bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Aquifer Management to Accelerate CO2 Dissolution and Trapping
Authors: Anchliya A. , Ehlig-Economides C.
Published: November 2009

Bulk phase CO2 injection can provide substantive reduction in CO2 emissions only if additional brine is produced out of the system to address relevant risk arising from aquifer pressurization (Anchliya 2009). This approach addresses the pressurization risk, but does not address the problem of CO2 accumulating at the top of the aquifer. The performance of bulk CO2 injection schemes highly depends on the seal integrity assessment and presence of thieve zones. The accumulated pocket of free CO2 would readily leak through a breach in the aquifer seal. Ideally, the aquifer should be monitored as long as the free CO2 is present, but the free CO2 is expected to remain for more than 1000 years. Long term monitoring of the seal integrity and avoiding leakage will be very costly.

An engineered system is proposed to avoid aquifer pressurization and accelerate CO2 dissolution and trapping (to avoid free CO2 below the top seal). This system would position a horizontal brine injection well above and parallel to a horizontal CO2 injection well with horizontal brine production wells drilled parallel to the CO2 injection well at a specified lateral spacing. Simulations showed that this configuration prevents CO2 accumulation at the top of the aquifer during injection and that 90% of the CO2 is permanently dissolved or trapped during injection after 50 years, including the 30 years of injection. This approach would greatly reduce the risk of CO2 leakage both during and forever after injection.

The controlled injection of CO2 with this technique reduces the uncertainty about the long-term fate of the injected CO2; prevents CO2 from migrating toward potential outlets or sensitive areas; and increases the volume of CO2 that can be stored in a closed aquifer volume during the CO2 injection period.

Field scale compositional simulation cases are discussed, and sensitivity studies provide guidelines for well spacing and flow rates depending on aquifer properties and the volume of CO2 to be stored. Although this technique requires additional drilled wells, the engineered case significantly reduces the reservoir volume required to effectively sequester a given volume of CO2 and the increase in the cost due to addition wells is compensated by dramatic reduction in monitoring cost.
Sensitivity Analysis of Salt Precipitation and CO2-Brine Displacement in Saline Aquifers
Authors: Zeidouni M. , Pooladi-Darvish M. , Keith D.
Published: November 2009

Carbon dioxide sequestration in deep saline aquifers is a means of reducing anthropogenic atmospheric emissions of CO2. Among various mechanisms, CO2 can be trapped in saline aquifers by dissolution in the formation water. Vaporization of water occurs along with the dissolution of CO2. Vaporization can cause salt precipitation, which reduces porosity and impairs permeability of the aquifer in the vicinity of the wellbore, and can lead to reduction in injectivity. In an earlier work, we developed an analytical model to predict the precipitated salt saturation and CO2 displacement around the wellbore. In this study we analyse the effect of different parameters on the salt precipitation and CO2-brine displacement. The parameters include: aquifer pressure, temperature, salinity, relative permeability functions, and volume change upon mixing.

The results indicate that increasing the salinity, increases the CO2 spread due to reduced vaporization and dissolution. Furthermore, it is found that the amount of salt precipitation increases and the maximum plume size decreases with pressure increase. The CO2 plume expands by increasing the temperature. However, the effect of temperature on the salt precipitation depends on the pressure.

Increasing relative permeability of the aqueous phase (or decreasing the relative permeability of the gaseous phase) causes both the amount of precipitated salt saturation and the extent of the CO2 plume to decrease. It is also fond that the effect of volume change upon mixing may be negligible at higher pressures.

For the range of parameters studied, both the solid salt saturation and the plume extent are very sensitive to the relative permeability of the aqueous phase. While the plume size is also very sensitive to the pressure, the salt precipitation is most affected by the brine salinity.
Detecting and Monitoring CO2 With P-Wave Velocity and Resistivity From Both Laboratory and Field Scales
Authors: Xue Z. , Kim J. , Mito S. , Kitamura K. , Matsuoka T.
Published: November 2009

Sequestration of Carbon Dioxide (CO2) into saline aquifers has been proposed as one of the most practical options of all geological sequestration possibilities. When saline aquifers are to be used to sequester CO2 for long periods, it will be necessary to monitor the migration and diffusion of CO2 in those reservoirs. Monitoring of geological sequestration has been identified as one of the highest priority needs in several recent international conferences on greenhouse gas control technologies. Monitoring is necessary to confirm the containment of CO2, to assess leakage paths, and to gain understanding of interactions between CO2, the rock-forming minerals, and formation fluids. Recently CO2 monitoring has moved to next stage for the purpose of leakage detection and quantification of CO2 stored in reservoirs. What kinds of monitoring methods we could use and do the methods have sufficient resolution and detection levels need to be addressed urgently. Seismic surveys provide the most attractive approach for obtaining the spatial coverage required for mapping the location and movement of CO2 in the subsurface. However, from the first Japanese pilot project, time-lapse sonic logging results showed P-wave velocity becomes less sensitive when the CO2 saturation up to 20%, while resistivity kept increasing with increase in CO2 saturation. This paper describes the results of P-wave velocity and resistivity measurements when injecting CO2 into water-saturated porous sandstones at laboratory and the results of comparison between P-wave velocity and resistivity changes obtained from both laboratory-and field-scales.
An Overview of Active Large-Scale CO2 Storage Projects
Authors: Wright Iain , Ringrose Philip , Mathieson Allan , Eiken Ola
Published: November 2009

