bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adult-onset Alexander disease, associated with a mutation in an alternative GFAP transcript, may be phenotypically modulated by a non-neutral HDAC6 variant
Authors: Melchionda Laura , Fang Mingyan , Wang Hairong , Fugnanesi Valeria , Morbin Michela , Liu Xuanzhu , Li Wenyan , Ceccherini Isabella , Farina Laura , Savoiardo Mario , D’Adamo Pio , Zhang Jianguo , Costa Alfredo , Ravaglia Sabrina , Ghezzi Daniele , Zeviani Massimo
Published: May 2013

Background

We studied a family including two half-siblings, sharing the same mother, affected by slowly progressive, adult-onset neurological syndromes. In spite of the diversity of the clinical features, characterized by a mild movement disorder with cognitive impairment in the elder patient, and severe motor-neuron disease (MND) in her half-brother, the brain Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) features were compatible with adult-onset Alexander’s disease (AOAD), suggesting different expression of the same, genetically determined, condition.

Methods

Since mutations in the alpha isoform of glial fibrillary acidic protein, GFAP-α, the only cause so far known of AOAD, were excluded, we applied exome Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) to identify gene variants, which were then functionally validated by molecular characterization of recombinant and patient-derived cells.

Results

Exome-NGS revealed a mutation in a previously neglected GFAP isoform, GFAP-ϵ, which disrupts the GFAP-associated filamentous cytoskeletal meshwork of astrocytoma cells. To shed light on the different clinical features in the two patients, we sought for variants in other genes. The male patient had a mutation, absent in his half-sister, in X-linked histone deacetylase 6, a candidate MND susceptibility gene.

Conclusions

Exome-NGS is an unbiased approach that not only helps identify new disease genes, but may also contribute to elucidate phenotypic expression.
Congenital infection with Anaplasma phagocytophilum in a calf in northern Germany
Authors: Henniger Thomas , Henniger Pauline , Grossmann Thekla , Distl Ottmar , Ganter Martin , von Loewenich Friederike D
Published: May 2013

Anaplasma phagocytophilum is a Gram-negative, obligate intracellular tick-transmitted bacterium that replicates in neutrophils. It causes tick-borne fever (TBF) in sheep and cattle, but also elicits febrile disease in humans as well as in other domestic animals such as dogs, horses, and cats. Although increasingly recognized in Europe, the first laboratory-confirmed case of TBF in cattle from Germany has been published only recently. We here present the unusual case of an intrauterine transmission of A. phagocytophilum in a calf from northern Germany. To our knowledge, this is the first report of such an event occurring under field conditions in cattle.
Comparison of sugar content for ionic liquid pretreated Douglas-fir woodchips and forestry residues
Authors: Socha Aaron M , Plummer Samuel P , Stavila Vitalie , Simmons Blake A , Singh Seema
Published: May 2013

Background

The development of affordable woody biomass feedstocks represents a significant opportunity in the development of cellulosic biofuels. Primary woodchips produced by forest mills are considered an ideal feedstock, but the prices they command on the market are currently too expensive for biorefineries. In comparison, forestry residues represent a potential low-cost input but are considered a more challenging feedstock for sugar production due to complexities in composition and potential contamination arising from soil that may be present. We compare the sugar yields, changes in composition in Douglas-fir woodchips and forestry residues after pretreatment using ionic liquids and enzymatic saccharification in order to determine if this approach can efficiently liberate fermentable sugars.

Results

These samples were either mechanically milled through a 2 mm mesh or pretreated as received with the ionic liquid (IL) 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium acetate [C2mim][OAc] at 120°C and 160°C. IL pretreatment of Douglas-fir woodchips and forestry residues resulted in approximately 71-92% glucose yields after enzymatic saccharification. X-ray diffraction (XRD) showed that the pretreated cellulose was less crystalline after IL pretreatment as compared to untreated control samples. Two-dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (2D-NMR) revealed changes in lignin and hemicellulose structure and composition as a function of pretreatment. Mass balances of sugar and lignin streams for both the Douglas-fir woodchips and forestry residues throughout the pretreatment and enzymatic saccharification processes are presented.

Conclusions

While the highest sugar yields were observed with the Douglas-fir woodchips, reasonably high sugar yields were obtained from forestry residues after ionic liquid pretreatment. Structural changes to lignin, cellulose and hemicellulose in the woodchips and forestry residues of Douglas-fir after [C2mim][OAc] pretreatment are analyzed by XRD and 2D-NMR, and indicate that significant changes occurred. Irrespective of the particle sizes used in this study, ionic liquid pretreatment successfully allowed high glucose yields after enzymatic saccharification. These results indicate that forestry residues may be a more viable feedstock than previously thought for the production of biofuels.
Babesia lengau associated with cerebral and haemolytic babesiosis in two domestic cats
Authors: Bosman Anna-Mari , Oosthuizen Marinda C , Venter Estelle H , Steyl Johan CA , Gous Tertius A , Penzhorn Barend L
Published: May 2013

Background

Although reported sporadically from various countries, feline babesiosis appears to be a significant clinical entity only in South Africa, whereBabesia felisis usually incriminated as the causative agent.Babesia lengau, recently described from asymptomatic cheetahs, has now possibly been incriminated as the causative agent in two severe clinical cases in domestic cats.

