bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Overexpression of HIF-2α, TWIST, and CXCR4 Is Associated with Lymph Node Metastasis in Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma
Authors: Wang Ni , Luo Hao-Jun , Yin Guo-Bing , Dong Chao-Ran , Xu Man , Chen George G. , Liu Zhi-Min
Published: October 2013

This study aimed to examine HIF-2α, TWIST, and CXCR4 expression in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) and assesses the association of their expression with clinicopathological indicators. HIF-2α, TWIST, and CXCR4 protein expression in 129 PTCs, 61 nodular hyperplasia, and 118 normal thyroid tissue specimens was analyzed using immunohistochemistry. The protein expression levels of these three molecules were upregulated in PTCs. High protein expression of HIF-2α, TWIST, and CXCR4 was significantly correlated with lymph node metastasis (LNM) (P<0.001). Furthermore, HIF-2α, TWIST, and CXCR4 protein expression was correlated with one another. Concomitant high expression of these molecules had stronger correlation with LNM than did each alone (P=0.032for HIF-2α/TWIST,P<0.001for HIF-2α/CXCR4,P=0.018for TWIST/CXCR4, andP<0.001for HIF-2α/TWIST/CXCR4). Additionally, HIF-2α, TWIST, and CXCR4 mRNA expression were assessed in 30 PTCs, 10 nodular hyperplasia, and 10 normal thyroid tissue specimens using real-time RT-PCR. TWIST and CXCR4 mRNA expression levels were up-regulated in PTCs, and high mRNA expression of TWIST and CXCR4 was significantly correlated with LNM (P=0.005andP=0.010, resp.). These results demonstrated that the evaluation of HIF-2α, TWIST, and CXCR4 expression in PTC may be useful in predicting the risk of LNM.
Neurofibromatosis Type 1 and Diabetes Mellitus: An Unusual Association
Authors: Ozhan Bayram , Ozguven Ali Aykan , Ersoy Betül
Published: October 2013

Neurofibromatosis type 1 is a multisystemic disease. It may manifest as abnormalities of the nervous tissue, bones, soft tissue, or skin. Autoimmune disease associated with NF1 can be seen. Diabetes mellitus is rarely seen in association with NF1. Here, we report a case with established NF1 who also had a diagnosis of diabetes mellitus.
The Evaluation of the Body Weight Lowering Effects of Herbal Extract THI on Exercising Healthy Overweight Humans: A Randomized Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial
Authors: Cho Soo Hyun , Yoon Yoosik , Yang Young
Published: October 2013

We investigated the effects of herbal extracts, a mixture of Scutellariae Radix and Platycodi Radix containing the active ingredients Baicalin and Saponin (target herbal ingredient (THI)), on lowering body weight. The present study was a prospective, randomized, double-blind, and placebo-controlled trial carried out at the outpatient department of a hospital over a period of 2 months. Group 1 patients (n=30) received THI, and group 2 patients (n=23) received placebo three times a day before meals. Weight, waist circumference, BMI, total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and glucose were measured at baseline and again at the 2nd month. For safety evaluation, various hematological and biochemical parameters were assessed. Values of mean change of weight in the THI-treated group were−1.16±1.41 kg and in the placebo-treated group were−0.24±1.70 kg, respectively. The difference in mean change of weight in the THI-treated group compared with that in the placebo-treated group was statistically significant (P<0.05). The incidence of subjective and objective adverse drug reactions was insignificant (P>0.05). THI was statistically significant in its effectiveness on the weight loss.
Postischemic Long-Term Treatment with Qiangli Tianma Duzhong Capsule Improves Brain Functional Recovery via the Improvement of Hemorrheology and the Inhibition of Platelet Aggregation in a Rat Model of Focal Cerebral Ischemia
Authors: Hong Li-Zhi , Gu Wei-wei , Ni Yong , Xu Min , Yang Lei , Liu Yan-Li , Yang Shi-Ling , Zhou Qiang , Gao Xiu-Mei , Zhang Hui-Ling
Published: October 2013

Qiangli Tianma Duzhong capsule (TMDZ), a Chinese herbal drug, is clinically used to improve functional outcome in patients with ischemic stroke in China. This study was conducted to establish whether postischemic long-term treatment with TMDZ could reduce the loss of injured hemisphere and confer the improvements of neurological outcome in chronic survival of rats with 2 h middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO)/reperfusion brain injury and its primary mechanisms. We found that TMDZ (44.5, 89, or 178 mg/kg), administered per os 6 h after the onset of ischemia and for 28 consecutive days, significantly improved the behavior deficits, beginning on day 7, and further improved later. TMDZ treatment also markedly reduced the tissue loss of the injured hemisphere and improved histopathology. In the meantime, TMDZ treatment could improve hemorrheology and inhibit platelet aggregation. These results provide the first evidence that post-ischemic long-term treatment with TMDZ confers the improvements of neurological outcome and the loss of injured hemisphere in an animal ischemic stroke model, and its mechanisms might be associated with the improvements of hemorrheology and the inhibition of platelet aggregation.
Evaluation of a New Acid Solution for Texturization of Multicrystalline Silicon Solar Cells
Authors: Watanabe Ryosuke , Abe Shuuji , Haruyama Satoshi , Suzuki Tatsunobu , Onuma Mitsuo , Saito Yoji
Published: October 2013

