bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A proteomic study of peripheral blood mononuclear cells in systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Dai Y , Hu C , Huang Y , Huang HY , Liu J , Lv T
Published: August 2008

Our objective was to analyze the changes in the protein expression profiles of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Peripheral blood was obtained from patients with SLE and healthy controls. 2-D gel electrophoresis was performed, and gels were silver-stained. Differentially expressed protein spots were detected, some of which were identified by MALDI-TOF spectrometry. Match rates of 71% ± 4% and 72% ± 4% were gotten for control and patient gels, respectively. 791 ± 17 spots were detected for control gels and 781 ± 17 for patient gels. Eleven protein spots were up-regulated, and 9 protein spots were down-regulated in patients with SLE. Five differentially expressed proteins were identified as immunoglobulin J chain, apolipoprotein A-IV precursor, calprotectin L1H and zinc finger protein subfamily 1A (all up-regulated) and glutathione S-transferase (down-regulated), some of which had previously been shown to play a potential role in the pathogenesis of SLE. We conclude there are significant changes in the 2-D maps of PBMCs in patients with SLE and applying this proteomic approach may be a useful way to gain novel insights into SLE.
Hypocomplementemic urticarial vasculitis with Jaccoud’s arthropathy and valvular heart disease: case report and review of the literature
Authors: Amano H , Furuhata N , Tamura N , Tokano Y , Takasaki Y
Published: August 2008

We describe a female Japanese patient with concomitant hypocomplementemic urticarial vasculitis, Jaccoud’s arthropathy and valvular heart disease. In 1996, she developed arthritis with swelling of both proximal interphalangeal joints and urticarial vasculitis on both arms that was resolved by administration of glucocorticoid (prednisolone 30 mg/day). Tests for antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies, antinuclear antibody and rheumatoid factor gave negative results. The findings of a skin biopsy examination were consistent with ‘leukocytoclastic vasculitis’. During 10 years of observation, the patient manifested polyarthritis leading to progressive deformity of the joints of the hands and feet (without loss of cartilage or erosion of bone), persistent urticaria exacerbated by cold and accompanied by hypocomplementemia and progressive cardiac valvular disease with mitral valve regurgitation. There are only three reports described previously documenting five patients with this rare combination of manifestations.
Severe clinical course of systemic lupus erythematosus in the first year of life
Authors: Zulian F , Pluchinotta FR , Martini G , Da Dalt L , Zacchello G
Published: August 2008

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) very rarely occurs before the age of 5. Herein we describe the clinical features of infantile SLE (iSLE) with onset during the first year of life. The clinical and laboratory characteristics of iSLE patients followed at the Department of Pediatrics of Padua were analyzed. They were combined with those collected from the literature by performing a systematic literature search on PubMed using the following keywords: SLE, infant, laboratory, therapy, and outcome. A total of 13 patients with iSLE, 2 from our Institution and 11 from the literature, are included in this review. Seven (53.8%) were females and 6 were males (46.2%). The age at disease onset ranged from 6 weeks to 11 months. In comparison with juvenile systemic lupus erythematosus (jSLE), iSLE showed a higher prevalence of positive family history for autoimmune diseases, systemic symptoms at presentation, internal organs involvement, and shorter time between symptoms onset and diagnosis. Anemia and thrombocytopenia were present in the majority of the patients at diagnosis, whereas leukopenia was rarely observed. The overall prognosis in iSLE was very poor: 5/13 infants died between 2 and 31 months after the onset, and 5/13 had severe disease course with residual organ damage. SLE can start as early as during the first year of life and is more severe than in the later age groups.
Strengthening the European region of IUHPE — Work Plan of IUHPE/EURO for 2008—10
Authors: Pyykkö Mika , Koskenkorva Satu
Published: August 2008

The commentary presents the Work Plan of the IUHPE European Region for 2008—10. The plan has been put together after a comprehensive discussion and review of the results of a survey of IUPHE European Region members. The result is a plan that provides overarching and future-oriented support for the development of the activities in the region. The main strategies of the new IUHPE/EURO Work Plan include: 1. effective working of the Regional Committee; 2. supporting and engaging IUHPE members; 3. advocacy and partnership building; 4. strengthening communications; and 5. follow-up and evaluation. (Promot Educ 2008;15(3): 41-43)
The SunWise Policy Intervention for School-Based Sun Protection: A Pilot Study
Authors: Emmons Karen M. , Geller Alan C. , Viswanath Vish , Rutsch Linda , Zwirn Jodie , Gorham Sue , Puleo Elaine
Published: August 2008

Skin cancer is highly preventable, but clearly there is a critical need to focus on better ways to disseminate information about known skin cancer prevention. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) SunWise Program is one channel for reaching children, teachers, and school nurses. In a pilot study designed to increase adoption of school-based sun protection policies, 28 schools were randomly assigned to one of three groups: Control, which included the EPA’s original SunWise curriculum toolkit; SunWise Policy, which included a revised toolkit emphasizing policy; and SunWise Policy plus Technical Assistance, which included the policy toolkit and 3 technical assistance phone calls. The enhanced SunWise Policy plus Technical Assistance intervention led to more new sun protection policies. Use of study interventions for improving sun protection practices such as policy toolkits or brief counseling can be easily interwoven into school hours by school nurses and other health educators.
Clean Intermittent Catheterization in the School Setting
Authors: Katrancha Elizabeth D.
Published: August 2008

