bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Robust prestack Q-determination using surface seismic data: Part 2 — 3D case study
Authors: Reine Carl , Clark Roger , van der Baan Mirko
Published: February 2012

In part one of this paper, we introduced a novel method of measuring seismic attenuation from prestack surface seismic data. This prestack Q-inversion (PSQI) employed methods to reduce the presence of spectral interference and then minimize the influence of interference that remains. By changing the domain of operation, angle-dependent effects in the overburden were eliminated when a locally 1D medium was assumed. To demonstrate the suitability of the PSQI method, we applied it to a 3D seismic survey from Western Canada. Preprocessing of the data was carried out to reduce noise, regularize amplitudes, and transform the seismic gathers into the [Formula: see text]-p domain prior to attenuation measurements. In addition to the seismic gathers, we also incorporated velocity data and zero-offset traveltime information. The result was that we were able to generate a map of 1/Q values which showed coherent patterns that could be explained by the presence of top gas in the reservoir. These measurements were correlated to independent amplitude attributes. We performed a number of other analyses to establish the appropriateness of the attenuation measurements. We compared 1/Q measurements with the predecessor QVO method, and showed that the PSQI measurements were less influenced by artifacts and were more robust to changes in the bandwidth of analysis. We also analyzed a VSP survey in the same geological setting and showed that the resulting measurement (1/Q = 0.0271) is very close to the mean PSQI value for the 3D survey (1/Q = 0.0312). This case study thus showed how the described PSQI method overcame many of the difficulties associated with obtaining accurate attenuation measurements from surface seismic data.
Imaging geologic surfaces by inverting gravity gradient data with depth horizons
Authors: Barnes Gary , Barraud Joseph
Published: February 2012

The nonuniqueness problem that occurs when inverting potential field data is well known. It can, however, be surmounted by jointly inverting these data with independent data sets, incorporating depth information and regularizing the solution. The goal is to produce a geologic model that is compatible with all measured quantities, does not exceed any prescribed limits, and is geologically plausible. To achieve this, we have developed a spatially based surface inversion algorithm that solves for the geometric interface between geologic bodies. The bodies are constructed from grids of rectangular prisms that have their bottom depths adjusted by the algorithm to form the inverted surface. To solve large-scale inversions, approximations are used in the potential field calculations that allow internal matrices to be stored in sparse format with minimal loss of accuracy. The impetus for the work came from the need to combine airborne gravity gradient data with depth horizons estimated from interpreted 2D seismic profiles to form a high-resolution 3D inversion for imaging salt bodies. By treating the depth information as measurements rather than constraints, we accommodate uncertainties in these estimates. Total variation regularization is incorporated to support the sharp edges of the salt structures and to stabilize the solution. Inversions for near-surface structures also incorporate a high-pass filter to suppress the interference in the gravity gradient signal from deeper geology. The resulting optimization finds a surface that fits (in a least-squares sense) the depth information and the high-frequency content of the gravity gradient data.
Identification of microRNAs that Mediate Thyroid Cell Growth Induced by TSH
Authors: Akama Takeshi , Sue Mariko , Kawashima Akira , Wu Huhehasi , Tanigawa Kazunari , Suzuki Sayuri , Hayashi Moyuru , Yoshihara Aya , Ishido Yuko , Ishii Norihisa , Suzuki Koichi
Published: February 2012

TSH is a major regulator of thyroid cell growth and endocrine function. It is known that cAMP and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) are responsible for mediating the action of TSH. Activation of these signals results in the induction of a series of transcription factors and cell cycle regulating proteins, which induce cell proliferation. In addition to such canonical transcriptional regulation, it was recently shown that microRNA (miRNA or miR) constitutes another key mechanism for the regulation of gene expression. However, whether TSH action is mediated by miRNA in the thyroid is unknown. In this study, we have performed miRNA microarray analysis and demonstrated that TSH significantly decreases expression of 47 miRNA in thyroid cells. Among these, we have shown, using their specific agonists, that overexpression of miR-16 and miR-195 suppressed cell cycle progression and DNA synthesis that was induced by TSH. In silico analysis predicted that Mapk8, Ccne1, and Cdc6, the expression of which was up-regulated by TSH, are potential target genes for these miRNA, and overexpression of miR-16 and miR-195 suppressed expression of these target genes. The decrease of miR-16 and miR-195 expression by TSH was reproduced by forskolin and N6,2′-O-dibutyryladenosine cAMP and reversed by the protein kinase A inhibitor H89 and the PI3K inhibitor LY294002. These results suggest that TSH activates cAMP/protein kinase A and PI3K cascades to decrease miR-16 and miR-195, which induce Mapk8, Ccne1, and Cdc6 to activate cell proliferation.
Salmonella enterotoxin, Stn, regulates membrane composition and integrity
Authors: Nakano Masayuki , Yamasaki Eiki , Ichinose Akitoyo , Shimohata Takaaki , Takahashi Akira , Akada Junko K. , Nakamura Kazuyuki , Moss Joel , Hirayama Toshiya , Kurazono Hisao
Published: February 2012

