bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Amazing Monterey Formation
Authors: Ershaghi Iraj
Published: November 2011

There are lessons to be learned from more than 40 years of oil and gas production history of the Monterey Formation in offshore California. From the exploratory to the development phase, there are considerations in applying interpretation processes developed for conventional reservoirs. These include issues about the use of conventional wireline data for reservoir characterization, formation damage, formation testing and interpretation of DST’s and well tests. But the most interesting observations are related to performance based reservoir characterization. Initial individual well productivities relate to geological composition and state of diagenesis of the formation and associated fracture density depicted from cores, FMI and other fracture identification logs. Presence of reservoir compartments is evident from the performance of nearby wells. Duration of fracture controlled production, cumulative oil production for individual wells and monitoring of water invasion from bottom aquifer are direct indications of compartments sharing a common aquifer. Performance data and other Information from a number separate offshore fields producing from the Monterey Formations are included to demonstrate some of the above concepts.
Using Data from Existing Wells to Plan New Wells in Unconventional Gas Field Development
Authors: Bhattacharya Srimoyee , Nikolaou Michael
Published: November 2011

Using available data from existing wells to plan new wells is standard practice in development of unconventional natural gas resources. However, available data may frequently contain hidden patterns that are not easily spotted. Uncovering such patterns could help provide guidance for new wells by answering questions such as the following: Which wells, for which data are available, behave similarly? What do similarly behaving wells have in common? How can this information be used for new wells? If some existing wells are known not to perform satisfactorily, what are the underlying reasons? How can poor performance be avoided in new wells?

In this work, we are proposing an approach addressing these questions. Production data from multiple wells are supplied to principal component analysis (PCA) data pool. The so-called scores and loadings associated with principal components (PCs) are computed, and subsequent comparison of PCs can be used to reveal clusters of similarly behaving wells and their underlying distinguishing features. The data is further explored by estimating decline curve parameters using power-law exponential decline curve q(t)=Qiexp(−D^itn). Once production data from multiple wells are available, values of the parameters q^i,D^i,n are estimated for each well and then correlations between available well and formation parameters such as permeability, fracture conductivity, fracture half-length, aspect ratio, drainage area, zone thickness and cumulative gas in place in drainage area; and decline curve parameters are obtained using partial least square regression (PLSR). These correlations can be used to predict production behavior of new wells if well parameters are known. Moreover, they can guide the location, geometry, and stimulation of new wells.

The proposed analysis was performed on twelve wells from the Holly Branch gas field, for which data were available. The analysis identified one cluster of nine wells behaving similarly, and three distinct wells. The difference between these wells was ascribed mainly to high fracture conductivity, permeability, and small fracture half length. Correlations for decline curve parameters were obtained with reasonable R-squared value.

The proposed methodology can be used as a decision making tool that employs various data from existing wells to guide decisions on the geometry and stimulation of new wells in unconventional gas field development.
Evaluation of Wellbore Effects on SAGD Startup
Authors: Shen Chonghui
Published: November 2011

In SAGD operation the start-up phase is intended to establish inter-well communication in an initial low mobility or immobile fluid reservoir. Establishing the communication early and uniformly along a SAGD well pair allows one to achieve a quick ramp up to the targeted peak production. In an ideal case a uniform start-up of inter-well communication and steam chamber should occur with parallel wellbores in a homogeneous reservoir. In reality the wellbore undulation and reservoir heterogeneity will lead to non-uniform start-up of inter-well communication along the well pair, localized growth of steam chamber, and delayed production ramp-up. In addition the wellbore hydraulics may also affect well flow behavior and the start-up operation.

This paper evaluates the effects of wellbore undulation on the start-up of SAGD process. The STARS' FlexWell model was used to assess the effects of wellbore undulation, wellbore fluid heating and wellbore/grid alignment. The simulation reveals localized steam chamber initiation due to wellbore undulation and delayed production ramp-up.
Production Data and Pressure Transient Analysis of Horsehoe Canyon CBM Wells, Part II: Accounting for Dynamic Skin
Authors: Clarkson C. R. , Behmanesh H. , Chorney L.
Published: November 2011

In a previous study (Clarkson 2009), advanced production analysis techniques, including production type-curves and flowing material balance (FMB) were applied to Horseshoe Canyon (HSC) coal wells to establish the applicability of these techniques and to resolve the importance of multi-layer behavior for production analysis. The field examples chosen for analysis included single wells that exhibited production declines analogous to shallow gas wells, with decline in production occurring from day one, and in one case exhibiting transient flow characteristics. There are many more HSC wells that exhibit less straight-forward production characteristics, including flat or even inclining production. These wells have production profiles qualitatively similar to 2-phase CBM wells, yet lack water production. There are several possible explanations for the flat or inclining production behavior, including changing skin associated with near-wellbore cleanup of drilling fluids over time, and increase in absolute permeability associated with matrix shrinkage. Regardless of the cause, these effects need to be accounted for in quantitative production analysis.

In this follow-up paper, we continue to perform comparisons between multi-layer and single-layer-equivalent production analysis of HSC wells, but focus on wells that exhibit inclining gas production. We develop a methodology to correct for changing skin in both type-curve and FMB analysis that allows this more complex well behavior to be analyzed. We validate the new methodology using a simulated example, and then apply it to actual field cases. Changing skin and absolute permeability by layer/coal zone was quantified through periodic shut-in/buildup testing of isolated coals throughout the life of the wells, and these dynamic properties were used in production data analysis and analytical simulation. Comparing single-layer-equivalent and multi-layer analysis, we have found differences in EUR estimates of < 15 %, due to the existence of one or two dominant (high kh) coal zones. Additionally, we investigated the impact of free gas storage on the results of production data analysis of HSC wells.

