bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reservoir Characterization of an Unconventional Reservoir by Integrating Microseismic, Seismic, and Well Log Data
Authors: Maity D , Aminzadeh F
Published: March 2012

Varied data types including geophysical data as well as well logs have been used frequently in the past to characterize reservoirs. However, the use of microseismic data as a potential source of useful information and its integration with conventional seismic data for reservoir characterization is an area of opportunity where properties predicted from the microseismic data can be used as a vital source of information which can then be tied with the overall characterization scheme in a seamless manner.

In this paper we discuss the characterization scheme followed for an unconventional reservoir associated with a promising geothermal prospect. The field involves microseismic data acquisition being done continually as part of the field monitoring operations and extensive well control due to the presence of large number of injection and production wells and finally a 3D conventional seismic survey done to try and better define the reservoir. We have applied an integrated approach with these data sources in order to better characterize the reservoir in question using novel data analysis schemes where necessary to get optimum results.

The approach shared in this paper can be applied to any type of reservoir setting with microseismic, seismic and well log data being available. What we present is a workflow to integrate these data types to generate useful property predictions including important rock property estimates with the aim of obtaining useable reservoir property maps to aid in reservoir development. This approach shows how a modest data acquisition program can still lead to useful characterization of reservoirs particularly with the inclusion of microseismic data in the workflow. We have used novel methods as part of our workflow including multi-attribute analysis, geostatistical techniques and soft computing techniques such as ANN1 based property prediction and mapping which are discussed in brief.
A New Understanding of an Old EOR Concept for In Situ Combustion Processes
Authors: Alamatsaz A. , Moore R. G. , Mehta S. A. , Ursenbach M. G.
Published: March 2012

The practice of in situ combustion has traditionally been based on the concept that extinction of the process occurs when the air flux falls below the level where bond scission reactions can no longer sustain the advance of the combustion front at the temperatures required for effective mobilization of the oil. Very important economic parameters such as sweep efficiency and design parameters such as air injection rate and spacing between the injection and the production wells are directly dependent on the level of the air flux at exhaustion. The most common method for estimating the minimum air flux is based on the work of Nelson and McNeil who proposed that for a radial burn the minimum combustion front velocity is 0.038 m per day (0.125 feet per day). Based on this minimum velocity and assuming air requirements falling in the 100 to 350 sm3/m3 range, the minimum air flux would be expected to fall in the range from 0.1 to 0.6 sm3/m2·h. This range of minimum air flux has a significant level of uncertainty in terms of both combustion front velocity and air requirement parameter. In an attempt to address this uncertainty, a conical combustion cell was constructed with the goal of directly determining the minimum flux for specific oils under conditions which are representative of a field scale operation. To date, tests involving core from a typical Athabasca Oil Sands reservoir have operated at air fluxes (based on the air injection rate and area at the downstream front location) of under 1 sm3/m2·h. This paper describes the nature of the combustion zone under this low air flux condition and it provides important information on the nature of reactions and the physics of the process which must be considered when attempting to predict combustion front exhaustion using a numerical simulator.
Upgrading Vienna's wastewater treatment plant – linking point source emissions to Environmental Quality Standards
Authors: Gabriel Oliver , Ruzicka Katerina , Kreuzinger Norbert
Published: March 2012

The new water quality protection approach of the EU combines the control of emissions with instream Environmental Quality Standards (=EQS). Since 1 April 2006 and actually relevant in the version of 2010 in Austria, priority substances from list A of the EUROPEAN DIERECTIVE 76/464 and further EQS of relevant chemical substances (list B), identified by a national risk assessment, have to be reached to achieve a good ecological state in the surface water (Edict for Water Quality Standards, 2006; changes to the Edict for Water Quality Standards 2010). The practical assessment of these substances after point source emissions is prescribed in the Edict, but rarely carried out. In this paper, two substances, namely: (1) ammonium (list B); and (2) nonylphenol, an endocrine disrupting compound (list A) are presented to discuss: (i) the improvement of treatment efficiency due to the upgrade of a large Waste Water Treatment Plant (=WWTP); (ii) the relevance of mixing processes and modelling as a method to control EQS after point source emissions; and (iii) the improvement of water quality in the ambient surface waters. It is shown that the improved treatment in the case of nonylphenol leads to emission values which fall below the EQS, making an assessment unnecessary. In the case of ammonium emission, values are significantly reduced and violation of EQS is avoided, while mixing modelling is shown to be a suitable instrument to address the resulting instream concentrations at different border conditions.
Research and application of in-situ control technology for sediment rehabilitation in eutrophic water bodies
Authors: Liu Bo , Liu Xuegong , Yang Jie , Garman David E. J. , Zhang Kai , Zhang Honggui
Published: March 2012

