Quantitative controls on the regional geometries and heterogeneities of the Rayda to Shu'aiba formations (Northern Oman) using forward stratigraphic modelling

The complex geometry of carbonate systems is influenced by a multitude of physical as well as biological processes. The Lower Cretaceous carbonates of Northern Oman are characterised by a variability of regional-scale geometries with expected vertical and lateral facies variations. The main environmental and tectonic controls acting on the depositional processes of the Lower Cretaceous ramps and platforms through space and geological time (in 4 dimensions) are only partially understood. In this study, we use a 4D DionisosFlow Forward Stratigraphic Modelling (FSM) approach to explore the role of: (i) eustasy; (ii) subsidence; (iii) initial paleobathymetry, and (iv) wave energy, to generate carbonate stacking patterns and heterogeneities. Carbonate production was maintained constant through deposition. Multi-disciplinary and multi-scale datasets were used (i.e. seismic, well and field data) to constrain the FSM input parameters and sensitivity analysis was carried out to validate or refute some depositional model hypotheses. Results show that basement topography and eustasy have the greatest influence on the progradational geometries and the lateral continuity of clinoform architectures during the Tithonian to Valanginian second-order super-sequence. In the Valanginian to Aptian super-sequence, subsidence was the primary control for the observed aggradational stacking pattern. Lateral and vertical stacking of carbonate lithologies, textures as well as facies are thus apprehended through this FSM approach, leading to a better assessment of petroleum systems elements as reservoir, seal and trap

EuroSpine Task Force on Research: support for spine researchers

In recognition of the value of research to the practice of spine care, Federico Balagué and Ferran Pellisé, at the time President and Secretary for EuroSpine, asked Margareta Nordin to set up a Task Force on Research (TFR) for EuroSpine during summer 2011. The concept was to stimulate and facilitate a research community within the society, through two main functions: (1) distribution of EuroSpine funds to researchers; (2) develop and deliver research training/education courses. What has the EuroSpine TFR accomplished since its inception

Lymphatic expression of CLEVER-1 in breast cancer and its relationship with lymph node metastasis

BACKGROUND Mechanisms regulating breast cancer lymph node metastasis are unclear. Staining of CLEVER-1 (common lymphatic endothelial and vascular endothelial receptor-1) in human breast tumors was used, along with in vitro techniques, to assess involvement in the metastatic process. METHODS 148 sections of primary invasive breast cancers, with 10 yr follow-up, were stained with anti-CLEVER-1. Leukocyte infiltration was assessed, along with involvement of specific subpopulations by staining with CD83 (mature dendritic cells, mDC), CD209 (immature DC, iDC) and CD68 (macrophage, Mϕ). In vitro expression of CLEVER-1 on lymphatic (LEC) and blood endothelial cells (BEC) was examined by flow cytometry. RESULTS In vitro results showed that although both endothelial cell types express CLEVER-1, surface expression was only evident on LEC. In tumour sections CLEVER-1 was expressed in blood vessels (BV, 61.4% of samples), lymphatic vessels (LV, 18.2% of samples) and in Mϕ/DCs (82.4% of samples). However, only CLEVER-1 expression in LV was associated with LN metastasis (p = 0.027) and with Mϕ indices (p = 0.021). Although LV CLEVER-1 was associated with LN positivity there was no significant correlation with recurrence or overall survival, BV CLEVER-1 expression was, however, associated with increased risk of recurrence (p = 0.049). The density of inflammatory infiltrate correlated with CLEVER-1 expression in BV (p < 0.001) and LV (p = 0.004). CONCLUSIONS The associations between CLEVER-1 expression on endothelial vessels and macrophage/leukocyte infiltration is suggestive of its regulation by inflammatory conditions in breast cancer, most likely by macrophage-associated cytokines. Its upregulation on LV, related surface expression, and association with LN metastasis suggest that it may be an important mediator of tumor cell metastasis to LN

laser powder bed fusion l pbf additive manufacturing on the correlation between design choices and process sustainability

Abstract The specific energy consumption of Additive Manufacturing (AM) unit processes for the production of metal parts could be much higher than that of more traditional manufacturing routes, such as machining. However, AM, due to its intrinsic process peculiarities, including the flexible realization of (almost) any kind of complex shape, has a great potential for improving the material use efficiency, with positive environmental impact benefits from the material production to the product use and disposal at the end of first life. Aim of this paper is to assess the role of the design choices on the environmental AM process sustainability. An integrated design methodology (accounting for the product re-design via topological optimization, the design of support structures, and the design of allowances and features for post-AM finishing operations) for components produced by means of laser powder bed fusion processes is considered. One resource (the cumulated energy demand) and one emission (carbon dioxide) are assumed as metrics for the impact assessment across the product life cycle. The results demonstrate the importance of a proper design for AM to improve the overall energy and emission saving potential

Detection and count of Salmonella enterica in pork meat products

A direct plating technique for the enumeration S. enterica in 90 pig meat samples was evaluated in comparison with a three tube-MPN procedure. For the detection of S. enterica the ISO 6597:2002 method was employed. Pork samples were collected at retail level in northern Italy. A total of 15 (16.7%) Salmonella positive samples were detected. By the use of the MPN method, S. enterica was countable m 12 (80.0%) samples, while the direct count gave positive results in two (13.3%) samples only The ISO 6597.2002 method identified 12 (80 %) contaminated samples out of 15. The enumeration levels of S. enterica ranged from 0.03 MPN/g to \u3e 110 MPN/g by the MPN method, and from 10 CFU/g to 180 CFU/g by direct plating. Seven Salmonella serovars were detected. S. Typhimurium, S. Derby, S. Give, S. Rissen, S. Livingstone, S. Brandenburg and S. London, with S. Typhimurium and S. Derby as the predominant ones

Psoas abscess ten years after ipsilateral nephrectomy for pyonephrosis

Pyogenic abscess of the psoas muscle is a rare disease. The Authors report a recently observed case which developed 10 years after ipsilateral nephrectomy for pyonephrosis, reviewing the pertinent literature. The culture of the pus extracted only reproduced Proteus mirabilis. The relation between psoas abscess and nephrectomy is unclear. To make diagnosis is important to consider this condition in differential diagnosis in presence of fever and flank tenderness in a nephrectomized patient

Residual stress investigation on Ti-48Al-2Cr-2Nb samples produced by Electron Beam Melting process

Ti-48Al-2Cr-2Nb (Ti-48-2-2) is an intermetallic alloy belonging to a family of gamma-TiAl intermetallic alloys that are attracting significant attention. Electron Beam Melting (EBM) process is today the only manufacturing process that allows effective production of parts made by these kinds of alloys. Proper process control avoids high temperatures in the surrounding areas that may generate significant residual stresses that could cause micro-cracks. In this paper, an investigation on the residual stress state on Ti-48-2-2 parts is carried out using the hole drilling method. In particular, the influence of EBM process parameters is evaluated in order to understand the effects of the residual stresses on part integrity