The mechanism of action of Salmonella enterotoxin (Stn) as a virulence factor in disease is controversial. Studies of Stn have indicated both positive and negative effects on Salmoenlla virulence. In this study, we attempted to evaluate Stn function and its effects on Salmonella virulence. To investigate Stn function, we first performed in vitro and in vivo analysis using mammalian cells and a murine ileal loop model. In these systems, we did not observe differences in virulence phenotypes between wild-type Salmonella and an stn gene-deleted mutant. We next characterized the phenotypes and molecular properties of the mutant strain under various in vitro conditions. The proteomic profile of total Salmonella cell membranes was remarkable for the absence of a protein in the mutant strain, which was identified as OmpA. By Far-Western blotting, OmpA interacted directly with Stn. To verify this result, the morphology of Salmonella was examined by transmission electron microscopy, with OmpA localized by immuno-gold labeling compared to wild-type Salmonella, the mutant strain had a different pole structure and a thin periplasminc space; OmpA was not seen in the mutant. These results indicate that Stn, via regulation of OmpA membrane localization, functions in the maintenance of membrane composition and integrity.
Dynamics within tetraspanin pairs affect MHC class II expression
Authors: van den Hoorn Tineke , Paul Petra , Janssen Lennert , Janssen Hans , Neefjes Jacques
Published: February 2012

Late endosomal multivesicular bodies (MVBs) are complicated organelles with various subdomains located at the limiting membrane and the internal vesicles (ILVs). ILVs accumulate tetraspanins such as CD63 and CD82 that might form protein assemblies, including major histocompatibility complex class II (MHC-II) and its chaperone human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-DM. Here, we studied the effect of four late endosomal tetraspanin proteins on MHC-II expression. Silencing CD9, CD63 and CD81 enhanced MHC-II expression whereas silencing CD82 did not. No effect on peptide loading was observed. Using confocal FRET technology, we measured the dynamics of CD63 and CD82 interaction with MHC-II and its chaperone HLA-DM. CD63–CD82 interactions remained unaltered in the two MVB subdomains whereas the interactions between CD63 or CD82 homologous pairs changed. CD63 stably associated with MHC-II, and CD82 with HLA-DM, on both MVB subdomains whereas the CD82–MHC-II and CD63–HLA-DM interactions changed. These data visualize for the first time the protein dynamics of tetraspanin assemblies in MVB subdomains. CD63, unlike CD82, stably interacts with MHC-II at both MVB subdomains and controls MHC-II expression.
Orai1 deficiency leads to heart failure and skeletal myopathy in zebrafish
Authors: Völkers Mirko , Dolatabadi Nima , Gude Natalie , Most Patrick , Sussman Mark A. , Hassel David
Published: February 2012

Mutations in the store-operated Ca2+ entry pore protein ORAI1 have been reported to cause myopathies in human patients but the mechanism involved is not known. Cardiomyocytes express ORAI1 but its role in heart function is also unknown. Using reverse genetics in zebrafish, we demonstrated that inactivation of the highly conserved zebrafish orthologue of ORAI1 resulted in severe heart failure, reduced ventricular systolic function, bradycardia and skeletal muscle weakness. Electron microscopy of Orai1-deficient myocytes revealed progressive skeletal muscle instability with loss of myofiber integrity and ultrastructural abnormalities of the z-disc in both skeletal and cardiac muscle. Isolated Orai1-deficient cardiomyocytes showed loss of the calcineurin-associated protein calsarcin from the z-discs. Furthermore, we found mechanosignal transduction was affected in Orai1-depleted hearts, indicating an essential role for ORAI1 in establishing the cardiac signaling transduction machinery at the z-disc. Our findings identify ORAI1 as an important regulator of cardiac and skeletal muscle function and provide evidence linking ORAI1-mediated calcium signaling to sarcomere integrity and cardiomyocyte function.
NF-κB regulates protein quality control after heat stress through modulation of the BAG3–HspB8 complex
Authors: Nivon Mathieu , Abou-Samra Michel , Richet Emma , Guyot Boris , Arrigo André-Patrick , Kretz-Remy Carole
Published: February 2012

We previously found that the NF-κB transcription factor is activated during the recovery period after heat shock; moreover, we demonstrated that NF-κB is essential for cell survival after heat shock by activating autophagy, a mechanism that probably helps the cell to cope with hyperthermic stress through clearance of damaged proteins. In this study, we analyze the involvement of NF-κB in basal and heat-stress-induced protein quality control, by comparing the level of multiubiquitylated and/or aggregated proteins, and proteasome and autophagic activity in NF-κB-competent and NF-κB-incompetent cells. We show that NF-κB has only a minor role in basal protein quality control, where it modulates autophagosome maturation. By contrast, NF-κB is shown to be a key player in protein quality control after hyperthermia. Indeed, NF-κB-incompetent cells show highly increased levels of multiubiquitylated and/or aggregated proteins and aggresome clearance defects; a phenotype that disappears when NF-κB activity is restored to normal. We demonstrate that during heat shock recovery NF-κB activates selective removal of misfolded or aggregated proteins – a process also called ‘aggrephagy’ – by controlling the expression of BAG3 and HSPB8 and by modulating the level of the BAG3–HspB8 complex. Thus NF-κB-mediated increase in the level of the BAG3–HspB8 complex leads to upregulation of aggrephagy and clearance of irreversibly damaged proteins and might increase cell survival in conditions of hyperthermia.
Altered nanofeature size dictates stem cell differentiation
Authors: Zouani Omar F. , Chanseau Christel , Brouillaud Brigitte , Bareille Reine , Deliane Florent , Foulc Marie-Pierre , Mehdi Ahmad , Durrieu Marie-Christine
Published: February 2012

