bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Paricalcitol Effects on Activities and Metabolism of Platelet Activating Factor and on Inflammatory Cytokines in Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Verouti Sophia N. , Tsoupras Alexandros B. , Alevizopoulou Fotini , Demopoulos Constantinos A. , Iatrou Christos 
Published: January 2013

Purpose Paricalcitol improves the inflammatory status of hemodialysis patients. PAF is a strong inflammatory mediator which is produced during hemodialysis. We studied the effects of paricalcitol on PAF and other inflammatory mediators implicated in chronic kidney disease (CKD). Methods We examined the in vitro effects of paricalcitol on PAF/thrombin-induced aggregation as well as on the activities of PAF-basic metabolic enzymes, lyso-PAF acetyltransferase (Lyso-PAF-AT), DTT-insensitive CDP-choline: 1-alkyl-2-acetyl-sn-glycerol cholinephospho-transferase (PAF-CPT) and PAF-acetylhydrolase (PAF-AH) in blood cells from healthy volunteers. In addition, the in vivo effects of paricalcitol on the above these enzymes were examined in plasma and blood cells of hemodialysis patients who had not received any type of vitamin D treatment during the last three months before and after receiving paricalcitol for a month. Finally, IL-12p70, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-α were measured. Results Paricalcitol inhibited in vitro PAF/thrombin-induced platelet aggregation and the inhibitory effect was comparable with that of PAF/thrombin antagonists. In addition, paricalcitol inhibited in vitro PAF-CPT activity in platelets and leukocytes and increased PAF-AH activity in leukocytes, while much higher concentrations of paricalcitol were needed to inhibit Lyso-PAF-AT activity. Similarly, in hemodialysis patients, paricalcitol treatment reduced PAF-CPT activity in platelets and leukocytes and increased PAF-AH activity in leukocytes, while it could not influence Lyso-PAF-AT activity. On the other hand, paricalcitol therapy reduced IL-8, IL-1β, and TNF-α. Conclusions These results further support the beneficial effects of vitamin D treatment in hemodialysis patients, since it strongly affects PAF/thrombin activities, PAF-metabolism, and IL-8, IL-1β and TNF-α circulating levels.
Third-Body Abrasive Wear of Tibial Polyethylene Inserts Combined with Metallic and Ceramic Femoral Components in a Knee Simulator Study
Authors: Zietz Carmen , Bergschmidt Philipp , Lange Regina , Mittelmeier Wolfram , Bader Rainer 
Published: January 2013

Aim Total knee arthroplasties have reached a high grade of quality and safety, but most often fail because of aseptic implant loosening caused by polyethylene wear debris. Wear is generated at the articulating surfaces, e.g. caused by third-body particles. The objective of this experimental study was to determine the wear of tibial polyethylene inserts combined with metallic and ceramic femoral components under third-body wear conditions initiated by bone cement particles. Methods and Materials Wear testing using a cemented unconstrained bicondylar knee endoprosthesis (Multigen Plus CR knee system) was performed in a knee wear simulator. Tibial polyethylene inserts were combined with the identical femoral component design, but made of two different materials (cobalt-chromium and ceramic). Bone cement debris including zirconium oxide particles was added every 500,000 cycles between the articulating surfaces. After 5 million load cycles, the amount of wear was determined gravimetrically and compared with results from standard wear test conditions. The surfaces of tibial inserts were also analyzed. Results The average gravimetrical wear of the tibial polyethylene inserts in combination with cobalt-chromium and ceramic femoral components under third-body wear conditions amounted to 31.88 ± 4.53 mg and 13.06 ± 1.88 mg after 5 million cycles, respectively, and was higher than under standard wear test conditions in both cases. Conclusions The wear simulator test demonstrates that wear of polyethylene inserts under third-body wear conditions, in combination with ceramic femoral components, was significantly lower than with metallic femoral components.
Extracellular nucleic acids as novel alarm signals in the vascular system
Authors: Fischer S. , Preissner K. T. 
Published: January 2013

