bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Simultaneous Matrix-Depletion Model for Charaterizing Fractured Reservoirs
Authors: Ezulike D. O.
Published: September 2013

Existing transient triple-porosity models for fractured horizontal wells do not converge to linear dual-porosity models (DPM) in the absence of micro-fractures (MF). The reason is the assumption of sequential-depletion from matrix to MF, and from MF to hydraulic-fractures (HF). This can result in unreasonable estimates of MF and/or HF parameters. Hence, a quadrilinear flow model (QFM) is proposed which relaxes the sequential-depletion assumption.

To allow simultaneous matrix-MF and matrix-HF depletion, the matrix volume is conceptually divided into two sub-domains; one feeds HF and the other feeds MF. This breaks a single 2-D problem into two 1-D problems. Using Laplace transforms, the flow equations are solved under constant-rate and constant-pressure well constraints. Type-curves are generated by numerically inverting the resulting Laplace-space solutions to time-space using Gaver-Stefhest algorithm. QFM converges to the linear sequential triple-porosity model (STPM) in the absence of matrix-HF communication; and converges to the DPM in the absence of MF. Flow-regimes observed comprise linear, bilinear, and boundary dominated. The number of flow-regimes depends on the matrix-MF, matrix-HF andMF-HF communication coefficient values.

QFM matches production history of two fractured horizontal wells completed in Bakken and Cardium Formations. Reservoir parameters like HF half-length, HF and MF permeabilities and MF spacing are estimated from the history match. These reservoir parameters are estimated as ranges of values instead of single values to reflect the non-uniqueness of the type-curve match. A QFM comparative study reveals that STPM underestimates MF spacing while DPM overestimates HF half-length.
Petrophysical Investigation on Gas Transport Properties of the Barnett Shale
Authors: Aljamaan Hamza
Published: September 2013

This paper provides a comprehensive study of shale gas porosity, permeability, and excess sorption measurements utilizing the pulse decay method technique to better understand the connectivity and flow mechanism of shale gas rocks. Several experiments were conducted to measure these petrophysical properties using different gasses for possible recovery enhancement techniques. Other experiments were also conducted to measure the effect of depletion of shale gas permeability.

The main question that is being invistgiated is how sensitive are shale physical properties to the gas saturating the pore space. Because of the small size of helium molecules, initial speculation suggested that helium effective porosity is greater than the effective methane porosity leading to overestimated shale pore volumes. Experimental results reported here for a Barnett shale sample, however, indicate otherwise. Porosity and permeability measurements were carried out using several gases including He, N2, CH4 and CO2 over a wide range of pore pressures. The storage capacity of helium was in fact lower than that of CH4. This comparison with different gases also shows a decreased permeability as we move to more sorbing gases. Gibb's excess sorption utilizing the volumetric method is also measured and, in fact, confirms the impact of sorption on the permeability and storage capacity measurements. These two key reservoir rock properties representing the storage and flow capacity of rocks remain of primary importance to petroleum engineering. Better understanding of these petrophysical properties of shale gas will be essential for future field development, production forecasts, and reserve estimations.
Simultaneous Multi-Frac Treatments: Fully Coupled Fluid Flow and Fracture Mechanics for Horizontal Wells
Authors: Wu Kan
Published: September 2013

Successfully creating multiple hydraulic fractures in horizontal wells is critical for unconventional gas production economically. However, it will not be possible to fully optimize multiple fracture stimulations until accurate methods are available to directly predict fracture geometry.

In this paper, a novel Fracture Propagation Model (FPM) is developed to simulate multiple hydraulic fracture propagation simultaneously in a stage of the horizontal wellbore. This model couples fracture deformation with fluid flow in the fractures and the horizontal wellbore. The displacement discontinuity method is used to describe the geometry of multiple fractures, considering mechanical interaction between the fractures. Fluid flow and pressure drop in the fractures are determined by the Hagen Poiseuille law. Friction pressure drop in the wellbore and perforation zones is taken into account by applying Kirchoff's first and second laws. The fluid flow rates and pressure compatibility are maintained between the wellbore and the multiple fractures by using Newton's numerical method. The model accurately predicts multiple fracture geometry and computed non-planar fracture trajectories. Shear stress distributions indicate areas likely to have induced micro-seismicity.

The simulation results of FPM can serve as guidance for shale gas simulation and multiple fracture treatments. Also, the results from the model highlight conditions under which restricted width occurs that could lead to proppant screenout. This wok can help operators to design multiple fractures to enhance recovery in unconventional gas reservoirs.
An Experimental and Numerical Study of Compositional Displacements in Fractured Reservoirs
Authors: Alhamdan Mohammed R.
Published: September 2013

This paper presents an experimental and numerical simulation study to investigate the effects of driving forces on non-equilibrium compositional displacements in naturally fractured reservoirs. A quasi 2-D glass bead pack is used to represent a cross section of small sector in a fractured reservoir. The matrix and fracture of the reservoir are represented by glass beads and a grooved glass strip, respectively. Conductive, isolated and inclined fractures are studied. A complex fracture network is also investigated by building two fractures crossing each other. An analogue ternary fluid system (isooctane, brine and isopropanol) is used to control the interfacial tension (IFT) between the phases at ambient conditions. Immiscible, near-miscible and miscible floods are conducted. Recovery of phases, compositional analysis and snapshots of saturation distributions are reported. Numerical simulations are used to interpret experimental observations.

