainability“ or “green“ cities, requires us to rethink the usefulness of sustainability as a concept for understanding and evaluating urban redevelopment. Confronting this challenge, this article reviews three of the most common theoretical approaches to sustainability, problematizes those approaches in the context of North American cities, and then provides a working definition of urban sustainability. Finally, the article recommends four plausible research hypotheses to guide future research on urban sustainability.
Neurosurgical complications of direct thrombin inhibitors—catastrophic hemorrhage after mild traumatic brain injury in a patient receiving dabigatran
Authors: Garber Sarah T. , Sivakumar Walavan , Schmidt Richard H.
Published: March 2012

Dabigatran etexilate is an oral anticoagulant that acts as a direct, competitive thrombin inhibitor. Large randomized clinical trials have shown higher doses of dabigatran (150 mg taken twice daily) to be superior to warfarin in terms of stroke and systemic embolism rates in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation. As a result, in 2010 the US FDA approved the use of dabigatran for the prevention of stroke and systemic embolism in patients with atrial fibrillation. Dabigatran is especially attractive in the outpatient setting because patients do not require routine monitoring with prothrombin times or international normalized ratios. To date, no effective reversal agent for dabigatran in the event of catastrophic hemorrhage has been identified. The authors report a case of an elderly patient, being treated with dabigatran for atrial fibrillation, who presented with a rapidly expanding intracranial hemorrhage after a ground-level fall. This case highlights an impending neurosurgical quandary of complications secondary to this new anticoagulation agent and suggests potential options for management.
The Histological Characteristics and Localisation of ACP and ANAE Positive Lymphocytes in the Oesophageal Tonsil of the Duck (Anas Platyrhynchos)
Authors: Dönmez Hasan Hüseyin , Eken Emrullah , Beşoluk Kamil , Sur Emrah
Published: March 2012

This study was carried out to examine histological and enzyme histochemical characteristics of the oesophageal tonsil in ducks (Anas platyrhynchos). Tissue samples were collected from distal parts of the mucosal folds at the oesophageal/proventricular junction. We applied alpha naphthyl acetate esterase and acid phosphatase to tissue sections for localisation of T or B lymphocytes. Trichrome staining, silver impregnation, methyl green-pyronin staining and PAS reaction were used for determination of light microscopic structure of the oesophageal tonsils. The oesophageal tonsils were located at the junction of the oesophagus and proventriculus. Interestingly, we detected the existence of high endothelial venules in the interfollicular area and of the accumulated positive cells in lymphoid nodules. It can be said that these tonsils have functions similar to the Harderian gland in avian species and Waldeyer's ring in mammalian species.
Examination of Japanese Quail Chicks in One-Generation Feeding Studies for Effects of the Agrochemicals Dimethoate, Fentin Hydroxide, and Vinclozolin on Skeletal Development
Authors: Niemann Lars , Grote Konstanze , Stoll Sabine , Gericke Christine , Chahoud Ibrahim
Published: March 2012

An established method for evaluation of skeletal anomalies was successfully adapted to Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) and performed on 793 untreated 1-day old chicks to develop an historical control database. Incomplete ossification of the pelvic bones and irregular position of the toes were rather frequently observed. Subsequently, 702 chicks from the treatment groups in three one-generation reproduction studies with the pesticides dimethoate, triphenyltin (fentin) hydroxide, and vinclozolin were compared to their respective controls and the whole historical database. Presumed treatment-related effects were confined to a higher number of chicks with incomplete ossification of vertebrae and pelvis when the hens had been administered fentin hydroxide at a dietary level of 30 ppm for up to 6 weeks, corresponding to a mean daily substance intake of 3.1-3.9 mg kg−1 body weight (bw). Thus, inclusion of teratological findings as a further endpoint confirmed the previously established NOAEL of 3 ppm (equal to 0.28-0.35 mg kg−1 bw/day) based on reproductive effects in this study. No effects on skeletal development were seen with dimethoate and vinclozolin up to the highest dietary concentrations of 70 and 500 ppm, corresponding to estimated mean daily intakes of about 8 or 56 mg kg−1 bw. The suitability of the method for reliable detection of skeletal anomalies was proven. The established method can be considered useful in providing additional information for ecotoxicological risk assessment.
Islamism as Communitarianism: Person, Community and the Problem of International Norms in Non-Liberal Theories
Authors: Dionigi Filippo
Published: March 2012