Surface texturing methods using an alkaline solution for monocrystalline Si (c-Si) solar cells have been widely accepted to improve cell performance. However, multicrystalline Si (mc-Si) cells are difficult to be texturized by alkaline etching, because the grains in the substrates are randomly oriented. In this study, we considered a HF/HNO3/H2SO4acid solution for texturing the mc-Si cells. We evaluated the morphology of the textured surfaces and the reflectance spectra from the surfaces. The deep dimple textured structures are formed on the surfaces for only 30 seconds of the acid texturing process. This behavior results from the effect of H2SO4in the solution. This process obtains up to 14.7% conversion efficiencies of the acid textured cells. These conversion efficiencies are up to 1.3 times larger than those of the mirror-etched cells.
Deep Molecular Response in Chronic Myeloid Leukemia: The New Goal of Therapy?
Authors: Mahon François-Xavier , Etienne Gabriel
Published: October 2013

Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is caused by formation of the BCR–ABL1 fusion protein. Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) that target BCR–ABL1 are now the standard of care for patients with CML. Molecular monitoring of residual BCR–ABL1 mRNA transcripts, typically performed using real-time quantitative PCR, has improved treatment management, particularly for patients with CML in chronic phase. Major molecular response (MMR; i.e., a ≥3-log reduction in BCR–ABL1 transcript levels) is used in current treatment guidelines to assess prognosis. Recent evidence suggests that deeper molecular responses (≥4-log reductions in BCR–ABL1 transcript levels), particularly when attained early during treatment, may have even better correlation with long-term outcomes, including survival and disease progression. Furthermore, achieving deep molecular response is a requirement for entering trials evaluating treatment-free remission (TFR). In this review, we discuss the evolving definition of minimal residual disease and the various levels of molecular response under evaluation in current clinical studies. In addition, the available clinical data on achieving MMR and deeper levels of molecular response with TKI therapy, the prognostic value of deep molecular response, and factors that may predict a patient's ability to achieve and sustain a deep molecular response on TKI therapy are also discussed. Available data from TFR studies are addressed. We discuss current knowledge of the ideal conditions for attempting treatment discontinuation, factors predictive of molecular relapse, when TKI therapy should be restarted, and which therapeutic strategies (when administered in the first-line setting and beyond) are expected to best enable successful TFR. Clin Cancer Res; 20(2); 310–22. ©2013 AACR.
CD137 as a Biomarker for Tumor-Reactive T Cells: Finding Gold in the Desert
Authors: Zhu Yuwen , Chen Lieping
Published: October 2013

Although human cancer is often surrounded by immune cells, only a small number are tumor-reactive T cells that recognize the tumor antigens and are able to eliminate the cancer cells. Ye and colleagues now found that many of these tumor-reactive T cells are marked by expressing CD137, a T-cell costimulatory receptor. Clin Cancer Res; 20(1); 3–5. ©2013 AACR.
Large-Scale Referencing of the Telemetric Neurovent-P-tel Intracranial Pressure Sensor in a Porcine Model
Authors: Freimann Florian Baptist , Sprung Christian , Chopra Sascha Santosh , Vajkoczy Peter , Wolf Stefan
Published: October 2013

The Neurovent-P-tel sensor is a promising device for telemetric intracranial pressure (ICP) measurements in cases of complex hydrocephalus. Data on its accuracy within a broad ICP range are missing. We applied a porcine model for large-scale manipulation of the ICP values. The telemetric ICP sensor was referenced against ICP values measured directly from a water column within a riser tube. A total of 34 comparative ICP measurements within an ICP range from 2 cm H2O to 31 mm Hg were performed. The mean difference between both measurement techniques was 0.4 mm Hg. The limits of agreement, where 95% of differences between both methods are expected, were from -2.4 to 3.1 mm Hg. The telemetric Neurovent-P-tel sensor system provides good accuracy within a broad range exceeding normal ICP values and might be useful in clinical practice.
Discriminating Taxonomic Categories and Domains in Mental Simulations of Concepts of Varying Concreteness
Authors: Anderson Andrew J. , Murphy Brian , Poesio Massimo
Published: October 2013