In all fractured models, capillary forces are found to be the main controlling factor in immiscible displacements. However, in miscible displacements, the balance between gravity and viscous forces leads to higher swept area and may be higher recovery in some of the cases. The position of a fracture affects the displacement performance significantly. Compositional analysis of the effluent indicates that the compositional path changes between tie-lines of initial and injection liquids based on saturation profile development. Force-balance scaling criteria (i.e. capillary, gravity and Bond numbers) were used to diagnose flow regimes during displacements. Then experimental results have been interpreted by black oil simulator. Experimental observations of immiscible displacements were sufficiently predicted. However, in order to accurately predict the results of miscible displacements, a fully compositional simulator is recommended.
Measuring Socioeconomic Background in PISA: One Size Might not Fit all
Authors: Rutkowski David , Rutkowski Leslie
Published: September 2013

As part of its flagship educational study – the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) – the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) has undertaken extensive work to create an internationally relevant composite indicator aimed at measuring socioeconomic background. However, the degree to which a single measure of socioeconomic background is reliable and valid for all participating countries is not widely discussed. To fill this gap, the authors examine the home possessions index, which is a key component of PISA's socioeconomic indicator, and highlight a number of issues surrounding this index. In particular, they take a psychometric approach to investigating the reliability and some facets of the validity of the home possessions index in a number of participating PISA countries. Their findings suggest that there are notable concerns with the current index, including highly variable reliability by country, poor model-to-data consistency on a number of subscales, and evidence of poor cultural comparability. They couch their discussion in the context of educational and policy research and propose one possible method for improving these measures for participating countries.
Two Wheels are Better than One: The Importance of Capturing the Home Literacy Environment in Large-Scale Assessments of Reading
Authors: Dowd Amy Jo , Pisani Lauren
Published: September 2013

Children's reading skill development is influenced by availability of reading materials, reading habits and opportunity to read. Save the Children's Literacy Boost data have replicated this finding across numerous developing contexts. Meanwhile international large-scale reading assessments do not capture detail on current home literacy. The consistent positive association of reading skills with home-based materials and reading habits and the negative association with chores suggest that in developing contexts, opportunity to read outside the classroom is as important to development of reading skills as opportunity to learn these skills inside the classroom. Without data on home literacy environment, calls for action center only on schools and policies, and thus incompletely address learning and equity. Results of Literacy Boost program evaluations find that participants with reading opportunities outside of schools learned more than non-participating peers. Children from homes without books, without readers and without reading opportunities, as well as struggling girls benefited more from provision of opportunities to read outside the school than did more advantaged peers. With the same teachers, reading instruction quality and limited class time, an enhanced home/community literacy environment generated greater learning. Including indicators of home literacy environment alongside skill assessments, whether large scale or small, can best inform effective support for learning and equity.
Sugar, Uric Acid, and the Etiology of Diabetes and Obesity
Authors: Johnson Richard J. , Nakagawa Takahiko , Sanchez-Lozada L. Gabriela , Shafiu Mohamed , Sundaram Shikha , Le Myphuong , Ishimoto Takuji , Sautin Yuri Y. , Lanaspa Miguel A.
Published: September 2013

The intake of added sugars, such as from table sugar (sucrose) and high-fructose corn syrup has increased dramatically in the last hundred years and correlates closely with the rise in obesity, metabolic syndrome, and diabetes. Fructose is a major component of added sugars and is distinct from other sugars in its ability to cause intracellular ATP depletion, nucleotide turnover, and the generation of uric acid. In this article, we revisit the hypothesis that it is this unique aspect of fructose metabolism that accounts for why fructose intake increases the risk for metabolic syndrome. Recent studies show that fructose-induced uric acid generation causes mitochondrial oxidative stress that stimulates fat accumulation independent of excessive caloric intake. These studies challenge the long-standing dogma that “a calorie is just a calorie” and suggest that the metabolic effects of food may matter as much as its energy content. The discovery that fructose-mediated generation of uric acid may have a causal role in diabetes and obesity provides new insights into pathogenesis and therapies for this important disease.
Validity of Meta-analysis in Diabetes: Meta-analysis Is an Indispensable Tool in Evidence Synthesis
Authors: Golden Sherita Hill , Bass Eric B.
Published: September 2013

