bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Use of Pressure Transient Analysis for the Detection of Gas/Water Contact Movement in a Gas Reservoir
Authors: Yaich E. , Robertson N. , Whittle T. , Jamankulov A.
Published: June 2012

A significant challenge in the development of gas reservoirs connected to strong aquifers is the prediction of aquifer movement and the timing of water breakthrough. Generally reservoir simulation techniques are used to solve this problem but we cannot calibrate the prediction until water production at the well is seen – this may be too late.

The use of permanent downhole pressure gauges to record pressure transients throughout the life of a well allows us to identify the influence of nearby water contacts and to track their movement. The pressure derivative provides a dynamic signature of the well and reservoir response and, in the case of a mobile aquifer, indicates a boundary effect appearing to move closer to the well over time. By monitoring the change in distance, the time for it to reach the well can be predicted and thus gives us an estimate of the time to water breakthrough.

The method leads to a recovery estimate that is independent of traditional reservoir simulation and material balance techniques. One of the benefits of this methodology is to assist in the calibration of reservoir simulation forecasts and therefore business planning. Another is to evaluate whether the gas water contacts are moving under the current production strategy and hence to optimize reservoir management and maximize recovery. It can also be used to estimate the location of a potential down-dip gas-water contact not penetrated by any of the wells and therefore help in the quantification of reservoir volumes. It is also a potential alternative/additional methodology for prediction and forecasting of reservoir behaviour.

This novel method was applied to a gas field in the offshore Trinidad where it was estimated that the current reservoir simulation model was under-predicting the recovery of gas prior to water breakthrough. While the reservoir model predicted that water breakthrough should have happened more than six months ago, no sign of formation water production has been detected at the time of writting which is in line with the findings from our method.
A Combined Mixer Design with Helical Blades to Probe Rheology of Complex Oilfield Slurries and Pastes
Authors: Sairam P. K. , Morgan R. , Pangu Ganesh
Published: June 2012

Fluid systems used for servicing wellbores are usually a combination of particulate materials of varying specific gravity, particle size, aspect ratio, and reactivity, such as lightweight materials/weighting agents, clays, fibers, elastomers, polymers, resins, salts, and cementitious materials in water or oil media. These fluids are more commonly referred to as ‘complex fluids’ and often exhibit a high degree of non-Newtonian and time-dependent behavior. To more efficiently and expeditiously perform well operations, it is beneficial to accurately probe the rheology of fluids (and their admixtures) under downhole conditions.

A novel, helical-shaped stator-rotor assembly was designed and developed to work around measurement errors arising from sample inhomogeneity, particle separation, wall slip, and coring-related issues with commonly used geometries, such as those of a bob/sleeve and vane. The rotor blade arrangement is a double helix with cut flights, whereas the stator unit has blades that are manufactured by parting a coaxial double helix offset to the envelope of the rotor. Constant relative separation between the stator blades and rotor vanes is maintained in all planes to create shear geometries that enhance in-situ mixing. This was leveraged to conducting compatibility testing.

Torque and rev/min data was collected for eight different Newtonian fluids with viscosities ranging from 10 to 1000 cp. The power number and impeller Reynolds number were plotted to derive functional relationships between these quantities in the laminar and turbulent regimes. Various complex fluids, including fracturing gels, viscoelastic fluids, oil, water-based muds, spacers, and cement slurries were tested on the helical mixer, a triangular impeller, and Couette geometries for comparative mathematical modeling.

A unified algorithm and data analysis protocol featuring the four-parameter generalized Herschel Bulkley model is presented to derive rheograms and yield stress. A comparison of experimental results with computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations is also presented.
Reservoir Simulation Modeling of the Mature Cold Lake Steaming Operations
Authors: Liu Zhihong , Stark Shane D
Published: June 2012

While Imperial Oil continues to expand its heavy oil in situ thermal operations at Cold Lake (Fawcett et al., 2011), some cyclic steam stimulation (CSS) wells are evolving to a mature (late life) stage after decades of successful operation. One strategy that has been used in Cold Lake to improve recovery beyond CSS is to implement injector-only-infill (IOI) wells, targeting the cold reservoir region isolated from the CSS depleted zones. The cyclic IOI process can transition to a continuous, low pressure operation; i.e. infill steamflooding. A three year field trial at Cold Lake pads H01/H02 has demonstrated that an oil recovery level of 65% can be achieved by converting mature CSS areas to an infill steamflood (Stark, 2011). During the course of the trial operation and the subsequent commercial deployment of infill steamflooding, significant reservoir simulation studies have been conducted. Simulation has played an important role in providing a physics-based understanding of the infill steamflood process at Cold Lake by enhancing the understanding of how gravity drainage, inter-well communication, and out-of-pattern steam migration play key roles in the steamflooding recovery process. This paper focuses on validation of the reservoir simulation models through comparison to a variety of field performance data types (e.g. well production data, production well temperature logs). Optimization of the infill steamflood process remains a key focus area for maximizing oil recovery at Cold Lake with reservoir simulation providing guidance on various improvement opportunities including steam injection strategy, infill well and production well completion strategy and mitigation of out-of-pattern steam migration.
Genetic Composition and Spatial Distribution of Farmer‐managed Phaseolus Bean Plantings: An Example from a Village in Oaxaca, Mexico
Authors: Worthington Margaret , Soleri Daniela , Aragón‐Cuevas Flavio , Gepts Paul
Published: June 2012

