bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stability of In Situ Combustion Process to the Air Injection Stoppage
Authors: Turta Alex
Published: June 2012

Unlike steam injection for heavy oil recovery, in situ combustion (ISC) process requires an extra-step, namely initiation of the process, the so called ignition operation. During ignition, an ISC front is generated near the air injection well and, thereafter, this front is propagated towards production wells.

Air injection interruptions can be un-intentional or intentional, including one-day-per-month scheduled interruptions for cleaning oil from air lines exiting the compressors.

Regarding air injection interruptions a question arises: can the process be resumed without initiating a new ignition operation? The paper attempts to provide clear answers to this question.

The paper reviews information on more than 6 cases of air injection stoppage in the field, involving well instrumented dry ISC projects, conducted either in patterns or in a line drive system. Most of the cases are from Suplacu de Barcau (Romania) project, which is the world’s biggest ISC commercial project. The duration of air injection interruptions ranged from a few hours to 36 days. Performance before and after interruptions are analyzed in terms of changes in air injectivity, effluent gas composition and oil production.

To support various field observations, essential results from simulation of the dry ISC process are also included; Temperature distributions during air injection stoppage were determined analytically for a linear system and numerically, for a radial system. In both cases a specific characteristic of the temperature re-distribution was noted, namely the move/shift of the peak temperature inside the former burned out zone. Some additional conclusions regarding the stability of the process as function of elapsed time since the initiation of the process were also formulated. Stability of the process was investigated for air injection interruptions of up to 90 days.

Finally, a case is presented involving a pressure cycling ISC process; stability performance of the Morgan ISC project (Alberta, Canada) during its 6-year field piloting is discussed. In this project, interruptions of air injection of up to 21 months occurred. Inherent limitations in evaluating the stability performance are reviewed given the very complicated nature of this dry ISC process in which reservoir pressure was cyclically increased and oil was allowed to flow through the burned out zones during the air injection
Identification of SSC (Sulfide Stress Cracking)-Susceptible Wells and Risk Prediction
Authors: Chakrabarty Tapan , Smith Richard J.
Published: June 2012

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) generated by aquathermolysis—a high-temperature reaction of condensed steam (water) with sulfur-bearing bitumen in the reservoir rock—may increase the risk of sulfide stress cracking (SSC) in cyclically steam stimulated (CSS) wells. In a given field, H2S levels and wellbore conditions vary significantly among wells and so do their SSC-susceptibility. Identifying the SSC-susceptible wells is important in terms of reducing SSC risk by allocating resources and implementing pro-active intervention measures to the SSC-susceptible wells. A comprehensive research program, with a dedicated instrumented CSS well as the centerpiece, has been undertaken by Imperial Oil Resources with the objectives of characterizing H2S evolution in the wellbore and developing a tool for identifying the SSC-susceptible wells. The research includes laboratory and field tests, and statistical, phase behaviour and kinetic modelling. The SSC-susceptible zone for Cold Lake CSS has been established from Cyclic Slow Strain Rate (CSSR) laboratory tests incorporating CSS fluid chemistry, stress-strain environments, casing metallurgy, and variable temperature and H2S partial pressure. A statistical logistic model matches the experimental CSSR data well. The instrumented well data validate the phase behavior model, which in turn explains the measured H2S profile in the wellbore. An aquathermolysis kinetic model has been developed for the instrumented well and validated with data from nine other CSS wells. The research has led to the development of an engineering tool for identifying the wells at the risk of falling into the SSC-susceptible zone.
Double‐Stranded RNA‐Mediated Downregulation ofpdhkGene Expression to Shorten Maturation Time of a Late Maturing NativeindicaRice Cultivar, Badshahbhog
Authors: Mukherjee Rajeswari , Gayen Srimonta , Chakraborty Anirban , Bhattacharyya Jagannath , Maiti Mrinal K. , Basu Asitava , Sen Soumitra K.
Published: June 2012

In eukaryotic organisms, pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase (PDHK) plays a significant role in the Krebs cycle, cellular respiration, and energy production by regulating the mitochondrial pyruvate dehydrogenase complex (mtPDC) via reversible phosphorylation. The present study reportspdhkgene downregulation effects on maturation time of a late maturing, aromatic, nativeindicarice (Oryza sativaL.) cultivar, Badshahbhog. A double‐stranded ribonucleic acid (dsRNA)‐mediated gene silencing strategy was used to downregulate rice mitochondrialpdhkgene expression. The transgenic plant lines displayed altered growth patterns—early flower initiation, increased grain formation per panicle, and ∼10 d earlier maturation—compared to a nontransformed cultivar. Northern blot, reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR), and real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analyses provided evidence for endogenouspdhkgene downregulation in T0, T1, and T2generations of transgenic rice lines. These results provided evidence for stablepdhkgene downregulation throughout filial generations. It was further observed that transgenic lines with two insertion events of transferred dsRNA effected more downregulation ofpdhkgene expression relative to rice lines carrying a single dsRNA insertion.
Identification of Quantitative Trait Loci Associated with Fructose, Glucose, and Sucrose Concentration in Snap Bean Pods
Authors: VandenLangenberg Kyle M. , Bethke Paul C. , Nienhuis James
Published: June 2012

