bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Non-Pressure Dependent Method for Forecasting Rate and Reserves in Linear Flowing Conventional and Unconventional Wells
Authors: Easley T. Greg
Published: September 2012

Currently, most reserves estimates in horizontal wells drilled in unconventional environments are done using modified hyperbolic decline. However, most of the observed production data is recorded when the well is in linear flow, and as such b factors larger than one are frequently observed and terminal decline rates are based on estimations. Attempts at correct for this behavior such as modified power law decline tend to require just as many variables to match curves.

In this paper we will propose a method for decline curve analysis of wells that can be generalized to any well that has linear flow behavior. This equation can be integrated and shown to match curves as well as other methods of decline curve analysis and reserve estimation currently available. Lastly, the method will be shown to be highly robust and effective in a number of difficult to forecast environments.
Has the Economic Stage Count Been Reached in the Bakken Shale?
Authors: Baihly Jason , Altman Raphael , Aviles Isaac
Published: September 2012

The Bakken is one of the most active basins in the world in terms of number of rigs, with over 200 operating on the US side of the US-Canadian border. Production has rapidly increased from 100,000 BOPD in 2005 to 600,000 BOPD in 2012 in the state of North Dakota with the majority of production coming from the Bakken (Uptream Online, 2012). Greater horizontal drilling activity and a continuing increase in the number of hydraulic fracture stages per lateral have helped North Dakota grow its oil production six-fold in just seven years.

The Bakken is a fairly tight dolomitic siltstone requiring hydraulic fractures to produce economically. The stage count for hydraulic fracture treatments averaged nearly three stages in early 2007 and increased steadily over time to nearly 30 stages in late 2011. Some wells have even been completed with 40 or more stages. With the ever increasing stage count, the question remains: has the economic stage count limit been reached in the Bakken?

This paper analyzes the stage count versus the production impact of horizontal Bakken wells to determine if the economic stage count has been reached in the play. Wells are grouped and analyzed based on geographic considerations to help normalize for changes in geologic attributes such as natural fractures, reservoir quality, and net pay. Lateral length was also taken into account as varied lengths can impact stage spacing and interference issues.

Analyses were run with various oil and well service costs to determine how the economic stage count may change over time. If the economic limit was not reached under certain circumstances, this paper analyzes possible scenarios to determine when the economic stage count would be reached. This approach should provide insight into how other unconventional oil plays can evolve in the future.
Analytical Probabilistic Reserve Estimation by Volumetric Method and Aggregation of Resources
Authors: Karacaer C. , Onur M.
Published: September 2012

In oil and natural gas production projects, many investment and development plans are based on oil and gas reserve estimates. There is a large uncertainty in the calculation of hydrocarbon reserves because the input variables always contain uncertainties to some degree that propagate into reserve estimates. From the view point of a field investment, an accurate assessment of uncertainty in reserves is crucial for making decisions that will create value and/or mitigate loss in value. Therefore, to make good decisions, one must be able to accurately assess and manage the uncertainties and risks. In this study, we present an analytical uncertainty propagation method (AUPM) for modeling of uncertainties on volumetric reserve estimations. Analytical uncertainty propagation equations (AUPEs) are derived based on a Taylor-series expansion around the mean values of the input variables. The AUPEs are general in that correlation among the input variables, if it exists, can also be accounted for on the resulting uncertainty. Comparative studies that we have conducted show that the AUPM is as accurate as the Monte Carlo method (MCM). The AUPM provides a fast alternative to Monte Carlo simulation for accurately characterizing uncertainty markers such as variance, P90, P50, and P10. In addition, we present uncertainty percentage coefficient for simulating uncertainty contribution of each parameter and correlated parameter pairs to the total uncertainty in volumetric calculations.

We also discuss the problem of probabilistic aggregation of reserves for projects involving more than one reservoir or field. We provide a general analytical formulation for estimating the values of mean, variance, P10, P50 and P90 for aggregated estimates. Probabilistic aggregation requires the knowledge of pair-wise correlation of the fields. In this study, we propose uncertainty sorting method (USM) to determine pair-wise correlation coefficients for multiple resources. The method provides a simple and fast analytical approach based on uncertainty percentage coefficient of individual field parameters. Proposed analytical models can be used as a fast tool eliminating the need for MCM.
Pressure Normalized Decline Curve Analysis for Rate-Controlled Wells
Authors: Anderson Samantha , Anderson Dave , Edwards Krystina , Epp Kristina , Stalgorova Katya
Published: September 2012

Decline curve analysis based on rate-time data is the standard method of evaluating on-shore North American oil and gas reserves. Aside from the classical hyperbolic curve fitting methodology originally proposed by Arps (1945), there have been several new empirical techniques developed for unconventional shale and tight gas reservoirs such as the stretched exponential method (Valko et al., 2010) and Duong method (Duong, 2011). The successful application of methods based only on rate data, however, is usually limited to wells with constant (or close to constant) flowing pressure. High deliverability unconventional plays such as the Haynesville and Eagle Ford are characterized by rate-controlled flow for extended periods of time. Interpretation of these flow periods using rate-time techniques can be misleading, as the bulk of the reservoir response is contained in the flowing pressure data.