Phosphorus (P) is often the limiting nutrient for algal growth, and P in sediments can be released under suitable conditions. To control P release, in-situ control technology with lanthanum (La) modified bentonite clay (Phoslock®) was proposed and its effectiveness was tested and evaluated both in laboratory and field trials. The results of static and dynamic simulation experiments under different environmental conditions showed that with the application rate of Phoslock® at 0.5 kg/m2, the orthophosphate (PO4-P) concentration of the overlying water decreased to a low level (≤0.02 mg/L) within 10 days. Even under anaerobic and high pH (pH = 9.0) conditions, the phosphate release suppression efficiency reached 98.3%, and the P-release rate was −8.20 mg/m2 d (negative value indicates P adsorption by Phoslock®). The monitoring data of the field sediments rehabilitation project were consistent with the results achieved in laboratory experiments, thus showing that the application of Phoslock® could inhibit the internal P release effectively.
Microbial fuel-cell-based toxicity sensor for fast monitoring of acidic toxicity
Authors: Shen Yu J. , Lefebvre Olivier , Tan Zi , Ng How Y.
Published: March 2012

Wastewater may contain various potential toxicants. A microbial fuel cell (MFC) is a device in which bacteria convert the chemical energy into electricity. If a toxic event occurs, microbial activity is inhibited and thus the power output of the MFC decreases. Therefore, an MFC could serve as an early toxicity warning device. A real-time biomonitoring system was developed using MFCs to detect the inflow of toxic substances into wastewater treatment systems. After the MFCs reached steady state, a toxic incident was created by adding HCl into the wastewater to alter its pH. Consequently, a rapid decrease in voltage was observed immediately, followed by a subsequent recovery. The optimal MFC design was a single-chamber air cathode MFC, where the anode and cathode were separated by a Selemion proton exchange membrane. Under an external resistance of 5 Ω, the maximum power averaged 0.23 ± 0.023 mW with domestic wastewater. The optimized MFC showed high sensitivity and fast recovery when exposed to the acidic toxic event. When the hydraulic retention time was decreased from 22 to 3.5 min, sensitivity of the MFC increased substantially. Finally, the extent of inhibition observed was found to be related to the toxicity level, suggesting that a dosage–response relationship exists.
Environmental Justice and Primary Prevention of Cancer: The Odyssey and Legacy of Lorenzo Tomatis
Authors: Huff James , Melnick Ronald
Published: March 2012

Lorenzo Tomatis [1929–2007] devoted his private and professional life to the betterment of mankind. As a physician, scientist, and humanitarian he championed against the plight of social injustice and promoted the obvious benefits of primary prevention of diseases compared to treatments that prevent or delay disease progression, especially occupational cancers. An avowed student and scholar of literature, the arts, the history of medicine and science, and chemical carcinogenesis, he believed in and wrote about these issues throughout his storied life. Some of his achievements, with excerpts from his writings, especially on primary prevention and on social injustice, are highlighted herein.
Health-Related Quality of Life and its Determinants in the Urban Russian Population with Major Depressive Disorder: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Winter Yaroslav , Epifanova-Bertschi Natalia , Sankowski Roman , Zhukova Tatyana V. , Oertel Wolfgang H. , Dodel Richard , Korchounov Alexei
Published: March 2012

Objective:

Depressive disorders pose a major challenge to healthcare in the countries of the former Soviet Union. The objective of the current study was to evaluate health-related quality of life (HrQoL) and its determinants in outpatients with major depressive disorder in an urban Russian population.

Methods:

We consecutively recruited 100 urban Russian outpatients with major depression and 100 non-depressed controls who were matched for age and sex. The severity of their depression was assessed using the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS). HrQoL was evaluated using the EuroQol (the EQ-5D and the visual analogue scale, EQ VAS). Independent determinants of HrQoL were identified using multiple regression analysis.

Results:

The mean EQ VAS score was 43.0 + 27.4 in patients with depression compared to 81.4 + 14.7 in the controls ( p < 0.01). Out of the domains of the EQ-5D, “anxiety/depression,” “usual activities,” and “self-care” were the most impaired. Independent determinants of reduced HrQoL were: severity of depression according to the HDRS; violent suicide attempts; suicide attempts in the past; and drug addiction.

Conclusions:

HrQoL is considerably reduced in Russians with major depression. The disease-specific patterns of HrQoL impairment and the independent determinants of HrQoL identified in our study could be addressed in focused healthcare programs and clinical trials. Comorbid drug addiction as a determinant of HrQoL should receive greater attention in the management of depressive disorders in urban Russian populations.
Vertex-degree-based molecular structure descriptors of benzenoid systems and phenylenes
Authors: Gutman Ivan , Furtula Boris
Published: March 2012

Several recently published papers report expressions for various
vertex-degree-based molecular structure descriptors of benzenoid systems and
phenylenes. We deduce here the general expression for these descriptors, and
show that a simple and generally valid relation exists between such
structure descriptors of phenylenes and their hexagonal squeezes.
Islet β-Cell Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress Precedes the Onset of Type 1 Diabetes in the Nonobese Diabetic Mouse Model
Authors: Tersey Sarah A. , Nishiki Yurika , Templin Andrew T. , Cabrera Susanne M. , Stull Natalie D. , Colvin Stephanie C. , Evans-Molina Carmella , Rickus Jenna L. , Maier Bernhard , Mirmira Raghavendra G.
Published: March 2012