The differentiation of stem cells can be modulated by physical factors such as the micro- and nano-topography of the extracellular matrix. One important goal in stem cell research is to understand the concept that directs differentiation into a specific cell lineage in the nanoscale environment. Here, we demonstrate that such paths exist by controlling only the micro- and nano-topography of polymer surfaces. Altering the depth (on a nanometric scale) of micro-patterned surface structures allowed increased adhesion of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) with specific differentiation into osteoblasts, in the absence of osteogenic medium. Small (10 nm) depth patterns promoted cell adhesion without noticeable differentiation, whereas larger depth patterns (100 nm) elicited a collective cell organization, which induced selective differentiation into osteoblast-like cells. This latter response was dictated by stress through focal-adhesion-induced reorganization of F-actin filaments. The results have significant implications for understanding the architectural effects of the in vivo microenvironment and also for the therapeutic use of stem cells.
Flow cytometry analysis reveals a decrease in intracellular sodium during sperm capacitation
Authors: Escoffier Jessica , Krapf Dario , Navarrete Felipe , Darszon Alberto , Visconti Pablo E.
Published: February 2012

Mammalian sperm require time in the female tract in order to be able to fertilize an egg. The physiological changes that render the sperm able to fertilize are known as capacitation. Capacitation is associated with an increase in intracellular pH, an increase in intracellular calcium and phosphorylation of different proteins. This process is also accompanied by the hyperpolarization of the sperm plasma membrane potential. Recently, we presented evidence showing that epithelial Na+ channels (ENaC) are present in mature sperm and that ENaCs are blocked during capacitation. In the present work, we used flow cytometry to analyze changes in intracellular Na+ concentration ([Na+]i) during capacitation in individual cells. Our results indicate that capacitated sperm have lower Na+ concentrations. Using sperm with green fluorescent protein in their acrosomes, it was shown that the lower [Na+]i concentration only occurs in sperm having intact acrosomes. ENaC inhibition has been shown in other cell types to depend on the activation of cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR). In non-capacitated sperm, amiloride, an ENaC inhibitor, and genistein, a CFTR activator, caused a decrease in [Na+]i, suggesting that also in these cells [Na+]i is dependent on the crosstalk between ENaC and CFTR. In addition, PKA inhibition blocked [Na+]i decrease in capacitated sperm. Altogether, these data are consistent with the hypothesis that the capacitation-associated hyperpolarization involves a decrease in [Na+]i mediated by inhibition of ENaC and regulated by PKA through activation of CFTR channels.
Autophagy plays an essential role in the clearance of Pseudomonas aeruginosa by alveolar macrophages
Authors: Yuan Kefei , Huang Canhua , Fox John , Laturnus Donna , Carlson Edward , Zhang Binjie , Yin Qi , Gao Hongwei , Wu Min
Published: February 2012

Intracellular bacteria have been shown to cause autophagy, which impacts infectious outcomes, whereas extracellular bacteria have not been reported to activate autophagy. Here, we demonstrate that Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a Gram-negative extracellular bacterium, activates autophagy with considerably increased LC3 punctation in both an alveolar macrophage cell line (MH-S) and primary alveolar macrophages. Using the LC3 Gly120 mutant, we successfully demonstrated a hallmark of autophagy, conjugation of LC3 to phosphatidylethanolamine (PE). The accumulation of typical autophagosomes with double membranes was identified morphologically by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Furthermore, the increase of PE-conjugated LC3 was indeed induced by infection rather than inhibition of lysosome degradation. P. aeruginosa induced autophagy through the classical beclin-1–Atg7–Atg5 pathway as determined by specific siRNA analysis. Rapamycin and IFN-γ (autophagy inducers) augmented bacterial clearance, whereas beclin-1 and Atg5 knockdown reduced intracellular bacteria. Thus, P. aeruginosa-induced autophagy represents a host protective mechanism, providing new insight into the pathogenesis of this infection.
Presenilin-2 regulates the degradation of RBP-Jk protein through p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase
Authors: Kim Su-Man , Kim Mi-Yeon , Ann Eun-Jung , Mo Jung-Soon , Yoon Ji-Hye , Park Hee-Sae
Published: February 2012

Transcriptional regulation performs a central role in Notch1 signaling by recombining binding protein Suppressor of Hairless (RBP-Jk) – a signaling pathway that is widely involved in determination of cell fate. Our earlier work demonstrated the possible regulation of the Notch1–RBP-Jk pathway through protein degradation of RBP-Jk; however, the potential regulator for the degradation of RBP-Jk remains to be determined. Here, we report that the expression of endogenous and exogenous RBP-Jk was increased significantly in cells treated with proteasome- and lysosome-specific inhibitors. The effects of these inhibitors on RBP-Jk occurred in a dose- and time-dependent manner. The level of RBP-Jk protein was higher in presenilin-2 (PS2)-knockout cells than in presenilin-1 (PS1)-knockout cells. Furthermore, the level of RBP-Jk was decreased by expression of PS2 in PS1 and PS2 double-knockout cells. We also found that PS1-knockout cells treated with a specific inhibitor of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase ∂ (MAPK) had significantly increased levels of RBP-Jk. p38 MAPK phosphorylates RBP-Jk at Thr339 by physical binding, which subsequently induces the degradation and ubiquitylation of the RBP-Jk protein. Collectively, our results indicate that PS2 modulates the degradation of RBP-Jk through phosphorylation by p38 MAPK.
Epinephrine-dependent control of glucose metabolism in white adipose tissue: the role ofα- andβ-adrenergic signalling
Authors: Cahova Monika , Palenickova Eliska , Papackova Zuzana , Dankova Helena , Skop Vojtech , Kazdova Ludmila
Published: February 2012