In this paper, we propose a straightforward methodology for forecasting the production of high pressure unconventional wells under controlled drawdown. The methodology involves the use of a pressure normalized decline curve, and therefore requires measurement of wellhead flowing pressures. As we will show, the results are consistent with those of more complex analytical and numerical models, but the method does not require any knowledge about, nor does it make any assumptions about the physics of fluid flow in the reservoir. The approach is systematic and repeatable, making it an ideal reserves evaluation tool. The method is validated using synthetic and field data.
Application of Real Options to Valuation and Decision-making in the Petroleum E&P Industry
Authors: Xu Liying , Sepehrnoori Kamy , Dyer Jim S. , van Rensburg Willem C.
Published: September 2012

This study establishes a risk-neutral binomial lattice method to apply real options theory to valuation and decisionmaking in the petroleum exploration and production (E&P) industry under uncertain oil prices.

The research is applied to the switching time from primary to water flooding oil recovery. First, West Texas Intermediate (WTI) oil price evolution in the past 25 years, from January 2, 1986 to May 28, 2010, is studied and modeled with geometric Brownian motion (GBM) and one-factor mean reversion price models. Second, production profile for primary and water flooding oil recovery for a synthetic onshore oil reservoir is generated using UTCHEM simulator. Third, the binomial lattice real options evaluation (ROE) method is established to value the project with flexibility in switching time from primary to water flooding oil recovery.

Seven results and conclusions are reached: 1) for GBM price model, the assumptions of constant drift rate and volatility do not hold for WTI oil prices; 2) one-factor mean reversion model is better to fit WTI oil prices than GBM model; 3) the evolution of WTI oil prices in the past 25 years was according to three price regimes and since 2003, the world economy has increased its tolerance to higher oil prices and to higher price fluctuation from its long run price; 4) the established ROE method can be used to identify the best time to switch from primary to water flooding oil recovery; 5) with one-factor mean reversion oil price model and the most updated cost data, the ROE method finds that water flooding switching time is earlier than that from traditional net present value optimizing method; 6) the ROE results reveal that most of time water flooding should start when oil prices are high; and 7) water flooding switching time is sensitive to oil price models and to the investment and operating costs.

The established ROE framework enhances the valuation and decision-making for petroleum E&P industry including when to switch from one enhanced oil recovery method to another and when to switch from conventional to unconventional hydrocarbon production.
Der Tod im Leben. Einige Grundgedanken zu und aus Franz Rosenzweigs der Stern der Erlösung
Authors: Brasser Martin
Published: September 2012

Franz Rosenzweig gilt als Existenzphilosoph, weil er das Thema des
Todes ins Zentrum der Argumentation in seinem philosophisch-theologischen
Hauptwerk Der Stern der Erl?sung gestellt hat. Die Religion wird dort als der
Ort verstanden, an dem der Tod nicht mehr wie im a-religi?sen Leben aus dem
Leben herausgedr?ngt werden muss. Wenn Religion Liebe ist, dann ist der Tod
so Teil des Lebens wie er Teil der Liebe zwischen zwei Liebenden ist: als
bejahter Bestandteil ihres gemeinsamen Lebens. Der Aufsatz versucht diese
Argumentation nachzuzeichnen und zu plausibilisieren.
„wäre er nicht mehr Staat“: Schelling and Rosenzweig on the state and beyond the state
Authors: Bojanic Petar
Published: September 2012

The surprising thing about ?Das ?lteste Systemprogramm des deutschen
Idealismus. Ein handshriftliher Fund,? one of Rosenzweig?s best supported
and most carefully detailed texts, is that he almost completely ignores one
of the most stunning and mysterious fragments of this brief, two-page
manuscript that he discovers in 1914 at the Prussian State Library in
Berlin. Not only that: while discussing and justifying in detail every part
of this manuscript, attempting to prove that just because it is in Hegel?s
handwriting, does not necessarily mean that Hegel is its author, Rosenzweig
completely sidelines the famous, completely anarchistic, and radical
fragment about the state. My question then is, why does Rosenzweig leave out
any argument about Schelling?s understanding of the state? Or more
precisely, how have Schelling?s positions on the state been incorporated
and transformed in Rosenzweig?s texts? How does Rosenzweig use these
fragments? Why does he nowhere thematize Schelling?s thoughts on the state,
or what in eine revolution?re Staatslehre Rosenzweig calls Schelling?s
revolutionary teachings on the matter?
Philosophy from the outside in: Rosenzweig’s critical project
Authors: Goetschel Willi
Published: September 2012

This paper examines Rosenzweig?s philosophic project in the context of his
time as a critical intervention in the discussion of the place of Jewish
thought in the university and in society. If Hermann Cohen represented the
first generation of Jewish philosophers claiming that participation in the
university is constitutive for the institution?s claim to universalism, the
second generation-represented by Martin Buber - was more diffident about the
university and its openness. For Buber, literary modernism offered what the
university would refuse. Disappointed about the failure of the recognition of
the efforts of the previous two generations, Rosenzweig represents the third
generation. He turns the situation into a creative response anchoring
philosophy as a project that calls for a resolute move outside the
university.
The myth of the moral enhancement: Back to the future?
Authors: Mitrovic Veselin
Published: September 2012