Type 1 diabetes is preceded by islet β-cell dysfunction, but the mechanisms leading to β-cell dysfunction have not been rigorously studied. Because immune cell infiltration occurs prior to overt diabetes, we hypothesized that activation of inflammatory cascades and appearance of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress in β-cells contributes to insulin secretory defects. Prediabetic nonobese diabetic (NOD) mice and control diabetes-resistant NOD-SCID and CD1 strains were studied for metabolic control and islet function and gene regulation. Prediabetic NOD mice were relatively glucose intolerant and had defective insulin secretion with elevated proinsulin:insulin ratios compared with control strains. Isolated islets from NOD mice displayed age-dependent increases in parameters of ER stress, morphologic alterations in ER structure by electron microscopy, and activation of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) target genes. Upon exposure to a mixture of proinflammatory cytokines that mimics the microenvironment of type 1 diabetes, MIN6 β-cells displayed evidence for polyribosomal runoff, a finding consistent with the translational initiation blockade characteristic of ER stress. We conclude that β-cells of prediabetic NOD mice display dysfunction and overt ER stress that may be driven by NF-κB signaling, and strategies that attenuate pathways leading to ER stress may preserve β-cell function in type 1 diabetes.
A review of sample preparation methods for the pesticide residue analysis in foods
Authors: Zhang Lijin , Liu Shaowen , Cui Xinyi , Pan Canping , Zhang Ailin , Chen Fang
Published: March 2012

The pesticide residues in foods have received increasing attention as one of the most important food safety issues. Therefore, more strict regulations on the maximum residue limits (MRLs) for pesticides in foods have been established in many countries and health organizations, based on the sensitive and reliable analysis methods of pesticide residues. However, the analysis of pesticide residues is a continuing challenge mainly because of the small quantities of analytes as well as the large amounts of interfering substances which can be co-extracted with them, often leading to experimental errors and damage to the analytical instruments. Thus, extensive sample preparation is often required for the pesticide residue analysis for the effective extraction of the analytes and removal of the interferences. This paper focuses on reviewing the recent development in the sample preparation methods for the pesticide residue analysis in foods since 2006. The methods include: liquid-liquid extraction (LLE), supercritical-fluid extraction (SFE), pressurized-liquid extraction (PLE), microwave-assisted extraction (MAE), ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE), gel permeation chromatography (GPC), solid-phase extraction (SPE), molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs), matrix solid-phase dispersion (MSPD), solid-phase micro-extraction (SPME), QuEChERS, cloud point extraction (CPE) and liquid phase micro-extraction (LPME), etc. Particularly their advantages, disadvantages and future perspectives will be discussed.
Analysis of alkaloids from different chemical groups by different liquid chromatography methods
Authors: Petruczynik Anna
Published: March 2012

Alkaloids are biologically active compounds widely used as pharmaceuticals and synthesised as secondary methabolites in plants. Many of these compounds are strongly toxic. Therefore, they are often subject of scientific interests and analysis. Since alkaloids — basic compounds appear in aqueous solutions as ionized and unionized forms, they are difficult for chromatographic separation for peak tailing, poor systems efficiency, poor separation and poor column-to-column reproducibility. For this reason it is necessity searching of more suitable chromatographic systems for analysis of the compounds. In this article we present an overview on the separation of selected alkaloids from different chemical groups by liquid chromatography thus indicating the range of useful methods now available for alkaloid analysis. Different selectivity, system efficiency and peaks shape may be achieved in different LC methods separations by use of alternative stationary phases: silica, alumina, chemically bonded stationary phases, cation exchange phases, or by varying nonaqueous or aqueous mobile phase (containing different modifier, different buffers at different pH, ion-pairing or silanol blocker reagents). Developments in TLC (NP and RP systems), HPLC (NP, RP, HILIC, ion-exchange) are presented and the advantages of each method for alkaloids analysis are discussed.
Non-Markovianity and initial correlations for the generalized Lindblad master equation
Authors: Xiao-Li Huang , Hou Shao-Cheng , Wang Lin-Cheng , Yi Xue-Xi
Published: March 2012

Taking a two-level system interacting with a two-band environment as an example, we discuss the non-Markovianity and initial system-environment correlations for the generalized Lindblad master equation by using a recently introduced measure given by Breuer et al. Our results show that the initial states of the environment and initial system-environment correlations have strong effects on the non-Markovianity of the reduced system. Moreover, we also show that information and energy can flow in different directions, i.e., energy flows to the system while information flows from the system, which is quite different from previous results.
Numerical study of the effect of gas flow in low pressure inductively coupled Ar/N2 plasmas
Authors: Tong Lizhu
Published: March 2012

The effect of gas flow in low pressure inductively coupled Ar/N2 plasmas operating at the rf frequency of 13.56 MHz and the total gas pressure of 20 mTorr is studied at the gas flows of 5–700 sccm by coupling the plasma simulation with the calculation of flow dynamics. The gas temperature is 300 K and input power is 300 W. The Ar fractions are varied from 0% to 95%. The species taken into account include electrons, Ar atoms and their excited levels, N2 molecules and their seven different excited levels, N atoms, and Ar+, N+, N2
+, N4
+ ions. 51 chemical reactions are considered. It is found that the electron densities increase and electron temperatures decrease with a rise in gas flow rate for the different Ar fractions. The densities of all the plasma species for the different Ar fractions and gas flow rates are obtained. The collisional power losses in plasma discharges are presented and the effect of gas flow is investigated.
Influence of the ionic form of a cation-exchange adsorbent on chromatographic separation of galactooligosaccharides
Authors: Moravčík Juraj , Gramblička Michal , Wiśniewski Łukasz , Vaňková Katarína , Polakovič Milan
Published: March 2012