Most studies of conceptual knowledge in the brain focus on a narrow range of concrete conceptual categories, rely on the researchers' intuitions about which object belongs to these categories, and assume a broadly taxonomic organization of knowledge. In this fMRI study, we focus on concepts with a variety of concreteness levels; we use a state of the art lexical resource (WordNet 3.1) as the source for a relatively large number of category distinctions and compare a taxonomic style of organization with a domain-based model (an example domain is Law). Participants mentally simulated situations associated with concepts when cued by text stimuli. Using multivariate pattern analysis, we find evidence that all Taxonomic categories and Domains can be distinguished from fMRI data and also observe a clear concreteness effect: Tools and Locations can be reliably predicted for unseen participants, but less concrete categories (e.g., Attributes, Communications, Events, Social Roles) can only be reliably discriminated within participants. A second concreteness effect relates to the interaction of Domain and Taxonomic category membership: Domain (e.g., relation to Law vs. Music) can be better predicted for less concrete categories. We repeated the analysis within anatomical regions, observing discrimination between all/most categories in the left mid occipital and left mid temporal gyri, and more specialized discrimination for concrete categories Tool and Location in the left precentral and fusiform gyri, respectively. Highly concrete/abstract Taxonomic categories and Domain were segregated in frontal regions. We conclude that both Taxonomic and Domain class distinctions are relevant for interpreting neural structuring of concrete and abstract concepts.
Genetic structure of Ipomoea imperati (Convolvulaceae) in the Mediterranean region and implications for its conservation
Authors: Cennamo Paola , Del Guacchio Emanuele , Paino Luca , De Castro Olga , Menale Bruno , Vasquez-Torres Mario , Caputo Paolo
Published: October 2013

In this paper, we studied the relationships of the only surviving Italian population of Ipomoea imperati (Convolvulaceae), a pantropical sandy coastal species, in Sicily and other populations in the Mediterranean region. Herbarium samples which are representative of extinct populations growing  in Campania (Italy) were also investigated together with populations from various Atlantic and Mediterranean localities. Chloroplast DNA microsatellites (cp-SSR) and nuclear ribosomal Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) sequences  were jointly employed, in order to detect relationships among populations. Our aims were several-fold: (1) to clarify if the species is autochthonous in the Mediterranean basin or a post-Columbian introduction; (2) to investigate phylogeographic patterns in the species and (3) to establish the possible role of dispersal in explaining the patterns observed. Chloroplast microsatellite variation indicates that extinct Italian mainland populations of I. imperati from Campania are not closely related to the extant Sicilian one, as they do not share haplotypes. Chloroplast DNA microsatellite variation is largely between populations, and the within populations component accounts for only approximately 10%. CpDNA data is consistent with a single Mediterranean entry point hypothesis or with the notion that some populations display plesiomorphic variability. ITS data is congruent with the possibility that the presence of I. imperati in the Mediterranean is the result of transatlantic dispersal. The population from Sicily and extinct populations from Campania share an ITS type. A Bayesian analysis employing clock calibration data on an expanded ITS dataset with appropriate outgroups indicates that dates of transoceanic distribution are probably earlier than historical times.
The genus Loxosceles Heineken & Lowe (Araneae: Sicariidae)
in Cuba and Hispaniola, West Indies
Authors: RUIZ ALEXANDER SÁNCHEZ , BRESCOVIT ANTONIO D.
Published: October 2013

The three known species of the genus Loxosceles Heineken & Lowe from Cuba and Hispaniola are revised and two new species, Loxosceles maisi sp. nov. and Loxosceles mogote sp. nov., are described from the eastern region of Cuba. These new species are included in the reclusa group, and are considered close to Loxosceles taino Gertsch & Ennik as they have a greatly thickened male palpal tibia, a projecting cymbium, and large receptacles in the female genitalia. The distribution ranges of the known Cuban and Hispaniolan species are extended.
Geophagus crocatus, a new species of geophagine cichlid from the Berbice River, Guyana, South America (Teleostei: Cichlidae)
Authors: Hauser Frances E. , López-Fernández Hernán
Published: October 2013

We describe a new Geophagus from the Berbice River of Guyana, bringing the total number of described species in the genus to 19, and of Guianese species to six.. Geophagus crocatus, new species, is distinguished from all species of Geophagus outside of the G. surinamensis group by the presence of an incomplete suborbital stripe (vs. complete), and the presence of six lateral bars, with bars 2 and 3 slightly sloping toward each other and fusing dorsally at the base of the dorsal fin. Geophagus crocatus is the only Geophagus species known from the Berbice River, and it is present above and below the Itabru Falls.
Selective head cooling for the treatment of neurologic complications of acute liver failure in a newborn with disseminated herpes infection
Authors: Hansen Gregory , Grimason Michele , Collins James W , Wainwright Mark S
Published: October 2013

Background

Neurologic complications of pediatric acute liver failure (ALF) are a major determinant of outcome. Management of these complications, including increased intracranial pressure (ICP) is largely supportive. Although hypothermia is an effective treatment for perinatal asphyxia and is used to reduce ICP following traumatic brain injury, it has not been evaluated for neurologic complications of ALF in the newborn.

Methods

Case report.

Results

We present a case of neonatal herpes simplex virus (HSV)-associated ALF with profound neurologic impairment and increased ICP. The patient was treated with selective head cooling, and monitored with transcranial doppler (TCD) studies of cerebral blood flow velocity, and electroencephalograms (EEG). The duration of head cooling was influenced by absent diastolic flow on TCDs, which subsequently improved during hypothermia. Continuous EEGs captured subclinical seizures, which improved with antiepileptic medications. Her death was attributed to a massive pulmonary hemorrhage and a hypoxemic cardiac arrest secondary to significant coagulopathy.