To deliver high-quality clinical care to patients with diabetes and other chronic conditions, clinicians must understand the evidence available from studies that have been performed to address important clinical management questions. In an evidence-based approach to clinical care, the evidence from clinical research should be integrated with clinical expertise, pathophysiological knowledge, and an understanding of patient values. As such, in an effort to provide information from many studies, the publication of diabetes meta-analyses has increased markedly in the recent past, using either observational or clinical trial data. In this regard, guidelines have been developed to direct the performance of meta-analysis to provide consistency among contributions. Thus, when done appropriately, meta-analysis can provide estimates from clinically and statistically homogeneous but underpowered studies and is useful in supporting clinical decisions, guidelines, and cost-effectiveness analysis. However, often these conditions are not met, the data considered are unreliable, and the results should not be assumed to be any more valid than the data underlying the included studies. To provide an understanding of both sides of the argument, we provide a discussion of this topic as part of this two-part point-counterpoint narrative. In the point narrative preceding the counterpoint narrative below, Dr. Home provides his opinion and review of the data to date showing that we need to carefully evaluate meta-analysis, and we need to learn what results are reliable. In the counterpoint narrative here, Drs. Golden and Bass emphasize that an effective system exists to guide meta-analysis and that rigorously conducted, high-quality systematic reviews and meta-analyses using established guidelines are an indispensable tool in evidence synthesis despite their limitations.

—William T. Cefalu, MD

Editor in Chief, Diabetes Care
Effect of large colon ischemia and reperfusion on concentrations of calprotectin and other clinicopathologic variables in jugular and colonic venous blood in horses
Authors: Grosche Astrid , Morton Alison J. , Graham A. Sarah , Polyak Maximilian M. R. , Freeman David E.
Published: September 2013

Objective—To determine the effect of large colon ischemia and reperfusion on concentrations of the inflammatory neutrophilic protein calprotectin and other clinicopathologic variables in jugular and colonic venous blood in horses.

Animals—6 healthy horses.

Procedures—Horses were anesthetized, and ischemia was induced for 1 hour followed by 4 hours of reperfusion in a segment of the pelvic flexure of the large colon. Blood samples were obtained before anesthesia, before induction of ischemia, 1 hour after the start of ischemia, and 1, 2, and 4 hours after the start of reperfusion from jugular veins and veins of the segment of the large colon that underwent ischemia and reperfusion. A sandwich ELISA was developed for detection of equine calprotectin. Serum calprotectin concentrations and values of blood gas, hematologic, and biochemical analysis variables were determined.

Results—Large colon ischemia caused metabolic acidosis, a significant increase in lactate and potassium concentrations and creatine kinase activities, and a nonsignificant decrease in glucose concentrations in colonic venous blood samples. Values of these variables after reperfusion were similar to values before ischemia. Ischemia and reperfusion induced activation of an inflammatory response characterized by an increase in neutrophil cell turnover rate in jugular and colonic venous blood samples and calprotectin concentrations in colonic venous blood samples.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results of this study suggested that large colon ischemia and reperfusion caused local and systemic inflammation in horses. Serum calprotectin concentration may be useful as a marker of this inflammatory response.
Relative metabolite concentrations and ratios determined by use of 3-T region-specific proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy of the brain of healthy Beagles
Authors: Warrington Christopher D. , Feeney Daniel A. , Ober Christopher P. , Jessen Carl R. , Steward Susan M. , Armién Aníbal G. , Fletcher Thomas F.
Published: September 2013

Objective—To determine relative concentrations of selected major brain tissue metabolites and their ratios and lobar variations by use of 3-T proton (hydrogen 1 [1H]) magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) of the brain of healthy dogs.

Animals—10 healthy Beagles.

Procedures—3-T 1H MRS at echo times of 144 and 35 milliseconds was performed on 5 transverse slices and 1 sagittal slice of representative brain lobe regions. Intravoxel parenchyma was classified as white matter, gray matter, or mixed (gray and white) and analyzed for relative concentrations (in arbitrary units) of N-acetylaspartate (NAA), choline, and creatine (ie, height at position of peak on MRS graph) as well as their ratios (NAA-to-choline, NAA-to-creatine, and choline-to-creatine ratios). Peak heights for metabolites were compared between echo times. Peak heights for metabolites and their ratios were correlated and evaluated among matter types. Yield was calculated as interpretable voxels divided by available lobar voxels.

Results—Reference ranges of the metabolite concentration ratios were determined at an echo time of 35 milliseconds (NAA-to-choline ratio, 1.055 to 2.224; NAA-to-creatine ratio, 1.103 to 2.161; choline-to-creatine ratio, 0.759 to 1.332) and 144 milliseconds (NAA-to-choline ratio, 0.687 to 1.788; NAA-to-creatine ratio, 0.984 to 2.044; choline-to-creatine ratio, 0.828 to 1.853). Metabolite concentration ratios were greater in white matter than in gray matter. Voxel yields ranged from 43% for the temporal lobe to 100% for the thalamus.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Metabolite concentrations and concentration ratios determined with 3-T 1H MRS were not identical to those in humans and were determined for clinical and research investigations of canine brain disease.
Evaluation of mRNA expression levels and electrophysiological function of neuron-like cells derived from canine bone marrow stromal cells
Authors: Nakano Rei , Edamura Kazuya , Sugiya Hiroshi , Narita Takanori , Okabayashi Ken , Moritomo Tadaaki , Teshima Kenji , Asano Kazushi , Nakayama Tomohiro
Published: September 2013

Objective—To investigate the in vitro differentiation of canine bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) into functional, mature neurons.

Sample—Bone marrow from 6 adult dogs.

