bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Comprehensive Approach for Assessing the Impacts of Wettability on Oil Production in Carbonate Reservoirs
Authors: Faerstein Marcos , Couto Paulo , Alves José Luis
Published: October 2011

This paper discusses the impacts that rock wettability may have upon the production and recovery of oil with waterflooding in carbonate reservoirs and how it should be modeled. A broad review of the state of the art has been conducted surveying existing disagreements and knowledge gaps, basic definitions, as well as the correct understanding of the physical phenomena and identification of the characteristics of the various wettability scenarios.

Case studies conducted with a black oil reservoir simulator evaluated the impact of different wettability scenarios on oil production and recovery. A comprehensive approach considering all the parameters involved in the wettability modeling was applied to the case studies, showing how the behavior of the reservoir varies as a function of their wettability.

This paper shows how relative permeability and capillary pressure should be varied to correctly represent different wettability scenarios and consequently assess its impacts on oil production and recovery.

The case studies show that the evaluation of the volume of oil in the reservoir is impacted by wettability through the irreducible water saturation and primary drainage capillary pressure and must be considered in the analyses. In long term analyses, mixed-wet scenarios have a higher oil production and recovery. In medium and short term, the water-wet scenarios have the higher recovery, but in relation to oil production, these scenarios are negatively influenced by the smaller volume of oil in place.

The main contribution of this paper is the simultaneous analyses of all the parameters involved in the modeling of wettability showing how they impact the behavior of a reservoir. It shows how the parameters must be varied in a heterogeneous reservoir and how heterogeneity impacts the relevance of wettability in the studies.
Remaining Oil Saturation Study in Giant Oil Field: An Integrated Work Involving Laboratory and Log Measurements
Authors: El Din S. Serag , Kalam Zubair , Brahmakulam Jacob
Published: October 2011

As more and more fields mature in their production life cycle, EOR/IOR methods attain increasing significance. To plan these recovery methods optimally an accurate measure of the remaining hydrocarbon saturation is required to establish if there are sufficient hydrocarbons left in the reservoir to make a recovery process worthwhile. Integrating the state of the art Liquid Trapper coring technique and laboratory analysis on whole core and plugs reduce the uncertainty in this crucial reservoir parameter. New developments in dielectric logging techniques provide accurate remaining saturation answers with depth resolution of the scale of core plugs, for effective comparison and enhanced confidence on the answers.

The current study aims to evaluate the remaining oil saturation (ROS) after a water flood in 4 different wells located in a depleted zone of a Cretaceous carbonate reservoir in a giant field, onshore Abu Dhabi. This is the first time a multi-well study involving liquid trapper technique is conducted in the subject field with an objective of better capturing the reservoir heterogeneities and their possible impact on the ROS.

Laboratory measurements were conducted on reservoir core samples ranging from full diameter whole cores down to small plugs. The multi-scale analysis confirmed the variations in rock properties and the influence of heterogeneity on the reservoir properties, and ROS distribution. Petrophysical Groups (PG) were also defined and the final ROS values were distributed per PGs. ROS values from cores were compared with the continuous log measurement from the new multi frequency dielectric tool, deployed for the first time in the country. The array sensors of the tool make the borehole correction robust while the dispersion analysis of the multi-frequency data provides saturation answers unaffected by pore fluid salinity and carbonate texture. The uncertainty in ROS measurements and best practices for future is also discussed.
Production Optimization Considering Interaction between Reservoirs and Constrained Surface Facilities
Authors: Cotrim Henrique A. , von Hohendorff João C. , Schiozer Denis J.
Published: October 2011

Integrated asset models (IAM) are often necessary to analyze properly the pressure interaction between reservoirs and a constrained surface facility network and to predict the behavior of several fields, which may have different fluid compositions, sharing a common surface facility. In this study, we describe a field development project improvement due to production rate management using a well known approach for coupling a commercial reservoir simulator and a simplified surface network model. The approach technique was tested using a real-based case of two offshore fields, one of gas condensate and the other one of light oil, with a gas production constraint due to the gas pipeline capacity. At present work, the two independent reservoir models were controlled simultaneously by the coupling tool and the well production rates allocated at each iteration by the management algorithm. The coupled system gives a significantly higher oil production and NPV than the standalone simulation did only by well production rate management based on GOR (gas-oil ratio). In thirty years production forecast, considering the surface gas constraint, there was a significant increase on NPV and nearly the same recovery factor. In other words, it was obtained an excellent improvement on the overall project due to revenue anticipation using the well rates from management algorithm.
The Role of Tire Overturning Moment in Steering
Authors: Blue D. W.
Published: October 2011

Tire overturning moment measurements have traditionally been used primarily for rollover threshold analysis and have often been ignored for linear range maneuvers. This paper explains how overturning moment is related to aligning torque for a tire under tractive force. This relationship can be used to develop a better understanding of tire properties necessary to achieve better steering refinement. A free rolling overturning moment measurement is shown to provide useful information for aligning torque performance. For example, force and moment test results are shown to illustrate the concepts.
Mechanics of Bend-Over-Sheave (Shoeshine) Fatigue Testing of Cord-Rubber Laminates
Authors: van Bogaert P. , van Bogaert S.
Published: October 2011

