bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Proper Evaluation of Shale Gas Reservoirs Leads to a More Effective Hydraulic-Fracture Stimulation
Authors: Kundert Donald , Mullen Mike
Published: April 2009

Shale-gas formations are currently being explored in the Rocky Mountain region from Montana to New Mexico. These shale-gas formations include the Cody, Hilliard, Baxter, Mancos, Gothic, Pierre, Lewis, and others. Whether the well is drilled vertically or horizontally, shale-gas wells need to be hydraulically fracture-stimulated to produce commercial amounts of natural gas. Because each shale play has unique attributes, a systematic approach to well construction, data collection, and prefrac diagnostics is an essential component in the quest for the most effective hydraulic-fracture stimulation and the best chance to achieve commercial gas production.

The first step in the process is a thorough understanding of the shale's petrophysical attributes. Coupling openhole wireline-log information with laboratory measurements of core or cutting samples provides a basis to calibrate the petrophysical model that describes essential geomechanical and geochemical characteristics of the shale. With a calibrated petrophysical log-analysis model, a basic openhole, wireline-log suite consisting of a gamma ray, porosity, and resistivity is a useful evaluation tool. The inclusion of additional wireline measurements, like the spectral gamma ray, microlog, dipole sonic, and electrical borehole-image logs, will further enhance the description of the shale. Core testing can determine Young's Modulus, Poisson's Ratio, Brinell hardness, total organic carbon, kerogen type, gas content, mineral composition, fluid sensitivity, and acid solubility. The end result of this mating of logs and core data is a model that provides an understanding of the mineralogy, mechanical rock properties, britteleness, organic content, and natural fractures of the shale.

The next component of the process is to use all the petrophysical analysis and tribal knowledge (current known information) to design the hydraulic-fracture treatment and select the completion intervals. Completion intervals are first selected on the basis of the brittle zones and the zones that will most likely serve as frac barriers. The selection and volumes of the appropriate fracturing fluid and proppant is based on the shale brittleness, geomechanical, and geochemical properties.

The final step is to close the loop by evaluating the overall effectiveness of the stimulation treatment. This is accomplished by doing a detailed postjob treatment-pressure analysis. Microseismic mapping during the hydraulic frac treatment is also a valuable technique to evaluate the effectiveness of the frac job.

The goal of this systematic process is to shorten the "ideal" frac learning cycle and provide a framework for moving into frontier areas and new shale plays.
Expanding Solutions for Unconventional Oil and Gas Recovery
Authors: Wallace Joe , Fritsch Jerry
Published: April 2009

A recent multi-well program in central Texas illustrates that conventional intent can produce unconventional opportunity. The aforementioned drilling campaign was in its second year of using solid expandable technology to attain a slimmer well profile in a series of high pressure/high temperature (HPHT) gas wells. The wellbore design included in a 6 x 7-5/8 in. solid openhole liner expanded across the Upper Bossier formation that enabled 14-3/4 in. surface casing while still reaching TD at ~15,000 ft with 4-1/2 in. casing.

This design improved the rate of penetration resulting in reduced overall drilling costs and in turn a savings of approximately $1M per well. Over 40 openhole systems had been successfully expanded by way of conventional installation when a process modification enhanced the already significant benefits of using solid expandable tubulars. Conventional installation usually requires underreaming or hole enlargement to expand and cement the liner. The hard rock formation and the swellable elastomers employed on the openhole system eliminated the need for underreaming or cementing. Zonal isolation was achieved by setting the elastomers at the shoe of the expandable liner. The operator estimated that by dispensing with these steps an additional four to six days of rig time was saved.

The current and future need for hydrocarbons has not diminished. This global demand is a main driver to develop more comprehensive downhole solutions. Every technical advantage is needed to help bring unconventional oil and gas plays within practical and economic reach. This paper explains how solid expandable tubulars have provided operators with a valuable tool to enhance drilling operations and mitigate wellbore challenges. This paper outlines the increasing and potential application realm of solid expandable tubulars and describes how incorporating these systems into the initial well design optimize the possibilities and potential of the technology.
Macroeconomic and institutional sources of environmental changes–the case of Israel's water sector
Authors: Margoninsky Yossi
Published: April 2009

The paper examines the macroeconomic and institutional sources of environmental development in Israel's water sector, for example changes in drinking-water quality, sewage treatment and aquifer depletion trends.

It is shown that Israel's economic growth process was, by and large, accompanied by environmental improvements in the water sector; but it is the institutional approach which provides a cohesive explanation of how environmental changes took place. Implementing reforms in Israel's water sector without adequately addressing the institutional aspect might thus undermine the success of such plans.
Transboundary river floods: examining countries, international river basins and continents
Authors: Bakker Marloes H. N.
Published: April 2009