Procedures—BMSCs were isolated from bone marrow and chemically induced to develop into neurons. The morphology of the BMSCs during neuronal induction was monitored, and immunocytochemical analyses for neuron markers were performed after the induction. Real-time PCR methods were used to evaluate the mRNA expression levels of markers for neural stem or progenitor cells, neurons, and ion channels, and western blotting was used to assess the expression of neuronal proteins before and after neuronal induction. The electrophysiological properties of the neuron-like cells induced from canine BMSCs were evaluated with fluorescent dye to monitor Ca2+ influx.

Results—Canine BMSCs developed a neuron-like morphology after neuronal induction. Immunocytochemical analysis revealed that these neuron-like cells were positive for neuron markers. After induction, the cells’ mRNA expression levels of almost all neuron and ion channel markers increased, and the protein expression levels of nestin and neurofilament-L increased significantly. However, the neuron-like cells derived from canine BMSCs did not have the Ca2+ influx characteristic of spiking neurons.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Although canine BMSCs had neuron-like morphological and biochemical properties after induction, they did not develop the electrophysiological characteristics of neurons. Thus, these results have suggested that canine BMSCs could have the capacity to differentiate into a neuronal lineage, but the differentiation protocol used may have been insufficient to induce development into functional neurons.
Pharmacokinetics and safety of silibinin in horses
Authors: Hackett Eileen S. , Mama Khursheed R. , Twedt David C. , Gustafson Daniel L.
Published: September 2013

Objective—To determine the oral bioavailability, single and multidose pharmacokinetics, and safety of silibinin, a milk thistle derivative, in healthy horses.

Animals—9 healthy horses.

Procedures—Horses were initially administered silibinin IV and silibinin phospholipid orally in feed and via nasogastric tube. Five horses then consumed increasing orally administered doses of silibinin phospholipid during 4 nonconsecutive weeks (0 mg/kg, 6.5 mg/kg, 13 mg/kg, and 26 mg/kg of body weight, twice daily for 7 days each week).

Results—Bioavailability of orally administered silibinin phospholipid was 0.6% PO in feed and 2.9% via nasogastric tube. During the multidose phase, silibinin had nonlinear pharmacokinetics. Despite this, silibinin did not accumulate when given twice daily for 7 days at the evaluated doses. Dose-limiting toxicosis was not observed.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Silibinin phospholipid was safe, although poorly bio-available, in horses. Further study is indicated in horses with hepatic disease.
High-throughput powder X-ray diffraction, IR-spectroscopy and ion chromatography analysis of urinary stones: A comparative study
Authors: Yusenko Elena , Yusenko Kirill , Korolkov Ilya , Shubin Alexandr , Kapsargin Fedor , Efremov Alexandr , Yusenko Maria
Published: September 2013

The instrumental qualitative analysis of urinary stones is a critical step in clinical practice and urological research. A powder X-ray diffraction, IR-spectroscopy and ion chromatography have been applied for the qualitative analysis of 20 urinary stones. Suggestions for a sample preparation and an optimal measurement strategy were formulated. The main difficulties for the powder X-ray diffraction qualitative analysis are a limiting amount of the sample and a preferential orientation of crystals, both issues should be minimized by the special sample preparation. Urinary stones samples have been clustered into four groups using different sets of numerical input data (cation and anion content, phase composition). At the same time a high-throughput multivariate clustering has been applied for powder X-ray diffraction and IR-spectroscopy data. The multivariate whole-profile approach can be used as a tool for a high-throughput time reducing technique for clinical practice, when a quick and stable classification of samples is required. All three sets of the data can be automatically separated into three clusters: oxalate-reach, oxalate-pure and non-oxalate samples. Uricite-pure and uricite-rich samples can be easily clustered.
Magnetic resonance study of annealed and rinsed N-doped TiO2 nanoparticles
Authors: Guskos Niko , Typek Janusz , Guskos Aleksander , Zolnierkiewicz Grzegorz , Berczynski Pawel , Dolat Diana , Grzmil Barbara , Morawski Antoni
Published: September 2013

Nanoparticles of nitrogen-modified TiO2 (N-doped TiO2) calcined at 300°C and 350°C, have been prepared with and without water rinsing. Samples were characterized by x-ray diffractrometry (XRD) and optical spectroscopy. The electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectra from centers involving oxygen vacancies were recorded for all samples. These could be attributed to paramagnetic surface centers of the hole type, for example to paramagnetic oxygen radicals O−, O2−etc. The concentration of these centers increased after water rising and it further increased for samples annealed at higher temperature. Additionally, for samples calcined at 300°C, and calcined at 350°C and rinsed, the EPR spectra evidenced the presence of magnetic clusters of Ti3+ ions. The photocatalytic activity of samples was studied towards phenol decomposition under unltraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) irradiation. It was found that, in comparison to the starting materials, the rinsed materials showed increased photocatalytic activity towards phenol oxidation. The light absorption (UV-Vis/DRS) as well as surface Fourier transform infrared/diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (FTIR/DR) studies confirmed a significantly enhanced light absorption and the presence of nitrogen groups on the photocatalysts surfaces, respectively. A significant increase of concentration of paramagnetic centers connected with oxygen vacancies after water rising has had an essential influence on increasing their photocatalytic activity.
Some Intermediate Bio-Transformants During Biodegradation of High Molecular Weight Phenanthrene and Fluoranthene by Cyanobacterial species – Aulosira Fertilissima Ghose
Authors: J.I. Nirmal Kumar , Barot Megha , Khan Shamiyan R
Published: September 2013