The production analysis methodology introduced in this work, while useful for analyzing HSC coal wells with dynamic skin/permeability, is believed to be applicable to a broader range of reservoir types that exhibit this complex behavior.
Estimation of Contacted and Original Gas-in-Place for Low Permeability Reservoirs Exhibiting Linear Flow
Authors: Nobakht M.. , Clarkson C. R.
Published: November 2011

Recent advances in drilling and completion technology have allowed commercial exploitation of ultra-low permeability gas reservoirs. Horizontal wells that have been stimulated through multiple hydraulic-fracturing stages are the most popular method for exploitation. Due to the extremely low permeability of these reservoirs, boundary-dominated flow may not be reached for a significant period of time making estimation of original gas-in-place (OGIP) difficult. In these reservoirs, it is important to estimate contacted gas-in-place (CGIP), which is some fraction of OGIP, at any point in time.

One of the most popular methods for estimating OGIP in conventional reservoirs is flowing material balance (FMB), which is based on the assumption of boundary-dominated flow. However, this method has been used in the literature to estimate CGIP when dealing with transient data.

In this paper, we test the applicability of the traditional FMB plot for calculating CGIP in low-permeability systems. It is found that even when dealing with a gas reservoir that is depleted significantly, FMB underestimates the total OGIP. It is also found that using FMB alone can result in misleading interpretations. For example, the FMB plotting method makes the data look like boundary-dominated flow, whereas other diagnostic tools do not indicate boundary-dominated flow. This means that one can misinterpret the gas-in-place from FMB as total OGIP, which consequently affects the reservoir characterization and reserves evaluation. Finally, we investigated whether using a material balance pseudo-time calculated using the average pressure in the region of investigation, as oppose to average reservoir pressure, will correct underestimating OGIP for the case that the reservoir is significantly depleted. This study is of practical interest for determining how much of the reservoir is contacted at each stage of flow of a multi-fractured horizontal well.
Studies of adsorption thermodynamics and kinetics of Cr(III) and Ni(II) removal by polyacrylamide
Authors: Mousavi Zavvar , Hosseinifar Abdorrahman , Jahed Vahdat
Published: November 2011

Polyacrylamide (PAA), as an adsorbent was investigated for the removal of
Ni(II) and Cr(III) metal ions from their synthesized aqueous solutions. The
different variables affecting the adsorption capacity of the adsorbent such
as contact time, pH of the sorption medium, metal ions concentration and
temperature of the solution were investigated on a batch sorption basis. The
adsorption equilibrium data fitted best with the Langmuir isotherm model. The
maximum adsorption capacities found to be 84.03 and 32.67 mg g-1 of the
polyacrylamide for Cr(III) and Ni(II), respectively. Three kinetic models
including the pseudo-first-order, pseudo-second-order and intraparticle
diffusion equations were selected to follow the adsorption process. Kinetic
parameters such as rate constants, equilibrium adsorption capacities and
related correlation coefficients, for each kinetic model were calculated and
discussed. It was indicated that the adsorption of both ions onto
polyacrylamide could be described by the pseudo-second-order kinetic model.
Different thermodynamic parameters such as ?H?, ?S? and ?G? have also been
evaluated and it has been found that the sorption was feasible, spontaneous
and exothermic.
Application of 2-(octylsulphanyl)benzoic acid as Pb2+ selective ionophore in hybrid membrane system
Authors: Oberta Andrzej , Wasilewski Janusz , Świątkowski Marek , Wódzki Romuald
Published: November 2011

A solution of 2-(octylsulphanyl)benzoic acid in 1,2-dichloroethane was used as a liquid membrane for selective pertraction of Pb2+ cations. Transport processes were carried out in a multi-membrane hybrid system (MHS) consisting of two cation-exchange membranes (CEM) and a flowing liquid membrane (FLM) in the following order: CEM | FLM | CEM. The liquid membrane phase was dehydrated continuously using a pervaporation method (PV). The system was capable of transporting Pb2+ ions selectively from a multi-cation aqueous solution composed of Na+, K+, Ca2+, Mg2+, and Pb2+ nitrates. A comparative study of the carrier efficiency under various feed pH conditions was performed. It was found that the carrier exhibited sufficient selectivity and transport efficiency under a broad range of operational conditions, with a maximum transport rate of Pb2+ ions attaining the value of (1.09 ± 0.03) × 10−10 mol cm−2 s−1 and the selectivity coefficient of up to 40.
Mixed-ligand complexes of boric acid with organic biomolecules
Authors: Köse Dursun , Zümreoglu-Karan Birgül
Published: November 2011