This essay discusses how international political theory can become more receptive towards Islamism. The central claim is that Islamism can be interpreted as a form of communitarianism. To underpin this claim, the study relies on an analysis of how the concepts of community and person are conceived in communitarianism and Islamism. On the basis of the affinities of these conceptions between Islamism and communitarianism the essay shows that Islamism can be interpreted as a form of communitarianism. The study then concludes that understanding Islamism as communitarianism produces a common space for public reasoning which would deserve more consideration from political theorists. Secondly Islamism as communitarianism reassesses the possibility of a political theory engagement with Islamist theory that can benefit the recognition of human rights norms in circumstances in which Islamism is particularly influential.
Immigration, Self-Determination, and Global Justice: Towards a Holistic Normative Theory of Migration
Authors: Valadez Jorge M.
Published: March 2012

I outline a holistic normative approach to migration in which I identify the major considerations that should be taken into account in formulating just migration policies. I argue that migration is basically an issue of global justice and that the basic interests of all parties significantly affected by migration should be taken into account in an adequate normative approach to this issue. I also maintain that an open borders policy does not allow for the strategic use of labor migration as a tool to address global inequalities and that it neglects legitimate concerns that liberal egalitarians should have for the most vulnerable individuals in developing countries.
Autonomy Revisited: The Question of Mediations and its Methodological Implications
Authors: Sapiro Gisèle
Published: March 2012

Bourdieu's concept of the literary field aimed to overcome the opposition between internal and external analysis of literary works. This paper examines its theoretical and methodological implications by exploring the notion of mediations between text and context at three different levels: the material conditions of production and circulation of literary works; the modalities of their production by their authors; their critical reception. It is through these mediations that the key concept of autonomy becomes operational for empirical research and that it displays its heuristic power, as illustrated by works using Bourdieu's theory of the literary field produced over the last two decades.
The Literary Field and the Field of Power: The Case of Modern China
Authors: Hockx Michel
Published: March 2012

This article discusses ways in which Pierre Bourdieu's literary sociology has inspired scholarship on modern Chinese literature, helping it to move away from overly politicized paradigms of literary historiography. The article also asks the question to what extent the use of a Bourdieusian model has resulted in an overemphasis on the ‘relative autonomy’ of a literary field that, at various times during the twentieth century, has been operating under conditions of strong direct state interference. After giving a general overview of the use of Bourdieu's ideas in the study of modern Chinese literature, the article focuses especially on the question of autonomy and the state, arguing for the study of state censors as specific ‘agents’ within the literary field. The article ends with a brief discussion of the rapid rise of online literary communities in China, their practices and their relation to state institutions.
Fields and Fragments: Bourdieu, Pascal and the Teachings of Literature
Authors: Ahearne Jeremy
Published: March 2012

Literary pedagogy occupied a privileged place in Bourdieu's early work on education insofar as he saw it as exemplifying in unconscious mode socially segregational dynamics. Bourdieu's expressly ‘reductionist’ critique was uncannily mirrored, however, by the spread of more economically instrumental approaches to education. Bourdieu's engagement with these led him to develop a fuller apprehension of literature. Yet while the conceptual apparatus he developed can allow the genesis of a literary work in its socio-historical complexity to be grasped more fully, its framing poses significant problems of its own. In particular, its ‘hypercontextualizing’ injunctions risk stifling ordinary reading practices and the practical pedagogy of canon-formation. Bourdieu's actual practice with literary materials is not bound by these injunctions. His transepochal ‘collaboration’ with Blaise Pascal, for example, takes place through the insinuation of decontextualised shards of thought into his own writing. The teachings of literature exceed in various ways their scientific framing.
Endoplasmic Reticulum Calcium Pumps and Cancer Cell Differentiation
Authors: Papp Béla , Brouland Jean-Philippe , Arbabian Atousa , Gélébart Pascal , Kovács Tünde , Bobe Régis , Enouf Jocelyne , Varin-Blank Nadine , Apáti Ágota
Published: March 2012

