bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The role of telomeres and vitamin D in cellular aging and age-related diseases
Authors: Pusceddu Irene , Farrell Christopher-John L. , Di Pierro Angela Maria , Jani Erika , Herrmann Wolfgang , Herrmann Markus 
Published: March 2015

AbstractAging is a complex biological process characterized by a progressive decline of organ functions leading to an increased risk of age-associated diseases and death. Decades of intensive research have identified a range of molecular and biochemical pathways contributing to aging. However, many aspects regarding the regulation and interplay of these pathways are insufficiently understood. Telomere dysfunction and genomic instability appear to be of critical importance for aging at a cellular level. For example, age-related diseases and premature aging syndromes are frequently associated with telomere shortening. Telomeres are repetitive nucleotide sequences that together with the associated sheltrin complex protect the ends of chromosomes and maintain genomic stability. Recent studies suggest that micronutrients, such as vitamin D, folate and vitamin B12, are involved in telomere biology and cellular aging. In particular, vitamin D is important for a range of vital cellular processes including cellular differentiation, proliferation and apoptosis. As a result of the multiple functions of vitamin D it has been speculated that vitamin D might play a role in telomere biology and genomic stability. Here we review existing knowledge about the link between telomere biology and cellular aging with a focus on the role of vitamin D. We searched the literature up to November 2014 for human studies, animal models and in vitro experiments that addressed this topic.
Salix viminaliswood as a new precursor for
manufacturing of carbon molecular sieves for
effective methane/nitrogen separation
Authors: Gorska Olga , Cyganiuk Aleksandra W. , Olejniczak Andrzej , Ilnicka Anna , Lukaszewicz Jerzy P. 
Published: March 2015

Abstract
Separation of a methane/nitrogen gas mixture
was investigated by means of carbon molecular sieves
(CMS) obtained from a newly discovered “green” resource:
Salix viminalis. This plant grows quickly, yields hard
wood and is frequently cultivated for energy purposes
(renewable green fuel). Unconventional applications
such as charcoal fabrication using this sort of wood are
very rare. Carbonization of the wood (1–3 h, 600–700°C)
yields carbons with a very narrow pore size distribution
(determined by N2 adsorption at -196°C) resembling
a perfect CMS. The diameter of most pores (ca. 0.8 nm) is
comparable to the size of simple molecules, thus enabling
separation. The sieving effect was proven in an industrially
important process of CH4/N2 separation at 30–70°C. Despite
relatively minor differences of the size of the molecules,
the experiment demonstrated that separation factors are
placed in the range 3.64–10.20. Additional experiments
involving krypton proved that the separation mechanism
is based on a geometric factor i.e. the known size and
shape of the molecules under separation.
Graphene Protein Field Effect Biomedical Sensor for Glucose Measurements
Authors: Liepmann Dorian , Aran Kiana , Ajayan Pulickel M. , Viswanathan Sowmya , Li Pingzuo , Renugopalakrishnan V. 
Published: March 2015

ABSTRACTThe need for improved medical sensors based on lab-on-a-chip technologies has increased significantly because of the dramatic growth in the number of people with chronic diseases and the associated costs for their healthcare. Development and initial results of a hybrid plastic microfluidic device with an integrated graphene-protein biosensor chip for use in point-of-care (POC) is described. The initial prototype is a glucometer that uses optimized glucose oxidase bound to a graphene field effect sensor. Technologies required for development of the prototype include modification of the glucose oxidase for improved performance by protein engineering, methods to bind the enzyme to the graphene attached to the silicon oxide surface of sensor chip, and integration into a thermoplastic microfluidic device. Initial results indicate the prototype glucometer can measure glucose concentrations from low physiological levels to molar concentrations.
Routes to Control the Chemical Potential and to Modulate the Reactivity of Nanodiamond Surfaces
Authors: Reina Giacomo , Orlanducci Silvia , Gay Stefano , Gismondi Angelo , Lavecchia Teresa , Terranova Maria Letizia , Tamburri Emanuela 
Published: March 2015

