bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Real Time Drilling Data Analysis: Building Blocks for the Definition of a Problem Anticipation Methodology
Authors: Gandelman R. A. , Martins A. L. , Teixeira G. T. , Waldmann A. T. , Aragão A. F. , Mari A. D. , Strugata V. A. , Rezende M. S.
Published: February 2010

The drilling industry has invested a lot, in the recent years, in the development of tools to measure and transmit real time drilling data. These technologies enabled obvious gains in wellbore orientation and navigation besides providing useful alerts of downhole conditions. There is a common sense among operators, however, that there is a misuse of such data in anticipating and remediating drilling problems. Pressure while drilling (PWD) data, for instance, is used in a subjective manner and interpretation depends a lot on the operator philosophy. The correct interpretation of PWD data is a powerful tool to identify and avoid problems, reducing operational risks, time and costs, especially in deep and ultra-deepwaters.

This article deals with the construction of an integrated methodology aiming the diagnosis and anticipation of drilling problems before they occur. The philosophy is to consider the wellbore, the reservoir vicinity and the drillstring as an integrated domain to be inspected, as a doctor would analyze a human being, considering body and mind. The drilling fluid which flows through all the portions of the domain, behaves as the human blood and its local pressures may reflect symptom of any abnormal behavior. In this way, pressure analysis would constitute the central core of the diagnosis system. Pressure analysis depends on several aspects, including solids segregation and loading, surge/swab effects, gel breaking, temperature and pressure dependency on fluid properties, etc.

The system, however, requires more information to help in the diagnosis task: that is where the several additional blocks coupled with the central core provide additional aid. Geopressures, torque & drag, temperature profiles, wellbore stability etc are different aspects to be considered.
Can Aluminum Drill Pipe Extend the Operating Envelope for ERD Projects?
Authors: Jenkins Mark , Rodriguez Alejandro Castro , Linke Christian , Mader Georg , Davies Mark J.
Published: February 2010

One of the many challenges for the industry is how to extend the limits from rig capacities without significantly increasing cost; this is a perpetual problem which will continue to challenge the industry as the perceived norms for well designs are driven forward, with the need to tap into ever deeper and more distant targets. A way to address this challenge is to use a lighter drill string.

The objective of this investigation was to determine whether, by reducing string weight and changing the material properties of the drill string it is possible to extend the operational envelope of the drilling rig; without having a detrimental impact on the drilling process. A field testing program was carried out on a full-scale experimental drilling rig in Oklahoma, USA. To test this hypothesis, steel drill pipe (SDP) was exchanged for aluminum drill pipe (ADP). By utilizing this methodology, it is possible to greatly reduce the weight of the drill string without significantly reducing its mechanical integrity.

Two representative, well-known geological sections on separate wells were drilled with a string containing ADP. Extensive surface and downhole datasets were obtained on these wells. Dynamic drilling data was recorded at three discrete points along the drill string. At two of these three points, mechanical drilling data was also collected.

An advanced modeling package was used during the planning phase of these wells and during the post-drilling analysis of the datasets. Through interpretation of the results from the testing program and by extensive modeling, it was possible to extrapolate the extent to which the operating envelope may be extended. These models were then used to challenge Extended Reach Drilling (ERD) profiles and investigate if the drilling envelope could be extended by applying ADP to future projects.
Particle Size Distribution Improves Casing-While-Drilling Wellbore- Strengthening Results
Authors: Watts R. D. , Greener M. R. , McKeever S. , Scott P. D. , Beardmore D.
Published: February 2010

This paper describes the application of particle size distribution principles for determining materials to be added to the mud system during casing while drilling operations. Casing while drilling (CwD) has been demonstrated to stop or significantly reduce lost circulation and improve wellbore strength. The mechanism by which this improvement occurs is not understood, however the results from this work significantly advance what is needed to get repeatable results.

If wellbore strengthening can be systematically achieved, then wells can be drilled in known loss areas without contingency strings of casing. In addition, wells drilled in mature fields, where producing horizons have altered pressures either from depletion or pressure maintenance, can be drilled with fewer casing strings. Sidetracks become economical because hole size can be preserved for an effective completion and well costs are lowered by not using additional liners to reach the objective.

By adding particles to the mud to fill in the particle size distribution, losses to natural fractures were stopped while directional wells were drilled with casing in the Piceance Basin of Colorado. Applying what was learned in a field trial of casing while drilling in the Alaskan Tarn Field, the open hole leak off resistance was improved by 3.0 pound per gallon (ppg) drilling with 7.0 inch casing in a 67 degree angled well. With this success, a four well casing while drilling campaign was executed with two wells drilled each in the Kuparuk and Tarn fields on Alaska's North Slope. Results were positive for 7.0 inch and 7.625 inch casings but wellbore strengthening did not occur sufficiently in the 5.50 inch casing trials. Annular clearance appears to be a critical component to success and is not yet fully understood.