The PAHs compounds are known to be carcinogenic, teratogenic, mutagenic and toxic to all living organism. Handful of literature is available on biodegradation of these compounds by bacteria and fungi, however, scanty work is done by using microalgae on biodegradation of these two PAHs. In this investigation, the efficiency of Aulosira fertilissima Ghose to remove fluoranthene (0.001gm.ml-1), phenanthrene (0.001gm.ml-1) and a mixture of both (each at concentration of 0.0005gm.ml-1) were evaluated for intermediate bio-transformants during biodegradation by using GCMS. The result showed that the efficiency of Aulosira fertilissima for removal and biodegradation of phenanthrene was higher than fluoranthene, indicate fluoranthene was more stable and recalcitrant. PAHs uptake after 7-days of treatment was 80% and 66% of these phenanthrene and fluoranthene, respectively by the cyanobacteria. The synergetic effect of fluoranthene on phenanthrene was observed, presence of fluoranthene stimulate the degradation of phenanthrene due to which phenanthrene produce more bio-transformants. Some intermediates were observed like Methyl linoleate, 4-(2,2- dimethyl-6-methylenecyclohexylidene)-3-methyl-,(Z)- etc. for phenanthrene biodegradation process while 2,3-dihydrofluoranthene, (1R,5R)-2-isopropyl-5-methylcyclohexanol, for fluoranthene degradation. Moreover, 3-isopropylidene-2,2-dimethyl-6-phenyl-1,4-oxathiane, 7- phenyltridecane, diphenylacetylene, for mixture of two PAHs applied.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijasbt.v1i3.8232 Int J Appl Sci Biotechnol, Vol. 1(3) 2013 : 97-105
Characterization of Diazotrophic Rhizobacteria under Various Conditions
Authors: Shrivastava Umesh Prasad
Published: September 2013

Nitrogenase activity was analysed after supplementation of various carbon and nitrogen sources in the growth medium by Acetylene Reduction Assay methods in selected 9 isolates from 74 diazotrophic isolates.  Enhancement in nitrogenase activity was recorded many fold by the addition of different organic carbon sources in which maltose and pyruvate showed better result than others. In case of supplementation of nitrogen sources, reduction of nitrogenase activity was observed.  Nitrogenase activity increased from 22.7 to 72.7% in various strains when they are tested in anaerobic condition, Amplification of fragment of 390 bp showed that nitrogenase activity due to presence of nifH gene.  Sequences were submitted to NCBI GeneBank and the accession number of nifH sequence of ECI-10A (FJ032023), AF-4B (FJ032024), AF-4C (FJ032022) and BN-2A (FJ032021) has been obtained. Phylogenetic analysis based on showed that these 4 isolates belong to the member of γ-proteobacteria, but show appreciable genetic diversity.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijasbt.v1i3.8607 Int J Appl Sci Biotechnol, Vol. 1(3) 2013 : 110-117
Natural Resource Management System: A Global Need
Authors: Shrivastava Umesh Prasad
Published: September 2013

No abstractDOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijasbt.v1i3.8656 Int J Appl Sci Biotechnol, Vol. 1(3) 2013 : i-iv
The Editorial Board: Essential or Superfluous?
Authors: Donovan Stephen K.
Published: September 2013

Editors have a difficult and labour-intensive job, and need help. But are editorial boards and editorial advisory boards a help or a hindrance? These boards need to be managed by the editor, who must decide if what are needed are workers or figureheads.
Courage, Fear and the Experience of the Later Medieval Scottish Soldier
Authors: Macdonald Alastair J.
Published: September 2013

This article examines aspects of the experience of the later medieval Scottish soldier, in particular courage, fear and the factors that shaped these responses. In many respects the story sketched fits into wider patterns of warriors’ lives elsewhere in Latin Christendom. Similar influences served to encourage the soldier and the prospect of similar afflictions might spread fear. There are also particularities in the Scottish case. The Scots had especially acute problems to overcome, notably in comparison to their regular enemies, the English, in maintaining fortitude in armed forces that featured a relatively wide social spread, with attendant implications for protective equipment and rudimentary training for the occasional soldiers who usually made up the majority of the Scottish host. The circumstances of Scotland's wars with England, meanwhile, led to greater than usual dangers of captivity, injury and death, and a greater level of equality of risk across the social spectrum in Scottish armies. Full-scale battlefield encounters with England brought the most acute challenges to the collective courage of Scottish soldiers and it is testament to their severity that even a renowned figure like William Wallace suffered a failure of resolve when faced with battle at Falkirk in 1298.
Acknowledgements
Authors: Fornäs Johan , Fredriksson Martin , Johannisson Jenny
Published: September 2013