ABSTRACTThe use of detonation nanodiamond (DND) for drug delivery and cell-imaging is grounded on its chemical functionalization, and the key task to be addressed is the capability to simplify the process steps, to reduce the process times and to maximize the drug/ligand uptake. The idea underlying the present research is to modulate the loading capability of DND by controlled modification of the surface organic groups. To this aim the DND samples are treated either by wet chemistry, using medium-strong reducing agents, or by tunable H-plasmas produced in a custom-designed MW-RF reactor. The affinity of the treated DND surfaces for drugs has been probed by conjugating the ciproten (5,7- dimethoxycoumarin), a natural antioxidant molecule, and by testing in vitro the feasibility to use coumarin vehicled by nanodiamond (C@DND) as chemioterapeutic drug. The methodologies developed to modify the DND surfaces are offering practical solutions to the still open problems related to DND-based systems for drug delivery applications.
Technetium Getters to Improve Cast Stone Performance
Authors: Neeway James J. , Lawter Amanda R. , Serne R. Jeffrey , Asmussen R. Matthew , Qafoku Nikolla P. 
Published: March 2015

ABSTRACTA cementitious waste form known as Cast Stone is the baseline waste form for solidification of aqueous secondary wastes, including Hanford Tank Waste Treatment and Immobilization Plant (WTP) secondary liquid effluents to be treated and solidified at the Hanford Site Effluent Treatment Facility. Cast Stone is also being evaluated as a possible supplemental immobilization technology to provide the necessary low activity waste (LAW) treatment capacity to complete the Hanford tank waste cleanup mission in a timely and cost effective manner. Two radionuclides of particular concern in these waste streams are technetium-99 (99Tc) and iodine-129 (129I). These radioactive tank waste components are predicted to contribute the most risk to groundwater – the most probable pathway for future environmental impacts associated with the cleanup of the Hanford site. A recent environmental assessment of Cast Stone performance, which assumes a diffusion controlled release of contaminants from the waste form, calculates groundwater in excess of the allowable maximum permissible concentrations for both contaminants. There is, therefore, a need and an opportunity to improve the retention of both 99Tc and 129I in Cast Stone. One method to improve the performance of Cast Stone is through the addition of “getters” that selectively sequester Tc and I, therefore reducing their diffusion out of Cast Stone. In this paper, we present results of Tc and I removal from solution with various getters. Batch sorption experiments were conducted with deionized water (DIW) and a highly caustic LAW simulant with a 7.8 M average Na concentration. In general, the data show that the selected getters are effective in DIW but their performance is compromised when experiments are performed with the 7.8 M Na Ave LAW simulant. The diminished performance in the LAW simulant may be due to competition with Cr present in the 7.8 M Na Ave LAW simulant and to a pH effect that may create a negatively charged surface that can repel negatively charged species.
Characteristics of Cementitious Paste for use in Deep Borehole Disposal of Spent Fuel and High Level Wasteforms
Authors: Collier Nick C , Travis Karl P , Gibb Fergus G F , Milestone Neil B 
Published: March 2015

ABSTRACTDeep borehole disposal (or DBD) is now seen as a viable alternative to the (comparatively shallow) geologically repository concept for disposal of high level waste and spent nuclear fuel. Based on existing oil and geothermal well technologies, we report details of investigations into cementitious grouts as sealing/support matrices (SSMs) for waste disposal scenarios in the DBD process where temperatures at the waste package surface do not exceed ∼190ºC. Grouts based on Class G oil well cements, partially replaced with silica flour, are being developed, and the use of retarding admixtures is being investigated experimentally. Sodium gluconate appears to provide sufficient retardation and setting characteristics to be considered for this application and also provides an increase in grout fluidity. The quantity of sodium gluconate required in the grout to ensure fluidity for 4 hours at 90, 120 and 140°C is 0.05, 0.25 and 0.25 % by weight of cement respectively. A phosphonate admixture only appears to provide desirable retardation properties at 90°C. The presence of either retarder does not affect the composition of the hardened cement paste over 14 days curing and the phases formed are durable under conditions of high temperature and pressure.
Perineale Hypospadie bei einem rotbunten Deutsche-Holstein-Kalb
Authors: Hussein H. A. , Wehrend A. , Mihsler L. 
Published: March 2015