The results demonstrate that a significant improvement in fracture gradient can be achieved with the right clearance between the hole and the casing and the proper sized particles added to the mud system. In addition, the amount of material added has been demonstrated to be as low as two pounds per barrel. With confidence that strengthening can be achieved to the levels of improvement demonstrated, wells can be evaluated with significant cost savings by eliminating casing strings and preserving hole size for completions or further drilling.
New Automated Control System Manages Pressure and Return Flow While Drilling and Cementing Casing in Depleted Onshore Field
Authors: Montilva Julio , Fredericks Paul , Sehsah Ossama
Published: February 2010

Development efforts by Shell in South Texas have focused on technology solutions to eliminate the often encountered troubles drilling through significantly depleted sands to get to over pressured reservoirs below. The limits imposed by those conflicting conditions create narrow windows in which the difference between equivalent circulating density (ECD) and static bottom hole pressure (BHP) can be the difference between lost circulation and influx.

Liner drilling with statically underbalance (SUB) mud is one solution Shell uses in low permeability reservoirs to eliminate lost circulation in part because it eliminates swab and surge effects and heavy trip margins. But by itself that solution doesn't work everywhere. In the McAllen and Pharr fields the amount by which the risk of losses can be reduced with liner drilling is limited because the sands can be more permeable and more likely to flow with SUB mud. For that reason Shell turned to automated managed pressure drilling (MPD) as a solution to drill more permeable reservoirs with SUB mud without influx.

For the past two years Shell has used those complementary solutions in the McAllen-Pharr fields to improve drilling efficiency and reduce costs with mud statically less than pore pressure and constant bottom hole pressure (BHP). Recently, Shell drilled the Bales #7 well in the McAllen Field Wide Unit using a new scaled-down automated MPD system. The lower 700 feet of the 6½ hole was drilled in with 3½ production tubing with 15.7 ppg static mud into a target sand with an expected pore pressure of 15.8 ppg. In that interval the ECD was 16.2 ppg and the fracture gradient was 16.5 ppg which was the narrowest window that Shell has drilled in the McAllen-Pharr area to date.

During casing drilling operations there was a steady flow of drill gas that varied between 1100 and 1400 units. Even with the drill gas the MPD system managed the BHP at a 16.2 ppg set point, +/− 0.18 ppg, without the use of an automated back pressure pump. That allowed Shell to avoid losses and the cost of a 5½ contingency liner drilling operation. In addition, and in the first of its kind application, Shell used the system to manage the BHP while cementing the drilled-in production tubing.

With its smaller footprint, more efficient automated control, and proven ability to manage constant BHP this new MPD system can provide onshore and offshore operators a solution to improve drilling and cementing operations in mature depleted fields.
Advanced Rig Technology: Future Technology subcommittee Report of Activities and Industry Survey
Authors: Springett Frank , Shelton Andy , Swain Jeffrey , Torkay Dustin , Goetz Christopher , Geehan Thomas , Womer Keith , Killalea Mike
Published: February 2010

This paper is intended to report to the industry from the IADC Advanced Rig Technology Committee's Future Technology subcommittee a survey of the industry regarding industry needs for technological development and how they are valued. The paper will include survey results, as well as discuss ongoing committee work.

The group has produced three sets of deliverables to date. First, they have studied a wide range of technologies that have been introduced to the industry, some well-accepted and rapidly adopted, while others have never grown beyond niche technologies, at best. The paper will highlight learnings and assumptions when the group reviewed common factors that may or may not have contributed to their success.

Second, the team developed a future technology needs survey which was distributed to a wide range of individuals representing all segments of the business, including service firms and suppliers, drilling contractors, and operators, with a specific emphasis on the operating community. The results of that survey will be reported and the findings analyzed and discussed to help develop a landscape of perceived future technology needs.

The third deliverable comes from working with the SPE Drilling Systems Automation Technical Section (DSATS) to create a matrix of drilling operations versus drilling issues, such that the direction of automation and optimization can be more clearly defined.

This paper provides data and analysis along with conclusions which highlight methods and working groups in the industry. It shares some of the valuable results with recommendations for the future investments for the industry to consider in the future development of technology. It will highlight typical restricting practices as well as best in class technology introduction paths.
Real-Time Models for Drilling Process Automation: Equations and Applications
Authors: Florence Fred , Iversen Fionn
Published: February 2010

How good are your models? Can they be used to improve your drilling processes? These are questions often posed in relation to real-time model applications, including models integrated with drilling control. Do the models fulfill requirements with regards to accuracy and calculation speed? Can the data be applied by the models to both interpret the state of the process and provide reliable input for calculations? Can the rig equipment be used safely and securely to control the processes? This paper seeks to answer these questions and further elaborate on current activities and near-term challenges in drilling automation. While static models are generally accepted, the use of dynamic models is emerging. In real-time model applications, it has been found that rig equipment analysis is necessary to assess applicability or upgrading requirements.