The objectives of this study were (1) to quantify river floods shared by more than one country, that is, transboundary river floods and (2) to grasp more fully the degree of vulnerability of people to such events on a global, international river basin (IRB) and country level. To these ends, publicly available data were combined to identify such events and the resultant losses of life, flood-related affected individuals and financial damage statistics were related to national levels of development. It was determined that in the period 1985–2005, some 175 of the 1,760 river floods were transboundary, but globally accounted for 32% of all casualties and almost 60% of all affected individuals, illustrating the massive impact of shared floods. This database of transboundary floods was then merged with socio-economic and biophysical data, enabling analyses that revealed the degree of vulnerability of people to transboundary floods from a global to a country level. Selecting one country, continent or IRB most vulnerable to transboundary floods proofed to be unfeasible since the answer heavily depended upon the specific definition of vulnerability, illustrating the complexity of this phenomenon. However, together, the results significantly increased our current knowledge of shared floods which could aid policy-makers in identifying and evaluating potential vulnerability to transboundary river floods.
Free Radical Scavenging Activity and Inhibitory response of Ziziphus mauritiana (Lamk.) Seed Extract on Alcohol-Induced Oxidative Stress
Authors: Bhatia Aruna , Mishra Tulika
Published: April 2009

The antioxidant activity within the body has been well correlated with the bodys defense mechanism against toxic free radicals. Alcohol ingestion increases the generation of free radicals. The present study was conducted to assess antioxidant potential of seed extract of Ziziphus mauritiana, which was standardized with HPLC. DPPH assay and Fenton reaction system was applied to assess free radical scavenging potential. The Swiss albino mice were used to evaluate the inhibitory activity of extract on oxidative stress induced by alcohol. The animals were treated with graded doses of extract (100-400 mg/kg body weight) before the administration of alcohol. After 6 weeks animals were sacrificed and their livers were assessed for catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione and lipid peroxidation. The results indicated that the extract of Ziziphus mauritiana potentially scavenged the free radicals in a concentration-dependent manner. The pretreatment of animals with Ziziphus mauritiana extract inhibited lipid peroxidation significantly, and increased the levels of reduced glutathione, catalase activity and superoxide dismutase in all extract treated groups (p<0.05) as compared to alcohol treated groups. The plant provides protection against the induction of oxidative stress by alcohol either by converting free radicals into stable products or by strengthening the antioxidant system.
Size‐dependent pollen:ovule ratios and the allometry of floral sex allocation in Clarkia (Onagraceae) taxa with contrasting mating systems
Authors: Delesalle Véronique A. , Mazer Susan J.
Published: April 2009

Multiple field populations of two pairs of diploid sister taxa with contrasting mating systems in the genus Clarkia (Onagraceae) were surveyed to test predictions concerning the effects of resource status, estimated as plant size, on pollen and ovule production and on the pollen:ovule (P:O) ratio of flowers. Most theoretical models of size‐dependent sex allocation predict that, in outcrossing populations, larger plants should allocate more resources to female function. Lower P:O ratios in larger plants compared to smaller plants have been interpreted as supporting this prediction. In contrast, we predicted that P:O ratio should not vary with plant size in predominantly selfing plants, in which each flower contributes to reproductive success equally through male and female function. We found that, in all four taxa, both ovule and pollen production per flower usually increased significantly with plant size and that the shape of this relationship was decelerating. However, ovule production either decelerated more rapidly than or at the same rate as pollen production with plant size. Consequently,the P:O ratio increased or had no relationship with plant size. This relationship was population‐specific (not taxon‐specific) and independent of the mating system. Possible explanations for the increasing maleness with plant size are discussed.
Survival costs of reproduction in a short‐lived perennial plant: Live hard, die young
Authors: Aragón Cristina F. , Méndez Marcos , Escudero Adrián
Published: April 2009

According to life‐history theory, reproductive investments involve costs in terms of growth, future fecundity, and/or survival. However, studies to date have often failed to detect costs of reproduction, with survival costs among the less documented. We investigated the cost of reproduction in Helianthemum squamatum (Cistaceae), a short‐lived perennial of semiarid Mediterranean environments. After experimental flower removal, we evaluated next season's growth, reproduction, and survival of the plants. We also monitored an indicator of plant physiological status (Fv/Fm) and leaf nutrient concentration at key phenological stages during reproduction. Survival rate in deblossomed plants was significantly higher than in control plants. As far as we know, this is the first experimental evidence of a survival cost of reproduction in a perennial plant. In contrast, no cost to growth or reproduction was found during the next season, and no significant differences in Fv/Fm or leaf nutrients were found between control and deblossomed plants. Helianthemum squamatum's success in semiarid Mediterranean ecosystems seems to rely on a persistent seed bank, combined with a sustained high reproductive output at the expense of survival. We conclude that this strategy might be more common than previously thought among short‐lived shrubby plants growing in stressful Mediterranean areas.
Phylogeographic patterns and demographic history ofSchiedea globosa(Caryophyllaceae) on the Hawaiian Islands
Authors: Wallace Lisa E. , Weller Stephen G. , Wagner Warren L. , Sakai Ann K. , Nepokroeff Molly
Published: April 2009