ZusammenfassungDie Hypospadie ist eine beim Menschen sowie bei verschiedenen Tierarten vorkommende angeborene Missbildung der Harnröhre. Es wurden verschiedene chirurgische Vorgehensweisen zur Therapie beschrieben, doch ist eine Operation nicht in jedem Fall zwingend notwendig. In diesem Bericht wird der Fall eines Bullenkalbes mit perinealer Hypospadie vorgestellt, bei dem keine invasive Therapie durchgeführt werden musste.
Evaluation of Scale Inhibitors in Marcellus High-Iron Waters
Authors: Shen Dong , Shcolnik David , Perkins Randall , Taylor Grahame , Brown Mike 
Published: March 2015

Summary
The Marcellus waters of Pennsylvania and West Virginia commonly contain elevated levels of calcium, barium, and iron. Theoretical analyses of these waters indicate a propensity toward the formation of calcium carbonate, barium sulfate, strontium sulfate, and iron-related scales. The high level of dissolved iron commonly present in the water adversely affects the ability of the scale inhibitor to inhibit calcium carbonate scale. In this study, the inhibition performance of two new chemicals and some commercial products was evaluated under static and dynamic test conditions using synthetic Marcellus waters at varying iron concentrations. It was shown that both new chemicals were able to control calcium carbonate scale effectively in the presence of dissolved iron up to 200 ppm, whereas the performance of polycarboxylic acid, amino tri(methylene phosphonic) acid, and carboxymethyl inulin dropped sharply even in the presence of small amounts of Fe2+ (5 ppm). The inclusion of iron-sequestering agents with these chemicals and the effect of iron upon calcium sulfate inhibition are also discussed in this paper.
Acrolein Provides Benefits and Solutions to Offshore Oilfield-Production Problems
Authors: Horaska Darin , San Juan Claudia , Dickinson Allen , Lear Stephen , Colquhoun Alec 
Published: March 2015

Summary
Offshore production systems can be impacted negatively by numerous problems attributed to bacterial activity, associated hydrogen sulfide (H2S) and biogenic iron sulfides (FexSy), and mercaptan (R-SH) production. Examples of these problems include microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC); underdeposit corrosion because of FexSy deposition; equipment fouling because of biomass accumulation; impaired oil/water separation, leading to poor water quality and overboard oil-in-water problems; and not achieving pipeline specification because of excess H2O and/or R-SH content.
Acrolein provides a distinctive all-in-one chemical solution to assist in resolving these problems. The key to this solution is four-fold: Acrolein scavenges H2S, it scavenges R-SH, it is a potent microbiocide, and it dissolves FexSy.
This paper details the use of acrolein in the context of an offshore application with respect to the issues and problems unique to an offshore environment. Acrolein treatment programs can provide effective production-odor control and can achieve pipeline specifications from the perspective of H2S and R-SH scavenging. The unique dual solubility of acrolein in oil and water enables it to penetrate and remove oil-coated FexSy solids and sessile bacteria from production systems. Because of its low minimum-inhibitory concentration, acrolein provides cost-effective biocide treatment not only in batch applications but also in continuous-treatment programs. Well-established application protocols using a closed delivery system minimize potential chemical exposure, an important health, safety, and environment (HSE) consideration. The high order of reactivity and biodegradability of acrolein lends itself well to usage in a sensitive offshore environment.
A series of case histories highlighting the benefits of using acrolein in offshore systems to mitigate related production problems is presented in this paper. Multiple benefits can be realized with the application of one product.
Comparison of Multiphase Pumping Technologies for Subsea and Downhole Applications
Authors: Hua Gong , Falcone Gioia , Teodoriu Catalin , Morrison Gerald 
Published: March 2015