Findings

Both cats were euthanisedin extremis. While typical feline babesiosis in South Africa is an afebrile disease with a chronic manifestation, there was acute onset of severe clinical signs in both cats and their body temperatures were above the normal range when they were presented for treatment. Haemolytic anaemia was confirmed in one case. To our knowledge, this is the first report of cerebral babesiosis in cats.

On reverse line blot 18S rDNA PCR products obtained from both cats showed positive hybridization profiles with theB. lengauspecies-specific probe. The two partial parasite 18S rRNA gene sequences obtained, showed high sequence similarity (99.9%) toB. lengau. In a representative tree constructed by the neighbor-joining method using the two-parameter model of Kimura the two obtained partial 18S rDNA sequences and that ofB. lengauformed a monophyletic group withB. conradaeand sequences previously isolated from humans and wildlife in the western USA.

Conclusion

All clinical cases of feline babesiosis in South Africa are not necessarily caused byB. felis. Other piroplasms, e.g.B. lengau, may be incriminated in clinical cases, especially those occurring outside the known endemic area.
Endometriosis of the lung: report of a case and literature review
Authors: Huang Haidong , Li Chen , Zarogoulidis Paul , Darwiche Kaid , Machairiotis Nikolaos , Yang Lixin , Simoff Michael , Celis Eduardo , Zhao Tiejun , Zarogoulidis Konstantinos , Katsikogiannis Nikolaos , Hohenforst-Schmidt Wolfgang , Li Qiang
Published: May 2013

This paper reports a case of endometriosis of the lung in a 29-year-old woman with long-term periodic catamenial hemoptysis. A chest computed tomography image obtained during menstruation revealed a radiographic opaque lesion in the lingular segment of the left superior lobe. During bronchoscopy, bleeding in the mucosa of the distal bronchus of the lingular segment of the left superior lobe was observed. Histopathology subsequent to an exploratory thoracotomy confirmed the diagnosis of endometriosis of the left lung. The 2-year follow-up after lingular lobectomy of the left superior lobe showed no recurrence or complications.
Long-term, up to 18 months, protective effects of the angiotensin II receptor blocker telmisartan on Epirubin-induced inflammation and oxidative stress assessed by serial strain rate
Authors: Dessì Mariele , Madeddu Clelia , Piras Alessandra , Cadeddu Christian , Antoni Giorgia , Mercuro Giuseppe , Mantovani Giovanni
Published: May 2013

Purpose

The primary objective of the present study was to show the long lasting cardioprotective activity, at different time-points, up to 18 month-follow-up, of telmisartan in preserving the systolic function (assessed as Strain Rate-SR) in cancer patients treated with EPI both in the adjuvant and metastatic setting; the secondary objective was to confirm the correlation of the cardioprotective activity of telmisartan with a reduction of inflammation and oxidative stress induced by EPI.

Methods

Phase II single blind placebo-controlled randomized trial. Sample size 50 patients per arm: based on a pre-planned interim analysis for early stopping rules, the study was discontinued for ethical reasons at 49 patients. Cardiovascular disease-free patients with cancer at different sites eligible for EPI-based treatment randomized to: telmisartan n = 25 or placebo n = 24. Echocardiography Tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) strain and strain rate was performed, serum levels of proinflammatory cytokines (IL-6, TNF-α) and oxidative stress (reactive oxygen species, ROS) were assessed at baseline, every 100 mg/m2 EPI dose and at 6-, 12- and 18-month follow-up (FU).

Results

Significant SR peak reduction in both arms was observed at t2 (cumulative dose EPI 200 mg/m2) vs t0. Conversely, at t3, t4, 6-, 12- and 18-month FU SR increased towards normal range in the telmisartan arm, while in the placebo arm SR remained significantly lower. Differences between SR changes in the placebo and telmisartan arm were significant from t3 up to 18 month-FU. IL-6 and ROS increased significantly in the placebo arm at t2 but did not change in the telmisartan arm. A significant (p < 0.05) correlation between changes of SR vs IL-6 and ROS was observed.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that the protective effect of telmisartan is long lasting, probably by ensuring a permanent (at least up to 18-month FU) defense against chronic or late-onset types of anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity.
Lithium ion intercalation mechanism for LiCoPO4 electrode
Authors: Ju Hua , Wu Jun , Xu Yanhui
Published: May 2013

Recently, there exists a discrepancy on the lithium ion de-intercalation mechanism for LiCoPO4 electrode. In the present work, the study was focused upon exploring the origin of this discrepancy by studying the dependence of the impedance spectrum on the state of charge and the carbon content. For the pure LiCoPO4 electrode, the two plateaus in the charge curve are at 4.82 and 4.92 V. We have also studied the variation of electrochemical impedance spectroscopies (EISs) with the state of charge. The EIS measurement has shown that the total interfacial resistance increases as the state of charge increases for the pure LiCoPO4 electrode. If higher content of sucrose was added in the precursor (this implies higher carbon content in the synthesized sample), only one potential plateau can be found in the charge curve. For this electrode, the total interfacial resistance decreases with the state of charge. Especially, the total interfacial resistance has a dramatic decrease when the state of charge increases from 20% to 40%. It is believed that the influence of carbon impurity on the variation tendency of the EIS pattern may reflect the change of the fine structure. For the pure LiCoPO4 electrode, the intermediate phase is Li0.20~0.45CoPO4.
Teamwork: the art of being a leader and a team player
Authors: Jenkinson Josie , Oakley Clare , Mason Fiona
Published: May 2013

