bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Vitrification of high molybdenum feeds in the presence of reprocessing waste liquor
Authors: Short Rick , Dunnett Barbara , Gribble Nick , Steel Hannah , Steele Carl James
Published: March 2013

At Sellafield, the Post Operational Clean Out (POCO) of solids from the base of the highly active waste storage tanks, in preparation for decommissioning, will result in a high molybdenum stream which will be vitrified using the current Waste Vitrification Plant (WVP). In order to minimise the number of containers required for POCO, the high molybdenum feed could be co-vitrified by addition to reprocessing waste, using the borosilicate glass formulation currently utilised on WVP. Co-vitrification of high molybdenum feeds has been carried out using non-active simulants, both in the laboratory and on the Vitrification Test Rig (VTR) which is a full scale working replica of a WVP processing line.

In addition, a new borosilicate glass formulation containing calcium has been developed by NNL which allows a higher incorporation of molybdenum through the formation of a durable CaMoO4 phase, after the solubility limit of molybdenum in the glass has been reached. Vitrification of the high molybdenum feed in the presence of varying quantities of reprocessing waste liquor using the new glass formulation has been carried out in the laboratory. Up to ∼10 wt% MoO3 could be incorporated without any detrimental phase separation in the product glass, but increasing the fraction of reprocessing waste was found to decrease the MoO3 incorporation. Soxhlet and static powder leach tests have been performed to assess the durability of the glass products. This paper discusses the results of the vitrification of high molybdenum feeds in the presence of reprocessing liquor in both the borosilicate glass formulation currently utilised on WVP and the modified formulation which contain calcium.
Comparative Raman and Transmission Electron Microscopy Analysis of the Evolution of Platelet Defects in Plasma Hydrogenated and Annealed Czochralski Silicon
Authors: Job R. , Beaufort M.-F. , Barbot J.-F. , Ulyashin A. G. , Fahrner W. R.
Published: March 2013

Standard p- and n-type Czochralski (Cz) silicon wafers were hydrogenated by a RF (13.56 MHz) hydrogen plasma at moderate temperatures (250 °C). After plasma hydrogenation and subsequent annealing up to 600 °C the formation and of H2 molecules in voids and platelets was investigated by Raman spectroscopy. The Raman intensities of the H2 vibration modes at ∼ 4150 cm-1 exhibited significant intensity modulations in dependence on the annealing temperature. The intensities of the H2 Raman lines indirectly monitor the evolution of the voids and platelets upon annealing. This assumption was verified by cross-sectional transmission electron microscopy (XTEM), which was applied for comparison. The intensity modulations of the H2 Raman signal can be explained by the evolution of the well known {111} and {001} platelets. At lower annealing temperatures (< 500 °C) platelets laying in {111} planes are dominant, while at elevated temperatures (> 500 °C) [001]-oriented platelets become more and more important. In addition in p-type material by XTEM also {110} platelets could be observed.
Partial annealing of defects in boron-implanted p-type silicon by hydrogen implantation
Authors: Tokuda Yutaka , Iwata Hiroyuki
Published: March 2013

Hydrogen implantation has been used to anneal defects produced in p-type silicon by boron implantation. Boron implantation is performed with an energy of 300 keV to a dose of 1×109 cm-2. Deep level transient spectroscopy measurements show the production of four hole traps (Ev + 0.21, 0.35, 0.50, 0.55 eV) by boron implantation. Subsequent hydrogen implantation is performed with energies of 60, 90, 120 and 150 keV to a dose of 2×1010 cm-2. Among four traps produced by boron implantation, the most significant effect of hydrogen implantation is observed on one trap (Ev + 0.50 eV). A 62% decrease in concentration is caused for this trap by hydrogen implantation with energies of 120 and 150 keV. This partial annealing is ascribed to the reaction of boron-implantation-induced defects with point defects produced by hydrogen implantation.
Doping of Oxidized Float Zone Silicon by Thermal Donors - a Low Thermal Budget Doping Method for Device Applications?
Authors: Job R. , Ulyashin A.G. , Huang Y.L. , Fahrner W.R. , Simoen E. , Claeys C. , Niedernostheide F.-J. , Schulze H.-J. , Tonelli G.
Published: March 2013

Thermal donor formation was studied in oxygen enriched high resistive float zone silicon (FZ Si:Oi). Such substrates are used e.g. for radiation hard detectors or high voltage devices. RF Plasma hydrogenation (110 MHz, 50 W) was carried out at 250°C for 1 hour. Subsequent annealing was done at 450°C/air for up to 50 h. The plasma treated and annealed FZ Si:Oi samples were analyzed by spreading resistance probe, capacitance-voltage and DLTS measurements. It is shown that a rapid formation of donors can be observed in oxidized FZ Si:Oi, but in a somewhat different way than in Czochralski (Cz) Si. While in Cz Si the hydrogen enhanced formation of ‘old’ thermal double donors occurs under the applied processes, in FZ Si:Oi most probably the formation of new hydrogen related shallow donors can be assumed.
Design Evolution of Drilling Tools to Mitigate Vibrations
Authors: Bailey J. R. , Elsborg C. C. , James R. W. , Pastusek P. E. , Prim M. T. , Watson W. W.
Published: March 2013

The development of methods to characterize the relative vibration tendency of alternative bottomhole assemblies (BHA) has enabled deliberate tool redesign to reduce vibrations. To achieve the greatest benefit, tool redesign is most effective if applied early in the tool design cycle where important configuration parameters are most easily adjusted. This paper outlines several design issues that need to be resolved so the future generations of tools have inherently lower vibration levels.