Geomorphological changes have been demonstrated to have had profound impacts on biodiversity, often leading to demographic expansions and contractions and allopatric divergence of taxa. We examined DNA sequence variation at two nuclear and one maternally inherited plastid locus among 10 populations ofSchiedea globosaon the Hawaiian Islands to assess the primary factors shaping genetic structure, phylogeographic patterns, and the importance of geographic isolation to population divergence.Schiedea globosahas characteristics that may promote gene flow, including wind pollination and rafting of plants in ocean currents. However, we detected significant differentiation among populations on all islands except Hawaii, with the maternally inherited plastid locus having the greatest genetic structure (FST= 0.81). Migration rates across all loci are less than one migrant per generation. We found evidence of growth in several populations and on the islands of Molokai and Maui, which supports population expansion associated with the formation of Maui Nui during the last glacial maximum. Similar to data for many other Hawaiian taxa, these data suggestS. globosaoriginated on Oahu and subsequently colonized Molokai, Maui, and Hawaii in progression. Given the high level of genetic structure, allopatric divergence will likely contribute to further divergence of populations.
Effects of flowering plant density on pollinator visitation, pollen receipt, and seed production in Delphinium barbeyi (Ranunculaceae)
Authors: Elliott Susan E. , Irwin Rebecca E.
Published: April 2009

Variation in flowering plant density can have conflicting effects on pollination and seed production. Dense flower patches may attract more pollinators, but flowers in those patches may also compete for pollinator visits and abiotic resources. We examined how natural and experimental conspecific flowering plant density affected pollen receipt and seed production in a protandrous, bumble bee‐pollinated wildflower, Delphinium barbeyi (Ranunculaceae). We also compared floral sex ratios, pollinator visitation rates, and pollen limitation of seed set from early to late in the season to determine whether these factors mirrored seasonal changes in pollen receipt and seed production. Pollen receipt increased with natural flowering plant density, while seed production increased across lower densities and decreased across higher flower densities. Experimental manipulation of flowering plant density did not affect pollinator visitation rate, pollen receipt, or seed production. Although pollinator visitation rate increased 10‐fold from early to late in the season, pollen receipt and seed set decreased over the season. Seed set was never pollen‐limited. Thus, despite widespread effects of flowering plant density on plant reproduction in other species, the effects of conspecific flowering plant density on D. barbeyi pollination and seed production are minor.
Leaf herbivory increases floral fragrance in male but not femaleCucurbita peposubsp.texana(Cucurbitaceae) flowers
Authors: Theis Nina , Kesler Karen , Adler Lynn S.
Published: April 2009

Mutualisms are key interactions that affect population dynamics and structure communities, but the extent to which mutualists can attract potential partners may depend on community context. Many studies have shown that leaf herbivory reduces pollinator visitation and have focused on reduced floral visual display and rewards as potential mechanisms. However, olfactory display plays a critical role in mediating interactions between plants, herbivores, and pollinators. We simulated leaf damage inCucurbita peposubsp.texanaand measured fragrance emission and other floral characters of both male and female flowers. Contrary to our expectations, damage increased fragrance production, but only in male flowers. Female flowers, which were bigger and produced more fragrance than males, were unaffected by leaf damage. The greatest increase in floral fragrance compounds was in the terpenoids, which we hypothesize could be byproducts of defensively induced cucurbitacins, or they may function defensively themselves. In summary, this study is the first to demonstrate changes in floral fragrance due to leaf damage. Such changes in floral fragrance following herbivory may be a critical and overlooked mechanism mediating interactions between plants, herbivores, and pollinators.
Upcoming research articles in Health SA Gesondheid
Authors: Van Wyk Neltjie
Published: April 2009

A range of articles covering a variety of most relevant topics in multi-disciplinary healthcare, in which a wide spectrum of research methodologies have been used, are presented in this volume that may contribute to the delivery of high-quality healthcare in both well- and poor-resourced facilities and communities.
Variations in male parenting behavior and physiology in the common marmoset
Authors: Ziegler Toni E. , Prudom Shelley L. , Zahed Sofia R.
Published: April 2009

Infant survival and wellbeing is dependent upon good parenting skills. In some species of primates, fathers are necessary to ensure both positive developmental and social outcomes for their offspring. Common marmosets and the related cotton‐top tamarin monkeys provide extensive paternal care of multiple offspring and are essential for infant survival. However, we have found significant variation in a father's motivation to respond to infant stimuli. Additionally, marmoset males who are experienced fathers are significantly more motivated to respond to infants and infant stimuli than adult males who have yet to be fathers. Expectant fathers appear to be preparing for their energetic role in infant care by responding with increases in multiple reproductive hormones and showing weight gain during their mate's pregnancy. Male marmosets have been shown to be hormonally responsive to scent signals. Males show increased testosterone shortly after smelling periovulatory scents and lower levels of testosterone following presentation of their own infant's scent. These two inverse testosterone responses combined indicate that paternal males have a flexible system of responding to socially relevant odor cues. Thus males can be ready to mate when their mate is fertile while continuing to be responsive to their infants when these two events occur simultaneously. A male's hormonal and physical responsiveness to parenting may be due to pair bonding between the male and his mate. Examining the variability between males in their behavioral, physical, and hormonal responses to their mate's pregnancy, and infant stimuli provides the means for determining the mechanisms of good parenting in fathers. Am. J. Hum. Biol., 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A genome screen of successful aging without cognitive decline identifies LRP1B by haplotype analysis
Authors: Poduslo S.E. , Huang R. , Spiro A.
Published: April 2009