The Bend-Over-Sheave test is used for screening reinforcement cords used in tires, especially on fatigue interply delamination as well as rubber-fabric and rubber-cord adhesion degradation. The typical cyclic load of tension-tension of the sidewalls or tension-compression of the belt can be achieved by the proper definition of two-ply laminates bent over a sheave. The objective of this paper is to define relevant fatigue test conditions that can predict the performance of new materials. A finite element model of the Bend-Over-Sheave test configuration is presented and shows that, for the test arrangements studied in this paper, flanged wheels should be used to prevent lateral buckling in the compressed cords. Besides, a simplified model enables us to determine the different factors that have significant effect on the strain levels in the cords. The material of the cords, the rubber hardness (“Shore”), and the sample manufacturing process are shown to have an influence on the specimen strain levels. The test conditions, i.e., the sheave radius, the traction force, and the contact angle between the sheave and the sample, also affect the behavior specimen strain levels. On the other hand, if the sample length is higher than a certain value, it is shown not to have a significant effect on the results.
Parallel Computing for Tire Simulations
Authors: Surendranath H. , Dunbar M.
Published: October 2011

Over the last few decades, finite element analysis has become an integral part of the overall tire design process. Engineers need to perform a number of different simulations to evaluate new designs and study the effect of proposed design changes. However, tires pose formidable simulation challenges due to the presence of highly nonlinear rubber compounds, embedded reinforcements, complex tread geometries, rolling contact, and large deformations. Accurate simulation requires careful consideration of these factors, resulting in the extensive turnaround time, often times prolonging the design cycle. Therefore, it is extremely critical to explore means to reduce the turnaround time while producing reliable results.

Compute clusters have recently become a cost effective means to perform high performance computing (HPC). Distributed memory parallel solvers designed to take advantage of compute clusters have become increasingly popular. In this paper, we examine the use of HPC for various tire simulations and demonstrate how it can significantly reduce simulation turnaround time. Abaqus/Standard is used for routine tire simulations like footprint and steady state rolling. Abaqus/Explicit is used for transient rolling and hydroplaning simulations. The run times and scaling data corresponding to models of various sizes and complexity are presented.
Investigations on Rolling Resistance of Nanocomposite Based Passenger Car Radial Tyre Tread Compounds Using Simulation Technique
Authors: Ghosh S. , Sengupta R.A. , Heinrich G.
Published: October 2011

Tyre rolling resistance is a key performance index in the tyre industry that addresses the environmental concern. Reduction of tyre rolling resistance is a major challenge so as to lower the fuel consumption, which could be achieved by changing both design as well as compound formulation. In this paper, rolling resistance of 205/60R15 as well as 155/70R14 passenger car radial tyre with nanocomposite based tread compounds were evaluated using finite element (FE) analysis. The energy dissipation in the tyre was evaluated using the product of elastic strain energy and the loss tangent of materials through post processing using a rolling resistance code. The elastic strain energy was obtained through steady state rolling simulation of tyre using Abaqus software and the loss tangent was measured in the laboratory by viscoanalyzer. A good correlation of rolling resistance was observed between simulation and experimental results. Nanocomposites used in this study were prepared based on solution styrene butadiene rubber and polybutadiene rubber blends with either organoclay and carbon black or organoclay and silica dual fillers. Carboxylated nitrile rubber, a polar rubber, was used as compatibilizer to facilitate the clay dispersion in rubber matrix. Compared to general carbon black or silica tread compounds, substantial improvement of rolling resistance was predicted by FE simulation with nanocomposite based tread compounds containing dual fillers organoclay-carbon black or organoclay-silica.
Antenatal Closure of the Ductus Arteriosus and Hydrops Fetalis
Authors: Wyatt-Ashmead Josephine
Published: October 2011

Antenatal closure of the ductus arteriosus has been speculated, but rarely reported, as a cause of hydrops fetalis. The purpose of this prospective autopsy study was to find the incidence of antenatal closure of the ductus arteriosus and hydrops fetalis in a high-risk obstetric population and to find associated factors that might give clues to the cause of antenatal closure of the ductus arteriosus. Antenatal closure of the ductus arteriosus had to be stringently sought by in situ examination. Fifteen stillborns with antenatal closure of the ductus arteriosus were found in 684 perinatal autopsies (2.2%), including 511 stillborns (2.9%). All 15 stillborns with antenatal closure of the ductus arteriosus also had hydrops fetalis and accounted for 35% of the 43 stillborns with hydrops fetalis. Antenatal closure of the ductus arteriosus in these 15 stillborns was not associated with maternal aspirin use but was associated with a myriad of factors, including intrauterine infection (60%), umbilical cord abnormalities (67%), and retroplacental hemorrhage (87%), that can cause hypoxic-ischemic stress.
Atelosteogenesis Type I: Autopsy Findings
Authors: Wessels Annasu , Wainwright Helen C. , Beighton Peter
Published: October 2011