Boric acid forms meta-stable complexes with biomolecules like amino and hydroxy acids and stable complexes with the diol group containing carbohydrates, vitamins, and nucleotides, yielding mono-chelate (1: 1 complex) or bis-chelate (1: 2 complex) structures with negatively charged tetrahedral borate anions. Here we report water-soluble, bio-available mixed-ligand boron adducts for potential nutritional and/or pharmaceutical applications. The complexes were prepared by complete esterification of boric acid with a number of acyclic- and cyclic hydroxy-functionalized biomolecules employing sodium as the counter ion. Structural and thermal properties of the complexes were investigated using chemical analysis, 11B NMR, FTIR, and TGA-DTA techniques. Complexes containing salicylic acid as one of the ligands displayed higher thermal and hydrolytic stabilities.
Historical and recent occurrence of epixylous moss Buxbaumia viridis in the Javorníky Mts. and the Vsetínské vrchy hills (Western Carpathians)
Authors: Plášek Vítězslav , Novozámská Eva
Published: November 2011

Historical and recent occurrence of epixylous moss Buxbaumia viridis in the Javorníky Mts. and the Vsetínské vrchy hills (Western Carpathians)

The epixylous moss Buxbaumia viridis (Moug. ex Lam. & DC.) Brid. ex Moug. & Nestl. is considered an endangered or vulnerable species in all countries in the Central Europe. In the Czech part of the Western Carpathians the species was recorded very occasionally in the twentieth century. In 2011 field monitoring of the species on historically known localities in Javorníky Mts. and the Vsetínské vrchy hills was carried out. As a result, six localities of B. viridis have been recorded in this region. Precise localization, number of and ecological data are given.
An episode of severely suppressed electrocerebral activity recorded by electroencephalography during endoscopic resection of a colloid cyst
Authors: Munich Stephan A. , Sazgar Mona , Grand Walter , Leonardo Jody
Published: November 2011

Intraoperative neuromonitoring utilizing electroencephalography (EEG) is rarely performed during neuroendoscopy. The authors present a case in which this monitoring modality was used for a patient with a colloid cyst in preparation for an open craniotomy should an endoscopic approach fail. In this case, EEG serendipitously captured near-complete cessation of electrocerebral activity that occurred during intraventricular irrigation in response to ventricular collapse and resulted in no postoperative deficits. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first reported case of severe suppression of electrical activity captured by EEG during neuroendoscopy. Although they describe a transient phenomenon that resulted in no residual cognitive or neurological deficits, the importance of cautious introduction of ventricular irrigation, the need to carefully monitor intracranial pressure during neuroendoscopic procedures, and the need to pay close attention to irrigation temperature and composition should not be underestimated. Additional studies regarding the utility of EEG in alerting neurosurgeons to adverse electrical cerebral activity during neuroendoscopy are warranted.
Synovial sarcoma of the cauda equina
Authors: Yonezawa Ikuho , Saito Tsuyoshi , Nakahara Daishi , Won JongHwa , Wada Takuro , Kaneko Kazuo
Published: November 2011

Primary synovial sarcoma originating from the cauda equina is extremely rare. Only one case, involving an 11-year-old girl, has been reported. The authors describe the case of a 23-year-old woman with a primary synovial sarcoma of the cauda equina.

The patient visited a local hospital and described a 2-month history of low-back pain. She was referred to the authors' hospital for further evaluation. On physical examination, she had a straight–leg raising result of 70° bilaterally. Motor examination revealed Grade 4/5 strength in the bilateral extensor hallux longus muscles. There was normal sensation to light touch and vibration in the lower extremities. Sagittal Gd-enhanced T1-weighted MR imaging demonstrated an intradural, extramedullary, and uniformly enhancing mass that extended from L-3 to L-4. The mass was totally resected and adjuvant local radiation therapy was administered. Reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) of a paraffin-embedded tissue sample revealedSYT-SSXfusion transcripts, and the diagnosis of synovial sarcoma was confirmed. Five and a half years after surgery, the patient is free of local recurrence and metastatic disease. The RT-PCR detection ofSYT-SSXfusion transcripts played a key role in establishing the diagnosis of synovial sarcoma of the cauda equina. Complete resection of the mass with adjuvant local radiation therapy proved to be effective.
Assessment of Water Quality in Asa River (Nigeria) and Its Indigenous Clarias gariepinus Fish
Authors: Kolawole Olatunji M. , Ajayi Kolawole T. , Olayemi Albert B. , Okoh Anthony I.
Published: November 2011

Water is a valued natural resource for the existence of all living organisms. Management of the quality of this precious resource is, therefore, of special importance. In this study river water samples were collected and analysed for physicochemical and bacteriological evaluation of pollution in the Unity Road stream segment of Asa River in Ilorin, Nigeria. Juvenile samples of Clarias gariepinus fish were also collected from the experimental Asa River and from the control Asa Dam water and were analysed for comparative histological investigations and bacterial density in the liver and intestine in order to evaluate the impact of pollution on the aquatic biota. The water pH was found to range from 6.32 to 6.43 with a mean temperature range of 24.3 to 25.8 °C. Other physicochemical parameters monitored including total suspended solids, total dissolved solids, biochemical oxygen demand and chemical oxygen demand values exceeded the recommended level for surface water quality. Results of bacteriological analyses including total heterotrophic count, total coliform and thermotolerant coliform counts revealed a high level of faecal pollution of the river. Histological investigations revealed no significant alterations in tissue structure, but a notable comparative distinction of higher bacterial density in the intestine and liver tissues of Clarias gariepinus from Asa River than in those collected from the control. It was inferred that the downstream Asa River is polluted and its aquatic biota is bacteriologically contaminated and unsafe for human and animal consumption.
Approaches to the Origin of Life on Earth
Authors: Kauffman Stuart A.
Published: November 2011