Successful aging without cognitive decline (SA) is apparent in those who escape age‐related illnesses, such as cardiovascular disease and dementia. To determine whether there are protective genotypes that increase the probability of successful cognitive aging, a genome‐wide screen was conducted on subjects who were 85 years of older, had MMSE scores >26, and had no major illnesses. SNP 500K microarrays were used. The data from the microarrays was analyzed versus that from Alzheimer's patients. Three SNPs in the gene for the low density lipoprotein receptor‐related protein 1B (LRP1B) had significant P values, after Bonferroni correction. Additional SNPs were analyzed in this very large gene. Haplotypes in intron 18 were significant for successful aging versus Alzheimer's patients; those haplotypes were not significant when Alzheimer's patients versus CEPH controls were analyzed. These results suggest that haplotypes in the gene LRP1B are significant/protective for successful aging without cognitive decline. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
NRG1 gene in recurrent major depression: No association in a large‐scale case–control association study
Authors: Schosser A. , Cohen‐Woods S. , Gaysina D. , Chow P.C. , Martucci L. , Farmer A. , Korszun A. , Gunashinghe C. , Gray J. , Jones L. , Craddock N. , Owen M.J. , Craig I.W. , McGuffin P.
Published: April 2009

The Neuregulin 1 (NRG1) gene was initially implicated in schizophrenia (SZ) and has recently been associated with bipolar disorder (BPD) in two studies. An association with major depressive disorder (MDD) has not yet been investigated but is warranted in view of the genetic overlap between MDD and BPD. We have performed a large‐scale case–control study investigating the association between NRG1 polymorphisms and MDD, genotyping a selection of 14 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) spanning the NRG1 gene in a sample of 1,398 patients of White European ancestry with a diagnosis of MDD and 1,304 ethnically matched controls from three clinical sites in the UK. We found no single marker or haplotype associations that withstood correction for multiple testing. Our findings do not provide evidence that NRG1 plays a role in MDD or that this gene explains part of the genetic overlap with BPD. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Fetal, infant, adolescent and adult phenotypes of polycystic ovary syndrome in prenatally androgenized female rhesus monkeys
Authors: Abbott David H. , Tarantal Alice F. , Dumesic Daniel A.
Published: April 2009

Old World monkeys provide naturally occurring and experimentally induced phenotypes closely resembling the highly prevalent polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in women. In particular, experimentally induced fetal androgen excess in female rhesus monkeys produces a comprehensive adult PCOS‐like phenotype that includes both reproductive and metabolic dysfunction found in PCOS women. Such a reliable experimental approach enables the use of the prenatally androgenized (PA) female rhesus monkey model to (1) examine fetal, infant and adolescent antecedents of adult pathophysiology, gaining valuable insight into early phenotypic expression of PCOS, and (2) to understand adult pathophysiology from a mechanistic perspective. Elevated circulating luteinizing hormone (LH) levels are the earliest indication of reproductive dysfunction in late gestation nonhuman primate fetuses and infants exposed to androgen excess during early (late first to second trimester) gestation. Such early gestation‐exposed PA infants also are hyperandrogenic, with both LH hypersecretion and hyperandrogenism persisting in early gestation‐exposed PA adults. Similarly, subtle metabolic abnormalities appearing in young nonhuman primate infants and adolescents precede the abdominal adiposity, hyperliplidemia and increased incidence of type 2 diabetes that characterize early gestation‐exposed PA adults. These new insights into the developmental origins of PCOS, and progression of the pathophysiology from infancy to adulthood, provide opportunities for clinical intervention to ameliorate the PCOS phenotype thus providing a preventive health‐care approach to PCOS‐related abnormalities. For example, PCOS‐like traits in PA monkeys, as in PCOS women, can improve with better insulin–glucose homeostasis, suggesting that lifestyle interventions preventing increased adiposity in adolescent daughters of PCOS mothers also may reduce their risk of acquiring many PCOS‐related metabolic abnormalities in adulthood. Am. J. Primatol. 71:776–784, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Advanced compounding: Extrusion of polypropylene nanocomposites using the melt pump
Authors: Kracalik Milan , Laske Stephan , Gschweitl Michael , Friesenbichler Walter , Langecker Günter Rüdiger
Published: April 2009

A melt pump was assembled into the compounding line to ensure both sufficient time for diffusion process of polymer chains into the silicate gallery and sufficient mechanical shear energy for exfoliation of clay layers. The melt pump in front of the open co‐rotating twin‐screw extruder controls the throughput rate and the residence time, whereas the screw speed and screw geometry in the extruder determine the mechanical shear energy applied on the compound. Due to melt pump employment, the melt in metering zone can be accumulated, which results in higher mixing efficiency. It was found that using the melt pump leads to up to two times higher residence time and, consequently, higher level of material reinforcement as investigated by extensional rheology. Different melt pump adjustments, screw geometries, and screw speeds were tested and their effect on processing characteristics and material reinforcement was investigated. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
A polythiophene derivative with dioctyloxyltriphenylamine‐vinylene conjugated side chain: Synthesis, hole mobility, and photovoltaic property
Authors: Wan Meixiu , Sang Guangyi , Zou Yingping , Tan Songting , Li Yongfang
Published: April 2009