In situ conservation of crop genetic resources is an important complement to ex situ conservation, yet little is known about how small‐scale farmers perceive diversity in their own fields. In this study, we investigated the role of farmers from a community in the Sierra Juárez, Oaxaca, Mexico, in managing Phaseolus bean diversity in their fields. We collected seeds from 287 plants in 10 fields in the village of Santa María Jaltianguis and evaluated the diversity present in the collection at 10 nuclear and three chloroplast DNA (cpDNA) microsatellite markers. Following a Structure analysis, three core population clusters were identified in the collection, a finding corroborated by morphological observations, principal coordinate analysis, and neighbor‐joining tree construction using molecular data. The first two populations were identified as Phaseolus vulgaris L. ecogeographic races Mesoamerica and Jalisco and the third population as related species Phaseolus coccineus L. and Phaseolus dumosus Macfad. Each of the fields sampled consisted predominantly of a single Phaseolus species or ecogeographic race, but there was also evidence of low levels of gene flow between races Jalisco and Mesoamerica. Our data suggest farmers in Santa María Jaltianguis recognize existing inter‐ and intraspecies diversity in Phaseolus, its differential adaptation, its capacity to exploit a broad range of growing environments, and its potential to buffer the community against socioeconomic and climatic changes.
Association Mapping of Russian Wheat Aphid Resistance in Barley as a Method to Identify Diversity in the National Small Grains Collection
Authors: Dahleen Lynn S. , Bregitzer Phil , Mornhinweg Dolores , Jackson Eric W.
Published: June 2012

Russian wheat aphid (RWA) (Diuraphis noxiaKurdjumov) infestations of barley (Hordeum vulgareL.) cause chlorotic leaf spotting and streaking and prevent unrolling of leaves, which traps spikes and reduces grain yield. Resistant accessions identified in the USDA‐ARS National Small Grains Collection (NSGC) were used to develop adapted, resistant germplasm and cultivars. This study identified loci affecting RWA resistance and diversity in the NSGC using association mapping. Resistant and susceptible accessions, breeding lines, and cultivars were genotyped with Diversity Arrays Technology (DArT) markers and phenotyped for RWA responses. A core set of nine markers explained 83% of the variation for chlorosis. Most resistant and susceptible accessions had opposite genotypes at each of these markers. The six susceptible adapted cultivars were exceptions and shared the haplotype of the resistant accessions. Variability at four additional loci associated with resistance did not sufficiently explain phenotypic variability between resistant accessions and susceptible cultivars. Examining subsets of the data identified six additional markers associated with RWA response, which discriminated between resistant accessions and susceptible cultivars. Additional investigation is necessary to better understand the genetics of RWA resistance. However, this study provided useful information on diversity in the NSGC and suggested that RWA resistance is a complex trait that may share physiological components with other characteristics that were selected during domestication.
Response of Potato Gas Exchange and Productivity to Phosphorus Deficiency and Carbon Dioxide Enrichment
Authors: Fleisher David H. , Wang Qinguo , Timlin Dennis J. , Chun Jong‐Ahn , Reddy V. R.
Published: June 2012

The degree to which crops respond to atmospheric CO2 enrichment may be influenced by nutrition. To determine the extent to which dry matter production, canopy and leaf photosynthesis, and transpiration are influenced by P and CO2, potatoes (Solanum tuberosum L. cultivar Kennebec) were grown in outdoor soil–plant–atmosphere research (SPAR) chambers at two levels of CO2 (400 or 800 μmol mol−1) and three levels of P fertilization. Total dry matter declined an average 42% between high and low P fertilizer and increased 13% in response to elevated CO2 when averaged across the P treatments. This enhancement effect did not vary with level of P treatment. Leaf level photosynthetic rate was reduced 58% and stomatal conductance 43% between high and low P treatments. Biochemical model parameters for carboxylation rate, ribulose bisphosphate regeneration, and triose phosphate use were reduced by P deficiency but scarcely influenced by growth CO2. After tuber initiation, canopy assimilation rate increased under elevated CO2 particularly at the middle levels of P fertilization, and diurnal canopy evapotranspiration showed a significant reduction in response to elevated CO2 and declining P fertilizer. Lack of interactive effects between CO2 and P on most measured responses suggests the effect of CO2 enrichment on potato growth and assimilation is similar at each P‐treatment level; however, such effects may also be correlated with plant N status.
Growing Location has a Pronounced Effect on the Accumulation of Cancer Chemopreventive Agent Bowman‐Birk Inhibitor in Soybean Seeds
Authors: Krishnan Hari B. , Jang Sungchan , Baxter Ivan , Wiebold William J.
Published: June 2012

Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] contains several health promoting compounds including phytosterols, isoflavones, phytic acid, and protease inhibitors. The two abundant protease inhibitors of soybean seeds are the Kunitz trypsin inhibitor and the Bowman‐Birk inhibitor (BBI). Bowman‐Birk inhibitor has been touted as a potential cancer chemopreventive agent for humans. Little information is available on the effect of growing location on the accumulation of this cancer chemopreventive agent. In this study we have examined the protein profile of eight soybean varieties that were grown in three Missouri locations in 2009 and 2010. Sodium dodecyl sulfate‐polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS‐PAGE) analysis demonstrated that soybean varieties that were grown in Grand Pass contained elevated levels of the β subunit of β‐conglycinin and reduced amounts of BBI. This observation was further confirmed by Western blot analysis. This difference in the levels of BBI was also reflected in the chymotrypsin inhibitor activity. Growing location also influenced the overall S content of soybean seeds as evidenced by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry analysis. Seeds grown in Grand Pass had lower amounts of total S content in both 2009 and 2010. Our results demonstrate that growing location has a profound effect on the accumulation of BBI and it is possible to modulate the concentration of this cancer chemopreventive agent by simple changes in agronomic practices.
Validation of QTL for Grain Yield‐Related Traits on Wheat Chromosome 3A Using Recombinant Inbred Chromosome Lines
Authors: Mengistu Neway , Baenziger P. S. , Eskridge K. M. , Dweikat I. , Wegulo S. N. , Gill K. S. , Mujeeb‐Kazi A.
Published: June 2012

Previously, quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for grain yield (GYLD) and yield‐related traits were identified by using a population of recombinant inbred chromosome lines (RICLs) developed from the wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cultivar Cheyenne (CNN) and its substitution line CNN(WI3A), in which the 3A chromosome of cultivar Wichita (WI) was substituted for CNN chromosome 3A. Our objectives were to identify and validate the QTL previously identified in CNN(RICLs3A), using the mirror population WI(RICLs3A). A population of 90 WI(RICLs3A) was used to evaluate GYLD, 1000‐kernel weight (TKW), kernels per spike (KPS), kernels per square meter (KPSM), spikes per square meter (SPSM), grain volume weight (GVW), plant height (PHT), and anthesis date (AD). Data were collected from replicated trials grown in six Nebraska environments from 2008 to 2009. Twelve QTL for GYLD, TKW, KPS, SPSM, GVW, AD, and PHT were detected. The phenotypic variance explained by these QTL ranged from 12% for SPSM to 53% for GVWT. Most of the QTLs were co‐localized in one or two regions of chromosome 3A. The major grain yield QTL (QGyld.neb.3A.1) detected in the combined analysis explained 19% of the phenotypic variance and the substitution of CNN alleles for WI alleles decreased grain yield. Using a different genetic background, this study confirmed most of the GYLD and yield‐related QTL reported in previous RICLs3A mapping studies on chromosome 3A of winter wheat evaluated in Nebraska.
Agronomic Performance of Spring Wheat as Related to Planting Date and Photoperiod Response
Authors: Lanning S. P. , Hucl P. , Pumphrey M. , Carter A. H. , Lamb P. F. , Carlson G. R. , Wichman D. M. , Kephart K. D. , Spaner D. , Martin J. M. , Talbert L. E.
Published: June 2012

Photoperiod response impacts the adaptation of spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) to specific areas of the world. Both photoperiod sensitive (PS) and photoperiod insensitive (PI) cultivars are grown successfully in the northern regions of the western United States and the Canadian plains. The goal of the present experiment was to determine the relative performance of PI and PS genotypes as related to planting date and to interpret results in view of climate trends for the region. Three sets of near‐isogenic lines that differed for alleles at the Ppd‐D1 locus for photoperiod sensitivity were tested at three planting dates in 15 environments in Montana, Washington, Saskatchewan, and Alberta. Results showed that PS lines headed later than PI lines at all planting dates. Grain yield was significantly greater for PS lines at the first two planting dates although no difference between PS and PI lines occurred for the latest planting date. Our results suggest that PS lines are superior to PI lines for this region. This difference is likely to be significant for regional adaptation as planting date becomes earlier due to increasing spring temperatures.
Determinants of bottled and purified water consumption: results based on an OECD survey
Authors: Johnstone Nick , Serret Ysé
Published: June 2012

In the face of dissatisfaction with the quality of public water supply, there is significant ‘willingness-to-pay’ for improved services. However, pressuring authorities for public sector investments in water quality services is not the only means at the disposal of households to bring about improvements in drinking water quality. On the one hand, households can invest in purification systems at the level of the individual household. On the other, they can consume bottled water for their drinking needs. Based on a survey of 10,000 households, this paper analyses the determinants of a household's decision to purchase bottled water or invest in a purification system. Negative perceptions of tap water quality (health and taste concerns) affect the decision to purchase bottled water and home purification, with much greater effect on bottled water consumption. The same is true of household income. Household size, the presence of children in the household and length of residence affects the decision to invest in purification, but not bottled water consumption. Concern about solid waste has a negative impact on bottled water consumption, and car ownership has a positive impact.
A never-ending debate: demand versus supply water policies. A CGE analysis for Catalonia
Authors: Llop Maria , Ponce-Alifonso Xavier
Published: June 2012

Water scarcity is a long-standing problem in Catalonia, as there are significant differences in the spatial and temporal distribution of water throughout the territory. There has consequently been a debate for many years about whether the solution to water scarcity must be considered in terms of efficiency or equity, the role that the public sector must play and the role that market-based instruments should play in water management. The aim of this paper is to analyse the advantages and disadvantages associated with different policy instruments, from both a supply and a demand viewpoint, which can be applied to water management in Catalonia. For this purpose, we use a computable general equilibrium (CGE) model, in which we introduce an ecological sector that allows us to analyse the environmental and economic impact of the alternative policies simulated. The calibration of the exogenous variables of the CGE model is performed by using a social accounting matrix (SAM) for the Catalan economy with 2001 data. The results suggest that taking into account the principle of sustainability of the resource, the policy debate between supply and demand in water policies is obsolete and a new combination of policies is required to respect the different values associated with water.
Do investments in water management research pay? An analysis of water management research in India
Authors: Palanisami K. , Kakumanu K. R. , Kumar D. Suresh , Challamuthu S. , Chandrasekaran B. , Ranganathan C. R. , Giordano Mark
Published: June 2012

