bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ERA Acute – A Multi-Compartment Quantitative Risk Assessment for Oil Spills
Authors: Stephansen Cathrine , Bjørgesæter Anders , Brude Odd Willy , Brönner Ute , Kjeilen-Eilertsen Grethe , Libre Jean-Marie , Rogstad Tonje Waterloo , Nygaard Cecilie Fjeld , Sørnes Tom , Skeie Geir Morten , Jonsson Henrik , Rusten Marte , Nordtug Trond , Reed Mark , Collin-Hansen Christian , Jensen Julie Damsgaard
Published: December 2017

Awareness of environmental risk and the demand for oil spill response planning associated with offshore marine operations has increased during the last decades. Environmental Risk Assessments (ERAs) are a crucial part of planning and execution of oil and gas (O&G) activities offshore. A sound ERA can support the O&G industry in environmental risk management (ERM) of operations. Authorities and Operating companies have requested updated methodology based on more recent research from oil spill events such as the Deep Water Horizon incident, with the possibility to perform more detailed analyses in e.g. sensitive areas.

ERA Acute is developed to meet these requirements. It is a transparent method of quantitative analysis for environmental screenings, ERAs and Net Environmental Benefit Analyses (NEBAs) of oil spills in four compartments: Sea surface, shoreline, water column and sea floor. The methodology is grid-cell based and results can therefore be shown in a geographical information system (GIS) for any region globally. The user can identify areas of high risk - for use in decision support and spill response planning - independently of the region. Three levels of detail are defined, depending on availability of VEC data, suitable for screening purposes or more detailed studies.

Calculations are carried out in two main steps: First, ERA Acute uses input from an oil spill fate and distribution model of choice to calculate exposure and impact to Valued Ecosystem Components (VECs) in each grid cell and for each simulation. Calculations follow a common methodology framework, applying different mechanisms of impact and recovery for each compartment. Impacts are summarised, and in the second step, potential lag-and/or restitution time and risk are calculated for each VEC. The resulting resource impact factor (RIF) is an index that combines the extent of impact and recovery time. A statistical approach is used, based on numerous oil spill simulations covering each season in order to capture variations in spill drift and fate, species abundance and vulnerability.

This paper describes the method. ERA Acute methodology is validated in sensitivity studies, field validations, comparison to relevant ERA methods, and documented in several dissemination steps including a guideline for best industry practice.

The ERA Acute project is carried out by a consortium of industry partners (Statoil, Total, Norwegian Oil and Gas Association) and experts in environmental risk analysis (Acona, Akvaplan-niva (project manager), DNV-GL and SINTEF), supported by the Research Council of Norway.
CORAL TOXICITY RESEARCH FOR DETERMINING THRESHOLDS FOR DISPERSANTUSE-NEBA CALCULATIONS
Authors: Renegar D. Abigail , Schuler Paul , Turner Nicholas
Published: December 2017

ABSTRACT (#2017-136)

The use of dispersants in close proximity to coral communities is generally not recommended, although Net Environmental Benefit Analysis (NEBA) of various response methods and priorities may override this principle. The NEBA calculation for use of dispersants near corals is a function of the relative effects of dissolved components of crude oil (alone) and components of chemically enhanced (dispersed) oil in the water column on corals. This is best determined by examining the toxicity (concentration and duration of exposure) of oil and dispersed oil to corals at the individual/organism and cellular levels. Unfortunately, this is a little studied area and very little coral toxicity information exists.

This paper describes ongoing multi-year research being conducted at Nova Southeastern University Oceanographic Center to fill the coral toxicity information gap and determine toxicity thresholds for individual corals. The research program was designed with inputs from an oversight committee and a broad group of collaborators from the response industry and toxicology communities. The output of the of the study is intended to be compatible with current and emerging predictive models such as NOAA’s Chemical Aquatic Fate and Effects (CAFÉ) database, which is used to estimate the fate and effects of thousands of chemicals, oils, and dispersants. An overview of previous and current research on hydrocarbon toxicity to corals will be presented, along with proposed guidelines for effective toxicity testing which conforms to standardized protocols and aids in comparison of results between studies and extrapolation to actual spills.
An innovative experimental device to assess the behavior of a chemical under controlled environmental parameters
Authors: Giraud William , Thomas Amélie , Richard Pierre , Chataing Sophie , Le Floch Stéphane
Published: December 2017

Abstract (ID 2017-381)

Knowledge of the behavior of HNS (Hazardous and Noxious Substances) spilled into the aquatic environment is essential to define appropriate response actions; e.g. deployment of efficient equipment and activation of appropriate procedures. As a first approach, the Standard European Behaviour Classification (SEBC) may be used to acquire global knowledge of the short-term behavior of the chemical spilled, taking into account its basic physical and chemical properties (density, solubility and vapor pressure). However, the SEBC presents several limitations. Indeed, the competition between mass transfer processes (evaporation, dissolution, etc.) is not considered when the behavior of the chemical is theoretically determined from its physical chemical properties alone. Moreover, these measurements are made in standardized conditions (e.g. temperature of 20°C, freshwater) while, depending on its nature, the behavior of a chemical can greatly vary with temperature (e.g. palm oil may be solid under about 25°C) and other environmental parameters (velocity of wind, salinity and suspended matter in the water, etc.).

