bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
‘Theory of Mind’ I: a theory of knowledge?
Authors: Plastow Michael
Published: June 2012

Objective:

‘Theory of mind’ is a cognitive notion introduced by Simon Baron-Cohen and colleagues to explain certain deficits in autistic disorders. It has, however, been extended beyond this, and applied more broadly. It proposes a means of knowing the mind of others, and suggests that this means fails in autism. The epistemological basis of ‘theory of mind’ will be examined critically, not just in terms of its endeavour as a theory of knowledge, but also in regard to the principles that underlie it.

Conclusions:

The proponents of ‘theory of mind’ eschew the rich field of psychological and phenomenological research, privileging only the biological sciences into which they endeavour to place their theorizations. In doing this, they fail to recognize the epistemological problems involved. This leads to the theory remaining hamstrung by the very Cartesian ontological problems that it seeks to avoid. For some, ‘theory of mind’ is but an artefact of the cognitive approach that it employs. It is argued that these difficulties are compounded by the failure of ‘theory of mind’ to take account of the place of language in the interpersonal encounters it attempts to describe.
A comparison of the effects of Angiotensin IV on androgen-dependent and androgen-independent prostate cancer cell lines
Authors: Domińska Kamila , Piastowska-Ciesielska Agnieszka W , Płuciennik Elżbieta , Lachowicz-Ochędalska Agnieszka , Ochędalski Tomasz
Published: June 2012

Introduction:

Angiotensin IV is one of the biologically active peptides of the renin–angiotensin system. Limited data suggests that this hexapeptide could contribute to cancer development and/or progression.

Materials and methods:

Using the MTT reduction assay as an indicator of cell viability, and the bromodeoxyuridine incorporation assay as an indicator of cell proliferation, the influence of Angiotensin IV was evaluated on two human prostate cancer lines: androgen-dependent (LNCaP) and androgen-independent (DU-145). The potential effect of Angiotensin IV classic angiotensin receptors was examined by using the selective antagonists losartan and PD123319. Finally, the changes in expression levels of AT1 and AT2 receptors were compared, before and after angiotensin treatment.

Results:

Angiotensin IV caused significant changes in cell viability and proliferation in LNCaP cells but not in DU-145. It was found that AT2 receptor blocker (PD123319) was able to diminish the suppressor effect of Angiotensin IV on bromodeoxyuridine incorporation into the DNA of androgen-dependent prostate cancer cells. Simultaneously, it was reported that Angiotensin IV is the factor that modulates the density of AT1 and AT2 receptors in prostate cancer cells.

Conclusions:

These findings suggested that Angiotensin IV can modulate tumour cell proliferation in the early stage of androgen-dependent prostate cancer. The effect might be promoted by the change of the angiotensin receptor level.
On the theory and practice of critical pragmatism: Deliberative practice and creative negotiations
Authors: Forester John
Published: June 2012

Critical pragmatism provides a line of analysis and imagination that might contribute both to academic planning theory and to engaged planning practices as well. To do so, it must build upon, and develop more politically, Donald Schön’s seminal work on reflective practice. It must help students of planning think critically about outcomes as well as processes, about institutional and process designs, about power and performance. It must resonate experientially with perceptions of change-oriented practitioners facing complex multi-party “problems” characterized by distrust, anger, strategic behavior, poor information, and inequalities of power. Not least of all, a critical pragmatism must—and can—help students of planning reconstruct possibilities where others might initially perceive or presume impossibilities.
An animated model for facilitating understanding of Grounded Theory and the processes used to generate substantive theory
Authors: Andersen Patrea , Inoue Kumiyo , Walsh Kenneth
Published: June 2012

As a qualitative research method, Grounded Theory (GT) has had a significant impact on nursing research and has made a major contribution to the development of nursing knowledge. Despite this, conflicting opinions in the literature about methodological issues have contributed to the confusion about how this type of research is best conducted. The purpose of this paper is to present an animated model that illustrates and facilitates an understanding of how the various techniques inherent in the GT method converge to enable data categorisation and the formation of substantive theory. It will explain the key tenets of the research process underpinning GT and provides a guide for navigating the research process. It is hoped that this will facilitate understanding and promote the use of this methodology in nursing when it is appropriate to the research question being posed.
E6AP ubiquitin ligase regulates PML-induced senescence in Myc-driven lymphomagenesis
Authors: Wolyniec Kamil , Shortt Jake , de Stanchina Elisa , Levav-Cohen Yaara , Alsheich-Bartok Osnat , Louria-Hayon Igal , Corneille Vincent , Kumar Beena , Woods Simone J. , Opat Stephen , Johnstone Ricky W. , Scott Clare L. , Segal David , Pandolfi Pier Paolo , Fox Stephen , Strasser Andreas , Jiang Yong-Hui , Lowe Scott W. , Haupt Sue , Haupt Ygal
Published: June 2012