Even though there has been increasing development of water management technologies over the years, the adoption rate by the farmers is comparatively small ranging from only 15–20%. Hence it is timely to look at the return to water management research investment to fine-tune investment in future research. A detailed study was done using the data from Tamil Nadu state, India. The successful technologies yielded a moderate return ranging from 11–20%. With higher adoption levels of the water management technologies, the rate of return will be higher. Strategies to boost technology transfer and upkeep should be given importance in water management programmes.
Easy to say, hard to do: integrated surface water and groundwater management in the Murray–Darling Basin
Authors: Ross Andrew
Published: June 2012

Integrated management of surface water and groundwater can provide efficient and flexible use of water through wet and dry periods, and address the impacts of water use on other users and the environment. It can also help adaptation to climate variation and uncertainty by means of supply diversification, storage and exchange. Integrated water management is affected by surface water and groundwater resources and their connections, water use, infrastructure, governance arrangements and interactions. Although the Murray–Darling Basin is considered to be a leading example of integrated water management, surface water and groundwater resources are generally managed separately. Key reasons for this separation include the historical priority given to surface water development, the relative neglect of groundwater management, shortfalls in information about connections between groundwater and surface water and their impacts, gaps and exemptions in surface water and groundwater use entitlements and rules, coordination problems, and limited stakeholder engagement. Integration of surface water and groundwater management can be improved by the establishment of more comprehensive water use entitlements and rules, with extended carry-over periods and legislated rules for aquifer storage and recovery. Collective surface water and groundwater management offers greater efficiency and better risk management than uncoordinated individual action. There are opportunities for more effective engagement of stakeholders in planning and implementation through decentralized catchment scale organizations.
Development and validation of a gas chromatographic method for the assay of memantine hydrochloride in pure and tablet dosage forms
Authors: Siddappa K. , Mallikarjun Metre , Mahesh Tambe , Mallikarjun Kote , Chandrakanth Reddy
Published: June 2012

A gas chromatographic method has been developed and validated for the
determination of memantine hydrochloride (MMT) in pure and pharmaceutical
preparations. The detection was carried out using flame ionization detector.
Separation was achieved on a DB-624 fused silica packed capillary column (30
m x 0.320 mm x 1.8 ?m). Nitrogen was used as a carrier gas at a flow rate of
40 mL/min. The column temperature was maintained at 300?C while the
temperature of injection port and detector were maintained at 270? and 300?C,
respectively. Gabapentin (GPN) was used as an internal standard. The
procedure gave a linear response over the concentration range of 0.5-3.5
mg/mL with sufficient reproducibility. The method has been applied
successfully for the determination of MMT in pure and pharmaceutical
formulations. The excipients present in the formulations did not interfere
with the assay procedure. The recovery values were found to be in the range
of 99.85-100.1% with RSD values less than 1%. The results obtained from this
method were compared with the reference method (HPTLC) reported in literature
and no significant difference was found statistically.
Allicin and related compounds: Biosynthesis, synthesis and pharmacological activity
Authors: Ilic Dusica , Nikolic Vesna , Nikolic Ljubisa , Stankovic Mihajlo , Stanojevic Ljiljana , Cakic Milorad
Published: June 2012

In this review, the biosynthesis of allicin (allyl thiosulfinate) by
enzymatic transformation of alliin and various methods of its synthesis with
detailed investigation of mechanisms and kinetics are summarized. A
convenient method is also described for determination of allicin stability
and the utility of the inclusion complexes of this pharmacologically active
agent with ?-cyclodextrins in increasing its stability. Allicin is the
initial precursor for the production of ajoene ((E)- and
(Z)-4,5,9-trithiadodeca- 1,6,11-triene 9-oxides) and vinyldithiin
(2-vinyl-4H-1,3-dithiin, and 3-vinyl-4H-1,2- dithiin), which are more stable
and show various pharmacological effects. The mechanisms of allicin
transformations to these compounds are given in detail. Finally, the data on
the pharmacological effects of allicin and its transformation products,
ajoene and vinyldithiin, are presented.
Chemical composition and mosquito repellent activity of the essential oil of Plectranthus incanus link
Authors: Pal Mahesh , Kumar Anil , Tewari Krishna
Published: June 2012

The chemical composition of the essential oil obtained from the leaves of
Plectranthus incanus Link, with the yield of 0.6% (w/v), was analyzed by GC
and GC/MS. A total of 16 constituents, representing 95.2% of the oil, were
identified. The major components of the oil were fenchone (6.0%), piperitone
oxide (32.4%), piperitenone (3.0%) and piperitenone oxide (41.5%). The
repellent activity of the volatile oil at different concentrations was
measured by the protection period against the bites of Anopheles stephensi
and Culex fatigans. The tested oil had stronger repellent activity than
citronella oil, which was used as a positive control. LC50 (30 min) for P.
incanus oil against An. stephensi and C. fatigans were 23.8 and 19.6 ?l/L
air, respectively, whereas LC50 of citronella oil were 31.7 and 31.0 ?l/L
air. Thus, P. incanus may be regarded as a potential valuable source of
chemicals that have strong mosquito repellent activity, and could be used for
the preparation of mosquito repellent formulations.
Ordinary differential equations with delta function terms
Authors: Nedeljkov Marko , Oberguggenberger Michael
Published: June 2012