No abstract available.
Detection of Circulating Tumour Cells from Blood of Breast Cancer Patients via RT-qPCR
Authors: Andergassen Ulrich , Kölbl Alexandra , Hutter Stefan , Friese Klaus , Jeschke Udo
Published: September 2013

Breast cancer is still the most frequent cause of cancer-related death in women worldwide. Often death is not caused only by the primary tumour itself, but also by metastatic lesions. Today it is largely accepted, that these remote metastases arise out of cells, which detach from the primary tumour, enter circulation, settle down at secondary sites in the body and are called Circulating Tumour Cells (CTCs). The occurrence of such minimal residual diseases in the blood of breast cancer patients is mostly linked to a worse prognosis for therapy outcome and overall survival. Due to their very low frequency, the detection of CTCs is, still a technical challenge. RT-qPCR as a highly sensitive method could be an approach for CTC-detection from peripheral blood of breast cancer patients. This assumption is based on the fact that CTCs are of epithelial origin and therefore express a different gene panel than surrounding blood cells. For the technical approach it is necessary to identify appropriate marker genes and to correlate their gene expression levels to the number of tumour cells within a sample in an in vitro approach. After that, samples from adjuvant and metastatic patients can be analysed. This approach may lead to new concepts in diagnosis and treatment.
Network Traffic Features for Anomaly Detection in Specific Industrial Control System Network
Authors: Mantere Matti , Sailio Mirko , Noponen Sami
Published: September 2013

The deterministic and restricted nature of industrial control system networks sets them apart from more open networks, such as local area networks in office environments. This improves the usability of network security, monitoring approaches that would be less feasible in more open environments. One of such approaches is machine learning based anomaly detection. Without proper customization for the special requirements of the industrial control system network environment, many existing anomaly or misuse detection systems will perform sub-optimally. A machine learning based approach could reduce the amount of manual customization required for different industrial control system networks. In this paper we analyze a possible set of features to be used in a machine learning based anomaly detection system in the real world industrial control system network environment under investigation. The network under investigation is represented by architectural drawing and results derived from network trace analysis. The network trace is captured from a live running industrial process control network and includes both control data and the data flowing between the control network and the office network. We limit the investigation to the IP traffic in the traces.
Associations of Workplace Bullying and Harassment with Pain
Authors: Takaki Jiro , Taniguchi Toshiyo , Hirokawa Kumi
Published: September 2013

The aim of this study was to investigate associations of workplace bullying and harassment with headache, stiffness of the neck or shoulders, lumbago, and pain of two or more joints. The subjects in this cross-sectional study were recruited from workers (n = 1,913) at 35 healthcare or welfare facilities in Japan. Because of non-participation or missing data, the number of subjects included in the analysis varied (response rate ≥ 77.1%). Workplace bullying and harassment were assessed using the Negative Acts Questionnaire. Depression was assessed using the Brief Job Stress Questionnaire. The frequency of pain experienced by workers in the previous month was evaluated using a four-point scale. Many of the associations of person-related bullying, work-related bullying, and sexual harassment with headache, stiffness of the neck or shoulders, lumbago, and pain of two or more joints were positive and significant (p < 0.05). Even after adjustment for depression, some of the associations remained significant (p < 0.05). For example, changes in the prevalence ratio for headache associated with a 1-point increase in the work-related bullying score were 1.05 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.01 to 1.09) in men and 1.03 (95% CI 1.01 to 1.05) in women after adjustment for age, marital status, employment status, work shift, and depression.
Systematic Exploration of Natural and Synthetic Flavonoids for the Inhibition of Staphylococcus aureus Biofilms
Authors: Manner Suvi , Skogman Malena , Goeres Darla , Vuorela Pia , Fallarero Adyary
Published: September 2013

When single-cell (or suspended) bacteria switch into the biofilm lifestyle, they become less susceptible to antimicrobials, imposing the need for anti-biofilms research. Flavonoids are among the most extensively studied natural compounds with an unprecedented amount of bioactivity claims. Most studies focus on the antibacterial effects against suspended cells; fewer reports have researched their anti-biofilm properties. Here, a high throughput phenotypic platform was utilized to screen for the inhibitory activity of 500 flavonoids, including natural and synthetic derivatives, against Staphylococcus aureus biofilms. Since discrepancies among results from earlier antibacterial studies on flavonoids had been noted, the current study aimed to minimize sources of variations. After the first screen, flavonoids were classified as inactive (443), moderately active (47) or highly active (10). Further, exclusion criteria combining bioactivity and selectivity identified two synthetic flavans as the most promising. The body of data reported here serves three main purposes. First, it offers an improved methodological workflow for anti-biofilm screens of chemical libraries taking into account the (many times ignored) connections between anti-biofilm and antibacterial properties. This is particularly relevant for the study of flavonoids and other natural products. Second, it provides a large and freely available anti-biofilm bioactivity dataset that expands the knowledge on flavonoids and paves the way for future structure-activity relationship studies and structural optimizations. Finally, it identifies two new flavans that can successfully act on biofilms, as well as on suspended bacteria and represent more feasible antibacterial candidates.
Mixtures of l-Amino Acids as Reaction Medium for Formation of Iron Nanoparticles: The Order of Addition into a Ferrous Salt Solution Matters
Authors: Šišková Karolína , Machala Libor , Tuček Jiři , Kašlík Josef , Mojzeš Peter , Zbořil Radek
Published: September 2013

