bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification of a new cell line permissive to porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus infection and replication which is phenotypically distinct from MARC-145 cell line
Authors: Provost Chantale , Jia Jian Jun , Music Nedzad , Lévesque Cynthia , Lebel Marie-Ève , del Castillo Jérôme RE , Jacques Mario , Gagnon Carl A
Published: November 2012

Background

Airborne transmitted pathogens, such as porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV), need to interact with host cells of the respiratory tract in order to be able to enter and disseminate in the host organism. Pulmonary alveolar macrophages (PAM) and MA104 derived monkey kidney MARC-145 cells are known to be permissive to PRRSV infection and replication and are the most studied cells in the literature. More recently, new cell lines developed to study PRRSV have been genetically modified to make them permissive to the virus. The SJPL cell line origin was initially reported to be epithelial cells of the respiratory tract of swine. Thus, the goal of this study was to determine if SJPL cells could support PRRSV infection and replication in vitro.

Results

The SJPL cell growth was significantly slower than MARC-145 cell growth. The SJPL cells were found to express the CD151 protein but not the CD163 and neither the sialoadhesin PRRSV receptors. During the course of the present study, the SJPL cells have been reported to be of monkey origin. Nevertheless, SJPL cells were found to be permissive to PRRSV infection and replication even if the development of the cytopathic effect was delayed compared to PRRSV-infected MARC-145 cells. Following PRRSV replication, the amount of infectious viral particles produced in SJPL and MARC-145 infected cells was similar. The SJPL cells allowed the replication of several PRRSV North American strains and were almost efficient as MARC-145 cells for virus isolation. Interestingly, PRRSV is 8 to 16 times more sensitive to IFNα antiviral effect in SJPL cell in comparison to that in MARC-145 cells. PRRSV induced an increase in IFNβ mRNA and no up regulation of IFNα mRNA in both infected cell types. In addition, PRRSV induced an up regulation of IFNγ and TNF-α mRNAs only in infected MARC-145 cells.

Conclusions

In conclusion, the SJPL cells are permissive to PRRSV. In addition, they are phenotypically different from MARC-145 cells and are an additional tool that could be used to study PRRSV pathogenesis mechanisms in vitro.
Molecular portrait-based correlation between primary canine mammary tumor and its lymph node metastasis: possible prognostic-predictive models and/or stronghold for specific treatments?
Authors: Beha Germana , Brunetti Barbara , Asproni Pietro , Muscatello Luisa Vera , Millanta Francesca , Poli Alessandro , Sarli Giuseppe , Benazzi Cinzia
Published: November 2012

Background

This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between the molecular phenotype of the primary mammary tumor and its related lymph node metastasis in the dog to develop prognostic-predictive models and targeted therapeutic options.

Results

Twenty mammary tumor samples and their lymph node metastases were selected and stained by immunohistochemistry with anti-estrogen receptor (ER), -progesterone receptor (PR), -human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (c-erbB-2), -cytokeratin 5/6 (CK 5/6), -cytokeratin 14 (CK14), -cytokeratin 19 (CK 19) and -protein 63 (p63) antibodies. Four phenotypes (luminal A, luminal B, c-erbB2 overexpressing and basal-like) were diagnosed in primary tumors and five (luminal A, luminal B, c-erbB-2 overexpressing, basal-like and normal-like) in the lymph node metastases. Phenotypic concordance was found in 13 of the 20 cases (65%), and seven cases (35%) showed discordance with different lymph node phenotypic profile from the primary tumor.

Conclusions

The phenotype of the primary tumor assumes a predictive-therapeutic role only in concordant cases, meaning that both the primary tumor and its lymph node metastasis should be evaluated at the same time. A treatment plan based only on the primary tumor phenotype could lead to therapeutic failures if the phenotype of the lymph node metastasis differs from that of the primary tumor.
NaHSO4-SiO2 as an efficient and chemoselective catalyst, for the synthesis of acylal from aldehydes under, solvent-free conditions
Authors: Kannasani Ravi Kumar , Peruri V V Satyanarayana , Battula Srinivasa Reddy
Published: November 2012

Background

Structurally diverse aldehydes are successfully converted into acylals (1,1-diacetates) with acetic anhydride using NaHSO4-SiO2 as a mild, convenient and inexpensive catalyst under solvent-free conditions. The noteworthy features of the present system are shorter reaction times, and mild and solvent-free conditions. Furthermore, it offers chemoselective protection of aldehydes.

Results

Both aromatic and aliphatic aldehydes reacts smoothly with acetic anhydride in presence of silica supported sodium hydrogen sulphate to afford the corresponding 1,1-diacetates in good to excellent yields. We studied competitive reactions for the acylation of aldehydes in the presence of ketones using silica supported sodium hydrogen sulphate as a catalyst. Using this catalytic system, the highly selective conversion of an aldehyde in the presence of ketone was observed.