This article is devoted to nonlinear ordinary differential equations with
additive or multiplicative terms consisting of Dirac delta functions or
derivatives thereof. Regularizing the delta function terms produces a family
of smooth solutions. Conditions on the nonlinear terms, relating to the
order of the derivatives of the delta function part, are established so that
the regularized solutions converge to a limiting distribution.
Pulsatile Portal Vein Insulin Delivery Enhances Hepatic Insulin Action and Signaling
Authors: Matveyenko Aleksey V. , Liuwantara David , Gurlo Tatyana , Kirakossian David , Dalla Man Chiara , Cobelli Claudio , White Morris F. , Copps Kyle D. , Volpi Elena , Fujita Satoshi , Butler Peter C.
Published: June 2012

Insulin is secreted as discrete insulin secretory bursts at ∼5-min intervals into the hepatic portal vein, these pulses being attenuated early in the development of type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Intraportal insulin infusions (pulsatile, constant, or reproducing that in T2DM) indicated that the pattern of pulsatile insulin secretion delivered via the portal vein is important for hepatic insulin action and, therefore, presumably for hepatic insulin signaling. To test this, we examined hepatic insulin signaling in rat livers exposed to the same three patterns of portal vein insulin delivery by use of sequential liver biopsies in anesthetized rats. Intraportal delivery of insulin in a constant versus pulsatile pattern led to delayed and impaired activation of hepatic insulin receptor substrate (IRS)-1 and IRS-2 signaling, impaired activation of downstream insulin signaling effector molecules AKT and Foxo1, and decreased expression of glucokinase (Gck). We further established that hepatic Gck expression is decreased in the HIP rat model of T2DM, a defect that correlated with a progressive defect of pulsatile insulin secretion. We conclude that the physiological pulsatile pattern of insulin delivery is important in hepatic insulin signaling and glycemic control. Hepatic insulin resistance in diabetes is likely in part due to impaired pulsatile insulin secretion.
Mechanisms Involved in the Development and Healing of Diabetic Foot Ulceration
Authors: Dinh Thanh , Tecilazich Francesco , Kafanas Antonios , Doupis John , Gnardellis Charalambos , Leal Ermelindo , Tellechea Ana , Pradhan Leena , Lyons Thomas E. , Giurini John M. , Veves Aristidis
Published: June 2012

We examined the role of vascular function and inflammation in the development and failure to heal diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs). We followed 104 diabetic patients for a period of 18.4 ± 10.8 months. At the beginning of the study, we evaluated vascular reactivity and serum inflammatory cytokines and growth factors. DFUs developed in 30 (29%) patients. DFU patients had more severe neuropathy, higher white blood cell count, and lower endothelium-dependent and -independent vasodilation in the macrocirculation. Complete ulcer healing was achieved in 16 (53%) patients, whereas 13 (47%) patients did not heal. There were no differences in the above parameters between the two groups, but patients whose ulcers failed to heal had higher tumor necrosis factor-α, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, matrix metallopeptidase 9 (MMP-9), and fibroblast growth factor 2 serum levels when compared with those who healed. Skin biopsy analysis showed that compared with control subjects, diabetic patients had increased immune cell infiltration, expression of MMP-9, and protein tyrosine phosphatase-1B (PTP1B), which negatively regulates the signaling of insulin, leptin, and growth factors. We conclude that increased inflammation, expression of MMP-9, PTP1B, and aberrant growth factor levels are the main factors associated with failure to heal DFUs. Targeting these factors may prove helpful in the management of DFUs.
Independent Association Between Obstructive Sleep Apnea Severity and Glycated Hemoglobin in Adults Without Diabetes
Authors: Priou Pascaline , Le Vaillant Marc , Meslier Nicole , Chollet Sylvaine , Masson Philippe , Humeau Marie P. , Pigeanne Thierry , Bizieux-Thaminy Acya , Goupil François , Gagnadoux Frédéric ,   The IRSR Sleep Cohort Group
Published: June 2012

OBJECTIVE

We tested the hypothesis of an independent cross-sectional association between obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) severity and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) in adults without known diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

HbA1c was measured in whole-blood samples from 2,139 patients undergoing nocturnal recording for suspected OSA. Participants with self-reported diabetes, use of diabetes medication, or HbA1c value ≥6.5% were excluded from this study. Our final sample size comprised 1,599 patients.

RESULTS

A dose-response relationship was observed between apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) and the percentage of patients with HbA1c >6.0%, ranging from 10.8% for AHI <5 to 34.2% for AHI ≥50. After adjustment for age, sex, smoking habits, BMI, waist circumference, cardiovascular morbidity, daytime sleepiness, depression, insomnia, sleep duration, and study site, odds ratios (95% CIs) for HbA1c >6.0% were 1 (reference), 1.40 (0.84–2.32), 1.80 (1.19–2.72), 2.02 (1.31–3.14), and 2.96 (1.58–5.54) for AHI values <5, 5 to <15, 15 to <30, 30 to <50, and ≥50, respectively. Increasing hypoxemia during sleep was also independently associated with the odds of HbA1c >6.0%.