Sugars, including fructose, glucose, and sucrose, contribute significantly to the flavor and consumer acceptance of snap beans (Phaseolus vulgarisL.). Differences between dry and snap bean cultivars and among snap bean cultivars in the patterns of accumulation of sugars have been observed. In ‘Eagle’, a white‐seeded, large‐sieve snap bean cultivar, fructose and glucose concentrations in developing pods decreased while sucrose concentration increased with increasing pod size. In contrast, fructose and glucose concentrations increased while sucrose remained unchanged with increasing pod size in Puebla 152, a black‐seeded dry bean landrace from Mexico. A population derived from the cross Eagle × Puebla 152 consisting of 75 F9:10recombinant inbred lines (RILs) was developed by single seed descent. Significant differences in fructose, glucose, and sucrose concentrations of sieve size 4 (8.33–9.52 mm) pods were observed among RILs. No significant genotype × year interactions were observed. Heritability estimates for fructose, glucose, and sucrose were 0.85 ± 0.16, 0.81 ± 0.16, and 0.85 ± 0.16, respectively. A single quantitative trait locus (QTL) on linkage group B1 was identified that is closely linked to random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) marker W9.1050 and explains 28.8 and 26.6% of the variation in pod fructose and sucrose concentration, respectively. A two‐QTL model, including W9.1050 and RAPD marker F8.500 on linkage group B6, explained 36.4% of the variation in glucose concentration in pods.
New Mutations in a Delta‐9‐Stearoyl‐Acyl Carrier Protein Desaturase Gene Associated with Enhanced Stearic Acid Levels in Soybean Seed
Authors: Boersma Jeffrey G. , Gillman Jason D. , Bilyeu Kristin D. , Ablett Gary R. , Grainger Christopher , Rajcan Istvan
Published: June 2012

Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] oil from conventional cultivars typically contains ~30 g kg−1 stearic acid of the total seed oil. Increased stearic acid concentration in the seed oil of soybeans is desirable for certain food and industrial uses. To date a small number of mutants have been developed with increased stearic acid levels three to six times that of normal. At least two such lines were found to possess separate mutations in the delta‐9‐stearoyl‐acyl carrier protein desaturase C gene (SACPD‐C) that dramatically increased seed stearic acid concentration. We now report additional independent mutations in this gene that increase seed stearic acid levels of the soybean germplasm line RG7 to ~116 g kg−1. An F5 recombinant inbred line (RIL) population was developed to determine the relationship between the RG7 SACPD‐C mutation and stearic acid concentration. Transgressive segregation in the progeny of the cross between mutant lines RG7 and RG2 (low palmitic acid) further increases seed stearic acid to almost 180 g kg−1, suggesting the presence of yet another gene having a significant effect on stearic acid accumulation. We also discerned an independent, presumably allelic, mutation within the SACPD‐C gene in line RG8, which has about 106 g kg−1 stearic acid. Molecular markers diagnostic for the RG7 and RG8 SACPD‐C mutations were developed, enabling rapid selection for these mutations in the development of cultivars with increased seed stearic acid content in the seed oil.
Expected Economic Potential of Substituting Legumes for Nitrogen in Bermudagrass Pastures
Authors: Biermacher Jon T. , Reuter Ryan , Kering Maru K. , Rogers James K. , Blanton John , Guretzky John A. , Butler Twain J.
Published: June 2012

Grazing warm‐season grass pastures with stocker cattle (Bos taurus) is an important economic activity in the southern Great Plains, and substantial increases in the price of N fertilizer have negatively affected profitability of forage producers. The goal of the study was to determine if bermudagrass [Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers.] pastures interseeded with either annual or perennial legumes are more profitable than the conventional method of fertilizing with 112 kg N ha−1 commercial fertilizer. A completely randomized design grazing study was conducted in south‐central Oklahoma during the spring and summer months of 2008, 2009, and 2010. Preconditioned stocker cattle (260 ± 47 kg head−1) were randomly assigned to pastures (1.42 ± 0.10 ha; three replicates per system) at 2.32 ± 0.40 animals ha−1, beginning when measured standing forage reached 2000 kg ha−1 and grazing continuously until forage mass declined to 1000 kg ha−1. Results of the 3‐yr grazing study show that under continuous stocking for the growing conditions common to the south‐central Great Plains, the legume systems could not compete economically with the common practice of fertilizing bermudagrass pastures with synthetic inorganic N fertilizer. Results are most sensitive to number of grazing days, price of N, and prices of legume seed.
Effects of Elevated CO2 on Physiological Responses of Tall Fescue to Elevated Temperature, Drought Stress, and the Combined Stresses
Authors: Yu Jingjin , Chen Lihua , Xu Ming , Huang Bingru
Published: June 2012

Drought and elevated temperature often occur alone or in combination in many areas, limiting cool‐season grass growth. Rising atmospheric CO2 concentration may affect plant adaptation to drought and high temperature. The objective of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of elevated CO2 in mitigating the negative effects of drought or elevated temperature alone or a combination of these stresses on physiological processes in a perennial grass species. The effects of these treatments on water relations, photosynthesis, and respiration were determined in tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb. cultivar Rembrandt). Grass plants were subjected to the following treatments in growth chambers: heat stress (30°C or 5°C above the optimal level of 25°C), drought stress by maintaining soil water content at 50% of field capacity, or the combined two stresses for 28 d. Stressed and unstressed control plants were exposed to a constant level of either ambient CO2 (400 μL L−1) or elevated CO2 (800 μL L−1). At ambient CO2 concentration, drought and the combined stress for 28 d caused significant decline in leaf relative water content (RWC), photochemical efficiency (ratio of variable to maximum fluorescence [Fv:Fm]), net photosynthetic rate (A), stomatal conductance (gs), maximal ribulose‐1,5‐bisphosphate carboxylase oxygenase (Rubisco)‐limited rate of photosynthesis (Vcmax), and maximal electron transport‐limited rate of photosynthesis (Jmax) but increased membrane electrolyte leakage (EL) and dark respiration rate (Rd). Elevated temperature to 5°C above the optimal level resulted in the increases in gs, EL, and Rd but had no significant effects on the other physiological parameters. Drought stress for 28 d was more detrimental than increasing temperature by 5°C for tall fescue and the combined stress was more detrimental than either stress alone. Elevated CO2 mitigated the degree of change in all physiological factors under drought or heat stress and resulted in increases in A (162%) and RWC (19%) and a reduction in EL (21%) under the combined stress. These results suggest that elevated CO2 could improve tall fescue tolerance to drought and elevated temperature by enhancing plant water status, cellular membrane stability, and photosynthesis capacity and by suppressing gs for water loss and C consumption through lowering respiration rate.
Anton Dimitrija Bilimovic
Authors: Djukic Djordje
Published: June 2012