CO2 Capture and geological Storage (CCS) is a technology that is available today and that can cost-effectively solve up to a quarter of the global Greenhouse gas (GHG) problem. CCS can be applied to any fixed, point-source of CO2, and will likely be most cost-effective when applied to large sources close to large sinks. While CCS has application in the oil and gas sector (both upstream and downstream), the largest sources of CO2 exist in the power sector. Oil and gas sources are typically less than one million metric tonnes per annum (mmtpa) CO2, whereas power sector sources are typically more than 5mmtpa CO2. Hence a large-scale sequestration project should store in the order of lmmtpa CO2.

Around 30mmtpa CO2 is being injected into EOR projects, mostly in the USA and Canada. Those EOR projects are being managed to recover and re-inject the CO2 (that they have to buy), rather than sequester it - little or no monitoring is carried out for the purpose of assuring CO2 geological storage

As of today, there are only 4 large-scale projects on the planet which sequester anthropogenic CO2 on the lmmtpa-scale: Sleipner (Norway), In Salah (Algeria), Weyburn-Midale (Canada) and Snøhvit (Norway). Of these the two most significant (in terms of cumulative volume injected and experience of CO2 storage) are Sleipner (which has been in operation for 13 years) and In Salah (5 years). Weyburn-Midale is a CO2 EOR project involving CO2 cycling and monitoring. Although a portion of the cycled CO2 will be permanently stored, the primary objective of the project is to recover EOR oil. Snøhvit is relatively new (starting injection in 2008) and has not yet stored a significant volume of CO2. We focus therefore on the experience from the two large and mature projects Sleipner and In Salah. These two projects both capture CO2 produced during natural gas processing and store CO2 in deep saline formations. For both projects, the storage was part of the integrated Field Development Plan. They were both permitted under hydrocarbon law, and they illustrate significantly different aspects of storage: technical and commercial.
Integrated Well-Based Monitoring for CO2 Sequestration
Authors: Freifeld B.
Published: November 2009

Monitoring of geological carbon sequestration (GCS) sites will primarily depend upon the tools and technology developed over many decades in support of the oil and gas industries for ensuring the safe injection and storage of CO2 in the subsurface. For more than thirty years CO2 has been compressed and transported in pipelines for injection as part of enhanced oil recovery projects. However, the aims of CO2 injection for carbon sequestration have significant differences from EOR injections, where the motivation is enhanced production. While the regulatory environment that will govern CO2 storage in the subsurface is still evolving, operators of GCS sites will need to demonstrate protection of drinking water resources, accountability of the volume injection and permanence for the CO2 emplaced. The US Department of Energy has coined the acronym MVA to describe the requirement to monitor the movement of CO2 into, through, and out of the targeted geologic storage area, verify the location of CO2 that has been placed in geologic storage, and account for the CO2 that has been transported to a geologic storage site. To accomplish this, advanced well-based technologies will be needed to meet regulatory and technical requirements. Recent demonstration projects have incorporated permanently emplaced sensors including pressure, distributed fiber-optic, temperature, seismic, electrical resistivity, and geochemical sampling to name a few. These are often installed so that they are compatible with periodic wireline operations. In this paper we will examine integrated well-based monitoring programs that were part of CO2 storage demonstration programs and will discuss requirements for future commercial installations.
Measurement, Monitoring, and Verification of CO2 Storage: An Integrated Approach
Authors: Themann S. , Schmidt H. M. , Esser D.
Published: November 2009

Carbon capture and storage (CCS) is an increasingly important tool for mitigating global climate change [1]. Pilot scale activities for the deposition of CO2 include depleted oil and gas reservoirs and saline formations, as well as the use of CO2 in enhanced oil and gas recovery (EOR). In these situations, CO2 is deposited in highly mobile gaseous or supercritical state.

