bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Maternal smoking and the retinoid pathway in the developing lung
Authors: Manoli Sara E , Smith Lacey A , Vyhlidal Carrie A , An Chang Hyeok , Porrata Yolanda , Cardoso Wellington V , Baron Rebecca M , Haley Kathleen J 
Published: June 2012

AbstractBackgroundMaternal smoking is a risk factor for pediatric lung disease, including asthma. Animal models suggest that maternal smoking causes defective alveolarization in the offspring. Retinoic acid signaling modulates both lung development and postnatal immune function. Thus, abnormalities in this pathway could mediate maternal smoking effects. We tested whether maternal smoking disrupts retinoic acid pathway expression and functioning in a murine model.MethodsFemale C57Bl/6 mice with/without mainstream cigarette smoke exposure (3 research cigarettes a day, 5 days a week) were mated to nonsmoking males. Cigarette smoke exposure continued throughout the pregnancy and after parturition. Lung tissue from the offspring was examined by mean linear intercept analysis and by quantitative PCR. Cell culture experiments using the type II cell-like cell line, A549, tested whether lipid-soluble cigarette smoke components affected binding and activation of retinoic acid response elementsin vitro.ResultsCompared to tobacco-naïve mice, juvenile mice with tobacco toxin exposure had significantly (P < 0.05) increased mean linear intercepts, consistent with an alveolarization defect. Tobacco toxin exposure significantly (P < 0.05) decreased mRNA and protein expression of retinoic acid signaling pathway elements, including retinoic acid receptor alpha and retinoic acid receptor beta, with the greatest number of changes observed between postnatal days 3–5. Lipid-soluble cigarette smoke components significantly (P < 0.05) decreased retinoic acid-induced binding and activation of the retinoic acid receptor response element in A549 cells.ConclusionsA murine model of maternal cigarette smoking causes abnormal alveolarization in association with altered retinoic acid pathway element expression in the offspring. Anin vitrocell culture model shows that lipid-soluble components of cigarette smoke decrease retinoic acid response element activation. It is feasible that disruption of retinoic acid signaling contributes to the pediatric lung dysfunction caused by maternal smoking.
Adopting and implementing nutrition guidelines in recreational facilities: Public and private sector roles. A multiple case study
Authors: Olstad Dana Lee , Raine Kim D , McCargar Linda J 
Published: June 2012

Abstract

Background
Recreational facilities are an important community resource for health promotion because they provide access to affordable physical activities. However, despite their health mandate, many have unhealthy food environments that may paradoxically increase the risk of childhood obesity. The Alberta Nutrition Guidelines for Children and Youth (ANGCY) are government-initiated, voluntary guidelines intended to facilitate children’s access to healthy food and beverage choices in schools, childcare and recreational facilities, however few recreational facilities are using them.

Methods
We used mixed methods within an exploratory multiple case study to examine factors that influenced adoption and implementation of the ANGCY and the nature of the food environment within three cases: an adopter, a semi-adopter and a non-adopter of the ANGCY. Diffusion of Innovations theory provided the theoretical platform for the study. Qualitative data were generated through interviews, observations, and document reviews, and were analysed using directed content analysis. Set theoretic logic was used to identify factors that differentiated adopters from the non-adopter. Quantitative sales data were also collected, and the quality of the food environment was scored using four complementary tools.

Results
The keys to adoption and implementation of nutrition guidelines in recreational facilities related to the managers’ nutrition-related knowledge, beliefs and perceptions, as these shaped his decisions and actions. The manager, however, could not accomplish adoption and implementation alone. Intersectoral linkages with schools and formal, health promoting partnerships with industry were also important for adoption and implementation to occur. The food environment in facilities that had adopted the ANGCY did not appear to be superior to the food environment in facilities that had not adopted the ANGCY.