We have documented the clinical, radiologic, and autopsy findings of 2 fetuses with atelosteogenesis type I, aged 22 and 17 weeks. This rare autosomal dominant lethal skeletal dysplasia is caused by mutation in the FNLB gene. The 17-week-old fetus had some features of atelosteogenesis type II, notably “hitchhiker thumbs,” a cleft palate, and midfacial flattening. The histologic demonstration of giant cells in the growth plate cartilage confirmed the diagnosis of atelosteogenesis type I in both fetuses, thereby facilitating accurate prediction of recurrence risks for the parents of the affected fetuses. Autopsy findings included tracheal narrowing and stenosis with pulmonary hypoplasia in both fetuses. Renal microcysts and abnormal branching of the pancreatic duct were also present in 1 of the fetuses, and malrotation of the caecum and retinal dysplasia involving the optic nerve were identified in the other. Postmortem and histologic investigations play an important role in the elucidation of the genetic micromelic skeletal disorders that are lethal in the fetus and neonate.
Colorectal Adenocarcinoma: A Pediatric Case Review with a Focus on Mismatch Repair Gene Mutations and E-Cadherin Expression
Authors: Gonzalez Raul S. , Shulman Sarah C. , Katzenstein Howard M. , Steelman Charlotte K. , Wulkan Mark L. , Abramowsky Carlos R. , Cohen Cynthia , Davis Gigi K. , Shehata Bahig M.
Published: October 2011

Colorectal adenocarcinoma (CRAC) is exceedingly rare in the pediatric population (fewer than 2 cases per 1 million children). There are 2 major categories of pediatric colorectal adenocarcinoma syndromes: polyposis-related and hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer, also known as Lynch syndrome. Germ line mutations in DNA mismatch repair (MMR) genes (eg, MLH1, MSH2, PMS2, MSH6) have been established as the molecular genetic basis of Lynch syndrome. Another prognostic factor in adult CRAC is the reduced expression of epithelial cadherin (E-cadherin), which has been associated with poor outcome in some adult CRAC cases; however, its role in predicting prognoses in pediatric cases remains unclear. Seven pediatric patients with primary CRAC were reviewed. Available molecular genetic test results were evaluated, and immunohistochemical labeling for MMR proteins and E-cadherin were performed on 5 patients. Four of the 5 patients in our study with available paraffin blocks showed loss of MMR protein expression, consistent with Lynch syndrome. In cases stained for E-cadherin, 3 were strongly positive and 2 were weakly positive; however, with the small sample size and the relatively short follow-up period, an accurate correlation between E-cadherin and prognosis cannot be reached with any degree of certainty. Our findings highlight the importance of genetic testing for MMR gene mutations in children with colorectal cancer and suggest further investigation into the prognostic role of E-cadherin in pediatric CRAC.
Pediatric Chronic Sclerosing Sialadenitis: Küttner Tumor
Authors: Melo Juliana Carneiro , Kitsko Dennis , Reyes-Múgica Miguel
Published: October 2011

Chronic sclerosing sialadenitis is an uncommon cause of salivary gland enlargement mainly occurring in the fifth and seventh decade of life. In the Western population, chronic sclerosing sialadenitis has been characterized as an IgG4-related disease. Although rare, this lesion occurs in children. To increase awareness about this entity in the pediatric age group, we report the case of an 11-year-old boy with a hard, 4.0-cm circumscribed mass in the right submandibular gland. Histologically there was marked distortion of the gland architecture by a dense lymphocytic infiltrate and extensive fibrosis with septa that crossed and distorted the gland, leaving atrophic acini and dilated, irregular ducts. The lymphoid infiltrate formed multiple follicles with active germinal centers, numerous plasma cells, and areas with diffuse arrangement. Immunophenotyping showed abundant CD20- and CD3-positive lymphocytes; cytokeratin AE1/AE3 highlighted the distorted architectural pattern; IgG staining showed large numbers of positive cells infiltrating the interstitium and surrounding the atrophic acini and ducts. IgG4 staining revealed a large proportion of positive infiltrating elements. Küttner tumor belongs to the group of IgG4-related sclerosing diseases. The differential diagnosis includes pleomorphic adenoma and other salivary gland neoplasms. Its recognition in children is important clinically because this entity is amenable to steroid treatment, and additional work up and follow up is warranted to stave off other IgG4-related diseases/complications.
Differential Transmission and Postnatal Outcomes in Triplets with Intrauterine Cytomegalovirus Infection
Authors: Kitajima Junko , Inoue Hirosuke , Ohga Shouichi , Kinjo Tadamune , Ochiai Masayuki , Yoshida Takahisa , Kusuhara Koichi , Hara Toshiro
Published: October 2011

We present a case of triplets with intrauterine cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection, each of whom showed differential transmission, placental pathology, and postnatal outcome. The first- and second-born infants were both vigorous and asymptomatic at birth, although the first-, but not the second-born, triplet had a high copy number of CMV DNA in the peripheral blood (1.2 × 103 copy/mL). The third-born triplet suffered from symptomatic CMV infection with a high viral load (6.0 × 106 copy/mL). The triamniotic-trichorionic placentas were not fused to each other. The histopathologic analysis showed that CMV-positive cells were frequently found in the decidua, villi, and amnion of the third-born triplet's placenta but were limited and scattered in the decidua or villi but not amnion of the other 2 placentas. The third-born triplet underwent ganciclovir therapy. None of the infants had physical or auditory problems at 4 years of age, whereas the third-born triplet had been diagnosed with an autistic disorder. This observation exemplifies the preventive roles of the individual placentas of triplets with regard to virus infection, thus suggesting that developing CMV disease largely depends on the placental function.
Antitumor effects of deracoxib treatment in 26 dogs with transitional cell carcinoma of the urinary bladder
Authors: McMillan Sarah K. , Boria Pedro , Moore George E. , Widmer William R. , Bonney Patty L. , Knapp Deborah W.
Published: October 2011

Objective—To evaluate the antitumor activity and toxic effects of deracoxib, a selective cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor, in dogs with transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) of the urinary bladder.