To tackle these issues, Cedre has developed an experimental device able to rapidly determine the behavior of a chemical under some specific environmental conditions. It is composed of a 80 L tank, specially equipped with a wind generator and a lamp, in order to reproduce some critical environmental parameters: water temperature, velocity of wind and solar radiation. After pouring the chemical onto the surface of the fresh or salt water, under the fixed controlled parameters mentioned above, the concentration of the studied chemical is monitored over time, in both the air and water compartments. These measurements can be used to characterize the short-term behavior of a chemical in specific controlled conditions and thus to compare it to the behavior estimated from the SEBC. Such a tool could be of a considerable interest for responders. In the framework of the preparation of contingency plans, the response to a specific chemical can be optimized by performing experimentations covering a wide range of environmental conditions. In the event of a spill, specific conditions can be immediately reproduced to support responders and authorities who may have to take strategic decisions.

The whole experimental device will be presented, including the tools and procedures to reproduce the environmental conditions. Then, initial results obtained with different chemicals will be presented.
Assessment of Bioremediation Agent Efficiency: Development of a Test Protocol. Preliminary result
Authors: Jézéquel Ronan , Duboscq Karine , Le Floch Gaetan
Published: December 2017

Abstract (ID 2017-410)

Bioremediation is considered as a soft green technique which can be deployed on an oil contaminated shoreline to treat the remaining oil after the initial clean-up operations have taken place. This technique relies on the ability of bacteria to use the hydrocarbon molecules as a carbon source for growth. Nevertheless, specific environmental conditions are needed for ensuring effective biodegradation of oil, such as sufficient concentrations of nutrients and dissolved oxygen. To address these issues, the industry has developed commercial products, called bioremediation agents, which can be nutrient solutions (i.e. nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium) (biostimulation) or hydrocarbonoclastic bacterial solutions (bioaugmentation).

In France, Cedre is in charge, at a national level, of the validation of response products currently used to treat oil spill (e.g. sorbents, dispersants, cleaning agents): standardised protocols are routinely used to assess their efficiencies and select the most efficient products. So far, no such procedure exists for bioremediation agents. In 2014, Cedre developed a new protocol to test the efficiency of bioremediation agents at a pilot scale: a small portion of shoreline is simulated in small tanks filled with contaminated sand and placed on an oscillating table. The periodic movements of this table recreate a continuous and identical wave action in each tank. In order to simulate the dilution that occurs in the natural environment due to the tidal cycle, the test is conducted in a semi-open circuit, with natural seawater automatically renewed twice a day. For three months, oiled sediment was sampled and oil extracted to assess its biodegradation rate according to the experimental conditions: oil alone, oil with biostimulation agent, oil with bioaugmentation agent.
IMPORTANT CONSIDERATIONS FOR FIRST RESPONDERS TO LARGE VOLUME/HIGH-CONCENTRATION ETHANOL SPILLS
Authors: Narin van Court Wade A. , LaRock Jeff , van Leeuwen Simon
Published: December 2017

ABSTRACT ID: 2017-104.

In 2016, TRC Environmental Corporation (TRC) assisted the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) develop the Large Volume/High Concentration Ethanol Appendix (the Appendix) to the Hazardous Material Annex of the Massachusetts Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan and the associated guidance document for first responders (the Guidance). The purpose of these documents were to promote situational awareness and outline the operational activities for the response to an emergency involving large volumes of high concentration denatured ethanol (LV/HC ethanol), such as a derailment of railroad tank cars.

The Appendix and Guidance were developed based on our review of the available literature, interviews and discussions with railroad personnel and first responders, and our experience with LV/HC ethanol spill prevention and response. From this, TRC identified important considerations for emergency personnel responding to an LV/HC ethanol incident. Specifically, ethanol is a polar solvent that readily mixes with water, so an ethanol spill may not act like a typical oil spill that the responders may be trained to handle. For incident response, this means that the equipment and tactics normally used for an oil spill may not be effective, and in some cases may make the incident worse. Therefore, it is critical that the first responders know how to identify an ethanol incident, what tactics are effective, what types of equipment may be needed, and who to call for assistance. Additionally, the responders need to understand the potential impacts from an LV/HC ethanol spill not just to people and businesses in the vicinity, but also to the environment, surface water and groundwater sources, and wastewater treatment systems.

This paper reviews the properties and behavior of ethanol and denatured ethanol, and identifies and discusses appropriate response strategies, techniques, resources, and equipment for LV/HC ethanol spill response.
Environment Canada SCAT Manual 3rd Edition: What’s New in SCAT?
Authors: Owens E. H. , Dubach H.C. , Sergy G. A. , Reimer P.D. , Lambert P. , LaForest S.
Published: December 2017

The Shoreline Cleanup Assessment Technique (SCAT) is an accepted concept for the description and documentation of oiled shorelines. The field data provide systematic, science-based information that is evaluated by a spill management team as they decide on appropriate shoreline response priorities, treatment techniques, and treatment completion end points. The process is flexible and adaptable for spill responses of different scales and in the full range of Canadian coastal environments. The Third Edition of the Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) SCAT Manual provides a current (2016) best practice guide for Canadian shorelinesthat, with appropriate environmental modifications, can be applied globally.