Spina bifida (SB) is a neural tube defect that causes many physical and mental disabilities. Bowel and bladder incontinence is the disability seen most often in these students that requires the school nurse’s attention. Clean intermittent catheterization (CIC) provides the student with SB a vehicle to reach a satisfactory level of continence, helps build self-esteem, and allows the student greater independence. The school nurse assists the student with SB with CIC in the school setting and reinforces the importance of correct technique with the student, family, and other personnel caring for the student. The success of a continence management program at school is dependent on all these individuals working together with the common goal of maintaining normal renal function, gaining urinary continence, and promoting independence of the student.
The Disruptive Behavior Rating Scale—Parent Version (DBRS-PV)
Authors: Friedman-Weieneth Julie L. , Doctoroff Greta L. , Harvey Elizabeth A. , Goldstein Lauren H.
Published: August 2008

Objective: Despite recognition that disruptive behavior disorders often begin early in development, existing assessment tools are largely based on research with school-aged children. Further empirical work is needed to evaluate the utility of these tools in younger children. Methods: The present study investigated the factor structure, internal consistency, and validity of the Disruptive Behavior Rating Scale -Parent Version (DBRS-PV) in a sample of preschoolers. Participants included mothers and fathers of 261 three- to four-year-old children with and without behavior problems. Results: Findings provide support for the use of the DBRS-PV as a measure of disruptive behavior disorder symptoms in this age group, with strong internal consistency and evidence of convergent/divergent and discriminative validity. Conclusions: Results provide evidence in favor of a two-factor (a. inattention/hyperactivity -impulsivity and b. oppositional defiant behaviors) and moderate support for a three-factor (a. inattention, b. hyperactivity -impulsivity, and c. oppositional defiant behaviors) conceptualization of attention and disruptive behavior disorder symptoms among preschool children.
The association of periodontal disease, diabetes and cardiovascular disease
Authors: Gadsby Roger
Published: August 2008

Background: Evidence for a link between periodontal disease and several systemic diseases is growing rapidly. Current evidence suggests that periodontitis is associated with an increased likelihood of coronary heart disease and diabetes

Scope: A consensus group reviewed published data on the contributory role of periodontal disease to overall health. Particular consideration was given to a role for periodontal disease in cardiovascular disease and in diabetes

Conclusions: Further research is needed to define the population-attributable risk of periodontal disease to cardiovascular diseases and to diabetes control and progression. Br J Diabetes Vasc Dis 2008; 8: 188—189.
Weight management and cardiovascular disease: implications of recent and ongoing clinical trials
Authors: Wilding John , Finer Nick
Published: August 2008

Obesity is a global issue with increasing evidence that overweight and obesity are associated with a higher chronic disease risk. Despite over 10 years of government recognition of a need to develop and implement effective prevention strategies, all age groups are getting fatter with overweight becoming the `norm'. Modest weight loss reduces many of the risk factors that accompany obesity, notably type 2 diabetes, hypertension and dyslipidaemia. Adherence to lifestyle changes required to achieve these improvements is poor and progressively more weight-loss medications are used as adjunctive therapy, while bariatric surgery is performed for the severely obese.

Currently available pharmacotherapy shows encouraging benefits in clinical trials but remains unproven as an effective strategy to support long-term weight loss and weight maintenance and for translation of improved surrogate risk markers into fewer cardiovascular events and a longer life. Three large clinical trials are ongoing in an attempt to answer this question. Br J Diabetes Vasc Dis 2008; 8: 170—176
Screening for type 2 diabetes mellitus in children and adolescents
Authors: Agwu J Chizo
Published: August 2008

There is debate about the rationale and the most cost-effective strategy for screening adults for type 2 diabetes and a paucity of literature on the subject in children. Although tests exist to detect undiagnosed type 2 diabetes, these tests have not been extensively studied in this age group, and the outcomes of additional years of treatment in these screening-detected individuals are currently unknown. Despite this, the American Diabetes Association (ADA) recommends opportunistic screening of at-risk children. The true prevalence of childhood type 2 diabetes is unknown in many countries and the natural history of the condition has not been fully delineated in this age group. This review evaluates the rationale for screening asymptomatic children and adolescents for type 2 diabetes using modified World Health Organisation (WHO) criteria. Br J Diabetes Vasc Dis 2008; 8: 163—168
Switching basal analogue insulins — short-term weight effects
Authors: Ubogagu Edith , Samarasinghe YP , Munro Niel , Feher Michael D
Published: August 2008