Design—Clinical trial.

Animals—26 client-owned dogs with naturally occurring, histologically confirmed, measurableTCC of the urinary bladder.

Procedures—Dogs were treated PO with deracoxib at a dosage of 3 mg/kg/d (1.36 mg/lb/d) as a single-agent treatment for TCC. Tumor response was assessed via radiography, abdominal ultrasonography, and ultrasonographic mapping of urinary bladder masses. Toxic effects of deracoxib administration in dogs were assessed through clinical observations and hematologic and biochemical analyses.

Results—Of 24 dogs for which tumor response was assessed, 4 (17%) had partial remission, 17 (71%) had stable disease, and 3 (13%) had progressive disease; initial response could not be assessed in 2 of 26 dogs. The median survival time was 323 days. Median time to progressive disease was 133 days. Renal, hepatic, and gastrointestinal abnormalities attributed to deracoxib administration were noted in 4% (1/26), 4% (1/26), and 19% (5/26) of dogs, respectively.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results indicated that deracoxib was generally well tolerated by dogs and had antitumor activity against TCC.
Comparison of early socialization practices used for litters of small-scale registered dog breeders and nonregistered dog breeders
Authors: Korbelik Juraj , Rand Jacquie S. , Morton John M.
Published: October 2011

Objective—To compare early socialization practices between litters of breeders registered with the Canine Control Council (CCC) and litters of nonregistered breeders advertising puppies for sale in a local newspaper.

Design—Retrospective cohort study.

Animals—80 litters of purebred and mixed-breed dogs from registered (n = 40) and non-registered (40) breeders.

Procedures—Registered breeders were randomly selected from the CCC website, and nonregistered breeders were randomly selected from a weekly advertising newspaper. The litter sold most recently by each breeder was then enrolled in the study. Information pertaining to socialization practices for each litter was obtained through a questionnaire administered over the telephone.

Results—Registered breeders generally had more breeding bitches and had more litters than did nonregistered breeders. Litters of registered breeders were more likely to have been socialized with adult dogs, people of different appearances, and various environmental stimuli, compared with litters of nonregistered breeders. Litters from registered breeders were also much less likely to have been the result of an unplanned pregnancy.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Among those breeders represented, litters of registered breeders received more socialization experience, compared with litters of nonregistered breeders. People purchasing puppies from nonregistered breeders should focus on socializing their puppies between the time of purchase and 14 weeks of age. Additional research is required to determine whether puppies from nonregistered breeders are at increased risk of behavioral problems and are therefore more likely to be relinquished to animal shelters or euthanized, relative to puppies from registered breeders.
Penetrating injuries to the frog (cuneus ungulae) and collateral sulci of the foot in equids: 63 cases (1998–2008)
Authors: Kilcoyne Isabelle , Dechant Julie E. , Kass Philip H. , Spier Sharon J.
Published: October 2011

Objective—To determine the outcome of penetrating injuries to the central region of the foot in equids and identify factors that may affect treatment and outcome.

Design—Retrospective case series.

Animals—63 equids (61 horses, 1 pony, and 1 mule).

Procedures—Records of equids incurring puncture wounds through the frog (cuneus ungulae) or collateral sulci of the foot between 1998 and 2008 were reviewed. Evaluated factors that were hypothesized to affect outcome included signalment, degree of lameness, foot affected, duration between injury and admission, and treatment. Injuries were graded from 1 (< 1 inch; involving superficial corium only) to 4 (involving a synovial structure) on the basis of severity of penetration as determined by radiographic evidence or findings on synoviocentesis at the time of admission.

Results—Overall, 60% (38/63) of equids returned to soundness. Thirteen equids were euthanized on the basis of synovial structure involvement and financial constraints. Of 35 equids that were treated conservatively, which may have included undergoing a surgical procedure with the horse standing, 32 (91.4%) returned to their previous level of soundness. Fifteen equids underwent surgical treatment under general anesthesia, of which 6 (40%) became sound for intended use. Ten of 34 (29%) equids with synovial structure involvement regained soundness. Equids treated earlier after injury had a better prognosis. Equids with a hind foot injury had a more favorable outcome than those with a forefoot injury.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results suggested that penetrating injuries located centrally in the foot of equids without involvement of a synovial structure have a favorable prognosis, especially if managed early. Penetration of a synovial structure provided a poor prognosis.
Gastric and enteric phytobezoars caused by ingestion of persimmon in equids
Authors: Banse Heidi E. , Gilliam Lyndi L. , House Amanda M. , McKenzie Harold C. , Johnson Philip J. , Lopes Marco A. F. , Carmichael Robert J. , Groover Erin S. , LaCarrubba Alison M. , Breshears Melanie A. , Brosnahan Margaret M. , Funk Rebecca , Holbrook Todd C.
Published: October 2011

Case Description—13 equids (10 horses, 2 donkeys, and 1 pony) were examined for signs of colic (n = 7), weight loss (6), anorexia (3), and diarrhea (2). Ten equids were evaluated in the fall (September to November). Seven equids had a history of persimmon ingestion.