Conclusions

NaHSO4-SiO2 is a chemoselective and highly efficient catalyst for acylal formation from aldehydes. The advantages of this methodology over the reported methods is the availability of the starting materials, simplicity of acylation procedure, a clean work-up, a short reaction time, high yields and reusability.
Population genetic analysis and sub-structuring of Theileria parva in the northern and eastern parts of Zambia
Authors: Muleya Walter , Namangala Boniface , Simuunza Martin , Nakao Ryo , Inoue Noboru , Kimura Takashi , Ito Kimihito , Sugimoto Chihiro , Sawa Hirofumi
Published: November 2012

Background

Theileriosis, caused by Theileria parva, is an economically important disease in Africa. It is a major constraint to the development of the livestock industry in some parts of eastern, central and southern Africa. In Zambia, theileriosis causes losses of up to 10,000 cattle annually.

Methods

Cattle blood samples were collected for genetic analysis of Theileria parva from Isoka and Petauke districts in Zambia. Microsatellite analysis was then performed on all Theileria parva positive samples for PCR using a panel of 9 microsatellite markers. Microsatellite data was analyzed using microsatellite toolkit, GenAlEx ver. 6, Fstat ver. 2.9.3.2, and LIAN computer softwares.

Results

The combined percentage of positive samples in both districts determined by PCR using the p104 gene primers was 54.9% (95% CI: 46.7 – 63.1%, 78/142), while in each district, it was 44.8% (95% CI: 34.8 – 54.8%) and 76.1% (95% CI = 63.9 – 88.4%) for Isoka and Petauke districts, respectively. We analyzed the population genetic structure of Theileria parva from a total of 61 samples (33 from Isoka and 28 from Petauke) using a panel of 9 microsatellite markers encompassing the 4 chromosomes of Theileria parva. Wright’s F index (FST = 0.178) showed significant differentiation between the Isoka and Petauke populations. Linkage disequilibrium was observed when populations from both districts were treated as a single population. When analyzed separately, linkage disequilibrium was observed in Kanyelele and Kalembe areas in Isoka district, Isoka district overall and in Petauke district. Petauke district had a higher multiplicity of infection than Isoka district.

Conclusion

Population genetic analyses of Theileria parva from Isoka and Petauke districts showed a low level of genotype exchange between the districts, but a high level of genetic diversity within each district population, implying genetic and geographic sub-structuring between the districts. The sub-structuring observed, along with the lack of panmixia in the populations, could have been due to low transmission levels at the time of sampling. However, the Isoka population was less diverse than the Petauke population.
Successful treatment of thyrotoxicosis is accompanied by a decrease in serum sclerostin levels
Authors: Skowrońska-Jóźwiak Elżbieta , Krawczyk-Rusiecka Kinga , Lewandowski Krzysztof C , Adamczewski Zbigniew , Lewiński Andrzej
Published: November 2012

Sclerostin, a product of a SOST gene, is a protein expressed by osteocytes that inhibits osteoblastic bone formation. Several hormones, including PTH and glucocorticosteroids, have been suggested to be possible regulators of sclerostin production. The influence of thyroid hormones on sclerostin synthesis has not been investigated, so far. The aim of the study was to evaluate sclerostin concentrations in patients before and after treatment of thyrotoxicosis.

Patients and methods

The study involved 15 patients (4 men), mean age 51.8±15.3 years, mean BMI value - 24.7±3.5, with thyrotoxicosis due to Graves’ disease or toxic multinodular goitre. Serum sclerostin was measured by immunoassay at diagnosis of thyrotoxicosis and after 6–10 weeks of treatment with thiamazole. The data were analysed by means of simple descriptive statistics of location and dispersion and Mann–Whitney U test for pairs of results, before and after thiamazole therapy. Association between variables was evaluated with use of Spearman`s correlation coefficient.

Results

There was a significant decrease in free T3 (FT3) and free T4 (FT4) concentrations (from 8.74±4.79 pg/ml to 3.54±2.40 pg/ml, and from 4.48±2.21 ng/ml to 1.02±1.07 ng/ml, respectively, p<0.001). This was accompanied by a marked decrease of serum sclerostin levels from 55.46±20.90 pmol/l to 35.73±15.70 pmol/l, p<0.0015). Interestingly, enough, sclerostin levels did not correlate with serum FT3 or FT4 concentrations.

Conclusions

Restoration of a euthyroid state in patients with thyrotoxicosis results in a significant decrease in serum sclerostin concentrations. The above mentioned phenomenon may reflect lowering of bone metabolism, but a possible direct influence of thyroid hormones on SOST gene needs to be investigated.
Identification of stable normalization genes for quantitative real-time PCR in porcine articular cartilage
Authors: McCulloch Ryan S , Ashwell Melissa S , O’Nan Audrey T , Mente Peter L
Published: November 2012

Background

Expression levels for genes of interest must be normalized with an appropriate reference, or housekeeping gene, to make accurate comparisons of quantitative real-time PCR results. The purpose of this study was to identify the most stable housekeeping genes in porcine articular cartilage subjected to a mechanical injury from a panel of 10 candidate genes.