The use of multiple special-purpose tools (such as logging tools, rotary steerable assemblies, and ream-while-drilling tools) generates significant constraints on BHA configuration options. A redesign methodology to achieve lower vibration indices can be used to investigate modified components, dimensions, and configurations to select the best BHA configuration for specific drilling operating conditions.

Case studies are used to investigate BHA designs with flex stabilizers above rotary steerable tools. The flex stabilizer comprises a stabilizer with a smaller diameter connecting flex sub to facilitate rotary steerable directional objectives. It is typically wired for tool signals and is frequently run by vendors. In another case study, the spacing below a reamer is evaluated and drilling data is compared to other assemblies in the same formation. In this example, the spacer provides an increase in the distance between contact points to allow both the stabilizer and reamer to seek the centerline with less interference. The fourth case study evaluates changing contact locations in the BHA by swapping the order of logging tools resulting in different borehole contact positions. Finally, a theoretical study illustrates how changing BHA components and dimensions affect the model vibration indices.

The operator has field experience with BHA redesign that has directly led to significant improvement in drilling performance. The benefits include higher rate of penetration (ROP), longer time on bottom, less wear of drilling tool components, and reduced frequency of trips.
The Combined Application of Azimuthal Deep Resistivity and Multi-Lateral Technologies Maximizes Extra-Heavy Oil Recovery and Improves Production Rates in Junin Block of the Orinoco Oil Belt
Authors: Palermo J. , Gutierrez R. , Ramos J. , Toledo O. , Garcia W. , Rondon L. , Cohen D. , Mendez O.
Published: March 2013

Petroleos de Venezuela, S.A. (PDVSA) Petrocedeno has encountered challenges in achieving higher production rates and maximizing extra-heavy oil recovery from complex reservoirs in the Junin block of the Orinoco oil belt of Venezuela. These complex reservoirs are located in heterolytic deltaic depositional environments, with heterolitic thicknesses ranging from 10 to 20 ft. This block produces 150,000 B/D from more than 700 horizontal wells. Most of these wells were drilled in relatively homogeneous sands with good thickness; however, large extra-heavy oil reserves are trapped in a more geologically and operationally complex deltaic reservoir sand. Horizontal wells in this area show poor production results.

For these reservoirs, the geosteering technique with azimuthal deep resistivity technology was proposed to maximize oil recovery by positioning the wellbore in a better pay-zone; advanced drainage multilateral architecture was proposed to improve production rates by increasing reservoir exposure. Multilateral technology has been used successfully in the area. Sand problems, observed in some multilateral wells, were solved by using a junction support tool to provide mechanical and hydraulic integrity at the junction area. A real-time geosteering technique enabled a flawless wellbore placement within this reservoir with challenging stratigraphy and complex sedimentological environment in which more than 60 wells have been drilled with azimuthal deep resistivity tools.

The well YC-36 well plan included drilling two laterals with the geosteering technique, which would improve the production rate to an estimated 343 B/D. After installing a multilateral level IV junction and positioning YC-36 100% in the net oil sand, the reported production increased to 650 B/D for an increase of approximately 300%, as compared to an average single well production from the block. This paper describes the combined application of multilateral and geosteering technologies in the YC-36 well and details about the results of the application.
Maximizing the Value of Real-Time Operations for Diagnostic and Optimization at the Right Time
Authors: Al-Jasmi A. , Goel H. K. , Al-Abbasi A. , Nasr H. , Velasquez G. , Carvajal G. A. , Cullick A. S. , Rodriguez J. A. , Scott M.
Published: March 2013

Although oilfield workflow automation processes have been implemented in the oil and gas industry during the last decade, the full impact and value of these technologies has yet to be realized. Tremendous potential still exists to implement new technology to maximize production, increase operational efficiency, and reduce down time/non-productive time. The Kuwait Integrated Digital Field project (KwIDF) is a novel intelligent digital oilfield operation for Kuwait Oil Company, the operator of the Sabriyah field in North Kuwait.

The project has successfully implemented improvements in field's operational efficiency by reducing the down time in artificial lift completion, increasing well productivity, and preventing water production. This paper provides an overview of the project from the perspective of field data acquisition, data analysis, model analysis, diagnostics, and operational optimization conducted in "right time" in the operator's state-of-the-art collaboration center.

The automated workflow system orchestrates integrated solutions that not only provide monitoring in real time, but also enable diagnostics and optimization for individual wells. The automated workflow integration and orchestration conducted by the production team within a collaborative work environment covers the following aspects described in this paper: production surveillance (including alarming and alert events), well performance, production losses, artificial lift optimization, and key performance monitoring.
ESP "Smart Flow" Integrates Quality and Control Data for Diagnostics and Optimization in Real Time
Authors: Al-Jasmi A. , Nasr H. , Goel H. K. , Moricca G. , Carvajal G. A. , Dhar J. , Querales M. , Villamizar M. A. , Cullick A. S. , Rodriguez J. A. , Velasquez G. , Yong Z. , Bermudez F. , Kain J.
Published: March 2013

Intelligent digital oilfield (iDOF) operations include the transfer, monitoring, visualization, analysis, and interpretation of real-time data. Enabling this process requires a significant investment to upgrade surface, subsurface, and well instrumentation and also the installation of a sophisticated infrastructure for data transmission and visualization. Once upgraded, the system then has the capability to transfer massive quantities of data, converting it into real information at the right time.