Clinical Findings—A diagnosis of phytobezoar caused by persimmon ingestion was made for all equids. Eight equids had gastric persimmon phytobezoars; 5 had enteric persimmon phytobezoars. Gastroscopy or gastroduodenoscopy revealed evidence of persimmon ingestion in 8 of 10 equids in which these procedures were performed.

Treatment and Outcome—2 of 13 equids were euthanatized prior to treatment. Supportive care was instituted in 11 of 13 equids, including IV administration of fluids (n = 8) and treatment with antimicrobials (5), NSAIDs (5), and gastric acid suppressants (4). Persimmon phytobezoar–specific treatments included dietary modification to a pelleted feed (n = 8); oral or nasogastric administration of cola or diet cola (4), cellulase (2), or mineral oil (2); surgery (4); and intrapersimmon phytobezoar injections with acetylcysteine (1). Medical treatment in 5 of 7 equids resulted in resolution of gastric persimmon phytobezoars. Seven of 8 equids with gastric persimmon phytobezoars and 1 of 5 equids with enteric persimmon phytobezoars survived > 1 year after hospital discharge.

Clinical Relevance—Historical knowledge of persimmon ingestion in equids with gastrointestinal disease warrants gastroduodenoscopy for evaluation of the presence of persimmon phytobezoars. In equids with gastric persimmon phytobezoars, medical management (including administration of cola or diet cola and dietary modification to a pelleted feed) may allow for persimmon phytobezoar dissolution.
Instrumental Europe
Authors: Galbraith Marysia , Wilson Thomas M.
Published: October 2011

Religious organisations that secularise their community outreach to gain European Union (EU) funding, border-city residents whose consumption practices exploit cross-border economic disparities, EU member states that protect their domestic labour market by restricting access to legal work and medical care for citizens of new member states, recently admitted citizens who nevertheless take advantage of increased opportunities for mobility to improve their economic and social standing, and even in some cases use their scepticism about membership to promote their personal or national interests within the EU – all of these examples point to the complex and varied ways in which instrumentality figures in day-to-day dealings with the European Union. This special issue of AJEC seeks to contribute to the anthropological study of the European Union by examining ways in which various individuals, groups and institutions use the EU to pursue their political, economic and social goals at local, national and transnational levels within Europe.
'Poland Has Always Been in Europe'
Authors: Galbraith Marysia
Published: October 2011

The paper explores ways in which individuals make use of the opportunities and resources provided by the European Union (EU), and how such instrumentalities can make the concept of Europe more salient for citizens. This is important to European Union studies generally because careful observation and analysis of everyday engagements can help to reveal the basis upon which the EU gains legitimacy, or, alternatively, the grounds for resistance to further integration. Through an examination of Poles' experiences of mobility, and their reflections about crossing national borders to work and travel, the paper shows that instrumentality is not just motivated by economic interests, but also by the desire to advance culturally, socially and symbolically within a global imaginary of hierarchically ranked nations. As such, support for European integration tends to weaken in situations where ongoing inequalities and exclusions lead to perceptions of social demotion. Further, instrumentalities can deepen meaningful engagement with the EU in ways that also reassert national loyalties.
Effects of Transitional Measures Associated with EU Integration on Medical Care Access for Central and Eastern European Migrants in Germany
Authors: Castañeda Heide
Published: October 2011

This article examines the unintended effects of policy on the cross-border health care experiences of persons from the new Central and Eastern European (CEE) states of the European Union (EU) during a time of major transition. While permitted to travel freely, most individuals from the new member states are not yet authorised to work in Germany. As a result, they face many everyday forms of exclusion, including lack of access to medical services. Drawing upon ethnographic fieldwork, this article examines experiences of patients from newly acceded CEE countries. Cross-border health care highlights instrumentality because implementation has consisted only of patchwork policies and is characterised by insufficient attention to marginalised populations, such as those who are driven to seek work abroad due to economic asymmetries across borders. In the current transitional period, evidence suggests a disconnect as social rights struggle to catch up to economic ones.
Euroscepticism and Europeanisation at a Margin of Europe
Authors: Ilieva Polya , Wilson Thomas M.
Published: October 2011

This article examines forms of ideological and political responses to European integration and Europeanisation that are either negative in form and function or that are projected as such for local and national purposes. The concept of 'Euroscepticism' is shown here as a useful linguistic and sociological starting point for examining the transformative power of the EU in the politics of all levels of European societies. The ways in which people express their support, opposition or ennui in regard to the role of 'Europe' in their lives delineates here the instrumentalism in the way they approach advancing European integration. The processes of resisting, negotiating and adapting (and adapting to) European integration are offered here as topics of anthropological significance in their own right. A case study from one former socialist country, Bulgaria, illustrates what may be suggested as a commonplace sentiment throughout the EU - a feeling of marginality due to the disconnection and disaffection that remain at the heart of Euroscepticism in all of its forms. Bulgaria offers a frame through which to reflect on the reformulations in local, regional and national political society as they relate to supranational and transnational forces throughout Europe, and to illustrate how an anthropological attention to the issues of post-socialism in Central and Eastern Europe may bene fit from an examination of the new forces of European integration.
Book Review
Authors: Craith Máiréad Nic
Published: October 2011