This text tries to shed some light on the origin of the idea of moral
enhancement, on its epistemic and moral foundations. This requires a
comparative analysis of similar ideas present in various trends of bioethics
today - the analysis of the very roots of Poter?s global bioethics, the idea
of moral enhancement, as well as the break between advocates of moral
enhancement and John Harris, their transhumanist colleague, with whom they
used to share the same perspective. In this article we identify some basic
starting points, similarities and differences between global bioethics and
moral enhancement, and draw lines of demarcation between transhumanism and
moral enhancement.
Individual decision making, group decision making and deliberation
Authors: Radovanovic Bojana
Published: September 2012

Each of us makes a number of decisions, from the less important to those with
far-reaching consequences. As members of different groups, we are also actors
of group decision making. In order to make a rational decision, a
choice-making procedure must satisfy a number of assumptions (conditions) of
rationality. In addition, when it comes to group decisions, those procedures
should also be ?fair.? However, it is not possible to define a procedure of
choice-making that would transform individual orders of alternatives based on
preferences of perfectly rational individuals into a single social order and
still meet conditions of rationality and ethics. The theory of deliberative
democracy appeared in response to the impossibility of Social Choice theory.
The basic assumption of deliberative democracy is that individuals adjust
their preferences taking into account interests of the community. They are
open for discussion with other group members and are willing to change their
attitudes in order to achieve common interests. Ideally, group members come
to an agreement during public discussion (deliberation). Still, this concept
cannot completely over?come all the difficulties posed by the theory of
social choice. Specifically, there is no solution for strategic and
manipulative behavior of individuals. Also, the concept of deliberative
democracy faces certain problems particular to this approach, such as, to
name but a few, problems with the establishment of equality of participants
in the debate and their motivation, as well as problems with the organization
of public hearings.
Deliberative democracy and the internet: Could online deliberative democracy replace classical democracy
Authors: Mancic Zeljko
Published: September 2012

This text deals with one of the attempts to make the idea of deliberative
democracy more acceptable by conducting it through the Internet. Citing the
simplicity of access and use of the Internet, many authors believe that it is
possible to join deliberative democracy with direct democracy, and thus reach
the best possible system of political decision making. It will be shown,
however, that although this idea has many advantages over classical theories
of deliberative democracy, it raises more issues than it solves. Despite
this, the idea of online deliberative democracy should not be neglected, but
rather joined with existing procedures of political decision making,
significantly improving these procedures.
Deliberative democracy and the problem of it’s practical implementation
Authors: Jankovic Ivana
Published: September 2012

Deliberative democracy holds that, for a democratic decision to be
legitimate, it must be preceded by deliberation among decision-makers. This
means that democratic decision cannot be merely the aggregation of
preferences that occurs in voting. Thus, citizens may change their initial
opinions and preferences as a result of the reflection induced by
deliberative communication and by taking into account other people?s
opinions. The aim of this paper is to outline the view of deliberative
democracy developed by Amy Gutmann and Dennis Thompson as well as to
address some of the concerns raised by the critics regarding its practical
implementation.
Das Heideggersche Programm einer Urwissenschaft und die Ansätze der Überwindung der „Sachferne“ der Bewusstseinsphänomenologie von Edmund Husserl
Authors: Radinkovic Zeljko
Published: September 2012

(nemacki) Heideggersche erste Bewegungen in Richtung auf die Funda?mentalontologie
lassen sich in seinen Vorlesungen der fr?hen 20er Jahren beobachten.
Heidegger versucht darin, sich von dem Logizismus der Husserlschen
Bewusstseinsphilosophie zu emanzipieren, indem er ein Konzept der
Urwissenschaft entwirft. Die Urwis?senschaft soll bei der vortheoretischen
Erfahrung, d. h. bei den vorreflexiven Erlebnissen ansetzen. Sie hat der
entlebenden Tendenz der theoretischen Einstellung zum Erlebnis?strom
entgegenzuwirken und somit die Voraussetzungen daf?r zu schaffen, eine
Viel?falt der lebendigen Erfahrungsweisen zum ausdr?cklichen Verstehen zu
bringen. Somit kn?pft die Urwissenschaft an das Programm der Ph?nomenologie
von Edmund Husserl, modifiziert es aber entscheidend, indem es aus der
Sph?re des Bewusstseins in jene des lebendigen Erlebnisstroms verlegt.
Spatial rescaling of economic planning the English way
Authors: Pugalis Lee , Townsend Alan
Published: September 2012

Across England, planning and governance modes of regulation of supra-local
development strategies are undergoing important transformations. In
particular, the UK?s Coalition Government, which was has been in office since
2010, has a political and financial mission of rescaling and simplifying
sub-national economic planning. As a consequence of the abandonment of
regional apparatus, which can be understood almost as a ?scorched earth?
approach, a strategic leadership fissure has arisen between national and
local scales of policy. Analyzing the theory and processes of spatial
rescaling, including the emergence of new geographies of governance at the
sub-regional scale, the paper illustrates some of the key opportunities and
dilemmas arising from these ?scalar shifts?. Drawing on the case of Local
Enterprise Partnerships - which are supra-local non-statutory spatial
governance entities - the paper questions whether these new public-private
arrangements present a pragmatic way of resolving the strategic tensions
between elected local authority areas that would otherwise be seriously
ignored in England after regions. The paper examines whether state-led
rescaling in effect provides a new ?cover? for some old politics.
Urban sprawl in Iranian cities and its differences with the western sprawl
Authors: Ebrahimpour-Masoumi Houshmand
Published: September 2012