The transformation of raw data into information is achieved through intelligent, automated work processes, which are referred to here as "smart flows," which assist engineers in their daily well surveillance activities, helping make them more productive and improve decision making. A major oil and gas operator in the Middle East has invested in such an infrastructure and is developing a set of smart flows for key activities and work flows for its production operations, with the ultimate goal of improved asset performance.

The project includes a smart flow to monitor, diagnose, and optimize wells that include electric submersible pumps (ESP); 50% of the wells in this field use ESPs. The ESP smart flow includes leading-edge technologies, such as: variable speed drive controller, subsurface equipment and sensors, advanced diagnostics based on artificial-intelligence agents, analysis of sensors signals, and automatically identifying ESP optimum operating conditions.

Using a steady-state nodal-analysis model combined with an artificial intelligent technique, the ESP smart flow is designed to provide rapid diagnostics and optimization in real time, generating actions, such as decreasing and increasing the pump frequency and choke setting. The ultimate benefit is to detect the signals that foresee unexpected well downtime and predict ESP system pump failures. The paper describes the main functionalities of the ESP smart flow as a powerful optimization tool that is capable of providing an interactive monitoring system that can assist operations personnel in managing ESP-operated wells.
An Automated "Smart Flow" for Tracking and Assigning Operational Accountabilities in Real Time
Authors: Al-Jasmi A. , Nasr H. , Goel H. K. , Villamizar M. , Carvajal G. A. , Vellanki R. , Cullick A. S. , Rodriguez J. A. , Raghavendra N. , Dunbar A. , Velasquez G.
Published: March 2013

Intelligent digital oilfield (iDOF) operations include the transfer, monitoring, visualization, analysis, and interpretation of real-time data. Enabling this process requires a significant investment to upgrade surface, subsurface, and well instrumentation and also the installation of a sophisticated infrastructure for data transmission and visualization. Once upgraded, the system then has the capability to transfer massive quantities of data, converting it into real information at the right time.

The transformation of raw data into information is achieved through intelligent, automated work processes, which are referred to here as "smart flows," which assist engineers in their daily well surveillance activities, helping make them more productive and improve decision making. A major oil and gas operator in the Middle East has invested in such an infrastructure and is developing a set of smart flows for key activities and workflows for its production operations, with the ultimate goal of improved asset performance.

To actively report and follow-up on field tasks and actions (thereby minimizing non-productive time and the cost of lost opportunities), this solution includes a high-performance collaborative action-tracking smart flow to monitor field issues and results. This smart flow reports, and distributes actions to solve field operation anomalies, to implement engineering decisions, to manage generated alarms and alerts, and to create and track assignments. The smart flow enables an automated process that logs every alarm, advisory, and field action performed and has been customized for the operational environment of the operator with rules for ticket routing and assignments.

This smart flow is integrated with other smart flows in the solution and provides a complete view of all tickets submitted, including both in-process and resolved, providing operational accountabilities across different groups within the company. This helps establish clear ownership of tasks and activities to foster a sense of responsibility and provide accountability.

This paper provides details of the action-tracking smart flow in the integrated environment in which different groups within the company can effectively use the system, thus helping to optimize the company's field operation support activities.
The bat fauna hibernating in the caves of the Polish Tatra Mountains, and its long-term changes
Authors: Piksa Krzysztof , Nowak Jakub
Published: March 2013

We monitored bats hibernating in the Tatra Mountains during winters between 1997 and 2012. The Tatras are Central Europe’s second-highest massif after the Alps. Our winter censuses identified 14 species of bats hibernating in caves of the Polish Tatras. The most characteristic features of these winter bat assemblages were the dominance of Myotis mystacinus and high numbers of Eptesicus nilssonii. During the monitoring period, we noted qualitative and quantitative changes in the hibernating bat fauna. Two thermophilous species not recorded earlier and absent during the entire Holocene appeared: Rhinolophus hipposideros and Myotis emarginatus. The abundance of M. mystacinus, M. daubentonii, E. nilssonii and Plecotus auritus increased. We found no such changes in the abundance of M. myotis or M. nattereri. The Tatra Mountains are a key region for the occurrence of bats of the mystacinus group (particularly M. mystacinus sensu stricto) in Europe, and for E. nilssonii an important region in Central Europe.
Investigation of the electrostatic charge of basidiospores of the Phellinus igniarius group
Authors: Saar Maret
Published: March 2013

The polarity and magnitude of primary electric charges carried by basidiospores in the airborne state were investigated in living fungal fruiting bodies under natural forest conditions using a portable experimental device designed by the author. The operating principle was the falling of spores in the homogeneous horizontal electric field. The vertical and horizontal components of the trajectories of the spores were determined according to their deposition sites on electrodes (vertical metal plates). Altogether 33 samples of spores were examined for polarity, 10 of these samples (with 104–106 spores per sample) also were used to calculate the mean spore charge-to-mass quotient and the mean spore charge. The detection limits of spore charge-to-mass quotient varied in the range from (4.9±2.3)×10−5 to (1.36±0.33)×10−4 C kg−1. Basidiospores (subglobose, smooth, diameter of 4–6 μm) of the closely related (sibling) species Phellinus alni, P. nigricans, P. populicola and P. tremulae (Hymenochaetales, Basidiomycota) carried positive electrical charges that have mean values from 48 to 305 elementary charges. The intraspecies variation of the spore charge could depend on the natural variation in spore size.
The Effect of Methamphetamine on Biotransformation of Ethanol: Pilot Study
Authors: Zendulka O. , Sabová M. , Juřica J. , Machalíček M. , Švéda P. , Farková M. , Šulcová A.
Published: March 2013