Efforts to improve glycaemic control in people with diabetes have encouraged more intensive therapeutic approaches. Hypoglycaemia is a risk associated with insulin therapy and a further consequence of intensified treatment is unwanted weight gain. The introduction of the long-acting insulin analogues, glargine and detemir, has provided a circulating insulin profile more reminiscent of normal basal insulin. This has allowed insulin dose escalation with a reduced risk of hypoglycaemia. The current study investigates the effect of switching treatment to insulin detemir in patients who had gained weight on insulin glargine therapy. Two months of treatment with insulin detemir did not alter glycaemic control or insulin dosage, but body weight was significantly reduced in patients with type 1 (p<0.05) and type 2 (p<0.005) diabetes. Br J Diabetes Vasc Dis 2008; 8: 183—186
Focus on glycaemic management: A veritable feast or a dog's dinner?
Authors: Davies Melanie
Published: August 2008

The latest National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence guideline was published in May 2008. Despite the availability of several new pharmacological interventions for the treatment of type 2 diabetes since the previous guidance in 2002, the incretin mimetic exenatide is the only newer agent included in the new guideline. Herein, the key priorities around glycaemic management are reviewed and consideration is given to whether the guideline is likely to have major implications for management of people with type 2 diabetes. Br J Diabetes Vasc Dis 2008; 8: 191—194
Lnk adaptor protein down-regulates specific Kit-induced signaling pathways in primary mast cells
Authors: Simon Clotilde , Dondi Elisabetta , Chaix Amandine , de Sepulveda Paulo , Kubiseski Terrance J. , Varin-Blank Nadine , Velazquez Laura
Published: August 2008

Stem cell factor (SCF) plays critical roles in proliferation, survival, migration, and function of hematopoietic progenitor and mast cells through binding to Kit receptor. Previous studies have implicated the adaptor protein Lnk as an important negative regulator of SCF signaling. However, the molecular mechanism underlying this regulation is unclear. Here, we showed that the Src homology 2 domain (SH2) of Lnk binds directly and preferentially to phosphorylated tyrosine 567 in Kit juxtamembrane domain. Using Lnk−/− bone marrow mast cells (BMMCs) transduced with different Lnk proteins, we demonstrated that Lnk down-regulates SCF-induced proliferation with attenuation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and c-jun N-terminal kinase signaling. Furthermore, we showed that Lnk−/− BMMCs displayed increased SCF-dependent migration compared with wild-type cells, revealing a novel Lnk-mediated inhibitory function. This correlated with enhanced Rac and p38 MAPK activation. Finally, we found that Lnk domains and carboxy-terminal tyrosine contribute differently to inhibition of in vitro expansion of hematopoietic progenitors. Altogether, our results demonstrate that Lnk, through its binding to Kit tyrosine 567, negatively modulates specific SCF-dependent signaling pathways involved in the proliferation and migration of primary hematopoietic cells.
Costs and effects of paliperidone extended release compared with alternative oral antipsychotic agents in patients with schizophrenia in Greece: A cost effectiveness study
Authors: Geitona Maria , Kousoulakou Hara , Ollandezos Markos , Athanasakis Kostas , Papanicolaou Sotiria , Kyriopoulos Ioannis
Published: August 2008

Background

To compare the costs and effects of paliperidone extended release (ER), a new pharmaceutical treatment for the management of schizophrenia, with the most frequently prescribed oral treatments in Greece (namely risperidone, olanzapine, quetiapine, aripiprazole and ziprasidone) over a 1-year time period.

Methods

A decision tree was developed and tailored to the specific circumstances of the Greek healthcare system. Therapeutic effectiveness was defined as the annual number of stable days and the clinical data was collected from international clinical trials and published sources. The study population was patients who suffer from schizophrenia with acute exacerbation. During a consensus panel of 10 psychiatrists and 6 health economists, data were collected on the clinical practice and medical resource utilisation. Unit costs were derived from public sources and official reimbursement tariffs. For the comparators official retail prices were used. Since a price had not yet been granted for paliperidone ER at the time of the study, the conservative assumption of including the average of the highest targeted European prices was used, overestimating the price of paliperidone ER in Greece. The study was conducted from the perspective of the National Healthcare System.

Results

The data indicate that paliperidone ER might offer an increased number of stable days (272.5 compared to 272.2 for olanzapine, 265.5 f risperidone, 260.7 for quetiapine, 260.5 for ziprasidone and 258.6 for aripiprazole) with a lower cost compared to the other therapies examined (€7,030 compared to €7,034 for olanzapine, €7,082 for risperidone, €8,321 for quetiapine, €7,713 for ziprasidone and €7,807 for aripiprazole). During the sensitivity analysis, a ± 10% change in the duration and frequency of relapses and the economic parameters did not lead to significant changes in the results.

Conclusion

Treatment with paliperidone ER can lead to lower total cost and higher number of stable days in most of the cases examined.
A robust classifier of high predictive value to identify good prognosis patients in ER-negative breast cancer
Authors: Teschendorff Andrew E , Caldas Carlos
Published: August 2008

Introduction

Patients with primary operable oestrogen receptor (ER) negative (-) breast cancer account for about 30% of all cases and generally have a worse prognosis than ER-positive (+) patients. Nevertheless, a significant proportion of ER- cases have favourable outcomes and could potentially benefit from a less aggressive course of therapy. However, identification of such patients with a good prognosis remains difficult and at present is only possible through examining histopathological factors.