Conclusions
ANGCY uptake may continue to falter under the current voluntary approach, as the environmental supports for voluntary action are poor. Where ANGCY uptake does occur, changes to the food environment may be relatively minor. Stronger government measures may be needed to require recreational facilities to improve their food environments and to limit availability of unhealthy foods.
Isolation identification and biochemical characterization of a novel halo-tolerant lipase from the metagenome of the marine sponge Haliclona simulans
Authors: Selvin Joseph , Kennedy Jonathan , Lejon David PH , Kiran G Seghal , Dobson Alan DW 
Published: June 2012

Abstract

Background
Lipases (EC 3.1.1.3) catalyze the hydrolysis of triacyl glycerol to glycerol and are involved in the synthesis of both short chain and long chain acylglycerols. They are widely used industrially in various applications, such as baking, laundry detergents and as biocatalysts in alternative energy strategies. Marine ecosystems are known to represent a large reservoir of biodiversity with respect to industrially useful enzymes. However the vast majority of microorganisms within these ecosystems are not readily culturable. Functional metagenomic based approaches provide a solution to this problem by facilitating the identification of novel enzymes such as the halo-tolerant lipase identified in this study from a marine sponge metagenome.

Results
A metagenomic library was constructed from the marine sponge Haliclona simulans in the pCC1fos vector, containing approximately 48,000 fosmid clones. High throughput plate screening on 1% tributyrin agar resulted in the identification of 58 positive lipase clones. Following sequence analysis of the 10 most highly active fosmid clones the pCC1fos53E1 clone was found to contain a putative lipase gene lpc 53E1, encoded by 387 amino acids and with a predicted molecular mass of 41.87 kDa. Sequence analysis of the predicted amino acid sequence of Lpc53E1 revealed that it is a member of the group VIII family of lipases possessing the SXTK motif, related to type C β-lactamases. Heterologous expression of lpc 53E1 in E. coli and the subsequent biochemical characterization of the recombinant protein, showed an enzyme with the highest substrate specificity for long chain fatty acyl esters. Optimal activity was observed with p- nitrophenyl palmitate (C16) at 40°C, in the presence of 5 M NaCl at pH 7; while in addition the recombinant enzyme displayed activity across broad pH (3–12) and temperature (4 -60°C) ranges and high levels of stability in the presence of various solvents at NaCl concentrations as high as 5 M and at temperatures ranging from 10 to 80°C. A maximum lipase activity of 2,700 U/mg was observed with 10 mM p-nitrophenyl palmitate as substrate, in the presence of 5 mM Ca2+ and 5 M NaCl, and a reaction time of 15 min at pH 7 and 40°C; while KM and Vmax values were calculated to be 1.093 mM-1 and 50 μmol/min, respectively.

Conclusion
We have isolated a novel halo tolerant lipase following a functional screen of a marine sponge fosmid metagenomic library. The activity and stability profile of the recombinant enzyme over a wide range of salinity, pH and temperature; and in the presence of organic solvent and metal ions suggests a utility for this enzyme in a variety of industrial applications.
Intra-coronary administration of tacrolimus markedly attenuates infarct size and preserves heart function in porcine myocardial infarction
Authors: Chua Sarah , Leu Steve , Sheu Jiunn-Jye , Lin Yu-Chun , Chang Li-Teh , Kao Ying-Hsien , Yen Chia-Hung , Tsai Tzu-Hsien , Chen Yung-Lung , Chang Hsueh-Wen , Sun Cheuk-Kwan , Yip Hon-Kan 
Published: June 2012

Abstract

Background
We test the hypothesis that intra-coronary tacrolimus administration can limit infarct size and preserve left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) after acute myocardial infarction (AMI) through ligating left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) in mini-pigs.

Methods
Twelve male mini-pigs were randomized into AMI-saline (MI-only) group and AMI-tacrolimus (MI-Tac) group that received intra-coronary saline (3.0 mL) and tacrolimus (0.5 mg in 2.5 mL saline) injection, respectively, beyond site of ligation 30 minutes after LAD occlusion.