Results

Ten candidate housekeeping genes were evaluated in three different treatment groups of mechanically impacted porcine articular cartilage. The genes evaluated were: beta actin, beta-2-microglobulin, glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase, hydroxymethylbilane synthase, hypoxanthine phosphoribosyl transferase, peptidylprolyl isomerase A (cyclophilin A), ribosomal protein L4, succinate dehydrogenase flavoprotein subunit A, TATA box binding protein, and tyrosine 3-monooxygenase/tryptophan 5-monooxygenase activation protein—zeta polypeptide. The stability of the genes was measured using geNorm, BestKeeper, and NormFinder software. The four most stable genes measured via geNorm were (most to least stable) succinate dehydrogenase flavoprotein, subunit A, peptidylprolyl isomerase A, glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase, beta actin; the four most stable genes measured via BestKeeper were glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase, peptidylprolyl isomerase A, beta actin, succinate dehydrogenase flavoprotein, subunit A; and the four most stable genes measured via NormFinder were peptidylprolyl isomerase A, succinate dehydrogenase flavoprotein, subunit A, glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase, beta actin.

Conclusions

BestKeeper, geNorm, and NormFinder all generated similar results for the most stable genes in porcine articular cartilage. The use of these appropriate reference genes will facilitate accurate gene expression studies of porcine articular cartilage and suggest appropriate housekeeping genes for articular cartilage studies in other species.
A randomized trial of 7-day doripenem versus 10-day imipenem-cilastatin for ventilator-associated pneumonia
Authors: Kollef Marin H , Chastre Jean , Clavel Marc , Restrepo Marcos I , Michiels Bart , Kaniga Koné , Cirillo Iolanda , Kimko Holly , Redman Rebecca
Published: November 2012

Introduction

The aim of this study was to compare a 7-day course of doripenem to a 10-day course of imipenem-cilastatin for ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) due to Gram-negative bacteria.

Methods

This was a prospective, double-blinded, randomized trial comparing a fixed 7-day course of doripenem one gram as a four-hour infusion every eight hours with a fixed 10-day course of imipenem-cilastatin one gram as a one-hour infusion every eight hours (April 2008 through June 2011).

Results

The study was stopped prematurely at the recommendation of the Independent Data Monitoring Committee that was blinded to treatment arm assignment and performed a scheduled review of data which showed signals that were close to the pre-specified stopping limits. The final analyses included 274 randomized patients. The clinical cure rate at the end of therapy (EOT) in the microbiological intent-to-treat (MITT) population was numerically lower for patients in the doripenem arm compared to the imipenem-cilastatin arm (45.6% versus 56.8%; 95% CI, -26.3% to 3.8%). Similarly, the clinical cure rate at EOT was numerically lower for patients with Pseudomonas aeruginosa VAP, the most common Gram-negative pathogen, in the doripenem arm compared to the imipenem-cilastatin arm (41.2% versus 60.0%; 95% CI, -57.2 to 19.5). All cause 28-day mortality in the MITT group was numerically greater for patients in the doripenem arm compared to the imipenem-cilastatin arm (21.5% versus 14.8%; 95% CI, -5.0 to 18.5) and for patients with P. aeruginosa VAP (35.3% versus 0.0%; 95% CI, 12.6 to 58.0).

Conclusions

Among patients with microbiologically confirmed late-onset VAP, a fixed 7-day course of doripenem was found to have non-significant higher rates of clinical failure and mortality compared to a fixed 10-day course of imipenem-cilastatin. Consideration should be given to treating patients with VAP for more than seven days to optimize clinical outcome.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT00589693
Reply to M.S. Zhdanov and M.A. Frenkel by the authors
Authors: Lee Seunghee , Mcmechan George , Aiken Carlos
Published: November 2012

We assure Drs. Zhdanov and Frenkel that our lack of reference to their work was due only to our not being aware of it at the time our research was done. From the start of our work in 1984, our ideas were widely discussed with our colleagues here in the United States; none of them was aware of this earlier research either, so we appreciate having our attention being drawn to it.
“Short Note: On the calculation of P-SV conversion point for a dipping bed,” GEOPHYSICS, 71, T13–T16.
Authors: Tada Guarín Alfredo
Published: November 2012

Equation (8) and the expressions for [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] were written incorrectly. We apologize for any inconvenience caused by this error.
“Frequency-dependent attenuation analysis of ground-penetrating radar data,”
Authors: Bradford John H.
Published: November 2012

This article lists contributors to this issue and provides brief biographies of them.
Intellectual Property
Authors: Walker David A.
Published: November 2012

The Intellectual Property department in each issue of Geophysics provides U.S. patent abstracts, published patent abstracts of U.S. patent applications, and published abstracts field under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT).
Memorials
Authors: Northwood John , Gafford Bill , Stringer Haynie
Published: November 2012

Memorials for: John Northwood 1922–2009 Tom Fulton 1930–2009
Highlights of the 2009 SEG Summer Research Workshop on CO2 Sequestration
Authors: Lumley David , Sherlock Don , Daley Tom , Huang Lianjie , Lawton Don , Masters Ron , Verliac Michel , White Don
Published: November 2012