The development of the concept of clinical leadership over the past 5 years, in conjunction with an ever-increasing emphasis on its importance in the medical world, has led to an explosion of reviews, resources, fellowships and other academic programmes in this area. Arguably, with the focus on clinicians as individual leaders, teamworking is a fundamental aspect of effective clinical leadership that has perhaps received less attention. This article explores aspects of leadership in the team setting and covers theories and concepts relating to team dynamics, team roles and functioning. This is with a view to providing clinicians with a sound knowledge base in this area, increased understanding of issues they may face in their own clinical teams, and ideas and tools to help increase team effectiveness.
Post-traumatic stress disorder: new directions in pharmacotherapy
Authors: Green Ben
Published: May 2013

As many as 10% of the population experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) at some time in their lives. It often runs a severe, chronic and treatment-resistant course. This article reviews the evidence base for typically recommended treatments such as cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). It tabulates the major randomised controlled trials of SSRIs and trauma-focused CBT and reviews research on novel treatments such as ketamine, MDMA, quetiapine, propranolol and prazosin.
The future of academic psychiatry may be social
Authors: Priebe Stefan , Burns Tom , Craig Tom K. J.
Published: May 2013

The past 30 years have produced no discoveries leading to major changes in
psychiatric practice. The rules regulating research and a dominant
neurobiological paradigm may both have stifled creativity. Embracing a
social paradigm could generate real progress and, simultaneously, make the
profession more attractive.
Is mainstreaming always the answer? The social and economic development of service user communities
Authors: Mandiberg James M. , Warner Richard
Published: May 2013

The community placement of people with serious mental illness has focused on assimilation. The broad community, however, seems largely unwilling to support and include them. The result is programmes to help people maintain their community lives mainly through the support of formal mental health services. The social and economic development of ‘identity communities' of people with serious mental illness is an alternative model to assimilation. An identity community consists of people with shared interests, beliefs, experiences or needs which affect the identity of the participants and the cohesiveness of the group. Such communities can be economically sustainable and offer members more ways of having meaningful lives. Examples of this recovery-friendly approach are provided as a viable way of enhancing community support without additional expense.
Genome-wide Association of Single-Nucleotide Polymorphisms With Weight Loss Outcomes After Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass Surgery
Authors: Rinella Erica S. , Still Christopher , Shao Yongzhao , Wood G. Craig , Chu Xin , Salerno Brenda , Gerhard Glenn S. , Ostrer Harry
Published: May 2013

Context:

Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) is among the most effective treatments for extreme obesity and obesity-related complications. However, despite its potential efficacy, many patients do not achieve and/or maintain sufficient weight loss.

Objective:

Our objective was to identify genetic factors underlying the variability in weight loss outcomes after RYGB surgery.

Design:

We conducted a genome-wide association study using a 2-stage phenotypic extreme study design.

Setting:

Patients were recruited from a comprehensive weight loss program at an integrated health system.

Patients:

Eighty-six obese (body mass index >35 kg/m2) patients who had the least percent excess body weight loss (%EBWL) and 89 patients who had the most %EBWL at 2 years after surgery were genotyped using Affymetrix version 6.0 single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) arrays. A second group from the same cohort consisting of 164 patients in the lower quartile of %EBWL and 169 from the upper quartile were selected for evaluation of candidate regions using custom SNP arrays.

Intervention:

We performed RYGB surgery.

Main Outcome Measures:

We assessed %EBWL at 2 years after RYGB and SNPs.

Results:

We identified 111 SNPs in the first-stage analysis whose frequencies were significantly different between 2 phenotypic extremes of weight loss (allelic χ2 test P < .0001). Linear regression of %EBWL at 2 years after surgery revealed 17 SNPs that approach P < .05 in the validation stage and cluster in or near several genes with potential biological relevance including PKHD1, HTR1A, NMBR, and IGF1R.

Conclusions:

This is the first genome-wide association study of weight loss response to RYGB. Variation in weight loss outcomes after RYGB may be influenced by several common genetic variants.
Joint Effect of Insulin Signaling Genes on Insulin Secretion and Glucose
Homeostasis
Authors: Prudente Sabrina , Morini Eleonora , Marselli Lorella , Baratta Roberto , Copetti Massimiliano , Mendonca Christine , Andreozzi Francesco , Chandalia Manisha , Pellegrini Fabio , Bailetti Diego , Alberico Federica , Shah Hetal , Abate Nicola , Sesti Giorgio , Frittitta Lucia , Marchetti Piero , Doria Alessandro , Trischitta Vincenzo
Published: May 2013

Context:

Reduced insulin signaling in insulin secreting β-cells causes defective insulin secretion and hyperglycemia in mice.

