bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Reassessment of the U.K. and Norwegian Systems of Offshore Oil and Gas Taxation
Authors: Kemp Alexander G. , Cohen David R.
Published: May 2012

This paper presents an up-to-date analysis of the impact of the oil and gas taxation regimes in Norway and the U.K. Several changes have been made to the systems in. "both countries since special tax packages were introduced in 1975. The emphasis in the paper is on elucidating the effects of the changes made in 1950. These changes were more wide-ranging in. Norway than in the U.K. and so comparatively more analysis is undertaken of the changing Norwegian situation. The effects of the changes in both countries on fields of different sizes and profitability is examined. The timing of the development of fields now plays a significant role in determining tax takes in both countries. The possible advantages to a company of developing fields as part of ongoing operations under the two systems are examined. The effects of the two regimes on the incentive to explore are also analysed.
The Changing Face of Platform Maintenance
Authors: Owen G. D.
Published: May 2012

This paper looks at the present state of offshore platform maintenance in the light of the two years' experience and looks ahead to see how the future is likely to develop over the next decade. Market size figures are presented along with forecasts for the future.
Critical Parts Regarding Corrosion and Corrosion Protection of Offshore Structures
Authors: Askheim N. Erik
Published: May 2012

Critical parts regarding corrosion and protection of offshore structures and pipelines/risers are highlighted aiming at optimizing of in-service inspection programs, improving future design, and benefit of risk analysis. Indications of expected corrosion rates in case of failure of protection systems are given, mainly based on accumulated experience from structures in the North Sea.

The following main areas are considered as being of greatest importance:–Risers internally in concrete structures.–Internal corrosion of risers and process equipment, and–Risers and platform legs in the splash zone.
Contamination of Offshore Centrifugal Process Gas Compressor Lube Oil and Seal Oil Systems by Hydrocarbon Condensate
Authors: Coote Leonard
Published: May 2012

This paper traces the discovery of contamination of Lube Oil and Seal Oil systems on large offshore centrifugal gas compressors by hydrocarbon condensate. Contamination of the aforementioned systems caused a drastic reduction in flash-point and viscosity of the oil thus affecting the operational efficiency and safety of the units. The development of a process specification and equipment to deal with the problem is described together with post commissioning experience and preliminary operating results from this unit.
Unit Testing for the Petroleum Industry
Authors: Peters John S.
Published: May 2012

The paper gives guidelines to the site requirements for a comprehensive unit testing facility. The equipment and services required for alternator, compressor and pump unit testing are discussed.

The pump unit testing facility available at the National Engineering Laboratory, Scotland, is described, and the techniques and benefits resulting from the testing are discussed. Ways in which the oil companies could derive more benefit from unit testing prior to installation offshore are discussed.
Explosion Protection for Diesel Engines Offshore
Authors: Wilson James M. , Tyrer Philip G.
Published: May 2012

By drawing in flammable gas through its air intake, a diesel engine can continue to run even though its normal fuel supply is cut off. Under certain circumstances the engine can overspeed. During the valve overlap period, a direct flame path exists between cylinders and ambient. Flame can therefore spread to regions outside the engine. High surface temperatures found on exhaust manifolds and pipes can also act as ignition sources, unless preventative steps are taken. This paper discusses the subject of explosion protection for diesel engines operating in potentially flammable atmospheres, particularly those encountered offshore. Reference is made to existing guidelines, codes of practice and standards. Several examples are given which illustrate how these standards are applied in practical situations.
The Buchan Field Development
Authors: Darnborough E.
Published: May 2012

This paper describes the Buchan development scheme which is based on subsea completions tied into a subsea manifold, connected in turn by a flexible riser to a floating production platform. Oil export is by tanker from a single point mooring buoy. The system is similar to, but more complex than that used in the Argyll field.

Overall the project has exceeded budget and programme largely due to delay in completing the conversion of a semi-submersible drilling rig to a production platform. Subsea work has gone remarkably well. The paper comments on these facts and suggests that improved front-end engineering and greater control of contractors would have improved performance. It suggests that a purpose-built platform is a better proposition than a conversion. It concludes that despite the problems encountered this type of development is viable.
A Retrievable Offshore Complex for Marginal Fields
Authors: Brewer Ross A. , Wendenburg Carl A. , Vache Jean-Claude
Published: May 2012

The ongoing need for improving both the techniques and economcis relating to the development of small offshore fields continues to be a leading priority of the offshore oil industry everywhere. As the cost of energy increases, so increases the desirability to place these marginal fields on stream.

This paper presents the Sea Plex, a conceptual design that offers the offshore industry a new and innovative drilling/production/storage system complex that can be retrieved once the reservoir is depleted… and then, can be towed to another site for reuse after meeting any inspection and recertification requirements. It combines the proven technologies of the concrete storage caisson with that of the jackup to form a stable offshore structure. Also, it is capable of safely storing several days' production, thereby offering continuous on-station operation.

Initial results of development studies indicate this concept to be feasible for worldwide applications in water depths ranging from 30 to 150 m (98 – 492 ft) and for severe sea states and environments such as those found in the North Sea. Design evaluations are continuing.
Certification – The First Five Years
Authors: Cowan John B.
Published: May 2012

The first five years of the "Certification" scheme applicable in British waters has now been completed. During this period offshore technology has continued to improve and the development of offshore areas has necessitated the design and construction of more advanced exploration and exploitation units.