The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is a major intracellular calcium storage pool and a multifunctional organelle that accomplishes several calcium-dependent functions involved in many homeostatic and signaling mechanisms. Calcium is accumulated in the ER by Sarco/Endoplasmic Reticulum Calcium ATPase (SERCA)-type calcium pumps. SERCA activity can determine ER calcium content available for intra-ER functions and for calcium release into the cytosol, and can shape the spatiotemporal characteristics of calcium signals. SERCA function therefore constitutes an important nodal point in the regulation of cellular calcium homeostasis and signaling, and can exert important effects on cell growth, differentiation and survival. In several cell types such as cells of hematopoietic origin, mammary, gastric and colonic epithelium, SERCA2 and SERCA3-type calcium pumps are simultaneously expressed, and SERCA3 expression levels undergo significant changes during cell differentiation, activation or immortalization. In addition, SERCA3 expression is decreased or lost in several tumor types when compared to the corresponding normal tissue. These observations indicate that ER calcium homeostasis is remodeled during cell differentiation, and may present defects due to decreased SERCA3 expression in tumors. Modulation of the state of differentiation of the ER reflected by SERCA3 expression constitutes an interesting new aspect of cell differentiation and tumor biology.
Life Cycle Assessment of Environmental and Economic Impacts of Advanced Vehicles
Authors: Gao Lin , Winfield Zach C.
Published: March 2012

Many advanced vehicle technologies, including electric vehicles (EVs), hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), and fuel cell vehicles (FCVs), are gaining attention throughout the World due to their capability to improve fuel efficiencies and emissions. When evaluating the operational successes of these new fuel-efficient vehicles, it is essential to consider energy usage and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions throughout the entire lifetimes of the vehicles, which are comprised of two independent cycles: a fuel cycle and a vehicle cycle. This paper intends to contribute to the assessment of the environmental impacts from the alternative technologies throughout the lifetimes of various advanced vehicles through objective comparisons. The methodology was applied to six commercial vehicles that are available in the U.S. and that have similar dimensions and performances. We also investigated the shifts in energy consumption and emissions through the use of electricity and drivers’ behavior regarding the frequencies of battery recharging for EVs and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs). This study thus gives insight into the impacts of the electricity grid on the total energy cycle of a vehicle lifetime. In addition, the total ownership costs of the selected vehicles were examined, including considerations of the fluctuating gasoline prices. The cost analysis provides a resource for drivers to identify optimal choices for their driving circumstances.
Child Acute Malnutrition and Mortality in Populations Affected by Displacement in the Horn of Africa, 1997–2009
Authors: Mason John B. , White Jessica M. , Heron Linda , Carter Jennifer , Wilkinson Caroline , Spiegel Paul
Published: March 2012