Objective:

We investigated whether functional polymorphisms affecting insulin signaling (ie, ENPP1 K121Q, rs1044498; IRS1 G972R, rs1801278; and TRIB3 Q84R, rs2295490) exert a joint effect on insulin secretion and abnormal glucose homeostasis (AGH).

Design:

Insulin secretion was evaluated by 1) the disposition index (DI) from an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) in 829 individuals; 2) insulin secretion stimulation index (SI) in islets from nondiabetic donors after glucose (n = 92) or glibenclamide (n = 89) stimulation. AGH (including impaired fasting glucose and/or impaired glucose tolerance or type 2 diabetes; T2D) was evaluated in case-control studies from the GENetics of Type 2 Diabetes in Italy and the United States (GENIUS T2D) Consortium (n = 6607).

Results:

Genotype risk score, obtained by totaling individual weighted risk allele effects, was associated with the following: 1) DI (P = .005); 2) glucose and glibenclamide SI (P = .046 and P = .009); or 3) AGH (odds ratio 1.08, 95% confidence interval 1.03–1.13; P = .001). We observed an inverse relationship between genetic effect and age at AGH onset, as indicated by a linear correlation between AGH-genotype risk score odds ratios and age-at-diagnosis cutoffs (R2 = 0.80, P < .001).

Conclusions:

Functional polymorphisms affecting insulin signaling exert a joint effect on both in vivo and in vitro insulin secretion as well as on early-onset AGH. Our data provide further evidence that abnormal insulin signaling reduces β-cell function and impairs glucose homeostasis.
“They Cannot Come and Impose on Us”
Authors: Armijos Maria Teresa
Published: May 2013

This article examines the way that indigenous communities in rural areas of highland Ecuador have been able to contest and take advantage of changes in state policies on water resource management. Using archival material, it shows how elite views of indigenous peoples as backward and dirty, developed during the early twentieth century, influenced policies to improve health and sanitation in the Andean region. This review shows that in the effort to expand services to rural areas, the state, perhaps unintentionally, introduced a set of local and autonomous institutions, Drinking Water User Associations, to manage potable water systems at the communal level. Drawing on ethnographic research conducted in Otavalo, Ecuador, the article argues that today highland communities use these same institutional arrangements of water management to exert autonomy over their resources and territories.
Premodern Streams of Thought in Twenty-First-Century Water Management
Authors: Morgan Ruth A. , Smith James L.
Published: May 2013

In the context of the global water crisis, we seek an understanding of the histories of water management, their fashioning, and their legacy today. We juxtapose temporally diverse narratives to explore the premodern imaginings that have shaped our inheritance of hydrological thought. Rather than conceptualize their historical influence as a linear progression of ideas, from the primitive and magical giving way to modern religions and then to rational and empiricist sciences, we suggest a fluidity of hydrological thought whereby the sacred and the profane eddy and flow together over time. This article attempts to navigate these currents through an examination of how Western religious and scientific, spiritual and instrumentalist, worlds of water have together guided hydrological imaginings and interventions for more than two thousand years. It specifically analyzes the deployment of these imaginings to frame efforts to control water and waterscapes, as well as bodies and societies since antiquity. The interactions of these worlds of water have produced, we contend, a vast reservoir of influence upon water management in the twenty-first century.
Bolivia's Next Water War
Authors: Fabricant Nicole , Hicks Kathryn
Published: May 2013

Bolivian social movements have received considerable international attention for their successful antiprivatization protests in recent years. In particular, residents in the cities of Cochabamba and, later, El Alto successfully mobilized to reverse water concessions that prioritized private profit over water access. These protests represent an important first step in developing a more just means of water governance, but they did not help address many of the issues that led to privatization in the first place including increasing water scarcity due to climate change. In this article, we sketch the history of water concessions in Bolivia and the movements born out of the extreme social and economic costs of water privatization. Next, we discuss the ongoing difficulties that social movement actors face in their efforts to reclaim water rights and build municipal water structures based upon the principles of social justice and conservation. Finally, we examine the possibility of collaboration between ex – “water warriors,” largely from urban and periurban areas, and the largely rural activists focused on managing the effects of global warming.
The Global Water Crisis
Authors: Loomis Erik
Published: May 2013

This piece reviews four recent films — three documentaries and a feature film — that focus on issues of water privatization. Western governments and the World Bank have pressed water privatization on nations in the developing world, often to the detriment of residents. Companies have provided poor service at high prices and have created social conflict in communities between those whose do and do not have access to clean water. The films focus heavily on resistance to the water companies, from people illegally tapping into water mains to the 2000 resistance movement in Cochabamba, Bolivia, that forced the government to cancel a privatization contract.
Natural Resources and Local Communities: Evidence from a Peruvian Gold Mine
Authors: Aragón Fernando M , Rud Juan Pablo
Published: May 2013