Neoplastic transformation requires the elimination of key tumor suppressors, which may result from E3 ligase-mediated proteasomal degradation. We previously demonstrated a key role for the E3 ubiquitin ligase E6AP in the regulation of promyelocytic leukemia protein (PML) stability and formation of PML nuclear bodies. Here, we report the involvement of the E6AP-PML axis in B-cell lymphoma development. A partial loss of E6AP attenuated Myc-induced B-cell lymphomagenesis. This tumor suppressive action was achieved by the induction of cellular senescence. B-cell lymphomas deficient for E6AP expressed elevated levels of PML and PML-nuclear bodies with a concomitant increase in markers of cellular senescence, including p21, H3K9me3, and p16. Consistently, PML deficiency accelerated the rate of Myc-induced B-cell lymphomagenesis. Importantly, E6AP expression was elevated in ∼ 60% of human Burkitt lymphomas, and down-regulation of E6AP in B-lymphoma cells restored PML expression with a concurrent induction of cellular senescence in these cells. Our findings demonstrate that E6AP-mediated down-regulation of PML-induced senescence is essential for B-cell lymphoma progression. This provides a molecular explanation for the down-regulation of PML observed in non-Hodgkin lymphomas, thereby suggesting a novel therapeutic approach for restoration of tumor suppression in B-cell lymphoma.
Triumph of hope over experience: learning from interventions to reduce avoidable hospital admissions identified through an Academic Health and Social Care Network
Authors: Woodhams Victoria , de Lusignan Simon , Mughal Shakeel , Head Graham , Debar Safia , Desombre Terry , Hilton Sean , Al Sharifi Houda
Published: June 2012

Background

Internationally health services are facing increasing demands due to new and more expensive health technologies and treatments, coupled with the needs of an ageing population. Reducing avoidable use of expensive secondary care services, especially high cost admissions where no procedure is carried out, has become a focus for the commissioners of healthcare.

Method

We set out to identify, evaluate and share learning about interventions to reduce avoidable hospital admission across a regional Academic Health and Social Care Network (AHSN). We conducted a service evaluation identifying initiatives that had taken place across the AHSN. This comprised a literature review, case studies, and two workshops.

Results

We identified three types of intervention: pre-hospital; within the emergency department (ED); and post-admission evaluation of appropriateness. Pre-hospital interventions included the use of predictive modelling tools (PARR – Patients at risk of readmission and ACG – Adjusted Clinical Groups) sometimes supported by community matrons or virtual wards. GP-advisers and outreach nurses were employed within the ED. The principal post-hoc interventions were the audit of records in primary care or the application of the Appropriateness Evaluation Protocol (AEP) within the admission ward. Overall there was a shortage of independent evaluation and limited evidence that each intervention had an impact on rates of admission.

Conclusions

Despite the frequency and cost of emergency admission there has been little independent evaluation of interventions to reduce avoidable admission. Commissioners of healthcare should consider interventions at all stages of the admission pathway, including regular audit, to ensure admission thresholds don’t change.
Agency and Information Content in Eighteenth and Early Nineteenth-Century String-Quartet Expositions
Authors: Duane Ben
Published: June 2012

This article examines the phenomenon in which musical lines establish what Edward T. Cone calls virtual agents, making the argument that listeners are more likely to ascribe such agency to lines that have high information content (in the formal, information-theoretic sense). I use a computational model, which I have proposed elsewhere, to estimate the information content a listener would perceive when listening to a piece of music. I then compare this model’s output to traditional musical analyses of several string-quartet expositions, demonstrating a qualitative correlation between the information content of these expositions and the virtual agents therein. Additionally, I assemble a larger corpus of expositions, many of which deploy virtual agents in a similar manner. Using formal statistical analysis, I show that these similarities can be traced back to the expositions’ information content. Thus, both qualitative and quantitative evidence suggest a connection between information and agency in music.
Expression of the H- and L-subunits of ferritin in bone marrow macrophages of patients with osteoarthritis
Authors: Koorts Alida Maria , Levay Peter Ferenc , Hall Alan Norman , van der Merwe Christiaan Frederick , Becker Petrus Johannes , Frantzen Doron Johan Manuel , Viljoen Margaretha
Published: June 2012