SummaryUpon vascular injury or tissue damage, the exposed intracellular material such as nucleic acids, histones and other macromolecules may come into contact with vessel wall cells and circulating blood cells and may thus, have an enduring influence on wound healing and body defence processes. This short review summarizes recent work related to extracellular DNA and RNA and their role as prominent alarm signals and inducers of different defence reactions related to innate immunity and thrombus formation. Of particular importance are DNA-histone complexes (nucleosome material) that, having been expelled during stimulation of the neutro-phils, not only trap and eliminate bacteria but also promote thrombus formation in the arterial and venous system. Consequently therefore, the administration of DNase exhibits strong antithrombotic functions. Similarly, extracellular RNA provokes activation of the contact phase system of blood coagulation and, by interacting with specific proteins and cytokines, it promotes vascular permeability and oedema formation. The development of RNA-mediated thrombosis, vasogenic oedema or proinflammatory responses are counteracted by the administration of RNase1 in several pathogenetic animal models. Thus, extra cellular nucleic acids appear not only to function as host alarm signals that serve to amplify the defence response, but they also provide important links to thrombus formation as part of the innate immune system.
Logiques didactiques et problématisation des contenus dans l’activité de préparation de séquences des enseignants d’histoire
Authors: Bouhon Mathieu 
Published: January 2013

L’objet de cette contribution est de saisir les représentations sociales (théorie du noyau central) que les enseignants d’histoire se font de la préparation de séquences, des logiques didactiques qui les organisent et de la place qu’y revêt éventuellement la problématisation des contenus d’enseignement. L’étude se fonde sur des données issues d’un échantillon représentatif de 175 enseignants d’histoire belges et luxembourgeois. Partant de l’hypothèse que les représentations sont historiquement construites et socialement situées, les données sont analysées en fonction de l’adhésion des enseignants aux différents modèles d’enseignement de l’histoire inscrits au coeur des prescriptions curriculaires depuis la fin des années 1960. L’hypothèse est que ces modèles ont formé un contexte didactique dans lequel les pratiques et les significations associées à ces pratiques se sont construites.
Limited Oil Spills In Harbor Areas
Authors: Dorrler J. Stephen 
Published: January 2013

Abstract
When compared on an individual basis to major oil pollution disasters, the average Navy oil spillage incident seems insignificant. However, when the cleanup costs are tallied, these limited oil spills do not appear so small. For example, a one barrel oil spill, discharged from a destroyer berthed at the Long Beach Naval Shipyard, took nine laborers, a boat operator, a truck driver, a crane operator and a supervisor one and a half days to clean up at a cost of $1,300. On the East Coast, the Norfolk Naval Shipyard spends approximately $1,000 an incident in its oil spill cleanup operations. These spills vary between 50 and 500 gallons.
From the presented data which defines the limited oil spill, three general statements are derived:1. Limited oil spills are a large problem due to their numerous occurrences.2. Limited oil spills require proper treatment.3. Limited oil spills are expensive to treat.
This paper investigates this last statement and by so doing discloses the actual problems which contribute to the high cost of cleaning up limited oil spills. Three factors are discussed:1. The physical conditions affecting an oil spill.,a. Location of the slick,b. Oil Slick Movement,(1) Spreading,(2) Weather, wind and current effects,2. The type of equipment employed.,a. Booms,b. Chemical Dispersants,c. Physical Removal,(1) Skimmers,(2) Straws,3. The completeness of the removal operation.
The limited harbor oil spill is expensive and the cost is expected to rise. At the present time, the typical oil spill costs the Navy over $1,000 to clean up. This cost will increase as control agencies rightfully require more removal and more complete removal.
Microbial Modification Of Crude Oil In The Sea
Authors: ZoBell C.E. 
Published: January 2013

Abstract
Virtually all kinds of hydrocarbons and crude oils from many fields are susceptible to microbial oxidation. More than a hundred species of bacteria, yeasts, and fungi are able to oxidize hydrocarbons. Each species is limited in the kinds of hydrocarbons it can attack. Each species is also limited by the temperature, salinity, surface tension, pH, oxygen tension, and other environmental conditions at which it is biochemically active. Environmental conditions also affect the rate of microbial reporduction and oil oxidation. Enrichment cultures, consisting of several different species growing under optimal conditions, tend to convert crude oils and refinery products mainly to carbon dioxide and microbial biomass. From 10 to 90 per cent of the carbon may be converted into microbial biomass.
Oil-oxidizing bacteria are most abundant in coastal waters and mud where oil pollution is chronic. Such bacteria are extremely scarce in the open sea. In unpolluted waters the ratio of oil oxidizers to the total bacterial population in marine environments ranges from 1:100 to 1:10,000. In chronically oil-polluted coastal areas from 5 to 50 per cent of the bacteria may be able to oxidize one or more kinds of hydrocarbons. In such areas, bacteria in well-oxygenated waters might oxidize oil at rates ranging from 0.02 to 2 grams per square meter per day at 20° to 30° C.
LOCKHEED OIL SPILL RECOVERY DEVICE
Authors: Bruch Barrett , Maxwell K.R. 
Published: January 2013