The purpose of the revised SCAT Manual is to provide advice and guidance as a shoreline assessment survey program and a field and data management plan are developed for each unique spill situation. The Manual is organized to describe the key elements of:the organization and management of SCAT programs;field SCAT data collection strategies and techniques;SCAT data management and post-field information processing; andthe recommendations and decisions that depend on the SCAT field data.

The Appendices include a Field Job Aid, which presents standard SCAT shoreline and oiling terms and definitions and a set of standard field data forms that may be used to document shoreline oiling, and a Management Job Aid to assist with management, planning, and logistics.
Recent Studies on Fate and Degradation of Hydrocarbons Dispersed Subsea
Authors: Broje Victoria
Published: December 2017

The goal of applying dispersants as an oil spill response technique whether at the surface or subsea is to minimize surface oil impacts to people, wildlife, and shorelines and to facilitate rapid dilution and natural degradation of the dispersed oil in the water column. Thus, reliable estimates of the fate and degradation of oil, dispersed oil, and, for subsea releases, gas are key considerations when selecting response techniques. The American Petroleum Institute (API) has sponsored research on various aspects of subsea dispersant injection for over 4 years. Three of the most recent of those studies further advanced our understanding of the fate and biodegradation of hydrocarbons dispersed subsea and are discussed in this paper.

An effort to evaluate the latest dispersed oil biodegradation studies and biodegradation modeling algorithms resulted in an overview of current state-of-the-science for characterizing biodegradation processes in far field oil spill models and recommendations on improving these modeling practices. Another project examined the current state-of-the-science on oil sedimentation processes including “marine snow” formation in the context of oil spills and dispersant use. It was conducted in order to better understand dynamics, fate, and environmental impacts of oil sedimentation from the perspective of Net Environmental Benefit Analysis, NEBA (aka Spill Impact Mitigation Assessment). The third study conducted numerical modeling to predict the fate of light hydrocarbons with and without subsea dispersant use and to estimate the changes in air quality near a well site. The goal of this effort was to evaluate whether subsea dispersant injection can reduce surface volatile hydrocarbon concentrations in the vicinity of well-control operations to protect responders’ health and safety.

These and other API projects advanced our understanding of the scientific and environmental aspects of subsea dispersant use and provide a scientific basis for inclusion of this technique into contingency plans.
Environmental Partitioning of Herding Agents Used During an In-Situ Burning Field Study in Alaska
Authors: Bullock Robin , Aggarwal Srijan , Perkins Robert , Schnabel William , Sartz Patrik
Published: December 2017

ABSTRACT # 2017-148 2017

In-situ burning presents an attractive oil spill response option with high oil removal efficiency and low personnel requirements. In recent times, surfactant chemicals termed ‘herding agents’ have been proposed to promote collection/thickening of spilled oil to facilitate in-situ burning activities. The approach could prove specifically useful in light pack ice and general Arctic conditions. In April 2015, a series of five in-situ burning field tests were conducted in Fairbanks, Alaska, in a large, 8100 m2 man-made test basin, which successfully demonstrated the ability to aerially conduct an entire herder-assisted in-situ burn activity, including herder application and oil ignition. During the demonstration, samples were collected from the water in the basin (prior to, during and after the tests), from the burn residue in the basin, and atmospheric samples during the burn with the goal to understand the environmental partitioning of OP-40 herder compound immediately after the demonstration. The basin tests were a closed system which allowed insight to herder fate and transport, although the concentrations measured were unrepresentative of what would happen in the open sea. Analytical methods were developed for quantification of herders in water, air and are currently being evaluated for the burn residue. Test results indicate no herder in the air samples. Unlike the ocean, where the small amounts of herder would rapidly disperse, the water confined in the basin enabled us to study the partitioning of herder between the water and residue and also observe the biodegradation of herder over time. The results from this study provide a useful snapshot of partitioning of herder in various environmental compartments. Future directions include corroborating these findings with precise laboratory measurements.
LESSONS LEARNED: THE CASE FOR DATA OPTIMIZATION BETWEEN RESPONSE AND NRDA
Authors: Benton Laurie , Cook Linda , Haddad Bob , Boehm Paul
Published: December 2017

ABSTRACT 2017-284:

Over the past decade, three realizations have evolved from our collection and analysis of oil spill data. First is that more response data are being collected than ever before, including field and laboratory measurements in addition to observational data. To process this diverse information, we use sophisticated computer-based systems that allow us to integrate, analyze, and visualize satellite imagery, real-time weather and ship locations, field notes (e.g., shoreline cleanup assessment technique [SCAT] data), chemistry data, and photos. The second is the increased political and social interest in spills. Increased use of social media and the impact of these information pathways on the public’s perception of the spill response can drive real political decisions; making spill communications based on timely and high data quality critical. Lastly is the growing linkages between the collection, management, and uses of environmental data, not only for spill response, but also for NRD assessment (NRDA), determination of civil penalties (e.g., the Clean Water Act [CWA]), and third party legal claims. For example, observational and remote sensing data collected for response actions will ultimately be used to understand questions about contaminant pathways and exposures inherent to NRDA. Similarly, data collected as part of response mitigation and cleanup needs often provides our earliest understanding of the potential and actual natural resource damage issues, which are important for NRDA, third party claims, and CWA penalty mitigation.