Methods

Building on a previously identified seven-gene prognostic immune response module for ER- breast cancer, we developed a novel statistical tool based on Mixture Discriminant Analysis in order to build a classifier that could accurately identify ER- patients with a good prognosis.

Results

We report the construction of a seven-gene expression classifier that accurately predicts, across a training cohort of 183 ER- tumours and six independent test cohorts (a total of 469 ER- tumours), ER- patients of good prognosis (in test sets, average predictive value = 94% [range 85 to 100%], average hazard ratio = 0.15 [range 0.07 to 0.36] p < 0.000001) independently of lymph node status and treatment.

Conclusions

This seven-gene classifier could be used in a polymerase chain reaction-based clinical assay to identify ER- patients with a good prognosis, who may therefore benefit from less aggressive treatment regimens.
Seismic response analysis of wind turbine towers including soil-structure interaction
Authors: Zhao X , Maißer P
Published: August 2008

In this paper, a multibody model of wind turbine towers with the consideration of soil—structure interaction (SSI) is proposed to investigate their dynamic responses to seismic excitations in time domain. Using joint beam elements, the elastic tower is discretized into many rigid bodies coupled elastically by constraint joints and springs. The SSI is represented by a frequency-independent discrete parameter model approximately. The governing motion equations are derived by the application of Lagrange formalism including Lagrange multipliers. To investigate the effects of SSI and the dynamic behaviour of wind turbine towers under aerodynamic loading and earthquake loading, the tower of a large wind turbine is modelled and simulated with recorded seismic excitations.
Effect of water movement and substratum type on vegetative recruitment of the invasive green alga Codium fragile ssp. tomentosoides
Authors: Scheibling Robert E. , Melady Robert A.
Published: August 2008

We examined the ability of vegetative propagules (small buds and branch fragments) of the green alga Codium fragile ssp. tomentosoides to attach and grow on natural substrata in laboratory and field experiments. In the laboratory, the probability of attachment (on coralline algae, mussel shell, smooth and rough rock) was greater for buds than excised apical branches (both ∼4 cm long) over 10 weeks, and greater in weak flow (1.3 cm s-1) than static conditions. Probability of attachment differed among substrata in flow (greater on coralline algae than smooth rock) but not static conditions. Attachment strength in flow was greater for buds than fragments (pooled over substrata). Growth was greater for fragments than buds in static conditions, but not in flow. Fragments grew more in static conditions than in flow. In a field experiment, buds were transplanted to three tide pools at different tidal heights on a rocky shore. After eight months, the proportion that attached and attachment strengths of transplants did not differ significantly among pools. However, transplants in the high pool grew less and were discolored and atypically branched compared to those in pools lower on the shore. These findings indicate that vegetative propagation may contribute to the invasive success of Codium fragile.
The origin and spread of eukaryotic photosynthesis: evolving views in light of genomics
Authors: Archibald John M.
Published: August 2008

Plants and algae acquired photosynthesis through the assimilation of a prokaryotic endosymbiont related to the ancestors of modern-day cyanobacteria. This landmark event, known as the primary endosymbiotic origin of plastids, is generally thought to have occurred only once during the history of eukaryotes and to have given rise to the plastids of green algae, land plants, red algae and glaucophyte algae through vertical evolution. Plastids have also spread horizontally across the tree of eukaryotes by “secondary” endosymbioses involving heterotrophic host eukaryotes and both green and red algal endosymbionts. Here I provide an overview of current research in the area of plastid evolution, focusing on the latest advances in the field of algal comparative genomics. Recent genome-scale analyses of both photosynthetic and non-photosynthetic eukaryotes have provided fresh new insight into the pattern and process of secondary endosymbiosis, although it is still not possible to discern with confidence the number of endosymbiotic events that gave rise to the known spectrum of eukaryotic phototrophs. In fact, with more genomic data has come the intriguing possibility that the nuclear genomes of some secondary plastid-containing algae are a mosaic of genes derived from multiple endosymbioses, adding yet another layer of complexity to the convoluted evolutionary history of these fascinating organisms.
Mapping Charisma among Chinese Religious Specialists
Authors: Goossaert Vincent
Published: August 2008

Modern and contemporary Chinese society (from 1800 to the present, for the purposes of this article) contains numerous types of religious specialists: Daoists, Buddhists, spirit-mediums, self-cultivation teachers, and so on. Most of these do not construct their authority on a charismatic basis, because the global division of labor in the Chinese religious economy divides leadership and authority among different persons. This article looks at the idioms (emic categories) the Chinese use to describe religious specialists and the division of religious labor. It suggests that situations of charismatic authority arise when one person can overcome the division of labor and be equally convincing in different idioms, thus able to meet all the expectations of the extraordinary from his/her followers. While potential charisma, evident in mastery of the various idioms, is rather common, situations where a charismatic relationship is in fact activated by both leader and followers are less so.
Expectation, Affection and Responsibility: The Charismatic Journey of a New Buddhist Group in Taiwan
Authors: Zhe Ji
Published: August 2008