Methamphetamine is one of the most popular recreational drugs in Central Europe and is often combined with ethanol. Various interactions between these two substances have been described including the influence of administered ethanol on biotransformation of methamphetamine. The aim of the present study was to describe the opposite effect - the influence of methamphetamine on biotransformation of ethanol in rats. Methamphetamine was administered for 10 days (10 mg/kg/day) i.p. and ethanol was delivered as an intragastric bolus (2 g/kg) on the10th day of experiment to both methamphetamine administered rats and control animals. The pharmacokinetic experiment on the whole animal was performed and plasma samples were drawn at the 40th, 120th, 210th and 300th minute after ethanol administration. Ethanol plasmatic levels reached significantly lower values in the 40th and 120th interval when compared to controls. Differences were insignificant in the last two intervals. Our results suggest that chronic methamphetamine administration induces ethanol biotransformation. We suppose that this effect is caused by induction of alcohol dehydrogenase metabolic activity or by allosteric interaction of methamphetamine and this enzyme. More studies have to be conducted to confirm or disprove our hypothesis.
Molecular Design of Synthetic Benzimidazoles for the Switchover of the Duplex to G-quadruplex DNA Recognition
Authors: Maji Basudeb , Bhattacharya Santanu
Published: March 2013

Benzimidazole derivatives are well known for their antibacterial, antiviral, anticonvulsant, antihistaminic, anthelmintic and antidepressant activities. Benzimidazole's unique base-selective DNA recognition property has been studied widely. However, most of the early benzimidazole systems
have been targeted towards the binding of duplex DNA. Here we have shown the evolution and progress of the design and synthesis of new benzimidazole systems towards selective recognition of the double-stranded DNA first. Then in order to achieve selective recognition of the G-quadruplex DNA
and utilize their potential as future anti-cancer drug candidates, we have demonstrated their selective cytotoxicity towards the cancer cells and potent telomerase inhibition ability.
Boundary Work, Hybrid Practices, and Portable Representations: An Analysis of Global and National Coproductions of Red Lists
Authors: Gustafsson Karin M. , Lidskog Rolf
Published: March 2013

For many countries, the IUCN Red List of threatened species is a central instrument in their work to counteract loss of biodiversity. This article analyzes the development of the Red List categories and criteria, how these categories and criteria are used in the construction of global, national, and regional red lists, and how the red lists are employed in policy work. A central finding of the article is that this mix of actors implies many different forms of boundary work. This article also finds that the Red List functions as a portable representation, that is, a context-independent instrument to represent nature. A third finding is that the Red List functions as a link between experts and policy makers. Thus, the Red List is best understood as a boundary object and hybrid practice where the credibility of scientific assessment and a specific policy is mutually strengthened.
Science and Politics in Old-Growth Forest Conflict in Upper Lapland
Authors: Saarikoski Heli , Raitio Kaisa
Published: March 2013

This article illustrates the interconnectedness of science and politics through a case study of old-growth forest conflict in Finnish Upper Lapland. It demonstrates the ways in which “traditional science“ has failed to settle the decades-long conflict between state forestry and traditional Sámi reindeer herding, and discusses the potential of democratization of science through more inclusive forms of knowledge production. The analysis, which is based on qualitative interview data, shows that a traditional science focus on biological indicators and mathematical modeling has provided only a partial account of the reindeer herding-forestry interactions by ignoring the local, place-specific practices that are equally important in understanding the overall quality of pasture conditions in Upper Lapland. It concludes that an inclusive inquiry, structured according to the principles of joint fact-finding, could create a more policy-relevant, and also more scientifically robust, knowledge basis for future forest management and policy decisions.
The Acid-Catalysed Benzidine Rearrangements May Proceed via Cation Radicals Formed by Electron Transfer to a Proton from a Hydrazyl Nitrogen
Authors: Mamantov Andrew
Published: March 2013

The acid-catalysed benzidine rearrangements are proposed to proceed via cation radical intermediates which arise by rapid electron transfer from a neutral nitrogen of the hydrazyl moiety to a proton. Consequently, both the concerted rearrangements, Table 1, benzidines, 4-methoxy- p-semidine formation, Eqns (2), (3) and o,o‘-biaryl-linked products, and non-concerted rearrangements, Table 2, diphenyline, o-semidine, Eqns (5), (6) and perhaps 4-chloro- p-semidine, may proceed via cation radical structures involving radical C – C bond formations and homolytic N – N bond cleavages. This is contrary to the current view of the Polar Transition State theory which postulates heterolytic bond formations and cleavages, Schemes 1, 3 and 4. Mono-substituted and 4,4'-disubstituted hydrazobenzenes are proposed to undergo oxidation of the most basic nitrogen as inferred from the estimated p Ka s as determined by the SPARC program. This can explain why of the two possible o-semidine rearrangement products, 2,N’ and N,2'-linked, the observed major o-semidine has the substituent para to the amino group, e.g. Eqn (5). However, if one of the para substituents is a halogen, it is the nitrogen para to the halogen which undergoes SET and oxidation. In these second-order acid reactions, this can be explained by protonation of the most basic nitrogen followed by SET from the hydrazyl nitrogen para to the halogen. In the case of 4,4'-disubstitution, the hydrazobenzene may not lose its substituents readily and undergoes a rapid one-electron reduction and consequent disproportionation reaction as shown in Eqn (8). Thus the kinetics, first-order in hydrazoarene and the same kinetic order in acid for both disproportionation and rearrangement, are explained.
Kinetic Study of Combustion of Isopropanol and Ethyl Acetate on Monolith-Supported CeO2 Catalyst
Authors: Özçelik Tuğrba Gürmen , Alpay Erden , Atalay Süheyda
Published: March 2013