Controlling machines for drilling operations using outputs from models has been successfully achieved. This paper provides examples of recent developments within drilling automation, drawing from applications of closed-loop control systems in the North Sea. Challenges regarding interpreting state-of-the-process are discussed, with respect to existing rig instrumentation, while examining the need for enhanced surface and downhole sensors. Mathematical models used with the drilling control system must communicate regularly with the drilling process to extract information from sensors and provide updated control commands for automation. How sensor data is applied through models to enable automation functionality is also illustrated.
Death Preparation among the Ethnic Chinese Well-Elderly in Singapore: An Exploratory Study
Authors: Chan Carol K. L. , Yau Matthew K.
Published: February 2010

Death preparation is an important process as it can help the elderly to achieve ego integrity at the last stage of their lives. This study aims to explore how the ethnic Chinese elderly in Singapore approach issues related to death and dying, and to identify factors that influence death preparation. Descriptive surveys with semi-structured interview questions were used. Eight ethnic Chinese older adults, recruited through purposive sampling, were interviewed. Additionally, 4 adults with a deceased parent were also interviewed to validate and complement the earlier identified themes. Results show that the current generation of Chinese elderly in Singapore do not seem to be averse to talking about issues related to death, and those who find it unnecessary to prepare for death seem to be associated with, among other factors, lesser financial assets and a strong belief in filial piety. With increasing affluence and dissolving traditions, it will be beneficial to draw the attention of the current generation of mature adults on early preparation at the final stage of the lifespan.
End-of-Life Concerns and Care Preferences: Congruence among Terminally Ill Elders and Their Family Caregivers
Authors: Gardner Daniel S. , Kramer Betty J.
Published: February 2010

This study examined the end-of-life challenges, concerns, and care preferences of terminally ill elders and their family caregivers, with a focus on areas of congruence and incongruence. Ten elders and 10 family caregivers participated in separate, semi-structured, face-to-face interviews. Data analysis included team coding and thematic analysis, guided by an a priori set of categories based on the study questions. Shared challenges and concerns included experiencing decline, managing pain and discomfort, and living with uncertainty. There was also congruence regarding end-of-life care preferences, specifically the importance of quality care, treatment with dignity and respect, and avoiding unnecessary life-sustaining treatment. Areas of incongruence included the elders' difficulties in accepting dependence, their fears of becoming a burden, and desire to be prepared for death. Family caregivers were most concerned with providing adequate care to meet the elders' physical and spiritual care needs. Open family communication was associated with greater congruence. The authors discuss implications of these findings for research and intervention.
Spermiogenesis and spermatozoon of the tapeworm Parabothriocephalus gracilis (Bothriocephalidea): Ultrastructural and cytochemical studies
Authors: Šípková Lenka , Levron Céline , Freeman Mark , Scholz Tomáš
Published: February 2010

Spermiogenesis and spermatozoon ultrastructure of the tapeworm Parabothriocephalus gracilis were described using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Spermiogenesis is characterized by the formation of a zone of differentiation with two centrioles associated with striated rootlets, and an intercentriolar body between them. The two flagella undergo a rotation of 90° until they become parallel to the median cytoplasmic extension with which they fuse. Electron-dense material is present in the apical region of the zone of differentiation in the early stages of spermiogenesis. This electron-dense material is characteristic for the orders Bothriocephalidea and Diphyllobothriidea. The mature spermatozoon contains two axonemes of the 9 + ‘1’ trepaxonematan pattern, nucleus, parallel cortical microtubules and electron-dense granules of glycogen. The anterior extremity of the spermatozoon exhibits a single helical electron-dense crested body 130 nm thick. One of the most interesting features is the presence of a ring of cortical microtubules surrounding the axoneme. This character has been reported only for species of the order Bothriocephalidea and may be unique in this cestode group.
A new species of Demidospermus Suriano, 1983 (Monogenea, Dactylogyridae) parasitic on Loricariichthys platymetopon Isbrücker et Nijssen (Loricariidae, Siluriformes) from the Upper Paraná River floodplain, Brazil
Authors: Ferrari-Hoeinghaus Ana , Bellay Sybelle , Takemoto Ricardo , Pavanelli Gilberto
Published: February 2010

Demidospermus paranaensis sp. nov. is described from the gills of Loricariichthys platymetopon Isbrücker et Nijssen (Loricariidae, Siluriformes) from the Upper Paraná River floodplain, Brazil. This new species differs from other members of Demidospermus in the following features: tegument with annulations throughout trunk and peduncle, eyes absent, longer male copulatory organ (MCO) with ovate base. Demidospermus paranaensis sp. nov. is similar to its congenerics by having tandem gonads, a counterclockwise-coiled MCO, non-articulated groove-like accessory piece serving as a MCO guide, sinistral vaginal aperture, and V-shaped haptoral bars.
Characterization of a transcriptionally active Tc1-like transposon in the microsporidian Nosema bombycis
Authors: Xu Jinshan , Luo Jie , Debrunner-Vossbrinck Bettina , Zhang Xiaoyan , Liu Hangdeng , Zhou Zeyang
Published: February 2010