Effective CCS requires zero tolerance for leakage at, or in the surrounding area. This emphasizes the need for precise Measurement, Monitoring & Verification (MMV); from deep strata up to the seafloor and beyond into the water column. Leak detection systems must detect even the smallest, slowest leaks and seepage of gas and fluid from the seabed, as well as from the injection facilities (e.g. manifolds, trees and templates). Compliance with currently known and future needs of regulators and government worldwide require an integrated and field-proven approach to this demanding MMV task.
On-site electro-chlorination application for water treatment in North Iraq
Authors: Esposto Stefano
Published: November 2009

On-site electro-chlorination (OSEC) is a technology for producing sodium hypochlorite as an effective disinfectant from the electrolysis of a water and salt solution. The paper evaluates the introduction of this technology in Iraq and compares it with two traditional disinfection systems already present in the country: HTH powder and gas chlorine. This study, in conjunction with an economic evaluation, identifies the key factors that make electro-chlorination an important alternative in the context of Iraqi water treatment.
Single and multi-objective optimal design of water distribution systems: application to the case study of the Hanoi system
Authors: Perelman Lina , Krapivka Ariel , Ostfeld Avi
Published: November 2009

This manuscript describes the application of two recent methodologies developed by the authors for single and multi-objective optimal design of water distribution systems. The single-objective model is a hybrid algorithm incorporating decomposition, spanning tree search, and evolutionary computation, while the multi-objective algorithm integrates features form multi-objective genetic algorithms with the Cross Entropy combinatorial optimization scheme. The two models are implemented on the Hanoi water distribution system, one of the more explored systems in the research literature, through base runs and sensitivity analysis. The single-objective model produced the best known least cost solution for split pipe design, while the multi-objective model has shown robustness and well explanatory outcomes. Discussion of the accomplished results and suggestions for future research are provided.
Radon removal by aeration: observations on testing, installation and maintenance of domestic treatment units
Authors: Turtiainen T.
Published: November 2009

Radon is one of the contaminants that sometimes impair the water quality of wells, especially those drilled in bedrock. Domestic radon removal units based on aeration have been commercially available for more than ten years. In order to determine how effectively these units remove radon a new test protocol applying frequent sampling while letting 100 litres of water flow, was developed. This way, removal efficiencies can be more accurately calculated and possible malfunctions detected. Seven models of domestic aerators designed for removing radon from household water were tested. The aerators were based on diffused bubble aeration, spray aeration or jet aeration. The average removal efficiencies for 100 litres with a medium flow rate were 86–100% except for a unit that circulated the aerated water back to the well that had removal efficiency of 80% at the maximum. By conducting a questionnaire study usual problems related to the aeration units were localized and recommendations on maintenance and installation are given accordingly.
Variations of DBPs precursors according to location within the distribution system
Authors: Beaulieu C. , Rodriguez M. J. , Sérodes J.-B.
Published: November 2009

Little information is available on the evolution of remaining organic matter (ROM) in a water distribution system (WDS) and its impact on the generation of disinfection by-products (DBPs). This research involves the characterization, through sample fractionation processes and experimental chlorination tests, of the reactivity of DBP precursors occurring within a WDS. The study is based on samples collected in various locations of a WDS during a complete year. For each sample, six fractions were generated to determine their potential for formation of trihalomethanes (THMs) and haloacetic acids (HAAs). Fractionation processes on ROM demonstrated that the spatial behavior of precursors for THMs differs from that for precursors of HAAs. In addition, experimental chlorination tests showed that the reactivity of the investigated fractions, in terms of DBP formation potential (DBPfp), was different from each other according to location in the WDS. DBPfp for the studied fractions changed drastically during water treatment. However, changes of DBPfp for fractions were relatively low between the beginning and the extremity of the distribution system. Since the results of this research confirm that the ability to produce DBPs is related to the nature of the fractions, they could be useful to evaluate the impact of re-chlorination on DBP formation in a WDS.
Predicting the formation of trihalomethanes and haloacetic acids in water treated with chlorine dioxide
Authors: Shmeis Reham Mahmoud Abu , Fayyad Manar , Alawi Mahmoud
Published: November 2009

Factors affecting formation of disinfection byproducts (DBPs) such as trihalomethane THM and haloacetic acid HAA in drinking water treated with chlorine dioxide ClO2 as disinfectant were investigated. The collected data were used to develop mathematical models that predict the formation of THM and HAA in terms of each of the studied factor: ClO2 dose, total organic content TOC, bromide ion concentration, pH, temperature and contact time. Mathematical models were developed for four trihalomethane species, as well as total trihalomethanes TTHM, in addition to six haloacetic acid species and total haloacetic acids THAA. Predicted THM and HAA concentrations using developed models were compared to actual concentrations measured in real samples. Results showed good correlation between measured and calculated values. This means that the method presented could be used to obtain good estimates of THM and HAA concentrations formed when the water is treated with ClO2 under different experimental conditions.
America, Europe, and the New Trade Order
Authors: Schott Jeffrey J.
Published: November 2009

Over the last 60 years, the multilateral management of trade through the GATT and subsequently through the WTO has been led by the United States and Europe. Since the turn of the new millennium, however, developing countries have increasingly used their leverage to insist that talks on agriculture receive priority attention, deny the inclusion of investment and competition policy on the negotiating agenda, and block agreement on negotiating modalities for agriculture and non-agricultural market access (NAMA). Cooperation between the United States and the European Union is still essential, but no longer sufficient, for successful multilateral negotiations. Specifically, the “BRICKs” (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and Korea) are likely to be pivotal in directing the course and contributing to the success or failure of the WTO.
What Can Be Learned From Crisis-Era Protectionism? An Initial Assessment
Authors: Evenett Simon J.
Published: November 2009