Epinephrine controls many important and sometimes opposite processes. This pleiotropic effect is achieved via coupling to different receptor/effector systems. In epididymal white adipose tissue (EWAT) of Wistar rats, we showed that epinephrine stimulated protein kinase B (PKB) phosphorylation on Ser473. Epinephrine further increased the glucose incorporation into glyceride-glycerol without decreasing glucose availability for other metabolic pathways (i.e. lactate production). Wortmannin (phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase inhibitor) treatment significantly decreased glucose incorporation into glyceride-glycerol and elevated the epinephrine-induced release of free fatty acids (FFA) from the adipose tissue without any change in the intensity of lipolysis measured as glycerol release. Using specific cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) analogs we demonstrated that cAMP–protein kinase A (PKA) signalling resulted in a strong PKB dephosphorylation and significantly lowered the glucose availability in EWAT. Specific activation of the Epac (exchange protein activated by cAMP)-dependent pathway had only a moderately negative effect on PKB phosphorylation and glucose metabolism. In contrast, α1agonist methoxamine increased PKB phosphorylation and lactate production. This effect of methoxamine was additive to the effect of insulin and it was abolished by wortmannin treatment. In EWAT of spontaneously dyslipidemic hereditary hypertriglyceridemic (HHTg) rats, we demonstrated significantly lower epinephrine-induced glucose utilization but higher sensitivity to its lipolytic effect. We conclude that in EWAT, epinephrine controls two opposite processes (FFA release and FFA retention) via two different effector systems. The impairment of α1-dependent, epinephrine-stimulated, glycolysis-dependent FFA esterification may contribute to the establishment of dyslipidemia in insulin resistance.
Role of myocyte enhancing factor 2B in epithelial myofibroblast transition of human gingival keratinocytes
Authors: Sun Qiang , Sattayakhom Apsorn , Backs Johannes , Stremmel Wolfgang , Chamulitrat Walee
Published: February 2012

It has recently emerged that the myogenic contribution of the epithelial mesenchymal transition plays a role in neoplastic invasion and metastasis. Myocyte enhancing factor 2B (MEF2B) is the only MEF2 isoform expressed during early embryonic development, and is herein proposed to transactivate the downstream target proteins of the epithelial myofibroblast transition (EMyT). We have previously generated eight preneoplastic cell lines with spindle and cobblestone morphology from human gingival mucosal keratinocytes immortalized by E6/E7 of human papillomavirus type 16. Spindle cells formed tubulogenic morphogenesis on Matrigel and exhibited contractility, anchorage-independent growth and invasiveness to a greater extent than cobblestone cells. Expression of MEF2B mRNA and myofibroblast proteins was higher in spindle cells compared with cobblestone cells. Epidermal growth factor (EGF) treatment of cobblestone cells also induced expression of these genes. Knockdown of MEF2B in a cobblestone cell line abolished EGF-induced upregulation of MEF2, vimentin and non-muscle caldesmon proteins, but enhanced basal expression of mesenchymal vimentin and fibronectin. Differential regulation of intermediate filaments revealed an unrecognized role of MEF2B in myogenic transformation of the epithelial to a myofibroblast phenotype, which occurs as epithelioid variants in some soft tissue sarcomas.
Embedded Nash Bargaining: Risk Aversion and Impatience
Authors: Lippman Steven A. , McCardle Kevin F.
Published: February 2012

In telling the tale of, and analyzing the decisions made by, an heir claimant to a large fortune, Lippman and McCardle (2004) introduce embedded Nash bargaining, an approach to modeling joint decision making. They embed several bargaining games in a joint decision tree and calculate the expected payoffs to the two sides if the Nash bargaining solution is used to generate the intermediate payoffs from bargaining. The purpose of the current paper is to provide theoretical underpinnings for that approach: we establish some general results regarding the existence, uniqueness, and comparative statics (with respect to costs, risk aversion, and time discounting) of the embedded Nash bargaining solution. In particular, when the disagreement payoff is random, we show that a decision maker's embedded Nash bargaining payoff decreases with both his risk aversion and impatience, and it increases with his opponent's risk aversion and impatience.
Powder X-Ray Diffraction Study of the Hydration and Leaching Behavior of Nontronite
Authors: Scarlett Nicola V. Y. , Raven Mark , Madsen Ian
Published: February 2012