Osteoarthritis is a disease characterized by an increase in the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in afflicted joints. Excess iron, due to its role in the production of ROS and crystal deposition in the joints, is implicated in the disease progression of osteoarthritis. Ferritin is a major regulator of the bioavailability of iron, and its functions are determined largely by the combination of H- and L-subunits present in its outer protein shell. The purpose of the study was to investigate the expression of the H- and L-subunits of ferritin in bone marrow macrophages of osteoarthritis patients. The cytokine profiles were assessed as cytokines play an important role in the expression of the ferritin subunits. The H-subunit of ferritin in the bone marrow macrophages was significantly higher ( P value = 0.035) in the osteoarthritis patients compared with the controls (107.84; 69.25–167.94 counts/ μm2; n= 7 versus 71.07; 58.56–86.26 counts/ μm2; n= 19). A marginally significant increase ( P value = 0.059) was shown for the expression of the L-subunit in the osteoarthritis patients compared with the controls (133.03; 104.04–170.10 counts/ μm2; n= 7 versus 104.23; 91.53–118.70 counts/ μm2; n= 19). The osteoarthritis and control groups had comparable C-reactive protein, as well as proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokine concentrations. The major exception was for transforming growth factor- β (TGF- β), which was higher ( P value = 0.014) in the plasma of the osteoarthritis patients (16.69; 13.09–21.28 ng/mL; n= 7 versus 8.60; 6.34–11.67 ng/mL; n= 19). Up-regulation of the ferritin subunits decreases the levels of bioavailable iron and provides protection against the unwarranted production of ROS and crystal deposition. A role for TGF- β in the up-regulation of the expression of the H-subunit, and possibly the L-subunit, of ferritin is postulated in osteoarthritis.
Tetanus following tongue bite from repeated convulsions: a case report
Authors: Alhaji Mohammed Arab , Mustapha Modu Gofama , Ashir Garba Mohammed , Bashir Mohammed Farouk , Pius Simon
Published: June 2012

This report details a case of generalized tetanus with the added complication of tongue bite following the repeated convulsions of a six-year-old unimmunized girl. It highlights the fact that tongue bite is an unusual portal of the entry of tetanus and emphasizes the need for proper oral care of an unconscious patient and the importance of the immunization of children.
Learning by Exporting in Turkey: An Investigation for Existence and Channels
Authors: Maggioni Daniela
Published: June 2012

Using a rich longitudinal database at the plant level, I shed new light on the causal nexus between exports and productivity for Turkey, a middle-income country. I find evidence for both self-selection into exporting and learning-by-exporting. My main focus is on post-entry effects. To test this hypothesis I follow recent empirical literature and I apply the Propensity Score Matching and a Difference-in-Difference estimator. I find a higher labour productivity and TFP growth for exporting firms in the entry year and some years following the entry. Exports seem to place firms on a superior productivity path. My main contribution is to show the strict linkage between export and import activity: export starters often start also importing. Learning by exporting effects hold when I control for the role of imports and I verify larger productivity gains for firms which start exporting and importing at the same time. Finally, in order to verify if post-entry effects are not only scale effects but work through competition channel and/or technology transfers, I look for a heterogeneity according to the sectoral productivity gap between the domestic market and foreign trade partners. I verify a different timing of efficiency improvements between comparative advantage and disadvantage sectors.
Determining bathymetric distributions of the eelgrass Zostera marina L. in three turbid estuaries on the eastern North Pacific coast
Authors: Young David , Clinton Patrick , Specht David , Collura T. Chris Mochon , Lee II Henry
Published: June 2012

Improved methods for determining bathymetric distributions of dominant intertidal plants throughout their estuarine ranges are needed. Eelgrass (Zostera marina) is a seagrass native to estuaries of the northeastern Pacific and many other marine regions of the northern hemisphere. The techniques described here employed large-format aerial photography using false color near-infrared film with digital image classification, and the production of digital bathymetric models of shallow estuaries, such as those occurring in turbid waters of the United States Pacific Northwest. Application of geographic information system procedures to Z. marina classifications and estuarine bathymetries yielded intertidal eelgrass bathymetric distributions based on a very large number of data points. Similar bathymetric patterns were obtained for the three estuaries surveyed, and approximately 90% of the classified Z. marina occurred within the depth range -1.0 m to +1.0 m (mean lower low water). Comparison of these depth distributions with ground surveys of Z. marina lower depth limits indicated that the area of undetected subtidal eelgrass constituted <10% of the areal distributions classified (with ≥86% overall accuracy) in each estuary. Zostera marina areal distribution in one estuary was distinctly different from those in the other two systems, which illustrated the potential usefulness of this technique in exploring causal factors for such differences in areal distributions of estuarine intertidal vegetation.
Algicidal activity and potential antifouling defenses in macroalgae from the western Antarctic Peninsula including probable synergistic effects of multiple compounds
Authors: Sevak Hamel P. , Amsler Charles D. , McClintock James B. , Maschek J. Alan , Amsler Margaret O. , Aumack Craig F. , Peters Kevin J. , Baker Bill J.
Published: June 2012

Insoluble crude extract fractions of 11 species of Antarctic macroalgae were screened for algicidal activity against sympatric diatoms. Medium pressure liquid chromatography (MPLC) fractions of soluble extracts of four species were also screened. Levels of activity in insoluble fractions were lower than in previously examined corresponding soluble fractions. Combined MPLC fractions had lower activity than unfractionated extracts in three species, but in two, specific fractions with activity were identified. Combined soluble fractions of a fourth species retained strong activity but no individual fraction had activity even at tenfold higher concentrations, indicating that activity probably results from synergistic interactions between multiple compounds.
Risk factors for preeclampsia in twin pregnancies: a population-based matched case-control study
Authors: Lučovnik Miha , Tul NataŠa , Verdenik Ivan , Novak Živa , Blickstein Isaac
Published: June 2012

Objective: To evaluate associated factors for preeclampsia in twin gestations and to compare incidences of pregnancy complications among twin pregnancies with vs. without preeclampsia.