CONCLUSIONS

Among adults without known diabetes, increasing OSA severity is independently associated with impaired glucose metabolism, as assessed by higher HbA1c values, which may expose them to higher risks of diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
Crystal growth of organic energetic materials: pentaerythritol tetranitrate
Authors: Zhang Gengxin , Weeks Brandon , Zhang Xin
Published: June 2012

The energy output performance and thermal stability of organic energetic materials have a strong dependence on the porosity, particle morphology, and micro-scale crystal structure. This paper reviews the growth habit of pure pentaerythritol tetranitrate (PETN) crystals and the effect of metal impurities on microcrystal morphology of PETN films. The pure crystal growth shows that PETN molecules diffuse on the surface and nucleate in a two-dimensional layer-by-layer fashion; the final structure is controlled by the deposition flux. Also, the effect of metal cation impurities has a strong impact on the thermal stability and crystal structure, and is dependent on the doping level.
Effects of different fatty acid supplementation on body weight and haematobiochemical parameters in rat
Authors: Rahman MA , Jahan M , Karmaker S , Islam MK
Published: June 2012

The effects of some selected fatty acids supplement on hematobiochemical parameters were studied in rat. A total of twenty rats were randomly assigned into four groups. Group A was considered as control and fed with rat pellet. Group B was treated with 20 mg Soybean oil / kg feed, group C with 20 mg Mustard oil/ kg feed and group D with 20 mg Ghee /kg feed. The mean body weight of group B, C and D of 2nd and 3rd observation (30 and 60 days, respectively) was significantly (P> 0.01) higher compared to group A (Control). The highest body weight was observed in 3rd observation and it was 185.00 ± 2.76 g in group D and the lowest was in control group. TLC value of group D increased significantly (P<0.01) compared to control and was also found higher for group of B and C than that of control. Similar results were found for PCV value. DLC value was significant for none of the groups. The serum cholesterol level of group D increased significantly (P<0.01) but it was also found higher for the groups B and C than that of control. Similar results were found for blood glucose level and Serum Glutamic Pyruvic Transaminase (SGPT) where the values of group D increased significantly (P<0.01) compared to control and the values were also found higher for the groups B and C than that of control. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/ijns.v2i1.10879 International Journal of Natural Sciences (2012), 2(1): 21-25
Physicochemical and microbial water quality of Sylhet city corporation, Bangladesh
Authors: Hoque M , Ahmed S , Alam MJ , Purkayastha M , Belal A , Anwar MA
Published: June 2012

Sylhet City Corporation (SCC) of Bangladesh is supplying water to the Sylhet city dwellers through its distribution network. The quality of water is at risk to deteriorate during its flow through the distribution system and also due to probability of high elemental concentrations in groundwater. To identify such probable water contamination problems; water samples from 20 (out of 27) different wards of the city were analyzed in this study. The parameters analyzed were pH, turbidity, total alkalinity as Calcium carbonate CaCO3, total hardness, iron, manganese, arsenic, chloride, fluoride, MPN (Most Probable Number), total viable count (TVC), coliform and fecal coliform. The study revealed that all the physico-chemical parameters except alkalinity were in the permissible limit. All the samples were found to have total alkalinity as CaCO3 value higher than the WHO and Bangladesh Standards limit. But the water from treatment plant was found to have high turbidity and iron concentration. Analysis of microbial water quality parameters revealed that there was no coliform and fecal coliform contamination. But high value of MPN index and total viable count indicates that there were obvious contamination and chances of contamination by non-fecal pathogens. Finally, it is concluded and recommended that the water treatment facilities of SCC have to be improved, further investigation should be done to identify the non-fecal organisms and the cause of high total viable bacteria should be detected and corrected for the betterment of the city dwellers. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/ijns.v2i1.10881 International Journal of Natural Sciences (2012), 2(1): 33-37
In vitro Mass Propagation of a Ground Orchid - Phaius tancarvilleae (L'Her.) Blume through Shoot Tip Culture
Authors: Pant Bijaya , Shrestha Sumitra
Published: June 2012

High frequency direct shoot proliferation was induced from the shoot tip explants derived from the in vitro grown seedlings of a critically endangered and horticulturally important ground orchid Phaius tancarvilleae (L'Her) Blume. Shoot tip explants cultured on solidified MS with alone or combination of various concentrations of NAA and BAP produced shoots and multiple shoots. The maximum number of healthy shoots was observed on MS with BAP (1.0 mg/l) with an average of 13.3 shoots per culture in 20 weeks; where shoot multiplication was initiated after 4 weeks of culture. Regenerated shoots rooted on MS with various concentrations of NAA, IAA, IBA. MS with NAA (0.5 mg/l) was the most appropriate condition for rooting. The well developed in vitro rooted plantlets were hardened successfully in the potting mixture containing cocopeat and sphagnum moss in the ratio of 2 : 1.   Key words: Mass propagation, Phaius tancarvilleae, shoot multiplication   D. O. I. 10.3329/ptcb.v21i2.10241   Plant Tissue Cult. & Biotech. 21(2): 181-188, 2011 (December)
Combined Effect of Buoyancy Force and Navier Slip on Entropy Generation in a Vertical Porous Channel
Authors: Eegunjobi Adetayo Samuel , Makinde Oluwole Daniel
Published: June 2012