Recently a number of studies have focused on urban sprawl in the Iranian
cities and the negative impacts of such development pattern. Although in a
general view the phrase ?urban sprawl? is used for fast and sometimes
uncontrolled urbanizations, but there are dissimilarities between the urban
sprawl in the western societies with the so-called Iranian urban sprawl. This
paper discusses these differences as part of five main aspects that are
mentioned in the internationally recognized urban sprawl definitions.
Suburban sprawl, single-use developments/zoning, disconnected street network,
low accessibility of the new developments, and commercial strip development
are the aspects that are descriptively discussed as the main differences
between the two types of sprawl. The main point of the discussion is that due
to the wide range of similarities, which are briefly introduced, the type of
the fast outward urban growth that is observed in the periphery of the
Iranian cities can be defined as a part of the universal urban sprawl trend.
Finally a definition is suggested for explaining urban sprawl in Iran.
The contribution to the research into the role of Bogdan Bogdanovic in the creation of the New School of architecture in Belgrade
Authors: Folic Branislav
Published: September 2012

Following student protests in 1968, the reform of universities began in
Yugoslavia. The idea of the humanization of architectural profession and the
reform of Belgrade Faculty of Architecture towards the environmental studies
was launched. The article examines the impact of the New School on the
humanization of the architectural profession as part of a general movement to
humanize the society of the sixties, as well as the significant role of
Bogdan Bogdanovic in the realisation of such an endeavour. First steps
towards creating a New School could be foreseen in Bogdan Bogdanovic's text
Arhitektura je nauka (The Architecture is a Science) in 1969, which suggests
the introduction of the humanistic disciplines in architectural education as
well as in the analytical texts of Professor Branislav Milenkovic ?O nastavi
na arhitekstonskom fakultetu? (About Teaching at the Faculty of Architecture,
1945-1968) and assistant lecturer Ranko Radovic ?Ucenje neimarstva? published
in the magazine Arhitektura-urbanizam (Architecture-Town Planning) No.52 in
1968. During his stay in America, Bogdanovic gained some experience visiting
multidisciplinary schools of environmental design. Analyzing the school
curriculum and current trends in the education of architects, he set the
basis for the application of environmental design. The reform was carried out
transparently with equal participation of students, teachers and former
students of the Faculty of Architecture. The team for the creation of the New
School, led by Bogdan Bogdanovic, after each meeting published announcements
that contained conclusions on the implementation of reforms. These
announcements and processed materials represented the content basis of the
New School of architecture.
Redesigning the network of pedestrian spaces in the function of reduction of CO2 emission. Case study: Pancevo and Vrsac
Authors: Djukic Aleksandra , Vukmirovic Milena
Published: September 2012

Research problem. The research problem is the increase of GHG and CO2
emissions in the transport sector, i.e. the intensification of urban
transport activity in Serbia during the last 15 years. Focusing on
redesigning of pedestrian networks as well as understanding the connections
between urban design and pedestrian movement, the walkable environment could
be achieved. In addition, as a direct result, a contribution would be made to
a decrease of GHG and CO2 emission. Methodology. The following methods were
used: analysis of the readability of open spaces, analysis of contents,
rhythm and transparency on the ground floor of buildings and analysis of the
intensity of use of open spaces using the Space Syntax method. Results. The
results show a proportional relation between characteristics on ground floors
of buildings and the intensity of pedestrian movement. Also, they enable the
establishing of general recommendations for designing the immediate
pedestrian environment and upgrading the quality of open public spaces.
Conclusion. The improvement of the quality of pedestrian environment would
have as its direct consequence greater use of open public spaces, and thus
also increased intensity of pedestrian movement. In this manner, people would
face a better quality and broader selection of contents and spaces.
European experiences as guidelines for public, private and civil sector role redefinition in spatial policy formulation process in Serbia
Authors: Maksic Milica
Published: September 2012

The period of post-socialist transition in Serbia brings more complex actors
environment compared to socialistic period, while institutional arrangements
are not enough developed to actively involve different groups of actors in
spatial policy formulation process. In order to gather certain knowledge as
guidelines for redefining institutional practices in Serbia, institutional
framework of Serbia was compared in this paper with institutional framework
of three developed European countries, especially in relation to the roles of
public, private and civil sector in spatial policy formulation process. The
European countries selected for the analysis are United Kingdom, Netherlands
and Germany because of diverse national administrative traditions, so
different institutional arrangements could be researched. By comparing
institutional framework in Serbia with the ones in developed European
countries following questions are researched: which actors are missing in
Serbia, what are the ways institutional arrangements for different groups
inclusion into spatial policy formulation process are formed, what are the
differences between the roles of certain groups of actors in decision-making
process. Current roles of actors in spatial policy formulation process in
Serbia are reviewed and possible directions for public, private and civil
sector role redefinition in Serbia are discussed in accordance with
experiences of developed European countries.
Understanding Lolium rigidum Seeds: The Key to Managing a Problem Weed?
Authors: Goggin Danica E. , Powles Stephen B. , Steadman Kathryn J.
Published: September 2012