Nontronite is a significant component of commercially important nickel laterite ores. Its behavior during high-pressure acid leaching of such ores may have an impact upon the efficiency of the process. The present study was conducted in order to further investigate the response of this material during high-pressure acid leaching. In situ synchrotron powder X-ray diffraction data were collected from a number of nontronite samples during hydration and leaching reactions at ambient and elevated temperatures. The present study followed previous high-pressure acid-leaching studies of nontronite where unexpected contraction and expansion behavior of the clay was observed by means of in situ X-ray diffraction. In the earlier studies the data sets only extended to ~20 Å so that when the nontronite expanded to greater than 19.5 Å (hydrated) the main 001 peak was only partially visible in the observed d-spacing range. The aim of the current work was to collect similar in situ diffraction data over a greater d-spacing range to observe more fully the movement of the main 001 reflection in order to better understand the changes taking place. This work was undertaken at the powder diffraction beamline of the Australian Synchrotron which was configured such that an upper d-spacing limit of ~34.5 Å could be achieved. Suggestions arising out of the previous work were confirmed along with additional information from testing of samples from the Source Clays Repository of The ClayMinerals Society. These results also show contradictory behavior of clays with the layer charge distributed over tetrahedral and octahedral sheets.
Clay-Mineral Formation in Soils Developed in the Weathering Zone of Pyrite-Bearing Schists: A Case Study from The Abandoned Pyrite Mine in Wieściszowice, Lower Silesia, SW Poland
Authors: Uzarowicz Łukasz , Skiba Stefan , Skiba Michał , Šegvić Branimir
Published: February 2012

Intense mineral transformations that produce acid soils from weathering zones of pyritebearing rocks, including alterations of layer silicates, are of critical importance to agricultural and environmental interests in various regions of the world. To date, the transformations of layer silicates in these soils have not been studied in detail. The aim of the present investigation was to examine the weathering pathways controlling processes of clay-mineral formation in acidic soils developed near the abandoned pyrite mine in Wieściszowice (Lower Silesia, SW Poland). A sequence of soils, from weakly developed technogenic soils (located on the mine dumps) to well developed natural soils, was selected. Bulk soil material and separated clay fractions were analyzed using X-ray diffractometry, Fouriertransform infrared spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive spectrometry. The profiles analyzed were developed on pyrite-bearing schists containing trioctahedral Mg,Fe-chlorite and dioctahedral micas (muscovite and paragonite). Because of pyrite weathering, all the soils studied were strongly acidic (pH 2.8–4.4). Inherited chlorite and micas (K- and Na-mica) predominated in the clay fractions of soils developed on the mine dumps, whereas clays from natural soils were rich in pedogenic minerals (i.e. smectite, vermiculite, and mixed-layer minerals containing hydrated interlayers). The formation of both vermiculite and smectite at the expense of chlorite was observed in the soils studied. The transformation probably led to smectite formation via intermediate stages of mixed-layer minerals (i.e. chlorite-vermiculite, chlorite-smectite, and/or vermiculite-smectite). The process of chlorite dissolution took place simultaneously with the transformation. Micas were mainly transformed to smectite and mixedlayer mica-smectite. Neoformation of kaolinite occurring in A horizons of the soils investigated was also documented. Metal-hydroxy interlayers in Bw horizons of well developed soils were found. The process of interlayer development appeared to be pH dependent and took place at pH ⩾4.2. The processes of claymineral formation in soils developed in the weathering zone of a pyrite-bearing schist are similar to those occurring in podzols (Spodosols).
Illite From Muloorina, South Australia
Authors: Eggleton Richard A. , Gerald John Fitz
Published: February 2012

Illite from Muloorina, just south of Lake Eyre in South Australia, is commonly used as a standard ferric iron-bearing illite which has a cation exchange capacity (CEC) of ~22 meq/100 g, too high a value for this clay to conform to the most recent conclusions about illite composition. The objective of the present study was to reassess the Muloorina illite to determine the reason for this high CEC value. The composition determined by X-ray fluorescence analysis calculated to a cation charge of +22 is K0.68(Mg0.39Al1.02Fe0.543+Fe0.042+)[Si3.59Al0.38Fe0.033+]O10(OH)2. X-ray diffraction of glycolated and heated K-saturated Muloorina illite revealed no evidence of expandable layers. The cell dimensions are a = 5.314(1)Å, b = 9.040(1)Å, c = 10.135(3)Å, and b = 100.97(3)° (3σ in parentheses). Transmission electron microscopy revealed that Muloorina illite has a remarkably fine and uniform particle size in the form of irregularly stepped hexagonal crystals, averaging 60 nm in diameter at their widest, and 35 nm thick, each step being ~7 nm high. At most steps and between many steps defects occur where a 2:1 layer terminates, with a wide interlayer spacing beyond, commonly reaching to the crystal edge. Even though uninterrupted stacking of >10 or so 2:1 layers across one crystal is uncommon, the irregular distribution of the dislocations leaves appreciable structural continuity so that the mean diffracting thickness is of the order of 16 nm. Muloorina illite is not an interstratified illite-smectite, but a mica mineral with low-charge regions associated with terminating 2:1 layer defects. Such regions are wedge shaped at the nm scale and stabilized by the bonding of the illitic remainder of that interlayer. Approximately 17% of the total volume of each Muloorina illite crystallite is occupied by such low-charge 2:1 layers.
Hydration Behavior of MX80 Bentonite in a Confined-Volume System: Implications for Backfill Design
Authors: Perdrial Julia N. , Warr Laurence N.
Published: February 2012