Results
Larger infarct area was noted in MI-only group (p < 0.001). Inflammatory biomarkers at protein [oxidative stress, tumor necrotic factor-α, nuclear factor-κB], gene (matrix metalloproteinase-9, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1), and cellular (CD40+, CD68+ inflammatory cells) levels were remarkably higher in MI-only animals (p < 0.01). Conversely, anti-inflammatory biomarkers at gene level (Interleukin-10), gene and protein level (endothelial nitric oxide synthase), and anti-oxidant biomarkers at both gene and protein levels [heme oxygenase 1, NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase] were lower in MI-only group (p < 0.01). Number of apoptotic nuclei and apoptotic biomarkers expressions at gene and protein levels (Bax, caspase 3) were notably higher, whereas anti-apoptotic biomarkers at gene and protein levels (Bcl-2), LVEF, and fractional shortening were markedly lower in MI-only group (p < 0.001).

Conclusion
Intra-coronary administration of tacrolimus significantly attenuated infarct size and preserved LV function.
Intramedullary spinal cord metastasis from prostate carcinoma: a case report
Authors: Lieberson Robert E , Veeravagu Anand , Eckermann Jan M , Doty James R , Jiang Bowen , Andrews Russell , Chang Steven D 
Published: June 2012

Abstract

Introduction
Although vertebral and epidural metastases are common, intradural metastases and intramedullary spinal cord metastases are rare. The indications for the treatment of intramedullary spinal cord metastases remain controversial. We present the first biopsy-proven case of an intramedullary spinal cord metastasis from adenocarcinoma of the prostate.

Case presentation
Our patient was a 68-year-old right-handed Caucasian man with a Gleason grade 4 + 3 prostate adenocarcinoma who had previously undergone a prostatectomy, androgen blockade and transurethral debulking. He presented with new-onset saddle anesthesia and fecal incontinence. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated a spindle-shaped intramedullary lesion of the conus medullaris. Our patient underwent decompression and an excisional biopsy; the lesion’s pathology was consistent with metastatic adenocarcinoma of the prostate. Postoperatively, our patient received CyberKnife® radiosurgery to the resection cavity at a marginal dose of 27Gy to the 85% isodose line. At three months follow-up, our patient remains neurologically stable with no new deficits or lesions.

Conclusions
We review the literature and discuss the indications for surgery and radiosurgery for intramedullary spinal cord metastases. We also report the novel use of stereotactic radiosurgery to sterilize the resection cavity following an excisional biopsy of the metastasis.
Novel human polyomaviruses, Merkel cell polyomavirus and human polyomavirus 9, in Japanese chronic lymphocytic leukemia cases
Authors: Imajoh Masayuki , Hashida Yumiko , Taniguchi Ayuko , Kamioka Mikio , Daibata Masanori 
Published: June 2012

AbstractBackgroundChronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is the rarest adult leukemia in Japan, whereas it is the most common leukemia in the Western world. Recent studies from the United States and Germany suggest a possible etiological association between Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) and CLL, although no data have been reported from Eastern countries. To increase the volume of relevant data, this study investigated the prevalence and DNA loads of MCPyV and human polyomavirus 9 (HPyV9), another lymphotropic polyomavirus, in Japanese CLL cases.FindingsWe found that 9/27 CLL cases (33.3 %) were positive for MCPyV using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis. The viral DNA loads ranged from 0.000017 to 0.0012 copies per cell. All cases were negative for HPyV9. One MCPyV-positive CLL case was evaluated by mutational analysis of thelarge T(LT) gene, which indicated the presence of wild-type MCPyV without a nucleotide deletion. DNA sequence analysis of the entiresmall T(ST) gene and the partialLTgene revealed that a Japanese MCPyV isolate, designated CLL-JK, had two nucleotide gaps when compared with the reference sequence of the North American isolate MCC350.ConclusionsThis study provides the first evidence that MCPyV is present in a subset of Japanese CLL cases with low viral DNA loads. MCPyV and HPyV9 are unlikely to contribute directly to the development of CLL in the majority of Japanese cases. MCPyV isolated from the Japanese CLL cases may constitute an Asian group and its pathogenicity needs to be clarified in future studies.
Nitrogen Injection Application for Oil Recovery in Trinidad
Authors: Sinanan B. , Budri M. 
Published: June 2012