nema
Reflections on Dubinskiĭ’s nonlinear compact embedding theorem
Authors: Barrett John , Süli Endre
Published: June 2012

We present an overview of a result by Yuli? Andreevich Dubinski? [Mat. Sb. 67
(109) (1965); translated in Amer. Math. Soc. Transl. (2) 67 (1968)],
concerning the compact embedding of a seminormed set in Lp(0, T;A0), where A0
is a Banach space and p 2 [1,1]; we establish a variant of Dubinski??s
theorem, where a seminormed nonnegative cone is used instead of a seminormed
set; and we explore the connections of these results with a nonlinear compact
embedding theorem due to Emmanuel Maitre [Int. J. Math. Math. Sci. 27
(2003)].
Formulation and analysis of a parabolic transmission problem on disjoint intervals
Authors: Jovanovic Bosko , Vulkov Lubin
Published: June 2012

We investigate an initial-boundary-value problem for one dimensional
parabolic equations in disjoint intervals. Under some natural assumptions on
the input data we proved the well-posedness of the problem. Nonnegativity and
energy stability of its weak solutions are also studied.
Stability and convergence of the difference schemes for equations of isentropic gas dynamics in Lagrangian coordinates
Authors: Matus Piotr , Polyakov Dmitry
Published: June 2012

For the initial-boundary value problem (IBVP) if isentropic gas dynamics
written in Lagrangian coordinates written in terms of Riemann invariants we
show how to obtain necessary conditions for existence of global smooth
solution using the Lax technique. Under these conditions we formulate the
existence theorem in the class of piecewise-smooth functions. A priori
estimates with respect to the input data for the difference scheme
approximating this problem are obtained. The estimates of stability are
proved using only restrictions on the initial and boundary conditions
corresponding the differential problem. In the general case the estimates
have been obtained only for the finite instant of time t < t0. The
monotonicity has been proved in the both cases. The uniqueness and
convergence of the difference solution are also considered. The results of
the numerical experiment illustrating theoretical statements are given.
Fully Integrated Artificial Pancreas in Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Breton Marc , Farret Anne , Bruttomesso Daniela , Anderson Stacey , Magni Lalo , Patek Stephen , Dalla Man Chiara , Place Jerome , Demartini Susan , Del Favero Simone , Toffanin Chiara , Hughes-Karvetski Colleen , Dassau Eyal , Zisser Howard , Doyle Francis J. , De Nicolao Giuseppe , Avogaro Angelo , Cobelli Claudio , Renard Eric , Kovatchev Boris ,   on behalf of The International Artificial Pancreas (iAP) Study Group
Published: June 2012

Integrated closed-loop control (CLC), combining continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) with insulin pump (continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion [CSII]), known as artificial pancreas, can help optimize glycemic control in diabetes. We present a fundamental modular concept for CLC design, illustrated by clinical studies involving 11 adolescents and 27 adults at the Universities of Virginia, Padova, and Montpellier. We tested two modular CLC constructs: standard control to range (sCTR), designed to augment pump plus CGM by preventing extreme glucose excursions; and enhanced control to range (eCTR), designed to truly optimize control within near normoglycemia of 3.9–10 mmol/L. The CLC system was fully integrated using automated data transfer CGM→algorithm→CSII. All studies used randomized crossover design comparing CSII versus CLC during identical 22-h hospitalizations including meals, overnight rest, and 30-min exercise. sCTR increased significantly the time in near normoglycemia from 61 to 74%, simultaneously reducing hypoglycemia 2.7-fold. eCTR improved mean blood glucose from 7.73 to 6.68 mmol/L without increasing hypoglycemia, achieved 97% in near normoglycemia and 77% in tight glycemic control, and reduced variability overnight. In conclusion, sCTR and eCTR represent sequential steps toward automated CLC, preventing extremes (sCTR) and further optimizing control (eCTR). This approach inspires compelling new concepts: modular assembly, sequential deployment, testing, and clinical acceptance of custom-built CLC systems tailored to individual patient needs.
Fall in C-Peptide During First 2 Years From Diagnosis
Authors: Greenbaum Carla J. , Beam Craig A. , Boulware David , Gitelman Stephen E. , Gottlieb Peter A. , Herold Kevan C. , Lachin John M. , McGee Paula , Palmer Jerry P. , Pescovitz Mark D. , Krause-Steinrauf Heidi , Skyler Jay S. , Sosenko Jay M. ,   on behalf of the Type 1 Diabetes TrialNet Study Group
Published: June 2012