The 40 million hectare southern Australian winter cropping region suffers from widespread infestation by Lolium rigidum (commonly known as annual or rigid ryegrass), a Mediterranean species initially introduced as a pasture plant. Along with its high competitiveness within crops, rapid adaptability and widespread resistance to herbicides, the dormancy of its seeds means that L. rigidum is the primary weed in southern Australian agriculture. With the individuals within a L. rigidum population exhibiting varying levels of seed dormancy, germination can be staggered across the crop-growing season, making complete weed removal virtually impossible, and ensuring that the weed seed bank is constantly replenished. By understanding the processes involved in induction and release of dormancy in L. rigidum seeds, it may be possible to develop strategies to more effectively manage this pest without further stretching herbicide resources. This review examines L. rigidum seed dormancy and germination from a weed-management perspective and explains how the seed bank can be depleted by control strategies encompassing all stages in the lifecycle of a seed, from development to germination.
Comparative Studies of Vertebrate Platelet Glycoprotein 4 (CD36)
Authors: Holmes Roger S.
Published: September 2012

Platelet glycoprotein 4 (CD36) (or fatty acyl translocase [FAT], or scavenger receptor class B, member 3 [SCARB3]) is an essential cell surface and skeletal muscle outer mitochondrial membrane glycoprotein involved in multiple functions in the body. CD36 serves as a ligand receptor of thrombospondin, long chain fatty acids, oxidized low density lipoproteins (LDLs) and malaria-infected erythrocytes. CD36 also influences various diseases, including angiogenesis, thrombosis, atherosclerosis, malaria, diabetes, steatosis, dementia and obesity. Genetic deficiency of this protein results in significant changes in fatty acid and oxidized lipid uptake. Comparative CD36 amino acid sequences and structures and CD36 gene locations were examined using data from several vertebrate genome projects. Vertebrate CD36 sequences shared 53–100% identity as compared with 29–32% sequence identities with other CD36-like superfamily members, SCARB1 and SCARB2. At least eight vertebrate CD36 N-glycosylation sites were conserved which are required for membrane integration. Sequence alignments, key amino acid residues and predicted secondary structures were also studied. Three CD36 domains were identified including cytoplasmic, transmembrane and exoplasmic sequences. Conserved sequences included N- and C-terminal transmembrane glycines; and exoplasmic cysteine disulphide residues; TSP-1 and PE binding sites, Thr92 and His242, respectively; 17 conserved proline and 14 glycine residues, which may participate in forming CD36 ‘short loops’; and basic amino acid residues, and may contribute to fatty acid and thrombospondin binding. Vertebrate CD36 genes usually contained 12 coding exons. The human CD36 gene contained transcription factor binding sites (including PPARG and PPARA) contributing to a high gene expression level (6.6 times average). Phylogenetic analyses examined the relationships and potential evolutionary origins of the vertebrate CD36 gene with vertebrate SCARB1 and SCARB2 genes. These suggested that CD36 originated in an ancestral genome and was subsequently duplicated to form three vertebrate CD36 gene family members, SCARB1, SCARB2 and CD36.
Microstructural and Kinetic Evolution of Fe Doped MgH2 during H2 Cycling
Authors: Montone Amelia , Aurora Annalisa , Gattia Daniele Mirabile , Antisari Marco Vittori
Published: September 2012

The effect of extended H2 sorption cycles on the structure and on the hydrogen storage performances of MgH2 powders with 5 wt% of Fe particle catalyst is reported. MgH2 powders with and without Fe have been ball milled under Argon, the doped MgH2 nanocomposite has been cycled under hydrogen pressure up to a maximum of 47 desorption and absorption cycles at 300 °C. After acceleration during the first 10 cycles, the kinetics behavior of doped MgH2 is constant after extended cycling, in terms of maximum storage capacity and rate of sorption. The major effect of cycling on particle morphology is the progressive extraction of Mg from the MgO shell surrounding the powder particles. The Mg extraction from the MgO shell leaves the catalyst particles inside the hydride particles. Many empty MgO shells are observed in the pure ball milled MgH2 upon cycling at higher temperature, suggesting that this enhancement of the extraction efficiency is related to the higher operating temperature which favors Mg diffusivity with respect to the H ion one.
Development of New Microsatellite Markers for Salvia officinalis L. and Its Potential Use in Conservation-Genetic Studies of Narrow Endemic Salvia brachyodon Vandas
Authors: Radosavljević Ivan , Satovic Zlatko , Jakse Jernej , Javornik Branka , Greguraš Danijela , Jug-Dujaković Marija , Liber Zlatko
Published: September 2012