Tomasz Kamusella (2009), The Politics of Language and Nationalism in Modern Central Europe (Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan), 2009, 1140pp, Hb: $235, ISBN: 978-0-230-55070-4; Pb: $34.95 ISBN: 978-0-230-29473-8 (June 2011).
Intelligent Stability Design of Large Underground Hydraulic Caverns: Chinese Method and Practice
Authors: Jiang Quan , Feng Xiating
Published: October 2011

The global energy shortage has revived the interest in hydroelectric power, but extreme geological condition always pose challenges to the construction of hydroelectric power stations with large underground caverns. To solve the problem of safe design of large underground caverns, a Chinese-style intelligent stability design, representing recent developments in Chinese techniques for the construction of underground hydropower systems is presented. The basic aim of this method is to help designers improve the stability and design efficiency of large underground hydropower cavern groups. Its flowchart consists of two parts, one is initial design with an ordinal structure, and the other is dynamic design with a closed loop structure. In each part of the flowchart, analysis techniques, analysis content and design parameters for caverns’ stability are defined, respectively. Thus, the method provides designers with a bridge from the basic information of objective engineering to reasonable design parameters for managing the stability of hydraulic cavern groups. Application to two large underground caverns shows that it is a scientific and economical method for safely constructing underground hydraulic caverns.
Crystallization Study and Comparative in Vitro–in Vivo Hydrolysis of PLA Reinforcement Ligament
Authors: Beslikas Theodore , Gigis Ioannis , Goulios Vasilios , Christoforides John , Papageorgiou George Z. , Bikiaris Dimitrios N.
Published: October 2011

In the present work, the crystallization behavior and in vitro–in vivo hydrolysis rates of PLA absorbable reinforcement ligaments used in orthopaedics for the repair and reinforcement of articulation instabilities were studied. Tensile strength tests showed that this reinforcement ligament has similar mechanical properties to Fascia Latta, which is an allograft sourced from the ilio-tibial band of the human body. The PLA reinforcement ligament is a semicrystalline material with a glass transition temperature around 61 °C and a melting point of ~178 °C. Dynamic crystallization revealed that, although the crystallization rates of the material are slow, they are faster than the often-reported PLA crystallization rates. Mass loss and molecular weight reduction measurements showed that in vitro hydrolysis at 50 °C initially takes place at a slow rate, which gets progressively higher after 30–40 days. As found from SEM micrographs, deterioration of the PLA fibers begins during this time. Furthermore, as found from in vivo hydrolysis in the human body, the PLA reinforcement ligament is fully biocompatible and after 6 months of implantation is completely covered with flesh. However, the observed hydrolysis rate from in vivo studies was slow due to high molecular weight and degree of crystallinity.
Modulation of Human Serotonin Transporter Expression by 5-HTTLPR in Colon Cells
Authors: Prasansuklab Anchalee , Poovorawan Yong , Tencomnao Tewin
Published: October 2011

Serotonin (5-HT) is a monoamine neurotransmitter and plays important roles in several of the human body’s systems. Known as a primary target for psychoactive drug development, the 5-HT transporter (5-HTT, SERT) plays a critical role in the regulation of serotonergic function by reuptaking 5-HT. The allelic variation of 5-HTT expression is caused by functional gene promoter polymorphism with two principal variant alleles, 5-HTT gene-linked polymorphic region (5-HTTLPR). It has been demonstrated that 5-HTTLPR is associated with numerous neuropsychiatric disorders. The functional roles of 5-HTTLPR have been reported in human choriocarcinoma (JAR), lymphoblast and raphe cells. To date, the significance of 5-HTTLPR in gastrointestinal tract-derived cells has never been elucidated. Thus, the impact of 5-HTTLPR on 5-HTT transcription was studied in SW480 human colon carcinoma cells, which were shown to express 5-HTT. We found 42-bp fragment in long (L) allele as compared to short (S) allele, and this allelic difference resulted in 2-fold higher transcriptional efficiency of L allele (P < 0.05) as demonstrated using a functional reporter gene assay. Nevertheless, the transcriptional effect of estrogen and glucocorticoid on 5-HTT expression via 5-HTTLPR was not found in this cell line. Our study was the first to demonstrate the molecular role of this allelic variation in gastrointestinal tract cells.
Quantitative Comparative Analysis of the Bio-Active and Toxic Constituents of Leaves and Spikes of Schizonepeta tenuifolia at Different Harvesting Times
Authors: Yu Sheng , Chen Yiwen , Zhang Li , Shan Mingqiu , Tang Yuping , Ding Anwei
Published: October 2011

A GC-MS-Selected Ion Monitoring (SIM) detection method was developed for simultaneous determination of four monoterpenes: (-)-menthone, (+)-pulegone, (-)-limonene and (+)-menthofuran as the main bio-active and toxic constituents, and four other main compounds in the volatile oils of Schizonepeta tenuifolia (ST) leaves and spikes at different harvesting times. The results showed that the method was simple, sensitive and reproducible, and that harvesting time was a possible key factor in influencing the quality of ST leaves, but not its spikes. The research might be helpful for determining the harvesting time of ST samples and establishing a validated method for the quality control of ST volatile oil and other relative products.
Molecular Quantum Spintronics: Supramolecular Spin Valves Based on Single-Molecule Magnets and Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Urdampilleta Matias , Nguyen Ngoc-Viet , Cleuziou Jean-Pierre , Klyatskaya Svetlana , Ruben Mario , Wernsdorfer Wolfgang
Published: October 2011