The complete catalytic combustion kinetics of isopropanol and ethyl acetate were investigated using a CeO2 catalyst coated on a monolith support. The combustions were carried out at low temperatures and atmospheric pressure, on a fixed-bed monolithic reactor. The Mars and van Krevelen model, power rate law model and Langmuir – Hinshelwood model were used to analyse the experimental results. The differential reactor assumption was used to fit the kinetic models. Due to the low activation energies of the reactions, both the Mars – Van Krevelen and power rate law models showed good agreement between the measured and calculated reaction rates, with the Mars – Van Krevelen model being slightly better.
Prior surgical intervention of the bone; useful finding for the examination of the skeletal remains
Authors: Kinoshita Hiroshi , Tanaka Naoko , Ohi Toshihiko , Jamal Mostofa , Ohkubo Eriko , Ameno Kiyoshi
Published: March 2013

In general, personal identification is an important part of forensic practice. Evidence of prior surgery in a skeletonized remains is a useful findings for personal identification. Here we describe two cases where bone scarring shows evidence of prior surgery, and how these findings become useful information for identification of the victims. Key Words: personal identification; skeletal remains; surgical intervention DOI: 10.3329/bjms.v9i2.5658Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol.09 No.2 Apr 2010 pp.101-102
Personalized Medicine in Ophthalmology: From Pharmacogenetic Biomarkers to Therapeutic and Dosage Optimization
Authors: Ong Frank , Kuo Jane , Wu Wei-Chi , Cheng Ching-Yu , Blackwell Wendell-Lamar , Taylor Brian , Grody Wayne , Rotter Jerome , Lai Chi-Chun , Wong Tien
Published: March 2013

Rapid progress in genomics and nanotechnology continue to advance our approach to patient care, from diagnosis and prognosis, to targeting and personalization of therapeutics. However, the clinical application of molecular diagnostics in ophthalmology has been limited even though there have been demonstrations of disease risk and pharmacogenetic associations. There is a high clinical need for therapeutic personalization and dosage optimization in ophthalmology and may be the focus of individualized medicine in this specialty. In several retinal conditions, such as age-related macular degeneration, diabetic macular edema, retinal vein occlusion and pre-threshold retinopathy of prematurity, anti-vascular endothelial growth factor therapeutics have resulted in enhanced outcomes. In glaucoma, recent advances in cytoskeletal agents and prostaglandin molecules that affect outflow and remodel the trabecular meshwork have demonstrated improved intraocular pressure control. Application of recent developments in nanoemulsion and polymeric micelle for targeted delivery and drug release are models of dosage optimization, increasing efficacy and improving outcomes in these major eye diseases.
A Novel Strategy to Enhance Mesenchymal Stem Cell Migration Capacity and Promote Tissue Repair in an Injury Specific Fashion
Authors: Xinaris C. , Morigi M. , Benedetti V. , Imberti B. , Fabricio A. S. , Squarcina E. , Benigni A. , Gagliardini E. , Remuzzi G.
Published: March 2013

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) of bone marrow origin appear to be an attractive candidate for cell-based therapies. However, the major barrier to the effective implementation of MSC-based therapies is the lack of specific homing of exogenously infused cells and overall the inability to drive them to the diseased or damaged tissue. In order to circumvent these limitations, we developed a preconditioning strategy to optimize MSC migration efficiency and potentiate their beneficial effect at the site of injury. Initially, we screened different molecules by using an in vitro injury–migration setting, and subsequently, we evaluated the effectiveness of the different strategies in mice with acute kidney injury (AKI). Our results showed that preconditioning of MSCs with IGF-1 before infusion improved cell migration capacity and restored normal renal function after AKI. The present study demonstrates that promoting migration of MSCs could increase their therapeutic potential and indicates a new therapeutic paradigm for organ repair.
Platelet-Rich Plasma Enhances the Dermal Regeneration Efficacy of Human Adipose-Derived Stromal Cells Administered to Skin Wounds
Authors: Bhang Suk Ho , Park Jooyeon , Yang Hee Seok , Shin Jaehoon , Kim Byung-Soo
Published: March 2013

The administration of human adipose-derived stromal cells (hASCs) enhances skin wound healing. However, poor survival of hASCs that are administered to avascular wound regions may limit the therapeutic efficacy of the hASCs. The aim of this study was to determine whether the coadministration of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and hASCs enhanced the skin wound-healing efficacy of hASCs. Skin regeneration was examined in skin wounds of athymic mice that were either untreated or treated with hASCs, PRP, or both hASCs and PRP. Coadministration of PRP and hASCs resulted in better skin regeneration than hASC administration alone in part by significantly improving the proliferation of administered hASCs by the angiogenic growth factor secretion of the hASCs and surrounding mouse host cells in the wound areas and by promoting neovascularization in the wound beds.
Comparison of the Observed Mixed Layer Depth in the Lee of the Hawaiian Island to the Modeled Mixed Layer Depth of the Regional Navy Coastal Ocean Model
Authors: Rayburn Jeffery Todd , Kamenkovich Vladimir M.
Published: March 2013