Separation performance of sodium, lithium, potassium and hydrogen ionic forms of a commercial cation exchanger, Diaion UBK 530, based on a styrene-divinylbenzene copolymer resin support was studied. The adsorbents were applied to the separation of galactooligosaccharides from their mixture with lactose, glucose and galactose. Separation performance of the hydrogen ionic form of the adsorbent was superior to that of other adsorbent forms. A much higher yield of galactooligosaccharides of the requested purity was achieved for this adsorbent form owing to its better kinetic properties. Adsorption properties of individual adsorbents were discussed in relation to possible adsorption mechanisms.
FDI(R) for satellites: How to deal with high availability and robustness in the space domain?
Authors: Olive Xavier
Published: March 2012

FDI(R) for satellites: How to deal with high availability and robustness in the space domain?

The European leader for satellite systems and at the forefront of orbital infrastructures, Thales Alenia Space, is a joint venture between Thales (67%) and Finmeccanica (33%) and forms with Telespazio a Space Alliance. Thales Alenia Space is a worldwide reference in telecoms, radar and optical Earth observation, defence and security, navigation and science. It has 11 industrial sites in 4 European countries (France, Italy, Spain and Belgium) with over 7200 employees worldwide. Satellite evolution and the wish to design more autonomous missions imply the enhancement of the satellite architecture and special attention paid to fault management (i.e., Fault Detection, Isolation and Recovery, or FDIR, in space). Nevertheless, the constraints on FDIR techniques and strategies remain the same as for standard missions: robustness, reactive detection, quick isolation/identification and validation. This paper gives an introduction to Fault Tolerance (FT) in the space domain and some principles for the coming FT architectures. The current context of FDIR is presented by describing the approach implemented on telecommunication satellites and, more precisely, on one of the most FDIR sensible subsystems: the AOCS (Attitude and Orbit Control System). Following the current state of FDIR in the space domain, some perspectives are given such as a centralized distributed FDIR strategy for the next generation of autonomous satellites as well as some research tracks and hybrid diagnosis.
An LPV pole-placement approach to friction compensation as an FTC problem
Authors: Patton Ron , Chen Lejun , Klinkhieo Supat
Published: March 2012

An LPV pole-placement approach to friction compensation as an FTC problem

The concept of combining robust fault estimation within a controller system to achieve active Fault Tolerant Control (FTC) has been the subject of considerable interest in the recent literature. The current study is motivated by the need to develop model-based FTC schemes for systems that have no unique equilibria and are therefore difficult to linearise. Linear Parameter Varying (LPV) strategies are well suited to model-based control and fault estimation for such systems. This contribution involves pole-placement within suitable LMI regions, guaranteeing both stability and performance of a multi-fault LPV estimator employed within an FTC structure. The proposed design strategy is illustrated using a nonlinear two-link manipulator system with friction forces acting simultaneously at each joint. The friction forces, regarded as a special case of actuator faults, are estimated and their effect is compensated within a polytope controller system, yielding a robust form of active FTC that is easy to apply to real robot systems.
Robust multisensor fault tolerant model-following MPC design for constrained systems
Authors: Yetendje Alain , Seron Maria , De Doná José
Published: March 2012

Robust multisensor fault tolerant model-following MPC design for constrained systems

In this paper, a robust fault-tolerant control strategy for constrained multisensor linear systems, subject to sensor faults and in the presence of bounded state and output disturbances, is proposed. The scheme verifies that, for each sensors-estimator combination, suitable residual variables lie inside pre-computed sets and selects a more appropriate combination based on a chosen criterion. An active fault tolerant output feedback controller yields an MPC-based control law and, by means of the notion of a "tube" of trajectories, we ensure robust closed-loop exponential stability and good performance in the fault-free case and under the occurrence of abrupt sensor faults.
Delayed complication after Gamma Knife surgery for mesial temporal lobe epilepsy
Authors: Usami Kenichi , Kawai Kensuke , Koga Tomoyuki , Shin Masahiro , Kurita Hiroki , Suzuki Ichiro , Saito Nobuhito
Published: March 2012

Object

Despite the controversy over the clinical significance of Gamma Knife surgery (GKS) for refractory mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (MTLE), the modality has attracted attention because it is less invasive than resection. The authors report long-term outcomes for 7 patients, focusing in particular on the long-term complications.

Methods

Between 1996 and 1999, 7 patients with MTLE underwent GKS. The 50% marginal dose covering the medial temporal structures was 18 Gy in 2 patients and 25 Gy in the remaining 5 patients.

Results

High-dose treatment abolished the seizures in 2 patients and significantly reduced them in 2 others. One patient in this group was lost to follow-up. However, 2 patients presented with symptomatic radiation necrosis (SRN) necessitating resection after 5 and 10 years. One patient who did not need necrotomy continued to show radiation necrosis on MRI after 10 years. One patient died of drowning while swimming in the sea 1 year after GKS, before seizures had disappeared completely.