Patients and methods: We performed a case-control study using a population dataset of twin pregnancies delivered after 24 weeks of gestation, in Slovenia, between 1997 and 2009. Cases were twin gestations complicated by preeclampsia and controls were cases matched by gestational age, parity, and chorionicity.

Results: We identified 181 cases (4.7%) of preeclampsia among 3885 twins and 542 matched controls. High pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) and gestational diabetes were significantly associated with preeclampsia [odds ratio (OR) 1.8, 95% CI 1.26, 2.77 for overweight (BMI 25.0–29.9); OR 4.72, 95% CI 2.83, 7.89 for obese (BMI≥30), and OR 2.19, 95% CI 1.03, 4.68 for gestational diabetes]. The association was not significant for preexisting hypertension, maternal age, smoking, and pregnancy following assisted reproduction. Placental complications (previa, abruption, or adherent placenta) were more common, and low birth weight less common in the preeclampsia group (P=0.03 and P=0.01, respectively).

Conclusions: High pre-pregnancy BMI carries an especially high risk for the development of preeclampsia and its complications in twin gestation.
Knowledge gap of recommendations in ACOG practice bulletins: A survey of members of the Central Association of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
Authors: Siddiqui Danish , Sakhel Khaled , Lewis David F. , Chauhan Suneet P.
Published: June 2012

The purpose of this survey was to assess the knowledge gap of recommendations in practice bulletins (PBs). A survey consisting of three questions for 12 selected PBs (six obstetric and six gynecologic) was developed and sent to members of the Central Association. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. Of the 385 active members, 100 (26%) returned the survey. The overall correct score was 49%. Respondents were significantly more likely to know recommendations in obstetric PBs (60%) than gynecologic PBs (39%; OR 2.45, 95% CI 2.12–2.81). Maternal-fetal medicine sub-specialists (n=27), compared with obstetricians-gynecologists (n=66), did significantly better with obstetric PBs (67% vs. 59%; OR 1.42, 95% CI 1.32–1.77) and substantially worse with gynecologic topics (34% vs. 39%; OR 0.79, 95% CI 0.63–0.98). In conclusion, since members of the Central Association have a substantial knowledge gap, there are ample opportunities to educate and reinforce PB recommendations.
Transformation plasmonics
Authors: Kadic Muamer , Guenneau Sébastien , Enoch Stefan , Huidobro Paloma A. , Martín-Moreno Luis , García-Vidal Francisco J. , Renger Jan , Quidant Romain
Published: June 2012

Surface plasmons polaritons (SPPs) at metal/dielectric interfaces have raised lots of expectations in the on-going quest towards scaling down optical devices. SPP optics offers a powerful and flexible platform for real two-dimensional integrated optics, capable of supporting both light and electrons. Yet, a full exploitation of the features of SPPs is conditioned by an accurate control of their flow. Most efforts have so far focused on the extrapolation of concepts borrowed from guided optics. This strategy has already led to many important breakthroughs but a fully deterministic control of SPP modes remains a challenge. Recently, the field of optics was stimulated by a novel paradigm, transformation optics, which offers the capability to control light flow in any desired fashion. While it has already significantly contributed to the design of metamaterials with unprecedented optical properties, its versatility offers new opportunities towards a fully deterministic control of SPPs and the design of a new class of plasmonic functionalities. Here, we review recent progress in the application of transformation optics to SPPs. We first briefly describe the theoretical formalism of transformation plasmonics, focusing on its specificities over its three-dimensional optical counterpart. Numerical simulations are then used to illustrate its capability to tame SPP flows at a metal interface patterned with a dielectric load. Finally, we review recent experimental implementations leading to unique SPP functionalities at optical frequencies.
Mechanical properties and mechanical behavior of (SiO2)f/SiO2 composites with 3D six-directional braided quartz fiber preform
Authors: Liu Yong , Chen Zhaofeng , Zhu Jianxun , Jiang Yun , Li Binbin
Published: June 2012

(SiO2)f/SiO2 composites reinforced with three-dimensional (3D) six-directional preform were fabricated by the silicasol-infiltration-sintering method. The nominal fiber volume fraction was 47%. To characterize the mechanical properties of the composites, mechanical testing was carried out under various loading conditions, including tensile, flexural, and shear loading. The composite exhibited highly nonlinear stress-strain behavior under all the three types of loading. The results indicated that the 3D six-directional braided (SiO2)f/SiO2 composites exhibited superior flexural properties and good shear resistant as compared with other types of preform (2.5D and 3D four-directional)-reinforced (SiO2)f/SiO2 composites. 3D six-directional braided (SiO2)f/SiO2 composite exhibited graceful failure behavior under loading. The addition of 5th and 6th yarns resulted in controlled fracture and hence these 3D six-directional braided composites could possibly be suitable for thermal structure components.
Catabolic FDA microbial activity as site-dependent monitoring tool in soils of an industrial town
Authors: Biró B. , Domonkos M. , Kiss E.
Published: June 2012