The 2009 SEG Summer Research Workshop on “CO2 Sequestration Geophysics” was held 23–27 August 2009 in Banff, Canada. The event was attended by over 100 scientists from around the world, which proved to be a remarkably successful turnout in the midst of the current global financial crisis and severe corporate travel restrictions. Attendees included SEG President Larry Lines (University of Calgary) and CSEG President John Downton (CGG Veritas), who joined SRW Chairman David Lumley in giving the opening welcome remarks at the Sunday Icebreaker. The workshop was organized by a committee of technical experts representing a good mix of industry, academic, and government research organizations (see box). The format consisted of four days of technical sessions with over 60 talks and posters, plus an optional preworkshop field trip to the Columbia Ice Fields to view firsthand the effects of global warming on the Athabasca glacier (Figures 1–2). Group technical discussion was encouraged by requiring each presenter to limit themselves to 15 minutes of presentation followed by a 15–minute open discussion period. Technical contributions focused on the current and future role of geophysics in CO2 sequestration, highlighting new research and field-test results with regard to site selection and characterization, monitoring and surveillance, using a wide variety of geophysical techniques. While there are too many excellent contributions to mention all individually here, in this paper, we summarize some of the key workshop highlights in order to propagate new developments to the SEG community at large.
Reviews
Authors: Tutuncu Azra N.
Published: November 2012

Introductory Mathematics for Earth Scientists, by Xin-She Yang, ISBN 190-671600-5, Dunedin Academic Press, 2009, 228 pp, (paperback).
SEG Books go online
Authors: Bakamjian Ted
Published: November 2012

Literature research in applied geophysics is enhanced with the publication of SEG books online. SEG eBooks is launching in early February within the SEG Digital Library ( www.segdl.org ), where the books will share an interface, search engines, and linking with the journals and meeting abstracts. Approximately 35 books are included in the launch, and approximately 50 are expected to be available online by the end of the first quarter of 2010.
TLE goes fully digital
Authors: Grechka Vladimir , Bakamjian Ted
Published: November 2012

You might be reading this column in the new “digital edition” of The Leading Edge. The digital edition is a new format in which SEG members can read TLE. It is a cover-to-cover digital replication of the entire printed edition, including all ads and links from URLs and e-mail addresses. It includes intuitive and robust navigation, the ability to print, the ability to share portions of an issue via e-mail or social networks, the ability to search an entire issue, a zoom feature, and the ability to download an issue for offline reading.
Geophysics outstanding reviewers
Authors: Grechka Vladimir
Published: November 2012

As they say, none of us is as knowledgeable and experienced as all of us. Peer-reviewed journals fully understand this truth and rely on reviewers to help authors produce quality papers. In addition to honoring outstanding Geophysics reviewers below, I would like to express my deep appreciation to associate editors Robert Ferguson, Sergey Fomel, Klaus Holliger, Robert Keys, Chris Liner, John Peirce, Oleg Portniaguine, Mike Tompkins, and Dirk-Jan van Manen for their excellent service. Also I sincerely welcome Mauricio Sacchi in his role as assistant editor, Peeter Akerberg serving as the first department editor for Geophysics Dissertation Abstracts, and the new Geophysics associate editors David Aldridge, Phil Anno, Luca Durand, Colin Farquharson, Matthew Haney, Ian Jones, Xinyou Lu, Kenneth Mahrer, Shawn Maxwell, Michal Ruder, Jeffrey Shragge, Ivan Vasconcelos, Danilo Velis, and Chester Weiss.
Reviews
Authors: Brittan John
Published: November 2012

The Art of Being a Scientist—A Guide for Graduate Students and their Mentors, by Roel Sneider and Ken Larner, ISBN 978-0-521-74352-5, Cambridge, 2009, 286 pp., US $32.99 (paperback).
Field camps infuse geoscience education with crucial hands-on experience
Authors: Young Brian K.
Published: November 2012

Field camps are an integral part of the educational journey for young geophysicists. The hands-on experience gained in the field provides a critical supplement to the theoretical knowledge learned in the classroom. But rising costs, liability concerns, and the absorption of geophysics courses into broader programs like geography and environmental sciences have led to a substantial decline in the availability of field camp experiences for geoscience students. That's why we are so proud of our Field Camp Grants program made possible by the support of SEG Foundation donors.
SEG/EAGE DISC enthusiastically received in China
Authors: Todd Terry , Liu Gary
Published: November 2012

Colin Sayers' presentation of his SEG/EAGE Distinguished Instructor Short Course, “Geophysics Under Stress: Geomechanical Applications of Seismic and Borehole Acoustic Waves” was enthusiastically received by Chinese geophysicists in Nanjing and Beijing. The presentation in Nanjing was 27–28 May at Sinopec's Geophysical Research Institute. The Beijing course, a public offering, was 31 May–1 June at the St. Regis Hotel.
Enhanced SEG Online expands member services
Authors: Young Brian K.
Published: November 2012

SEG is a truly global organization, with more than two-thirds of our membership living outside the United States. SEG Online is the best way to make the Society's wealth of knowledge available to all. Thanks to corporate leaders like China National Petroleum Corporation, ION, Halliburton/Landmark, PGS, and Seismic Micro-Technology (SMT), SEG continues to bolster our member services through SEG Online. These are corporations with a keen interest in advancing geophysical technology and strengthening the profession of applied geophysics.
Geophysics outstanding reviewers
Authors: Grechka Vladimir
Published: November 2012