Conclusion

This case demonstrates that selective head cooling may attenuate increased ICP in neonatal encephalopathy, and that TCDs may guide management in the absence of invasive monitoring.
IL-1β processing in mechanical ventilation-induced inflammation is dependent on neutrophil factors rather than caspase-1
Authors: Timmermans Kim , van der Wal Selina EI , Vaneker Michiel , van der Laak Jeroen AWM , Netea Mihai G , Pickkers Peter , Scheffer Gert Jan , Joosten Leo AB , Kox Matthijs
Published: October 2013

Purpose

Mechanical ventilation can cause ventilator-induced lung injury, characterized by a sterile inflammatory response in the lungs resulting in tissue damage and respiratory failure. The cytokine interleukin-1β (IL-1β) is thought to play an important role in the pathogenesis of ventilator-induced lung injury. Cleavage of the inactive precursor pro-IL-1β to form bioactive IL-1β is mediated by several types of proteases, of which caspase-1, activated within the inflammasome, is the most important. Herein, we studied the roles of IL-1β, caspase-1 and neutrophil factors in the mechanical ventilation-induced inflammatory response in mice.

Methods

Untreated wild-type mice, IL-1αβ knockout and caspase-1 knockout mice, pralnacasan (a selective caspase-1 inhibitor)-treated mice, anti-keratinocyte-derived chemokine (KC)-treated mice and cyclophosphamide-treated neutrophil-depleted wild-type mice were ventilated using clinically relevant ventilator settings (tidal volume 8 ml/kg). The lungs and plasma were collected to determine blood gas values, cytokine profiles and neutrophil influx.

Results

Mechanical ventilation resulted in increased pulmonary concentrations of IL-1β and KC and increased pulmonary neutrophil influx compared with non-ventilated mice. Ventilated IL-1αβ knockout mice did not demonstrate this increase in cytokines. No significant differences were observed between wild-type and caspase-1-deficient or pralnacasan-treated mice. In contrast, in anti-KC antibody-treated mice and neutropenic mice, inflammatory parameters decreased in comparison with ventilated non-treated mice.

Conclusions

Our results illustrate that IL-1 is indeed an important cytokine in the inflammatory cascade induced by mechanical ventilation. However, the inflammasome/caspase-1 appears not to be involved in IL-1β processing in this type of inflammatory response. The attenuated inflammatory response observed in ventilated anti-KC-treated and neutropenic mice suggests that IL-1β processing in mechanical ventilation-induced inflammation is mainly mediated by neutrophil factors.
Spatio-temporal changes of Munida Rutllanti Zariquiey-Alvarez, 1952 (Decapoda: Galatheidae) in the North-Western Ionian Sea (Central Mediterranean)
Authors: MAIORANO P. , CAPEZZUTO F. , D'ONGHIA G. , TURSI A.
Published: October 2013

The spatio-temporal pattern of Munida rutllanti distribution in the north-western Ionian Sea has been studied. Data were collected during 14 experimental trawl surveys conducted from 1997 to 2010 as part of the international MEDITS project. The hauls were carried out during day-light hours between depths of 10 and 800 m in the spring season. A progressive increase in the abundance index (N/km2) of M. rutllanti was observed from 2000 to 2008, then a sharp decrease was shown in the last two years. The greatest and lowest abundance indices were observed in the Apulian and central Calabrian sub-areas, respectively. The species was collected between 107 and 795 m in depth, with a significant increase and decrease over time in the maximum and minimum depth of finding, respectively. A highly significant increase over time in the mean carapace length was also observed in the whole study area. The widespread occurrence and increasing abundance of this species in the Ionian Sea could be related to the increase in temperature and the variation in hydrographic conditions which occurred in the Ionian basin during the EMT-BiOS phenomenon.
On weakly pronormal subgroups of finite groups
Authors: Asaad Mohamed
Published: October 2013

Let G be a finite group. A subgroup H of G
is called pronormal in G if for each

g
∈
G

${g\in G}$

, the subgroups H
and Hg
are conjugate in

〈
H
,

H
g

〉

${\langle H, H^g \rangle }$

. A subgroup H of G is
called weakly pronormal in G if there exists a subgroup K of G
such that

G
=
H

K

${G=H\,K}$

and

H
∩
K

${H\cap K}$

is pronormal in G. The main
purpose of this paper is to investigate the structure of G under
the assumption that some subgroups of G are weakly pronormal in
G.
Inactivation of high-risk human papillomaviruses by Holder pasteurization: implications for donor human milk banking
Authors: Donalisio Manuela , Cagno Valeria , Vallino Marta , Moro Guido E. , Arslanoglu Sertac , Tonetto Paola , Bertino Enrico , Lembo David
Published: October 2013

Aims: Several studies have recently reported the detection of oncogenic human papillomaviruses (HPV) in human milk of a minority of lactating mothers. These findings raised safety concerns in the context of human donor milk banking given the potential risk of HPV transmission to recipient infants. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the Holder pasteurization, a procedure currently in use in human donor milk banks for milk pasteurization, completely inactivates high-risk and low-risk HPV.

Methods: HPV pseudoviruses (PsV) were generated, spiked into cell culture medium or donor human milk and subjected to thermal inactivation. HPV PsV infectivity and morphological integrity was analyzed by cell-based assay and by electron microscopy, respectively.