Historically, the inherent differences in temporal and spatial scales over which oil spill data are collected and used, coupled with the requirements of data quality, usability, and/or provenance, diminishes the ability to effectively optimize collection and uses of these data. Data optimization recognizes that data can/will have multiple uses and thus requires all data, whether response or NRDA-related to be of high and equivalent quality and be based on compatible, if not identical, data quality objectives (DQOs). In this paper, we review several examples that underscore the need for data optimization in environmental data collection. Specifically, we will explore how a focus on the long view and the need for data optimization can drive the collection of appropriate and multipurpose data, as well as inform the structure of data management systems. Using specific examples, we will demonstrate the value of embracing a data optimization framework in developing a common sample/data collection imperative that facilitates multiple uses.
Large Scale Comparative Testing of Corexit EC9500A, Finasol OSR 52, Accell Clean DWD, Marine D-Blue Clean, and ZI 400 at Ohmsett
Authors: Steffek Timothy , Bittler Kimberly , Guarino Alan
Published: December 2017

Abstract 2017-064

In October of 2015, the U.S. Department of Interior’s Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) conducted independent dispersant effectiveness testing to compare available formulations. Several products were tested at the Ohmsett facility. The study was conducted to better understand and compare the effectiveness of various dispersants under large scale test conditions. Five dispersants were selected from the EPA’s NCP Product Schedule and tested on a Gulf of Mexico crude oil: Corexit® EC9500A, Finasol® OSR 52, Accell® Clean DWD, Marine D-Blue Clean™ and ZI 400. To capture operational effectiveness, the dispersants were applied to a surface slick using Ohmsett’s spray bar, which simulated a boat spraying system. Data collected included droplet size distribution of the dispersed oil, measured at one and a half meters below the water’s surface and using two LISST-100x instruments from Sequoia Scientific. Dispersant Effectiveness (DE) was measured using the volume of the oil, which remained on the surface after the test as compared to the total volume dispensed onto the surface for the test. The performance of the products was quantified and compared to each other based on DE and the droplet size of dispersed oil. Overall, Finasol and Corexit demonstrated the best performance of the group of dispersants. Both dispersants were among the easiest to work with. Finasol and Corexit did not entrain any air while being pumped and maintained consistency throughout the tests. Accell, which demonstrated significant improvements when compared to the untreated oil, did exhibit operational difficulties during testing. Marine D and ZI 400 performed poorly relative to the other products tested.
Tank Barge ARGO: A Case Study on the Employment of NCP Special Teams
Authors: Hutley CDR Tedd , Mangoni T.J. , Schweitzer LCDR Greg
Published: December 2017

On October 20, 1937 the Tank Barge ARGO sank during a fall storm on western Lake Erie. The barge was reported to be carrying 100,000 gallons of crude oil and 100,000 gallons of benzol and was thought to have sunk in Canadian waters. The ARGO was identified as a potential polluting wreck in NOAA’s Remediation of Underwater Legacy Environmental Threat (RULET) project and ranked as the greatest legacy underwater environmental threat on the Great Lakes. However, the exact location, condition, and disposition of the sunken barge and its cargo were a mystery for over 78 years. On August 28, 2015 the Tank Barge ARGO was discovered by the Cleveland Underwater Explorers in U.S. waters, beginning a three month response by the U.S. Coast Guard Federal On-Scene Coordinator to mitigate the substantial threat to the environment and public health posed by the ARGO’s cargo. Rife with challenges, the response included complex dive operations, hot tapping, chemical lightering and storage, environmental protection and monitoring and severe logistical constraints, all of which required an extensive incident management organization and utilized almost every “special team” under the National Contingency Plan. This case study summarizes the response to the Tank Barge ARGO and details how “special teams” were utilized by the Federal On-Scene Coordinator to safely and effectively respond to the environmental threat. Specifically, the capabilities of the National Strike Force, District Response Group and District Response Advisory Team, and Scientific Support Coordinator during this response are highlighted and offered as a best practice for other oil and hazardous substance responses.
Sequestered oil pollution mapping, and tracking active oil breakouts in sensitive rivers, bays, and estuaries
Authors: Wynn Jeff , Williamson Mike , Frank Jeff
Published: December 2017