Geophysics invariably relies on expert reviewers to maintain the high quality of the journal. I am pleased to recognize several dedicated individuals whose efforts helped improve the technical content of papers published in the last year. In addition to honoring our outstanding reviewers, I would like to sincerely thank Bill Harlan who decided to step down after many years of excellent service as associate editor (AE). Numerous authors benefited from Bill's reviews and recommendations, which were always thorough, thoughtful, polite, and professional. Also I take this opportunity to warmly welcome associate editors Tariq Alkhalifah (Seismic Velocity/Statics), Antoine Guitton (Seismic Inversion), and Stig Hestholm (Seismic Modeling) who recently joined the Editorial Board of Geophysics.
Reviews
Authors: Rüger Andreas
Published: November 2012

An Introduction to Velocity Model Building, by Ian Jones, ISBN 978-90-73781-84-9, EAGE, 2010, 296 pp., € 60 (members), € 75 (nonmembers).
SEG student programs result in life-changing experiences
Authors: Ali Hendratta
Published: November 2012

As far back as my freshman year and all the way through my doctorate, I have navigated through different academic programs. I now find myself in an unlikely place—on the faculty of a petroleum geology program—when I look back at the early beginnings of my college life! When I graduated from high school, I had no knowledge of the geosciences. In fact, I first heard the word “geology” (not to mention “exploration” geology) during my freshman year. Initially, as a science student in Cameroon, I planned to attend medical school and become a physician. Therefore, I studied biochemistry my freshman year. I discovered physical geology in my general education classes and was convinced by my professor to change my major to geology. While enrolled in the geology program, I focused closely on aspect biology and geochemistry. Later, after working as an environmental geologist on the Chad/Cameroon pipeline project, I decided to pursue graduate studies in the petroleum geosciences.
National University of Mongolia
Authors: Gochioco Lawrence M.
Published: November 2012

While on a field project in Mongolia, the GAC country representative and regional coordinator for Asia, Lawrence M. Gochioco, gave a lecture at the National University of Mongolia (NUM) on 28 September 2010. The presentation on “Coal Seismic” addressed exploration challenges regarding a major natural resource in the area. Mongolia is believed to possess one of the world's richest coal deposits. The event was coordinated and sponsored by Uguumur Gotovsuren, GeoSignals director, and Baatarchuluun Tsermaa, chairman of the Department of Geophysics. The department has more than 200 undergraduate and graduate students.
President's Page
Authors: Beydoun Wafik
Published: November 2012

With the new SEG Board of Directors organization that will be implemented in 2012, the office of vice president will disappear. Consequently, I have the honor of being the last SEG VP to write a President's Page in TLE. The topic addressed in this column fortunately outlives the VP position and deals with the important process of strategic planning. The intention of this article is to provide SEG members with some background on strategic planning and where SEG stands in this process.
Student Zone
Authors: Iacob Cezar
Published: November 2012

One day I was standing on a mining waste dump in Ampoi Valley, Romania, watching an old man driving his cows toward the water in the small lake created from rain. This region's mining history dates to Roman times, 2000 years ago. I imagine the cows drink daily from that water. I thought: “If he knew how toxic that water is … if the community knew the distribution of the contamination in this valley, then they may try to avoid the worst places.” Less than a year later, Geoscientists Without Borders came to our attention. We formed a young and ambitious team of faculty and PhD students at the University of Bucharest to tackle the pollution problem in Ampoi Valley. The SEG Foundation awarded a Geoscientists Without Borders grant with funding provided by Schlumberger. Additional financing arrived from Prospectiuni SA (a geophysical and geological service company in southeastern Europe) which was impressed by the project and offered to be a part of the story.
Memorials
Authors: Yowell David L.
Published: November 2012

Memorial for: John Hyden
Signals
Authors: Wood Jim
Published: November 2012

Signals are letters to the editor submitted by readers of The Leading Edge.
SEAM Update
Authors: Oristaglio Michael
Published: November 2012

A special challenge of land seismic exploration is dealing with elastic surface waves at the Earth-air interface. These waves (commonly called “ground roll”) are induced by free-surface boundary conditions that hold when an elastic solid (Earth) is in contact with free space (air, effectively) and are generally the slowest decaying and slowest moving events on shot gathers. The synthetic seismograms in Figure 1 nicely illustrate these features of surface waves. Taken from a finite-difference computation using the SEAM geologic model of a midcontinent basin containing shale-gas reservoirs—the “unconventional” model (see the June 2012 issue of TLE)—the traces show the vertical particle velocity recorded by a symmetrical spread of receivers flanking a vertical point-force source acting on the surface.
Signals
Authors: Lawyer Lee
Published: November 2012

Signals are letters to the editor submitted by readers of The Leading Edge.
The historical significance of exploration geophysics
Authors: Frehner Brian
Published: November 2012

Explaining the historical significance of exploration geophysics to a layperson is not an easy task. Although daunting, I have enthusiastically undertaken an effort in conjunction with the Historical Preservation Committee of the Society of Exploration Geophysicists to explain to non-experts that exploration geophysics is a practice that has a long history marked by innovation and invention. Geophysicists have discovered oil throughout the world. Modern-day consumers often take for granted the history of exploration and innovation that made possible the discovery of resources that support their standard of living. Our goal is to create a museum exhibit that explains the role of technological innovation throughout the twentieth century and the historical context that explains geophysics in its modern form. The project will consist of a concerted effort to gather historic photos, conduct oral histories, research historic documents, and consult seminal articles in The Leading Edge and Geophysics. We are not just gathering facts, however, but offering an interpretation of technological innovation that explains oil exploration as a practice that unfolded over time through the efforts of many people and that has undergone dramatic transformations.
Inspired to change the world in Pittsburgh: The 2012 International Science and Engineering Fair
Authors: Nolen-Hoeksema Richard
Published: November 2012