The degree of soil pollutants in the Dunaújváros area has been monitored regularly at 10 sampling points of the town from the upper 0–20 cm and lower 20–40 cm layers of the soils. The quantity of some organic (PAH, TPH) and inorganic (toxic metal) pollutants were determined by GC-MS and ICP analyzation. Microbial status, such as the total cultivable bacteria (CFU) and total catabolic enzyme activity, measured by fluorescein diacetate analysis (FDA) were also estimated. The area of the industrial town could be divided into more and less contaminated regions, although the measured pollutants were far below the estimated permissible limits. However, at some of the more polluted soils even triple amounts of contaminants could be measured compared to the lesscontaminated sites. Among inorganics the Zn microelement reached the highest levels (average is about 100 mg·kg−1 soil), which could be related to the heavy industrial activity. A positive correlation appeared among the organic and inorganic pollutants and also between the pollutants and the measured enzymatic values. The enhanced FDA activity was found at the most contaminated sites preceding the potential “loss of function” on a long-term basis. The fast and reliable microbial parameter could be suggested as further regular monitoring tool.
A multi‐event model to study stage‐dependent dispersal in radio‐collared hares: when hunting promotes costly transience
Authors: Avril Alexis , Letty Jérôme , Pradel Roger , Léonard Yves , Santin-Janin Hugues , Pontier Dominique
Published: June 2012

Behavioral ecologists have often assumed that dispersal is costly mainly because of unfamiliarity with traversed habitats during dispersal and energy costs of the movement per se; thus, dispersers that have successfully settled should experience survival rates comparable to those of philopatric individuals. In this paper, we tested that hypothesis using 152 radio‐collared European hares in a harvested population. We developed a multi‐event capture–recapture model, combining telemetry data and recoveries and separately modeling the foray probability, the settlement probability, and the permanent dispersal probability. The parameterization introduced here raises the possibility of separately testing effects on survival and dispersal probabilities at each stage of dispersal (departure, transience, and settlement). In accordance with our expectations, we reveal that dispersers incur higher mortality risks during transience and the early settlement period than philopatric individuals or settled dispersers. We also found that dispersers suffer from higher risks of being shot. Those results illustrate that unfamiliarity with the habitat during transience makes dispersal costly and that settled dispersers may enjoy survival rates comparable to those of philopatric individuals. Surprisingly, we also found that individuals have a higher probability of foraying during the hunting season. We suggest that hunting and related disturbances increase dispersal costs both by increasing mortality risk during transience and (perhaps) by increasing movement rates. We emphasize the need to take human pressures into account as factors that may drive the demographics of movements in populations.
Surveillance Models of Large-Scale ESP Performance with High Viscosity Fluids and Gas
Authors: Barrios Lissett , Scott Stuart , Rivera Robert , Prado Mauricio
Published: June 2012

The ESP system is an important artificial lift method commonly used for medium- to high-flow-rate wells for subsea developments. Multiphase flow and viscous fluids can cause severe problems in pump applications. Free gas inside an ESP causes operational problems and lead to system failures. Under two-phase flow conditions, loss of pump performance or gas lock condition can be observed. Under viscous fluids, the pump performance degrades as well. This paper provides a model on the effects of viscosity and two phase (liquid & gas) fluids on electric submersible pumps (ESPs), which are multistage centrifugal pumps for deep boreholes. The theoretical study includes a mechanistic model based on Barrios (2011) for the prediction of the degradation due to bubble accumulation. The model comprises a one-dimensional force balance to predict occurrence of the stagnant bubbles at the channel intake as a main cause of deviation from homogeneus flow model.

The testing at Shell's Gasmer facility revealed that the ESP system performed as theoretical over the range of single flowrates and light viscosity oils up to Gas Volume Fractions (GVF) around 25%. ESP performance observed gas lock condition at gas fraction higher than 45%. Homogeneous Model has a fairly good agreement with pump performance up to 30% GVF. Pump flowrate can be obtained from electrical current and boost for all range of GVF and speed. Correlation depends strongly in fluid viscosity and pump configuration.

The main technical contributions of this study are the determination of flow patterns under two important variables, high viscosity and two-phase flow inside the ESP to predict operational conditions that cause pump head degradation and the beginning of bubble accumulation that lead to surging Barrios (2011). For similar applications, pump performance degradation can be predicted in viscous environment and two-phase flow conditions.
Characterization of Surfactant Stabilized Nanoemulsion and Its Use in Enhanced Oil Recovery
Authors: Mandal Ajay , Bera Achinta , Ojha Keka , Kumar T..
Published: June 2012

Nanoemulsions are a class of emulsions with a droplet size in the range of 50-500 nm and have attracted a great deal of attention in recent years because of its unique characteristics. The physicochemical properties of nanoemulsion suggests that it can be successfully used to recover the residual oil which is trapped in the fine pore of reservoir rock by capillary forces after primary and secondary recovery. Oil-in-water nanoemulsion which can be formed by high-energy emulsification techniques using specific surfactants can reduce oil-water interfacial tension (IFT) by 3-4 orders of magnitude. The present work is aimed on characterization of oil-in-water nanoemulsion in terms of its phase behavior, morphological studies; interfacial energy; ability to reduce the interfacial tension and understanding the mechanisms of mobilization and displacement of entrapped oil blobs by lowering interfacial tension both at the macroscopic and microscopic level.