Oil on the water surface represents just the American Petroleum Institute API > 10 gravity component of any crude oil spill or well blowout, and is identified and tracked by conventional remote sensing means. However, the API ≤ 10 components of the hydrocarbons are not readily accessible by these means. UV sensors on underwater vehicles can sample just a few cubic centimeters at a time and are subject to fouling. Side-scan sonar, under certain conditions, can “see” gas bubbles on the near outer shell of a subsurface plume if they exist early on during a blowout, but cannot assess the entire volume. Oil sequestered in bed sediments in oceans or rivers is not visible to UV sensors, nor is it visible to divers. It is apparent that this sensing gap problem needed to be addressed. A new technology developed by the US Geological Survey, working closely with Williamson & Associates of Seattle, holds promise for rapid mapping and characterization of below-surface hydrocarbons. Crude oil drifting in the deep ocean water column, oil blanketing the seafloor, and oil sequestered in seafloor and river bottom sediments can now be quickly mapped in 3D. If drifting in the seawater column, dispersed oil can be tracked as its distribution evolves over time. This technology also is potentially useful for mapping combined storm-water overflow (CSO, or sewage) deposits, as well as Superfund sites in Puget Sound and other sensitive rivers, bays, and estuaries close to cities that pose serious hazards to both humans and wildlife. The technology is based on a surface-sensitive electro-physical property known as induced polarization (IP). This surface-sensitivity means that highly dispersed IP-reactive materials have more surface area exposed to surrounding water, and are thus more responsive than undispersed materials of the same mass. IP technology has been used successfully for many decades to map disseminated porphyry sulfide deposits on land, but has only been applied commercially at sea since 2007. Recent laboratory and Puget Sound experiments have verified that the IP response of oil dispersed in water and sequestered in sediments is unusually strong: at least 20 times greater than a strong “hit” in an IP survey for sulfide minerals on land. The marine IP system has been towed behind a small boat in as little as 1–2 meters water depth, while one version has been tested (using a towed sled) to 3,500 meters depth. Depending on the cable-streamer design, the depth of detection of chargeable materials in sediments can be greater than 20 meters. It can be used to monitor active drill platforms for leaks. Finally, IP is also strongly reactive to buried pipelines; in the Gulf of Mexico there are over 43,000 miles of poorly-located, often hidden, corroding pipe. We can now map it precisely.
Rates of Deep Continental Burial From Lu‐Hf Garnet Chronology and Zr‐in‐Rutile Thermometry on (Ultra)high‐Pressure Rocks
Authors: Cutts J. A. , Smit M. A.
Published: December 2017

The burial of continental lithosphere in collision zones is a first‐order process in global tectonics. Decades of interdisciplinary research have provided models for continental subduction; however, few empirical constraints exist on the processes and rates of burial, and assessments of the impact of continental collision on the geodynamics of convergent margins are still purely qualitative. A spatially resolved analysis of continental burial in collisional orogens is needed to progress in this field. To this end, we subjected samples collected along a vector parallel to the paleo‐subduction direction of the Western Gneiss Complex—one of the world's largest and best preserved continental ultrahigh‐pressure terranes—to Lu‐Hf garnet chronology and Zr‐in‐rutile thermometry. The Lu‐Hf ages range from 420 to 400 Ma but do not mimic pressure and temperature trends, which decrease up‐slab. Zirconium‐in‐rutile data demonstrate that Lu‐Hf ages of 405–400 Ma represent the cessation of recrystallization at peak conditions during deep burial, whereas ages of 420–410 Ma represent prograde garnet growth, preserved as relics. The differences in P‐T‐t of garnet growth are used to calculate a burial rate of ~5 mm yr−1, which is much slower than the burial of subducting mature oceanic crust. Comparing our observations with those from other collisional settings, including the India‐Asia Collision Zone, demonstrates that burial rates for continental crust are globally uniform and independent of the precollisional convergence rate and slab angle. These results provide a new quantitative framework for evaluating and predicting changes in the geodynamics of active margins during the collision of (super)continents.
Microsystems for Single‐Cell Analysis
Authors: Weiz Sonja M. , Medina‐Sánchez Mariana , Schmidt Oliver G.
Published: December 2017

Due to the heterogeneity that exists even between cells of the same tissue, it is essential to use techniques and devices able to resolve the characteristics of single biological cells, such as morphology, metabolism, or response to drugs. To that end, different structures with sizes similar to that of individual cells have been developed in recent years, which allow single‐cell studies with high sensitivity and high resolution. By employing a variety of sensing strategies, one can obtain complementary information about individual cells, and thus create a complete picture of cellular properties. This review aims to provide an overview of microscale single‐cell sensors. The progress in micrometer‐sized sensing probes as well as microfluidic and micropatterned devices is described, showing the capabilities of the available systems. In addition, a comprehensive compendium of systems based on rolled‐up microtubes, which have the potential to advance and improve the single‐cell analysis microsystem field, is comprised.
Porous Carbon Nanosheet‐Supported Chiral Squaramide for Highly Enantioselective Friedel–Crafts Reaction
Authors: Zhao Liyuan , Bao Xiaoze , Hu Qingtao , Wang Baomin , Lu An‐Hui
Published: December 2017

Porous carbon nanosheets (PCNs) were used for the first time as a support to immobilize a quinine–squaramide catalyst for the asymmetric Friedel–Crafts addition of pyrazolones to isatin ketimines. Relying on its open structure with a macroporous network as well as hydrophobicity, the PCN‐supported catalyst presented catalytic performance comparable to its homogeneous catalyst; the products were obtained in high yields (up to 90 %) with high ee values (up to 99 %). Recycling batch reactions together with a continuous flow process confirmed the stability of the catalyst.
Development of electrospun poly (vinyl alcohol)‐based bionanocomposite scaffolds for bone tissue engineering
Authors: Enayati Mohammad Saied , Behzad Tayebeh , Sajkiewicz Pawel , Rafienia Mohammad , Bagheri Rouhollah , Ghasemi‐Mobarakeh Laleh , Kolbuk Dorota , Pahlevanneshan Zari , Bonakdar Shahin H.
Published: December 2017