ABSTRACT
Tests and analysis of an oil spill recovery device with various oils, under forward way and with waves, established a method for estimating performance and verified forward way scaling to be by the square-foot of the device diameter and oil recovery rate by the 5/2 power.
An 8-ft-diameter, 10-ft-long device in sea state 4 and a 2-kt current could recover 8,600 bbls of light oil per day with less than 25 percent additional free water and in calm seas, 17,200 bpd. Within containment booms, 1 to 4 in. of oil are required for maximum recovery. Natural emulsion recovery is double the light oil rate. The device does not create emulsion.
Above 2 kts, oil recovery remains maximum while free-sweeping slicks over 1/2-in. thick. With thinner slicks, the rate decreases linearly down to at least 0.01 in. Tests established 70 percent recovery of oil encountered on a single pass. This can be increased by successive passes. Free-sweeping in calm seas is feasible up to 5 kt.
A Multiparameter Oil Pollution Source Identification System
Authors: Miller John W. 
Published: January 2013

ABSTRACT
The key parameters of carbon and sulfur isotopie composition, total sulfur, nitrogen, vanadium, nickel and normal paraffin odd-even carbon number predominance were measured on the 600°+F residue, which simulates a weathered sample of crude oil. The variation of these parameters among 80 crude oils representative of worldwide sources of water-transported oils forms the basis of an identification system. The parameter range was carbon isotopic composition, −22 to −30 per mil; sulfur isotopie composition, −14 to +20 per mil; total sulfur 0.05 to 6.0 weight per cent; nitrogen 0.02 to 0.73 weight per cent; vanadium 0.2 to 466 wppm; nickel 0.2 to 128 wppm; and odd-even carbon number predominance 0.8 to 1.3. An unknown oil is identified by comparison of these paramters with those in a data library or from suspected sources. A computer “look-up” system was demonstrated to match any one of the 80 crude oils with an unknown. The identification potential is strengthened by addition of the diagnostic parameters of percentage saturates, aromatics and asphaltics as measured by silica gel chromatography and the gas-liquid chromatography hydrocarbon and sulfur profiles (“fingerprints”).
THE ESTIMATION OF THE AMOUNT OF EMPIRE MIX CRUDE OIL IN MULLET, SHRIMP, AND OYSTERS BY LIQUID CHROMATOGRAPHY
Authors: Miles D. Howard , Coign Mary Jane , Brown Lewis R. 
Published: January 2013

ABSTRACT
The total quantitative hydrocarbon uptake varies considerably among individual biological specimens. Moreover, total uptake varies between samples of the same type of tissue taken from specimens that have undergone identical exposure conditions. Thus, the problem of determining the uptake of oil from the environment by biological organisms under controlled conditions presents a problem that, utilizing present techniques of analysis, requires a large number of specimens for time-consuming analyses. When several different types of analyses (for enzymes, fatty acids, etc.) are required to be conducted on the same tissue sample, obviously even larger amounts of material are required, and thus, pooled samples are required.
This paper presents a method for rapidly estimating the amount of oil taken up by small (0.1 g) samples of specific tissues from mullet, shrimp, and oysters that have been subjected to exposure to Empire Mix crude oil under controlled laboratory conditions. The results obtained by utilizing the liquid chromatographic (LC) method described in this paper are compared to results obtained using conventional gas chromatographic (GC) techniques. This comparison demonstrates that either method is valid for relatively large samples of tissue from mullet, shrimp, or oysters. Data from routine bioassay experiments have shown that 50% of the samples of shrimp tissue, 23% of the mullet tissue samples, and 49% of the oyster tissue samples showed the presence of oil only by the LC method. Further, this LC method for estimating oil in these organisms affords a greater amount of replications for a given quantity of biological material and affords the opportunity to conduct multiple analyses on a given tissue.
COMPUTER SIMULATION OF OFFSHORE OIL-SPILL CLEANUP OPERATIONS
Authors: Cochran R. A. , Manney G. A. , Fraser J. P. 
Published: January 2013