Interpretation of clinical trials to alter the decline in β-cell function after diagnosis of type 1 diabetes depends on a robust understanding of the natural history of disease. Combining data from the Type 1 Diabetes TrialNet studies, we describe the natural history of β-cell function from shortly after diagnosis through 2 years post study randomization, assess the degree of variability between patients, and investigate factors that may be related to C-peptide preservation or loss. We found that 93% of individuals have detectable C-peptide 2 years from diagnosis. In 11% of subjects, there was no significant fall from baseline by 2 years. There was a biphasic decline in C-peptide; the C-peptide slope was −0.0245 pmol/mL/month (95% CI −0.0271 to −0.0215) through the first 12 months and −0.0079 (−0.0113 to −0.0050) from 12 to 24 months (P < 0.001). This pattern of fall in C-peptide over time has implications for understanding trial results in which effects of therapy are most pronounced early and raises the possibility that there are time-dependent differences in pathophysiology. The robust data on the C-peptide obtained under clinical trial conditions should be used in planning and interpretation of clinical trials.
Postprandial Platelet Activation Is Related to Postprandial Plasma Insulin Rather Than Glucose in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Spectre Galia , Östenson Claes-Göran , Li Nailin , Hjemdahl Paul
Published: June 2012

Postprandial hyperglycemia is associated with platelet activation. We thus investigated if meal-induced platelet activation could be attenuated by meal insulin. A randomized, double-blind, cross-over study was performed to compare postprandial platelet activation after premeal injections of placebo or insulin aspart (0.1 and 0.2 units/kg) in 18 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Platelet activation was assessed by flow cytometry, without and with stimulation by the thromboxane analog U46619 or ADP. Measurements were before and after premeal blood glucose standardization (to 6–7 mmol/L by insulin infusion, if needed) and at 90 min after the meal. Premeal insulin reduced postprandial hyperglycemia by 2–3 mmol/L compared with placebo. Postmeal insulin levels were doubled with placebo and further elevated with insulin injections. The standardized meal enhanced U46619-induced platelet P-selectin expression by 23% after placebo; this response was more than doubled after premeal insulin. U46619-induced fibrinogen binding was unchanged after meal intake with placebo but was markedly enhanced (by ∼50–60%) after premeal insulin. Postprandial platelet activation correlated positively to postprandial insulin levels and inversely to glucose levels. Premeal insulin infusion was also associated with platelet activation. Our results suggest that postprandial insulin rather than glucose accounts for postprandial platelet activation in T2DM patients.
Supervised Exercise Program, BMI, and Risk of Type 2 Diabetes in Subjects With Normal or Impaired Fasting Glucose
Authors: Chae Jey Sook , Kang Ryungwoo , Kwak Jung Hyun , Paik Jean Kyung , Kim Oh Yoen , Kim Minjoo , Park Ji Won , Jeon Justin Y. , Lee Jong Ho
Published: June 2012

OBJECTIVE

To determine the association of regular exercise, BMI, and fasting glucose with the risk of type 2 diabetes and to predict the risk.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Korean subjects (n = 7,233; 40–79 years old) who were not diagnosed with diabetes at baseline were enrolled through the National Health Insurance Corporation. All participants underwent biennial examinations, and 1,947 of 7,233 subjects also underwent a 6-month program of moderate-intensity exercise (300 min/week) without dietary advice.

RESULTS

During follow-up (mean = 2 years), there were 303 incidents of type 2 diabetes in the nonexercise program group (n = 5,286) and 83 in the exercise program group (n = 1,947). After adjusting for confounders, the risk of type 2 diabetes was positively associated with BMI and inversely with regular exercise, especially among overweight/obese subjects. After further adjustment for BMI, the odds ratios for risk of diabetes associated without and with regular exercise were 1.00 and 0.77, respectively. Among subjects with normal fasting glucose, exercise reduced the diabetes risk; however, among those with impaired fasting glucose (IFG), the protective effect of exercise was found only among overweight/obese subjects. The overweight/obese subjects in the exercise program group exhibited improved fasting glucose compared with the nonexercise program group and showed 1.5 kg of weight loss and a 3-cm decrease in waist circumference. Among overweight/obese subjects with unchanged fasting glucose, weight loss was greater in the exercise program group.

CONCLUSIONS

Regular exercise reduces the risk of type 2 diabetes in overweight/obese individuals. Particularly, regular exercise and weight or waist circumference control are critical factors for preventing diabetes in overweight/obese individuals with IFG.
Prevalence of Diagnosed Arthritis and Arthritis-Attributable Activity Limitation Among Adults With and Without Diagnosed Diabetes: United States, 2008–2010
Authors: Cheng Yiling J. , Imperatore Giuseppina , Caspersen Carl J. , Gregg Edward W. , Albright Ann L. , Helmick Charles G.
Published: June 2012

OBJECTIVE

To estimate the prevalence of diagnosed arthritis among U.S. adults and the proportion of arthritis-attributable activity limitation (AAAL) among those with arthritis by diagnosed diabetes mellitus (DM) status.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We estimated prevalences and their ratios using 2008–2010 U.S. National Health Interview Survey of noninstitutionalized U.S. adults aged ≥18 years. Respondents’ arthritis and DM status were both based on whether they reported a diagnosis of these diseases. Other characteristics used for stratification or adjustment included age, sex, race/ethnicity, education level, BMI, and physical activity level.