The Tc1 transposable element has been found in a wide variety of organisms including vertebrates, insects and fungi but has not been previously reported in Microsporidia. In this study we characterize an intact DNA transposon (NbTc1) from the microsporidian Nosema bombycis. This transposable element encodes a 337 amino acid transposase sequence, which contains the D,D34E functional motif required for transposition. A Southern blot of N. bombycis DNA separated by pulsedesis shows that copies of the NbTc1 transposon are present on 10 of the 14 chromosomes of N. bombycis. Amino acid sequence variation among copies of the NbTc1 is low, suggesting a conserved function for this transposon within N. bombycis. Phylogenetic analysis indicates that NbTc1 is a new member of the Tc1 family lineage, quite distinct from all previously described Tc1 elements, including those from fungi, indicating that NbTc1 forms a unique clade of the Tc1 superfamily. However, the Tc1 transposon is too divergent to resolve the major phylogenetic relationships among these superfamilies. Reverse transcriptase PCR and Solexa sequencing suggest that NbTc1 possesses transcriptional activity. Considering the interest in Microsporidia as biological control agents, the NbTc1 transposon may be a useful vector for the efficient transfection of these important parasites into host species.
Translating Authority: Cervantes’ Los trabajos de Persiles y Sigismunda in French (1618)
Authors: R. Welch Ellen
Published: February 2010

This article examines the creative manipulation of translation theorizing and practice in Vital d'Audiguier's French version of the Persiles. In paratexts, in episodes of the novel that represent France and Spain, and in interjections by Cervantes' fictional translator-narrator, the French translator fashions himself as a figure of authority, posing a bold challenge to Cervantes' own prestige. Latching on to the structures of fictional translation already present in the original novel, d'Audiguier depicts himself as the ‘corrector’ of the Spanish master and ‘author’ of a more perfect text in French than could ever have been possible in the original Castilian. D'Audiguier's work reflects the deep contradictions in seventeenth-century thinking about translation, and indicates the purposes for which individual translators exploited them.
Named Entity Recognition in Bengali
Authors: Ekbal Asif , Bandyopadhyay Sivaji
Published: February 2010

This paper reports about a multi-engine approach for the development of a Named Entity Recognition (NER) system in Bengali by combining the classifiers such as Maximum Entropy (ME), Conditional Random Field (CRF) and Support Vector Machine (SVM) with the help of weighted voting techniques. The training set consists of approximately 272K wordforms, out of which 150K wordforms have been manually annotated with the four major named entity (NE) tags, namely Person name, Location name, Organization name and Miscellaneous name. An appropriate tag conversion routine has been defined in order to convert the 122K wordforms of the IJCNLP-08 NER Shared Task on South and South East Asian Languages (NERSSEAL)1 data into the desired forms. The individual classifiers make use of the different contextual information of the words along with the variety of features that are helpful to predict the various NE classes. Lexical context patterns, generated from an unlabeled corpus of 3 million wordforms in a semi-automatic way, have been used as the features of the classifiers in order to improve their performance. In addition, we propose a number of techniques to post-process the output of each classifier in order to reduce the errors and to improve the performance further. Finally, we use three weighted voting techniques to combine the individual models. Experimental results show the effectiveness of the proposed multi-engine approach with the overall Recall, Precision and F-Score values of 93.98%, 90.63% and 92.28%, respectively, which shows an improvement of 14.92% in F-Score over the best performing baseline SVM based system and an improvement of 18.36% in F-Score over the least performing baseline ME based system. Comparative evaluation results also show that the proposed system outperforms the three other existing Bengali NER systems.
Bioactivity of Isoflavones: Assessment through a Theoretical Model as a Way to Obtain a “Theoretical Efficacy Related to Estradiol (TERE)”
Authors: Campos Maria da Graça R. , Matos Miguel Pires
Published: February 2010

The increase of human life span will have profound implications in Public Health in decades to come. By 2030, there will be an estimated 1.2 billion women in post-menopause. Hormone Replacement Therapy with synthetic hormones is still full of risks and according to the latest developments, should be used for the shortest time possible. Searching for alternative drugs is inevitable in this scenario and science must provide physicians with other substances that can be used to treat the same symptoms with less side effects. Systematic research carried out on this field of study is focusing now on isoflavones but the randomised controlled trials and reviews of meta-analysis concerning post-menopause therapy, that could have an important impact on human health, are very controversial. The aim of the present work was to establish a theoretical calculation suitable for use as a way to estimate the “Theoretical Efficacy (TE)” of a mixture with different bioactive compounds as a way to obtain a “Theoretical Efficacy Related to Estradiol (TERE)”. The theoretical calculation that we propose in this paper integrates different knowledge about this subject and sets methodological boundaries that can be used to analyse already published data. The outcome should set some consensus for new clinical trials using isoflavones (isolated or included in mixtures) that will be evaluated to assess their therapeutically activity. This theoretical method for evaluation of a possible efficacy could probably also be applied to other herbal drug extracts when a synergistic or contradictory bio-effect is not verified. In this way, it we may contribute to enlighten and to the development of new therapeutic approaches.
Ethyl 2-[(Z)-2-(4-Cyanophenyl)-2-hydroxyvinyl]-4-(4-methoxyphenyl)-6-methyl-1,4-dihydropyrimidine-5-carboxylate
Authors: Singh Sukhdeep , Schober Andreas , Groß Gregor Alexander
Published: February 2010