In order to investigate the efficiency of oil-water nanoemulsion in enhanced oil recovery (EOR), experiments were performed to characterize the emulsion in terms of their physicochemical properties and size distribution of the dispersed oil droplet in water phase. Synthetic mineral oil and a series of nonionic ethoxylated surfactants were used to prepare oil-in-water emulsions. Characterization of emulsion shows that it follows pseudo-plastic behaviour and drop size of dispersed oil phase follows lognormal distribution. Flooding experiments were also carried out in a sandpack system to evaluate the effectiveness of the nanoemulsion as displacing fluid for enhanced oil recovery. Substantial additional recoveries (more than 30% of original oil in place) over conventional water flooding were obtained in the present investigation.
Nano-engineered Oil Well Cement Improves Flexibility and Increases Compressive Strength: A Laboratory Study
Authors: de La Roij R.. , Egyed C.. , Lips J. P.
Published: June 2012

Despite recent technological advances with elastomers, polymers, fibers and reactive components that self-heal micro fissures, the cement sheath is not always able to deliver an acceptable long-term solution for today's demanding drilling environment. Changes in downhole conditions with pressure and temperature fluctuations impose stresses on the cement sheath. Consequently, shrinking and debonding of the cement sheath creates very small microannuli allowing fluid migration. Besides these external forces that cause cement sheath damage an evaluation of conventional oil well cement sheath on the nano scale from 1–100 nm reveals that the chemical bond between components is relatively brittle. This paper discusses an active nanotechnology with proven commercial track record that has been specifically developed as a crossover technology for the oil & gas industry.

The measured values from the investigation at molecule level reveal that API Class G cement mixed with patented active nanotechnology provides unique properties. The crystallization process of the cement sheath at a scale of 1 -100 nanometers shows that elements cross-link and create long needle crystalline structures that interlock, block the capillary pores, enhance dynamics and chemistry of the cement hydration process. As a result, the molecule structure changes with hydrogen bridges in stable, locked position. It is important to recognize that the mechanical properties of a cement bound material are determined during the first hours of the binding and during the first 48 hours of the hardening stage. Consequently, if a modification of the cement hydration process is required to enhance the structural, mechanical and chemical resistance behavior of the cement sheath, it has to take place within 72 hours.

The result of this comparative research shows major differences between the samples of API Class G and nano-engineered API Class G cement. Test data shows higher bending forces from the nano enhanced oil well cement as well as significantly stronger values for compressive strength.
Properties of Oil Well Cement Reinforced by Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Rahimirad Mohammad , Baghbadorani Javad Dehghani
Published: June 2012

Nanotechnology is one of the most active research areas that encompass a number of disciplines including civil engineering and construction materials. Currently, the most active research areas dealing with cement and concrete are: understanding of the hydration of cement particles and the use of Nano-size ingredients such as alumina and Nano carbon tubes particles. CNT are expected to have several distinct advantages as a reinforcing material for cements as compared to more traditional fibres. First, they have significantly greater strengths than other fibres, which should improve overall mechanical behavior. Second, CNT have much higher aspect ratios, requiring significantly higher energies for crack propagation around a tube as compared to across it than would be the case for a lower aspect ratio fibre. Thirdly, the smaller diameters of CNT means both that they can be more widely distributed in the cement matrix with reduced fibre spacing and that their interaction with the matrix may be different from that of the larger fibres.

Using the CNT reinforced cement can reduce probability of casing collapse in oil and gas wells. Gas migration is one of the cementing problems in gas wells which using CNT in cement can reduce amount of gas migration.
Use of Modified Nanoparticles in Oil and Gas Reservoir Management
Authors: Turkenburg D. H. , Chin P. T. , Fischer H. R.
Published: June 2012

We describe a water dispersed nano sensor cocktail based on InP/ZnS quantum dots (QDs) and atomic silver clusters with a bright and visible luminescence combined with optimized sensor functionalities for the water flooding process. The QDs and Ag nano sensors were tested in simulated reservoir conditions (high salinity, Ca2+, pH, high temperature, oil and solids). The nano sensors showed enhanced sensor functionalities towards pH, temperature, sub-terrain chemistry and reservoir solids like clay or calcium carbonate.
Prospect Validation Methodology in Offshore Mature Fields: A Case Study
Authors: Grimaldi J. , Paranjpe V. , Segnini C. , Blanco L.
Published: June 2012

Repsol (operator), together with partners Petrotrin and National Gas Company of Trinidad and Tobago, took over operations of mature fields Teak, Samaan and Poui (TSP) Offshore Trinidad by end of 2005. With the intention of planning further development in the TSP reservoirs (comprising more than 10 vertically stacked main units, highly compartmentalized reservoirs with complex tectonic geometries) an indigenous comprehensive field evaluation was required. In order to perform a detailed analysis on all reservoirs, the effort would have been immense and would have delayed the decision making by years. Thus, a sand-by-sand Screening Project was carried out with the main objective of identifying the reservoirs with maximum potential so as to direct further technical effort on specific reservoirs for early monetization of the reserves.