In this paper, we investigate the combined effects of buoyancy force and Navier slip on the entropy generation rate in a vertical porous channel with wall suction/injection. The nonlinear model problem is tackled numerically using Runge–Kutta–Fehlberg method with shooting technique. Both the velocity and temperature profiles are obtained and utilized to compute the entropy generation number. The effects of slip parameter, Brinkmann number, the Peclet number and suction/injection Reynolds number on the fluid velocity, temperature profile, Nusselt number, entropy generation rate and Bejan number are depicted graphically and discussed quantitatively.
Fly Ash-based Geopolymer Lightweight Concrete Using Foaming Agent
Authors: Abdullah Mohd Mustafa Al Bakri , Hussin Kamarudin , Bnhussain Mohamed , Ismail Khairul Nizar , Yahya Zarina , Abdul Razak Rafiza
Published: June 2012

In this paper, we report the results of our investigation on the possibility of producing foam concrete by using a geopolymer system. Class C fly ash was mixed with an alkaline activator solution (a mixture of sodium silicate and NaOH), and foam was added to the geopolymeric mixture to produce lightweight concrete. The NaOH solution was prepared by dilute NaOH pellets with distilled water. The reactives were mixed to produce a homogeneous mixture, which was placed into a 50 mm mold and cured at two different curing temperatures (60 °C and room temperature), for 24 hours. After the curing process, the strengths of the samples were tested on days 1, 7, and 28. The water absorption, porosity, chemical composition, microstructure, XRD and FTIR analyses were studied. The results showed that the sample which was cured at 60 °C (LW2) produced the maximum compressive strength for all tests, (11.03 MPa, 17.59 MPa, and 18.19 MPa) for days 1, 7, and 28, respectively. Also, the water absorption and porosity of LW2 were reduced by 6.78% and 1.22% after 28 days, respectively. The SEM showed that the LW2 sample had a denser matrix than LW1. This was because LW2 was heat cured, which caused the geopolymerization rate to increase, producing a denser matrix. However for LW1, microcracks were present on the surface, which reduced the compressive strength and increased water absorption and porosity.
Nec-1 Enhances Shikonin-Induced Apoptosis in Leukemia Cells by Inhibition of RIP-1 and ERK1/2
Authors: Han Weidong , Xie Jiansheng , Fang Yong , Wang Zhanggui , Pan Hongming
Published: June 2012

Necrostatin-1 (Nec-1) inhibits necroptosis by allosterically inhibiting the kinase activity of receptor-interacting protein 1 (RIP1), which plays a critical role in necroptosis. RIP1 is a crucial adaptor kinase involved in the activation of NF-κB, production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the phosphorylation of mitogen activated protein kinases (MAPKs). NF-κB, ROS and MAPKs all play important roles in apoptotic signaling. Nec-1 was regarded as having no effect on apoptosis. Here, we report that Nec-1 increased the rate of nuclear condensation and caspases activation induced by a low concentration of shikonin (SHK) in HL60, K562 and primary leukemia cells. siRNA-mediated knockdown of RIP1 significantly enhanced shikonin-induced apoptosis in K562 and HL60 cells. Shikonin treatment alone could slightly inhibit the phosphorylation of ERK1/2 in leukemia cells, and the inhibitory effect on ERK1/2 was significantly augmented by Nec-1. We also found that Nec-1 could inhibit NF-κB p65 translocation to the nucleus at a later stage of SHK treatment. In conclusion, we found that Nec-1 can promote shikonin-induced apoptosis in leukemia cells. The mechanism by which Nec-1 sensitizes shikonin-induced apoptosis appears to be the inhibition of RIP1 kinase-dependent phosphorylation of ERK1/2. To our knowledge, this is the first study to document Nec-1 sensitizes cancer cells to apoptosis.
Noise Reduction Potential of Cellular Metals
Authors: Hinze Björn , Rösler Joachim , Lippitz Nicolas
Published: June 2012

Rising numbers of flights and aircrafts cause increasing aircraft noise, resulting in the development of various approaches to change this trend. One approach is the application of metallic liners in the hot gas path of aero-engines. At temperatures of up to 600 °C only metallic or ceramic structures can be used. Due to fatigue loading and the notch effect of the pores, mechanical properties of porous metals are superior to the ones of ceramic structures. Consequently, cellular metals like metallic foams, sintered metals, or sintered metal felts are most promising materials. However, acoustic absorption depends highly on pore morphology and porosity. Therefore, both parameters must be characterized precisely to analyze the correlation between morphology and noise reduction performance. The objective of this study is to analyze the relationship between pore morphology and acoustic absorption performance. The absorber materials are characterized using image processing based on two dimensional microscopy images. The sound absorption properties are measured using an impedance tube. Finally, the correlation of acoustic behavior, pore morphology, and porosity is outlined.
Effect of Frozen Storage on Molecular Weight, Size Distribution and Conformation of Gluten by SAXS and SEC-MALLS
Authors: Zhao Lei , Li Lin , Liu Guo-Qin , Liu Xing-Xun , Li Bing
Published: June 2012