Drawing upon a comprehensive database of contemporary protectionism, this paper offers an initial assessment of the extent to which our understanding of protectionism may have to evolve. While some long-standing features of protectionism appear to have endured (such as the distribution of discriminatory measures across economic sectors), specific corporate needs arising from the global financial crisis and particular national attributes are more likely to have influenced the choice of beggar-thy-neighbor policy instruments than binding trade rules and other international accords.
Leveraging New Technologies for Professional Learning in Education: Digital Literacies as Culture Shift in Professional Development
Authors: Murphy Janet , Lebans Robert
Published: November 2009

Providing just-in-time job-embedded professional learning using a technologically mediated model achieves professional growth goals and encourages teachers to build digital literacy competencies and incorporate new technologies in instructional approaches in the classroom. This article highlights the lessons learned from an award-winning professional learning program developed by the Advanced Broadband Enabled Learning program (ABEL), a Research and Innovation initiative at York University in Toronto, Canada. Ongoing research into this program reveals that teachers who are learning via technologies refine their understanding of digital literacy, and develop curriculum designs and instructional strategies that facilitate differentiated instruction through digitally mediated designs, increase student engagement in learning, and improve student achievement.
Jet methods in time-dependent Lagrangian biomechanics
Authors: Ivancevic Tijana
Published: November 2009

In this paper we propose the time-dependent generalization of an ‘ordinary’ autonomous human biomechanics, in which total mechanical + biochemical energy is not conserved. We introduce a general framework for time-dependent biomechanics in terms of jet manifolds associated to the extended musculo-skeletal configuration manifold, called the configuration bundle. We start with an ordinary configuration manifold of human body motion, given as a set of its all active degrees of freedom (DOF) for a particular movement. This is a Riemannian manifold with a material metric tensor given by the total mass-inertia matrix of the human body segments. This is the base manifold for standard autonomous biomechanics. To make its time-dependent generalization, we need to extend it with a real time axis. By this extension, using techniques from fibre bundles, we defined the biomechanical configuration bundle. On the biomechanical bundle we define vector-fields, differential forms and affine connections, as well as the associated jet manifolds. Using the formalism of jet manifolds of velocities and accelerations, we develop the time-dependent Lagrangian biomechanics. Its underlying geometric evolution is given by the Ricci flow equation.
The excitation and ionization of the hydrogen atom in strong laser fields
Authors: Borbély Sándor , Kiss Gellért , Nagy Ladislau
Published: November 2009

The probability of excitation and ionization of the hydrogen atom by short strong laser pulses is calculated by solving numerically the time-dependent Schrödinger equation. The probability of excitation to different states is investigated, which helps to identify the important ionization mechanisms. The ionization probability density was also calculated and a good agreement with the other theoretical results was found.
Urban Arterial Accident Prediction Models with Spatial Effects
Authors: El-Basyouny Karim , Sayed Tarek
Published: November 2009

This paper investigates the inclusion of spatial effects in accident prediction models. Two types of spatial modeling techniques–-the Gaussian conditional autoregressive (CAR) and the multiple membership (MM) models–-were compared with the traditional Poisson–lognormal model. A variation of the MM model (extended MM or EMM) was also investigated to study the effect of clustering segments within the same corridor on spatial correlation. Full Bayes estimation was used by means of the Markov chain Monte Carlo methodology to estimate the parameters. The study made use of 281 urban road segments in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Various traffic and geometric variables were included in the accident prediction models. The models were compared in terms of their goodness of fit and inference. For the data set under consideration, the results showed that annual average daily traffic, business land use, the number of lanes between signals, and the density of unsignalized intersections have significant positive impact on the number of accidents. The fitted CAR and MM models had significant estimates for both heterogeneity and spatial correlation parameters. The best-fit model was EMM, followed by CAR. Furthermore, a significant portion of the total variability was explained by the spatial correlation. A significant correlation was also found between the heterogeneity and spatial effects. This may be because neighboring road segments typically have similar environmental and geographic characteristics and thereby form a cluster with similar accident occurrence. The results also showed that corridor variation was a major component of total variability and that the spatial effects have been considerably alleviated by clustering segments within the same corridor.
Exploring Impacts of Factors Contributing to Injury Severity at Freeway Diverge Areas
Authors: Wang Zhenyu , Chen Hongyun , Lu Jian John
Published: November 2009