Conclusions

High-dose treatment resulted in sufficient seizure control but carried a significant risk of SRN after several years. Excessive target volume was considered as a reason for delayed necrosis. Drawbacks such as a delay in seizure control and the risk of SRN should be considered when the clinical significance of this treatment is evaluated.
An Integer Programming Approach to Solving Tantrix on Fixed Boards
Authors: Kino Fumika , Uno Yushi
Published: March 2012

Tantrix (Tantrix R ⃝ is a registered trademark of Colour of Strategy Ltd. in New Zealand, and of TANTRIX JAPAN in Japan, respectively, under the license of M. McManaway, the inventor.) is a puzzle to make a loop by connecting lines drawn on hexagonal tiles, and the objective of this research is to solve it by a computer. For this purpose, we first give a problem setting of solving Tantrix as making a loop on a given fixed board. We then formulate it as an integer program by describing the rules of Tantrix as its constraints, and solve it by a mathematical programming solver to have a solution. As a result, we establish a formulation that can solve Tantrix of moderate size, and even when the solutions are invalid only by elementary constraints, we achieved it by introducing additional constraints and re-solve it. By this approach we succeeded to solve Tantrix of size up to 60.
Energy, Pollutant Emissions and Other Negative Externality Savings from Curbing Individual Motorized Transportation (IMT): A Low Cost, Low Technology Scenario Analysis in Brazilian Urban Areas
Authors: Maciel Marcelo , Rosa Luiz , Correa Fernando , Maruyama Ursula
Published: March 2012

This article examines the inefficient use of resources in the Brazilian transportation system. The energy use growth and external cost generation in this essential economic sector are considerable, and the trend is towards an increasing problem in the coming years. The continued expansion of Brazilian cities and the increase in demand for mobility is a result of a substantial growth in the number of road transport users, as increased earnings enable lower income groups to acquire and use individual motorized means of transport. The aim of this paper is to estimate the potential gains from reducing individual motorized transport by the year 2020. This investigation concludes that in a conservationist scenario, by prioritizing low cost, low technology public policies—which include operation of Bus Rapid Transit systems, walking and cycling facilities and congestion charges, among others—it should be possible to save over USD 30 billion and USD 26 billion in external transportation and infrastructure costs, respectively, up to 2020. In addition, these public policies can save more than 35 million Tons of Oil Equivalents in energy consumption and avoid almost 4,000 thousand tons of local pollution emissions and 37,500 thousand tons of GHG emissions in the same period.
Functionalized Nanostructures with Application in Regenerative Medicine
Authors: Perán Macarena , García María A. , López-Ruiz Elena , Bustamante Milán , Jiménez Gema , Madeddu Roberto , Marchal Juan A.
Published: March 2012

In the last decade, both regenerative medicine and nanotechnology have been broadly developed leading important advances in biomedical research as well as in clinical practice. The manipulation on the molecular level and the use of several functionalized nanoscaled materials has application in various fields of regenerative medicine including tissue engineering, cell therapy, diagnosis and drug and gene delivery. The themes covered in this review include nanoparticle systems for tracking transplanted stem cells, self-assembling peptides, nanoparticles for gene delivery into stem cells and biomimetic scaffolds useful for 2D and 3D tissue cell cultures, transplantation and clinical application.
Enhancement of Biocontrol Efficacy of Pichia carribbica to Postharvest Diseases of Strawberries by Addition of Trehalose to the Growth Medium
Authors: Zhao Lina , Zhang Hongyin , Li Jun , Cui Jinghua , Zhang Xiaoyun , Ren Xiaofeng
Published: March 2012

The effects of trehalose on the antagonistic activity of Pichia caribbica against Rhizopus decay and gray mold decay of strawberries and the possible mechanisms involved were investigated. The proteomic analysis and comparison of P. carribbica in response to trehalose was analyzed based on two-dimensional gel electrophoresis. The antagonistic activity of P. carribbica harvested from the culture media of NYDB amended with trehalose at 0.5% was improved greatly compared with that without trehalose. The PPO (Polyphenoloxidase) and POD (Peroxidase) activity of strawberries treated with P. carribbica cultured in the NYDB media amended with trehalose at 0.5% was higher than that of the strawberries treated with P. carribbica harvested from NYDB. The β-1, 3-glucanase activity of strawberries treated with P. carribbica cultured in the NYDB media amended with trehalose at 0.5% was also higher than that of the strawberries treated with P. carribbica harvested from NYDB and the control. Several differentially expressed proteins of P. carribbica in response to trehalose were identified in the cellular proteome, most of them were related to basic metabolism.
Cooperative Modulation of Mineral Growth by Prismatic-Associated Asprich Sequences and Mg(II)
Authors: Kim Il Won , Collino Sebastiano , Evans John Spencer
Published: March 2012