Owing to Mössbauer spectroscopy, an advanced characterization technique for iron-containing materials, the present study reveals previously unknown possibilities using l-amino acids for the generation of magnetic particles. Based on our results, a simple choice of the order of l-amino acids addition into a reaction mixture containing ferrous ions leads to either superparamagnetic ferric oxide/oxyhydroxide particles, or magnetically strong Fe0-Fe2O3/FeOOH core-shell particles after chemical reduction. Conversely, when ferric salts are employed with the addition of selected l-amino acids, only Fe0-Fe2O3/FeOOH core-shell particles are observed, regardless of the addition order. We explain this phenomenon by a specific transient/intermediate complex formation between Fe2+ and l-glutamic acid. This type of complexation prevents ferrous ions from spontaneous oxidation in solutions with full air access. Moreover, due to surface-enhanced Raman scattering spectroscopy we show that the functional groups of l-amino acids are not destroyed during the borohydride-induced reduction. These functionalities can be further exploited for (i) attachment of l-amino acids to the as-prepared magnetic particles, and (ii) for targeted bio- and/or environmental applications where the surface chemistry needs to be tailored and directed toward biocompatible species.
A Computational Framework for High-Throughput Isotopic Natural Abundance Correction of Omics-Level Ultra-High Resolution FT-MS Datasets
Authors: Carreer William , Flight Robert , Moseley Hunter
Published: September 2013

New metabolomics applications of ultra-high resolution and accuracy mass spectrometry can provide thousands of detectable isotopologues, with the number of potentially detectable isotopologues increasing exponentially with the number of stable isotopes used in newer isotope tracing methods like stable isotope-resolved metabolomics (SIRM) experiments. This huge increase in usable data requires software capable of correcting the large number of isotopologue peaks resulting from SIRM experiments in a timely manner. We describe the design of a new algorithm and software system capable of handling these high volumes of data, while including quality control methods for maintaining data quality. We validate this new algorithm against a previous single isotope correction algorithm in a two-step cross-validation. Next, we demonstrate the algorithm and correct for the effects of natural abundance for both 13C and 15N isotopes on a set of raw isotopologue intensities of UDP-N-acetyl-D-glucosamine derived from a 13C/15N-tracing experiment. Finally, we demonstrate the algorithm on a full omics-level dataset.
Impact of Origin and Biological Source on Chemical Composition, Anticholinesterase and Antioxidant Properties of Some St. John’s Wort Species (Hypericum spp., Hypericaceae) from the Central Balkans
Authors: Božin Biljana , Kladar Nebojša , Grujić Nevena , Anačkov Goran , Samojlik Isidora , Gavarić Neda , Čonić Branislava
Published: September 2013

The study shows the influence of the origin of plant material and biological source on the in vitro antioxidant (neutralization of DPPH and OH radical, nitric oxide, and inhibition of lipid peroxidation) and anticholinesterase activity of chemically characterized and quantified ethanol extracts of ten St. John’s wort samples. The investigated samples were: five Hypericum perforatum species representatives collected at different localities, one commercial sample of Hyperici herba purchased at a local market and four Hypericum species autochtonous to the Balkan Peninsula (H. maculatum subsp. immaculatum, H. olympicum, H. richeri subsp. grisebachii and H. barbatum). All the examined extracts exhibited notable antioxidant potential, but in most of the cases indigenous Hypericum species expressed stronger effects compared to the original source of the drug, H. perforatum. The changes in the content of phenolic compounds, especially flavonoids, hyperforin and hypericin, related to the source of the drug affected the investigated activities. Since all of the investigated species have shown prominent inhibition of acetylcholinesterase in vitro activity, they could be further investigated as potential substances in preventing of Alzheimer’s disease.
Optical Characterization of Oligonucleotide DNA Influenced by Magnetic Fields
Authors: Banihashemian Seyedeh , Periasamy Vengadesh , Mohammadi Seyed , Ritikos Richard , Rahman Saadah
Published: September 2013

UV-VIS spectroscopic analysis of oligonucleotide DNA exposed to different magnetic fields was performed in order to investigate the relationship between DNA extinction coefficients and optical parameters according to magnetic-field strength. The results with the oligonucleotides adenine-thymine 100 mer (AT-100 DNA) and cytosine-guanine 100 mer (CG-100 DNA) indicate that the magnetic field influences DNA molar extinction coefficients and refractive indexes. The imaginary parts of the refractive index and molar extinction coefficients of the AT-100 and CG-100 DNA decreased after exposure to a magnetic field of 750 mT due to cleavage of the DNA oligonucleotides into smaller segments.
The Effect of Butanolides from Cinnamomum tenuifolium on Platelet Aggregation
Authors: Dong Huei-Ping , Wu Hui-Ming , Chen Sheue-Jiun , Chen Chung-Yi
Published: September 2013