Based on the results of sand-by-sand screening project, a prospect validation project for Teak Field was initiated - consisting of extensive field data acquisition, detailed interpretation and modeling workflows, adapted to the particular needs of mature fields. Several incremental opportunities identified during screening were validated and detailed modeling was performed to support further development. In some cases, the reservoir units that were identified to be having significant potential, turned out to be low on the priority list, as well as new and better than expected prospects appeared on the list. This paper outlines some examples and experiences from the prospect validation exercise.

On completion of this effort, the company acquired a holistic view of the asset in terms of projects and its remaining resources. So far, 21 localized static models and 15 dynamic simulation models have been completed resulting in the identification of 11 drilling candidates in Teak Field. A similar effort is planned for Samaan and Poui Fields in the near future. By dividing the problem into parts, the resources were optimized and the building-dynamic-model-for-everything was avoided.
Largest Integrated Asset Model (IAM) Enhances Trinidad’s Business Efficiency
Authors: Ryan S. , Hosein S. , Kromah M. , Bishop S. , Mihalik P.
Published: June 2012

The BP gas business in Trinidad is a complex multi-field, offshore business which supplies several long term gas contracts. Assets comprise 10 producing fields, prolific reservoirs and high rate producing wells. Gas volumes are transported via a complex processing and transportation network. This complexity necessitated the need for an integrated dynamic model that accurately simulates the physics of flow through the reservoir, well and surface system to improve production forecasting and identify system optimization opportunities. IAM provides this simulation capability.

The IAM model combines Trinidad’s complex facility network with hundreds of material balance and well models which allows for accurate simulation of flow through the system. This facilitates quantification of additional deliverability due to sequence optimization at any point in future production of the business.

IAM usage for production forecasting, scenario planning and for evaluating compression scenarios began in September 2008. IAM output analysis has informed several important business decisions such as choices around the continuity of the rig programmes, the timing and urgency of New Field Development options, the quantity and execution timing of opportunities required for gas supply, the cost and value of production capacity installed.

In this paper we discuss the process in building the Trinidad IAM model, learnings gathered from the model build and the future plans for using the IAM model for system optimization within bpTT.
Savonette Production Optimization While Preserving Well Integrity
Authors: Ramcharitar D. , Koylass A.
Published: June 2012

The SAVA01 well was the first well drilled in 2009 for the development of the Savonette field, with an expected deliverability of 250 mmscfd. During drilling of the well, an unsuccessful gravel pack job resulted in the well being plugged back in preparation for sidetracking. The well was successfully sidetracked and completed with contingent 4" screens. The screens however held up 21 ft from bottom leaving an excessive sump greater than the typical 8-10ft. An open-hole gravel pack job was performed and the well was completed with 7" production tubing. The additional sump created concerns about possible settling of gravel if not completely packed, causing ‘hot spots’ and eventual screen failure. The well was put on production in Oct 2009 based on a conservative ramp-up schedule and drawdown guidelines. At this time, the primary means of monitoring solids (sand) production was an online acoustic detector. As a result of the additional sump volume, the reduced screen size and the low yield (i.e. condensate to gas ratio) of the gas, an erosion assessment was completed to determine the safe operating envelope for the well. The results from the study recommended the well be constrained to a rate of 180 mmscfd until additional intrusive erosion monitoring equipment was installed. This was based on the limitation of the acoustic detector for monitoring solids production where sand loading < 0.1 lb/mmscfd. Two (2) additional monitoring devices were installed on the well, an Intrusive ER Probe and online UT monitoring to effectively monitor longer term erosion-corrosion. The use of the wireless online Ultrasonic Testing (UT) monitoring system was the first application on a producing offshore well in the oil and gas industry.

In September 2011, the well was successfully increased to 230 mmscfd close to the original target and added significantly to the production deliverability to the business.
Analysis of the Genetic Diversity of Natural Populations of Alpinia oxyphylla Miquel Using Inter‐Simple Sequence Repeat Markers
Authors: Wang Haiyan , Liu Xiaojing , Wen Mingfu , Pan Kun , Zou Meiling , Lu Cheng , Liu Shisheng , Wang Wenquan
Published: June 2012