Drought and conflict in the Horn of Africa are causing population displacement, increasing risks of child mortality and malnutrition. Humanitarian agencies are trying to mitigate the impact, with limited resources. Data from previous years may help guide decisions. Trends in different populations affected by displacement (1997–2009) were analyzed to investigate: (1) how elevated malnutrition and mortality were among displaced compared to host populations; (2) whether the mortality/malnutrition relation changed through time; and (3) how useful is malnutrition in identifying high mortality situations. Under-five mortality rates (usually from 90-day recall, as deaths/10,000/day: U5MR) and global acute malnutrition (wasting prevalences, < −2SDs of references plus edema: GAM) were extracted from reports of 1,175 surveys carried out between 1997–2009 in the Horn of Africa; these outcome indicators were analyzed by livelihood (pastoral, agricultural) and by displacement status (refugee/internally displaced, local resident/host population, mixed); associations between these indicators were examined, stratifying by status. Patterns of GAM and U5MR plotted over time by country and livelihood clarified trends and showed substantial correspondence. Over the period GAM was steady but U5MR generally fell by nearly half. Average U5MR was similar overall between displaced and local residents. GAM was double on average for pastoralists compared with agriculturalists (17% vs. 8%), but was not different between displaced and local populations. Agricultural populations showed increased U5MR when displaced, in contrast to pastoralist. U5MR rose sharply with increasing GAM, at different GAM thresholds depending on livelihood. Higher GAM cut-points for pastoralists than agriculturalists would better predict elevated U5MR (1/10,000/day) or emergency levels (2/10,000/day) in the Horn of Africa; cut-points of 20–25% GAM in pastoral populations and 10–15% GAM in agriculturalists are suggested. The GAM cut-points in current use do not vary by livelihood, and this needs to be changed, tailoring cut points to livelihood groups, to better identify priorities for intervention. This could help to prioritize limited resources in the current situation of food insecurity and save lives.
Optimization of Freeze Drying Conditions for Purified Pectinase from Mango (Mangifera indica cv. Chokanan) Peel
Authors: Mehrnoush Amid , Mustafa Shuhaimi , Yazid Abdul Manap Mohd
Published: March 2012

Response surface methodology (RSM) along with central composite design (CCD) was applied to optimize the freeze drying conditions for purified pectinase from mango (Mangifera indica cv. Chokanan) peel. The effect of pectinase content (−2.66, 62.66 mg/mL), Arabic gum (−1.21, 10.21%, w/v), and maltodextrin (0.73, 7.26%, w/v) as independent variables on activity, yield, and storage stability of freeze-dried enzyme was evaluated. Storage stability of pectinase was investigated after one week at 4 °C and yield percentage of the enzyme after encapsulation was also determined. The independent variables had the most significant (p < 0.05) effect on pectinase activity and yield of the enzyme. It was observed that the interaction effect of Arabic gum and maltodextrin improved the enzymatic properties of freeze-dried pectinase. The optimal conditions for freeze-dried pectinase from mango peel were obtained using 30 mg/mL of pectinase content, 4.5 (%, w/v) of Arabic gum, and 4 (%, w/v) of maltodextrin. Under these conditions, the maximum activity (11.12 U/mL), yield (86.4%) and storage stability (84.2%) of encapsulated pectinase were achieved.
Identification and Characterization of MicroRNAs from Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) by High-Throughput Sequencing
Authors: Lv Shuzuo , Nie Xiaojun , Wang Le , Du Xianghong , Biradar Siddanagouda S. , Jia Xiaoou , Weining Song
Published: March 2012

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of endogenous RNAs that regulates the gene expression involved in various biological and metabolic processes. Barley is one of the most important cereal crops worldwide and is a model organism for genetic and genomic studies in Triticeae species. However, the miRNA research in barley has lagged behind other model species in grass family. To obtain more information of miRNA genes in barley, we sequenced a small RNA library created from a pool of equal amounts of RNA from four different tissues using Solexa sequencing. In addition to 126 conserved miRNAs (58 families), 133 novel miRNAs belonging to 50 families were identified from this sequence data set. The miRNA* sequences of 15 novel miRNAs were also discovered, suggesting the additional evidence for existence of these miRNAs. qRT-PCR was used to examine the expression pattern of six randomly selected miRNAs. Some miRNAs involved in drought and salt stress response were also identified. Furthermore, the potential targets of these putative miRNAs were predicted using the psRNATarget tools. Our results significantly increased the number of novel miRNAs in barley, which should be useful for further investigation into the biological functions and evolution of miRNAs in barley and other species.
Supercritical Fluid Extraction of Bacterial and Archaeal Lipid Biomarkers from Anaerobically Digested Sludge
Authors: Hanif Muhammad , Atsuta Yoichi , Fujie Koichi , Daimon Hiroyuki
Published: March 2012

Supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) was used in the analysis of bacterial respiratory quinone (RQ), bacterial phospholipid fatty acid (PLFA), and archaeal phospholipid ether lipid (PLEL) from anaerobically digested sludge. Bacterial RQ were determined using ultra performance liquid chromatography (UPLC). Determination of bacterial PLFA and archaeal PLEL was simultaneously performed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The effects of pressure, temperature, and modifier concentration on the total amounts of RQ, PLFA, and PLEL were investigated by 23 experiments with five settings chosen for each variable. The optimal extraction conditions that were obtained through a multiple-response optimization included a pressure of 23.6 MPa, temperature of 77.6 °C, and 10.6% (v/v) of methanol as the modifier. Thirty nine components of microbial lipid biomarkers were identified in the anaerobically digested sludge. Overall, the SFE method proved to be more effective, rapid, and quantitative for simultaneously extracting bacterial and archaeal lipid biomarkers, compared to conventional organic solvent extraction. This work shows the potential application of SFE as a routine method for the comprehensive analysis of microbial community structures in environmental assessments using the lipid biomarkers profile.
Multi-Functional Micro Projection Device as Screen Substitute for Low Power Consumption Computing
Authors: Kapellner Yuval , Zalevsky Zeev
Published: March 2012

One of the major power consuming components in a computer is its display unit. On average the screen consumes ten times more power than the DSP processor itself. Thus, reducing the power consumption should be one of the most important tasks in the development of low power consumption computing systems. In this paper we present one possible solution involving micro projection device based upon lasers and a digital light processing (DLP) matrix which is a matrix of electrically controllable mirrors capable of translating electrical signal to a time varying projected image. It can serve to substitute a screen and consume ten times less power than a conventional screen. The described device is a multifunctional highly efficient customized DLP light engine being capable of serving as an image projector and simultaneously to support range and topography estimation measurements.
Cellular and Transcriptional Responses of Crassostrea gigas Hemocytes Exposed in Vitro to Brevetoxin (PbTx-2)
Authors: Mello Danielle F. , De Oliveira Eliza S. , Vieira Renato C. , Simoes Erik , Trevisan Rafael , Dafre Alcir Luiz , Barracco Margherita Anna
Published: March 2012

Hemocytes mediate a series of immune reactions essential for bivalve survival in the environment, however, the impact of harmful algal species and their associated phycotoxins upon bivalve immune system is under debate. To better understand the possible toxic effects of these toxins, Crassostrea gigas hemocytes were exposed to brevetoxin (PbTx-2). Hemocyte viability, monitored through the neutral red retention and MTT reduction assays, and apoptosis (Hoechst staining) remained unchanged during 12 h of exposure to PbTx-2 in concentrations up to 1000 µg/L. Despite cell viability and apoptosis remained stable, hemocytes incubated for 4 h with 1000 µg/L of PbTx-2 revealed higher expression levels of Hsp70 (p < 0.01) and CYP356A1 ( p < 0.05) transcripts and a tendency to increase FABP expression, as evaluated by Real-Time quantitative PCR. The expression of other studied genes (BPI, IL-17, GSTO, EcSOD, Prx6, SOD and GPx) remained unchanged. The results suggest that the absence of cytotoxic effects of PbTx-2 in Crassostrea gigas hemocytes, even at high concentrations, allow early defense responses to be produced by activating protective mechanisms associated to detoxification (CYP356A1 and possibly FABP) and stress (Hsp70), but not to immune or to antioxidant (BPI, IL-17, EcSOD, Prx6, GPx and SOD) related genes.