Coincidentally the detailed legislative requirements originally defined have been subject to revision as operational experience has been gained and the technology available improved.

The following paper indicates the extent of offshore engineering development in the North Sea area over the past five years, and refers to the detailed legislative requirements now applicable and comments on service failures encountered.
Murchison Field Topside Facilities Design
Authors: Roobaert Norbert C.
Published: May 2012

This paper describes the approach taken to design the Murchsion topside facilities. The emphasis is on the management plan, organization, and design control. Other areas discussed are contractor selection, design interfaces, offshore hookup considerations, and the importance of timely operator input. Sufficient detail is presented to provide a reasonable checklist for this type of project. This paper should be of value to operators and design contractors associated with a North Sea Oil project.
Planning For Deep High Pressured Wells in the Northern North Sea
Authors: Rowlands Geoffrey W. , Booth Neil R.
Published: May 2012

BP Petroleum Development Ltd., Norway is Operator for licence 043 on the Norwegian Offshore Continental Shelf, Block 30/4. BP and Statoil (Den Norske Stats Oljeselskap) each hold a 50 % interest in the licence. As part of the planning for drilling on the block a feasibility study was undertaken in July 1977 to evaluate the requirements for a deep test well. This well was required to investigate the potential hydrocarbon bearing Jurassic sandstones below 5200 m. The study drew on the experience gained on other deep high pressured wells drilled by BP in the UK sector and evaluated other regional data.

This paper discusses the planning required for a deep high pressure well. The casing design required to contain the expected pressures resulted in the need for a drilling unit having a high deck load capacity and pressure control equipment with a 15000 psi working pressure rating.

The first well in Norwegian Block 30/4 was drilled between November 1978 and May 1979 and achieved its objective, at the same time becoming the deepest well in the North Sea at 5454 m.

During drilling of the high pressure wells in the British and Norwegian sectors of the Northern North Sea problems have occurred which required solutions that deviated slightly from the planned programme. However, this is part of the learning curve and the paper concludes that some of the problems of drilling deep high pressured gas wells are being solved and that the drilling of such wells will become more familiar in the coming decade.
Measured Behaviour of Platforms on the Norwegian Continental Shelf
Authors: Spidsoe Nils , Berg Steinar , Hoen Christopher , Beck Gunnar
Published: May 2012

Full scale measurements are being conducted on fixed platforms according to the regulations issued by the Norwegian Petroleum Directorate on the collection of environmental and platform performance (E-and P-) data.

This paper is mainly concerned with the quasistatic and dynamic behaviour of the platforms. First, a short description of the E-and P-data programme is given followed by some more detailed information on the particular instrumentation installed on typical platforms. Thereafter, the methods of analysis are described and, finally, samples of some of the results of the data analysis are presented and discussed.

Only a limited amount of data has been analyzed, however, the results obtained so far indicate a fair correlation between the analytical models used in the design and the measured behaviour of the platforms.

It should be noted that the techniques presently used for time series analysis all suffer from poor confidence levels, due to the short duation of the measured time series. However, more sophisticated methods for time series analysis have been proposed and they will be applied to the data in the future.
Dynamic Behaviour of an Offshore Concrete Platform
Authors: Ledoigt B. , Agnello G.
Published: May 2012

Soil, structural and wave measurements are recorded on FRIGG CDP 1, a concrete gravity platform of Doris-Howard design. The soil and structure responses are analysed for various sea states, defined by significant wave heights and wave directions.

Computer processing of digitally acquired data, in the time and frequency domains shows how wave energy is transferred to the structure and correlates pore pressure in the soil under the structure to the sea state.

Several soil-platform modes have been identified in the 0 – 1 Hz frequency band width. Differences exist between dynamic behaviours of this type of gravity platform and a conventional steel jacket.
Acoustic Emission Monitoring Techniques Applied to Offshore Strucrure – Subsea and Topside Applications
Authors: Webborn Thomas J. C. , Rogers Lenard M. , Hansen John Philip , McWade Simon
Published: May 2012

The reliability of the more conventional non-destructive testing techniques, as applied to offshore steel jacket structures and semi-submersibles, to provide accurate assessment of defect severity or growth is questioned. The sources of error and inconsistency when applying these techniques to geometrically complex structures of relatively heavy section are discussed. The introduction of continuous monitoring techniques to establish structural integrity is reviewed and the promising acoustic emission analysis method is described in some detail. The use of acoustic emission analysis to monitor fatigue cracking or repaired cracks in the submerged part of offshore structures has been researched and applied to a number of platforms in the North Sea, together with laboratory and offshore excercises to assess the feasability of the technique. The extension of the method to topside applications, for which land based experience can be paralleled, is shown to offer a number of benefits when applied to pressurised components and systems, critical areas of the superstructure, slew ring cranes and general leak detection.
Dynamic Behaviour of Models of Tethered Buoyant Platforms
Authors: Lonergan John
Published: May 2012

The paper discusses observations made during wave tank tests of models of tethered buoyant platforms. Models included simple structures for investigating basic behaviour, and detailed models of oil production platforms to carry payloads of from 10,000 to 22,000 tonnes. Aspects of dynamic behaviour covered include platform motions, anchorage cable forces, and resonant conditions occurring in the anchorage cables.
Test-CONAT, A Large Scale Test in the Vicinity of the Research Platform "Nordsee"
Authors: Butt Heinz G. , Salewski Jurgen , Wagner Peter , Grallert Manfred , Kokkinowrachos Konstantin
Published: May 2012

In this paper the concept of the research programme on the articulated tower "Test-CONAT" is presented and discussed. The tests are running in the vicinity of the research platform "Nordsee" and are sponsored by the German Federal Ministry for Research and Technology.