This paper examines the local economic impact of Yanacocha, a large gold mine in Northern Peru. Using annual household data from 1997 to 2006, we find evidence of a positive effect of the mine's demand for local inputs on real income. The effects are only present in the supply market and surrounding areas, and reach unskilled workers in non-mining sectors. Consistent with a general equilibrium framework, we also find an increase in the local price of nontradable goods. Taken together, our results underline the potential of backward linkages from extractive industries to create positive spillovers in less developed economies. (JEL L72, O13, O18, Q32, Q33, R11)
Evaluating US Fuel Economy Standards in a Model with Producer and Household Heterogeneity
Authors: Jacobsen Mark R
Published: May 2013

This paper employs an empirically estimated model to study the equilibrium effects of an increase in the US corporate average fuel economy (CAFE) standards. I identify and model heterogeneity across firms and find that the profit impacts of CAFE fall almost entirely on domestic producers. The welfare analyses consider the simultaneous household decision of vehicle and miles traveled, allowing direct comparison with a gasoline tax. Finally, I consider dynamic impacts in the used car market. I find these comprise nearly half the gross welfare cost of CAFE and fall disproportionately on low-income households. Contrary to previous results, the overall welfare costs are regressive. (JEL H24, L51, L62)
Improving College Performance and Retention the Easy Way: Unpacking the ACT Exam
Authors: Bettinger Eric P , Evans Brent J , Pope Devin G
Published: May 2013

Improving college performance and retention can be difficult. We propose a simple and low-cost change in the way colleges use the ACT exam in their admission decisions that can greatly increase their ability to identify students at a high risk of underperforming and dropping out. Specifically, we show that only two of the four subtests of the ACT, English and Mathematics, can effectively predict outcomes in college. This result is robust across various samples, specifications and outcome measures. We demonstrate that by eliminating the noise associated with the two nonpredictive subtests, student-college matches can be significantly improved. (JEL I23)
Can Owning a Home Hedge the Risk of Moving?
Authors: Sinai Todd , Souleles Nicholas
Published: May 2013

For households that face a possibility of moving across MSAs, the risk of home owning depends on the covariance of the sale prices of their current houses with the purchase prices of their likely future houses. We find empirically that households tend to move between highly correlated MSAs, significantly increasing the distribution of expected correlations in real house price growth across MSAs, and so raising the “moving-hedge” value of owning. Own/rent decisions are sensitive to this hedging value, with households being more likely to own when their hedging value is greater due to higher expected correlations and likelihoods of moving. JEL (D14, R21, R23, R31)
The Contagion Effect of Neighboring Foreclosures
Authors: Towe Charles , Lawley Chad
Published: May 2013

We examine the contagion effect of residential foreclosures and find strong evidence of a social interactions influence on default decisions where the interaction is based on neighbors' behavior in a previous period. Using a unique spatially explicit parcel-level dataset documenting residential foreclosures in Maryland for the years 2006–2009 and a highly localized neighborhood definition, based on 13 nearest neighbors, we find that a neighbor in foreclosure increases the hazard of additional defaults by 18 percent. This feedback effect goes beyond a temporary reduction in local house prices and implies a negative social multiplier effect of foreclosures. (JEL R23, R31)
Does Less Income Mean Less Representation?
Authors: Brunner Eric , Ross Stephen L , Washington Ebonya
Published: May 2013

We assemble a novel dataset of matched legislative and constituent votes and demonstrate that less income does not mean less representation. We show: (i) The opinions of high- and low-income voters are highly correlated; the legislator's vote often reflects the desire of both. (ii) What differences in representation by income exist vary by legislator party. Republicans more often vote the will of their higher income over their lower income constituents; Democratic legislators do the reverse. (iii) Differences in representation by income are largely explained by the correlation between constituent income and party affiliation. (JEL D31, D72)
Multi-Product Firms and Exchange Rate Fluctuations
Authors: Chatterjee Arpita , Dix-Carneiro Rafael , Vichyanond Jade
Published: May 2013

This paper studies the effect of exchange rate shocks on export behavior of multi-product firms. We provide a theoretical framework illustrating how firms adjust their prices, quantities, product scope, and sales distribution across products in the event of exchange rate fluctuations. In response to a real exchange rate depreciation, firms increase markups for all products, but markup increases decline with firm-product-specific marginal costs of production. We find robust evidence for our theoretical predictions using Brazilian customs data containing destination-specific and product-specific export sales and quantities. The sample period covers the years 1997–2006, during which Brazil experienced a series of drastic currency fluctuations. (JEL F14, F31, F33, O19, O24)
The Oil Age in Perspective
Authors: Campbell C.J.
Published: May 2013

The early human societies living on the Planet had to store food between harvests and keep accounts, which laid the foundations for banking and finance, but if they exhausted the fertility of their soil they either withered away or conquered other lands. Religions played an important part in controlling the societies but there were many wars as empires waxed and waned. Seen in a historical setting, the Oil Age, which opened only about 150 years ago, is an exceptional epoch when energy from petroleum fuelled the rapid expansion of industry, transport, trade and agriculture, allowing the human population to grow six-fold in parallel. But oil and gas are finite resources subject to depletion, meaning that the rising production of the past will be matched by a corresponding decline in the future. The status of depletion is hard to estimate as public data are unreliable but the evidence suggests that the Second Half of the Oil Age dawns. The transition threatens to be a time of great tension, especially in the oil-rich Middle East, but there is much that can be done to plan and prepare for the changed circumstances, once people and their governments come to understand that depletion is imposed by Nature.
Studies on Main Factor Coupling and Its Control on Coalbed Methane Accumulation in the Qinshui Basin
Authors: Wang Bo , Xu Fengyin , Jiang Bo , Chen Weiyin , Li Ming , Wang Linlin
Published: May 2013