ABSTRACT
A computer simulation program has been developed to aid in the evaluation of the oil-spill contingency plans for offshore operations. Using this program, the performance of oil-spill recovery equipment can be simulated as a function of oil-spill size, spill location, and weather. The unique feature of the program is its ability to predict oil recovery as a function of weather conditions. The weather data used consist of the historical wave height frequency distribution and wave height persistence. The oil thickness, which is determined by spreading of the oil, and the wave state determine the performance of recovery equipment.
When using the program, oil-spill events and cleanup operations are simulated many times. Each time the weather conditions used in the simulation will be different, owing to the probabilistic nature of weather in the real world and the use of random access to the weather data. In this way a probabilistic estimate of oil recovery is produced for any given oil-spill incident and equipment array. Simulations are presented using state-of-the-art equipment, although the use of improved equipment can be simulated. The results show the need for rapid response and for containment for sudden spills due to the rapid thinning of uncontained oil.
LONG-TERM EFFECTS OF AN OIL SPILL AT WEST FALMOUTH, MASSACHUSETTS
Authors: Michael A. D. , Van Raalte C. R. , Brown L. S. 
Published: January 2013

ABSTRACT
A small spill of No. 2 fuel oil occurred near Wild Harbor, Massachusetts, in September 1969. The benthic fauna of the Wild Harbor Marsh, boat basin, and offshore area was sampled through the fourth and fifth years after the spill (1973, 1974). Sediment samples were analyzed for the presence of petroleum hydrocarbons. Gas chromatography produced evidence of hydrocarbons typical of weathered fuel oil in the sediments of the marsh, boat, basin, and two offshore stations. The numbers of benthic species at the offshore stations and the marsh were slightly, but significantly, lower than those found at control stations. Population densities were similar to control areas for the offshore stations but not in the case of the marsh. The boat basin was still heavily affected. Some stations were characterized by the presence of opportunistic species. The recovery process in terms of the total benthos has leveled off, but there was evidence for further recovery during the course of the study.
NAVY DEVELOPMENT OF SUITABLE SHIPBOARD BILGE OIL/WATER SEPARATORS
Authors: Smookler A. L. , Harden J. W. , Conroy P.D. 
Published: January 2013

ABSTRACT
The evolutionary development and evaluation of a suitable Navy shipboard bilge oil/water separator is detailed. Evaluations were performed at four levels: laboratory screening tests, shipboard screening tests, formal shipboard technical evaluations (TECHEVALS) and operational evaluations (OPEVALS). Gravitational and filter/coalescer systems, as well as systems combining these techniques were evaluated.
Initial shipboard screening tests revealed significant problems caused by particulates and detergents in the bilge fluids. Although effluent goals could be met, severe penalties in terms of costs to process, logistics support, and size of separation equipment were evident.
Screening tests produced three promising systems for formal TECHEVALS: a parallel-plate gravity separator, and two designs for gravity/filter/coalescer systems. TECHEVAL included in-port and at-sea performance tests, bulk oil removal, oily waste holding tank and detergent-contaminated waste processing demonstrations, and reliability and maintainability assessments. Performance goals were established for effluent oil levels during in-port and at-sea periods, water content of separated oil, average element set life, cost to process, mechanical/electrical reliability, and mean time to repair. As a result of TECHEVAL, the parallel-plate separator was selected for OPEVAL and modified to improve its structural adequacy and machinery/personnel interface.
The OPEVAL was structured to determine if the unit could be operated and maintained by ship's personnel, while processing both actual and deliberately contaminated bilge water on a daily basis for six months.
STORM RELATED OIL SPILL MOVEMENT ON THE BEAUFORT SEA SHELF1
Authors: Hufford G. L. , Lissauer I. M. , Thompson B.D. 
Published: January 2013