The aim of this experiment is to demonstrate the technical feasibility of the CONAT concept (Concrete Articulated Tower) which is the result of extensive research and development work within a German joint venture.

Characteristic features of this concept are the bottleshaped concrete tower and the ball joint which creates the articulated connection. The type of ball joint developed allows access from the tower into the foundation and enables maintenance work to be performed under atmospheric conditions.

The paper starts with a short discussion of the main problems arising in the design of oscillating platforms for several ranges of water depth. Together with this, the results of systematic investigations into various CONAT versions are presented and evaluated. Furthermore, the basic steps of the design of the "Test-CONAT" are discussed. The main components of the system, i.e. the tower, the ball joint and the foundation are described. The transportation and installation procedures for both fundament and tower are also reported. Finally, the scheduled programme of tests is briefly outlined.
Floating Concrete Platform for Deep Water Oil Production and Storage
Authors: Dybwad Kaare , Nes Kjetil , Kure Gregers
Published: May 2012

The search for hydrocarbons takes place in steadily deeper waters. This fact increases the demand for platforms to operate in water depths beyond the reach of bottom supported structures.

This paper presents a floating concrete platform designed for oil and gas production in water depths ranging from 200 m to 600 m. The platform is based on the semi-submersible principle and consists of a submerged caisson and four tapered columns extending above sea level to support the deck structure.

A general description of the platform concept is given. The paper also contains information on platform construction and installation.

A comprehensive computer simulation has been undertaken for analysis of platform motions and anchor system. Simulation technique and results are presented.
Aggregation in Budgeting: An Experiment
Authors: Schwartz Steven T. , Spires Eric E. , Wallin David E. , Young Richard A.
Published: May 2012

We conduct two experiments to study the effect of aggregated budget proposals on budgetary slack when superiors cannot commit to an acceptance policy. Prior research on similar settings suggests preferences for fairness will lead to retaliatory behavior by the superior if the subordinate's requests are perceived as selfish. Aggregation causes costs to be more closely distributed around the mean, which decreases the possibility that subordinates will have to make abnormally large budget requests that may be viewed as selfish and hence may reduce the likelihood of rejection. Aggregation also increases the size of each budget decision. This second effect may also deter superiors from retaliating, because it becomes more costly to do so. In our first experiment we find that aggregation increases the frequency of mutually beneficial budget approval. In our second experiment we find that, although some of the increase in budget approval is due to the larger decision unit, the primary driver is the superior's incomplete appreciation for the statistical effects of aggregation.
Effect of planting date on the incidence of eggplant aphid, Aphis gossypii Glover and yield of eggplant
Authors: Rahman M. Matiur , Sarker Pankoj Kumar , Das Bidhan Chandra
Published: May 2012

Impact of planting dates on Aphis gossypii Glover infestation and yields of eggplants was studied in the field. The aphid population was very low (4.75-31.05 aphids/plant) on the first planted crops. Yield of first planting dates were higher (1.56-3.58 kg/plant), however; aphid population on the successive late planting crops gradually increased and reached to peaks at third planting dates (15.51- 96.46 aphids/plant). Yield of eggplant gradually decreased on successive late planting crops and lowest yield recorded for third planting crops (1.06-1.88 kg/plant).DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjz.v39i2.10585 Bangladesh J. Zool. 39(2): 187-194, 2011
Baseline investigation on rabies in Rangpur and Chittagong divisions, Bangladesh
Authors: Gofur Md. Abdul , Khanum Hamida , Podder Milka Patracia , Elahi Rubayet
Published: May 2012

Baseline investigation on rabies in Chittagong and Rangpur divisions was evaluated for the first time in Bangladesh from June 2010 to January 2011. A total of 600 respondents was interviewed including common people, school teachers, peoples' representatives, political leaders, doctors and nurses and Medical technicians from selected households. Approximately 89% of the respondents heard the name of rabies. Regionally 86% of the respondents in Rangpur division and 91% in Chittagong division possessed information fully or partly about rabies. The higher rate (91%) of respondents heard about rabies in Chittagong division and sources of respondents knowledge about rabies comprised mostly radio, TV, health worker and other sources. Approximately 100% of the respondents of different categories would seek treatment from the hospital. Majority knew about the fate of rabies that is ultimate death and believed that rabies could be prevented by vaccination program. Regarding the control of stray and poorly supervised dogs, the majority of the participants suggested for the elimination of the dogs.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjz.v39i2.10586 Bangladesh J. Zool. 39(2): 195-204, 2011
Study of fecundity and induced breeding of Mystus vittatus
Authors: Islam Sk. Shahinur , Shah Md. Saifuddin , Rahi Md. Lifat
Published: May 2012