There are many factors controlling coalbed methane (CBM) accumulation. So, it is fundamental for CBM exploration and development to identify these factors and investigate their control mechanism. Through statistical analysis of experimental and field test data, the basin tectonic evolution, sedimentary environments and hydrodynamic conditions are comprehensively analyzed, and the gas control mechanism of three main factors (structure, sedimentation and hydrodynamic force) is discussed. Results show that the tectonic evolutions complicated the process of CBM reservoir formation. Multi-episode tectonic stress fields with different features reform the physical properties of coal seams that make areas with high structural principal stress difference convert to high permeability reservoir areas. The mudstone cap rock develops well in shallow water delta system. The coal seams are thick and distributed stably in deltaic plain swamp, and their abundant vitrinite, micropores and strong adsorption capacity are favorable for CBM accumulation. Appropriate hydrodynamic condition may carry secondary biological gas into the gas reservoir to supply gas source, and it is also the main force of methane carbon-isotope fractionation during CBM drainage and production. The methane carbon-isotope fractionation is available to identify the yield stability of CBM well.
A Comparison of Accuracy and Computational Time for Common and Artificial Methods in Predicting Minimum Miscibility Pressure
Authors: Ameri M.J. , Fard M. Shegheft , Akbari M.R. , Zamanzadeh S.M. , Nasiri E.
Published: May 2013

Minimum miscibility pressure is the least required pressure for complete mixing of gas and oil in the reservoir conditions. It is an important parameter in the processes of gas injection in a miscible manner and its precise determination is very vital in choosing the type of injecting gas and planning injecting equipment for increasing the recovery efficiency. The common method is determining MMP in slim tube or 1-D simulation of slim tube. Usually determining the minimum miscibility pressure via slim tube apparatus is an expensive and time-consuming test and to carry it out it is necessary to have a sample of reservoir oil and suggested injecting gas. Occasionally it is possible that for some unknown reasons despite spending much time and money it won't bring up any result. As a result, for determining this parameter, finding another method which has a higher precision in addition to being swift and less expensive is very necessary. On the other hand, there are several simulation methods to determine minimum miscibility pressure. These methods are so fast rather than slim tube experiment and relatively precise. MMP can be estimated numerically using compositional simulation, method of characteristics (MOC), mixing-cell methods, intelligent methods, and empirical correlations. However, nowadays one dimensional (1-D) slim tube simulation based on compositional simulation is very common. In this paper a suggestive method is proposed for determining MMP. A mixing rule method coupled with artificial neural network model (ANN) based on a numerous experiment data. Accuracy and computational time of artificial neural network method were compared to common prior models and correlations. The results show although intelligent methods are so fast, 1-D slim tube simulation is still a proper method to determine MMP in high accuracy. Average absolute relative error for MMP value is 1.5% for 1-D slim tube simulation, while the number for ANN is 3.25%. However, ANN method is recommended for fast MMP estimation.
Numerical Simulation on the Dynamic Variation of Reservoir Pressure of Typical Coalbed Methane Single Well and Well Net Group—A Case Study on QN01 Well in the Southern Qinshui Basin, China
Authors: Zou Mingjun , Wei Chongtao , Li Laicheng , Yang Yongguo , Lei Bo
Published: May 2013

Based on the geological data and drainage parameters of QN01 coalbed methane (CBM) well which is located at the southern Qinshui Basin, by using CBM reservoir numerical modeling technology, 15 years' gas recoverability is predicted and the dynamic variation of reservoir pressure is studied for both QN01 well and an assumed 300 × 300m well net group by using the same parameters as QN01 well. The results show that for single well, within the first 300 days, gas recoverability is similar everywhere in the gas supply area and the dropping rates of reservoir pressure are all below 1 KPa/d. Further more, the region more than 120 m away from the well bore hole is not beneficial for gas recoverability. For well net group, dropping rates of reservoir pressure are higher than 1 KPa/d. With the increase of the distance to the well bore hole, gas outcomes more and more in the gas supply area. Similarly, the “secondary reservoir pressure dropping” caused by the well interference in the well net group has a positive correlation with the distance to the well bore hole, and the dropping rates of reservoir pressure of the well net group are approximately twice as large as those of the single well.
Investigation on Inorganic Constituents in Indian Coal and Emission Characteristics of the Particulates (PM2.5 and PM10)
Authors: Saikia Binoy K , Sarmah Mridusmita , Khare Puja , Baruah Bimala P
Published: May 2013