This article explores how charismatic building and grouping are made possible, and how charisma, as a specific type of social relational structure, determines collective religious actions. Through a case study of a lay Buddhist charismatic leader, Li Yuansong, and his reformist group, Modern Chan Society, in contemporary Taiwan, the author argues that charisma stems from social interactions focusing on the extraordinary and taking place between a leader and followers, during which three decisive socio-psychological dispositions—expectation, affection and responsibility—call for and reinforce each other. Forming and moving around these three axes, charisma paradoxically links reality and utopia, submission and autonomy, domination and sacrifice. It implies a continual circle, in which hope, care and trust circulate as gifts and counter-gifts.
Determination of glycosidase activity in porcine oviductal fluid at the different phases of the estrous cycle
Authors: Carrasco Luis César , Romar Raquel , Avilés Manuel , Gadea Joaquín , Coy Pilar
Published: August 2008

Sperm–oocyte binding and gamete–oviductal epithelium interactions are carbohydrate-mediated events occurring in the oviductal fluid (OF). Thus, knowledge about the activities of glycosidases (enzymes catalyzing hydrolytic cleavage of terminal sugar residues) in this milieu would help us understand the molecular mechanisms involved in these events. This work was carried out to investigate the glycosidase activity, protein content, and volume of OF collected from gilts and sows. Oviducts were classified into four phases of the estrous cycle (early follicular, late follicular, early luteal, and late luteal) based on the appearance of the ovaries. OF was aspirated, centrifuged, measured for volume, and frozen until assay. Substrates conjugated to 4-methylumbelliferyl were used to screen the activities of seven different glycosidases at physiological pH (7.2). α-l-Fucosidase and β-N-acetyl-glucosaminidase activities increased at the late follicular phase to decrease after ovulation. β-d-Galactosidase, α-d-mannosidase, and β-N-acetyl-galactosaminidase showed higher activities at the early follicular phase, which decreased after ovulation. N-Acetyl-neuraminidase and α-d-galactosidase did not show activity at any phase of estrous cycle neither in sows nor in gilts at pH 7.2, although it did at acidic pH (4.4) in the follicular and luteal phase samples. Total protein also changed during the cycle showing the maximum secretion at the late follicular phase (2118.6±200.7 μg/oviduct). The highest volumes of OF were collected from the oviducts at the late follicular phase (50.7±1.3 μl/oviduct). These results indicate that OF from sows and gilts shows glycosidase activity varying throughout the estrous cycle suggesting a role of these enzymes in carbohydrate-mediated events.
Improved lithium insertion/extraction properties of single-walled carbon nanotubes by high-energy ball milling
Authors: Eom JiYong , Kwon HyukSang
Published: August 2008

The effects of ball milling on lithium (Li) insertion/extraction properties into/from single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) were investigated. The SWNTs were synthesized on supported catalysts by thermal chemical-vapor deposition method, purified, and mechanically ball-milled by high-energy ball milling. The purified SWNTs and the ball-milled SWNTs were electrochemically inserted/extracted with Li. The structural and chemical modifications in the ball-milled SWNTs change the insertion/extraction properties of Li ions into/from the ball-milled SWNTs. The reversible capacity (Crev) increases with increase in the ball milling time, from 616 mAh/g (Li1.7C6) for the purified SWNTs to 988 mAh/g (Li2.7C6) for the ball-milled SWNTs. The undesirable irreversible capacity (Cirr) decreases continuously with increase in the ball milling time, from 1573 mAh/g (Li4.2C6) for the purified SWNTs to 845 mAh/g (Li2.3C6) for the ball-milled SWNTs. The enhancedCrevof the ball-milled SWNTs is presumably due to a continuous decrease in theCirrbecause the SWNTs develop a densely packed structure on the ball milling process. The insertion of Li ions into the ball-milled SWNTs is facilitated by various Li insertion sites formed during the ball milling process in spite of small surface area than the purified SWNTs. Lithium ions inserted into various insertion sites enhance theCrevin the ball-milled SWNTs with the large voltage hysteresis by hindrance of the extraction of Li ions from the ball-milled SWNTs. In addition, the ball-milled samples exhibit more stable cycle capacities than the purified samples during the charge/discharge cycling.
Continuous electrical in situ contact area measurement during instrumented indentation
Authors: Fang Lei , Muhlstein Christopher L. , Collins James G. , Romasco Amber L. , Friedman Lawrence H.
Published: August 2008

The primary tool for mechanical characterization of surfaces and films is instrumented indentation using the Oliver-Pharr data analysis method. However, this method measures contact area between the indenter and sample indirectly, thus confounding instrumented indentation tests when characterizing dynamic properties, thin films, and materials that “pileup” around the indenter. Here, we demonstrate an electrical technique to continuously measure the in situ contact area by relating nonlinear electrical contact current–voltage (I–V) curves to the instantaneous contact area. Using this approach, we can obtain hardness as a continuous function of applied force.
Optical and electrical properties of indium tin oxide thin films with tilted and spiral microstructures prepared by oblique angle deposition
Authors: Zhong Y. , Shin Y.C. , Kim C.M. , Lee B.G. , Kim E.H. , Park Y.J. , Sobahan K.M.A. , Hwangbo C.K. , Lee Y.P. , Kim T.G.
Published: August 2008