A study was done to identify factors contributing to injury severity at freeway diverge areas and to evaluate impacts of the factors. Crash data and roadway information were collected at 231 freeway exit segments in Florida. Injury severity prediction models were developed by using partial proportional odds regression, which relaxes the restriction that all regression coefficients be the same across output values and allows one or more regression coefficients to differ across outcome levels. The analysis results indicated that the partial proportional odds model is more flexible and provides much better results than does the ordered probit model for fitting injury severity data. Factors that significantly influence injury severity at freeway diverge areas include length of deceleration and ramp lanes, curve and grade at diverge areas, light and weather conditions, alcohol or drug involvement, heavy-vehicle involvement, number of lanes on main lines, average daily traffic on main lines, surface condition, land type, and crash type. It can also be concluded that exit ramp types (single-lane exit ramps, single-lane exit ramps with a taper, two-lane exit ramps with an optional lane, and two-lane exit ramps without an optional lane) have no significant effects on injury severity at freeway diverge areas.
Probabilistic Determination of Crash Locations in a Road Network with Imperfect Data
Authors: Tarko Andrew P. , Thomaz Jose , Grant Darion
Published: November 2009

The limited quality of location data poses a major problem to those who want to use such data for research or safety management. The proportion of crashes unassigned to specific road locations is considerable. This fact is sometimes overlooked because crash database queries return crashes assignable to locations but do not issue warnings about crashes that are not assignable. Without reliable location information, crash data are of limited use for more refined safety research and even for basic road safety management. Probabilistic linking techniques are frequently chosen to link medical, census, and other population records, mainly for medical research but also for security concerns and market studies. This paper presents a first application of the probabilistic method of assigning crashes to roads through linking road crash records with road inventory records. Because of missing or incorrect data, multiple locations are candidates, and probabilistic linking offers a solution by selecting the highest-likelihood locations. This paper uses the Bayesian approach to link data in a version specialized for linking one-to-many records.
Differences in the Performance of Safety Performance Functions Estimated for Total Crash Count and for Crash Count by Crash Type
Authors: Jonsson Thomas , Lyon Craig , Ivan John N. , Washington Simon P. , van Schalkwyk Ida , Lord Dominique
Published: November 2009

In recent years the development and use of crash prediction models for roadway safety analyses have received substantial attention. These models, also known as safety performance functions (SPFs), relate the expected crash frequency of roadway elements (intersections, road segments, on-ramps) to traffic volumes and other geometric and operational characteristics. A commonly practiced approach for applying intersection SPFs is to assume that crash types occur in fixed proportions (e.g., rear-end crashes make up 20% of crashes, angle crashes 35%, and so forth) and then apply these fixed proportions to crash totals to estimate crash frequencies by type. As demonstrated in this paper, such a practice makes questionable assumptions and results in considerable error in estimating crash proportions. Through the use of rudimentary SPFs based solely on the annual average daily traffic (AADT) of major and minor roads, the homogeneity-in-proportions assumption is shown not to hold across AADT, because crash proportions vary as a function of both major and minor road AADT. For example, with minor road AADT of 400 vehicles per day, the proportion of intersecting-direction crashes decreases from about 50% with 2,000 major road AADT to about 15% with 82,000 AADT. Same-direction crashes increase from about 15% to 55% for the same comparison. The homogeneity-in-proportions assumption should be abandoned, and crash type models should be used to predict crash frequency by crash type. SPFs that use additional geometric variables would only exacerbate the problem quantified here. Comparison of models for different crash types using additional geometric variables remains the subject of future research.
A review of therapeutic strategies for the management of cerebral venous sinus thrombosis
Authors: Medel Ricky , Monteith Stephen J. , Crowley R. Webster , Dumont Aaron S.
Published: November 2009

Object

Although initially described in the 19th century, cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) remains a diagnostic and therapeutic dilemma. It has an unpredictable course, and the propensity for hemorrhagic infarction produces significant consternation among clinicians when considering anticoagulation. It is the purpose of this review to analyze the evidence available on the management of CVST and to provide appropriate recommendations.

Methods

A thorough literature search was conducted through MEDLINE and PubMed, with additional sources identified through cross-referencing. A classification and level of evidence assignment is provided for recommendations based on the American Heart Association methodologies for guideline composition.

Results

Of the publications identified, the majority were isolated case reports or small case series. Few prospective trials have been conducted. Existing data support the use of systemic anticoagulation as an initial therapy in all patients even in the presence of intracranial hemorrhage. Chemical and/or mechanical thrombectomy, in conjunction with systemic anticoagulation, is an alternative strategy in patients with progressive deterioration on heparin therapy or in those who are moribund on presentation. Mechanical thrombectomy is probably preferred in patients with preexisting intracranial hemorrhage.

Conclusions

Effective treatments exist for the management of CVST, and overall outcomes are more favorable than those for arterial stroke. Further research is necessary to determine the role of individual therapies; however, the rarity of the condition poses a significant limitation.
Preliminary Characterization of Extracellular Allelochemicals of the Toxic Marine Dinoflagellate Alexandrium tamarense Using a Rhodomonas salina Bioassay
Authors: Ma Haiyan , Krock Bernd , Tillmann Urban , Cembella Allan
Published: November 2009