This study investigated the effects of isotenuifolide and tenuifolide B from the stems of Cinnamomum tenuifolium on adenosine diphosphate (ADP)-induced human platelet aggregation. Treatment of human platelet-rich plasma with isotenuifolide (1 and 2 μg/μL) and tenuifolide B (1, 2 and 4 μg/μL) did not have any significant effect on human platelet aggregation in vitro, however, treatment of human platelet-rich plasma with isotenuifolide (4 μg/μL) resulted in an inhibitory effect on platelet aggregation, suggesting the potential of this compound as an anti-atherosclerogenic agent in humans. Isotenuifolide is a new butanolide compound, whose structure was characterized by spectral analyses.
In Vitro and in Vivo Studies of the Inhibitory Effects of Emodin Isolated from Polygonum cuspidatum on Coxsakievirus B4
Authors: Liu Zhao , Wei Fei , Chen Liang-Jun , Xiong Hai-Rong , Liu Yuan-Yuan , Luo Fan , Hou Wei , Xiao Hong , Yang Zhan-Qiu
Published: September 2013

The lack of effective therapeutics for Coxsackievirus B4 (CVB4) infection underscores the importance of finding novel antiviral compounds. Emodin (1,3,8-trihydroxy-6-methylanthraquinone) is one of the natural anthraquinone derivatives obtained from the root and rhizome of Polygonum cuspidatum. In the present study, the possibility of using emodin as a potential antiviral to treat CVB4 infection was explored in vitro and in mice. Emodin reduced CVB4 entry and replication on Hep-2 cells in a concentration- and time-dependent manner, with a 50% effective concentration (EC50) of 12.06 μM and selectivity index (SI) of 5.08, respectively. The inhibitory effect of emodin for CVB4 entry and replication was further confirmed by a quantitative real time PCR (qPCR) assay. The results further showed that the mice orally treated with different dosages of emodin displayed a dose dependent increase of survival rate, body weight and prolonged mean time of death (MTD), accompanied by significantly decreased myocardial virus titers and pathologic scores/lesions. Moreover, emodin could inhibit CVB4-induced apoptosis in vitro and in vivo. Our results indicated that emodin could be used as potential antiviral in the post-exposure prophylaxis for CVB4 infection.
A Gold Nanoparticles Enhanced Surface Plasmon Resonance Immunosensor for Highly Sensitive Detection of Ischemia-Modified Albumin
Authors: Li Guang , Li Xian , Yang Meng , Chen Meng-Meng , Chen Long-Cong , Xiong Xing-Liang
Published: September 2013

In this study a novel sensitive nanogold particle sensor enhancement based on mixed self-assembled monolayers was explored and used to construct a Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) immunosensor to detect Ischemia Modified Albumin (IMA). Compared with a direct binding SPR assay at a limit of detection (LOD) of 100 ng/L, gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) of 10 nm dramatically improved the LOD of IMA to 10 ng/L. Meanwhile, no interfering substance that may lead to false positive results was identified. These results suggested that the SPR biosensor presented superior properties, and provided a simple label-free strategy to increase assay sensitivity for further acute coronary syndrome (ACS) diagnosis.
Real-Time Human Ambulation, Activity, and Physiological Monitoring: Taxonomy of Issues, Techniques, Applications, Challenges and Limitations
Authors: Khusainov Rinat , Azzi Djamel , Achumba Ifeyinwa , Bersch Sebastian
Published: September 2013

Automated methods of real-time, unobtrusive, human ambulation, activity, and wellness monitoring and data analysis using various algorithmic techniques have been subjects of intense research. The general aim is to devise effective means of addressing the demands of assisted living, rehabilitation, and clinical observation and assessment through sensor-based monitoring. The research studies have resulted in a large amount of literature. This paper presents a holistic articulation of the research studies and offers comprehensive insights along four main axes: distribution of existing studies; monitoring device framework and sensor types; data collection, processing and analysis; and applications, limitations and challenges. The aim is to present a systematic and most complete study of literature in the area in order to identify research gaps and prioritize future research directions.
Circulating Practices: Migration and Translocal Development in Washington D.C. and Cochabamba, Bolivia
Authors: Strunk Christopher
Published: September 2013

Migrant remittances are increasingly seen as a potential form of development in the global South, but the impact of international migration on sending regions is far from straightforward. In this article, I analyze migrant communities of origin in rural Bolivia as dynamic places that are constantly reproduced through connections with other places. I document the movement of migrant practices between Washington D.C. and Cochabamba and the influence of monetary and non-monetary flows on Bolivian cultural practices, politics, and development. I demonstrate how hometown associations and returning migrants have transferred organizational practices and political ideas about development from the United States to rural Bolivia. In addition, I explore migration’s role in struggles over belonging in Cochabamba, focusing on the efforts by migrants in Washington D.C. to stake their claim through transnational houses and collective remittance projects and on recent internal migration from other regions in Bolivia. Finally, I assess the sustainability of migrant-led development in Cochabamba. Although collaboration with migrants can strengthen the local state by providing more resources, it conditions the type of development that can take place and has yet to provide adequate opportunities for returning migrants or young people in rural Bolivia.