We built new hybrid devices consisting of chemical vapor deposition (CVD) grown carbon nanotube (CNT) transistors, decorated with TbPc2 (Pc = phthalocyanine) rare-earth based single-molecule magnets (SMMs). The drafting was achieved by tailoring supramolecular π-π interactions between CNTs and SMMs. The magnetoresistance hysteresis loop measurements revealed steep steps, which we can relate to the magnetization reversal of individual SMMs. Indeed, we established that the electronic transport properties of these devices depend strongly on the relative magnetization orientations of the grafted SMMs. The SMMs are playing the role of localized spin polarizer and analyzer on the CNT electronic conducting channel. As a result, we measured magneto-resistance ratios up to several hundred percent. We used this spin valve effect to confirm the strong uniaxial anisotropy and the superparamagnetic blocking temperature (TB ~ 1 K) of isolated TbPc2 SMMs. For the first time, the strength of exchange interaction between the different SMMs of the molecular spin valve geometry could be determined. Our results introduce a new design for operable molecular spintronic devices using the quantum effects of individual SMMs.
Raising the Ante of Communication: Evidence for Enhanced Gesture Use in High Stakes Situations
Authors: Kelly Spencer , Byrne Kelly , Holler Judith
Published: October 2011

Theorists of language have argued that co-speech hand gestures are an intentional part of social communication. The present study provides evidence for these claims by showing that speakers adjust their gesture use according to their perceived relevance to the audience. Participants were asked to read about items that were and were not useful in a wilderness survival scenario, under the pretense that they would then explain (on camera) what they learned to one of two different audiences. For one audience (a group of college students in a dormitory orientation activity), the stakes of successful communication were low; for the other audience (a group of students preparing for a rugged camping trip in the mountains), the stakes were high. In their explanations to the camera, participants in the high stakes condition produced three times as many representational gestures, and spent three times as much time gesturing, than participants in the low stakes condition. This study extends previous research by showing that the anticipated consequences of one’s communication—namely, the degree to which information may be useful to an intended recipient—influences speakers’ use of gesture.
Gelation and Retrogradation Mechanism of Wheat Amylose
Authors: Tamaki Yukihiro , Konishi Teruko , Tako Masakuni
Published: October 2011

The flow behavior, dynamic viscoelasticity, and optical rotation of aqueous solutions of wheat amylose were measured using a rheogoniometer and a polarimeter. The amylose solutions, at 25 °C, showed shear-thinning behavior at a concentration of 1.2%, but plastic behavior at 1.4 and 1.6%, the yield values of which were estimated to be 0.6 and 1.0 Pa, respectively. The viscosity of the wheat amylose increased a little with increase in temperature up to 10 or 20 °C at 1.2% or 1.4 and 1.6%, which was estimated to be a transition temperature. The elastic modulus increased with increase in concentration, and increased with increasing temperature up to 20, 25 and 30 °C, which was estimated to be a transition temperature, respectively, then decreased gradually but stayed at a large value even at high temperature (80 °C). A very low elastic modulus of the wheat amylose was observed upon addition of urea (4.0 M) and in alkaline solution (0.05 M NaOH) even at low temperature. The optical rotation of wheat amylose solution increased a little with decreasing temperature down to 25 °C, then increased rapidly with further decrease in the temperature. The mode of gelation mechanism of amylose molecules, which was previously proposed, was confirmed and a retrogradation mechanism of wheat amylose was proposed.
Evaluation of Titanium Alloys Fabricated Using Rapid Prototyping Technologies—Electron Beam Melting and Laser Beam Melting
Authors: Koike Mari , Greer Preston , Owen Kelly , Lilly Guo , Murr Lawrence E. , Gaytan Sara M. , Martinez Edwin , Okabe Toru
Published: October 2011

This study characterized properties of Ti-6Al-4V ELI (extra low interstitial, ASTM grade 23) specimens fabricated by a laser beam melting (LBM) and an electron beam melting (EBM) system for dental applications. Titanium alloy specimens were made into required size and shape for each standard test using fabrication methods. The LBM specimens were made by an LBM machine utilizing 20 µm of Ti-6Al-4V ELI powder. Ti-6Al-4V ELI specimens were also fabricated by an EBM using 40 µm of Ti-6Al-4V ELI powder (average diameter, 40 µm: Arcam ABÒ) in a vacuum. As a control, cast Ti-6Al-4V ELI specimens (Cast) were made using a centrifugal casting machine in an MgO-based mold. Also, a wrought form of Ti-6Al-4V ELI (Wrought) was used as a control. The mechanical properties, corrosion properties and grindability (wear properties) were evaluated and data was analyzed using ANOVA and a non-parametric method (α = 0.05). The strength of the LBM and wrought specimens were similar, whereas the EBM specimens were slightly lower than those two specimens. The hardness of both the LBM and EBM specimens was similar and slightly higher than that of the cast and wrought alloys. For the higher grindability speed at 1,250 m/min, the volume loss of Ti64 LBM and EBM showed no significant differences among all the fabrication methods. LBM and EBM exhibited favorable results in fabricating dental appliances with excellent properties as found for specimens made by other fabricating methods.
Fabrication and Biocompatibility of Electrospun Silk Biocomposites
Authors: Wei Kai , Kim Byoung-Suhk , Kim Ick-Soo
Published: October 2011