The theme for the 2012 International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) was “Inspired to change our world” and this year's SEG honorees emulated this theme. They tackled problems of early warning systems for earthquakes, atmospheric and occupational air pollution, sound-source identification and location, georeferencing or geotagging photographs, biodiversity, water salinity, nanotechnology for oil production, and soundscape quality of rooms.
Novel nanotesla magnetic field sensors for an early warning system for earthquakes
Authors: Mukundan Ananya
Published: November 2012

It i1s well known that low-frequency (0.01–10 Hz), 10–100 nanotesla (nT) magnetic fluctuations occur hours or days before an earthquake. This article reports the development of ultrasensitive, low-cost, room-temperature, magnetic sensors that may enable the deployment of such sensors and sensor networks for recording these magnetic precursors to earthquakes. The sensors are based on magnetoelectric (ME) composites that produce a voltage response to the magnetic field fluctuations. The composites have two components: a ferromagnetic layer that responds to the magnetic field by producing a mechanical strain and a piezoelectric layer that converts the mechanical strain to a voltage. Several ferromagnetic-piezoelectric composites were prepared and characterized, and we found the best response in terms of low noise and sensitivity from sensors constructed of Metglas lead zirconate titanate (PZT). The data indicate that the samples can measure 0.1 nT at 0.1–10 Hz, a sensitivity ideal for the detection of 10–100 nT field fluctuations that precede an earthquake. Suggested follow-up efforts include a large-scale deployment of the sensors and sensor networks in earthquake-prone regions for field tests and ultimately the development of a sensor-based early warning system.
Optimizing EM data acquisition for continental shelf exploration
Authors: Barker N. D. , Morten J. P. , Shantsev D. V.
Published: November 2012

The controlled-source electromagnetic (CSEM) method has been applied to oil and gas exploration and production for more than 10 years. During this time, most of the focus has been on derisking deep- and ultradeep-water drilling decisions. In this article, we will consider how EM methods can be optimized for continental shelf applications, which represent approximately 80% of offshore discoveries.

Historically, applications of EM on the continental shelf have been limited for two principal reasons:
The history of SEG governance reform
Authors: Harris Spring
Published: November 2012

SEG officially adopted new Bylaws, after a vote of Active Members on 16 December 2011. This change in governance replaces the Society's Constitution and Bylaws resolving a conflict between the previous governance documents. Under the new Bylaws, SEG now has a Board of Directors with at least 14 voting members who will serve staggered multiyear terms. The Executive Committee, whose members sit on the Board, has the power to act on Society business between quarterly Board meetings. While this recent change represents a new way of governing SEG, it is not the only change in governance throughout SEG's 82-year history.
Review of pore-pressure prediction challenges in high-temperature areas
Authors: Swarbrick Richard
Published: November 2012

Pore-pressure prediction relies heavily on interpretation of seismic and well attributes such as velocity, resistivity, and density which capture porosity changes during shale compaction under vertical loading. Relationships such as Eaton (1975) were developed in the Gulf of Mexico using a relatively simple lithological mix of geologically young sandstones and shale mudrocks at relatively low temperatures. An alternative approach using data from the same region was more deterministic°also with vertical stress (e.g., Hottman and Johnson, 1965; Bowers, 1995). Another approach using mean stress, developed by Harrold et al., (2000) used similar sand and shale sequences at relatively low temperatures from data in southeast Asia basins. All the above approaches can be shown to provide acceptable prediction of pore pressure in shale mudrocks in young, rapidly deposited siliciclastic sequences, such as the Baram Delta, Brunei (Tingay et al., 2009) and along the West African margin (Swarbrick et al., 2011). The results can be calibrated, with careful attention to evidence for lateral drainage or lateral transfer, using data from their associated reservoir. However, in higher-temperature environments (e.g., Malay Basin, Hoesni 2004) these methods fail to deliver predictions, which may be accurate enough for effective well planning and safe drilling. This paper reviews the above methods and how they can be modified for use at elevated temperatures (e.g., above 100°C). However, the review also draws attention to the wide uncertainty inherent in conventional approaches to prediction in some regions, which may require an entirely different approach to pore-pressure prediction prior to drilling.
Integrating interpretation expertise and objective data analysis in 3D interpretation
Authors: Henderson J. , Paton G. , Froner B. , Lowell J. , Ackers M.
Published: November 2012

Volume attribute computation is an accepted part of mainstream interpretation workflows. Perhaps counter-intuitively, attribute generation is powerful because it creates data sets that show only a subset of the information available in the original seismic. By reducing the information content, it is easier to focus on those aspects of the seismic response that help differentiate particular aspects of the imaged geology. Seismic attributes often measure properties of the seismic signal and the trace-to-trace variation in seismic signal that have an opaque relationship to rock properties. Therefore, interpretation of such attributes is generally based on identification of geologically reasonable scenarios. This can be greatly facilitated by examining multiple attributes simultaneously in a spatially coregistered manner—to either increase the differentiation between features of interest or to the show the relationship between different types of seismic response. A powerful way to achieve this is the use of color-blending techniques (Henderson et al., 2007) (Figure 1). Color blending effectively illuminates the geology, but consequently creates a complex image in which the information is hard to access other than visually. Accurate extraction of the information perceived within a color blend is one of the interpretation challenges associated with the improvements in visualization technology.
Sections/Associated Societies Focus
Authors: Frankcombe Kim
Published: November 2012