AbstractThis study evaluates the ability of the Hawaii Regional Navy Coastal Ocean Model to accurately predict the depth of the surface mixed layer in the lee of the Hawaiian Islands. Accurately modeling the depth of the surface mixed layer in this complex wake island environment
is important to naval operations because the area hosts numerous training exercises. The simulated data were compared to CTD data collected from sea gliders, and tests for correlation were conducted. For mixed layer depths that did show correlation, match-paired t tests were used to
determine the significance of the correlations. It was determined that the Hawaii Regional Navy Coastal Ocean Model has difficulty accurately predicting the depth of the surface mixed layer. It was also determined that the model has difficulty with unusual oceanographic features such as mode
water eddies. These features are too uncommon and short-lived to be depicted in the climatology data. The climatology data are a major component of the synthetic profiles that the model generates, and these profiles tend to smooth out the unusual subsurface isothermal layer.List of AbbreviationsBT
‐ bathythermographsCCE ‐ cold core eddyCOAMPS ‐ Coupled Ocean/Atmosphere Mesoscale Prediction SystemCTD ‐ conductivity, temperature, and depthGDEM ‐ Generalized Digital Environmental ModelIR ‐ infraredMLD ‐ mixed layer
depthMODAS ‐ Modular Ocean Data Assimilation SystemMOODS ‐ Master Oceanographic Observation DatasetNCODA ‐ Navy Coupled Ocean Data AssimilationNCOM1 ‐ Hawaii Regional Navy Coastal Ocean Model with in situ assimilationNCOM2 ‐ Hawaii
Regional Navy Coastal Ocean Model without in situ assimilationPAVE ‐ Profile Analysis and Visualization EnvironmentSSHa ‐ sea surface height anomaly derived from altimetrySST ‐ sea surface temperatureWCE ‐ warm core eddy
Use of High-Resolution DIDSON Sonar to Quantify Attributes of Predation at Ecologically Relevant Space and Time Scales
Authors: Price Victoria E. , Auster Peter J. , Kracker Laura
Published: March 2013

AbstractPredator-prey interactions of large vagile fishes are difficult to study in the ocean due to limitations in the space and time requirements for observations. Small-scale direct underwater observations by divers (ca. <10 m radius) and large-scale hydroacoustic surveys
(10 s m2 to 100 s km2) are traditional approaches for surveying fish. However, large piscivorous predators identify and attack prey at the scale of meters to tens of meters. Dual-Frequency Identification Sonar (or DIDSON) is a high-resolution acoustic camera operating
in the MHz range that provides detailed continuous video-like imaging of objects up to a range of 30 m. This technology can be used to observe predator-prey interactions at ecologically relevant space and time scales often missed by traditional methods. Here we establish an approach for quantifying
predation-related behaviors from DIDSON records. Metrics related to predator and prey group size, prey responses to predation, predation rate, predator strategies, and the nonrandom use of landscape features by both predator and prey are described. In addition, relationships between patterns
in these attributes are tested and issues regarding sampling strategies for future studies are discussed. We suggest that approaches combining direct visual observation and acoustic sampling at multiple scales are required to quantify variation in these relationships across underwater landscapes.
Nucleotide Oligomerization Domain 1 Enhances IFN-γ Signaling in Gastric Epithelial Cells during Helicobacter pylori Infection and Exacerbates Disease Severity
Authors: Allison Cody C. , Ferrand Jonathan , McLeod Louise , Hassan Mohammad , Kaparakis-Liaskos Maria , Grubman Alexandra , Bhathal Prithi S. , Dev Anouk , Sievert William , Jenkins Brendan J. , Ferrero Richard L.
Published: March 2013

Virulent Helicobacter pylori strains that specifically activate signaling in epithelial cells via the innate immune molecule, nucleotide oligomerization domain 1 (NOD1), are more frequently associated with IFN-γ–dependent inflammation and with severe clinical outcomes (i.e., gastric cancer and peptic ulceration). In cell culture models, we showed that H. pylori activation of the NOD1 pathway caused enhanced proinflammatory signaling in epithelial cells in response to IFN-γ stimulation through the direct effects of H. pylori on two components of the IFN-γ signaling pathway, STAT1 and IFN regulatory factor 1 (IRF1). Specifically, H. pylori activation of the NOD1 pathway was shown to increase the levels of STAT1-Tyr701/Ser727 phosphorylation and IRF1 expression/synthesis in cells, resulting in enhanced production of the NOD1- and IFN-γ–regulated chemokines, IL-8– and IFN-γ–induced protein 10, respectively. Consistent with the notion that heightened proinflammatory signaling in epithelial cells may have an impact on disease severity, we observed significantly increased expression levels of NOD1, CXCL8, IRF1, and CXCL10 in human gastric biopsies displaying severe gastritis, when compared with those without gastritis (p < 0.05, p < 0.001, p < 0.01, and p < 0.05, respectively). Interestingly, NOD1, CXCL8, and IRF1 expression levels were also significantly upregulated in gastric tumor tissues, when compared with paired nontumor samples (p < 0.0001, p < 0.05, and p < 0.05, respectively). Thus, we propose that cross-talk between NOD1 and IFN-γ signaling pathways contribute to H. pylori–induced inflammatory responses, potentially revealing a novel mechanism whereby virulent H. pylori strains promote more severe disease.
Identification of Der p 23, a Peritrophin-like Protein, as a New Major Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus Allergen Associated with the Peritrophic Matrix of Mite Fecal Pellets
Authors: Weghofer Margit , Grote Monika , Resch Yvonne , Casset Anne , Kneidinger Michael , Kopec Jolanta , Thomas Wayne R. , Fernández-Caldas Enrique , Kabesch Michael , Ferrara Rosetta , Mari Adriano , Purohit Ashok , Pauli Gabrielle , Horak Friedrich , Keller Walter , Valent Peter , Valenta Rudolf , Vrtala Susanne
Published: March 2013