In this study, the effects of frozen (−18 °C) storage time on molecular weight, size distribution, conformation, free amino groups and free sulfhydryl groups of gluten were studied by small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), multi-angle laser light scattering (MALLS) in conjunction with a size exclusion chromatography (SEC) and spectrophotometrically. The results showed that the gluten dissolved in 50 mM acetic acid appeared to be similar to quasi-spherical of the chain conformation and the slope of the conformation plot decreased during the storage. Both the molecular weight and radius of gyration of the frozen gluten decreased with the storage time showing a depolymerization in the high molecular weight fraction of gluten (105 Da ~ 109 Da). Therefore, at constant molecular weight the change of the chain conformation did not show a clear correlation with the storage time. The free amino groups content changed little and the free sulfhydryl groups content of the gluten increased from 9.8 μmol/g for the control to 12.87 μmol/g for 120-day-stored gluten, indicating that the water redistribution and ice recrystallization lead to the breakage of the disulphide bonds and may be one of the reasons for the depolymerization of gluten polymer.
L'acte de nommer : nouvelles perspectives pour le discours médiatique
Authors: Calabrese Steimberg Laura
Published: June 2012

Cet article examine la notion de déférence du point de vue de l’analyse du discours française. Son application au discours médiatique permet d’observer le mécanisme qui sous-tend la nomination d’événements et d’objets de l’actualité, et l’asymétrie qui s’établit entre les différents acteurs (journalistes vs public). Cette asymétrie se trouve à la base de la confiance que le public accorde au discours d’information et fonde la distinction entre un discours spécialisé et un discours spontané. Cependant, la notion de déférence doit être nuancée à la lumière des nouveaux dispositifs d’énonciation de la presse en ligne, qui remettent en cause la distribution traditionnelle des rôles énonciatifs. Loin d’éliminer la notion, nous proposons de l’incorporer à l’analyse des discours médiatiques par le biais d’exemples attestés.
Faire une thèse d'analyse du discours « troisième génération »
Authors: Florea Marie-Laure
Published: June 2012

Cet article s’inscrit dans une double perspective, à cheval entre épistémologie et empirisme : j’y propose en parallèle une présentation de mes recherches et une réflexion sur leur place au sein de l’analyse du discours, en diachronie (je montre comment mon travail se situe par rapport à l’héritage des générations précédentes d’analystes du discours) et en synchronie (je réfléchis à la place de mes recherches par rapport aux différents courants qui se partagent le champ de l’AD contemporaine). Dans un premier temps, je me penche sur la façon dont mes recherches s’inscrivent dans le champ de l’AD, entre appropriation d’un héritage (au travers de la façon de concevoir l’objet de recherche, par le biais du cadre théorique, dans la préoccupation épistémologique) et innovation (notamment grâce au recours à un corpus inédit – les nécrologies de presse –, à la passerelle que je dresse entre linguistique et anthropologie, renouvelant la transdisciplinarité chère à l’AD, et à l’analyse de formes discursives nouvelles telles que la polysémioticité ou le texte tabulaire). Dans une seconde partie, je précise mon positionnement au sein du champ de l’analyse du discours : je revendique une conception étendue et radicale de l’énonciation, que je défends au travers de l’analyse de quelques exemples, qui me permettent de montrer que l’énonciation, loin d’être une composante de la textualité parmi d’autres, peut être envisagée comme une porte d’accès privilégiée au discours, dans la mesure où elle fonctionne en synergie avec l’ensemble des composantes du discours. Je montre enfin au travers du prisme de ma recherche en quoi l’AD contemporaine est susceptible de faire fructifier l’héritage de l’AD en revisitant le paradigme énonciatif, notamment en ce qui concerne le dialogisme, l’interpellation, et la textualité tabulaire.
Discours rapportés et stratégies argumentatives : Royal et Sarkozy lors du débat de l'entre-deux tours
Authors: Sandré Marion
Published: June 2012

Cet article en analyse du discours française propose d’analyser les différences d’utilisation du discours rapporté par Ségolène Royal et Nicolas Sarkozy dans le débat de l’entre-deux tours de l’élection présidentielle française de 2007. Trois types de discours rapporté sont distingués : rapporter son propre discours, rapporter le discours de l’interlocuteur, et rapporter le discours d’un tiers. L’analyse montre comment ces différents procédés discursifs sont utilisés par chacun des candidats et quelles sont les stratégies argumentatives mises en œuvre par ces utilisations. On notera que le premier type de discours rapporté – l’autocitation – est surtout utilisé par Ségolène Royal pour affirmer sa constance et sa détermination : ce procédé citatif entre dans la stratégie de valorisation de son image. Le second type de discours rapporté – citer le discours de l’autre – est utilisé par les deux candidats et répond à deux visées : la visée convergente (être d’accord avec le discours de l’autre) et la visée divergente (s’opposer au discours de l’autre). Ce second objectif est surtout employé par Nicolas Sarkozy, à des fins très polémiques : la stratégie argumentative est clairement de critiquer les positions de l’adversaire. Enfin, le troisième type de discours rapporté – citer le discours d’un tiers – est utilisé par les deux candidats, afin de se positionner par rapport aux discours en circulation lors de la campagne présidentielle. On voit ainsi que les procédés citatifs sont très présents dans le débat et qu’ils sont utilisés différemment par les deux candidats. Les discours rapportés entrent bien dans les stratégies argumentatives propres au genre débat, selon les deux objectifs : autopromotion/critique de l’autre.