Nine new microsatellite markers (SSR) were isolated from Salvia officinalis L. A total of 125 alleles, with 8 to 21 alleles per locus, were detected in a natural population from the east Adriatic coast. The observed heterozygosity, expected heterozygosity, and polymorphic information content ranged from 0.46 to 0.83, 0.73 to 0.93 and 0.70 to 0.92, respectively. New microsatellite markers, as well as previously published markers, were tested for cross-amplification in Salvia brachyodon Vandas, a narrow endemic species known to be present in only two localities on the Balkan Peninsula. Out of 30 microsatellite markers tested on the natural S. brachyodon population, 15 were successfully amplified. To obtain evidence of recent bottleneck events in the populations of both species, observed genetic diversity (HE) was compared to the expected genetic diversity at mutation-drift equilibrium (HEQ) and calculated from the observed number of alleles using a two-phased mutation model (TPM). Recent bottleneck events were detected only in the S. brachyodon population. This result suggests the need to reconsider the current threat category of this endemic species.
Photophysical Behaviors of Single Fluorophores Localized on Zinc Oxide Nanostructures
Authors: Fu Yi , Zhang Jian , Lakowicz Joseph R.
Published: September 2012

Single-molecule fluorescence spectroscopy has now been widely used to investigate complex dynamic processes which would normally be obscured in an ensemble-averaged measurement. In this report we studied photophysical behaviors of single fluorophores in proximity to zinc oxide nanostructures by single-molecule fluorescence spectroscopy and time-correlated single-photon counting (TCSPC). Single fluorophores on ZnO surfaces showed enhanced fluorescence brightness to various extents compared with those on glass; the single-molecule time trajectories also illustrated pronounced fluctuations of emission intensities, with time periods distributed from milliseconds to seconds. We attribute fluorescence fluctuations to the interfacial electron transfer (ET) events. The fluorescence fluctuation dynamics were found to be inhomogeneous from molecule to molecule and from time to time, showing significant static and dynamic disorders in the interfacial electron transfer reaction processes.
Serum Autofluorescence, a Potential Serum Marker for the Diagnosis of Liver Fibrosis in Rats
Authors: Zhan Yu-Tao , Li Li , Weng Jing , Song Xin , Yang Shao-Qi , An Wei
Published: September 2012

Fluctuations in serum autofluorescence (AF) intensity have recently been widely used as markers of certain diseases such as cancer. To determine the diagnostic value of serum AF intensity for liver fibrosis in rats, we induced liver fibrosis by subcutaneous injection of carbon tetrachloride into rats. The rat serum AF intensities were detected at the excitation wavelength of 337 nm and the emission wavelength of 512 nm. The degree of liver fibrosis was evaluated by Van Gieson’s staining. The relationship between serum AF intensity and the degree of liver fibrosis was analyzed by Spearman and Pearson Correlation. The diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of the serum AF was determined by analyzing the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. Our results show that the serum AF intensity in the rat liver fibrosis model increased when compared with control rats eight weeks and twelve weeks post induction of liver fibrosis. However, there was no significant difference in serum AF intensity between fibrotic and control rats at four week post induction. Furthermore, serum AF intensity correlated positively with the severity of the degree of hepatic fibrosis. ROC analysis further suggested that serum AF intensity is a valid marker for staging fibrosis. Therefore, it may potentially be developed as a novel diagnostic tool for hepatic fibrosis.
Comparison of Copper Scavenging Capacity between Two Different Red Mud Types
Authors: Ma Yingqun , Si Chunhua , Lin Chuxia
Published: September 2012

A batch experiment was conducted to compare the Cu scavenging capacity between two different red mud types: the first one was a highly basic red mud derived from a combined sintering and Bayer process, and the second one was a seawater-neutralized red mud derived from the Bayer process. The first red mud contained substantial amounts of CaCO3, which, in combination with the high OH− activity, favored the immobilization of water-borne Cu through massive formation of atacamite. In comparison, the seawater-neutralized red mud had a lower pH and was dominated by boehmite, which was likely to play a significant role in Cu adsorption. Overall, it appears that Cu was more tightly retained by the CaCO3-dominated red mud than the boehmite-dominated red mud. It is concluded that the heterogeneity of red mud has marked influences on its capacity to immobilize water-borne Cu and maintain the long-term stability of the immobilized Cu species. The research findings obtained from this study have implications for the development of Cu immobilization technology by using appropriate waste materials generated from the aluminium industry.
Dose-Response on the Chemopreventive Effects of Sarcophine-Diol on UVB-Induced Skin Tumor Development in SKH-1 Hairless Mice
Authors: Guillermo Ruth F. , Zhang Xiaoying , Kaushik Radhey S. , Zeman David , Ahmed Safwat A. , Khalifa Sherief , Fahmy Hesham , Dwivedi Chandradhar
Published: September 2012