A new polythiophene derivative with dioctyloxyl triphenylamine‐vinylene (DOTPAV) conjugated side‐chain, DOTPAV‐PT, was synthesized by the Stille coupling method and characterized by 1H‐NMR, 13C‐NMR, elemental analysis, gel permeation chromatography, thermogravimetric analysis, UV–vis absorption spectroscopy, photoluminescence spectroscopy, and cyclic voltammetry. The polymer DOTPAV‐PT is soluble in common organic solvents and possesses good thermal stability with 5% weight loss temperature of 310°C. The weight‐average molecular weight of DOTPAV‐PT is 8.0 K with a polydispersity index of 1.24. The hole mobility of the polymer determined from space‐charge‐limited current model was 1.25 × 10−4 cm2 V−1 s−1. The bulk heterojunction polymer solar cell with the configuration of ITO/PEDOT : PSS/polymer : PCBM (1 : 1)/Ca/Al was fabricated, and the power conversion efficiency of the device was 0.16% under the illumination of AM1.5, 100 mW cm−2. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Preparation and characterization of self‐healing microcapsules with poly(urea‐formaldehyde) grafted epoxy functional group shell
Authors: Wang Rongguo , Li Haiyan , Hu Honglin , He Xiaodong , Liu Wenbo
Published: April 2009

Microcapsules were prepared by in situ polymerization technology with poly(urea‐formaldehyde) (PUF)‐grafted γ‐glycidoxypropyltrimethoxy silane (KH560) copolymer as a shell material and dicyclopentadiene (DCPD) as core materials. The aim was to improve the interfacial bond between microcapsules and epoxy matrix in composites through the epoxy functional group in KH560. The microcapsulating mechanism was discussed and the process was explained. The morphology and shell wall thickness of microcapsules were observed by using scanning electron microscopy. The size of microcapsules was measured using optical microscope and the size distribution was investigated based on data sets of at least 200 measurements. The chemical structure and thermal properties of microcapsules were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectra, and thermogravimetric analysis. Results indicted that the PUF‐graft KH560 microcapsules containing DCPD can be synthesized successfully; the epoxy functional group was grafted on the wall material. The microcapsule size is in the range of 40–190 μm with an average of 125 μm. The wall thickness of microcapsules sample is in the range of 2–5 μm and the core content of microcapsules is about 60%. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Ranking the key parameters of immersion precipitation process and modeling the resultant membrane structural evolution
Authors: Bazarjani M. Seifollahi , Mohammadi N. , Ghasemi S. M.
Published: April 2009

Key parameters coupling with the instantaneous nucleation concept (ie, the Big Bang analogy) was used to model immersion precipitation process. The merits of the acquired model were verified via comparing its predictions with experimental results of two well‐prepared and characterized cellulose acetate (CA) and polyacrylonitrile (PAN) membranes. A morphology predictable map, ΔPη−1 versus ϕ1, was constructed, where ΔP, η and ϕ1 are osmotic pressure difference between nonsolvent and dope solution, dope viscosity and intruded nonsolvent volume fraction into the dope, respectively. The phase separation map, ΔPη−1 (proportional with apparent system diffusivity with the unit of time−1) versus ϕ1 showed three regimes which, at least qualitatively, depicted the correct morphological evolution trends of the studied systems. Phase separation in regime one of CA membrane with the longest delayed time or lowest ΔPη−1, led to bead‐like morphology. CA membrane with the shortest elapsed time or highest ΔPη−1, separated to finger‐like morphology in regime three. Finally, phase separation in the intermediate regime of CA membrane, ended up to sponge‐like morphology. Phase separation time scales of the PAN membranes versus intruded nonsolvent into the dope solution were located in finger‐like region of the CA membrane, which its downward transition lowered the fingers population. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Synthesis of chemically modified chitosan with 2,5‐dimercapto‐1,3,4‐thiodiazole and its adsorption abilities for Au(III), Pd(II), and Pt(IV)
Authors: Li Fei , Bao Changli , Zhang Jianhui , Sun Qi , Kong Weiwei , Han Xinyi , Wang Ying
Published: April 2009

A new chemically modified chitosan hydrogel with 2,5‐dimercapto‐1,3,4‐thiodiazole (CTS‐DMTD) has been synthesized. The structure of CTS‐DMTD was confirmed by elemental analysis and FTIR. It was found that adsorption capacities were significantly affected by the pH of solution, with optimum pH values of 3.0 for Au(III), 2.0 for Pd(II) and Pt(IV). The saturated adsorption capacities were 198.5 mg/g for Au(III), 16.2 and 13.8 mg/g for Pd(II) and Pt(IV), respectively. Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm adsorption models were applied to analyze the experimental data. The results showed that adsorption isotherms of Pd(II) and Pt(IV) could be well described by the Langmuir equation. The adsorption kinetic investigations indicated that the kinetic data correlated well with the pseudo‐second‐order model. The recovery experimental data showed that CTS‐DMTD had a higher affinity toward Au(III), Pd(II), and Pt(IV) in the coexistence system containing Cu(II), Fe(III), Cd(II), Ni(II), Mg(II), and Zn(II). The studies of desorption were carried out using various reagents and the optimum effect was obtained using thiourea. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Collapse of acrylamide‐based polyampholyte hydrogels in water
Authors: Dogu Saadet , Kilic Melek , Okay Oguz
Published: April 2009