The article is focused on the role of nanohydroxy apatite (nHAp) and cellulose nanofibers (CNFs) as fillers in the electrospun poly (vinyl alcohol) (ES‐PVA) nanofibers for bone tissue engineering (TE). Fibrous scaffolds of PVA, PVA/nHAp (10 wt.%), and PVA/nHAp(10 wt.%)/CNF(3 wt.%) were successfully fabricated and characterized. Tensile test on electrospun PVA/nHAp10 and PVA/nHAp10/CNF3 revealed a three‐fold and seven‐fold increase in modulus compared with pure ES‐PVA (45.45 ± 4.77). Although, nanofiller loading slightly reduced the porosity percentage, all scaffolds had porosity higher than 70%. In addition, contact angle test proved the great hydrophilicity of scaffolds. The presence of fillers reduced in vitro biodegradation rate in PBS while accelerates biomineralization in simulated body fluid (SBF). Furthermore, cell viability, cell attachment, and functional activity of osteoblast MG‐63 cells were studied on scaffolds showing higher cellular activity for scaffolds with nanofillers. Generally, the obtained results confirm that the 3‐componemnt fibrous scaffold of PVA/nHAp/CNF has promising potential in hard TE. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 106A: 1111–1120, 2018.
Quercetin Attenuates Ethanol‐Induced Iron Uptake and Myocardial Injury by Regulating the Angiotensin II‐L‐Type Calcium Channel
Authors: Guo Xiaoping , Chen Man , Zeng Hongmei , Liu Peiyi , Zhu Xinghong , Zhou Feng , Liu Jingjing , Zhang Jun , Dong Zhuangzhuang , Tang Yuhan , Gao Chao , Yao Ping
Published: December 2017

Scope

Increased iron deposition in the myocardium in alcoholics may lead to increased risk of cardiac dysfunction. Quercetin has been demonstrated to quench production of intracellular free iron‐induced –OH, but the effect of quercetin in ethanol‐induced cardiac damage remains unclear. This study aims to explore whether quercetin attenuates ethanol‐induced iron uptake and myocardial injury by regulating angiotensin II‐L‐type voltage‐dependent Ca2+ channel (Ang II‐LTCC).

Methods and results

Adult male C57BL/6J mice are isocalorically pair‐fed either a regular or ethanol‐containing Lieber De Carli liquid diets supplemented with either quercetin (100 mg kg–1 bw) or desferrioxamine mesylate (DFO, 100 mg kg–1 bw) for 15 weeks. Quercetin alleviated ethanol‐induced histopathological changes, creatine kinase isoenzyme release, Ang II secretion, ROS generation, total cardiac iron, and labile iron level. Ethanol exposure or quercetin intervention fails to regulate traditional iron transporters except LTCC. LTCC is upregulated by ethanol and inhibited by quercetin. In H9C2 cell, LTCC is increased by ethanol (100 mm) and/or Ang II (1 μm) concomitant with iron disorders and oxidative stress. This effect is partially normalized by quercetin (50 μm), nifedipine (LTCC inhibitor, 15 μm), or losartan (Ang II receptor antagonist, 100 μm).

Conclusion

Alcohol‐induced cardiac injury is associated with excessive NTBI uptake mediated by Ang II‐LTCC activation which may be mediated by quercetin against ethanol cardiotoxicity
A convex quadratic programming model for unit commitment global optimization
Authors: Hou Wenting , Wei Hua , Tan Jiancheng , Lin Chunmei
Published: December 2017

This paper presents a convex quadratic programming (CQP) model of the thermal unit commitment (UC) problem based on the recent advancement in mathematics. The proposed model employs convex transformation techniques and is able to achieve the global optimal solution. In the CQP model, the startup cost is represented by using two kinds of binary variables (0–1); the nonconvex constraints, namely the minimum up and down times, are expressed as equivalent linear constraints via a set of linear inequalities; then the nonconvex UC problem is transformed into a convex problem with a quadratic objective function and linear constraints. Comparison studies are carried out based on the results obtained from 20 algorithms applied to 10–60 unit 24‐h systems. The appendices give the details of these results. The CQP model shows unbeatable performance on global optimal searching and arrives at the overall global optimization solution constantly, and so, for the first time, is able to get the globally optimal solution of the UC problem. The proposed CQP formulation serves as a reliable standard reference for various optimization algorithms. © 2017 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Unbundle the degree to increase opportunities for students
Authors: Hope Joan
Published: December 2017

Employers want to know what skills or competencies people have, said Jonathan Finkelstein, chief executive officer of Credly. Transcripts and diplomas are not transparent enough to tell them what they want to know. In fact, 83 percent of employers prefer digital credentials over transcripts when assessing employee readiness, he said.
Passivesein Romanian and Spanish: A subject cycle
Authors: MACDONALD JONATHAN E. , MADDOX MATTHEW L.
Published: December 2017