The optical and electrical properties of “tilted” and “spiral” indium tin oxide (ITO) thin films are reported. The influence of the flux incident angle on the optical and electrical properties is investigated. When the flux incident angle is increased, both the refractive index and extinction coefficient of the film are decreased, but the resistivity is increased. Thus, the physical properties of the film can be modified over a wide range by adjusting the flux incident angle and substrate rotation scheme. It is suggested that the oblique angle deposition technique provides ITO films with more application possibilities by allowing their optical and electrical properties to be tailored.
Ba3Yb(BO3)3 single crystals: Growth and spectroscopic characterization
Authors: Solé R. , Güell F. , Gavaldà Jna. , Aguiló M. , Díaz F.
Published: August 2008

We obtained Ba3Yb(BO3)3 single crystals by the flux method with solutions of the BaB2O4–Na2O–Yb2O3 system. The evolution of the cell parameters with temperature shows a slope change at temperatures near 873 K, which may indicate a phase transition that is not observed by changes appearing in the x-ray powder patterns or by differential thermal analysis (DTA). The evolution of the diffraction patterns with the temperature shows incongruent melting at temperatures higher than 1473 K. DTA indicates that there is incongruent melting and this process is irreversible. Ba3Yb(BO3)3 has a wide transparency window from 247 to 3900 nm. We recorded optical absorption and emission spectra at room and low temperature, and we determined the splitting of Yb3+ ions. We used the reciprocity method to calculate the maximum emission cross section of 0.28 × 10−20 cm2 at 966 nm. The calculated lifetime of Yb3+ in Ba3Yb(BO3)3 is τrad = 2.62 ms, while the measured lifetime is τ = 3.80 ms.
Differential regulation of the inducible nitric oxide synthase gene by estrogen receptors 1 and 2
Authors: Tsutsumi Seiji , Zhang Xi , Takata Keiko , Takahashi Kazuhiro , Karas Richard H , Kurachi Hirohisa , Mendelsohn Michael E
Published: August 2008

Estrogen has both rapid and longer term direct effects on cardiovascular tissues mediated by the two estrogen receptors, ESR1 and ESR2. Previous work identified that estrogen regulates the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (NOS2A) in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC). ESR2 knockout mice have vascular dysfunction due to dysregulation of NOS2A expression and these mice are hypertensive (Zhu et al. Science 2002 295 505–508). Here, we report studies to examine the differential regulation of NOS2A gene expression by ESR1 and 2. Immunoblotting and RT-PCR studies revealed that different VSMC lines expressed different levels of ESR1 and ESR2 protein and mRNA. VSMC from different vascular beds were studied, including aortic VSMC expressing ESR1 and radial (Rad) VSMC expressing ESR2. E2 inhibited NO production and NOS2A protein expression in aortic VSMC. Human NOS2A promoter–reporter studies revealed suppression of NOS2A reporter activity by E2 in aortic VSMC, and stimulation of NOS2A reporter activity by E2 in Rad arterial VSMC. In heterologous expression studies of COS-7 cells lacking endogenous ER, E2 treatment of COS-7 cells did not alter NOS2A reporter activity in the presence of ESR1, while reporter activity increased 2.3-fold in the presence of ESR2. Similar experiments in COS-7 cells using the selective estrogen receptor modulator raloxifene showed that raloxifene caused a reduction in NOS2A reporter activity with ESR1 coexpression and an increase with ESR2 coexpression. Rat VSMC expressing ESR2 but not ESR1 also showed increased NOS2A reporter activity with E2 treatment, an effect lost when ESR1 was introduced into the cells. Taken together, these data support that hNOS2A transcription is regulated positively by ESR2 and negatively by ESR1 in VSMC, supporting differential actions of these two estrogen receptors on a physiologically relevant gene in VSMC.
Effects of heavy metals on riverine benthic macroinvertebrate assemblages with reference to potential food availability for drift-feeding fishes
Authors: Iwasaki Yuichi , Kagaya Takashi , Miyamoto Ken-ichi , Matsuda Hiroyuki
Published: August 2008

We examined the influence of heavy metal pollution from an abandoned mine on benthic macroinvertebrates, at population and community levels, and the potential amount of food available for drift-feeding fish in northern Japanese streams. We studied multiple polluted and unpolluted sites with similar longitudinal positions to avoid problems caused by upstream–downstream comparisons. The ranges of zinc, copper, cadmium, and lead concentrations among the study sites were 5 to 812 μg/L, less than 0.12 to 5.2 μg/L, less than 0.0026 to 4.9 μg/L, and 0.1 to 18.6 μg/L, respectively. The abundance of several populations and community metrics showed a significant negative response to heavy metal pollution. Mayfly diversity and abundance was relatively sensitive to heavy metal pollution. In addition, the biomass of groups of macroinvertebrate taxa that are highly available for salmonids were significantly reduced at metal-polluted sites; this decrease in the most highly available group was noticeable (99% at the heavily polluted upper sites and 69% at the moderately polluted lower sites in spring). These results suggest that we should consider the indirect effect of pollution on food availability for the conservation of fish populations that depend on drifting macroinvertebrates.
P-Wave Azimuthal AVO in a Carbonate Reservoir: An Integrated Seismic Anisotropy Study
Authors: Johns M. K. , Wang D. Y. , Lu C. P. , Sun S. Z. , Xu S. , Zhou Da
Published: August 2008