Members of the marine dinoflagellate genus Alexandrium are known to exude allelochemicals, unrelated to well-known neurotoxins (PSP-toxins, spirolides), with negative effects on other phytoplankton and marine grazers. Physico/chemical characterization of extracellular lytic compounds of A. tamarense, quantified by Rhodomonas salina bioassay, showed that the lytic activity, and hence presumably the compounds were stable over wide ranges of temperatures and pH and were refractory to bacterial degradation. Two distinct lytic fractions were collected by reversed-phase solid-phase extraction. The more hydrophilic fraction accounted for about 2% of the whole lytic activity of the A. tamarense culture supernatant, while the less hydrophilic one accounted for about 98% of activity. Although temporal stability of the compounds is high, substantial losses were evident during purification. Lytic activity was best removed from aqueous phase with chloroform-methanol (3:1). A “pseudo-loss” of lytic activity in undisturbed and low-concentrated samples and high activity of an emulsion between aqueous and n-hexane phase after liquid-liquid partition are strong evidence for the presence of amphipathic compounds. Lytic activity in the early fraction of gel permeation chromatography and lack of activity after 5 kD ultrafiltration indicate that the lytic agents form large aggregates or macromolecular complexes.
A New Polyunsaturated Brominated Fatty Acid from a Haliclona Sponge
Authors: Aratake Satoe , Trianto Agus , Hanif Novriyandi , De Voogd Nicole  J. , Tanaka Junichi
Published: November 2009

A new polyunsaturated brominated fatty acid possessing acetylenic bonds 1 was isolated from the Indonesian sponge Haliclona sp. The structure of compound 1 was elucidated by analyzing its spectral data. It showed moderate cytotoxicity against cultured cells.
Enabling Sustainability: Hierarchical Need-Based Framework for Promoting Sustainable Data Infrastructure in Developing Countries
Authors: Yawson David  O. , Armah Frederick  A. , Pappoe Alex N. M.
Published: November 2009

The paper presents thoughts on Sustainable Data Infrastructure (SDI) development, and its user requirements bases. It brings Maslow's motivational theory to the fore, and proposes it as a rationalization mechanism for entities (mostly governmental) that aim at realizing SDI. Maslow's theory, though well-known, is somewhat new in geospatial circles; this is where the novelty of the paper resides. SDI has been shown to enable and aid development in diverse ways. However, stimulating developing countries to appreciate the utility of SDI, implement, and use SDI in achieving sustainable development has proven to be an imposing challenge. One of the key reasons for this could be the absence of a widely accepted psychological theory to drive needs assessment and intervention design for the purpose of SDI development. As a result, it is reasonable to explore Maslow’s theory of human motivation as a psychological theory for promoting SDI in developing countries. In this article, we review and adapt Maslow’s hierarchy of needs as a framework for the assessment of the needs of developing nations. The paper concludes with the implications of this framework for policy with the view to stimulating the implementation of SDI in developing nations.
The Relationship of Estrogen Receptor-α and -β Genes with Osteoarthritis of the Hand
Authors: WISE BARTON L. , DEMISSIE SERKALEM , CUPPLES L. ADRIENNE , FELSON DAVID T. , YANG MEI , SHEARMAN AMANDA M. , ALIABADI PIRAN , HUNTER DAVID J.
Published: November 2009

Objective.

We examined reported associations between radiographic hand osteoarthritis (OA) and single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) in 2 candidate genes associated with OA in other joints: estrogen receptor alpha (ESR1) and beta (ESR2).

Methods.

In 539 Framingham Offspring Study participants (49% men; mean age 61 ± 9 yrs) joint-specific radiographic hand OA was defined as Kellgren/Lawrence (K/L) scores ≥ 2 in the first carpometacarpal joint (CMC), distal interphalangeal joints (DIP), first-digit interphalangeal joint (IP), or proximal interphalangeal joints (PIP). Four SNP were genotyped for ESR1 (PvuII-rs2234693, XbaI-rs9340799, rs2077647, and rs1801132) and 4 for ESR2 (rs1256031, rs1256034, rs1256059, rs944460). Logistic regression analyses were performed to evaluate the relationships between genotypes and hand OA, adjusting for age, sex, height, and weight.

Results.

Radiographic hand OA was identified in at least one investigated joint of DIP (39%), PIP (33%), and first CMC (40%). There was no evidence of association between OA and genotype at any polymorphism. We found no significant association between our OA phenotypes or generalized or severe generalized OA as defined by Ushiyama and heterozygosity for rs2234693 and rs9340799, although in metaanalysis with the former study this heterozygosity remained significantly associated with generalized or severe generalized OA.

Conclusion.

We found no significant association between hand OA and the investigated polymorphisms of ESR1 or ESR2 despite published reports of association and a priori hypotheses implicating their potential roles. However, we could not absolutely exclude associations with rs2234693, rs9340799, or rs944460.
The Anti-mutated Citrullinated Vimentin Response Classifies Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis into Broad and Narrow Responders
Authors: ENGELMANN ROBBY , BRANDT JAN , EGGERT MARTIN , KARBERG KIRSTEN , KRAUSE ANDREAS , NEECK GUNTHER , MUELLER-HILKE BRIGITTE
Published: November 2009

Objective.