A one-pot, two-step method has been developed for the synthesis of ethyl 2-[(Z)-2-(4-cyanophenyl)-2-hydroxyvinyl]-4-(4-methoxyphenyl)-6-methyl-1,4-dihydropyrimidine-5-carboxylate, including a sulfide contraction step utilizing solution and solid phase synthesis
Manganese 5,10,15,20-Tetra(N-ethyl-3-carbazolyl) Porphyrin
Authors: Pruitt Tidwell Cynthia , Fondren L. Dalila , Nikles David
Published: February 2010

Manganese complex of 5,10,15,20-tetra(N-ethyl-3-carbazolyl) porphyrin was synthesized and characterized by electronic absorption spectrophotometry and cyclic voltammetry. The spectral data were in agreement with the proposed structure. The manganese complex exhibited a shift in the Soret band in comparison to the non-metallated porphyrin and the extinction coefficient for the Soret band was on the order of 105 cm-1M-1. Trends observed in the oxidation and reduction potentials were consistent with the nature of the porphyrin. That is, the electron donating group in 5,10,15,20-tetra(N-ethyl-3-carbazolyl) porphyrin enhances oxidation and inhibits reduction.
The Tetrodotoxin Binding Site Is within the Outer Vestibule of the Sodium Channel
Authors: Fozzard Harry A. , Lipkind Gregory M.
Published: February 2010

Tetrodotoxin and saxitoxin are small, compact asymmetrical marine toxins that block voltage-gated Na channels with high affinity and specificity. They enter the channel pore’s outer vestibule and bind to multiple residues that control permeation. Radiolabeled toxins were key contributors to channel protein purification and subsequent cloning. They also helped identify critical structural elements called P loops. Spacial organization of their mutation-identified interaction sites in molecular models has generated a molecular image of the TTX binding site in the outer vestibule and the critical permeation and selectivity features of this region. One site in the channel’s domain I P loop determines affinity differences in mammalian isoforms.
Oyster (Crassostrea gigas) Hydrolysates Produced on a Plant Scale Have Antitumor Activity and Immunostimulating Effects in BALB/c Mice
Authors: Wang Yu-Kai , He Hai-Lun , Wang Guo-Fan , Wu Hao , Zhou Bai-Cheng , Chen Xiu-Lan , Zhang Yu-Zhong
Published: February 2010

Oyster extracts have been reported to have many bioactive peptides. But the function of oyster peptides produced by proteolysis is still unknown. In this study, the oligopeptide-enriched hydrolysates from oyster (Crassostrea gigas) were produced using the protease from Bacillus sp. SM98011 at laboratory level, and scaled up to pilot (100 L) and plant (1,000 L) levels with the same conditions. And the antitumor activity and immunostimulating effects of the oyster hydrolysates in BALB/c mice were investigated. The growth of transplantable sarcoma-S180 was obviously inhibited in a dose-dependent manner in BALB/c mice given the oyster hydrolysates. Mice receiving 0.25, 0.5 and 1 mg/g of body weight by oral gavage had 6.8%, 30.6% and 48% less tumor growth, respectively. Concurrently, the weight coefficients of the thymus and the spleen, the activity of natural killer (NK) cells, the spleen proliferation of lymphocytes and the phagocytic rate of macrophages in S180-bearing mice significantly increased after administration of the oyster hydrolysates. These results demonstrated that oyster hydrolysates produced strong immunostimulating effects in mice, which might result in its antitumor activity. The antitumor and immunostimulating effects of oyster hydrolysates prepared in this study reveal its potential for tumor therapy and as a dietary supplement with immunostimulatory activity.
Structural Examination of 6-Methylsulphonylphenanthro- [9,10-C]-furan-1(3H)-one—A Rofecoxib Degradation Product
Authors: Dean Pamela M.
Published: February 2010

In the attempt to discover a new polymorph of rofecoxib (Vioxx®), an unexpected product resulted. The product was characterised by chemical composition, thermal behaviour and structure and found to be 6-methylsulphonylphenanthro-[9,10-C] furan-1(3H)-one, a photo-cyclization degradation product of rofecoxib. This is a significant finding because it indicates that without appropriate control of the recrystallisation procedures, the structural integrity of rofecoxib may be seriously compromised.
Determination of the Pharmacokinetics and Oral Bioavailability of Salicylamine, a Potent γ-Ketoaldehyde Scavenger, by LC/MS/MS
Authors: Zagol-Ikapitte Irene , Matafonova Elena , Amarnath Venkataraman , Bodine Christopher L. , Boutaud Olivier , Tirona Rommel G. , Oates John A. , Roberts II L. Jackson , Davies Sean S.
Published: February 2010