Sarcophine-diol (SD) is a lactone ring-opened analogue of sarcophine. It has shown chemopreventive effects on chemically-induced skin tumor development in female CD-1 mice, as well as in a UVB-induced skin tumor development model in hairless SKH-1 mice at a dose of 30 μg SD applied topically and 180 mJ/cm2 UVB. The objective of this study was to determine the dose-response on the chemopreventive effects of SD on SKH-1 hairless mice when exposed to a UVB radiation dose of 30 mJ/cm2. This UVB dose better represents chronic human skin exposure to sunlight leading to skin cancer than previous studies applying much higher UVB doses. Carcinogenesis was initiated and promoted by UVB radiation. Female hairless SKH-1 mice were divided into five groups. The control group was topically treated with 200 μL of acetone (vehicle), and the SD treatment groups were topically treated with SD (30 μg, 45 μg, and 60 μg dissolved in 200 μL of acetone) 1 h before UVB radiation (30 mJ/cm2). The last group of animals received 60 μg SD/200 μL acetone without UVB exposure. These treatments were continued for 27 weeks. Tumor multiplicity and tumor volumes were recorded on a weekly basis for 27 weeks. Weight gain and any signs of toxicity were also closely monitored. Histological characteristics and the proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) were evaluated in the mice skin collected at the end of the experiment. The dose-response study proved a modest increase in chemopreventive effects with the increase in SD dose. SD reduced the number of cells positively stained with PCNA proliferation marker in mice skin. The study also showed that SD application without UVB exposure has no effect on the structure of skin. The results from this study suggest that broader range doses of SD are necessary to improve the chemopreventive effects.
Cyclic Bis-1,3-dialkylpyridiniums from the Sponge Haliclona sp.
Authors: Lee Yoonyeong , Jang Kyoung Hwa , Jeon Ju-eun , Yang Woo-Young , Sim Chung J. , Oh Ki-Bong , Shin Jongheon
Published: September 2012

Eight novel cyclic bis-1,3-dialkylpyridiniums, as well as two known compounds from the cyclostellettamine class, were isolated from the sponge Haliclona sp. from Korea. Structures of these novel compounds were determined using combined NMR and FAB-MS/MS analyses. Several of these compounds exhibited moderate cytotoxic and antibacterial activities against A549 cell-line and Gram-positive strains, respectively. The structure-activity relationships of cyclostellettamines are discussed based on their bioactivities.
Consequences of Essential Fatty Acids
Authors: Lands Bill
Published: September 2012

Essential fatty acids (EFA) are nutrients that form an amazingly large array of bioactive mediators that act on a large family of selective receptors. Nearly every cell and tissue in the human body expresses at least one of these receptors, allowing EFA-based signaling to influence nearly every aspect of human physiology. In this way, the health consequences of specific gene-environment interactions with these nutrients are more extensive than often recognized. The metabolic transformations have similar competitive dynamics for the n-3 and n-6 homologs when converting dietary EFA from the external environment of foods into the highly unsaturated fatty acid (HUFA) esters that accumulate in the internal environment of cells and tissues. In contrast, the formation and action of bioactive mediators during tissue responses to stimuli tend to selectively create more intense consequences for n-6 than n-3 homologs. Both n-3 and n-6 nutrients have beneficial actions, but many common health disorders are undesired consequences of excessive actions of tissue n-6 HUFA which are preventable. This review considers the possibility of preventing imbalances in dietary n-3 and n-6 nutrients with informed voluntary food choices. That action may prevent the unintended consequences that come from eating imbalanced diets which support excessive chronic actions of n-6 mediators that harm human health. The consequences from preventing n-3 and n-6 nutrient imbalances on a nationwide scale may be very large, and they need careful evaluation and implementation to avoid further harmful consequences for the national economy.
Qandil, A.M., Synthesis and Spectroscopic Analysis of Novel 1H-Benzo[d]imidazolylphenylsulfonylpiperazines. Pharmaceuticals 2012, 5, 460-468
Authors: Qandil Amjad M.
Published: September 2012

We have found the following errors in the title of this article which was recently published in Pharmaceuticals [1]. [...]
Neutralization Interfering Antibodies: A “Novel” Example of Humoral Immune Dysfunction Facilitating Viral Escape?
Authors: Nicasio Mancini , Sautto Giuseppe , Clementi Nicola , Diotti Roberta A. , Criscuolo Elena , Castelli Matteo , Solforosi Laura , Clementi Massimo , Burioni Roberto
Published: September 2012

The immune response against some viral pathogens, in particular those causing chronic infections, is often ineffective notwithstanding a robust humoral neutralizing response. Several evasion mechanisms capable of subverting the activity of neutralizing antibodies (nAbs) have been described. Among them, the elicitation of non-neutralizing and interfering Abs has been hypothesized. Recently, this evasion mechanism has acquired an increasing interest given its possible impact on novel nAb-based antiviral therapeutic and prophylactic approaches. In this review, we illustrate the mechanisms of Ab-mediated interference and the viral pathogens described in literature as able to adopt this “novel” evasion strategy.
Animal Models, Prophylaxis, and Therapeutics for Arenavirus Infections
Authors: Vela Eric
Published: September 2012