The micro-analysis of the inorganic constituents was performed on a tertiary Indian coal sample using computer-controlled scanning electron microscopy (CCSEM). A laboratory combustion experiment of the coal was also carried out to reveal the emission characteristics of particulate matters (PM2.5 and PM10). The results show the presence of major minerals like clay minerals, quartz, pyrite, and pyrrhotite forming the bulk of the mineral matter including some minor minerals, such as calcite, dolomite, ankerite, barite, oxidised pyrrhotite, and gypsum in the sample. The particle size distribution (PSD) of the included minerals is generally observed to be finer than that of the excluded ones in the coal. As a consequence, the coals rich in included minerals have smaller particles, which may affect its reactivity. The ratio of included to excluded minerals is found to be higher in majority of cases. It is found that Si mostly occurs as quartz and clay minerals, while Al mostly occurs as silicate minerals. Fe is primarily present as iron sulfides, iron oxide, and Fe-Al-silicate. S is partitioned into iron sulfides and gypsum. Most Ca occurs as carbonates and gypsum, with a minor fraction associated with clay minerals. Mg is mainly present as dolomite and clay minerals, with a very minor fraction present as ankerite. The majority of alkali elements are associated with aluminosilicates. P is mostly associated with kaolinite and/or present as more complex compounds containing Al, Si, and other elements as apatite is found to be absent in the coal studied. Ti is mainly present as rutile and kaolinite. The PSD of the individual elements were also determined in the coal by CCSEM data and 73.81 % of sulphur was found to be present as included indicating the high organically bound sulphur in the coal. During combustion, concentration of PM10 was found to be higher than PM2.5. The PMs are observed to contain of many potentially hazardous toxic elements viz. Si, Pb, S, Br, As, Cd, F and Cl.
Design and Manufacturing of Biologically Inspired Micro Aerial Vehicle Wings Using Rapid Prototyping
Authors: Laliberté Jeremy F. , Kraemer Kurtis L. , Dawson Jeff W. , Miyata David
Published: May 2013

Micro Aerial Vehicles (MAVs) are an emerging class of uninhabited aerial vehicle (UAV). Their reduced scale (maximum dimension of approximately 150 mm) provides advantages in terms of advanced mission capabilities, such as wildlife monitoring and urban search and rescue. This introduces the design challenge of flying efficiently at very low Reynolds numbers (e.g. Re<10000). To date, three basic MAV design concepts have been developed: fixed, rotary and flapping wings. Each approach has been met with limited success due to gust stability, flight control and propulsive efficiency. The design of both fixed and rotary wing aircraft is relatively mature, whereas flapping wing design is in its infancy and therefore its viability cannot yet be assessed. Nonetheless flapping wing MAVs have the potential to offer advantages such as stealth, manoeuvrability, and improved propulsive efficiencies. This paper focuses on the challenging problem of the manufacture and testing of flapping wings for MAVs. A review of the current state of flapping wing aerodynamics, manufacturing, and wing structures is provided. A detailed assessment of the aerodynamic performance of flexible MAV-scale wings was carried out. Aerodynamic force measurements were collected using a spin rig to assess the effect of design details on lift generation. It was found that a simple three-vein wing structure manufactured using a fused filament fabrication 3D printer could produce lift forces close to those of natural insect wings. The lift and stall performance was found to be sensitive to chordwise stiffness by testing wings without veins. These results demonstrate that it is possible to produce low cost biologically inspired wings with aerodynamic performance equal to or better than natural wings – a critical step on the path to a functional and practical flapping wing MAV.
Experimental Structural Dynamic Characterization of the Hawkmoth (Manduca Sexta) Forewing
Authors: Norris Aaron G. , Palazotto Anthony N. , Cobb Richard G.
Published: May 2013

While many bio-inspired flapping wing micro air vehicle wing designs continue to be conceived and studied in earnest, a general consensus of which physical attributes of the biological entity are important for flight is still at-large. It is proposed herein that the eigenstructure of the wing should figure prominently among rigorous engineering metrics for guiding flapping wing micro air vehicle wing designs at the scales of large insects. With virtually no compelling work done in this area to date, the method and results of system identification tests for the forewings of a representative sample of hawkmoth ( Manduca Sexta) are presented, revealing the underlying structural nature of this incredibly agile flyer's wings. Despite their inherent biological variability, these wings show very little variability in eigenstructure which may suggest it as a critical attribute for robust flight. Further supporting this hypothesis, the wings of four other insect species are briefly examined and show remarkable similarity with the hawkmoth wing's eigenstructure.
Graphical Representation and Interpretation Method for Surveying Masonry Structures: Semantically Enriched 2.5D Textures
Authors: Cappellini V. , Stefani C. , Nony N. , De Luca L.
Published: May 2013

Starting from the stratigraphic method for archaeological data representation, the paper presents a methodological approach based on the creation of a new semantic tool suitable for supporting archaeologists in the stages of 3D data management and stratigraphic analysis, namely semantically enriched 2.5D textures. This kind of representation consists in a streamlined model obtained from the combination of depth maps and orthophotos drawn from 3D photogrammetric surveying and modelling. Moreover, it is enriched by semantic aspects concerning the roman opus. The development of this tool is useful for many reasons, such as: containing all metric information, combining the use of 3D survey instrumentation with semantic aspects, assuring a realistic representation of stratigraphic annotations, establishing the relation between semantic rules and an interpretive model, and connecting preliminary stratigraphic data to a graphical interface conceived for semantic annotations of patterns. The possibility of using photogrammetric surveying in order to have an accurate geometrical image of current artefact status allows the identification of masonry structure typology as well as its association with attributes that permit the quantification and qualification of the roman opus. This approach will be described through the case study of masonry structures at the archaeological sites of the mediterranean area (ie. Pompeii, Scolacium).
Exploring the Affective Museum Visiting Experience: Adaptive Augmented Reality (A2R) and Cultural Heritage
Authors: Damala A. , Schuchert T. , Rodriguez I. , Moragues J. , Gilleade K. , Stojanovic N.
Published: May 2013