Results: The Holder pasteurization completely inactivated the infectivity of high-risk (types 16 and 18) and low-risk (type 6) HPV both in cell culture medium and in human milk causing PsV particle disassembly.

Conclusions: The results presented here indicate that the Holder pasteurization is an efficient procedure to inactivate high-risk and low-risk HPV thus preventing the potential risk of their transmission through human donor milk.
Why should we use atraumatic needles in lumbar puncture?
Authors: Matas Sandro Luiz de Andrade
Published: October 2013

Diagnostic lumbar puncture is essential to the diagnosis of central nervous system infections, subarachnoid haemorrhage and others neurological diseases. Myeloradicular involvement or life-threatening adverse events due to the procedure are rare, but less severe complications are more frequent. Post-lumbar puncture headache is the most common complication, by spinal fluid leakage due to delayed closure of a dural defect. Therefore, the development of fine needles, with differentiated atraumatic bevel, has contributed to minimize that problem. These generically called atraumatic needles cause less deformation of the dura mater then the Quincke® ones. So, why don't we use these atraumatic needles?
Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy: new concepts
Authors: Lima Marco A.
Published: October 2013

Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) is a demyelinating disease of the CNS caused by reactivation of JC virus (JCV) in a setting of cellular immunosuppression. Originally, PML was observed in patients with advanced HIV infection, lymphoproliferative disorders and transplant recipients. However, the widespread use of HIV antiretroviral drugs and the new selective immunomodulatory and immunosuppressive medications, such as Rituximab and Natalizumab, has recently modified the epidemiology, clinical presentation and prognosis of PML. Herein, we discuss the new concepts on PML, emphasizing the recent modification in the epidemiology; the impact of new immunomodulatory treatments in the disease, PML-IRIS (Immune reconstitution inflammatory síndrome), new treatment strategies and other JCV related CNS diseases.
Methods for Assessing and Addressing Participant Protection Concerns in Intimate Partner Violence Research
Authors: Hellmuth Julianne C. , Leonard Kenneth E.
Published: October 2013

Research on intimate partner violence (IPV) is highly sensitive and may put some participants at increased psychological, emotional, and physical risk. Still, we know little about the risks posed by most social science methods and have minimal guidance regarding appropriate practices for carrying out various forms of research. This study collected data from 59 IPV researchers regarding the most commonly used participant protection methods, the efficacy of those methods, number and nature of adverse events (AE) experienced, and experiences with institutional review boards (IRBs). Participants were invited via e-mail to complete an anonymous online survey. Findings indicate an overall low incidence of AEs as well as a minimal relationship between AEs and IPV inquiry. These findings may provide researchers with preliminary data on the effectiveness of various participant protection methods. Results may also facilitate more innovative and effective participant protections measures, help researchers prevent and cope with AE, and create more mutually beneficial relationships with IRBs.
Testing of urodynamic dysfunctions in patients with multiple sclerosis
Authors: Babovic Rade , Milicevic Sasa , Radovanovic Sasa , Jancic Jasna
Published: October 2013

Background/Aim. Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune inflammatory
disorder of the unknown origin leading to multifocal demyelization, axonal
damage and the loss of the nervous tissue in various parts of the central
nervous system. Most MS patients have decreased functionality of the bladder
leading to various dysuria disorders during the course of the illness.
However, in 2% of the cases dysuric problems are the first symptoms of the
disease. Urodynamic testing could help to diagnose functional disorders of
the lower urinary tract, which might not be otherwise possible by performing
the standard invasive procedures or noninvasive scans, such us ultrasound,
computed tomography or functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Methods.
Urodynamic testing - cystometry with electromyographic (EMG) potentials from
the external anal sphincter (EAS), was performed in 34 patients (25 female
and 9 male patients). Those patients fulfilled Mc Donald?s multiple sclerosis
criteria. The urodynamic values were compared to neurological signs and the
present disease symptoms. Results. The MS patients with (27) and without (7)
miction problems were tested. Detrusor hyperreflexia is the most common
finding, present in 58.8% of the cases. More than a half of the patients have
detrusor sphincter dissynergia. Conclusions. Urodynamic testing helps us to
determine neurological disorders characteristics and to prepare an
appropriate treatment plan. During the course of the disease different
urodynamic disfunctions may occur as well as changes in the urinating
functionality. The rationale for urodynamic testing in patients suffering
from MS before any other treatment procedure is to confirm the diagnosis of
dysuric disorders and to secure appropriate treatment.
Curvature properties of φ-null Osserman Lorentzian S-manifolds
Authors: Brunetti Letizia , Caldarella Angelo
Published: October 2013

We expound some results about the relationships between the Jacobi operators with respect to null vectors on a Lorentzian S-manifold and the Jacobi operators with respect to particular spacelike unit vectors. We study the number of the eigenvalues of such operators on Lorentzian S-manifolds satisfying the φ-null Osserman condition, under suitable assumptions on the dimension of the manifold. Then, we provide in full generality a new curvature characterization for Lorentzian S-manifolds and we use it to obtain an algebraic decomposition for the Riemannian curvature tensor of φ-null Osserman Lorentzian S-manifolds.
Legal Aspects of Electronic Mail in Public Organizations
Authors: Prysby Nicole , Prysby Charles
Published: October 2013