I discuss briefly the history of the origin of life field, focusing on the “Miller” era of prebiotic synthesis, through the “Orgel” era seeking enzyme free template replication of single stranded RNA or similar polynucleotides, to the RNA world era with one of its foci on a ribozyme with the capacity to act as a polymerase able to copy itself. I give the history of the independent invention in 1971 by T. Ganti, M. Eigen and myself of three alternative theories of the origin of molecular replication: the Chemotron, the Hypercycle, and Collectively Autocatalytic Sets, CAS, respectively. To date, only collectively autocatalytic DNA, RNA, and peptide sets have achieved molecular reproduction of polymers. Theoretical work and experimental work on CAS both support their plausibility as models of openly evolvable protocells, if housed in dividing compartments such as dividing liposomes. My own further hypothesis beyond that of CAS in themselves, of their formation as a phase transition in complex chemical reaction systems of substrates, reactions and products, where the molecules in the system are candidates to catalyze the very same reactions, now firmly established as theorems, awaits experimental proof using combinatorial chemistry to make libraries of stochastic DNA, RNA and/or polypeptides, or other classes of molecules to test the hypothesis that molecular polymer reproduction has emerged as a true phase transition in complex chemical reaction systems. I remark that my colleague Marc Ballivet of the University of Geneva and I, may have issued the first publications discussing what became combinatorial chemistry, in published issued patents in 1987, 1989 and later, in this field.
Neoamphimedine Circumvents Metnase-Enhanced DNA Topoisomerase IIα Activity Through ATP-Competitive Inhibition
Authors: Ponder Jessica , Yoo Byong Hoon , Abraham Adedoyin D. , Li Qun , Ashley Amanda K. , Amerin Courtney L. , Zhou Qiong , Reid Brian G. , Reigan Philip , Hromas Robert , Nickoloff Jac A. , LaBarbera Daniel V.
Published: November 2011

Type IIα DNA topoisomerase (TopoIIα) is among the most important clinical drug targets for the treatment of cancer. Recently, the DNA repair protein Metnase was shown to enhance TopoIIα activity and increase resistance to TopoIIα poisons. Using in vitro DNA decatenation assays we show that neoamphimedine potently inhibits TopoIIα-dependent DNA decatenation in the presence of Metnase. Cell proliferation assays demonstrate that neoamphimedine can inhibit Metnase-enhanced cell growth with an IC50 of 0.5 µM. Additionally, we find that the apparent Km of TopoIIα for ATP increases linearly with higher concentrations of neoamphimedine, indicating ATP-competitive inhibition, which is substantiated by molecular modeling. These findings support the continued development of neoamphimedine as an anticancer agent, particularly in solid tumors that over-express Metnase.
A New Approach to Change Vector Analysis Using Distance and Similarity Measures
Authors: Carvalho Júnior Osmar A. , Guimarães Renato F. , Gillespie Alan R. , Silva Nilton C. , Gomes Roberto A. T.
Published: November 2011

The need to monitor the Earth’s surface over a range of spatial and temporal scales is fundamental in ecosystems planning and management. Change-Vector Analysis (CVA) is a bi-temporal method of change detection that considers the magnitude and direction of change vector. However, many multispectral applications do not make use of the direction component. The procedure most used to calculate the direction component using multiband data is the direction cosine, but the number of output direction cosine images is equal to the number of original bands and has a complex interpretation. This paper proposes a new approach to calculate the spectral direction of change, using the Spectral Angle Mapper and Spectral Correlation Mapper spectral-similarity measures. The chief advantage of this approach is that it generates a single image of change information insensitive to illumination variation. In this paper the magnitude component of the spectral similarity was calculated in two ways: as the standard Euclidean distance and as the Mahalanobis distance. In this test the best magnitude measure was the Euclidean distance and the best similarity measure was Spectral Angle Mapper. The results show that the distance and similarity measures are complementary and need to be applied together.
Airborne Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) for Individual Tree Stem Location, Height, and Biomass Measurements
Authors: Edson Curtis , Wing Michael G.
Published: November 2011

Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) remote sensing has demonstrated potential in measuring forest biomass. We assessed the ability of LiDAR to accurately estimate forest total above ground biomass (TAGB) on an individual stem basis in a conifer forest in the US Pacific Northwest region using three different computer software programs and compared results to field measurements. Software programs included FUSION, TreeVaW, and watershed segmentation. To assess the accuracy of LiDAR TAGB estimation, stem counts and heights were analyzed. Differences between actual tree locations and LiDAR-derived tree locations using FUSION, TreeVaW, and watershed segmentation were 2.05 m (SD 1.67), 2.19 m (SD 1.83), and 2.31 m (SD 1.94), respectively, in forested plots. Tree height differences from field measured heights for FUSION, TreeVaW, and watershed segmentation were −0.09 m (SD 2.43), 0.28 m (SD 1.86), and 0.22 m (2.45) in forested plots; and 0.56 m (SD 1.07 m), 0.28 m (SD 1.69 m), and 1.17 m (SD 0.68 m), respectively, in a plot containing young conifers. The TAGB comparisons included feature totals per plot, mean biomass per feature by plot, and total biomass by plot for each extraction method. Overall, LiDAR TAGB estimations resulted in FUSION and TreeVaW underestimating by 25 and 31% respectively, and watershed segmentation overestimating by approximately 10%. LiDAR TAGB underestimation occurred in 66% and overestimation occurred in 34% of the plot comparisons.
Tumorigenesis related to retroviral infections
Authors: Braoudaki Maria , Tzortzatou-Stathopoulou Fotini
Published: November 2011