Levels of reactive γ-ketoaldehydes derived from arachidonate increase in diseases associated with inflammation and oxidative injury. To assess the biological importance of these γ-ketoaldehydes, we previously identified salicylamine as an effective γ-ketoaldehyde scavenger in vitro and in cells. To determine if salicylamine could be administered in vivo, we developed an LC/MS/MS assay to measure salicylamine in plasma and tissues. In mice, half-life (t1/2) was 62 minutes. Drinking water supplementation (1-10 g/L) generated tissue concentrations (10-500 μM) within the range previously shown to inhibit γ-ketoaldehydes in cells. Therefore, oral administration of salicylamine can be used to assess the contribution of γ-ketoaldehydes in animal models of disease.
Evaluation of Three Electronic Noses for Detecting Incipient Wood Decay
Authors: Baietto Manuela , Wilson Alphus  D. , Bassi Daniele , Ferrini Francesco
Published: February 2010

Tree assessment methodologies, currently used to evaluate the structural stability of individual urban trees, usually involve a visual analysis followed by measurements of the internal soundness of wood using various instruments that are often invasive, expensive, or inadequate for use within the urban environment. Moreover, most conventional instruments do not provide an adequate evaluation of decay that occurs in the root system. The intent of this research was to evaluate the possibility of integrating conventional tools, currently used for assessments of decay in urban trees, with the electronic nose–a new innovative tool used in diverse fields and industries for various applications such as quality control in manufacturing, environmental monitoring, medical diagnoses, and perfumery. Electronic-nose (e-nose) technologies were tested for the capability of detecting differences in volatile organic compounds (VOCs) released by wood decay fungi and wood from healthy and decayed trees. Three e-noses, based on different types of operational technologies and analytical methods, were evaluated independently (not directly compared) to determine the feasibility of detecting incipient decays in artificially-inoculated wood. All three e-nose devices were capable of discriminating between healthy and artificially-inoculated, decayed wood with high levels of precision and confidence. The LibraNose quartz microbalance (QMB) e-nose generally provided higher levels of discrimination of sample unknowns, but not necessarily more accurate or effective detection than the AromaScan A32S conducting polymer and PEN3 metal-oxide (MOS) gas sensor e-noses for identifying and distinguishing woody samples containing different agents of wood decay. However, the conducting polymer e-nose had the greater advantage for identifying unknowns from diverse woody sample types due to the associated software capability of utilizing prior-developed, application-specific reference libraries with aroma pattern-recognition and neural-net training algorithms.
Development of a Fingertip Glove Equipped with Magnetic Tracking Sensors
Authors: Fahn Chin-Shyurng , Sun Herman
Published: February 2010

In this paper, we present the development of a data glove system based on fingertip tracking techniques. To track the fingertip position and orientation, a sensor module and two generator coils are attached on the fingertip and metacarpal of the corresponding finger. By tracking the fingertip, object manipulation tasks in a virtual environment or teleoperation system can be carried out more precisely, because fingertips are the foremost areas that reach the surface of an object in most of grasping processes. To calculate the bending angles of a finger, we also propose a method of constructing the shape of the finger. Since the coils are installed on the fingertips and metacarpals, there is no contact point between the sensors and finger joints. Hence, the shape of the sensors does not change as the fingers are bending, and both the quality of measurement and the lifetime of the sensors will not decrease in time. For the convenience of using this glove, a simple and efficient calibration process consisting of only one calibration gesture is also provided, so that all required parameters can be determined automatically. So far, the experimental results of the sensors performing linear movement and bending angle measurements are very satisfactory. It reveals that our data glove is available for a man-machine interface.
Machine Learning Methods for Classifying Human Physical Activity from On-Body Accelerometers
Authors: Mannini Andrea , Sabatini Angelo Maria
Published: February 2010

The use of on-body wearable sensors is widespread in several academic and industrial domains. Of great interest are their applications in ambulatory monitoring and pervasive computing systems; here, some quantitative analysis of human motion and its automatic classification are the main computational tasks to be pursued. In this paper, we discuss how human physical activity can be classified using on-body accelerometers, with a major emphasis devoted to the computational algorithms employed for this purpose. In particular, we motivate our current interest for classifiers based on Hidden Markov Models (HMMs). An example is illustrated and discussed by analysing a dataset of accelerometer time series.
Socio-Cultural Dimensions of Cluster vs. Single Home Photovoltaic Solar Energy Systems in Rural Nepal
Authors: McKay Kimber Haddix
Published: February 2010

This paper analyzes the socio-cultural dimensions of obstacles facing solar photovoltaic projects in two villages in rural Nepal. The study was conducted in Humla District, Nepal, one of the most remote and impoverished regions of the country. There are no roads in the district, homes lack running water and villagers’ health suffers from high levels of indoor air pollution from open cooking/heating fires and the smoky torches traditionally burned for light. The introduction of solar energy is important to these villagers, as it removes one major source of indoor air pollution from homes and provides brighter light than the traditional torches. Solar energy is preferable in many villages in the region due to the lack of suitable streams or rivers for micro-hydroelectric projects. In the villages under study in this paper, in-home solar electricity is a novel and recent innovation, and was installed within the last three years in two different geo-spatial styles, depending upon the configuration of homes in the village. In some villages, houses are grouped together, while in others households are widely dispersed. In the former, solar photovoltaic systems were installed in a “cluster” fashion with multiple homes utilizing power from a central battery store under the control of the householder storing the battery bank. In villages with widely spaced households, a single home system was used so that each home had a separate solar photovoltaic array, wiring system and battery bank. It became clear that the cluster system was the sensible choice due to the geographic layout of certain villages, but this put people into management groups that did not always work well due to caste or other differences. This paper describes the two systems and their management and usage costs and benefits from the perspective of the villagers themselves.
Mycotoxin Contamination of Beverages: Occurrence of Patulin in Apple Juice and Ochratoxin A in Coffee, Beer and Wine and Their Control Methods
Authors: Reddy Kasa R. N. , Abbas Hamed K. , Abel Craig A. , Shier Wayne Thomas , Salleh Baharuddin
Published: February 2010