The increasing use of electronic mail in the workplace has generated important legal questions, especially for public organizations. The legal questions concerning e-mail in public institutions and agencies fall into two basic categories: (a) issues of employee privacy regarding e-mail messages; and (b) public access to e-mail under applicable freedom of information legislation. While employees might believe that their e-mail messages are private, the employer has broad legal grounds for reading workplace e-mail. In particular, when the employer owns the e-mail system, which almost always is the case, the employer has considerable latitude to access and read stored e-mail messages, at least if there is some legitimate business reason for doing so. Government organizations also must treat at least some of their email as part of the public record, making it open to public access. State laws vary considerably in terms of how they define the types of e-mail messages that are part of the public record, some being far more inclusive than others. Given the uncertainty and confusion that frequently exists among employees regarding these legal questions, it is essential that public organizations develop and publicize an e-mail policy that both clarifies what privacy expectations employees should have regarding their e-mail and specifies what recording keeping requirements for email should be followed to appropriately retain public records. 
Nanocoatings Applied to Corrosion Protection at the Oil and Gas Industry Trends
Authors: Alencar Maria Simone de Menezes , da Silva Ronaldo Pedro , Giacometti Daniel , Forero Adriana , Labes Alan
Published: October 2013

The innovative promises of nanotechnologies have fomented growing investments from governments, research centers and companies. As a multidisciplinary technology, nanotechnology developments are observed in many industries, such as: chemical, automotive, pharmaceutical, aerospace and defense, electronics, energy and materials. Market researches project that the global business based on nanotechnology products will reach US$ 3.3Tri in 2018. Nanotechnologies offer opportunities in all levels of the value chain at the oil and gas industry, contributing with more efficient, less expensive and more environmentally friendly technologies. Among these opportunities, are: improved data gathering, recognizing and avoiding dry holes; enhanced materials that provide strength and endurance to increase performance and reliability in drilling, tubular goods, and rotating parts; improved elastomers, enablers for high pressure high temperature drilling environments; corrosion protection for surfaces, subsurface and facilities applications; lightweight materials; selective filtration and water management; and enhanced oil recovery through the modification of reservoir properties. Nanotechnologies applied to materials science may help to modify or manipulate the characteristics of materials at the molecular level, developing materials with exclusive characteristics for critical applications. Among nanocoatings applications are antibiotic effects, thermal insulation, dirt repellent, corrosion resistance, mist absorbent and self cleaning. Nanocoating with self-healing property is an example of an environmentally friendly application. The objective of this work is to prospect the available nanotechnologies for corrosion protection for the oil and gas industry. The methodology is based on patents and scientific papers evaluation, through bibliometric techniques to identify the players that are most representative of the market. 76 patents and 45 scientific papers have been identified. Additionally, data from companies widely recognized at the sector have verified. As a result from this work, the authors expect to diffuse knowledge of solutions based on nanotechnologies for the oil and gas sector, contributing to foster innovation at the industry.

Introduction

In global terms, in the last few decades, the field of nanotechnology has drawn more investment from the public sector than any other single technology area, with figures of around US$8 billion in 2008 from public investment in research. It is also important to highlight that in the countries that top the rank of such investments, such as the United States, Europe and Japan, private investments are higher than public investments [1]. In this context, the innovative characteristics offered by nanotechnology have generated growing investments from governments, research centers and companies alike, encompassing most fields of knowledge on a worldwide level.
Technical-Commercial Project Management - A Challenge for Oil Companies
Authors: Jefferson Fernando
Published: October 2013

Business opportunities in the petroleum chain often result in losses for enterprises, due to problems in the management of commercial-technical projects, especially with large companies such as Brazilian Petrobras. The commercial area often hits its goal (i.e., sell), but the project is not delivered within the negotiated, agreed and contracted quality, cost and schedule. To avoid fines, new human and financial resources are added to the project, which will certainly decrease the profit margin or even cause financial losses. The image of the company could be affected, harming the conquest of new projects with this or other customers. The repetition of this situation may even cause company's bankruptcy.

This article examines some reasons why this happens, and proposes solutions to better manage these projects. It will be suggested a more efficient and integrated coordination between the technical and commercial areas, since the beginning, at the first sign of a business opportunity, even before starting negotiations with the client and continuing with strong integrated operations between the two areas, until the conclusion of the project. It will also be addressed the involvement of other areas (Finance, Quality Management, Board of Directors) of the company, as well as other companies. The relationship with these areas and companies should also be managed within the scope of the project.

Finally, it will be proposed the application of simplified project management and knowledge management techniques, so that projects be better planned and executed and that the information generated throughout the projects (lessons learned, for example) could be incorporated into the company's intellectual capital, facilitating new future projects, risk analysis and greater empowerment of people in the company.