RESULTS

Among adults with DM, the unadjusted prevalences of arthritis and proportion of AAAL among adults with arthritis (national estimated cases in parentheses) were 48.1% (9.6 million) and 55.0% (5.3 million), respectively. After adjusting for other characteristics, the prevalence ratios of arthritis and of AAAL among arthritic adults with versus without DM (95% CI) were 1.44 (1.35–1.52) and 1.21 (1.15–1.28), respectively. The prevalence of arthritis increased with age and BMI and was higher for women, non-Hispanic whites, and inactive adults compared with their counterparts both among adults with and without DM (all P values < 0.05). Among adults with diagnosed DM and arthritis, the proportion of AAAL was associated with being obese, but was not significantly associated with age, sex, and race/ethnicity.

CONCLUSIONS

Among U.S. adults with diagnosed DM, nearly half also have diagnosed arthritis; moreover, more than half of those with both diseases had AAAL. Arthritis can be a barrier to physical activity among adults with diagnosed DM.
Reduction of Oxidative Stress and Inflammation by Blunting Daily Acute Glucose Fluctuations in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Rizzo Maria Rosaria , Barbieri Michelangela , Marfella Raffaele , Paolisso Giuseppe
Published: June 2012

OBJECTIVE

Evaluate the effects of two dipeptidyl peptidase-IV (DPP-4) inhibitors, sitagliptin and vildagliptin, known to have different efficacy on mean amplitude of glycemic excursions (MAGE), on oxidative stress, and on systemic inflammatory markers in patients with type 2 diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

A prospective, randomized, open-label PROBE design (parallel group with a blinded end point) study was performed in 90 patients with type 2 diabetes inadequately controlled by metformin. The study assigned 45 patients to receive sitagliptin (100 mg once daily; sitagliptin group) and 45 patients to receive vildagliptin (50 mg twice daily; vildagliptin group) for 12 weeks. MAGE, evaluated during 48 h of continuous subcutaneous glucose monitoring, allowed an assessment of daily glucose fluctuations at baseline and after 12 weeks in all patients. Assessment of oxidative stress (nitrotyrosine) and systemic levels of inflammatory markers interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-18 was performed at baseline and after 12 weeks in all patients.

RESULTS

HbA1c, fasting and postprandial glucose, MAGE, and inflammatory and oxidative stress markers were similar between the groups at baseline. After 12 weeks, MAGE (P < 0.01) was lower in the vildagliptin group than in the sitagliptin group. After treatment, HbA1c and postprandial glucose evidenced similar changes between the groups (P = NS). Vildagliptin treatment was associated with a stronger decrease in nitrotyrosine (P < 0.01), IL-6 (P < 0.05), and IL-18 (P < 0.05) than sitagliptin treatment. Nitrotyrosine and IL-6 changes significantly correlated with changes in MAGE but not in fasting glucose and HbA1c.

CONCLUSIONS

MAGE reduction is associated with reduction of oxidative stress and markers of systemic inflammation in type 2 diabetic patients. These effects were greater in the vildagliptin group than in the sitagliptin group.
On geometry of curves of flags of constant type
Authors: Doubrov Boris , Zelenko Igor
Published: June 2012

We develop an algebraic version of Cartan’s method of equivalence or an analog of Tanaka prolongation for the (extrinsic) geometry of curves of flags of a vector space W with respect to the action of a subgroup G of GL(W). Under some natural assumptions on the subgroup G and on the flags, one can pass from the filtered objects to the corresponding graded objects and describe the construction of canonical bundles of moving frames for these curves in the language of pure linear algebra. The scope of applicability of the theory includes geometry of natural classes of curves of flags with respect to reductive linear groups or their parabolic subgroups. As simplest examples, this includes the projective and affine geometry of curves. The case of classical groups is considered in more detail.
Search for the critical point and the onset of deconfinement
Authors: Blume Christoph
Published: June 2012

A review of the current experimental situation on the search for a critical point in the QCD phase diagram and the onset of deconfinement is given. Ongoing (STAR, NA61), as well as previous (NA49) experiments are presented. Their main results up-to-now are summarized and their findings are put into a general context. The future experimental program (CBM at FAIR, MPD at NICA) is discussed as well.
Multi-step interrupted-growth MBE technology for GaAs/AlGaAs (∼9.4 μm) room temperature operating quantum-cascade lasers
Authors: Kosiel K. , Kubacka-Traczyk J. , Sankowska I. , Szerling A. , Gutowski P. , Bugajski M.
Published: June 2012

In order to adjust the highly controllable and optimum growth conditions, the multi-step interrupted-growth MBE processes were performed to deposit a series of GaAs/Al0.45Ga0.55As QCL structures. The additional calibrations of MBE system were carried out during the designed growth interruptions. This solution was combined with a relatively low growth rate of active region layers, in order to suppress the negative effects of elemental flux instabilities. As a result, the fabricated QCL structures have yielded devices operating with peak optical power of ∼12 mW at room temperature. That is a better result than was obtained for comparable structures deposited with a growth rate kept constant, and with the only initial calibrations performed just before the epitaxy of the overall structure.
A Simple and Swift Method for Isolating High Quality RNA from Jute (Corchorus spp.)
Authors: Mahmood Niaz , Ahmed Razib , Azam Muhammad Shafiul , Khan Haseena
Published: June 2012