Retroviral infections are considered important risk factors for cancer development in humans since approximately 15-20% of cancer worldwide is caused by an infectious agent. This report discusses the most established oncogenic retroviruses, including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), human T-cell leukemia virus (HTLV-1 and -2), Rous sarcoma virus (RSV), Abelson murine leukemia virus (A-MuLV), Moloney murine leukemia virus (M-MuLV), murine mammary tumor virus (MMTV), bovine leukemia virus, (BLV), Jaagsiekte sheep retrovirus (JSRV), and Friend spleen focus-forming virus (SFFV). The role of retroviruses as inducers of carcinogenesis, the mechanisms underlying oncogenic transformation, and the routes of transmission of several cancer-related retroviral infections are also described. Finally, the impact of cancer-related retroviral infections in the developing world is addressed. This review is an update of carcinogenesis caused by retroviral infections.
Cutting Edge: MicroRNA-181 Promotes Human NK Cell Development by Regulating Notch Signaling
Authors: Cichocki Frank , Felices Martin , McCullar Valarie , Presnell Steven R. , Al-Attar Ahmad , Lutz Charles T. , Miller Jeffrey S.
Published: November 2011

MicroRNAs (miRs) have recently been identified as important regulators of gene expression at the posttranscriptional level. Although it has clearly been established that miRs influence the ontogeny of several immune cell lineages, the role of individual miRs during NK cell development has not been described. In this study, we show that miR-181 expression levels have a profound impact on the development of human NK cells from CD34+ hematopoietic progenitor cells and IFN-γ production in primary CD56+ NK cells. We also demonstrate that nemo-like kinase (NLK), an inhibitor of Notch signaling, is a target of miR-181 in NK cells, and knockdown of NLK mirrors the developmental effect of miR-181 overexpression. We conclude that miR-181 promotes NK cell development, at least in part, through the suppression of NLK, providing an important link between miRs and Notch signaling.
Transfer of Regulatory Properties from Tolerogenic to Proinflammatory Dendritic Cells via Induced Autoreactive Regulatory T Cells
Authors: Kleijwegt Fleur S. , Laban Sandra , Duinkerken Gaby , Joosten Antoinette M. , Koeleman Bobby P. C. , Nikolic Tatjana , Roep Bart O.
Published: November 2011

Infectious tolerance is a term generally assigned to the process through which regulatory T cells (Tregs) transfer immunoregulatory properties to other T cells. In this study, we demonstrated that a similar process applies to human dendritic cells (DCs), albeit through a different mechanism. We induced and cloned proinsulin-specific Tregs using tolerogenic DCs and investigated mechanisms by which induced Ag-specific regulatory T cells (iaTregs) endorse the suppressive effects. iaTregs expressed FOXP3, programmed death-1, and membrane-bound TGF-β and upregulated IL-10 and CTLA-4 after stimulation with the cognate Ag. The iaTregs suppressed effector T cells only when both encountered the cognate Ags on the same APCs (linked suppression). This occurred independently of IL-10, TGF-β, programmed death-1, or CTLA-4. Instead, iaTregs used a granzyme B-mediated mechanism to kill B cells and monocytes, whereas proinflammatory DCs that resisted being killed were induced to upregulate the inhibitory receptors B7 (family) homolog 3 and ICOS ligand. These re-educated mature monocyte-derived dendritic cells (mDCs) suppressed effector T cells and induced IL-10–producing cells from the naive T cell pool. Our data indicated that human tolerogenic DCs confer infectious tolerance by inducing Ag-specific Tregs, which, in turn, re-educate proinflammatory mature DCs into DCs with regulatory properties.
The Economics of Housing the Homeless: What Causes the Problem and Why Haven’t Federal Policies Helped?
Authors: Ficenec Sarah V.
Published: November 2011

In the mid-1980s, homelessness increased in visibility across the United States, and interest rose as to the causes and possible solutions to the problem. Among others studying the issue, economists focused much of their attention on the central problem faced by the homeless – a lack of housing. Among the reasons economists cited for homelessness included a rise in housing prices, the filtering out of low-quality units in the housing market, increasing income inequality, and income shocks; these issues, combined with other factors that can make a person or family more susceptible to homelessness – such as substance abuse, mental illness, or social isolation – likely led to the increasing numbers of homeless in the 1980s. Looking at the causes of homelessness from an economic perspective also reinforces the reasons why many federal policies have been unable to solve or greatly decrease the problem in the past several decades. Since homelessness is still a concern across the country – especially in the wake of the recent recession – there continues to be a need to evaluate and find additional solutions to the problem.
Religion and violence in a globalised world
Authors: Huber Wolfgang
Published: November 2011