Cooperative effects of magnesium ions and acidic polypeptides originating from a family of proteins known as Asprich (mollusk Atrina rigida) were studied. In our previous studies, these two acidic polypeptides were found to be effective in controlling the morphology of the calcium carbonate mineral, the main inorganic constituent of prismatic layer of the mollusk shell. Since these Asprich sequences are believed to contain a putative magnesium binding domain, the morphology-controlling effects were further investigated with the addition of magnesium ions. The mineral morphology was dramatically changed by the combined influence of each polypeptides and the magnesium ions, substantiating the recognized importance of magnesium in the formation of calcium carbonate-based biominerals.
Curcumin: Updated Molecular Mechanisms and Intervention Targets in Human Lung Cancer
Authors: Ye Ming-Xiang , Li Yan , Yin Hong , Zhang Jian
Published: March 2012

Curcumin, a yellow pigment derived from Curcuma longa Linn, has attracted great interest in the research of cancer during the past decades. Extensive studies documented that curcumin attenuates cancer cell proliferation and promotes apoptosis in vivo and in vitro. Curcumin has been demonstrated to interact with multiple molecules and signal pathways, which makes it a potential adjuvant anti-cancer agent to chemotherapy. Previous investigations focus on the mechanisms of action for curcumin, which is shown to manipulate transcription factors and induce apoptosis in various kinds of human cancer. Apart from transcription factors and apoptosis, emerging studies shed light on latent targets of curcumin against epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), microRNAs (miRNA), autophagy and cancer stem cell. The present review predominantly discusses significance of EGFR, miRNA, autophagy and cancer stem cell in lung cancer therapy. Curcumin as a natural phytochemicals could communicate with these novel targets and show synergism to chemotherapy. Additionally, curcumin is well tolerated in humans. Therefore, EGFR-, miRNA-, autophagy- and cancer stem cell-based therapy in the presence of curcumin might be promising mechanisms and targets in the therapeutic strategy of lung cancer.
Junction formation of Cu3BiS3 investigated by Kelvin probe force microscopy and surface photovoltage measurements
Authors: Mesa Fredy , Chamorro William , Vallejo William , Baier Robert , Dittrich Thomas , Grimm Alexander , Lux-Steiner Martha C , Sadewasser Sascha
Published: March 2012

Recently, the compound semiconductor Cu3BiS3 has been demonstrated to have a band gap of ~1.4 eV, well suited for photovoltaic energy harvesting. The preparation of polycrystalline thin films was successfully realized and now the junction formation to the n-type window needs to be developed. We present an investigation of the Cu3BiS3 absorber layer and the junction formation with CdS, ZnS and In2S3 buffer layers. Kelvin probe force microscopy shows the granular structure of the buffer layers with small grains of 20–100 nm, and a considerably smaller work-function distribution for In2S3 compared to that of CdS and ZnS. For In2S3 and CdS buffer layers the KPFM experiments indicate negatively charged Cu3BiS3 grain boundaries resulting from the deposition of the buffer layer. Macroscopic measurements of the surface photovoltage at variable excitation wavelength indicate the influence of defect states below the band gap on charge separation and a surface-defect passivation by the In2S3 buffer layer. Our findings indicate that Cu3BiS3 may become an interesting absorber material for thin-film solar cells; however, for photovoltaic application the band bending at the charge-selective contact has to be increased.
Activation of the Classical Complement Pathway by Bacillus anthracis Is the Primary Mechanism for Spore Phagocytosis and Involves the Spore Surface Protein BclA
Authors: Gu Chunfang , Jenkins Sarah A. , Xue Qiong , Xu Yi
Published: March 2012

Interactions between spores of Bacillus anthracis and macrophages are critical for the development of anthrax infections, as spores are thought to use macrophages as vehicles to disseminate in the host. In this study, we report a novel mechanism for phagocytosis of B. anthracis spores. Murine macrophage-like cell line RAW264.7, bone marrow-derived macrophages, and primary peritoneal macrophages from mice were used. The results indicated that activation of the classical complement pathway (CCP) was a primary mechanism for spore phagocytosis. Phagocytosis was significantly reduced in the absence of C1q or C3. C3 fragments were found deposited on the spore surface, and the deposition was dependent on C1q and Ca2+. C1q recruitment to the spore surface was mediated by the spore surface protein BclA, as recombinant BclA bound directly and specifically to C1q and inhibited C1q binding to spores in a dose-dependent manner. C1q binding to spores lacking BclA (ΔbclA) was also significantly reduced compared with wild-type spores. In addition, deposition of both C3 and C4 as well as phagocytosis of spores were significantly reduced when BclA was absent, but were not reduced in the absence of IgG, suggesting that BclA, but not IgG, is important in these processes. Taken together, these results support a model in which spores actively engage CCP primarily through BclA interaction with C1q, leading to CCP activation and opsonophagocytosis of spores in an IgG-independent manner. These findings are likely to have significant implications on B. anthracis pathogenesis and microbial manipulation of complement.
Antigen Recognition Is Facilitated by Invadosome-like Protrusions Formed by Memory/Effector T Cells
Authors: Sage Peter T. , Varghese Laya M. , Martinelli Roberta , Sciuto Tracey E. , Kamei Masataka , Dvorak Ann M. , Springer Timothy A. , Sharpe Arlene H. , Carman Christopher V.
Published: March 2012