The present study deals with the estimation of fecundity and induced breeding of Mystus vittatus by using carp PG hormone. Four different doses were tested, viz. 6, 8, 10 and 12 mg/kg body weight for female and 3, 4, 5 and 6 mg/kg body weight for male. For each dose, three different sex ratios were maintained, viz. 1?: 1?, 2?: 1? and 3?: 2?. The hormone doses 8 mg/kg for female and 4 mg/kg for male provided the best result in the sex ratio 2?: 1?. This treatment combination revealed 80% fertilization and 56% hatching rates. Mean survival percentage of the spawns up to 10 days was 60%.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjz.v39i2.10587 Bangladesh J. Zool. 39(2): 205-212, 2011
A Comparative Study on the Mechanical, Thermal and Morphological Characterization of Poly(lactic acid)/Epoxidized Palm Oil Blend
Authors: Silverajah V. S. Giita , Ibrahim Nor Azowa , Yunus Wan Md Zin Wan , Hassan Hazimah Abu , Woei Chieng Buong
Published: May 2012

In this work, poly(lactic acid) (PLA) a fully biodegradable thermoplastic polymer matrix was melt blended with three different epoxidized palm oil (EPO). The aim of this research was to enhance the flexibility, mechanical and thermal properties of PLA. The blends were prepared at various EPO contents of 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 wt% and characterized. The SEM analysis evidenced successful modification on the neat PLA brittle morphology. Tensile tests indicate that the addition of 1 wt% EPO is sufficient to improve the strength and flexibility compared to neat PLA. Additionally, the flexural and impact properties were also enhanced. Further, DSC analysis showed that the addition of EPO results in a decrease in Tg, which implies an increase in the PLA chain mobility. In the presence of 1 wt% EPO, TGA results revealed significant increase in the thermal stability by 27%. Among the three EPOs used, EPO(3) showed the best mechanical and thermal properties compared to the other EPO’s, with an optimum loading of 1 wt%. Conclusively, EPO showed a promising outcome to overcome the brittleness and improve the overall properties of neat PLA, thus can be considered as a potential plasticizer.
Diversity and Biosynthetic Potential of Culturable Actinomycetes Associated with Marine Sponges in the China Seas
Authors: Xi Lijun , Ruan Jisheng , Huang Ying
Published: May 2012

The diversity and secondary metabolite potential of culturable actinomycetes associated with eight different marine sponges collected from the South China Sea and the Yellow sea were investigated. A total of 327 strains were isolated and 108 representative isolates were selected for phylogenetic analysis. Ten families and 13 genera of Actinomycetales were detected, among which five genera represent first records isolated from marine sponges. Oligotrophic medium M5 (water agar) proved to be efficient for selective isolation, and “Micromonospora–Streptomyces” was proposed as the major distribution group of sponge-associated actinomycetes from the China Seas. Ten isolates are likely to represent novel species. Sponge Hymeniacidon perleve was found to contain the highest genus diversity (seven genera) of actinomycetes. Housekeeping gene phylogenetic analyses of the isolates indicated one ubiquitous Micromonospora species, one unique Streptomyces species and one unique Verrucosispora phylogroup. Of the isolates, 27.5% displayed antimicrobial activity, and 91% contained polyketide synthase and/or nonribosomal peptide synthetase genes, indicating that these isolates had a high potential to produce secondary metabolites. The isolates from sponge Axinella sp. contained the highest presence of both antimicrobial activity and NRPS genes, while those from isolation medium DNBA showed the highest presence of antimicrobial activity and PKS I genes.
Combinatorial Signal Integration by APETALA2/Ethylene Response Factor (ERF)-Transcription Factors and the Involvement of AP2-2 in Starvation Response
Authors: Vogel Marc Oliver , Gomez-Perez Deborah , Probst Nina , Dietz Karl-Josef
Published: May 2012

Transcription factors of the APETALA 2/Ethylene Response Factor (AP2/ERF)-family have been implicated in diverse processes during development, stress acclimation and retrograde signaling. Fifty-three leaf-expressed AP2/ERFs were screened for their transcriptional response to abscisic acid (ABA), 3-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-1,1-dimethylurea (DCMU), methylviologen (MV), sucrose and high or low light, respectively, and revealed high reactivity to these effectors. Six of them (AP2-2, ARF14, CEJ1, ERF8, ERF11, RAP2.5) were selected for combinatorial response analysis to ABA, DCMU and high light. Additive, synergistic and antagonistic effects demonstrated that these transcription factors are components of multiple signaling pathways. AP2-2 (At1g79700) was subjected to an in depth study. AP2-2 transcripts were high under conditions linked to limited carbohydrate availability and stress and down-regulated in extended light phase, high light or in the presence of sugar. ap2-2 knock out plants had unchanged metabolite profiles and transcript levels of co-expressed genes in extended darkness. However, ap2-2 revealed more efficient germination and faster early growth under high sugar, osmotic or salinity stress, but the difference was abolished in the absence of sugar or during subsequent growth. It is suggested that AP2-2 is involved in mediating starvation-related and hormonal signals.
Biological Properties of Acidic Cosmetic Water from Seawater
Authors: Liao Wei-Ting , Huang Tsi-Shu , Chiu Chien-Chih , Pan Jian-Liang , Liang Shih-Shin , Chen Bing-Hung , Chen Shi-Hui , Liu Po-Len , Wang Hui-Chun , Wen Zhi-Hong , Wang Hui-Min , Hsiao Shu-Wen
Published: May 2012