In this article, we discuss passiveseconstructions in Romanian and Spanish. We argue that there is a projected implicit external argument in passiveseconstructions in both languages based on an available inalienable possession interpretation of body parts. These constructions, however, differ from each other in one important way: Romanian passiveseallows a ‘by’-phrase, while Spanish passiveseshows severe restrictions. Moreover, we illustrate that in Old Spanish, passivesefreely allowed ‘by’-phrases. Thus, Modern Romanian reflects an earlier stage of Spanish. We propose a linguistic cycle to explain these differences, where Spanish and Romanian are at different stages of that cycle. The approach offers an explanation for a general pattern within Romance, where ‘by’-phrases are initially grammatical with passivese, but then become ungrammatical over time, a pattern to date that has not yet been explained. It also offers a thereotical account for why some languages do not develop passiveseconstructions.
DE-MORALIZATION AS EMANCIPATION: LIBERTY, PROGRESS, AND THE EVOLUTION OF INVALID MORAL NORMS *
Authors: Buchanan Allen , Powell Russell
Published: December 2017

Liberal thinkers of the Enlightenment understood that surplus moral constraints, imposed by invalid moral norms, are a serious limitation on liberty. They also recognized that overcoming surplus moral constraints — what we call proper de-moralization — is an important dimension of moral progress. Contemporary philosophical theorists of liberty have largely neglected the threat that surplus moral constraints pose to liberty and the importance of proper de-moralization for human emancipation. This essay examines the phenomena of surplus moral constraints and proper de-moralization, utilizing insights from biological and cultural evolutionary thinking
L’apport critique de l’évaluation de la communication dans le diagnostic précoce de l’apraxie primaire progressive de la parole
Authors: Bouvier Liziane , Monetta Laura , Laforce Robert , Verret Louis , Martel-Sauvageau Vincent
Published: December 2017

Primary progressive apraxia of speech (PPAoS) is a neurodegenerative syndrome characterized by speech apraxia at its onset; as it progresses, it often evolves into total mutism. Even though this syndrome is increasingly recognized, its early differential diagnostic is still complex. The objective of this study was to illustrate why a fine evaluation of speech and language is essential for the differential diagnosis of PPAoS. This longitudinal case study presents the progression of a PPAoS patient over a period of 5 years. Periodic neurological and speech-language assessments were carried out to follow the progression of neurological, memory, language and speech symptoms. The different diagnostic labels established over time were also reported. The evolution of the patient’s communication profile was characterized by a preservation of language components and episodic memory, in parallel with a progressive deterioration of speech which gradually reduced intelligibility, and was associated with signs of spasticity, resulting in a complete anarthria. This case study sheds light upon the evolution of a patient with PPAoS. A better understanding of the clinical profile and progression of PPAoS is necessary in order to improve early diagnosis and adequate care for these patients.
Japanese Foxtail (Alopecurus japonicus) Management in Wheat in China: Seed Germination, Seedling Emergence, and Response to Herbicide Treatments
Authors: Wang Hengzhi , Huang Yizhao , Zhang Lele , Liu Weitang , Wang Jinxin
Published: December 2017

Little information is published related to seed germination and seedling emergence of Japanese foxtail, a troublesome annual grass weed widely distributed in winter wheat fields in China. Three Japanese foxtail populations were studied under laboratory and greenhouse conditions, to determine the effects of different environmental factors on seed germination or seedling emergence. Chemical control is absolutely necessary in integrated management, and efficacy of POST herbicides against different growth stages of Japanese foxtail was evaluated. Germination rate was 90% or more when temperature ranged from 5 to 25 C, with germination onset shortened as temperature increased. Light was not required for germination to occur. For pH values ranging from 5 to10 there was no effect on seed germination. Japanese foxtail seed germination was sensitive to osmotic stress and completely inhibited at an osmotic potential of -1.1 MPa. The ‘1513’ population of Japanese foxtail demonstrated tolerance to soil salinity, with 98% germination at 80 mM NaCl compared with 25 and 40% germination for populations ‘1532’ and ‘1544’, respectively. High amounts of crop residue (10 t ha−1) suppressed Japanese foxtail emergence 38 to 55%. Germination of seeds placed at 160 C for 5 min was completely inhibited for dry seeds, with a similar effect at 130 C for pre-soaked seeds. Seed burial in the soil from 0 to 4 cm had no effect on seedling emergence, but burial at 7 cm completely inhibited seedling emergence. POST herbicides mesosulfuron-methyl (13.5 g ai ha−1), clodinafop-propargyl (67.5 g ai ha−1), pyroxsulam (13.5 g ai ha−1), pinoxaden (67.5 g ai ha−1) and isoproturon (1125 g ai ha−1) reduced plant dry weight 80% or more when applied at three- to seven-leaf stage, but control declined with application at later growth stages. The information from this study helps to develop an integrated approach to Japanese foxtail management.
Ich sehe was, was du nicht siehst
Authors: Kreitz Carina
Published: December 2017