Violent religious extremism is seen as one of the mega-problems of the 21st century. This article � based on a key lecture at the conference on �Violence in a democratic South Africa� at the University of Pretoria and the David de Villiers memorial lecture at the University of Stellenbosch, both held during August 2010 � critically discussed the interaction between religion and violence in our present-day, globalised world. Three different propositions on the relationship between religion and violence were scrutinised. In countering the proposition that religion, or more specifically monotheism, necessarily leads to violence, it was argued that violence is not an inherent, but rather an acquired or even an ascribed quality of religion. The second proposition that religion leads to non-violence was affirmed to the extent that religions do provide a strong impulse to overcome violence. However, they also tend to accept violence as an inevitable part of reality and even justify the use of violence on religious grounds. The third proposition was regarded as the most convincing, for it argues that the link between religion and violence is contingent. Some situations do seem to make the use of violence inevitable; however, religions should refrain from justifying the use of violence and maintain a preferential option for nonviolence.
The Possible Impact of Obesity on Androgen, Progesterone and Estrogen Receptors (ERα and ERβ) Gene Expression in Breast Cancer Patients
Authors: Esfahlan R. Jahanban , Zarghami N. , Esfahlan A. Jahanban , Mollazadeh M. , Nejati K. , Nasiri M.
Published: November 2011

Background

Obesity has been associated with increased mortality from hormone dependant cancers such as breast cancer which is the most prevalent cancer in women. The link between obesity and breast cancer can be attributed to excess estrogen produced through aromatization in adipose tissue. The role of steroid hormone receptors in breast cancer development is well studied but how obesity can affect the expression pattern of steroid hormones in patients with different grades of breast cancer was the aim of this study.

Methods

In this case-control study, 70 women with breast cancer participated with different grades of obesity (36 none obese, BMI < 25 kg/m2 and 34 obese, BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2). The mean age of participants was 44.53 ± 1.79 yr (21–70 yr). The serum level of estrogen, progesterone and androgen determined by ELISA. Following quantitative expression of steroid hormone receptors mRNA in tumor tissues evaluated by Real-time PCR. Patients with previous history of radiotherapy or chemotherapy were excluded. SPSS 16 was used for data analysis and P < 0.05 considered statistically significant.

Results

The difference in ERα, ERβ and PR mRNA level between normal and obese patients was significant ( P < 0.001). In addition, the expression of AR mRNA was found to be higher than other steroid receptors. There was no significant relation between ERβ gene expression in two groups ( P = 0.68). We observed a significant relationship between ERα and AR mRNA with tumor stage and tumor grade, respectively ( P = 0.023, P = 0.015).

Conclusion

According to the obtained results, it is speculated that obesity could paly a significant role in estrogen receptors gene expression and also could affect progression and proliferation of breast cancer cells.
The California Wellness Foundation's Health Improvement Initiative: Evaluation Findings and Lessons Learned
Authors: Cheadle Allen , Senter Sandra , Procello Alicia , Pearson David , Nelson Gary D. , Greenwald Howard P. , Beery William L.
Published: November 2011

Purpose.

To evaluate the effect of the Health Improvement Initiative (HII), a 5-year grantmaking initiative funded by The California Wellness Foundation designed to identify the critical factors needed to bring about population health improvements through community-level systems change.

Design.

The evaluation of the HII used a case-study, logic-model approach to make inferences about the effect of each community coalition (Health Partnership) on its target community. The primary outcome measure was the creation of significant and sustainable community-level systems change.

Setting.

The HII included nine communities in California that received funding to create broad-based Health Partnerships.

Subjects.

Primary data were collected from a variety of Initiative stakeholders by key informant interviews, closed-ended surveys, and participant observation.

Intervention.

The HII provided funding over 5 years to nine Health Partnerships that were intended to be a driving force in implementing community-level systems change. The ultimate objective of the systems change process was to improve “population health,” broadly defined to include social, economic, and cultural determinants of health, in addition to traditional health status indicators.

Measures.

Both qualitative and quantitative techniques were used to assess the effect of the HII on key community systems. The primary outcomes were qualitative descriptions of community-level changes.

Results.

At the end of the 5 years of HII funding, six of the nine Partnerships had played a critical role in implementing sustainable systems changes that would likely have a significant effect in their target communities.

Conclusion.

The HII was successful in promoting community-level systems change in the majority of funded communities, although the evidence was mixed regarding the role of the Partnerships in bringing about these changes.
The Association of Neighborhood Design and Recreational Environments with Physical Activity
Authors: Atkinson Jennifer L. , Sallis James F. , Saelens Brian E. , Cain Kelli L. , Black Jennifer B.
Published: November 2011

Purpose.

To determine the association of neighborhood design factors and recreational environments with physical activity.

Methods.

Randomly selected adults (n = 102, 52% female, 81% white, mean age = 48 years) completed a survey of eight neighborhood design variables, convenient recreational facilities, and availability of home equipment. Physical activity was measured by self-report and 7 days of accelerometer monitoring.

Results.

Residential density and an overall environment index were significantly related to both vigorous-intensity self-reported (r = .35 and .28, respectively) and objectively measured physical activity (r = .39 and .23, respectively). Home equipment was correlated with self-reported total (r = .34) and vigorous leisure-time physical activity (r = .27). The vigorous and total activity accelerometer measures were correlated with street connectivity (r = .25 and .21, respectively).

Discussion.