This current work was to investigate the biological effects of acidic cosmetic water (ACW) on various biological assays. ACW was isolated from seawater and demonstrated several bio-functions at various concentration ranges. ACW showed a satisfactory effect against Staphylococcus aureus, which reduced 90% of bacterial growth after a 5-second exposure. We used cultured human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) to test the properties of ACW in inflammatory cytokine release, and it did not induce inflammatory cytokine release from un-stimulated, normal PBMCs. However, ACW was able to inhibit bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammatory cytokine TNF-α released from PBMCs, showing an anti-inflammation potential. Furthermore, ACW did not stimulate the rat basophilic leukemia cell (RBL-2H3) related allergy response on de-granulation. Our data presented ACW with a strong anti-oxidative ability in a superoxide anion radical scavenging assay. In mass spectrometry information, magnesium and zinc ions demonstrated bio-functional detections for anti-inflammation as well as other metal ions such as potassium and calcium were observed. ACW also had minor tyrosinase and melanin decreasing activities in human epidermal melanocytes (HEMn-MP) without apparent cytotoxicity. In addition, the cell proliferation assay illustrated anti-growth and anti-migration effects of ACW on human skin melanoma cells (A375.S2) indicating that it exerted the anti-cancer potential against skin cancer. The results obtained from biological assays showed that ACW possessed multiple bioactivities, including anti-microorganism, anti-inflammation, allergy-free, antioxidant, anti-melanin and anticancer properties. To our knowledge, this was the first report presenting these bioactivities on ACW.
Eicosanoids: Exploiting Insect Immunity to Improve Biological Control Programs
Authors: Stanley David , Haas Eric , Miller Jon
Published: May 2012

Insects, like all invertebrates, express robust innate, but not adaptive, immune reactions to infection and invasion. Insect immunity is usually resolved into three major components. The integument serves as a physical barrier to infections. Within the hemocoel, the circulating hemocytes are the temporal first line of defense, responsible for clearing the majority of infecting bacterial cells from circulation. Specific cellular defenses include phagocytosis, microaggregation of hemocytes with adhering bacteria, nodulation and encapsulation. Infections also stimulate the humoral component of immunity, which involves the induced expression of genes encoding antimicrobial peptides and activation of prophenoloxidase. These peptides appear in the hemolymph of challenged insects 6–12 hours after the challenge. Prostaglandins and other eicosanoids are crucial mediators of innate immune responses. Eicosanoid biosynthesis is stimulated by infection in insects. Inhibition of eicosanoid biosynthesis lethally renders experimental insects unable to clear bacterial infection from hemolymph. Eicosanoids mediate specific cell actions, including phagocytosis, microaggregation, nodulation, hemocyte migration, hemocyte spreading and the release of prophenoloxidase from oenocytoids. Some invaders have evolved mechanisms to suppress insect immunity; a few of them suppress immunity by targeting the first step in the eicosanoid biosynthesis pathways, the enzyme phospholipase A2. We proposed research designed to cripple insect immunity as a technology to improve biological control of insects. We used dsRNA to silence insect genes encoding phospholipase A2, and thereby inhibited the nodulation reaction to infection. The purpose of this article is to place our view of applying dsRNA technologies into the context of eicosanoid actions in insect immunity. The long-term significance of research in this area lies in developing new pest management technologies to contribute to food security in a world with a rapidly growing human population.
Flexible Helicoids, Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) Cantilevers in High Mode Vibration, and Concave Notch Hinges in Precision Measurements and Research
Authors: Tseytlin Yakov
Published: May 2012

Flexible structures are the main components in many precision measuring and research systems. They provide miniaturization, repeatability, minimal damping, low measuring forces, and very high resolution. This article focuses on the modeling, development, and comparison of three typical flexible micro- nano-structures: flexible helicoids, atomic force microscopy (AFM) cantilevers, and concave notch hinges. Our theory yields results which allow us to increase the accuracy and functionality of these structures in new fields of application such as the modeling of helicoidal DNA molecules’ mechanics, the definition of instantaneous center of rotation in concave flexure notch hinges, and the estimation of the increase of spring constants and resolution at higher mode vibration in AFM cantilevers with an additional concentrated and end extended mass. We developed the original kinetostatic, reverse conformal mapping of approximating contours, and non-linear thermomechanical fluctuation methods for calculation, comparison, and research of the micromechanical structures. These methods simplify complicated solutions in micro elasticity but provide them with necessary accuracy. All our calculation results in this article and in all corresponding referenced author’s publications are in a good agreement with experimental and finite element modeling data within 10% or less.
Luffa echinata Roxb. Induces Human Colon Cancer Cell (HT-29) Death by Triggering the Mitochondrial Apoptosis Pathway
Authors: Shang Li-Hua , Li Chun-Mei , Yang Zhao-Yang , Che De-Hai , Cao Jing-Yan , Yu Yan
Published: May 2012