Bentonites are considered suitable backfill material for planned underground nuclear-waste repositories because of an inherent capacity to self-seal and retain contaminants when hydrated. Barrier effectiveness, however, depends on the physical properties of bentonite after placement in a repository site, where hydration state and bulk density can vary. The objective of the present study was to investigate commercial bentonite MX80 hydration rates and mechanisms during water infiltration into dry, moist, and wet samples using the ‘wet-cell’ X-ray diffraction technique. During experimentation, water enters a small flow-through cell and induces swelling within a confined reaction volume, analogous to clay barriers in excavated underground sites. Results demonstrated the importance of using dry, well compacted (>1.4 g/cm3) bentonite, which became saturated slowly (<2.0 ×10−9 m/s) with minimal water in noninterlayer sites (external-surface sites, or within pores). The significant degree of interlayer expansion dominated by the formation of two and eventually three water layers developed as hydration clusters with greater probabilities for the same thickness to lie in adjacent interlayer sites. The relatively thicker particles and the less accessible surface area of hydrated, initially dry bentonite probably resulted in less pore-controlled diffusion, but also less potential radionuclide adsorption by surface complexation. Moist MX80 had the greatest water uptake, the smallest (1.23 g/cm3) dry bulk density, and the greatest proportion of water in pores and on external surfaces. Water that initially accumulated in pore spaces subsequently acted as a reservoir for interlayer hydration and probable gel formation in trapped voids, which is expected to occur in more loosely filled gaps within an excavated repository.
Jurats as Adjudicators in the Channel Islands and the Importance of Lay Participation
Authors: Hanson Timothy
Published: February 2012

Many legal systems place great importance upon lay persons adjudicating in courts and tribunals but how those persons are chosen, the precise role that they perform and the qualities that they are supposed to bring to the legal process are issues that often excite lively debate. This paper is about the Channel Islands, which enjoy as part of their legal systems adjudicators known as Jurés-Justiciers or ‘Jurats’ who normally have no legal qualifications or training before being able to take up such posts. Historically, the Jurats have played an essential part in the Channel Islands being able to maintain their curious constitutional position in the British Isles by their knowledge and application of the customary laws prevailing in each island and their jealous protection of such customs from outside interference. Nevertheless, in the twenty-first century, when legal principle from one jurisdiction can more readily influence the development of law in another related system and public expectations are no less demanding than elsewhere in the British Isles, it is important to reassess the role of the Jurats. In so doing, it will be readily appreciated that the Jurat system, albeit in need of some reform, is no mere curiosity of the past but something of which Channel Islanders can be justifiably proud.
Partition of Land in the Commonwealth Caribbean
Authors: Cooper S.A.A.
Published: February 2012

In contrast to England, applications for partition of land are still alive and well in the Caribbean, but for various reasons it can be difficult to obtain legal sources to provide guidance on the proper exercise of the power to partition. This paper assists by identifying principles according to which the jurisdiction could be exercised and assessing their suitability to the Caribbean.
‘Good Agricultural Practices’ in the Agri-Food Supply Chain
Authors: Burrell Alison
Published: February 2012

Criteria defining ‘good agricultural practice’ (GAP) were originally developed for on-farm production methods and resource use. For a decade, GAP principles have been applied throughout the entire agri-food supply chain by organisations promoting voluntary private standard (PS) schemes. Although the stated aim of such schemes is to provide consumers with guarantees of food safety and quality, they are strongly driven by the desire to reduce transaction costs within the chain and to limit the legal liability of chain operators and retailers in the wake of food safety lapses. They raise issues concerning their compatibility with the polluter pays principle, the legitimacy of the standard-setting process, potential duplication of the safeguards enshrined in public legislation, and the extent to which they erect barriers to market entry and impede competition. The extension of voluntary PS schemes to global food chains raises further questions about their compatibility with sustainable development goals and with WTO rules regarding import restrictions based on production methods. Current challenges include the operational coexistence of mandatory public standards and voluntary private standards in the agri-food arena, and how they might be better harmonised within national and international legal frameworks.
A Political Judgment? Reconciling Hearsay and the Right to Challenge
Authors: Jones Imogen
Published: February 2012

The hearsay provisions in the Criminal Justice Bill 2002 attracted considerable political opposition, often based upon a belief that the provisions unacceptably interfered with a defendant's right to challenge. The government's counter position has to be understood as advancing its policy goals, continuing the politicisation of criminal justice. This article examines the approach of the courts to the issue of whether a conviction can be based primarily on hearsay evidence in R v Horncastle, evaluating the relationship between the arguments advanced in Parliament and by the courts. It is argued that there are significant overlaps between the two, an understanding of the political context being essential to a full appreciation of the legal judgments.
Disclosure of Foreign Intelligence Material: CPIA, Norwich Pharmacal and the War on Terror
Authors: Taylor Chris
Published: February 2012