Adaptive immunity requires that T cells efficiently scan diverse cell surfaces to identify cognate Ag. However, the basic cellular mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, we investigated this process using vascular endothelial cells, APCs that possess a unique and extremely advantageous, planar morphology. High-resolution imaging revealed that CD4 memory/effector T cells dynamically probe the endothelium by extending submicron-scale, actin-rich “invadosome/podosome-like protrusions” (ILPs). The intimate intercellular contacts enforced by ILPs consistently preceded and supported T cell activation in response to endothelial MHC class II/Ag. The resulting calcium flux stabilized dense arrays of ILPs (each enriched in TCR, protein kinase C-θ, ZAP70, phosphotyrosine, and HS1), forming what we term a podo-synapse. Similar findings were made using CD8 CTLs on endothelium. Furthermore, careful re-examination of both traditional APC models and professional APCs suggests broad relevance for ILPs in facilitating Ag recognition. Together, our results indicate that ILPs function as sensory organelles that serve as actuators of immune surveillance.
Preparation and preclinical evaluation of aceclofenac loaded pectinate mucoadhesive microspheres
Authors: Chakraborty Santanu , Nayak Priyanka , Krishna Bala Murali , Khandai Madhusmruti , Ghosh Ashoke Kumar
Published: March 2012

The aim of the present research work was to fabricate aceclofenac loaded pectinate microspheres by ionic gelation method and evaluate the effect of different cross-linking agents and polymer concentration on particle size, encapsulation efficacy and drug release behavior. It was also investigated that whether this pectinate dosage form was able to target the drug release in intestinal region and prevent the different side effect associated with the drug in stomach or not. It was observed that particle size, encapsulation efficacy and in vitro drug release were largely depended on polymer concentration and cross-linking agents. It was also observed that pectinate microspheres showed excellent pH depended mucoadhesive properties and they were able to restrict the drug release in stomach. In vitro drug release study showed that alminium-pectinate microspheres have more sustaining property as compared to barium-pectinate microspheres. Holm-Sidak multiple comparison analysis suggested a significant difference in measured t50% values among all the formulations with same cross-linking agent. In vivo studies revealed that the anti inflammatory and analgesic effects induced by pectinate microspheres were significantly high and prolonged as compared to pure drug. So, pectinate microspheres can be an excellent carrier for targeting the delivery of aceclofenac as well as help in improving the patient compliance by prolonging the systemic absorption.
Prevalence of keratinophilic fungi in public park soils of Mumbai, India
Authors: Deshmukh Sunil Kumar , Verekar Shilpa Amit
Published: March 2012

The parks of Mumbai are frequently visited by local residents every morning and evening. However, there are no reports on the occurrence of keratinophilic fungi in these areas. The purpose of this research was to study the occurrence of keratinophilic fungi in the public parks of Mumbai. One hundred soil samples were collected from five public parks: Kamla Nehru Park, Powai Garden, CD Deshmukh Garden, Five Gardens and Chota Kashmir. Keratinophilic fungi were isolated by the hair baiting technique using human hair as keratin bait. The cultures were identified using macroand micro-morphological features. Identification was also confirmed by the BLAST search of sequences of the ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 rDNA region against the NCBI/Genbank data and compared with deposited sequences. The ability of these fungi to use human hair was also evaluated by release of protein in liquid media. A total of 75 strains of keratinophilic fungi were recovered from 100 (75.0%) soil samples. The isolated fungi were composed of eleven species of eight genera: Arthrographis kalrae, Auxarthron conjugatum, Chrysosporium indicum, C. queenslandicum, C. zonatum, Gymnascella dankaliensis, G. hyalinospora, Microsporum gypseum (15.0%), Myriodontium keratinophilum, Trichophyton mentagrophytes and Uncinocarpus reesii. These fungi can release 148.8-307.6 μg/mL protein in liquid media when grown on human hair in shake flask culture and also decompose 16.2-38.6% of human hair after four weeks of incubation. Our study indicates that keratinophilic fungi are to be found in the soils of various public parks in Mumbai and that human hair can be a source of pathogenic fungi.
Focal Lipoatrophy of Face: A Rare Esthetic Complaint
Authors: Anbarasi K. , Sathasivasubramanian S. , Krithika C. L. , VenkataSai P. M.
Published: March 2012

A well-proportioned face combines features that are balanced and symmetrical. Any structural alteration that leads to facial asymmetry causes esthetical and psychological disturbances. Lipoatrophy is one such condition, which results in loss of subcutaneous fat layer and manifests as a depression. Although many subtypes with varying clinical and etiological backgrounds exist, the idiopathic form is rare and facial involvement is the rarest. Computed tomography is one of the accepted diagnostic tools to determine the atrophic layer of facial anatomy. This report presents the clinical types, diagnosis, and management of a case of facial lipoatrophy.
Ureteritis Cystica: Important Consideration in the Differential Diagnosis of Acute Renal Colic
Authors: Padilla-Fernández B. , Díaz-Alférez FJ. , Herrero-Polo M. , Martín-Izquierdo M. , Silva-Abuín JM. , Lorenzo-Gómez MF.
Published: March 2012