Seismic anisotropy is sensitive to the intensity and orientation of fractures aligned by tectonic or local stress fields. Azimuthal anisotropy of amplitude vs. offset (AzAVO) is one common measure of seismic anisotropy for fracture detection. For this study, we calculated P-wave AzAVO attributes for a Lower Cretaceous limestone reservoir in east Texas. Our study tests AzAVO inversion for the relatively low-fold, fair data quality typical of some land surveys. We developed a workflow to integrate the AzAVO inversion with rock physics, forward seismic modeling, seismic-scale fault interpretation, image logs, and cores.

Our AzAVO inversion method was based on Rüger's equation, which describes the observed reflectivity (R) as a function of incidence angle (θi) and acquisition azimuth (ϕi) to equal a function of normal incidence reflectivity (A0), amplitude vs. offset (AVO) slope (B0), anisotropy magnitude (B1), orientation of symmetry of anisotropy (ϕ0), and noise (ni ):

(1) R ( θ i , ϕ i ) ≈ A 0 + [ B 0 + B 1 cos 2 ( ϕ i + ϕ 0 ) ] sin 2 θ i + n i ,

Inversion of Rüger's equation yielded four attribute volumes (corresponding to A0, B0, B1, and ϕ0). Additionally, we proposed an additional data-quality parameter that describes the relative amount of the total reflection energy predicted by the model. Pre-inversion processing carefully preserved signal via random noise attenuation, superbinning, bandwidth balancing, and phase alignment.

In general, AzAVO inversion displayed geologically interpret-able high-anisotropy anomalies. Noise, however, limited our confidence for quantitative fracture prediction. On the flanks of the anticline, data quality was high (greater than 50% fit of observed to predicted amplitude). Here the magnitude of the anisotropy (B1) volume showed strong lineations parallel to northeast-southwest trending faults. Over the crest of the anticline, the inversion quality was degraded by an overburden effect, coincident with poor data quality (less than 50% fit). AzAVO orientation maps were noisy and in some places obscured by an acquisition footprint. Locally, however, AzAVO orientations were parallel to east-northeast fracture orientations from cores, maximum horizontal stress from image logs, and fast-velocity direction from a dipole-sonic log.
An Integrated Approach To Obtain Reliable Permeability Profiles From Logs in a Carbonate Reservoir
Authors: Balossino P. , Pampuri F. , Bruni C. , Ebzhasarova K.
Published: August 2008

Permeability is one of the key petrophysical parameters in reservoir evaluation. Information about permeability is commonly derived from cores and test data, which generally cover only part of the reservoir section, but can also be derived from logs and then extrapolated to uncored intervals and wells. Two logs provide such information: acoustic and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). In the Karachaganak field, an approach based on the acoustic tool was preferred because of the textural characteristics of the vuggy carbonate reservoir.

The approach relies also on the use of image logs to obtain a detailed description of the reservoir-rocks texture and to discriminate between rocks with primary interparticle porosity or very small vugs and lithotypes with multimodal distribution of pores, enlarged vugs, and touching vugs.

More than 900 m of core have been used to validate the permeability log derived from the analysis of Stoneley waves in 25 wells from this field. A correlation between the validated log-derived permeability and the textural facies from image logs has allowed the relationship between permeability variations and the geological framework to be established.

The results have been compared with dynamic data from production logging through the definition of flow units from Stoneleywave-derived permeability and porosity-log data and the use of a stratigraphic-modified Lorenz plot (SMLP) to identify possible fluid-entry points.

Three main permeability trends have been identified:

For undolomitized or patchily dolomitized biohermal deposits for pervasively dolomitized lithologies characterized by lower mean permeability values for facies characterized by well-developed vuggy porosity with enhanced dissolution phenomena (i.e., touching vugs and microfracturing)

Also, well-test results have highlighted the occurrence, in some wells, of very high k values in the biohermal deposits, which are clearly unmatchable by log-derived matrix permeability. Open fractures have been observed in these wells on the image logs, thus suggesting that the enhanced permeability and the improved well performances have to be related to their presence.

The comparison of log-derived permeability and well-test results has given a new perspective in the interpretation of well-test results with respect to the geological framework and a well-defined sequence-stratigraphic model. The extension of this methodology to new wells could improve knowledge of the petrophysical characteristics of the reservoir and allow better prediction of reservoir productivity.
Implementing the Optimum Well Placement Strategy for Horizontal Injectors Drilled in Highly Heterogeneous Reservoirs of Central Saudi Arabia
Authors: Abitrabi B Abdel Nasser , Rabba Ali , Amoudi Waleed , Behair Abdallah M. , Javalagi M. , Al-alqum W. , Butt P. , Onsy O.
Published: August 2008

Targeting thin sand bodies while drilling across heterogeneous sandstone reservoir is a major challenge that requires integrated reservoir engineering, formation evaluation, geological and geophysical contributions. The objective of this paper is to exemplify geosteering challenges when drilling horizontal power water injector across Permian eolian sandstone reservoirs with high degree of structural and reservoir uncertainty1.