ABSTRACT
A storm model is developed and applied to the north Alaskan coast. The model is used to generate wind fields from various storms which have occurred during the past 20 years. The wind fields generated are used to study the wind drift trajectories of oil spills from five different sites along the north Alaskan coast. The probability of an oil slick impacting the shoreline from the five different sites is discussed for different storms. Environmental risk analysis is discussed for drilling sites at different distances from the shoreline.
ECOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF EXPERIMENTAL OIL SPILLS ON EASTERN COASTAL PLAIN ESTUARINE ECOSYSTEMS
Authors: Bender M. E. , Shearls E. A. , Ayres R. P. , Hershner C. H. , Huggett R. J. 
Published: January 2013

ABSTRACT
Five segments of a mesohaline marsh located off the York River in Virginia were physically isolated from the surrounding area, except for allowing subtidal flow, and dosed with fresh and artificially weathered South Louisiana crude oil. The experimental design and field site utilized in this study are described. The mini-ecosystems each contained about 695 m2 of marsh, 100 m2 of open water and 15 m2 of intertidal mud flat. In September 1975, three barrels (5701) of each of the experimental oils were spilled into replicate systems.
Overall, the artificially weathered oil was shown to have as great an ecological impact on the communities as the fresh crude. Phytoplankton and fish populations all showed greater declines following the spills in the weathered oil systems. Phytoplankton production declined immediately after both oil spills but had recovered to control values within seven days. Species composition was not affected by the oils, while periphyton biomass, as measured by adenosine triphosphate (ATP), increased after both treatments. Marsh grass production was reduced in both spill units. Benthic animals, showing population declines after both oil spills, included nereid polychaetes, insect larvae and amphipods. Oligochaete populations decreased shortly after the fresh crude spill, returned to normal within 30 days, and then declined again relative to the control in both treatments 11 weeks after the spill. Mortalities offish, Fundulus heteroclitus, held in live boxes were noted only in the weathered treatment systems.
THE ST. LAWRENCE RIVER OIL SPILL OF JUNE 23, 1976—ARE YOU EVER TRULY READY?1
Authors: Foley Jerome P. , Tresidder Stephen J. 
Published: January 2013

ABSTRACT
On June 23, 1976, tank barge Nepco 140 grounded near the eastern end of Wellesley Island releasing approximately 300,000 gallons of No. 6 oil into the St. Lawrence River. Over the following three days the oil spread 85 miles downstream and contaminated more than 300 miles of island and mainland shoreline. The cleanup lasted more than 16 weeks at a cost of more than $8 million.
The need to reduce the affected area should be paramount to all other considerations in a spill such as this. The problems encountered in this spill should clearly motivate both government agencies and private concerns to plan for and provide all that is necessary to be as prepared as possible for an incident of this nature.
In this case study, the inability to mitigate the damage resulted not only in a time consuming and expensive cleanup, but also in contamination to high residential development, wilderness shoreline, wildlife refuges and marshland frontage. Previous incidents in similar areas did not provide complete information for pre-planning as to the behavior of the oil. When technology and nature may not allow meaningful containment, it is essential that the pre-designated on-scene coordinator (OSC) implement an organizational scheme to make the recovery effort as effective and as thorough as possible.
Where environmental and economic impacts are severe, it is necessary for the OSC to have planned both internal organizational needs and substantive needs for the physical recovery itself. The comments in this paper point out an approach which was successful on the St. Lawrence River.
OIL SPILL PREVENTION AND CONTROL IN AUSTRALIA
Authors: Manuell R. W. 
Published: January 2013

ABSTRACT
In 1976/77, Australian crude oil consumption was about 590,000 barrels per day (bpd), with indigenous production supplying 423,000 bpd. Some 223,000 bpd were moved by coastal tanker, 167,000 bpd were imported in overseas tankers, and the remainder was transported by pipeline.
The Australian oil spill control situation differs from that commonly found in the northern hemisphere. The long coastline, low ratio of population to coastal distance, shipping route isolation, and the low shipping densities, dictated a dispersant-oriented approach to control when it was first contemplated in the 1960s.
This paper describes the development of industry and government spill defence organisations, and the establishment of control techniques other than dispersion. The strategic location of materials and equipment, emergency response plans and responsibilities, and interrelationships among organisations are examined. The interface between offshore oil production and other coastal uses is discussed with some forecasts of future developments, including the implications for the very large Australian Fishing Zone which was recently established under current 200 nautical mile offshore proposals.