Autoantibodies against citrullinated peptide antigens (ACPA) are routinely determined to diagnose rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and are predictive of a more severe course of the disease. We here set out to address an involvement of ACPA in the pathogenesis of RA and investigated the recognition pattern of antibodies against 2 citrullinated antigens in more detail.

Methods.

The sera of 77 patients fulfilling the American College of Rheumatology criteria for RA were analyzed for subclass titers of anti-mutated citrullinated vimentin (MCV) and anticyclic citrullinated peptide (CCP) antibodies by combining subclass specific detection antibodies with commercially available CCP and MCV ELISA plates. Cross-reactivities between anti-MCV and anti-CCP antibodies were detected using a sequential ELISA system.

Results.

IgG1, IgG3, and IgG4 titers among anti-MCV and anti-CCP antibodies correlated significantly. Cross-reactivity of MCV-specific antibodies against CCP could be detected in 8 of 16 patients’ sera; however, cross-binding of MCV-specific IgG4 was weaker compared to total IgG.

Conclusion.

The inherent capacity of IgG4 to exchange F(ab) arms provides insight into the anti-MCV antibody diversity and suggests a classification of ACPA positive patients into broad and narrow responders.
Citrulline Dependence of Anti-Cyclic Citrullinated Peptide Antibodies in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus as a Marker of Deforming/Erosive Arthritis
Authors: KAKUMANU PRASANTHI , SOBEL ERIC S. , NARAIN SONALI , LI YI , AKAOGI JUN , YAMASAKI YOSHIOKI , SEGAL MARK S. , HAHN PAULETTE C. , CHAN EDWARD K.L. , REEVES WESTLEY H. , SATOH MINORU
Published: November 2009

Objective.

Anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (CCP) antibodies are a serological marker for rheumatoid arthritis (RA); up to 10%–15% of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) are also positive. While anti-CCP in RA is citrulline-dependent, anti-CCP in some other diseases is citrulline-independent and reacts with both CCP and the unmodified (arginine-containing) cyclic arginine peptide (CAP). We investigated the citrulline dependence of anti-CCP and its significance in the arthritis of SLE.

Methods.

IgG anti-CCP was compared by ELISA to anti-CAP in sera from patients with SLE (n = 335) and RA (n = 47) and healthy controls (n = 35). SLE patients were divided into 5 groups based on their joint involvement: subset I: deforming/erosive arthritis (n = 20); II: arthritis fulfilling (or likely fulfilling) American College of Rheumatology criteria for RA but without erosions (n = 18); III: joint swelling but not fulfilling RA criteria (n = 39); IV: arthritis without documented joint swelling (n = 194); and V: no arthritis (n = 58).

Results.

Anti-CCP (> 1.7 units) was found in 68% (32/47) of patients with RA and 17% (55/329) of those with SLE. It was more common in SLE patients with deforming/erosive arthritis (38%). High anti-CCP (> 10 units) was found in RA (26%) and deforming/erosive SLE (12%). High anti-CCP/CAP ratios (> 2, indicating a selectivity to CCP) were found in 91% of anti-CCP-positive RA and 50% of anti-CCP-positive SLE patients with deforming/erosive arthritis. Patients from subset II did not have high anti-CCP/CAP.

Conclusion.

Citrulline dependence or high levels (> 10) of anti-CCP were common in SLE patients with deforming/erosive arthritis, while most anti-CCP in SLE patients was citrulline-independent. This may be useful in identifying a subset of SLE patients with high risk for development of deforming/erosive arthritis.
Terraced landscapes in Slovenia
Authors: Ažman Momirski Lucija , Kladnik Drago
Published: November 2009

Slovenia is a country of exceptionally diverse landscapes at the intersection of four major European macroregions: the Alpine, Pannonian, Dinaric, and Mediterranean regions. Terraces, which are a characteristic Mediterranean landscape element, occur in all landscape types, but they vary in terms of density, purpose, and current function. Terraces, which define the most characteristic terraced landscape, are most common in the Mediterranean environment. However, they are also common in Karst-Dinaric landscapes and the wine-growing Pannonian hills, but are more unusual in mountainous Alpine regions, where they occur especially in transition areas to Mediterranean landscapes. Different types of terraces are defined by their purposes: agricultural, viticultural, and fruit-growing. The first type is found across Slovenia, whereas the second and third types are found in hills with favorable climates for cultivating grapes and fruit trees. Agricultural terraces are older; with the declining role of agriculture, increased social mobility, and an ageing and insufficient agricultural workforce, these terraces have lost their former role and their former fields are now almost entirely replaced by meadows. With the exception of the Mediterranean region and some of the Dinaric regions, wine-growing terraces and the less common fruit-growing terraces are the product of modern, mechanized farming, and a different understanding of the quality of vineyard production. This requires greater separation between rows to allow the use of farm machinery between grapevines set further apart.
Potential for tourism in the demographically threatened region of Jurklošter
Authors: Topole Maja
Published: November 2009