The experiences reported in this paper may be useful also for other markets and countries.
Spectro-microscopic measurements of carbonaceous aerosol aging in Central California
Authors: Moffet R. C. , Rödel T. C. , Kelly S. T. , Yu X. Y. , Carroll G. T. , Fast J. , Zaveri R. A. , Laskin A. , Gilles M. K.
Published: October 2013

Abstract. Carbonaceous aerosols are responsible for large uncertainties in climate models, degraded visibility, and adverse health effects. The Carbonaceous Aerosols and Radiative Effects Study (CARES) was designed to study carbonaceous aerosols in the natural environment of the Central Valley, California, and learn more about their atmospheric formation and aging. This paper presents results from spectro-microscopic measurements of carbonaceous particles collected during CARES at the time of a pollution accumulation event (27–29 June 2010), when in situ measurements indicated an increase in the organic carbon content of aerosols as the Sacramento urban plume aged. Computer-controlled scanning electron microscopy coupled with an energy dispersive X-ray detector (CCSEM/EDX) and scanning transmission X-ray microscopy coupled with near-edge X-ray absorption spectroscopy (STXM/NEXAFS) were used to probe the chemical composition and morphology of individual particles. It was found that the mass of organic carbon on individual particles increased through condensation of secondary organic aerosol. STXM/NEXAFS indicated that the number fraction of homogenous organic particles lacking inorganic inclusions (greater than ~50 nm equivalent circular diameter) increased with plume age, as did the organic mass per particle. Comparison of the CARES spectro-microscopic dataset with a similar dataset obtained in Mexico City during the MILAGRO campaign showed that fresh particles in Mexico City contained three times as much carbon as those sampled during CARES. The number fraction of soot particles at the Mexico City urban site (ranging from 16.6 to 47.3%) was larger than at the CARES urban site (13.4–15.7%), and the most aged samples from CARES contained fewer carbon–carbon double bonds. Differences between carbonaceous particles in Mexico City and California result from different sources, photochemical conditions, gas phase reactants, and secondary organic aerosol precursors. The detailed results provided by these spectro-microscopic measurements will allow for a comprehensive evaluation of aerosol process models used in climate research.
Impact of river discharge, upwelling and vertical mixing on the nutrient loading and productivity of the Canadian Beaufort Shelf
Authors: Tremblay J.-É. , Raimbault P. , Garcia N. , Lansard B. , Babin M. , Gagnon J.
Published: October 2013

Abstract. The concentrations and elemental stoichiometry of particulate and dissolved pools of carbon (C), nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and silicon (Si) in the southeast Beaufort Sea during summer 2009 were assessed and compared with those of surface waters provided by the Mackenzie river as well as by winter mixing and upwelling of upper halocline waters at the shelf break. Neritic surface waters showed a clear enrichment in dissolved and particulate organic carbon (DOC and POC, respectively), nitrate, total particulate nitrogen (TPN) and dissolved organic nitrogen (DON) originating from the river. Silicate as well as bulk DON and DOC declined in a conservative manner away from the delta's outlet, whereas nitrate dropped non-conservatively to very low background concentrations inside the brackish zone. By contrast, the excess of soluble reactive P (SRP) present in oceanic waters declined in a non-conservative manner toward the river outlet, where concentrations were very low and consistent with P shortage in the Mackenzie River. These opposite gradients imply that the admixture of Pacific-derived, SRP-rich water is necessary to allow phytoplankton to use river-derived nitrate and to a lesser extent DON. A coarse budget based on concurrent estimates of primary production shows that river N deliveries support a small fraction of primary production when considering the entire shelf, due to the ability of phytoplankton to thrive in the subsurface chlorophyll maximum beneath the thin, nitrate-depleted river plume. Away from shallow coastal bays, local elevations in the concentration of primary production and dissolved organic constituents were consistent with upwelling at the shelf break. By contrast with shallow winter mixing, nutrient deliveries by North American rivers and upwelling relax surface communities from N limitation and permit a more extant utilization of the excess SRP entering through Bering Strait. In this context, increased nitrogen supply by rivers and upwelling potentially alter the vertical distribution of the excess P exported into the North Atlantic.
MEDUSA-2.0: an intermediate complexity biogeochemical model of the marine carbon cycle for climate change and ocean acidification studies
Authors: Yool A. , Popova E. E. , Anderson T. R.
Published: October 2013

Abstract. MEDUSA-1.0 (Model of Ecosystem Dynamics, nutrient Utilisation, Sequestration and Acidification) was developed as an "intermediate complexity" plankton ecosystem model to study the biogeochemical response, and especially that of the so-called "biological pump", to anthropogenically driven change in the World Ocean (Yool et al., 2011). The base currency in this model was nitrogen from which fluxes of organic carbon, including export to the deep ocean, were calculated by invoking fixed C:N ratios in phytoplankton, zooplankton and detritus. However, due to anthropogenic activity, the atmospheric concentration of carbon dioxide (CO2) has significantly increased above its natural, inter-glacial background. As such, simulating and predicting the carbon cycle in the ocean in its entirety, including ventilation of CO2 with the atmosphere and the resulting impact of ocean acidification on marine ecosystems, requires that both organic and inorganic carbon be afforded a more complete representation in the model specification. Here, we introduce MEDUSA-2.0, an expanded successor model which includes additional state variables for dissolved inorganic carbon, alkalinity, dissolved oxygen and detritus carbon (permitting variable C:N in exported organic matter), as well as a simple benthic formulation and extended parameterizations of phytoplankton growth, calcification and detritus remineralisation. A full description of MEDUSA-2.0, including its additional functionality, is provided and a multi-decadal spin-up simulation (1860–2005) is performed. The biogeochemical performance of the model is evaluated using a diverse range of observational data, and MEDUSA-2.0 is assessed relative to comparable models using output from the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP5).
Retrospective analysis of a non-forecasted rain-on-snow flood in the Alps – a matter of model-limitations or unpredictable nature?
Authors: Rössler O. , Froidevaux P. , Börst U. , Rickli R. , Martius O. , Weingartner R.
Published: October 2013