Silk fibroin has attracted great interest in tissue engineering because of its outstanding biocompatibility, biodegradability and minimal inflammatory reaction. In this study, two kinds of biocomposites based on regenerated silk fibroin are fabricated by electrospinning and post-treatment processes, respectively. Firstly, regenerated silk fibroin/tetramethoxysilane (TMOS) hybrid nanofibers with high hydrophilicity are prepared, which is superior for fibroblast attachment. The electrospinning process causes adjacent fibers to ‘weld’ at contact points, which can be proved by scanning electron microscope (SEM). The water contact angle of silk/tetramethoxysilane (TMOS) composites shows a sharper decrease than pure regenerated silk fibroin nanofiber, which has a great effect on the early stage of cell attachment behavior. Secondly, a novel tissue engineering scaffold material based on electrospun silk fibroin/nano-hydroxyapatite (nHA) biocomposites is prepared by means of an effective calcium and phosphate (Ca–P) alternate soaking method. nHA is successfully produced on regenerated silk fibroin nanofiber within several min without any pre-treatments. The osteoblastic activities of this novel nanofibrous biocomposites are also investigated by employing osteoblastic-like MC3T3-E1 cell line. The cell functionality such as alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity is ameliorated on mineralized silk nanofibers. All these results indicate that this silk/nHA biocomposite scaffold material may be a promising biomaterial for bone tissue engineering.
Direct Purification of Pectinase from Mango (Mangifera Indica Cv. Chokanan) Peel Using a PEG/Salt-Based Aqueous Two Phase System
Authors: Mehrnoush Amid , Sarker Md. Zaidul Islam , Mustafa Shuhaimi , Yazid Abdul Manap Mohd
Published: October 2011

An Aqueous Two-Phase System (ATPS) was employed for the first time for the separation and purification of pectinase from mango (Mangifera Indica Cv. Chokanan) peel. The effects of different parameters such as molecular weight of the polymer (polyethylene glycol, 2,000–10,000), potassium phosphate composition (12–20%, w/w), system pH (6–9), and addition of different concentrations of neutral salts (0–8%, w/w) on partition behavior of pectinase were investigated. The partition coefficient of the enzyme was decreased by increasing the PEG molecular weight. Additionally, the phase composition showed a significant effect on purification factor and yield of the enzyme. Optimum conditions for purification of pectinase from mango peel were achieved in a 14% PEG 4000-14% potassium phosphate system using 3% (w/w) NaCl addition at pH 7.0. Based on this system, the purification factor of pectinase was increased to 13.2 with a high yield of (97.6%). Thus, this study proves that ATPS can be an inexpensive and effective method for partitioning of pectinase from mango peel.
Simplified Synthesis of Isotopically Labeled 5,5-Dimethyl-pyrroline N-Oxide
Authors: Leinisch Fabian , Jiang JinJie , Deterding Leesa J. , Mason Ronald P.
Published: October 2011

5,5-Dimethylpyrroline N-oxide (15N) and 5,5-di(trideuteromethyl)pyrroline N-oxide were synthesized from the respective isotopically labeled 2-nitropropane analogs obtained from the reaction of sodium nitrate with 2-halopropanes. This facile, straightforward process allows synthesizing isotopically labeled DMPO analogs in a 4-step reaction without special equipment.
Dissociation of the Disilatricyclic Diallylic Dianion [(C4Ph4SiMe)2]−2 to the Silole Anion [MeSiC4Ph4]− by Halide Ion Coordination or Halide Ion Nucleophilic Substitution at the Silicon Atom
Authors: Hong Jang-Hwan
Published: October 2011

The reductive cleavage of the Si-Si bond in 1,1-bis(1-methyl-2,3,4,5-tetraphenyl-1-silacyclopentadiene) [(C4Ph4SiMe)2] (1) with either Li or Na in THF gives the silole anion [MeSiC4Ph4]− (2). The head-to-tail dimerization of the silole anion 2 gives crystals of the disilatricyclic diallylic dianion [(C4Ph4SiMe)2]−2 (3). The derivatization of 3 (crystals) with bromoethane (gas) under reduced pressure provides [(MeSiC4Ph4Et)2] (4) quantitatively. The reverse addition of 3 in THF to trimethylsilyl chloride, hydrogen chloride, and bromoethane in THF gives 1-methyl-1-trimethylsilyl-1-silole [Me3SiMeSiC4Ph4] (6), 1-methyl-2,3,4,5-tetraphenyl-1-silacyclo-3-pentenyl-1-methyl-1-silole [C4Ph4H2SiMe-MeSiC4Ph4] (7), and 1-methyl-2,5-diethyl-2,3,4,5-tetraphenyl-1-silacyclo-3-pentenyl-1-methyl-1-silole [C4Ph4Et2SiMe-MeSiC4Ph4] (8), respectively. The reaction products unambiguously suggest that the silole anion [MeSiC4Ph4]− is generated by coordination of the chloride ion at the silicon atom in 3 or by the nucleophilic substitution of either chloride or bromide ion at one of two silicon atoms in 3. The quenching reaction of 3 dissolved in THF with water gives 1,2,3,4-tetraphenyl-2-butene, the disiloxane of 1-methyl-2,3,4,5-tetraphenyl-1-silacyclo-3-pentenyl [O(MeSiC4Ph4)2] (10) and methyl silicate.