Summary
The selection criteria for multiphase boosting options remain somewhat subjective and are frequently influenced by the vendors? data, which may mask potential limitations of this emerging technology. Existing literature on multiphase pumping tends to focus on a certain pump type for a specific field application, but does not provide more-generalized criteria for the selection of multiphase boosting solutions from among those available in the market. A comprehensive literature review into the working principles of the major pump types identified the intrinsic advantages and limitations of each technology for subsea and downhole applications.
The survey showed that, for subsea application, both the twin-screw pump (TSP) and the helicoaxial pump (HAP) can handle high suction gas volume fraction (GVF) with a fluid recycling system, or flow mixer. Thus, GVF is not a discriminating factor. The positive-displacement principle allows TSPs to work with very low suction pressure, but limits their operating range because of the dependency of flow rate on their relatively low speed. However, these pumps can handle highly viscous fluid. The rotodynamic concept enables the differential pressure of HAPs to self-adjust to any instantaneous change in suction GVF, and to achieve higher flow rate if sufficient suction pressure is maintained. Because HAPs usually run at higher speed, they offer a wider operating range.
For subsea application, HAPs appear to be a better option than TSPs because they offer higher operation flexibility and have a better installation track record.
For downhole applications, the electrical submersible pump (ESP) and the progressing-cavity pump (PCP) are the outstanding favorites, with the latter being preferred for lifting streams that are viscous or with high sand content. For GVF up to 70%, the rotodynamic pump (RDP) is becoming a popular solution. Although it is claimed that the downhole TSP (DTSP) can handle up to 98% GVF, it is not yet widely accepted in the field.
Considerations for the Application of Controlled In-Situ Burning
Authors: Mabile Neré J. 
Published: March 2015

Summary
The burning of oil in place (in situ) on water is a viable means of mitigating the impact of marine oil spills. This paper defines three phases of decision-making, prioritizes the key issues of each phase, and proposes a process for analyzing the issues when considering controlled in-situ burning as an early response option in both icy and warm conditions. Also provided is a fact-based consideration of safe practices, such as those involving potential personnel exposure, sealife exposure, ignition control, fire control, and vessel safety. Controlled in-situ burning (ISB) can be initiated on a pre-approved or case-by-case basis, and there is generally a short operational time window during which it can be effectively used; therefore, quick, informed decision-making is imperative. This paper provides a discussion of these factors, along with a knowledge base of best practices that includes general categories of considerations, decision-making support tools, and specific operational approaches. The Deepwater Horizon response is used to illustrate both the operational approaches and the three decision-making phases; however, every situation is different and calls for decisions based on the individual circumstances. Because of its long history of research, testing, and use during spills, as well as positive environmental tradeoffs, controlled ISB is now considered by many to be a conventional response option.
Hydrate Risk Assessment and Restart-Procedure Optimization of an Offshore Well Using a Transient Hydrate Prediction Model
Authors: Zerpa Luis E. , Sloan E. Dendy , Koh Carolyn , Sum Amadeu 
Published: March 2015

Summary
A produced-hydrocarbon stream from a wellhead encounters formation of solid gas-hydrate deposits, which plug flowlines and which are one of the most challenging problems in deep subsea facilities. This paper describes a gas-hydrate model for oil-dominated systems, which can be used for the design and optimization of facilities focusing on the prevention, management, and remediation of hydrates in flowlines. Using a typical geometry and fluid properties of an offshore well from the Caratinga field located in the Campos basin in Brazil, the gas-hydrate model is applied to study the hydrate-plugging risk at three different periods of the well life. Additionally, the gas-hydrate model is applied to study the performance of the injection of ethanol as a thermodynamic hydrate inhibitor in steady-state flow and transient shut-in/restart operations. The application of the transient gas-hydrate model proved to be useful in determining the optimal ethanol concentration that minimized the hydrate-plugging risk.
Computational Fluid Dynamics-Based Study of an Oilfield Separator--Part II: An Optimum Design
Authors: Pourahmadi Laleh Ali , Svrcek William Y. , Monnery Wayne 
Published: March 2015

Summary
This paper provides details of comprehensive computational-fluid dynamics (CFD)-based studies performed to overcome the separation inefficiencies experienced in a large-scale three-phase separator. It will be shown that the classic design methods are too conservative and would result in oversized separators. In this study, effective CFD models are developed to estimate the phase-separation parameters that are integrated into an algorithmic design method to specify a realistic optimum separator. The CFD simulations indicated that noticeable residence times are required for liquid droplets to penetrate through the interfaces, and liquid droplets would be entrained again from the liquid/liquid interface vicinity by the continuous liquid phase.
Engineering Aspects in the Design and Implementation of Onshore Smart Oil Fields
Authors: Hafez Mohamed , Jakeman Simon , Al Azawi Bahir , Ur-Rahim Ihtisham , Khaled Moutaz 
Published: March 2015