The integrated reservoir management team has utilized the geological and seismic impedance to locate a power water injector in the southwestern flank of the field to support pressures during production from offset wells. Seismic impedance indicated that the target area comprises of beds with high degree of lateral and vertical heterogeneity. The team decided first to drill the well utilizing a conventional logging while drilling (LWD) tool to geosteer the well in the horizontal section. The LWD was unable to trace the sand while drilling across the heterogeneous sandstone reservoir. The team decided to abandon the hole and sidetrack the well with a new lateral, utilizing directional and deep resistivity (DDR) while drilling to improve geosteering and optimizing of well placement. The DDR measurements provide remote detection of bed boundaries around the wellbore. This technique has been used successfully in other analogous sandstone reservoirs of Saudi Arabia to ensure maximum reservoir contact.

The results of using this approach were very encouraging and a net to gross of 62% was achieved. It can be concluded from the results that the DDR technology is an effective way to efficiently drill and place water injector wells. It has the potential to reduce the number of injector wells drilled, thus cutting cost and meeting the production goals.
Management of Wastes Associated With an Offshore Oil and Gas Field, Located Offshore Abu Dhabi, UAE
Authors: Ataya Zaher M.
Published: August 2008

This paper surveyes the major waste streams generated by human and industrial activities in an offshore oil and gas drilling and production field. It focuses on investigating and recommending proper waste management practices in the frame of a waste management plan as a tool for environmental protection and pollution prevention. The study sets a waste management strategy, suggests a frame work document of a waste management plan considering oil and gas industry best practices and regulatory requirement. It highlights some of the waste minimization and environmet protection initiatives by oil and gas Production companies in Abu Dhabi, UAE.
Distributed Temperature Sensor (DTS) System Modeling and Application
Authors: Wang X. , Lee J. , Vachon G.
Published: August 2008

Distributed Temperature Sensor (DTS) technology uses fiber-optic cable to measure a continuous temperature profile along the wellbore. Compared to conventional production logging tools (PLT), DTS can provide operators real-time well information without intervention. Applications, from flow profiling to gas lift surveillance, have grown steadily in recently years.

DTS applications require reliable data modeling and analysis or measurement interpretation. The complexity of the data analysis has been a barrier to DTS usage.

This paper presents software tools developed for DTS interpretation. The model behind the software is based on steady-state energy balance, and it is applicable for gas and oil wells in both onshore and offshore environments. The software allows users to run in two modes: forward simulation and flow profiling. The forward simulation mode calculates the temperature distribution along the wellbore for any given production profile, and this mode is critical for the model calibration. It is also very useful for emulating "what-if" scenarios, such as forecast and gas lift surveillance. The flow profiling estimates the production profile based on measured temperatures, which is the basis for the real-time well monitoring.

The model is tested against other models and good agreement has been obtained. This paper presents two examples: result comparison against TIPP, a computer program package developed by Chevron Corp, and a field example to verify gas lift valve operation.
Potential Saudi Standard Sandstone for Applied Studies of Petroleum and Natural Gas Engineering
Authors: Al-Awad Musaed N. J. , AlQuraishi Abdulrahman A. , Almisned Omar A. , Haroon Kamal A.
Published: August 2008

Core samples are a vital constituent in petroleum and natural gas engineering research activities. Newly developed techniques or theories for solving problems or improving process in petroleum and natural gas engineering with respect to formation rock, must be verified in laboratory using fairly homogenous core samples. Currently, the worldwide practice is to import homogenous sandstone core samples (i.e. Berea sandstone). The cost of importing such core samples is very high and time consuming.

The aim of this study is to investigate the possibility of utilizing sandstone formations outcroping in Saudi Arabia as a source for core samples needed for the above mentioned studies. Thus, two sandstone formations named Saq and Sarah outcroping in Al-Qassim area in addition to a sandstone formation named Um Assha'al outcroping in Al-Kharj area were selected for investigation.

Properties of the selected sandstones were thoroughly investigated by studying the geology, location accessibility, availability, values and ranges of the physical properties (permeability, k and porosity, φ), mineralogy (% clay content and type), rock quality designation (RQD), grain size distribution, pore size distribution, and mechanical properties.

Based on the determined properties, Um Assha'al seems to be suitable for sand production testing, Saq sandstone is good for performing permeability-stress-production rate relationship studies, and finally Sarah sandstone can be used in performing oil recovery improvement tests.

Preliminary economical feasibility study indicates that the tested sandstones are cost effective compared to imported core samples. Based on the above investigations and the performed preliminary economical evaluation, it is recommended to use those sandstones in petroleum and natural gas applied studies and academic demonstrations.