The statutory regime for advance disclosure in criminal cases under the Criminal Procedure and Investigations Act 1996 (CPIA) makes little express provision for material which is held by third parties. This creates particular problems in cases involving sensitive intelligence material produced, not by the domestic security services, but by their foreign counterparts. In an attempt to address this issue, the Norwich Pharmacal principle has been utilised as an alternative mechanism to secure disclosure. This article considers the approach of the courts in such cases and the extent to which this represents an additional due process protection for defendants.
Understanding ‘Happy Slapping’
Authors: Chan Stephanie , Khader Majeed , Ang Jansen , Tan Eunice , Khoo Katharine , Chin Jeffery
Published: February 2012

There have been several cases worldwide of a phenomenon termed ‘happy slapping’ in the recent years. This paper discusses happy slapping and undertakes an analysis of this new crime trend. The analysis is undertaken using four angles (the ‘CLIP profiling approach’ employed by the Behavioural Sciences Unit, Singapore) using five case studies from different parts of the world: a criminalistics and forensic science perspective, a legal perspective, an investigative and operational perspective and a psychological perspective. Each perspective provides a richer understanding of this new phenomenon. The paper concludes with recommendations for future research on this phenomenon.
Physical Skills and Work Performance in Policing
Authors: Lagestad Pål
Published: February 2012

Research has indicated that most police tasks seem to be, in general, fairly undemanding physically. Nevertheless, physical skills may be particularly important in police work. This study examines the extent to which this is so. The study is based on a survey of police students as well as observations and informal conversations with police students and police officers, together with interviews with police students. The findings indicate that physical skills are important in police work for three reasons: while physical skills seem to be essential in situations that necessitate physical force, physical skills also seem important from health and psychological perspectives. This study indicates that even if most police tasks do not seem to require excellent physical skills, it is important that police officers and police students exercise and have these skills.
Being Informed: The Complexities of Knowledge, Deception and Consent When Transmitting HIV
Authors: Cherkassky Lisa
Published: February 2012

The offence of inflicting grievous bodily harm under s. 20 of the Offences Against the Person Act 1861 has been confirmed as the most appropriate ground for convicting a reckless transmission of the HIV virus through sexual intercourse.1 An informed consent from the victim, along with a reasonable belief in that consent from the defendant, will now suffice as a defence to such a charge.2 However, it remains unclear how and when the victim must be informed of the relevant circumstances in order to provide consent to infected intercourse, and it is also undecided whether the defendant himself must divulge his HIV status in order to claim an honest belief in the victim's consent.3 Additionally, the fine line of consensual activity drawn in R v Brown4 appears to have been eroded by recent HIV transmission cases.5 This article outlines the development in relation to s. 20 to include HIV offences; it aims to untangle the recent authorities on knowledge, deception and consent in relation to both victims and perpetrators in reckless HIV transmission cases and suggests a way forward for the law in the shape of a new offence.
Suing Detectives
Authors: Carson David
Published: February 2012

In Australia, New Zealand, the United States of America and the United Kingdom you can sue a negligent doctor, but not a negligent detective. You can sue both doctors and detectives in Canada and South Africa. Why the difference? Would making detectives liable for negligent police investigations improve their decision making or, as many judges assert, increase risk aversion and divert significant resources from tackling crime? This article explains the civil law of negligence but criticises its judicial application in cases of alleged negligent investigation. It argues that the current position is no longer sustainable. As increasingly recognised by senior judges, legislative intervention is inevitable and overdue. Police forces should not be opposing change but preparing to manage the consequences by seizing the opportunities available to ensure that a learning paradigm is embedded within a new scheme which limits costs and prevents many of the problems which the judges, albeit exaggeratedly, predict.
The Impact and Application of Criminal Networks Theory in Local Neighbourhoods, and its Relationship with Local, National and International Criminality
Authors: Benjamin Lewis
Published: February 2012

This article attempts to explain how combining some of the recent thinking about organised criminal networks, street gangs and confidential intelligence with local problem-solving initiatives offers an integrated solution to tackling the harm caused by criminals in communities. It does not claim to be a panacea, but makes specific reference to the impact of criminal networks at a neighbourhood level, and the relationship among gangs, criminal networks and their precursor ‘peer groups’, and touches on how international networks affect crime in neighbourhoods. It also proposes possible collaborative solutions for addressing this criminal challenge as part of an integrated approach.
A Europe That Protects: Moving to the Next Stage of Cross-Border Law Enforcement Cooperation
Authors: O'Neill Maria
Published: February 2012

Three layers of changes are afoot in transnational policing cooperation within the EU. In addition to reform of Europol and Eurojust, the Lisbon Treaty came into force on 1 December 2009, and the Stockholm Programme, for the next five years, was published at the end of December 2009. Each of these developments will have a major impact on the legal and policy framework for transnational EU policing. This article critically analyses these changes from an EU law perspective.
The Growth and Permanency of Criminal Records with Particular Reference to Juveniles
Authors: Williams Clifford
Published: February 2012

There have been a number of significant developments in recent years that have contributed to the growth and permanency of criminal records in England and Wales. First, the greater recording and retention of criminal records and their connection to the processes of disclosure associated with the suitability or otherwise of people to work with children and other vulnerable people. Secondly, the expansion of the type of offences which are recorded in criminal records, both recorded in criminal statistics and in personal records. And thirdly, the performance culture where police force performance is measured by a series of collated figures and targets, in particular detection targets.