Abstract
Improved oil recovery (IOR) has been attracting renewed interest amongst many operators in Trinidad in recent times. High oil prices and government incentives have increased number of studies and pilot projects in secondary and tertiary recovery processes. Whilst IOR selection is driven by rock and fluid conditions, historically most operators still gave preference to infill and outstep drilling campaigns for that last hope of primary oil. Reviews conducted on Trinidad’s past projects indicated mixed economic success of IOR projects with thermal flood projects being most successful.
Nitrogen injection has never been extensively analyzed or implemented in Trinidad and now more than before is the most opportune period to establish its place amongst the other injection mediums. This paper reviews the history and use of nitrogen injection around the globe, focuses on application to Trinidad’s fields and analyses the reservoir/geologic parameter impact on recovery through reservoir simulation. Numerical simulation was performed on blocks within an onshore mature field and recovery results showed promising project potential. Simulation was also carried out on synthetic models which mimicked the various structural dips and porosity-permeability relationships that Trinidad’s southern onshore acreage posses. The findings herein, based on immiscible injection dynamics, explains the mechanism of nitrogen injection for Trinidad’s shallow onshore reservoirs.
The overall results suggest that nitrogen injection is a real alternative and much more practical and economic than previously envisioned by investors. The technology of modern day reservoir simulation has made analysis fast and efficient using structural, stratigraphic and reservoir properties that reflects the subsurface in Trinidad. The encouraging results of this study means nitrogen injection for enhancing oil recovery can now be seriously considered by mature acreage operators who wish to lengthen the economic life span of their fields.
Evaluating a Depleted Oil and Gas Field in the East Coast of Trinidad for Disposal of Carbon Dioxide
Authors: Jaggernauth D. J. 
Published: June 2012

Abstract
Since the following conventions (Rio Convention, Kyoto Convention and South Africa Convention) took place, concerns have been raised about the emission of carbon dioxide gas into the atmosphere by several industrial countries. Currently a few companies at the Point Lisas Industrial Complex, West Trinidad (see Figure 3), produce about 120 million standard cubic feet per day (mmscfd) of CO2 in the form of waste gas. Despite the gas being so readily available and at a relatively cheap price (&lt; US $ 0.25/mscf) there is no reason for the current disposal practice (by venting the gas to the atmosphere), to be allowed to prevail. The carbon dioxide, which is vented, comprises 99.4% pure gas at 117 °F and requires cooling and drying before any compression can take place. Several depleted reservoirs in existing oil and gas fields throughout Trinidad were analyzed for disposal of the carbon dioxide. The only field that fit the criteria for good storage for the next eighty (80) years at the prevailing production rates is the Teak Field, which was previously operated by BPTT (formerly Amoco Trinidad), but is now operated by Repsol YPF (Trinidad). Since this field is located in the Atlantic Ocean, East Trinidad, even if there is a surface breakthrough it would not affect the environment. Thus the Teak Field, which is a depleted oil and gas field, offers a good disposal source for the present carbon dioxide generated at the Point Lisas Industrial Estate for the next eighty (80) years, along with the adjacent fields like the Saaman and Poui Fields offering a further forty (40) years each. The estimated cost for this project will be US $ 160 million which will include upgrading the facilities at both Point Lisas and on the Teak Platforms, and the laying of the 16" pipeline. Since this project is not revenue generating, it is only being considered for the long term adherences to the international standards for the reduction of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.
Effect of Fracture Intensity and Longitudinal Dispersivity on Mass Transfer in Fractured Reservoirs
Authors: Haddad A. Sharifi , Hassanzadeh H. , Abedi J. , Chen Z. 
Published: June 2012