The antiproliferative properties and cell death mechanism induced by the extract of the fruits of Luffa echinata Roxb. (LER) were investigated. The methanolic extract of LER inhibited the proliferation of human colon cancer cells (HT-29) in both dose-dependent and time-dependent manners and caused a significant increase in the population of apoptotic cells. In addition, obvious shrinkage and destruction of the monolayer were observed in LER-treated cells, but not in untreated cells. Analysis of the cell cycle after treatment of HT-29 cells with various concentrations indicated that LER extracts inhibited the cellular proliferation of HT-29 cells via G2/M phase arrest of the cell cycle. The Reactive oxygen species (ROS) level determination revealed that LER extracts induced apoptotic cell death via ROS generation. In addition, LER treatment led to a rapid drop in mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) as a decrease in fluorescence. The transcripts of several apoptosis-related genes were investigated by RT-PCR analysis. The caspase-3 transcripts of HT-29 cells significantly accumulated and the level of Bcl-XL mRNA was decreased after treatment with LER extract. Furthermore, the ratio of mitochondria-dependent apoptosis genes (Bax and Bcl-2) was sharply increased from 1.6 to 54.1. These experiments suggest that LER has anticancer properties via inducing the apoptosis in colon cancer cells, which provided the impetus for further studies on the therapeutic potential of LER against human colon carcinoma.
Recent Advances in Photoinduced Electron Transfer Processes of Fullerene-Based Molecular Assemblies and Nanocomposites
Authors: Ito Osamu , D’Souza Francis
Published: May 2012

Photosensitized electron-transfer processes of fullerenes hybridized with electron donating or other electron accepting molecules have been surveyed in this review on the basis of the recent results reported mainly from our laboratories. Fullerenes act as photo-sensitizing electron acceptors with respect to a wide variety of electron donors; in addition, fullerenes in the ground state also act as good electron acceptors in the presence of light-absorbing electron donors such as porphyrins. With single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs), the photoexcited fullerenes act as electron acceptor. In the case of triple fullerene/porphyrin/SWCNT architectures, the photoexcited porphyrins act as electron donors toward the fullerene and SWCNT. These mechanisms are rationalized with the molecular orbital considerations performed for these huge supramolecules. For the confirmation of the electron transfer processes, transient absorption methods have been used, in addition to time-resolved fluorescence spectral measurements. The kinetic data obtained in solution are found to be quite useful to predict the efficiencies of photovoltaic cells.
Effects of Citrus aurantium (Bitter Orange) Fruit Extracts and p-Synephrine on Metabolic Fluxes in the Rat Liver
Authors: Peixoto Jéssica Sereno , Comar Jurandir Fernando , Moreira Caroline Tessaro , Soares Andréia Assunção , De Oliveira Andrea Luiza , Bracht Adelar , Peralta Rosane Marina
Published: May 2012

The fruit extracts of Citrus aurantium (bitter orange) are traditionally used as weight-loss products and as appetite supressants. An important fruit component is p-synephrine, which is structurally similar to the adrenergic agents. Weight-loss and adrenergic actions are always related to metabolic changes and this work was designed to investigate a possible action of the C. aurantium extract on liver metabolism. The isolated perfused rat liver was used to measure catabolic and anabolic pathways, including oxygen uptake and perfusion pressure. The C. aurantium extract and p-synephrine increased glycogenolysis, glycolysis, oxygen uptake and perfusion pressure. These changes were partly sensitive to a- and b-adrenergic antagonists. p-Synephrine (200 mM) produced an increase in glucose output that was only 15% smaller than the increment caused by the extract containing 196 mM p-synephrine. At low concentrations the C. aurantium extract tended to increase gluconeogenesis, but at high concentrations it was inhibitory, opposite to what happened with p-synephrine. The action of the C. aurantium extract on liver metabolism is similar to the well known actions of adrenergic agents and can be partly attributed to its content in p-synephrine. Many of these actions are catabolic and compatible with the weight-loss effects usually attributed to C. aurantium.
Towards Deeper Measurements of Tropical Reefscape Structure Using the WorldView-2 Spaceborne Sensor
Authors: Collin Antoine , Hench James L.
Published: May 2012

Owing to the shallowness of waters, vast areas, and spatial complexity, reefscape mapping requires Digital Depth Models (DDM) at a fine scale but over large areas. Outperforming waterborne surveys limited by shallow water depths and costly airborne campaigns, recently launched satellite sensors, endowed with high spectral and very high spatial capabilities, can adequately address the raised issues. Doubling the number of spectral bands, the innovative eight band WorldView-2 (WV2) imagery is very susceptible to enhance the DDM retrieved from the traditional four band QuickBird-2 (QB2). Based on an efficiently recognized algorithm (ratio transform), resolving for the clear water bathymetry, we compared DDM derived from simulated QB2 with WV2 spectral combinations using acoustic ground-truthing in Moorea (French Polynesia). Three outcomes emerged from this study. Increasing spatial resolution from 2 to 0.5 m led to reduced agreement between modeled and in situ water depths. The analytical atmospheric correction (FLAASH) provided poorer results than those derived without atmospheric correction and empirical dark object correction. The purple, green, yellow and NIR3 (WV2 1st-3rd-4th-8th bands) spectral combination, processed with the atmospheric correction at the 2 m resolution, furnished the most robust consistency with ground-truthing (30 m (r = 0.65)), gaining 10 m of penetration relative to other spaceborne-derived bathymetric retrievals. The integration of the WV2-boosted bathymetry estimation into radiative transfer model holds great promise to frequently monitor the reefscape features at the colony-scale level.
Evaluation of the Impact of Furniture on Communications Performance for Ubiquitous Deployment of Wireless Sensor Networks in Smart Homes
Authors: Bleda Andrés L. , Jara Antonio J. , Maestre Rafael , Santa Guadalupe , Gómez Skarmeta Antonio F.
Published: May 2012