Zusammenfassung. Wenn wir unsere Aufmerksamkeit einer Aufgabe zuwenden, nehmen wir Dinge, die währenddessen unerwartet auftauchen, häufig nicht bewusst wahr – obwohl sie unmittelbar in unserem Blickfeld erscheinen. Dieses Phänomen, das als Inattentional Blindness bezeichnet wird, kann fatale Konsequenzen in alltäglichen Situationen und auch einen ernstzunehmenden Einfluss auf sportliche Leistungen haben. In Ergänzung zu vorheriger Forschung zeigen meine eigenen Ergebnisse, dass eine Vielzahl situativer Faktoren die Wahrscheinlichkeit, mit der Inattentional Blindness auftritt, beeinflussen können. Dazu zählen unter anderem bestimmte Eigenschaften des unerwarteten Objekts sowie Kontextfaktoren. Im Gegensatz dazu scheinen interindividuelle Unterschiede über die situativen Einflüsse hinaus kaum (oder zumindest nicht reliabel) vorherzusagen, ob Inattentional Blindness auftritt oder nicht. Während es also eine feste Wahrscheinlichkeit über alle Personen hinweg gibt, dass ein unerwartetes Objekt bemerkt wird (deterministischer Aspekt), kann anhand der Persönlichkeitsstruktur und der kognitiven Fähigkeiten dieser Personen nicht vorhergesagt werden, wer von ihnen das unerwartete Objekt entdecken wird und wer nicht (stochastischer Aspekt).
Selective G-quadruplex binding by oligoarginine-Ru(dppz) metallopeptides
Authors: Bouzada David , Salvadó Iria , Barka Ghofrane , Rama Gustavo , Martínez-Costas José , Lorca Romina , Somoza Álvaro , Melle-Franco Manuel , Vázquez M. Eugenio , Vázquez López Miguel
Published: December 2017

We demonstrate that both the R8 functionalization and its interplay with the ancillary ligand have and an important role in the G-quadruplex recognition process by Ru(dppz) metallopeptides.
Pure Ni nanocrystallines anchored on rGO present ultrahigh electrocatalytic activity and stability in methanol oxidation
Authors: Sun Hongmei , Ye Yixing , Liu Jun , Tian Zhenfei , Cai Yunyu , Li Pengfei , Liang Changhao
Published: December 2017

Pure Ni nanoparticles with ultrafine size of 2.3 ± 0.4 nm uniformly embedded in rGO for methanol oxidation reaction, and exhibited a high saturation concentration of methanol, ultrahigh catalytic activity and excellent stability.
Critical Appraisal of Qualitative Literature
Authors: Patterson Joanne , Dawson Camilla
Published: December 2017

Critical appraisal is central to delivering and implementing evidence-based healthcare. It is important that clinicians are able to evaluate different research methodologies, understand their appropriateness, and ultimately make an assessment as to whether evidence is of sufficient quality to translate into practice. This paper focuses on the critical appraisal of qualitative research. Qualitative research stems from an inductive, exploratory approach, generating new theory from data. It is largely person-centred and concerned with the social world and therefore is an important methodology for dysphagia research. The nature of data collection may include interviews, observations, and document review, leading to rich and detailed information. There are numerous methods of data analysis, but all follow a structured system. Quality appraisal includes an assessment of the reliability, validity, and interpretation of findings. This paper describes ways in which qualitative methodology has been applied to dysphagia and gives examples of published work. Although important contributions to dysphagia research have been made using quantitative methodology, qualitative research has much to offer, especially in understanding its impact on the person, their family, and their environment. Furthermore, it can be used to develop and evaluate service delivery, and inform effective and efficient research processes.
Developing a Clinical Question Into a Research Question: The “Use It or Lose It” Example
Authors: Hutcheson Katherine A.
Published: December 2017

Clinicians encounter countless questions every day. This paper provides an overview of the basic steps to translate a clinical question into a research question, then practical considerations for planning a research study. A published study of the author will be used to illustrate the process.
Narrative Review of Evidence Based Intervention Approaches for Auditory Processing Disorder (APD)
Authors: Choudhury Moumita , Chavira Patricia
Published: December 2017

This review studies the current literature available on intervention approaches of auditory processing disorder (APDAPD intervention approaches should be based on specific deficits and customized to accommodate the needs of each patient. The discussion on the efficacy of various APD treatment approaches suggested that there is lack of evidence that short-term intervention improves auditory functioning. Increased understanding of the pathophysiologic bases of APD and systematic long-term research on APD interventions would fill the gaps in our knowledge and provide more definitive intervention recommendations.
Fall 7: 73-jährige Patientin mit fluktuierender Aphasie und rheumatoider Arthritis
Authors: Heidenreich Simone , Dafotakis Manuel , Leykamm Susanne , Mühlenbruch Georg , Kosinski Christoph
Published: December 2017

Die 73-jährige Patientin stellte sich notfallmäßig aufgrund einer akut aufgetretenen Sprachstörung vor. An relevanten Vorerkrankungen bestand eine seit ca. 20 Jahren zum Teil hochaktive sero-positive rheumatoide Arthritis mit Lungenbeteiligung, die zuletzt mit Methotrexat behandelt wurde.