In addition to these developments, a ruling in the Supreme Court of Justice Court of Appeal (Civil Division) (2009 EWCA Civ 1079) allows all personal criminal records to be retained and potentially be disclosed for up to one hundred years.

This article examines these developments with particular reference to juveniles. The impact such records may have on employment prospects and especially work with either young people or vulnerable adults is examined.

In this article ‘juvenile’ refers to those aged 10 to 17 years of age who if charged with a crime would normally appear at a Youth Court.
Officer Perceptions of Canada's ‘First Nations Policing Program’
Authors: Ruddell Rick , Lithopoulos Savvas
Published: February 2012

This study examined the perceptions of service delivery and attitudes towards the First Nations Policing Program (FNPP) of 434 sworn officers working in Aboriginal communities. Officers working for self-administered police services (operated by First Nations) were less optimistic about both the effectiveness of service delivery and whether the goals of the FNPP were being met when compared with members of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), who provided contract policing to these communities. These results suggest that officer experiences in policing, where they work, their demographic characteristics, as well as their organisational affiliation may shape their perspectives on policing. Implications for future research on Aboriginal, Indigenous and Tribal policing are outlined.
Cracking Resistance and Impact Wear of Thin and Thick Hard Coatings Under Cyclic Loading
Authors: Kulu Priit , Saarna Mart , Sergejev Fjodor , Surženkov Andrei , Sivitski Alina
Published: February 2012

Among wear resistant coatings and deposition techniques physical vapour deposition of hard thin coatings and high-velocity oxy-fuel spraying of thick WC-Co-based powder coating have provided good wear protection against various types of wear including impact wear. Three different substrate and coating systems—hard metal-coating, cold work tool steel-coating and nitrided steel-coating—were studied. Mono- and multilayer coatings as well as duplex coatings were selected for testing. For characterization of coating systems nanohardness and microhardness as well as Rockwell adhesion test and single point indentation methods were used. Wear resistance of coatings was determined considering impact wear. The best adhesion determined by indentation was demonstrated by monolayer coating (TiN) on a hard metal substrate; the same coating system has a higher impact wear resistance. The coatings with multilayer structure (TiAlN) demonstrate better cracking resistance. Resistance to cracking as well as to impact wear depends on coating E/H ratio (at lower loads) as well as on substrate material E/H ratio (at higher loads). For characterization of resistance to plastic deformation for substrate Hs3Es2 ratio was used. The obtained data enable a comparison of cracking and impact wear resistance of a coated system and selection of an optimal coating for metal forming tools applications.
Querdynamische Fahrzeugführung zur reproduzierbaren Erprobung von Sicherheitssystemen
Authors: Zindler Klaus , Hahn Stefan , Zecha Stephan , Jürgens Gunnar
Published: February 2012

Die hohe Komplexität moderner Fahrzeugsicherheitssysteme macht die Entwicklung neuer, standardisierter Testverfahren erforderlich. Der Beitrag beschreibt den Entwurf eines querdynamischen Fahrzeugführungssystems, welches eine systematische Validierung der neuen Sicherheitsfunktionen im Rahmen reproduzierbarer Fahrversuche ermöglicht.
Onboardfähige Ladeoptimierung
Authors: Dietze Markus , Wolf Patrick , Preuschoff Werner
Published: February 2012

Ziel der Ladeoptimierung ist die Ermittlung einer möglichst optimalen Ladestrategie, welche die Anforderungen des Fahrzeughalters, des Fahrzeugs und des Energieversorgungssystems berücksichtigt. Um dies zu ermöglichen, müssen entsprechende Informationen zwischen diesen drei Parteien ausgetauscht und verarbeitet werden. Die Grundlage für den Austausch soll das SmartCharge Communication Protokoll bieten, welches im Rahmen der ISO/IEC 15118 weltweit standardisiert wird. In diesem Artikel liegt der Fokus auf der fahrzeugseitigen Verarbeitung der vorhandenen Informationen.
Einfluss Gesteuerten Ladens von Elektrofahrzeugen auf Verteilnetze bei volatiler Windeinspeisung
Authors: Agsten Michael , Schlegel Steffen , Westermann Dirk
Published: February 2012

Der vorliegende Aufsatz fasst Erkenntnisse zum Gesteuerten Laden von Elektrofahrzeugen zusammen. Es werden zwei Verfahren gezeigt. Das Wind−2-Vehicle-Verfahren (W2V) ist Beispiel für die Nutzung Gesteuerten Ladens, um einer regenerativen Einspeisung folgenden Bedarf zu realisieren. Das Lokale Lastmanagement (LLM) ist Beispiel, um Informationen aus dem Verteilnetz zu nutzen, um die Ladeleistung von Elektrofahrzeugen zeitlich zu begrenzen.
Energy Efficient Data Center
Authors: Bieswanger Andreas , Hamann Hendrik F. , Wehle Hans-Dieter
Published: February 2012

In this article we describe the application of physical analytics to manage optimally energy consumption of a data center (DC). In its core the solution leverages the intelligent co-management of IT workloads and the physical infrastructure of the DC. Specifically, we demonstrate workload dependent control using real-time data such as temperature, pressure, humidity and power consumption. The data is used to build specific and comprehensive models, which enables operators to either control the cooling resources or alternatively to place the IT workloads for optimum energy usage.