The extensions of the environment with the integration of sensing systems in any space, in conjunction with ubiquitous computing are enabling the so-called Smart Space Sensor Networks. This new generation of networks are offering full connectivity with any object, through the Internet of Things (IoT) and/or the Web, i.e., the Web of Things. These connectivity capabilities are making it feasible to sense the behaviours of people at home and act accordingly. These sensing systems must be integrated within typical elements found at home such as furniture. For that reason, this work considers furniture as an interesting element for the transparent location of sensors. Furniture is a ubiquitous object, i.e., it can be found everywhere at home or the office, and it can integrate and hide the sensors of a network. This work addresses the lack of an exhaustive study of the effect of furniture on signal losses. In addition an easy-to-use tool for estimating the robustness of the communication channel among the sensor nodes and gateways is proposed. Specifically, the losses in a sensor network signal due to the materials found within the communication link are evaluated. Then, this work proposes a software tool that gathers the obtained results and is capable of evaluating the impact of a given set of materials on the communications. This tool also provides a mechanism to optimize the sensor network deployments during the definition of smart spaces. Specifically, it provides information such as: maximum distances between sensor nodes, most suitable type of furniture to integrate sensors, or battery life of sensor nodes. This tool has been validated empirically in the lab, and it is currently being used by several enterprise partners of the Technological Centre of Furniture and Wood in the southeast of Spain.
Regioselective chlorination and bromination of unprotected anilines under mild conditions using copper halides in ionic liquids
Authors: Wang Han , Wen Kun , Nurahmat Nurbiya , Shao Yan , Zhang He , Wei Chao , Li Ya , Shen Yongjia , Sun Zhihua
Published: May 2012

By using ionic liquids as solvents, the chlorination or bromination of unprotected anilines at the para-position can be achieved in high yields with copper halides under mild conditions, without the need for potentially hazardous operations such as supplementing oxygen or gaseous HCl.
Autofeedback from Ultrasound Images Provides Rapid Improvement in Palpation Skills for Identifying Joint Swelling in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: OGASAWARA MICHIHIRO , MURAYAMA GO , YAMADA YUSUKE , NEMOTO TAKUYA , KAGEYAMA MICHIAKI , TOYAMA SHOKO , KUSAOI MAKIO , ONUMA SHIN , KON TAKAYUKI , SEKIYA FUMIO , SUGIMOTO KAORU , MATSUDAIRA RAN , MATSUSHITA MASAKAZU , TADA KURISU , KEMPE KAZUO , YAMAJI KEN , TAMURA NAOTO , TAKASAKI YOSHINARI
Published: May 2012

Objective.

Joint swelling, an important factor in the classification criteria and disease activity assessment in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), renders joint palpation a necessary skill for physicians. Ultrasound (US) examination that visualizes soft tissue abnormalities is now used to assess musculoskeletal disease. We assessed the usefulness of US assessments in enhancing physical joint examination skills.

Methods.

We examined 1944 joints (bilateral shoulder, elbow, wrist, metacarpophalangeal joints 1–5, and knee joints) in 108 patients with RA during April–July 2011. We first physically examined and confirmed joint swelling; subsequently, the same rheumatologist conducted US examinations and multiple assessors graded the joint swelling. When the 2 results differed, we received autofeedback from the US results to improve the physical examination skills.

Results.

The sensitivities and specificities of physical examination for US-detected swollen joint, the correlation coefficient (CC) of the swollen joint counts, and the concordance rate in each patient for joint swelling sites and power Doppler (PD)-positive sites with the κ coefficients between the physical and US examinations were compared over time. We found that the sensitivity of physical examination increased by 42 percentage points (pp), while the specificity decreased by 18 pp. The average CC in June–July was greater than that in April–May. The percentage of κ coefficients > 0.8 increased from 8.8% to 17% for joint swelling and from 8.3% to 14% for PD-positive sites.

Conclusion.

Our results suggest that autofeedback from US assessment provides quick improvement in palpation skills for identifying joint swelling in patients with RA.
Mitochondrial DNA Copy Number in Peripheral Blood Is Associated with Femoral Neck Bone Mineral Density in Postmenopausal Women
Authors: KIM JUNG-HA , LEE DUK-CHUL
Published: May 2012

Objective.

It has been suggested that mitochondrial dysfunction is related to aging and metabolic disorders. Yet there are few studies of the relationship between bone mineral density (BMD) and mitochondrial content in humans. We investigated the relationship between BMD and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) copy number in peripheral blood of postmenopausal women.

Methods.