The swelling behavior of balanced acrylamide (AAm)‐based polyampholyte hydrogels in water and in aqueous salt (NaCl) solutions was investigated. Equimolar ratio of the ionic comonomers 4‐vinylpyridine (cationic monomer) and acrylic acid (anionic monomer) were used together with the nonionic monomer AAm in the hydrogel preparation. The variations of the hydrogel volume in response to changes in pH were measured. It was found that the hydrogels are in a collapsed state not only at the pH of the isoelectric point pHIEP but also over a wide range of pH including pHIEP. The width of the collapsed plateau increased and the hydrogels assumed a more compact state as the ionic group content is increased. The antipolyelectrolyte behavior was observed along the collapsed plateau region, where the gel occupies a larger volume in salt solution. The experimental swelling data were compared with the predictions of the Flory‐Rehner theory of swelling equilibrium including the ideal Donnan equilibria. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Orbits of Comets C/1845 L1 (Great June Comet) and C/1846 D1 (de Vico)
Authors: Branham R.L.
Published: April 2009

Orbits are calculated for Comet C/1845 L1 (the Great June Comet) and C/1846 D1 (de Vico), the former based on 157 observations in right ascension and 152 in declination and the latter on 10 and 9, respectively. Both orbits are hyperbolic and statistically distinguishable from parabolas. Statistical tests indicate that the residuals are random and thus the orbits satisfactory. The Great June Comet is in no way associated with the comet Tycho Brahe observed in 1596 (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Parameters of the components of visually close binary systems: Hip 11352
Authors: Al‐Wardat M.A.
Published: April 2009

Model atmospheres of the components of the visually close binary system Hip 11352 were constructed using a grid of Kurucz's blanketed models. The entire observational spectral energy distribution of the system was used as a reference for the comparison with synthetic ones created from the model atmospheres. The parameters of the components of the system were derived as Teffa = 5650 ± 50 K, Teffb = 5550 ± 50 K, log ga = 4.47 ± 0.13, log gb = 4.49 ± 0.13, Ra = 0.92 ± 0.03 R⊙, Rb = 0.88 ± 0.02 R⊙, Ma = 0.93 ± 0.05 M⊙, Mb = 0.89 ± 0.05 M⊙, with a spectral type G7 for the primary and G9 for the secondary. The synthetic magnitudes and of both components were calculated using Johnson‐Cousins, Strömgren, and Tycho photometrical systems. Finally the formation and evolution of the system was discussed (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Specific immuno capturing of the Staphylococcal superantigen toxic‐shock syndrome toxin‐1 in plasma
Authors: Adams Hendrik , Brummelhuis Walter , Maassen Bram , van Egmond Nathalie , Khattabi Mohamed El , Detmers Frank , Hermans Pim , Braam Branko , Stam Jord , Verrips Theo
Published: April 2009

Toxic‐shock syndrome is primarily caused by the Toxic‐shock syndrome toxin 1 (TSST‐1), which is secreted by the Gram‐positive bacterium Staphylococcus aureus. The toxin belongs to a family of superantigens (SAgs) which exhibit several shared biological properties, including the induction of massive cytokine release and Vβ‐specific T‐cell proliferation. In this study we explored the possibility to use monoclonal Variable domains of Llama Heavy‐chain antibodies (VHH) in the immuno capturing of TSST‐1 from plasma. Data is presented that the selected VHHs are highly specific for TSST‐1 and can be efficiently produced in large amounts in yeast. In view of affinity chromatography, the VHHs are easily coupled to beads, and are able to deplete TSST‐1 from plasma at very low, for example, pathologically relevant, concentrations. When spiked with 4 ng/mL TSST‐1 more than 96% of TSST‐1 was depleted from pig plasma. These data pave the way to further explore application of high‐affinity columns in the specific immuno depletion of SAgs in experimental sepsis models and in sepsis in humans. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2009; 104: 143–151 © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Kinetic study of β‐amyloid residue accessibility using reductive alkylation and mass spectrometry
Authors: Ramos Irina , Fabris Dan , Qi Wei , Fernandez Erik J. , Good Theresa A.
Published: April 2009

Beta‐amyloid peptide (Aβ) is the major protein constituent found in senile plaques in Alzheimer's disease (AD). It is believed that Aβ plays a role in neurodegeneration associated with AD and that its toxicity is related to its structure or aggregation state. In this study, an approach based on chemical modification of primary amines and mass spectrometric (MS) detection was used to identify residues on Aβ peptide that were exposed or buried upon changes in peptide structure associated with aggregation. Results indicate that the N terminus was the most accessible primary amine in the fibril, followed by lysine 28, then lysine 16. A kinetic analysis of the data was then performed to quantify differences in accessibility between these modification sites. We estimated apparent equilibrium unfolding constants for each modified site of the peptide, and determined that the unfolding constant for the N terminus was approximately 100 times greater than that for K28, which was about six times greater than that for K16. Understanding Aβ peptide structure at the residue level is a first step in designing novel therapies for prevention of Aβ structural transitions and/or cell interactions associated with neurotoxicity in Alzheimer's disease. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2009; 104: 181–192 © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Development of graphical human interface technology for use in experimental temperature‐sensing module
Authors: Shyr Wen‐Jye
Published: April 2009