The Australian Society of Exploration Geophysicists was established in 1970 as a Section of SEG. It has since grown to a membership of more than 1300, of which just under a quarter live outside of Australia. Unlike SEG and EAGE, both heavily populated by oil and gas explorationists, a high percentage of ASEG's membership is mineral-oriented. This difference has more to do with history and less to do with geology. Australia's first successful oil well was not drilled until 1953, whereas gold was discovered just over 100 years earlier in 1851. Consequently, one of the earliest applications of geophysical methods to exploration in Australia, carried out by the Imperial Experimental Geophysical Survey in 1928, was aimed at mineral exploration.
Blood concentrations of lactate, glucose and corticosterone in dispersing hatchling sea turtles
Authors: Pereira Carla M. , Booth David T. , Bradley Adrian J. , Limpus Colin J.
Published: November 2012

Natal dispersal of sea turtles is an energetically demanding activity that is fuelled primarily by aerobic metabolism. However, during intense exercise reptiles can use anaerobic metabolism to supplement their energy requirements. We assessed anaerobic metabolism in dispersing hatchling loggerhead and flatback turtles by measuring the concentrations of blood lactate during crawling and at different times during the first four hours of their frenzy swim. We also measured concentrations of blood glucose and corticosterone. Blood lactate (12.13 to 2.03 mmol/L), glucose (6.25 to 3.8 mmol/L) and corticosterone (8.13 to 2.01 ng/mL) concentrations decreased significantly over time in both loggerhead and flatback hatchlings and no significant differences were found between the species. These results indicate that anaerobic metabolism makes a significant contribution to the dispersal phase of hatchling sea turtles during the beach crawl and the first few hours of the frenzy swim.
The retromer complex – endosomal protein recycling and beyond
Authors: Seaman Matthew N. J.
Published: November 2012

The retromer complex is a vital element of the endosomal protein sorting machinery that is conserved across all eukaryotes. Retromer is most closely associated with the endosome-to-Golgi retrieval pathway and is necessary to maintain an active pool of hydrolase receptors in the trans-Golgi network. Recent progress in studies of retromer have identified new retromer-interacting proteins, including the WASH complex and cargo such as the Wntless/MIG-14 protein, which now extends the role of retromer beyond the endosome-to-Golgi pathway and has revealed that retromer is required for aspects of endosome-to-plasma membrane sorting and regulation of signalling events. The interactions between the retromer complex and other macromolecular protein complexes now show how endosomal protein sorting is coordinated with actin assembly and movement along microtubules, and place retromer squarely at the centre of a complex set of protein machinery that governs endosomal protein sorting. Dysregulation of retromer-mediated endosomal protein sorting leads to various pathologies, including neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer disease and spastic paraplegia and the mechanisms underlying these pathologies are starting to be understood. In this Commentary, I will highlight recent advances in the understanding of retromer-mediated endosomal protein sorting and discuss how retromer contributes to a diverse set of physiological processes.
Pioglitazone protects HDL2&3 against oxidation in overweight and obese men
Authors: Mceneny Jane , Mcpherson Peter A , Mcginty Ann , Hull Stephen S , Mccance David R , Young Ian S
Published: November 2012

Background

The worldwide epidemic of obesity is a major public health concern and is persuasively linked to the rising prevalence of diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Obesity is often associated with an abnormal lipoprotein profile, which may be partly negated by pioglitazone intervention, as this can influence the composition and oxidation characteristics of low-density lipoprotein (LDL). However, as pioglitazone's impact on these parameters within high-density lipoprotein (HDL), specifically HDL2&3, is absent from the literature, this study was performed to address this shortcoming.

Methods

Twenty men were randomized to placebo or pioglitazone (30 mg/day) for 12 weeks. HDL2&3 were isolated by rapidultracentrifugation. HDL2&3-cholesterol and phospholipid content were assessed by enzymatic assays and apolipoprotein AI (apoAI) content by single-radial immunodiffusion. HDL2&3 oxidation characteristics were assessed by monitoring conjugated diene production and paraoxonase-1 activity by spectrophotometric assays.