Few self-reported neighborhood design factors and recreational environment variables were correlated with physical activity, and some findings were unexpected.
Mass absorption efficiency of elemental carbon and water-soluble organic carbon in Beijing, China
Authors: Cheng Y. , He K.-B. , Zheng M. , Duan F.-K. , Du Z.-Y. , Ma Y.-L. , Tan J.-H. , Yang F.-M. , Liu J.-M. , Zhang X.-L. , Weber R. J. , Bergin M. H. , Russell A. G.
Published: November 2011

Abstract. The mass absorption efficiency (MAE) of elemental carbon (EC) in Beijing was quantified using a thermal-optical carbon analyzer. The MAE measured at 632 nm was 8.45±1.71 and 9.41±1.92 m2 g−1 during winter and summer respectively. The daily variation of MAE was found to coincide with the abundance of organic carbon (OC), especially the OC to EC ratio, perhaps due to the enhancement by coating with organic aerosol (especially secondary organic aerosol, SOA) or the artifacts resulting from the redistribution of liquid-like organic particles during the filter-based absorption measurements. Using a converting approach that accounts for the discrepancy caused by measurements methods of both light absorption and EC concentration, previously published MAE values were converted to the equivalent-MAE, which is the estimated value if using the same measurement methods as used in this study. The equivalent-MAE was found to be much lower in the regions heavily impacted by biomass burning (e.g., below 2.7 m2 g−1 for two Indian cities). Results from source samples (including diesel exhaust samples and biomass smoke samples) also demonstrated that emissions from biomass burning would decrease the MAE of EC. Moreover, optical properties of water-soluble organic carbon (WSOC) in Beijing were presented. Light absorption by WSOC exhibited strong wavelength (λ) dependence such that absorption varied approximately as λ−7, which was characteristic of the brown carbon spectra. The MAE of WSOC (measured at 365 nm) was 1.79±0.24 and 0.71±0.20 m2 g−1 during winter and summer respectively. The large discrepancy between the MAE of WSOC during winter and summer was attributed to the difference in the precursors of SOA such that anthropogenic volatile organic compounds (AVOCs) should be more important as the precursors of SOA in winter. The MAE of WSOC in Beijing was much higher than results from the southeastern United States which were obtained using the same method as used in this study, perhaps due to the stronger emissions of biomass burning in China.
Role of glyoxal in SOA formation from aromatic hydrocarbons: gas-phase reaction trumps reactive uptake
Authors: Nakao S. , Liu Y. , Tang P. , Chen C.-L. , Zhang J. , Cocker III D.
Published: November 2011

Abstract. This study evaluates the significance of glyoxal acting as an intermediate species leading to SOA formation from aromatic hydrocarbon photooxidation under humid conditions. Rapid SOA formation from glyoxal uptake onto aqueous (NH4)2SO4 seed particles is observed; however, glyoxal did not partition to SOA or SOA coated aqueous seed during all aromatic hydrocarbon experiments (RH up to 80%). Glyoxal is found to only influence SOA formation by raising hydroxyl (OH) radical concentrations. Four experimental approaches supporting this conclusion are presented in this paper: (1) increased SOA formation and decreased SOA volatility in the toluene + NOx photooxidation system with additional glyoxal was reproduced by matching OH radical concentrations through H2O2 addition; (2) glyoxal addition to SOA seed formed from toluene + NOx photooxidation did not increase observed SOA volume; (3) SOA formation from toluene + NOx photooxidation with and without deliquesced (NH4)2SO4 seed resulted in similar SOA growth, consistent with a coating of SOA preventing glyoxal uptake onto deliquesced (NH4)2SO4 seed; and (4) the fraction of a C4H9+ fragment (observed by Aerodyne High Resolution Time-of-Flight Aerosol Mass Spectrometer, HR-ToF-AMS) from SOA formed by 2-tert-butylphenol (BP) oxidation was unchanged in the presence of additional glyoxal despite enhanced SOA formation. This study suggests that glyoxal uptake onto aerosol is minor when the surface (and near-surface) of aerosols are primarily composed of secondary organic compounds.
The isotopic record of Northern Hemisphere atmospheric carbon monoxide since 1950, implications for the CO budget
Authors: Wang Z. , Chappellaz J. , Martinerie P. , Park K. , Petrenko V. , Witrant E. , Blunier T. , Brenninkmeijer C. A. M. , Mak J. E.
Published: November 2011

Abstract. We present a 60-yr record of atmospheric CO concentration and stable isotopic ratios at high northern latitude based on firn air samples collected in the frame of the North Greenland Eemian Ice Drilling (NEEM) project. Concentration, δ13C, and δ18O of CO from trapped gases in the firn were measured by gas chromatography coupled with isotope ratio mass spectrometry (gc-IRMS). Using models of trace gas transport in firn, the long-term trend of atmospheric CO and its stable isotopic composition at high northern latitudes since the 1950s were reconstructed. Our best firn air scenarios suggest that δ13C decreased slightly from −25.8‰ in 1950 to −26.4‰ in 2000, then dropped to −27.2‰ in 2008. δ18O decreased more regularly from 9.8‰ in 1950 to 7.1‰ in 2008. The best firn air scenarios also suggest that CO concentration increased gradually from 1950 and peaked likely in the late-1970s, followed by a gradual decrease by present day (Petrenko et al., 2011). An isotope mass balance model is applied to quantify the temporal evolution of CO source partitioning able to explain the combined mixing ratio and isotopic ratio changes. It suggests that a slight increase followed by a large reduction in CO derived from fossil fuel combustion occurred since 1950. The increase of CO concentration from 1950 to the mid-1970s is the result of a combined increase of multiple sources. The reduction of CO emission from fossil fuel combustion after the mid-1970s is the most plausible mechanism for the drop of CO concentration during this time. The mitigation policy for CO emission from vehicle exhaust such as application of catalytic converters and the growth of diesel engine vehicles market share are the main expected reasons for the CO source strength change from fossil fuel combustion.
The extra-tropical NH temperature in the last two millennia: reconstructions of low-frequency variability
Authors: Christiansen B. , Ljungqvist F. C.
Published: November 2011