Providing engaging interpretation resources for museum and gallery visitors may have a great impact on the overall museum visiting experience all by assisting museums in maintaining long-term relationships with their public. This paper focuses on the ways through which AR can be employed in museum and gallery settings as an interpretation medium. It also introduces a new generation of multimedia guides for the museum visit inspired by the concept of Adaptive Augmented Reality (A2R). Adaptive Augmented Reality (A2R) provides visual and acoustic augmentations that come to supplement the artefact or site viewed by a museum or gallery visitor and monitors the cognitive and affective impact of all interactions of the museum visitor both with the physical and the digital environment. The ultimate goal is to make every museum visit unique, by tailoring an Augmented Reality visit with contents that are susceptible to increase the affective impact of the augmented museum visiting experience and hence encourage intrinsic and self-motivated learning.
A Repository Infrastructure for Working with 3D Assets in Cultural Heritage
Authors: Pan Xueming , Schröttner Martin , Havemann Sven , Schiffer Thomas , Berndt René , Hecher Martin , Fellner Dieter W.
Published: May 2013

The development of a European market for digital cultural heritage assets is impeded by the lack of a suitable digital marketplace, i.e., a commonly accepted exchange platform for digital assets. We have developed the technology for such a platform over the last two years: The 3D-COFORM Repository Infrastructure (RI) is a secure content management infrastructure for the distributed processing of large-volume datasets. Three of the key features of this system are (1) owners have complete control over their data, (2) binary data must have attached metadata, and (3) processing histories are documented. Our system can support the complete production pipeline for digital assets from data acquisition (photo, 3D scan) over processing (cleaning, hole filling) to interactive presentation and content delivery over the internet. In this paper we present the components of the system and their interplay. One particular focus of the software development was to make it as easy as possible to connect client-side applications to the RI. Therefore we present the RI-API in some detail and present several RI-enabled client-side applications that use it.
Modeling the Past for Scholars and the Public
Authors: Smith Joanna S. , Rusinkiewicz Szymon M.
Published: May 2013

The research and educational project, Modeling the Past, aims to create virtual 3-D walkthroughs of buildings found in the Princeton University excavations at Polis Chrysochous, Cyprus. Going beyond static models, the challenge is to find appropriate visual metaphors for conveying uncertainty and change that are understandable by the public and useful for scholars. The four structures modeled so far date from the Cypro-Archaic period beginning in the 7th century BCE to the Late Antique period of the 7th century CE. The impetus for the project was a special exhibition about the excavations. Work completed so far is the result of a joint Computer Science and Art and Archaeology seminar in the spring of 2012. Students created digital reconstructions, which included 3-D scans of objects, for a computer-animated movie displayed at the exhibition. Long-term goals are to complement the permanent exhibition of objects in Cyprus and to create interactive web applications.
Expectant fathers’ knowledge of maternal morbidity: a Sri Lankan experience
Authors: Weekrakkody Amaya , Weerasinghe Gihan M , Weerasinghe Mayumi P , Weerasekara Gayan L , Agampodi Suneth B
Published: May 2013

Background: Male partners play an important and vital role in the decision-making process regarding pregnant women’s health. The purpose of the present study was to assess the knowledge and awareness of expectant fathers about Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM), Pregnancy Induced Hypertension (PIH), and anaemia during pregnancy.

Methods: A cross sectional descriptive study was carried out among expectant fathers whose partners were attending antenatal clinics at the Anuradhapura Teaching Hospital, Sri Lanka. All consenting participants were interviewed by investigators using an interviewer administered questionnaire to collect data on knowledge of risk factors, symptoms, complications and their control. Statistical analysis was performed using the Kruskal Wallis test. 

Results: Of the 246 expectant fathers studied, 192 (78%) were aware of GDM, 183 (74.4%) and 154 (62.6%) were aware of PIH and anaemia during pregnancy, respectively. The total number of answers provided by expectant fathers ranged from 0 to 33 (of 41 questions). There were 44 fathers who could not answer even a single question. For GDM, anaemia, and PIH, the percentages of expectant fathers who failed to provide at least a single correct answer were 24.8%, 40.2%, and 31.3%, respectively. The median number of total correct answers provided increased steadily along with the average income (chi-square 31.24, p<0.001) and educational level (chi-square 33.57, p<0.001). Expectant fathers in the 25-34 age group had significantly higher scores, compared to younger and older fathers (chi-square 15.11, p=0.001). Fathers experiencing the second pregnancy of their spouses also had higher scores.

Conclusions: Expectant father’s knowledge of the selected morbidities was limited. To improve maternal health, any health promotional programmes should include expectant fathers.