Results

Compared with the placebo group, pioglitazone influenced the composition and oxidation potential of HDL2&3. Specifically, total cholesterol (P < 0.05), phospholipid (P < 0.001) and apoAI (P < 0.001) were enriched within HDL2. Furthermore, the resistance of HDL2&3 to oxidation (P < 0.05) and the activity of paroxonase-1 were also increased (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Overall, these findings indicate that pioglitazone treatment induced antiatherogenic changes within HDL2& 3 , which may help reduce the incidence of premature cardiovascular disease linked with obesity.
Post-diphtheritic neuropathy: a clinical study in paediatric intensive care unit of a developing country
Authors: Kanwal Sandeep Kumar , Yadav Dinesh , Chhapola Viswas , Kumar Virendra
Published: November 2012

A retrospective study was done on 48 consecutive patients with clinical diagnosis of postdiphtheritic neuropathy admitted to the paediatric intensive care unit of tertiary care hospital in North India between January 2008 and December 2010 to study the clinical profile of post-diphtheritic neuropathy in children. The case records were reviewed and information regarding personal details, clinical features, recovery parameters and outcome was recorded using a predesigned proforma. Median age was 4.25 years. All cases were unimmunized. Median latency period was 15 days. Of the children, 52% had palatal palsy whereas 48% had limb weakness initially. Median duration of progression of weakness was five days. Limb muscle weakness was present in 94%. Respiratory muscles were involved in 85.4% cases and 60.4% required mechanical ventilation, while 14.6% had fatal outcome and 10.4% had hypoxic neurological injury. Boys were affected more. Median duration of latency was shorter; muscle weakness, progression and recovery were faster as compared with observational studies in adults.
New Opportunities from the Cancer Metabolome
Authors: Aboud Omran Abu , Weiss Robert H
Published: November 2012

BACKGROUND

Metabolomics, the study of all metabolites produced in the body, which often includes flora and drug metabolites, is the omics approach that can be considered most closely related to a patient's phenotype. Metabolomics has a great and largely untapped potential in the field of oncology, and the analysis of the cancer metabolome to identify biofluid markers and novel druggable targets can now be undertaken in many research laboratories.

CONTENT

The cancer metabolome has been used to identify and begin to evaluate potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets in a variety of malignancies, including breast, prostate, and kidney cancer. We discuss the several standard techniques for metabolite separation and identification, with their potential problems and drawbacks. Validation of biomarkers and targets may entail intensive use of labor and technology and generally requires a large number of study participants as well as laboratory validation studies. The field of pharmacometabolomics, in which specific therapies are chosen on the basis of a patient's metabolomic profile, has shown some promise in the translation of metabolomics into the arena of personalized medicine.

The relatively new approach using metabolomics has just begun to enter the mainstream of cancer diagnostics and therapeutics. As this field advances, metabolomics will take its well-deserved place next to genomics, transcriptomics, and proteomics in both clinical and basic research in oncology.
Mobility, migration and hospitality employment: Voices of Central and Eastern European women
Authors: Rydzik Agnieszka , Pritchard Annette , Morgan Nigel , Sedgley Diane
Published: November 2012

This article reports the findings of an arts-based participatory action research project on the experiences of Central and Eastern European female migrants working in the hospitality sector in the United Kingdom. It critically explores the participants’ negotiations of their multiple,
intersecting mobilities and immobilities,and reveals how their employment in hospitality both encourages and restricts these mobilities. The article is situated within the unfolding hopeful tourism scholarship perspective, and argues that its inclusive and participatory approach provides considerable
insight into these migrant workers’ complex and often under-appreciated trajectories. The article concludes that the arts-based participatory methodology deployed in this research uniquely allows these highly mobile and at the same time immobilized hospitality workers to self-represent
themselves and to maintain ownership of their stories.
Creative research approaches
Authors: Uggerhøj Lars
Published: November 2012

The article explores the possibility of developing and using creative research approaches and methods in social work research. The article starts by introducing the opposing positions in the on-going science wars between evidence-based and non-evidence-based approaches. It argues that if research is to understand and capture the complexity of social problems and social work, more effort must be devoted to developing qualitative studies – especially at a time when evidence-based approaches hold such a strong position. Research also needs to focus much more on creative tools. The article suggests Forum Theatre as a good participatory method as it allows a more power-sharing and open dialogue between researchers and informants, and it presents an example of Forum Theatre used in a research process. The article ends with a comparison of creative social work research approaches to what has been characterized as the science of the concrete: a context-dependent science, oriented more towards subjects than objects, and in which judgements and decisions are based on values.
Digital war: An empirical analysis of narrative elements in military
first-person shooters
Authors: Breuer Johannes , Festl Ruth , Quandt Thorsten
Published: November 2012

Computer and video games have always been, and remain, substantial parts of the so-called military-entertainment complex. The genre of first-person shooters (FPS) has been closely associated with the military due to its content and gameplay mechanisms. This article presents a content analysis of narrative elements in military-themed FPS games from 1992 to 2010 (N=189). The results show that some conflicts, locations and factions appear more frequently than others. The games portray wars and conflicts from an almost exclusively US-American or western perspective, with the degree of realism differing based on the respective topic and setting. The findings are discussed with regard to the potential effects of military-themed FPS on their players as suggested by the concept of narrative persuasion.
Der Spracherwerb bei Menschenaffen. Sue Savage-Rumbaughs methodologische Wende
Authors: Hanzel Igor
Published: November 2012

The aim of the paper is to investigate, from the point of view of philosophy of science and philosophy of social science, the turn in the ape language project (ALP) as accomplished in the works of Sue Savage-Rumbaugh and her collaborators. In this project a highly interesting turn from the orientation of research on natural sciences to that on humanities took place. We shall analyze all the relevant works of Savage-Rumbaugh from the point of view of the three central levels of ALP: its scientific, metascientific and methodological levels.