Abstract. We present two new multi-proxy reconstructions of the extra-tropical Northern Hemisphere (30–90° N) mean temperature: a two-millennia long reconstruction reaching back to AD 1 based on 32 proxies and a 500-yr long reconstruction reaching back to AD 1500 based on 91 proxies. The proxies are of different types and of different resolutions (annual, annual-to-decadal, and decadal) but all have previously been shown to relate to local or regional temperature. We use a reconstruction method, LOC, that recently has been shown to confidently reproduce low-frequency variability. Confidence intervals are obtained by an ensemble pseudo-proxy method that both estimates the variance and the bias of the reconstructions. The two-millennia long reconstruction shows a well defined Medieval Warm Period with a peak warming ca. AD 950–1050 reaching 0.7 °C relative to the reference period AD 1880–1960. The 500-yr long reconstruction confirms previous results obtained with the LOC method applied to a smaller proxy compilation; in particular it shows the Little Ice Age cumulating in AD 1580–1720 with a temperature minimum of −1.1 °C below the reference period. The reconstructed local temperatures, the magnitude of which are subject to wide confidence intervals, show a rather geographically homogeneous LIA while more geographical inhomogeneities are found for the Medieval Warm Period. Reconstructions based on different number of proxies show only small differences suggesting that LOC reconstructs 50-yr smoothed extra-tropical NH mean temperatures well and that low-frequency noise in the proxies is a relatively small problem.
Effect of Fermentation on Physicochemical Properties and Oxalate Content of Cocoyam (Colocasia esculenta) Flour
Authors: Oke M. O. , Bolarinwa I. F.
Published: November 2011

The effect of fermentation on physicochemical properties and oxalate content of cocoyam (Colocasia esculenta) flour was evaluated. The cocoyam, white flesh was cleaned, washed, peeled, sliced into chips of 2–2.5 cm thickness, soaked in tap water and left to ferment for 24 h and 48 h. The fermented cocoyam was then drained, dried in cabinet dryer at 60∘C for 24 h and milled. The flour samples were passed through a 45 μm mesh size sieve. Unfermented cocoyam flour was also produced and served as a control. Calcium oxalate and some physicochemical properties of flours from the fermented cocoyam were compared with the unfermented flour. Results showed that fermentation effected a significant reduction in oxalate level (58 to 65%) depending on the fermentation period. The amylose content was higher in 48 h fermented flour (55.52%) than in 24 h (54.55%). Pasting (gelatinization) temperature decreased, and water absorption capacity increased markedly due to fermentation.
Ecology and Ecotoxicology, Fundamentals
Authors: Fränzle Otto
Published: November 2011

The article contains sections titled:1.Humans and Environment2.Scope of Ecology and Ecotoxicology3.Acknowledgement
Air, 1. Emissions and Atmosphere
Authors: Wolf John , Manier Gerhard
Published: November 2011

The article contains sections titled:

1.

Introduction: Emissions due to the Chemical Industry

1.1.

Greenhouse Gases

1.2.

Nitrogen and Sulfur Oxides

1.3.

Volatile Organic Compounds

1.4.

Emission Inventories

2.

Physics and Chemistry of the Atmosphere

2.1.

Chemistry of the Atmosphere

2.1.1.

Formation of the Primeval Atmosphere

2.1.2.

Formation of the Present Atmosphere

2.1.3.

Composition of the Present Atmosphere

2.1.4.

Trace Gas Cycles

2.1.5.

The Aerosol

2.2.

Energetics of the Atmosphere

2.2.1.

Solar Radiation

2.2.2.

Infrared Radiation

2.2.3.

Radiation Equilibrium

2.2.4.

Energy Balance

2.3.

Dynamics of the Atmosphere

2.3.1.

Forces

2.3.2.

Motions

2.3.3.

Stability

2.4.

Air‐Pollution Control

2.4.1.

Methods of Calculating the Dispersion of Pollution

2.4.1.1.

Empirical Formulas

2.4.1.2.

Gauss Formulas

2.4.1.3.

Diffusion Equation

2.4.1.4.

Stationary Solution of the Diffusion Equation

2.4.1.5.

Particle Models

2.4.2.

Use of the Diffusion Calculation

2.4.3.

Environmental Compatibility and Simulation of the Environment
Soil, 1. Definition, Function, and Utilization of Soil
Authors: Nortcliff Stephen , Hulpke Herwig , Bannick Claus G. , Terytze Konstantin , Knoop Gerhard , Bredemeier Michael , Schulte‐Bisping Hubert
Published: November 2011

The article contains sections titled:1.Definition2.Ecological and Political Aspects of Soil Protection3.Function and Utilization of Soil3.1.Soil Ecosystems3.1.1.Introduction3.1.2.Ecological Soil Functions3.1.2.1.Regulating Functions3.1.2.2.Habitat Function for Organisms in and upon the Soil3.1.3.Productive Function3.1.3.1.Agriculture3.1.3.2.Forestry3.1.4.Other Soil Functions3.1.4.1.Utilization of Wastes3.1.4.2.Raw Material Deposits3.2.Land Utilization and Soil Destruction (Statistics)3.2.1.Introduction3.2.2.Land Utilization3.2.3.Soil Destruction3.2.4.Forecast