The use of technology in learning and teaching enriches engineering curricula. Most technological applications establish a user‐friendly environment based on a graphical user interface. This work proposes experimental temperature‐sensing modules based on the graphical user interface system. This system elucidates for students the principles, function and application of temperature sensor, and also learn how to use the graphical monitoring and control system. Students can design a graphical monitor program in advance to monitor and control the temperature sensor modules. Students learn, verify and acquire lectured concepts by performing sensor experiments in the laboratory. The most important part of the system is the implementation of the experimental module in laboratory sessions using the graphical user interface system. The purpose of this work is to emphasize that the graphical user interface can valuably support teaching and learning. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Comput Appl Eng Educ 19: 487–492, 2011
Synthesis of Methanes Having Four Different Carbon Substituents Utilizing Indium‐Catalyzed Cleavage of Carbon–Pyrrolyl Bonds
Authors: Tsuchimoto Teruhisa , Ainoya Taku , Aoki Kazuki , Wagatsuma Tatsuya , Shirakawa Eiji
Published: April 2009

A pyrrolyl group bound to an sp3 carbon atom in gem‐dipyrrolylalkanes was found to be successfully replaced by a certain range of carbon nucleophiles in the presence of an indium catalyst. The reaction can also be performed efficiently as a three‐component assembly of alkynes, pyrroles, and carbon nucleophiles in one batch. The strategy is highly useful to synthesize methanes having four different carbon substituents. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2009)
Analysis of biosolids equilibrium moisture and drying
Authors: Bellur Srikanth R. , Coronella Charles J. , Vásquez Victor R.
Published: April 2009

Provided that moisture is well managed, biosolids, or digested wastewater sludge, can be converted from an expense to a resource of renewable energy. Toward this goal, the equilibrium moisture content (EMC) for biosolids was determined experimentally in the ranges of 10–84% relative humidity and 30–60°C. Several well‐known models were used to fit the EMC data, including a new one that considers mixing and swelling effects on water activity. The rate of drying was measured as a function of temperature and gas velocity in a 3‐inch fluidized bed. The drying rate increased with temperature and was independent of gas velocity. In all cases, the drying rate continuously decreased; no period of constant rate was observed. This indicates that the dominant resistance to drying was internal diffusion. © 2009 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 2009
Advantages of psychrophiles in improving bio‐treatment efficiency of small size constructed wetlands during cold weather
Authors: Ying G. , Xing Y. , Li Z. , Pan J. , Kuang X.
Published: April 2009

Constructed wetland technique for waste water treatment has many advantages, including high treatment efficiency, low investment and energy cost, and easy operation and maintenance. However, the inhibitive effect of low temperature on treatment efficiency remains a serious problem in cold weather for many small size wetlands. In this study, the application of cold‐tolerating bacteria in maintaining the nitrogen waste treatment efficiency of small size constructed wetland during cold weather was investigated in Hebei province, northern China. Three strains of cold‐resistant bacteria were purified, and their physiological characteristics in terms of growth rate and generation time under different growth conditions were tested. The effects of various environmental factors on the growth of these strains were also investigated, including ambient temperature, dissolved oxygen, carbon concentration, bio‐retention time and pH. These strains of purified bacteria were then applied to constructed wetland systems, and their effects on nitrogen removal in cold temperatures were measured. It was found that these bacteria strains significantly improved the nitrogen removal efficiency of the constructed wetlands, suggesting a promising role that these microorganisms play in improving the efficiency of small size constructed wetlands in waste water treatment in cold weather. © 2009 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 2010
Characteristic improvement of metal‐contaminated sludge using mineralization technology
Authors: Hu Shao‐Hua , Wu Jun‐Yi , Hsiao Ting‐Che , Tsai Min‐Shing
Published: April 2009

This study focuses on improving crystalline characteristics of metal‐contaminated sludge. The mineralization behavior of Cu/Al or Cu/Fe coexisting in solution is surveyed, and the characteristics of residue and suspension settling are discussed in the context of water content of residue and settling/specific filtration resistance of suspensions. Experimental data show that the hydrate of Cu4SO4(OH)6 forms during mineralization of copper sulfate solution when hydroxide ion concentration, reaction time, and temperature are not controlled appropriately. Mineral characteristics of the residue are usually poor when the Cu4SO4(OH)6 forms in Cu/Al or Cu/Fe solution. However, Cu4SO4(OH)6 can be further transformed into CuO with wet oxidation or ferrite method, respectively (i.e., mineralization treatment). Water reduction of the residue is from 96.8% to 72.8% in the Cu/Al case or 95.6% to 66.6% in the Cu/Fe case, and the mineralized residue volume is only 1/10 of the hydrate sediment. This is particularly beneficial for sludge disposal. © 2009 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 2010
Appraisal of caregiving burden, expressed emotion and psychological distress in families of people with eating disorders: A systematic review
Authors: Zabala Maria Jose , Macdonald Pamela , Treasure Janet
Published: April 2009