Arenaviruses are enveloped, bipartite negative single-stranded RNA viruses that can cause a wide spectrum of disease in humans and experimental animals including hemorrhagic fever. The majority of these viruses are rodent-borne and the arenavirus family can be divided into two groups: the Lassa-Lymphocytic choriomeningitis serocomplex and the Tacaribe serocomplex. Arenavirus-induced disease may include characteristic symptoms ranging from fever, malaise, body aches, petechiae, dehydration, hemorrhage, organ failure, shock, and in severe cases death. Currently, there are few prophylactic and therapeutic treatments available for arenavirus-induced symptoms. Supportive care and ribavirin remain the predominant strategies for treating most of the arenavirus-induced diseases. Therefore, efficacy testing of novel therapeutic and prophylactic strategies in relevant animal models is necessary. Because of the potential for person-to-person spread, the ability to cause lethal or debilitating disease in humans, limited treatment options, and potential as a bio-weapon, the development of prophylactics and therapeutics is essential. This article reviews the current arenavirus animal models and prophylactic and therapeutic strategies under development to treat arenavirus infection.
Construction of a High Titer Infectious HIV-1 Subtype C Proviral Clone from South Africa
Authors: Jacobs Graeme B. , Bock Stefanie , Schuch Anita , Moschall Rebecca , Schrom Eva-Maria , Zahn Juliane , Reuter Christian , Preiser Wolfgang , Rethwilm Axel , Engelbrecht Susan , Kerkau Thomas , Bodem Jochen
Published: September 2012

The Human Immunodeficiency Virus type 1 (HIV-1) subtype C is currently the predominant subtype worldwide. Cell culture studies of Sub-Saharan African subtype C proviral plasmids are hampered by the low replication capacity of the resulting viruses, although viral loads in subtype C infected patients are as high as those from patients with subtype B. Here, we describe the sequencing and construction of a new HIV-1 subtype C proviral clone (pZAC), replicating more than one order of magnitude better than the previous subtype C plasmids. We identify the env-region for being the determinant for the higher viral titers and the pZAC Env to be M-tropic. This higher replication capacity does not lead to a higher cytotoxicity compared to previously described subtype C viruses. In addition, the pZAC Vpu is also shown to be able to down-regulate CD4, but fails to fully counteract CD317.
Polysiloxane ionic liquids as good solvents for β-cyclodextrin-polydimethylsiloxane polyrotaxane structures
Authors: Marangoci Narcisa , Ardeleanu Rodinel , Ursu Laura , Ibanescu Constanta , Danu Maricel , Pinteala Mariana , Simionescu Bogdan C
Published: September 2012

An ionic liquid based on polydimethylsiloxane with imidazolium salt brushes was synthesized as a good solvent for β-cyclodextrin-polydimethylsiloxane rotaxane. As expected the PDMS-Im/Br ionic liquid had a liquid-like non-Newtonian behavior with rheological parameters dependent on frequency and temperature. The addition of rotaxane to the ionic liquid strengthened the non-Newtonian character of the sample and a type of stable liquid-like network was formed due to the contribution of weak ionic interactions. The structure is stable in the 20 to 80 °C domain as proved by the oscillatory and rotational rheological tests.
Development and Evaluation of a Workplace-Based Preceptor Training Course for Pharmacy Practitioners
Authors: Woloschuk Donna M. M. , Raymond Colette B.
Published: September 2012

Background:

There has been limited research about preceptor training programs that include coaching, experiential practice or development of preceptor coaching capacity. We describe the development and evaluation of a workplace preceptor training course for pharmacists and pharmacy technicians within a large regional health authority.

Methods:

The instructional format was self-study readings and interactive seminars followed by structured practical experience plus feedback from a preceptor coach. During the structured practical experience, each participant served as a preceptor for a student or new staff member. Course evaluations and qualitative interviews were used to evaluate utility and perceived value among participants. Interview transcripts were analyzed using qualitative description and themes were aggregated; illustrative quotes are presented.

Results:

Since 2006, a total of 40 pharmacists and technicians have participated in the course and interviews were conducted with 14 of these participants. Aspects of the course that interview participants found to be particularly useful included receiving feedback from a coach, implementing a lesson plan and identifying and using different learning and teaching styles. Some participants described changes in attitudes or behaviours toward new employees or students, the use of new learning styles and changes in focus and approach to being a preceptor.

Discussion:

This unique course could be applied in other workplaces where pharmacy staff members help to deliver experiential education programs. The delivery format was appropriate for a mixed group of pharmacist and technician participants.

Conclusion:

A preceptor training course of readings, seminars and structured practical experience with feedback from a coach resulted in satisfaction with learning experiences and evidence of attitudinal and behavioural change up to 3 years after the course. Can Pharm J 2012;145:231–236.
Advanced skin, scar and wound care centre for children: A new era of care
Authors: Burd Andrew , Huang Lin
Published: September 2012

Advanced wound care centres are now a well established response to the growing epidemic of chronic wounds in the adult population. Is the concept transferable to children? Whilst there is not the same prevalence of chronic wounds in children there are conditions affecting the integumentary system that do have a profound effect on the quality of life of both children and their families. We have identified conditions involving the skin, scars and wounds which contribute to a critical number of potential patients that can justify the setting up of an advanced skin, scar and wound care centre for children. The management of conditions such as giant naevi, extensive scarring and epidermolysis bullosa challenge medical professionals and lead to new and novel treatments to be developed. The variation between and within such conditions calls for a customizing of individual patient care that involves a close relationship between research scientists and clinicians. This is translational medicine of its best and we predict that this is the future of wound care particularly and specifically in children.