Summary
The smart-field concept is deployed through disseminating elements of toolsand infrastructure integrated to bring a level of smartness that can improvethe performance of an oilfield asset in a sustainable way. The design andimplementation of these tools and infrastructure's underpinning smartness candiffer on the basis of oilfield conditions. Greenfields, for example, can beengineered upfront to leverage all tools and deliver smart-field value from thebeginning of the asset's life. On the other hand, smart-field tools andinfrastructure for brownfields would be designed selectively and be implementedon the basis of several engineering and economic considerations.
The main functionalities of onshore smart field are remote operation,real-time information, and collaboration realized by the following tools andinfrastructure:
Subsurface permanent downhole gauges (PDHGs)
Subsurface flow controls
Wellhead instrumentation
Telecommunications infrastructure
Supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) and control system
Field-to-headquarters (HQ) connectivity
Collaboration work environment (CWE)
This paper outlines the engineering aspects to be considered in theselection, design, and implementation of tools and infrastructure for onshoresmart fields.
Flotation, Filtration, and Adsorption: Pilot Trials for Oilfield Produced-Water Treatment
Authors: Al-Maamari Rashid S. , Sueyoshi Mark , Tasaki Masaharu , Okamura Kazuo , Al-Lawati Yasmeen , Nabulsi Randa , Al-Battashi Mundhir 
Published: March 2015

Summary
As an oil field matures, it produces larger quantities of produced water. Appropriate treatment levels and technologies depend on a number of factors, such as disposal methods or usage aims, environmental impacts, and economics. In this study, a pilot plant with a capacity of 50 m3/day was used to conduct flotation, filtration, and adsorption trials for produced-water treatment at a crude-oil gathering facility. The flexible design of the plant allows for the testing of different combinations of these processes on the basis of the requirements of the water to be treated. The subject water during this study was a complex and changing mixture of brine and oil from different oil fields. Induced-gas-flotation (IGF) trials were conducted, with different coagulant [poly-aluminum chloride (PAC)] -addition rates from 0 to 820 mg•L-1. Inlet-dispersed oil-in-water (OIW) concentrations were quite varied during the trials, ranging from 39 to 279 mg•L-1 (fluorescence-analysis method). Turbidity also varied, ranging from 85 to 279 FTU. Through coagulation/flocculation and flotation, dispersed oils were removed from the water. PAC addition ranging from 60 to 185 mg•L-1 resulted in the reduction of the dispersed-oil concentration to less than 50 mg•L-1 in treated water; and PAC addition ranging from 101 to 200 mg•L-1 resulted in the reduction of the dispersed-oil concentration to less than 15 mg•L-1 in treated water. Turbidity was also reduced through flotation, with trial average reductions ranging from 57 to 78%. Filtration further reduced turbidity at rates greater than 80% through the removal of any suspended solids remaining from flotation. Activated-carbon adsorption reduced OIW concentrations of flotation-/filtration-treated water to 5 mg•L-1 (infrared-analysis method) through the removal of dissolved oil remaining in the water. Results confirmed that such adsorption treatment would be more practical for water with lower chemical-oxygen-demand (COD) concentration because high-COD concentrations in water reduce the lifetime of activated carbon dramatically.
Integrity Maintenance of Petroleum Pipelines
Authors: Dawotola Alex , van Gelder P.H.A.J.M , Vrijling J.K 
Published: March 2015

Summary
In this paper, a data-driven model is applied to derive optimum maintenance strategy for a petroleum pipeline. The model incorporates structured expert judgment (classical model) to calculate the frequency of failure, considering various failure mechanisms. Optimization models are applied to derive optimum maintenance intervals for petroleum pipelines on the basis of the frequency of failure estimated. Two separate maintenance-optimization models are proposed. The first is a use-based optimization model that minimizes the expected total cost from a petroleum pipeline. The second is a benefit/cost (B/C) -ratio model that seeks to maximize the benefit derived from the pipeline, while minimizing operation and failure costs. The B/C-ratio model is less data intensive, and it has been used to optimize failure data obtained in the classical model. In this approach, the maintenance optimization is a further attempt at reducing the influence of subjectivity in maintenance decisions.