It has been brought to our attention by a member of our Editorial Board that substantial portions of this review article have been copied verbatim from earlier publications without credit. After comparing the present paper and the other sources we have determined that indeed this manuscript clearly violates our policy on originality of all material submitted for publication and the generally accepted ethics of scientific publication. Consequently, the Editorial Team and Publisher have determined that it should be retracted. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.
RNA Replicons - A New Approach for Influenza Virus Immunoprophylaxis
Authors: Zimmer Gert
Published: February 2010

RNA replicons are derived from either positive- or negative-strand RNA viruses. They represent disabled virus vectors that are not only avirulent, but also unable to revert to virulence. Due to autonomous RNA replication, RNA replicons are able to drive high level, cytosolic expression of recombinant antigens stimulating both the humoral and the cellular branch of the immune system. This review provides an update on the available literature covering influenza virus vaccines based on RNA replicons. The pros and cons of these vaccine strategies will be discussed and future perspectives disclosed.
Knowledge Production in Tourism: The Evaluation of Contextual Learning Processes in Destination Studies
Authors: Portegies Ariane , de Haan Theo , Platenkamp Vincent
Published: February 2010

In this review article, the reviewers argue that the field of Tourism Management/Tourism Studies requires a more decided contextual approach in order to handle the growing complexity of "knowledge production" in international research and education needs in and around tourism
development. Portegies, de Haan, and Platenkamp maintain that—in a network society where different types of society interfere with one another—complex contextual learning processes take place that are not taken into account seriously enough within the education and research milieux
of the field. At NHTV Breda University of Applied Sciences (in the Netherlands), a curriculum for higher education has emerged through the years that attempts (mainly in Southeast Asia) to incorporate these sorts of learning processes in various cross-cultural environments. Over the years,
there, an originally "more instrumental approach" to destination analysis has changed into a contextual one in which participants have become much more sensitive in their capacity to receive and understand the perspectives of found stakeholders at particular international tourism
destinations. This contextual approach is now evaluated (within this review article) in comparison to the aforesaid previously dominant instrumental approach to the production of knowledge about destinations. It does so by addressing to the important distinction between mode 1 and 2 knowledge
production (after Gibbons et al.) and by adding assessments built around a mode 3 type of knowledge production (following Kunneman), which relates to normative and existential awarenesses. Readers of Tourism Analysis are invited to comment on the observations of Portegies,
de Haan, and Platenkamp, in terms of the fit of contextual learning processes in other parts of the world or otherwise with regard to the relevance of mode 1/2/3 sorts of knowledge production to Tourism Management/Tourism Studies. Short critiques of 1,000 words (maximum) on either of these
subjects should be sent to the Review Editor of Tourism Analysis at khdeva@btopenworld.com.
Colonic Diverticulosis as a Risk Factor for Peritonitis in Chinese Peritoneal Dialysis Patients
Authors: Yip Terence , Tse Kai Chung , Lam Man Fai , Cheng Suk Wai , Lui Sing Leung , Tang Sydney , Ng Matthew , Chan Tak Mao , Lai Kar Neng , Lo Wai Kei
Published: February 2010

Objectives

The risk of development of enteric peritonitis in Chinese peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients with colonic diverticulosis is not known. There have been no reports on whether colonic diverticulosis may affect peritonitis outcomes. The objectives of this study were to examine whether colonic diverticulosis is a risk factor for the development of enteric peritonitis and to study its influence on the outcome of enteric peritonitis.

Patients and Methods

All continuous ambulatory PD patients that had barium enema and colonoscopic examinations performed between January 1994 and January 2006 were included. They were divided into 2 groups: patients with diverticulosis and patients without diverticulosis. Their demographic and clinical characteristics, colonic examination findings, and peritonitis data were compared and analyzed.