The house dust mite (HDM) Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus is one of most important allergen sources and a major elicitor of allergic asthma. We screened a D. pteronyssinus expression cDNA library with IgE Abs from HDM allergic patients. A cDNA coding for a new major allergen was isolated, which showed sequence homology to peritrophins, which contain chitin-binding domains and are part of the peritrophic matrix lining the gut of arthropods. The mature Der p 23 allergen was expressed in Escherichia coli as an 8-kDa protein without its hydrophobic leader sequence and purified to homogeneity. It reacted with IgE Abs from 74% of D. pteronyssinus allergic patients (n = 347) at levels comparable to the two major HDM allergens, Der p 1 and Der p 2. Thus, Der p 23 represents a new major D. pteronyssinus allergen. Furthermore, rDer p 23 exhibited high allergenic activity as demonstrated by upregulation of CD203c expression on basophils from D. pteronyssinus allergic patients. Immunogold electron microscopy localized the allergen in the peritrophic matrix lining the midgut of D. pteronyssinus as well as on the surface of the fecal pellets. Thus, we identified a new major D. pteronyssinus allergen as peritrophin-like protein. The high allergenic activity of Der p 23 and its frequent recognition as respiratory allergen may be explained by the fact that it becomes airborne and respirable through its association with mite feces. Der p 23 may be an essential component for diagnosis and specific immunotherapy of HDM allergy.
Deciphering Complement Receptor Type 1 Interactions with Recognition Proteins of the Lectin Complement Pathway
Authors: Jacquet Mickaël , Lacroix Monique , Ancelet Sarah , Gout Evelyne , Gaboriaud Christine , Thielens Nicole M. , Rossi Véronique
Published: March 2013

Complement receptor type 1 (CR1) is a membrane receptor expressed on a wide range of cells. It is involved in immune complex clearance, phagocytosis, and complement regulation. Its ectodomain is composed of 30 complement control protein (CCP) modules, organized into four long homologous repeats (A–D). In addition to its main ligands C3b and C4b, CR1 was reported to interact with C1q and mannan-binding lectin (MBL) likely through its C-terminal region (CCP22–30). To decipher the interaction of human CR1 with the recognition proteins of the lectin complement pathway, a recombinant fragment encompassing CCP22–30 was expressed in eukaryotic cells, and its interaction with human MBL and ficolins was investigated using surface plasmon resonance spectroscopy. MBL and L-ficolin were shown to interact with immobilized soluble CR1 and CR1 CCP22–30 with apparent dissociation constants in the nanomolar range, indicative of high affinity. The binding site for CR1 was located at or near the MBL-associated serine protease (MASP) binding site in the collagen stalks of MBL and L-ficolin, as shown by competition experiments with MASP-3. Accordingly, the mutation of an MBL conserved lysine residue essential for MASP binding (K55) abolished binding to soluble CR1 and CCP22–30. The CR1 binding site for MBL/ficolins was mapped to CCP24–25 of long homologous repeat D using deletion mutants. In conclusion, we show that ficolins are new CR1 ligands and propose that MBL/L-ficolin binding involves major ionic interactions between conserved lysine residues of their collagen stalks and surface exposed acidic residues located in CR1 CCP24 and/or CCP25.
Staphylococcus aureus Phenol-Soluble Modulin Peptides Modulate Dendritic Cell Functions and Increase In Vitro Priming of Regulatory T Cells
Authors: Schreiner Jens , Kretschmer Dorothee , Klenk Juliane , Otto Michael , Bühring Hans-Jörg , Stevanovic Stefan , Wang Ji Ming , Beer-Hammer Sandra , Peschel Andreas , Autenrieth Stella E.
Published: March 2013