High quality RNA extraction is a prerequisite for various types of genetic analyses. Many a time, the existing RNA isolation methods and commercial kits are either time consuming or fail to isolate high quality RNA from plants rich in polysaccharides, oil and other secondary metabolites since different plants contain different amounts of nucleic acids (Khan et al. 2004, Loomis 1974). This problem is particularly acute in case of jute (Corchorus spp.), which is rich in mucilage and other polysaccharides that tends to interfere with the downstream processes (Kundu et al. 2011, Pandey et al. 1996). Several guanidium salt based methods have been successful for RNA isolation from jute seedlings (Khan et al. 2004), but are often cumbersome and expensive; hence limit simultaneous processing of large number of samples. Here we report a simplified and swift protocol for isolating high quality RNA from jute by making key modifications in tissue denaturation and precipitation steps in the protocol described by Ghawana et al. (2011). The protocol allows consistent production of high quality RNA from different species, which makes it particularly suitable for comparative plant genome research. The extraction time has been reduced from two days (for standard guanidium-acid-phenol extraction protocols) to about one hour and the extracted RNA was suitable for downstream processes like cDNA synthesis and expression pattern analysis.   Key words: Jute, Corchorus spp., Swift method, RNA isolation, RT-PCR   D. O. I. 10.3329/ptcb.v21i2.10244   Plant Tissue Cult. & Biotech. 21(2): 207-211, 2011 (December) - Short communication
Wetland Loss and Research Orientation
Authors: Chen Xi , Bain Mark , Sullivan Patrick J. , Wang Ziyan
Published: June 2012

The literature analysis method used in this paper outlines variations in research topics. We tested whether research on wetlands is topic-centered, comparative of different wetland classes, or aimed at wetland loss. We analyzed research papers to identify clusters of research activity and interpreted these clusters relative to wetland function and type. Furthermore, a case study on 61 papers was conducted in order to find a critical path of wetland loss induced by different causes. From this case study, it was determined that agriculture is regarded as a root cause of wetland loss.
Single-Component Charge-Transfer Crystals Based on Spin-Carrying TCNQ (7,7,8,8-Tetracyanoquinodimethane) Derivatives
Authors: Suzuki Hideto , Akutsu Hiroki , Yamada Jun-ichi , Nakatsuji Shin’ichi
Published: June 2012

Three TCNQ derivatives carrying nitroxide radicals (3a–3c) were prepared and were found to form single-component charge-transfer (CT) complexes by self-assembly, in which outer nitroxide groups of a couple of different molecules work as donors and the inner TCNQ unit of another molecule as an acceptor. While the CT interactions found for the TEMPO (2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidin-1-oxy) derivative 3a and the PROXYL (2,2,5,5-tetramethylpirrolidin-1-oxy) derivative 3b are point-to-face fashion between the oxygen atom of each nitroxide group and the six-membered ring of inner TCNQ unit, the CT interactions found for the PO (2,2,5,5-tetramethyl-3-pyrrolin-1-oxy) derivative 3c are point-to-point contacts between the oxygen atoms of outer nitroxide groups and the carbon atoms of a couple of cyano groups.
The Potential Biotechnological Applications of the Exopolysaccharide Produced by the Halophilic Bacterium Halomonas almeriensis
Authors: Llamas Inmaculada , Amjres Hakima , Mata Juan Antonio , Quesada Emilia , Béjar Victoria
Published: June 2012

We have studied the extracellular polysaccharide (EPS) produced by the type strain, M8T, of the halophilic bacterium Halomonas almeriensis, to ascertain whether it might have any biotechnological applications. All the cultural parameters tested influenced both bacterial growth and polysaccharide production. EPS production was mainly growth-associated and under optimum environmental and nutritional conditions M8T excreted about 1.7 g of EPS per litre of culture medium (about 0.4 g of EPS per gram of dry cell weight). Analysis by anion-exchange chromatography and high-performance size-exclusion chromatography indicated that the exopolysaccharide was composed of two fractions, one of 6.3 × 106 and another of 1.5 × 104 Daltons. The monosaccharide composition of the high-molecular-weight fraction was mannose (72% w/w), glucose (27.5% w/w) and rhamnose (0.5% w/w). The low-molecular-weight fraction contained mannose (70% w/w) and glucose (30% w/w). The EPS has a substantial protein fraction (1.1% w/w) and was capable of emulsifying several hydrophobic substrates, a capacity presumably related to its protein content. The EPS produced solutions of low viscosity with pseudoplastic behaviour. It also had a high capacity for binding some cations. It contained considerable quantities of sulphates (1.4% w/w), an unusual feature in bacterial polysaccharides. All these characteristics render it potentially useful as a biological agent, bio-detoxifier and emulsifier.
Cooperative Al(Salen)-Pyridinium Catalysts for the Asymmetric Synthesis of trans-Configured β-Lactones by [2+2]-Cyclocondensation of Acylbromides and Aldehydes: Investigation of Pyridinium Substituent Effects
Authors: Meier Patrick , Broghammer Florian , Latendorf Katja , Rauhut Guntram , Peters René
Published: June 2012

The trans-selective catalytic asymmetric formation of β-lactones constitutes an attractive surrogate for anti-aldol additions. Recently, we have reported the first catalyst which is capable of forming trans-β-lactones with high enantioselectivity from aliphatic (and aromatic) aldehyde substrates by cyclocondensation with acyl bromides. In that previous study the concepts of Lewis acid and organic aprotic ion pair catalysis were combined in a salen-type catalyst molecule. Since a pyridinium residue on the salen periphery is essential for high trans- and enantioselectivity, we were interested in the question of whether substituents on the pyridinium rings could be used to further improve the catalyst efficiency, as they might have a significant impact on the effective charges within the heterocycles. In the present study we have thus compared a small library of aluminum salen/bispyridinium catalysts mainly differing in the substituents on the pyridinium residues. As one result of these studies a new catalyst was identified which offers slightly superior stereoselectivity as compared to the previously reported best catalyst. NBO calculations have revealed that the higher stereoselectivity can arguably not be explained by the variation of the effective charge.
Ginsenoside Rb1 Attenuates Intestinal Ischemia Reperfusion Induced Renal Injury by Activating Nrf2/ARE Pathway
Authors: Sun Qian , Meng Qing-Tao , Jiang Ying , Xia Zhong-Yuan
Published: June 2012