Alpinia oxyphylla Miquel is an endangered but economically valuable species. Given that it is one of the four most important medicinal plants in southern China, surprisingly few studies have characterized the species at the molecular level. In this study, 163 accessions were collected from seven natural populations of A. oxyphylla, along with one outgroup species, to investigate the genetic diversity of the species using inter‐simple sequence repeat (ISSR) analysis. A total of 365 polymorphic markers were detected from the general population when it was analyzed using 20 ISSR primers. Nei's genetic diversity and Shannon's information index were 0.2129 and 0.3373, respectively, indicating considerable genetic diversity at the species level. Less genetic differentiation took place among populations, with evidence of coefficient of gene differentiation 0.338 and gene flow 0.907, suggesting that there was more genetic variation within populations than between populations. An unweighted pair group method with arithmetic averaging dendrogram divided all accessions into eight groups that coincided almost completely with their geographical origin, with the exception of just a few crosses. This suggests that the geographic distribution of accessions coincided closely with the distribution of genetic diversity within A. oxyphylla, indicating weak gene flow. These results may provide valuable guidance regarding the conservation and genetic improvement of the species.
Day Temperature Influences the Male‐Sterile Locus ms9 in Soybean
Authors: Wiebbecke Christiana E. , Graham Michelle A. , Cianzio Silvia R. , Palmer Reid G.
Published: June 2012

Cultivated soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] is a major source of oil and protein in global food production. As demand for soy‐based products increases, it is essential for breeders to find ways to increase yield beyond conventional methods. Alternative methods of cultivar development and improvement must be identified. Our objectives were to determine if the ms9 locus conferring male sterility in soybean was environmentally sensitive and, if it were, to determine which environments could be used in hybrid seed production. This was accomplished through characterization of pollen phenotypes and selfed seed set among progeny of soybean genotype T359H (Genetic Type Collection number T359H), a heterozygous maintainer line for the ms9 locus. T359H was evaluated in seven environmental regimens in growth chamber experiments. We used a split‐plot design to test the effect of temperature regimens and male‐sterile phenotypic classifications within chambers. As day temperature increased from 30 to 35°C, selfed seed set on male‐sterile, female‐fertile plants decreased. Conversely, night temperature affected neither fertile nor male‐sterile, female‐fertile selfed seed set. This suggests that ms9 can be used in hybrid seed production in controlled environments where day temperature is 35°C during the flowering. These temperature conditions and their effect on ms9 may provide an alternative method to produce hybrid seed in soybean cultivar development programs.
Diversity of Seed Storage Proteins ofArachis hypogaeaand Related Species
Authors: Calbrix Raphael G. , Beilinson Vadim , Stalker H. Thomas , Nielsen Niels C.
Published: June 2012

The diversity of seed storage proteins of cultivated peanut (Arachis hypogaeaL.) was studied by analyzing nucleotide sequences encoding 2S, 7S, and 11S seed storage proteins. Alignments of sequences were performed using ClustalX, and similarity between aligned sequences was established by pairwise comparison using AlignX. Three homology groups of 2S proteins were identified, which were further divided into three, three, and two subgroups. Similarly, three homology groups of 7S proteins contained two, two, and one subgroups; and five homology groups of 11S proteins contained five, five, five, three, and two subgroups. Primer pairs were identified that allowed each member of the respective homology group to be selectively amplified by polymerase chain reaction using template complementary DNA or genomic DNA fromA. hypogaea.This permitted most subgroup members to be distinguished. Peanut, like other legumes, contains small gene families encoding each type of seed storage protein. However, the diversity among these was greater than in other legume species, which reflects the allotetraploid nature ofA. hypogaea. Polymerase chain reaction amplifications from diploid species were used to deduce which protein subgroup originated from the A genome and which were from the B genome. Of the 26 diploid peanut species studied, onlyA. duranensisKrapov. and W.C. Greg. (A genome) andA. ipaensisKrapov. and W.C. Greg. (B genome) contained the correct complement of seed storage protein coding regions. This is consistent with the hypothesis that the center of origin of the allotetraploid was southern Bolivia.
Variation in Biomass Composition Components among Forage, Biomass, Sorghum‐Sudangrass, and Sweet Sorghum Types
Authors: Stefaniak Thomas R. , Dahlberg Jeffery A. , Bean Brent W. , Dighe Nilesh , Wolfrum Edward J. , Rooney William L.
Published: June 2012

Alternative biomass sources must be developed if the United States is to meet the goal in the U.S. Energy Security Act of 2007 to derive 30% of its petroleum from renewable sources, and several different biomass crops are currently in development. Sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] is one such crop that will be an important feedstock source for biofuel production. As composition influences productivity, there exists a need to understand the range in composition observed within the crop. The goal of this research was to assess the range in dietary fiber composition observed within different types of biomass sorghums. A total of 152 sorghum samples were divided into the four end‐use types of sorghum: biomass, forage, sorghum‐sudangrass, and sweet. These samples were analyzed chemically using dietary fiber analysis performed at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory using published protocols. Significant variation among the groups was detected for glucan and ash. Positive and highly significant correlations were detected between structural carbohydrates in the biomass and sweet sorghums while many of these correlations were negative or not significant in the forage and sorghum‐sudangrass types. In addition, a wide range of variation was present within each group indicating that there is potential to manipulate the composition of the crop.