Abstract
Accurate modeling of fluid transport in fractured reservoirs is challenging because of their heterogeneous nature. One of the sources of heterogeneity is the fracture spacing. In this study, an analytical model which describes the effect of fracture intensity on mass transfer during an advective-dispersive process in dual porosity systems is introduced.
The mass transfer process is modeled using different distributions of the fracture network that results in a various range of matrix-fracture connectivity inside the reservoir and resembles the variable flow path for the mass transport. In this work probable fracture network distributions in the field are tested and the effect of the matrix block size distributions and longitudinal dispersivity inside the fracture network on the transport of the injected tracer in the reservoir is obtained. The model consists of an infinite acting reservoir with planar matrix blocks and a radially divergent continuous injection system. Results show that using the breakthrough time of the injected tracer, the stored mass inside the reservoir as a function of fracture intensity and the dispersivity coefficient can be estimated. Analytical solutions are provided and can be used to study the tracer transport in fractured reservoirs with variable fracture intensity.
Challenges of Al Zaafarana FPSO Main Class Renewal Without Moving to Dry Docking: Case Study
Authors: Hamdy E. , Hendy M. , Hamed K. , Hussein A. 
Published: June 2012

Abstract
Zaafarana Oil field is located in the north central Gulf of Suez off the coast of The Arab Republic of Egypt. The field is approximately 4 miles (6.5 km) from the coast in 189 feet (57 m) of water depth.
The field consists of offshore platform and a Floating Production, Storage and off-loading facilities (FPSO) figure (1). The FPSO is located approximately 800 m from the platform to process and export the oil. FPSO is Power supply the production platform via a sub-sea cable. Crude received to FPSO from platform via 8" oil pipe line figure (2).
According to FPSO surveyor (DNV) class and IIP (In service inspection program), Special survey 5 (5 years period) have been carried out for FPSO, the survey included hull and machinery.
After through hull survey and UTM gauging, it was found that;-Wastage and thickness diminutions vary from 5% to 28%.-Crack between two cargo tanks
The steel renewal and crack repairs are extensive, critical and risky to be done during FPSO in service, because it needs hot work, normally steel replacements are carried out at dry dock.
This paper is discussing the methodology used to avoid the work in dry dock and secure DNV class certificate and to maintain the safe condition of the ‘FPSO’ without disturbance or stopping oil production.
Race for Liquids vs Gas: How To Redesign a Depletion Strategy to Maximise Fluids Recovery in a Mature Thin-Oil Rim Reservoir
Authors: Moosai R. , Alleyne B. , Thomas S. , Smith D. , Cavaleri N. , Quinn M. Anthony 
Published: June 2012

Abstract
Hydrocarbon reservoir management of a mature reservoir is a complex process of deciphering the reservoir character, through dynamic static data integration, to produce an ideal depletion strategy for the field. A great result is normally a winning opportunity set or strategy defined by a marriage of maximum hydrocarbon recovery with fantastic economic indicators. Is it any wonder we invest heavily into tools and processes to achieve just this!
This paper will explore the use of structural and reservoir modeling tools and techniques to re-design an optimal depletion strategy for an oil and gas reservoir, in a predominantly gas field, in the Columbus basin off the East coast of Trinidad. This reservoir is a massive ~700 ft sand incorporating a 30~40ft thin oil rim with an underlying aquifer and overlain by a huge gas cap. Both oil and gas has been produced from this reservoir since 1998 by 8 oil wells and 4 gas wells spread across two fields.
Should the future of this reservoir first rely on targeting remaining oil or do we shift into high gas acceleration gear? To solve this conundrum all subsurface hands were brought on deck. The formulation of an appropriate depletion plan requires a multi pronged approach, as a clear alliance must be made between business objectives, reducing risk and good reservoir management practice.
A VIP/Nexus reservoir simulation model was the ‘tool of choice’ to investigate which depletion direction to forge ahead with. The first stage of this reservoir management investigation was the creation of a reliable structural model which then acted as the foundation for the build of a representative reservoir model. As part of this paper’s journey, we delve into the process flow used to mimic this magnificent reservoir. We endeavor to deepen your understanding of, the application of crucial petrophysical modeling in the reservoir characterization procedure and the unmistakable impact of history matching over 12 years of production and pressure data. The result of this work was a fit for purpose reservoir model enabling the operator to make the right decisions for future development of this reservoir.