Abstract. On 10 October 2011, a rain-on-snow flood occurred in the Bernese Alps, Switzerland, and caused significant damage. As this flood peak was unpredicted by the flood forecast system, questions were raised concerning what has caused this flood and whether it was predictable at all. In this study, we focused on one valley that was heavily hit by the event, the Loetschen valley (160 km2), and aimed to reconstruct the anatomy of this rain-on-snow flood from the synoptic conditions represented by European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts ECWMF analysis data, and the local meteorology within the valley recorded by an extensive met-station network. In addition, we applied the hydrological model WaSiM-ETH to improve our hydrological process understanding about this event and to demonstrate the predictability of this rain-on-snow flood. We found an atmospheric river bringing moist and warm air to Switzerland that followed an anomalous cold front with sustained snowfall to be central for this rain-on-snow event. Intensive rainfall (average 100 mm day−1) was accompanied by a drastic temperature increase (+8 K) that shifted the zero degree line from 1500 m a.s.l. to 3200 m a.s.l. in 12 h. The northern flank of the valley received significantly more precipitation than the southern flank, leading to an enormous flood in tributaries along the northern flank, while the tributaries along the southern flank remained nearly unchanged. We hypothesized that the reason for this was a cavity circulation combined with a seeder-feeder-cloud system enhancing both local rainfall and snow melt by condensation of the warm, moist air on the snow. Applying and adjusting the hydrological model, we show that both the latent and the sensible heat fluxes were responsible for the flood and that locally large amounts of precipitation (up to 160 mm rainfall in 12 h) was necessary to produce the estimated flood peak. With considerable adjustments to the model and meteorological input data, we were able to reproduce the flood peak, demonstrating the ability of the model to reproduce the flood. However, driving the optimized model with COSMO-2 forecast data, we still failed to simulate the flood precisely because COSMO-2 forecast data underestimated both the local precipitation peak and the temperature increase. Thus, this rain-on-snow flood was predictable, but requires a special model set up and extensive and locally precise meteorological input data, especially in terms of both precipitation and temperature.
Global ocean modeling and rendering techniques based on ellipsoid Rectangular grid mapping
Authors: Ma W. , Wan G. , Wang L. , Li W. J.
Published: October 2013

Abstract. Summary: In recent years, with the development of the virtual reality technology and data acquisition technology, people increase the demand of GIS visualization. Especially accounting for occupying 70 percent of global area, and as a based environmental visualization, global ocean visualization is particularly important in some applications. This paper studies the global ocean visualization and modeling techniques under the framework of the WGS84 ellipsoid and achieves a method of rapid global ocean photorealistic rendering. The main research works are as follow: 1. In the height field modeling, with the law of statistical and spectral marine and Phillip wave spectrum, we can produce a single height map which considers the wind farm on the ocean wave magnitude of impact; 2. With ellipsoid rectangular grid mapping relationship, the single height map produced above will be mapped to the ellipsoid repeatedly, and achieve a goal of global ocean height field modeling; 3. With the conversion of screen space coordinate system and the rectangular spatial coordinate system, sampling points can be acquired by the view-dependent ellipsoid; 4. With the introduction of global bathymetric data, and came through the GPU for rapid sampling, so that we can get sampling points related to transparency and depth values to achieve a global ocean and land border processing.
Spatial Big Data Organization, Access and Visualization with ESSG
Authors: Wu L. X. , Yu J. Q. , Yang Y. Z. , Jia Y. J.
Published: October 2013

Abstract. There are hundreds of spatial reference frame (SRF) being applied, and the great difference among SRFs has blocked the share of global data on planet Earth. A conceptual spheroid of radius 12,800 km and a spheroid degenerated octree grid method are applied to produce an earth system spatial grid (ESSG), which is of natural characteristics to be applied as a new common SRF. A triple CTA is designed as ESSG-based data structure to organize the big data of planet Earth, and a 2D table of a unique label and limitless records for time slices and attribute values is present to record the data of each grid. The big data on planet Earth can hence be gridded and interrelated without discipline gaps and SRF obstacles. An integral data organization mode is designed, and three potential routes are presented for users to access shareable global data in cloud environment. Furthermore, with global crust, atmosphere, DEM, and satellite image being examples, the integrated visualization of global large objects is demonstrated.