Intestinal ischemia reperfusion (IIR) is a serious clinical condition associated with simultaneous multiple organ dysfunction. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of ginsenoside Rb1 on IIR induced renal injury in mice. An intestinal ischemia reperfusion mouse model was established by superior mesenteric artery (SMA) occlusion for 45 min, followed by reperfusion for 2 h. IIR induced renal injury characterized by increase of BUN, Cr and NGAL in serum, MDA levels and decrease of SOD levels in the renal tissues. Ginsenoside Rb1 (30, 60 mg/kg) given intraperitoneally before reperfusion attennuated renal injury, which was associated with decrease of BUN, Cr and NGAL in serum, MDA levels and increase of SOD levels in the renal tissues. Furthermore, the immunohistochemistry and Western blot data showed that ginsenoside Rb1 dramatically reversed IIR induced renal injury, associated with upregulated nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) in renal tissues. Our data suggests that ginsenoside Rb1 attenuates acute renal injury induced by intestinal ischemia reperfusion by activating the Nrf2/ARE pathway.
Multimodal Protein Constructs for Herbivore Insect Control
Authors: Sainsbury Frank , Benchabane Meriem , Goulet Marie-Claire , Michaud Dominique
Published: June 2012

Transgenic plants expressing combinations of microbial or plant pesticidal proteins represent a promising tool for the efficient, durable control of herbivorous insects. In this review we describe current strategies devised for the heterologous co-expression of pesticidal proteins in planta, some of which have already shown usefulness in plant protection. Emphasis is placed on protein engineering strategies involving the insertion of single DNA constructs within the host plant genome. Multimodal fusion proteins integrating complementary pesticidal functions along a unique polypeptide are first considered, taking into account the structural constraints associated with protein or protein domain grafting to biologically active proteins. Strategies that allow for the co- or post-translational release of two or more pesticidal proteins are then considered, including polyprotein precursors releasing free proteins upon proteolytic cleavage, and multicistronic transcripts for the parallel translation of single protein-encoding mRNA sequences.
Clinical Spectrum, Risk Factors and Outcome of Immune Reconstitution Inflammatory Syndrome in Patients with Tuberculosis–HIV Coinfection
Authors: Worodria William , Menten Joris , Massinga-Loembe Marguerite , Mazakpwe Doreen , Bagenda Danstan , Koole Olivier , Mayanja-Kizza Harriet , Kestens Luc , Mugerwa Roy , Reiss Peter , Colebunders Robert ,   the TB-IRIS Study Group
Published: June 2012

Background

Here, we aimed to determine the clinical spectrum, predictors and outcomes of paradoxical tuberculosis-immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (TB-IRIS) in a resource-limited setting.

Methods

In a prospective cohort, we studied 254 patients with tuberculosis and HIV coinfection commencing antiretroviral therapy (ART). We identified patients with TB-IRIS using the International Network for Studies Against HIV-Associated IRIS (INSHI) case definition. Risk factors and clinical outcomes of TB-IRIS were determined and reported.

Results

A total of 53 (21%) patients developed TB-IRIS a median of 2 weeks (IQR 12–22 days) after starting ART. The majority of the patients (70%) with TB-IRIS had extrapulmonary manifestations of TB-IRIS. In a multiple logistic regression model, baseline haemoglobin <100 g/l (OR 2.23 [95% CI 1.08–4.60]; P=0.031) and baseline CD4+ T-cell count <50 cells/ml (OR 4.13 [95% CI 1.80–9.51]; P=0.001) were significant predictors of IRIS. Seven additional patients fulfilled all INSHI criteria of TB-IRIS but had the episode of TB-IRIS later than 3 months after ART start.

Conclusions

TB-IRIS was a frequent reason for clinical deterioration among patients with TB commencing ART but was not a primary contributor to mortality. Patients with advanced CD4 depletion and anaemia were at increased risk of TB-IRIS. Some patients developed late-onset TB-IRIS and/or a recurrent TB-IRIS episode.
L'approximation dans la bioéthique : construction d'un objet bifocal dans une perspective de sémantique discursive
Authors: Raschini Elisa
Published: June 2012

Je présente synthétiquement quelques aspects théoriques et méthodologiques de ma thèse de doctorat. Ma recherche a porté sur l’approximation abordée dans une perspective de sémantique discursive. Le corpus est constitué de 418 énoncés participant au débat bioéthique français sur l’assistance médicale à la procréation (AMP) entre 1982 et 2007. À partir d’une réflexion sur le vague linguistique, j’étudie : a) l’approximation catégorielle dans des énoncés qui produisent, notamment au sujet de l’identité de l’embryon in vitro, des espaces catégoriels non délimités ni définissables, ou des rapprochements entre catégories ; b) la folk approximation dans des énoncés qui, à partir d’une position discursive de folk linguistique, considèrent certains mots comme vagues, ou en relation avec l’approximation catégorielle, tout en thématisant ou en théorisant, parfois sur la base de ces jugements, la relation d’ (in) adéquation langue/discours/monde. L’approche de sémantique discursive permet d’observer comment l’approximation traverse, relie, oppose, en micro-réseaux mémoriels, intertextuels ou interdiscursifs, les énoncés du corpus. L’articulation théorique et épistémologique de l’analyse du corpus d’approximation catégorielle et du corpus de folk approximation permet, selon mon hypothèse de travail, d’accéder à l’approximation comme objet discursif complexe, bifocal mais cohérent, tel qu’il fonctionne dans le débat bioéthique sur l’AMP.
Options épistémologiques et méthodologiques de l'analyse textuelle des discours : l'exemple d'un corpus de slogans politiques
Authors: Micheli Raphaël , Pahud Stéphanie
Published: June 2012