The major human pathogen Staphylococcus aureus has very efficient strategies to subvert the human immune system. Virulence of the emerging community-associated methicillin-resistant S. aureus depends on phenol-soluble modulin (PSM) peptide toxins, which are known to attract and lyse neutrophils. However, their influences on other immune cells remain elusive. In this study, we analyzed the impact of PSMs on dendritic cells (DCs) playing an essential role in linking innate and adaptive immunity. In human neutrophils, PSMs exert their function by binding to the formyl peptide receptor (FPR) 2. We show that mouse DCs express the FPR2 homolog mFPR2 as well as its paralog mFPR1 and that PSMs are chemoattractants for DCs at noncytotoxic concentrations. PSMs reduced clathrin-mediated endocytosis and inhibited TLR2 ligand-induced secretion of the proinflammatory cytokines TNF, IL-12, and IL-6, while inducing IL-10 secretion by DCs. As a consequence, treatment with PSMs impaired the capacity of DCs to induce activation and proliferation of CD4+ T cells, characterized by reduced Th1 but increased frequency of FOXP3+ regulatory T cells. These regulatory T cells secreted high amounts of IL-10, and their suppression capacity was dependent on IL-10 and TGF-β. Interestingly, the induction of tolerogenic DCs by PSMs appeared to be independent of mFPRs, as shown by experiments with mice lacking mFPR2 (mFPR2−/−) and the cognate G protein (p110γ−/−). Thus, PSMs from highly virulent pathogens affect DC functions, thereby modulating the adaptive immune response and probably increasing the tolerance toward the pathogen.
GRB2-Mediated Recruitment of THEMIS to LAT Is Essential for Thymocyte Development
Authors: Paster Wolfgang , Brockmeyer Claudia , Fu Guo , Simister Philip C. , de Wet Ben , Martinez-Riaño Ana , Hoerter John A. H. , Feller Stephan M. , Wülfing Christoph , Gascoigne Nicholas R. J. , Acuto Oreste
Published: March 2013

Thymocyte-expressed molecule involved in selection (THEMIS) is a recently identified regulator of thymocyte positive selection. THEMIS’s mechanism of action is unknown, and whether it has a role in TCR-proximal signaling is controversial. In this article, we show that THEMIS and the adapter molecule growth factor receptor–bound protein 2 (GRB2) associate constitutively through binding of a conserved PxRPxK motif within the proline-rich region 1 of THEMIS to the C-terminal SH3-domain of GRB2. This association is indispensable for THEMIS recruitment to the immunological synapse via the transmembrane adapter linker for activation of T cells (LAT) and for THEMIS phosphorylation by Lck and ZAP-70. Two major sites of tyrosine phosphorylation were mapped to a YY-motif close to proline-rich region 1. The YY-motif was crucial for GRB2 binding, suggesting that this region of THEMIS might control local phosphorylation-dependent conformational changes important for THEMIS function. Finally, THEMIS binding to GRB2 was required for thymocyte development. Our data firmly assign THEMIS to the TCR-proximal signaling cascade as a participant in the LAT signalosome and suggest that the THEMIS–GRB2 complex might be involved in shaping the nature of Ras signaling, thereby governing thymic selection.
The concept of shalōm as a constructive bereavement healing framework within a pluralist health seeking context of Africa
Authors: Magezi Vhumani , Keya Benjamin S.
Published: March 2013

Absence of health, that is, sickness in Africa is viewed in personalistic terms. A disease is explained as effected by ‘the active purposeful intervention of an agent, who may be human’, non-human (a ghost, an ancestor, an ‘evil spirit), or supernatural (a deity or other very powerful being)’ (Foster). Illness is thus attributed to breaking of taboos, offending God and/ or ancestral spirits; witchcraft, sorcery, the evil eye, passion by an evil spirit and a curse from parents or from an offended neighbour. In view of these personalistic theories of ill health, treatment is through ritual purification, exorcism or sacrifices. For an appropriate diagnosis and intervention, it is imperative to determine ‘who’ caused the illness and then ‘why’ it was caused, to which answers are offered through divination by a healer. This interpretive framework, is applicable to all types of sickness, facilitates co-existence of African traditional healing and biomedical treatment, that is, plurality of health seeking practices. The approach fails to offer a constructive approach and contradicts the biblical healing framework whereby one may not have explanatory causes to a situation of ill health. This article engaged the biblical concept of shalōm as a relevant constructive framework. The Hebrew concept of shalōm, though distinctly salvific, is inclusive of holistic and personalistic healing aspects. The concept encompasses constructive aspects of completeness, wholeness, health, peace, welfare, safety, soundness, tranquillity, prosperity, perfectness, fullness, rest, harmony and the absence of agitation or discord, which provides a useful holistic healing theological framework. It therefore provides a health and well-being framework that is relational, sensitive and applicable to healing patterns in Africa. Using the case study of the Abaluyia people of East Africa, this article discussed bereavement as a state that requires healing and how the biblical framework of shalōm could be applied in fostering bereavement healing.
Einstein’s theory of relativity: At the intersection of apriori elements and empirical experience
Authors: Strauss Danie F.M.
Published: March 2013

Appreciation for the status of scientific knowledge followed a remarkably winding path throughout the history of philosophy and of the various specialised sciences. Einstein had to find direction, avoiding the extremes of a one-sided apriorism and an excessivepositivism. The historical background of the problem of what is apriori – that which precedes our experience – is briefly traced back to its Greek roots. Because Einstein did leave room for creative thinking, it empowered him to explore the universality of key aspects of nature, focusing particularly on the uniqueness and coherence of the kinematic and physical aspects of reality. Distinguishing between these aspects provides, on the one hand, a point of departure for criticising the mechanistic inclination of classical physics (directed at the distinction between reversibility and irreversibility), and on the other hand, the ontic universality of these aspects. This helps us to do justice to the ontic universality of these aspects in respect to the demands of experience (the relative justification of the positivistic emphasis on experimental testing of type laws). So Einstein’s approach may be classified as a transcendental-empirical method of investigation. It also highlights the distinction between modal laws and type laws, as well as the apparently mysterious applicability of mathematics to natural phenomena. Finally it is argued that the recent reports in the news media regarding the speed of the neutrino, allegedly faster than that of light, will not invalidate Einstein’s theory of relativity.