Results

104 Chinese patients received 110 colonoscopies and 51 barium enema examinations. 25 patients (24.0%) had colonic diverticulosis. Patients with diverticulosis were older (65.4 ± 14.7 vs 58.4 ± 14.0 years, p = 0.033). The most common site of involvement of diverticulosis was the ascending colon (56%). 128 episodes of enteric peritonitis were recorded in 49 patients. Compared with patients without enteric peritonitis, more patients in the enteric peritonitis group had diverticulosis (38.8% vs 10.9%, p = 0.001) and diverticulosis most often involved the ascending colon (20.4% vs 7.3%, p = 0.082). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the presence of diverticulosis (hazard ratio 5.17, 95% confidence interval 1.86 – 14.40; p = 0.002) and diverticulosis involving the ascending colon (hazard ratio 6.89, 95% confidence interval 1.43 – 33.32, p = 0.016) were independent risk factors for the development of enteric peritonitis. Enteric peritonitis in patients with diverticulosis had a higher but nonsignificant treatment failure rate (26.9% vs 18.4%, p = 0.282).

Conclusion

In this selected cohort of PD patients with indications of colonic examinations, diverticulosis, especially involving the ascending colon, may be a risk factor for the development of enteric peritonitis. Colonic diverticulosis does not appear to affect the outcome of enteric peritonitis. Further studies are warranted to determine ways to prevent enteric peritonitis in PD patients with diverticulosis.
The Effects of a Dialysis Solution with a Combination of Glycerol/Amino Acids/Dextrose on the Peritoneal Membrane in Chronic Renal Failure
Authors: de Graaff Marijke , Zegwaard Agnes H. , Zweers Machteld M. , Vlijm Anniek , de Waart Dirk R. , Vandemaele Fréderic , Struijk Dirk G. , Krediet Raymond T.
Published: February 2010

Background

Long-term peritoneal dialysis (PD) with conventional glucose based, lactate-buffered PD fluids may lead to morphological and functional alterations of the peritoneal membrane. It was hypothesized that long-term exposure to a different buffer and a mixture of osmotic agents would cause less peritoneal abnormality.

Objectives

To investigate the effects of long-term exposure to a bicarbonate/lactate-buffered dialysis solution with a mixture of osmotic agents: glycerol 1.4%, amino acids 0.5%, and dextrose 1.1% (= 1% glucose) (GLAD) in a rat model with chronic kidney failure.

Methods

All rats underwent a peritoneal catheter implantation and a 70% nephrectomy. Thereafter, the rats were randomly divided into 3 groups: GLAD, 3.86% Dianeal (Baxter, Nivelles, Belgium), and buffer (Physioneal without glucose, Baxter). All rats were infused daily for 16 weeks with the appropriate PD fluid. Afterwards, a peritoneal permeability analysis (SPARa) was performed using 3.86% Physioneal in all groups. After the SPARa, the rats were sacrificed to obtain tissue samples for morphometric determinations. Omental tissue was stained with picro Sirius red for assessment of fibrosis and with CD31 for vessel density.

Results

GLAD and Dianeal showed faster small solute transport compared to the hypotonic buffer. No differences between the groups were present in ultrafiltration. Dianeal had the lowest value for free water transport and the highest protein clearances. Total triglyceride in plasma was not different between GLAD and the buffer. Vessel density after GLAD exposure (20 V/F) was very similar to the value found for the buffer solution (17 V/F); Dianeal caused a significantly higher value (35 V/F, p < 0.01). Also, the amount of fibrosis was higher in the Dianeal-exposed rats ( p < 0.01).

Conclusion

Both hypertonic dialysis solutions increased peritoneal solute transport. GLAD exposure was associated with the best preservation of peritoneal morphology. The results of GLAD were very similar to those of the bicarbonate/lactate-buffered solution without osmotic agents. Studies in humans are needed for further assessment of GLAD.
Unusual mode of transmission of dengue
Authors: Wiwanitkit Viroj
Published: February 2010

Dengue is the most important tropical mosquito-borne infectious disease caused by an arbovirus, the dengue virus. It should be noted that there are still other unusual modes of transmission of dengue infection. This paper summarizes those non vector-borne transmissions of dengue including vertical transmission, transfusion related transmission, transplantation related transmission, and needle-stick-related transmission.
Serosurvey for Toxoplasma gondii in dogs in Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria
Authors: Kamani Joshua , Mani Aliyu U , Kumshe Hussaini A , Dogo Goni I , Yidawi James P , Pauline Dauda K , Nnabuife Henry E , Joan Peter , Egwu Godwin O
Published: February 2010

The seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) antibodies in dogs in Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State, Nigeria, was determined using the Latex Aagglutination Test (LAT). Antibodies (LAT titer > 1:64) to T. gondii were found in 42 (25%) of the animals examined. Antibody titers in positive dogs ranged from 1:64 (15 dogs) to1:2048 (3 dogs). There was a significant statistical difference (P < 0.05) between age groups of dogs, the prevalence being higher in dogs ≥ 3 years (Χ2 = 13.73 P = 0.0002, OR 2.80 CI95% 1.28-6.13 P = 0.008). Pure Alsatians and their crosses were less likely to be seropositive (OR cross breed 0.28 CI95% 0.13-0.61 P = 0.001, OR Alsatian 0.16 CI95% 0.04-0.58 P = 0.002). The high prevalence of T. gondii infection that we found in dogs suggests a need for a larger survey to determine the national prevalence and identify possible risk factors in different agro-climatic zones. Such a study will help in formulating nation-wide control measures for toxoplasmosis.