Cette contribution vise à illustrer une approche d’ analyse textuelle des discours à travers l’étude d’un corpus de slogans politiques. On commence par rapidement formuler deux postulats méthodologiques majeurs de cette approche. ( i ) Dans l’architecture des faits langagiers, la textualité est la dimension privilégiée par l’analyse, ce qui engage une réflexion constante sur les rapports qui unissent, d’une part, les unités micro-linguistiques (du morphème à la phrase) et, d’autre part, les unités de rang séquentiel et textuel. ( ii ) Les textes sont analysés dans leur dépendance à l’égard de normes relatives au type de situation dans lequel ils sont produits et interprétés, et au(x) genre(s) qu’ils actualisent. On introduit ensuite le corpus retenu en problématisant le genre du slogan, ainsi qu’en examinant les caractéristiques qui lui sont traditionnellement associées et le caractère « textuel » de ce type de production verbale. On procède, dans la partie centrale de l’article, à une analyse du corpus en décrivant systématiquement les types d’unités linguistiques qui, à différents niveaux de complexité, sont susceptibles de constituer les slogans. Enfin, on tâche de faire apparaître la manière dont l’analyse textuelle sert une visée herméneutique et éclaire la dimension idéologique des discours.
Les Modes Infinis De La Pensée : Un Défi Pour La Pensée
Authors: Bouchilloux Hélène
Published: June 2012

Résumé Dans la lettre XXXII à Oldenburg, Spinoza affirme que l’esprit humain n’est que la puissance de la pensée divine, non en tant qu’elle est infinie et perçoit toute la nature, mais en tant qu’elle est finie et ne perçoit que le corps humain, ce qui fait de l’esprit humain « une partie de quelque entendement infini » (partem cujusdam infiniti intellectus) . C’est à l’élucidation de ce « quelque entendement infini » qu’on travaille ici en montrant comment s’élaborent, dans l’ Éthique , la doctrine de l’infinité des attributs divins, puis la doctrine des modes infinis qui, au plan ontologique sinon au plan éthique, implique qu’on s’interroge sur la manière dont se comporte l’attribut de la pensée par rapport à l’infinité des autres attributs. On suggère enfin l’importance de cette enquête, tant pour la compréhension de la formule spinoziste de la connaissance que pour la compréhension de la formule spinoziste du salut.
Le dualisme de Bergson à la lumière de la physique
Authors: Dolbeault Joël
Published: June 2012

Résumé Le dualisme est peu répandu aujourd’hui, en philosophie de l’esprit. Le plus souvent, il est réduit au dualisme de Descartes, dont certaines faiblesses permettent une critique facile. Pourtant, un autre classique, plus proche de nous, défend un dualisme différent de Descartes : il s’agit de Bergson. Un des traits les plus intéressants du dualisme de Bergson est qu’il s’accompagne d’une conception relativement précise de la matière, qui rencontre assez bien la physique d’aujourd’hui. En comparaison, le physicalisme contemporain semble indifférent à la question de la nature de la matière, et paradoxalement éloigné de la physique.
Constituent Ratio of Motor Fibers From the C5–C7 Spinal Nerves in the Radial Nerve Is Greater in Pup Rats Than in Adult Rats
Authors: Nie Mingbo , Chen Liang , Gu Yudong
Published: June 2012

Clinically, injuries of C5–C7 of the brachial plexus cause falling of the wrist and fingers in infants but not in adults unless 4 consecutive spinal nerves are injured. The purpose of this study was to compare the constituent difference of spinal nerves in the radial nerve between pup and adult rats.

A group of 16 pup rats and a group of 16 adult rats were each divided into 2 groups of 8 (P1 and A1 groups, C5–C6 were divided; P2 and A2 groups, C5–C7 were divided
]
). A nerve conduction study and histological examination were performed to evaluate radial nerve innervation to the extensor digitorum communis muscle after dividing the spinal nerves. Retrograde tracing with 5% cholera toxin B for anterior horn motoneurons of the spinal cord innervating the radial nerve was performed in 8 pup rats and 8 adult rats. Results showed that the division of C5–C7 caused more significant damage to radial nerve innervation to the extensor digitorum communis in pups than in adults, although the division of C5–C6 did not. In pups, the percentages (median with interquartile) of anterior horn motoneurons of the spinal cord innervating the radial nerve were 36.4 (28.3–38.5) in C5–C6, 28.1 (24.5–32.5) in C7, and 37.5 (36.5–39.3) in C8-T1. In adults, they were 24.2 (23.6–27.8) in C5–C6, 21.8 (19.5–26.3) in C7, and 50.7 (48.7–55.5) C8-T1.

This study implies that C7 innervation in the radial nerve in humans may be more critical to the function of this nerve in infants than in adults.