The purpose of this review is to appraise the literature regarding psychological distress, burden and expressed emotion (EE) in caregivers of people with eating disorders (EDs). Electronic databases were searched up until October 2008. Selected studies contained carers of people with ED and employed one measure of burden, EE or psychological distress. Twenty studies were identified measuring psychological distress burden and EE. Most of the studies examined these features in families of anorexic patients. The majority of the studies found high levels of psychological distress, burden and EE in this population. Only few studies included a control group. Carers of people with ED presented high levels of psychological distress and burden. ED carers tend to have levels of EE resembling that found in families of depressed patients, rather than schizophrenic patients. There is some evidence (particularly for EE) that these factors can impact the outcome of ED. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association.
In situcharacterization of grain‐scale fluvial morphology using Terrestrial Laser Scanning
Authors: Hodge Rebecca , Brasington James , Richards Keith
Published: April 2009

The grain‐scale morphology of fluvial sediments is an important control on the character and dynamics of river systems; however current understanding of its role is limited by the difficulties of robustly quantifying field surface morphology. Terrestrial Laser Scanning (TLS) offers a new methodology for the rapid acquisition of high‐resolution and high‐precision surface elevation data fromin situsediments. To date, most environmental and fluvial applications of TLS have focused on large‐scale systems, capturing macroscale morphologies. Application of this new technology at scales necessary to characterize the complexity of grain‐scale fluvial sediments therefore requires a robust assessment of the quality and sources of errors in close‐range TLS data. This paper describes both laboratory and field experiments designed to evaluate close‐range TLS for sedimentological applications and to develop protocols for data acquisition. In the former, controlled experiments comprising high‐resolution scans of white, grey and black planes and a sphere were used to quantify the magnitude and source of three‐dimensional (3D) point errors resulting from a combination of surface geometry, reflectivity effects and inherent instrument precision. Subsequently, a methodology for the collection and processing of grain‐scale TLS data is described through an application to a coarse grained gravel system, the River Feshie (D5032 to 63 mm). This stepwise strategy incorporates averaging repeat scans and filtering scan artefact and non‐surface points using local 3D search algorithms. The sensitivity of the results to the filter parameter values are assessed by careful internal validation of Digital Terrain Models (DTMs) created from the resulting point cloud data. The transferability of this methodology is assessed through application to a second river, Bury Green Brook, dominated by finer gravel (D5018 to 33 mm). The factor limiting the resolution of DTMs created from this second dataset was found to be the relative sizes of the laser footprint and smallest grains. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A threshold factor multivariate stochastic volatility model
Authors: So Mike K. P. , Choi C. Y.
Published: April 2009

A new multivariate stochastic volatility model is developed in this paper. The main feature of this model is to allow threshold asymmetry in a factor covariance structure. The new model provides a parsimonious characterization of volatility and correlation asymmetry in response to market news. Statistical inferences are drawn from Markov chain Monte Carlo methods. We introduce news impact analysis to analyze volatility asymmetry with a factor structure. This analysis helps us to study different responses of volatility to historical market information in a multivariate volatility framework. Our model is successful when applied to an extensive empirical study of twenty stocks. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
High frequency of MAGE‐A4 and MAGE‐A9 expression in high‐risk bladder cancer
Authors: Bergeron Alain , Picard Valérie , LaRue Hélène , Harel Francois , Hovington Hélène , Lacombe Louis , Fradet Yves
Published: April 2009

Cancer‐testis (CT) genes encode proteins that are ideal targets for cancer immunotherapy because of their restricted expression in normal tissues and frequent expression in cancers. We previously observed that MAGE‐A9 was one of the CT genes most frequently expressed in bladder tumors. To confirm that observation and evaluate the potential prognostic value of MAGE‐A9 protein, we analyzed its expression by immunohistochemistry in 493 primary bladder tumors and 33 lymph node metastases, in comparison with MAGE‐A4 protein, also frequently expressed in bladder tumors. Overall, MAGE‐A4 and MAGE‐A9 were observed, respectively, in 38% and 63% of nonmuscle‐invasive tumors, 48% and 57% of muscle‐invasive tumors, 65% and 84% of carcinomas in situ and in 73% and 85% of lymph node metastases. Expression was associated with higher grade (MAGE‐A4, p = 0.007; MAGE‐A9, p = 0.012). In multivariate Cox regression analyses, expression of MAGE‐A9 in pTa tumors was associated with recurrence (HR = 1.829; p = 0.010). In univariate analyses, MAGE‐A4 expression in these same tumors was associated with progression to muscle‐invasive cancer (HR = 7.417, p = 0.013). MAGE‐A9 expression was even more predictive of progression as all tumors that progressed expressed this antigen. In muscle‐invasive bladder tumors, no association was found between expression of either MAGE and bladder cancer‐specific death. In conclusion, MAGE‐A9 is a target of choice for bladder cancer immunotherapy as it is expressed in 60% of bladder tumors, predominantly high‐grade tumors, and at higher frequency in pTis and metastatic tumors. Moreover, in pTa tumors, an immunotherapy targeting MAGE‐A9 could be protective against recurrence and progression to more advanced cancer. © 2009 UICC