This article examines the demographically threatened region of the local community of Jurklošter in the southeastern part of the Alpine Sava Hills (Posavsko hribovje), part of the municipality of Laško. It draws attention to the natural and social conditions in the region after the Second World War, which led to the steady depopulation of the area. The paper presents the characteristics of the geographical location, settlement, settlements, population and land use, and economic development. It emphasizes the significance of the exceptional natural and cultural heritage as bases for strengthening the role of tourism and recreation, which along with some complementary activities could help reverse negative population trends and provide new sources of income. It deals primarily with natural and cultural motives as important components of the tourism potential of the region.
Economic Geographical Assessment of Investments – A Development Factor in Regional Development
Authors: Ravbar Marjan
Published: November 2009

The paper presents some geographical characteristics of investment development in the first years of the 21st century, covering at least fragmentarily the gap in Slovenia’s economic geography. In the process we tried to draw attention to the sporadic character and rapid developmental changes in economic geographical events within production systems.In the paper we focus on the geographical distribution of investments and their impacts on regional development. Special attention is devoted to studying the spatial distribution of investment activities relative to factors such as the amount, development, branch structure, and distribution of the amount of investment that indicate the diversification and development of the economy.
Integrating multi-criteria models and Geographical information system for cemetery site selection (a case study of the Sanandaj city, Iran)
Authors: Lotfi Sedigheh , Habibi Kiumars , Javad Koohsari Mohammad
Published: November 2009

The ever increasing urban population growth has created many implications in land use planning in the most of developing countries. Traditional methods of spatial planning are still useful, but they need to be upgraded according to new methodological, technological possibilities and full complexity of spatial planning. The factors which influence the urban structure and its socio-economic life are countless, and so to deal with a huge set of data, Geographic information system (GIS) techniques can help to organize and control the impact of different problems. Urban utilities are the vital elements to provide comfort and amenity for the residents. Clearly in many cases the inappropriate sitting of urban infrastructures has decreased the efficiency and sustainability of the cities. Today GIS as powerful processing means can provide different alternatives for land use planning. One of the most socio-religious urban land uses in Iran is cemetery. Traditionally cemeteries are located in the vicinity of a holy shrine or specified by the local authorities. However, these sites are suitable by the view of people and religious groups but they impose many physical problems such as poor health conditions or accessibility due to the rapid expansion of the city by the population increase.  This paper attempts to select a right site for a new cemetery in town Sanandaj, as the old one now has no empty space. The paper applies GIS and Analytic hierarchy process (AHP) techniques to find an appropriate area. The results show that the integrated GIS and AHP model has a high potential to compare different alternatives by investigating multi-criteria models and different factors which are involved in an urban utility site selection.
Social Memory and Geographical Memory of Natural Disasters
Authors: Komac Blaž
Published: November 2009

The article offers a geographical perception of the relationship between social (anthropogenic) and geographical processes including their effects that becomes clearly evident in the case of natural disasters. In modern times, geographical processes are often overlooked as participants in the formation of landscapes. The article considers them from the viewpoint of their visibility in the social sphere, that is, from the viewpoint of the social memory of natural disasters as preserved in oral, written, and architectural accounts as well as other results of human actions in nature. We compare the social memory of natural disasters with the so-called “geographical memory” reflected in the impacts of geographical processes that are visible in the landscape, for example, in features of the relief. The geographical perception of the social and natural elements of the landscape or the imprint of social and geographical processes on the landscape, which can be viewed as a palimpsest, depends on the place and time of observation and on the size and frequency of events. Using selected examples we showed that a quantitative definition is possible of the impact of individual factors on the development of the landscape, which is important for the assessment of geographical processes and for decision-making related to the extent, rationality, and necessity of human interventions in nature. In this framework we also confirmed the importance of the geographical information systems for geography.
Experimental Study of Groundwater Flow
Authors: Marques José Couto , Ferreira César Romão
Published: November 2009

This paper describes an experimental setup for groundwater flow studies with small scale models, developed for the Soil Mechanics course offered to Civil Engineering Master students at FEUP. Relevant quantities, such as the piezometric head and total discharge, can be measured, while flow lines may be visualized. It is also possible to recreate hydraulically induced instability phenomena, namely illustrating the disastrous effects caused on an embankment dam by overtopping. The experimental studies are replicated by a finite element model and both are available for use on line during lectures.
Real-Time Management and Control of a Bus Public Transport Network: The STCP Experience
Authors: Sousa Jorge Freire , Teixeira Jorge Rocha , Ferreira José Barreira
Published: November 2009

STCP is the main bus operator in the Porto Metropolitan Area. The experimental phase of using fleet tracking and management systems fitted on public transport vehicles began in the late eighties, but only in 2002 the current system (SAEI) covered all the buses of the company. Nowadays, these systems are integral company management systems. In this paper, the experience of the past six years or so is presented. The main reasons for the use of such systems are detailed, the architecture and functionalities are described and the importance of accessing real-time information together with subsequent analysis of the data obtained is underlined.