Ureteritis cystica is an uncommon cause of acute renal pain. The aetiology remains unclear and the diagnosis may be difficult to establish. We report the case of a 29 year old woman with a history of repeated urinary tract infections presenting with acute renal colic in the absence of lithiasis. We review the diagnostic tools available to make the diagnosis and the recent pertinent literature.
Fast predictive control for air-fuel ratio of SI engines using a nonlinear internal model
Authors: Zhai YJ , Yu DL , Tafreshi R , Al-Hamidi Y
Published: March 2012

With development of fast modern computers, it has become possible to extend model predictive control (MPC) method to automotive engine control systems, which is traditionally applied to plants with dynamics slow enough to allow computations between samples. In this paper MPC based on an adaptive neural network model is attempted for air fuel ratio (AFR), in which the model is adapted on-line to cope with nonlinear dynamics and parameter uncertainties. A radial basis function (RBF) network is employed and the recursive least squares (RLS) algorithm is used for weight updating. Based on the adaptive model, a MPC strategy for controlling air-fuel ratio is realized to a nonlinear simulation of the engines. Finally, both single-variable and multi- variable optimizations algorithms are used to find the optimal solution of MPC problems and are compared in term of their control performance and time consumption.
Computer aided cooling curve analysis for Al-5Si and Al-11Si alloys
Authors: Jigajinni SM , Venkateswarlu K , Kori SA
Published: March 2012

The effect of grain refiner, modifier, and combination of grain refiner cum modifier was studied on Al-5Si and Al-11Si alloys using computer aided cooling curve analysis. For combined grain refinement and modification effect, Al-Ti-B-Sr single master alloy was developed that acted as both grain refiner and modifier. For thermal analysis, the temperature throughout the solidification range was recorded. The resultant plot of temperature versus time was thermal analysis. The computer aided cooling curve analysis studies shows that the extent of undercooling ΔTα-Al was reduced significantly after the addition of grain refiner to the melt. It also indicates that the eutectic temperature was suppressed on the addition of modifier to the melt.
Application of design of experiments and artificial neural networks for stacking sequence optimizations of laminated composite plates
Authors: Reddy AR , Reddy BS , Reddy KVK
Published: March 2012

This paper discusses the use of Distance based optimal designs in the design of experiments (DOE) and artificial neural networks (ANN) in optimizing the stacking sequence for simply supported laminated composite plate under uniformly distributed load (UDL) for minimizing the deflections and stresses. A number of finite element analyses have been carried out using Distance-based optimal design, for training and testing of the ANN model. The deflections and stresses were found by analyses which were done by finite element analysis software. The ANN model has been developed using multilayer perceptron (MLP) back propagation algorithm. The adequacy of the developed model is verified by coefficient of determination (R). The sensitivity analysis has been performed to study the behavior of the laminated composite plate. The results obtained from the ANN model are compared with the finite element results. For various fibre orientations, deflections and stresses analyses are performed to get the optimal fibre orientations. A verification tests are also performed to prove the effectiveness of the ANN technique after the optimum levels of fibre orientations are determined. The confirmation experimental results show that deflections and stresses are very good agreed with the finite element (FE) results. Consequently, the Distance-based optimal set of laminates and ANN are shown to be effective for optimization of stacking sequence of laminated composite plates.
Design and control of three fingers motion for dexterous assembly of compliant elements
Authors: Widhiada W , Douglas SS , Jenkinson ID , Gomm JB
Published: March 2012

In this paper, the authors describe and demonstrate how a three fingered gripper can be designed and simulated to provide both gross motion and fine motion to the fingers. Satisfactory motion responses for the finger simulation are achieved. The fine motion including force feedback and the gross motions, which orientate the fingers into their approximate configuration are provided by a classical PD control strategy. The force controlling gripper in contact with the environment is very important in industry applications. The fingers are to be controlled in a manner which mimics the kinematics and dynamics of the thumb force finger and index finger of a human hand. This mimicry is required to design the correct motions and tactile forces necessary to handle delicate and non delicate engineering components. In order to evaluate the design philosophy and capability of the three fingered gripper, a challenging assembly process has been identified. This is assembly of a gas regulator valve which is currently being manually assembled since the dexterous motions of the human hand out perform current automatic assembly strategies. The three fingered gripper assembly was built using Solidworks software tool, and it’s mechanical assembly representation was established in SimMechanics.
Neuro- PI controller based model reference adaptive control for nonlinear systems
Authors: Prakash R , Anita R
Published: March 2012

The aim of this paper is to design a neural network based intelligent adaptive controller. It consists of an online multilayer back propagation neural network structure along with a conventional Model Reference Adaptive Control (MRAC).The training patterns for the Neural Network (NN) are obtained from the conventional PI controller. In the conventional model reference adaptive control (MRAC) scheme, the controller is designed to realize plant output converges to reference model output based on the plant which is linear. The NN is used to compensate the nonlinearity of the plant that is not taken into consideration in the conventional MRAC. The control input to the plant is given by the sum of the output of conventional MRAC and the output of NN. The proposed Neural Network -based Model Reference Adaptive Controller (NN-MRAC) can significantly improve the system behavior and force the system to follow the reference model and minimize the error between the model and plant output. The effectiveness of the proposal control scheme is demonstrated by simulations.