The study included 146 postmenopausal women. Enrolled subjects were taking no medications and had no disorders that altered bone metabolism. We measured BMD using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry and leukocyte mtDNA copy number using real-time polymerase chain reaction. Anthropometric evaluations and biochemical tests were performed.

Results.

Patients with osteopenia or osteoporosis had lower mtDNA copy numbers than normal subjects (p < 0.0001). Femoral neck BMD was negatively correlated with age (r = −0.01, p = 0.04) and with serum levels of adiponectin (r = −0.22, p = 0.01) and osteocalcin (r = −0.31, p = 0.0001). Serum levels of 25-OH vitamin D (r = 0.32, p < 0.0001) and mtDNA copy number (r = 0.36, p < 0.0001) were positively correlated with femoral neck BMD. Multiple regression analysis showed that mtDNA copy number (ß = 0.156, p < 0.001) was an independent factor associated with femoral neck BMD after adjustment for age, body mass index, waist circumference, waist-hip ratio, blood pressure, homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, adiponectin, osteocalcin, homocysteine, lipid profiles, 25-OH vitamin D, and regular exercise. mtDNA copy number was not related to lumbar BMD.

Conclusion.

Low mtDNA content in peripheral blood is related to decreased femoral neck BMD in postmenopausal women. Our findings suggest that mitochondrial dysfunction may be a potential pathophysiologic mechanism of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women.
Validity and Reliability Problems with Patient Global as a Component of the ACR/EULAR Remission Criteria as Used in Clinical Practice
Authors: MASRI KARIM R. , SHAVER TIMOTHY S. , SHAHOURI SHADI H. , WANG SHIRLEY , ANDERSON JAMES D. , BUSCH RUTH E. , MICHAUD KALEB , MIKULS TED R. , CAPLAN LIRON , WOLFE FREDERICK
Published: May 2012

Objective.

To investigate what factors influence patient global health assessment (PtGlobal), and how those factors and the reliability of PtGlobal affect the rate, reliability, and validity of recently published American College of Rheumatology/European League Against Rheumatism (ACR/EULAR) rheumatoid arthritis (RA) remission criteria when used in clinical practice.

Methods.

We examined consecutive patients with RA in clinical practice and identified 77 who met ACR/EULAR joint criteria for remission (≤ 1 swollen joint and ≤ 1 tender joint). We evaluated factors associated with a PtGlobal > 1, because a PtGlobal ≤ 1 defined ACR/EULAR remission in this group of patients who had already met ACR/EULAR joint criteria.

Results.

Of the 77 patients examined, only 17 (22.1%) had PtGlobal ≤ 1 and thus fully satisfied ACR/EULAR criteria. A large proportion of patients not in remission by ACR/EULAR criteria had high PtGlobal related to noninflammatory issues, including low back pain, fatigue, and functional limitations, and a number of patients clustered in the range of PtGlobal > 1 and ≤ 2. However, the minimal detectable difference for PtGlobal was 2.3. In addition, compared with a PtGlobal severity score, a PtGlobal activity score was 3.3% less likely to be abnormal (> 1).

Conclusion.

Noninflammatory factors contribute to the level of PtGlobal and result in the exclusion of many patients who would otherwise be in “true” remission according to the ACR/EULAR definition. Reliability problems associated with PtGlobal can also result in misclassification, and may explain the observation of low longterm remission rates in RA. As currently constituted, the use of the ACR/EULAR remission criteria in clinical practice appears to be problematic.
Safety and Efficacy of Etanercept in a Cohort of Patients with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis Under 4 Years of Age
Authors: BRACAGLIA CLAUDIA , BUONUOMO PAOLA S. , TOZZI ALBERTO E. , PARDEO MANUELA , NICOLAI REBECCA , CAMPANA ANDREA , INSALACO ANTONELLA , CORTIS ELISABETTA , DE BENEDETTI FABRIZIO
Published: May 2012

Objective.

To evaluate safety, tolerability, and efficacy of etanercept in a cohort of patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) under 4 years of age.

Methods.

Data were collected at every visit during treatment with etanercept in 25 children who began treatment at a mean age of 3 years (range 18–48 months). Safety endpoints included the incidence of any adverse events. Efficacy endpoints included the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) Pediatric 30, 50, and 70 criteria for improvement.

Results.

Data from 25 patients with JIA treated with etanercept for a mean period of 23 months were analyzed. All patients received concomitant medications: 24 methotrexate, 3 cyclosporin A, and 10 corticosteroids. After the first 6 months of treatment, 15 (71.4%) patients achieved an ACR Pedi30 response and at the last observation 20 (80%) achieved ACR Pedi30. ACR Pedi50 and 70 responses were, respectively, 62% and 43% at 6 months and 72% and 64% at the last followup. Five patients (20%) discontinued etanercept for lack of efficacy. Two (8%) developed adverse events, both primary varicella zoster virus (VZV) infections (both not vaccinated). One was hospitalized because of a necrotizing fasciitis secondary to VZV infection. No cases of tuberculosis, opportunistic infections, or malignancies were reported.

Conclusion.

In our cohort of patients etanercept proved to be safe and efficacious in the majority of children. The response in toddlers was similar to that in older children. We observed only 1 case of severe infection that required hospitalization and stopped treatment temporarily.