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Coccolithophores, marine calcifying phytoplankton, are important primary producers impacting the global carbon cycle at different timescales. Their biomineral structures, the calcite containing coccoliths, are among the most elaborate hard parts of any organism. Understanding the morphogenesis of coccoliths is not only relevant in the context of coccolithophore eco-physiology but will also inform biomineralization and crystal design research more generally. The recent discovery of a silicon (Si) requirement for crystal shaping in some coccolithophores has opened up a new avenue of biomineralization research. In order to develop a mechanistic understanding of the role of Si, the presence and localization of this chemical element in coccoliths needs to be known. Here, we document for the first time the uneven Si distribution in Helicosphaera carteri coccoliths through three synchrotron-based techniques employing X-ray Fluorescence and Infrared Spectromicroscopy. The enrichment of Si in specific areas of the coccoliths point to a targeted role of this element in the coccolith formation. Our findings mark a key step in biomineralization research because it opens the door for a detailed mechanistic understanding of the role Si plays in shaping coccolith crystals.

Previous studies could report about different behavior of dried pellets at the 50°C due to the lack of constant rate period of drying. Now, one step further, the synchrotron (i.e. FT-IR, SWAXS) supported with laboratory sources (SWAXS, NMR) allowed deeper analytics reporting hidden partly molecular degradation invents from the frequently used drug ibuprofen in 4-isobutylacetophenone, and that molecule is no longer a drug but a toxic one. In the medication matrix CaSt was no degradation detected but the structural undulation seen with SAXS was also confirmed by FT-IR. However, we also show that a medical molecular degradation in their solid formulation could be detected and predicted not only by chemical analytics but also correlated and identified by a physical method based on X-Ray inner surface calculation. Such molecular degradation from active pharmaceutical ingredients (API) that occurs in the process of drug preparation in solid formulation can automatically be correlated with drug-dissolution. Thus, the Nano-analytical parameters based on the Small Angle X-Ray scattering (SAXS) signals of different electron densities in the material, identify the specific surface area, which could be seen even in closed pores and can be correlated with drug molecular degradation. As an example, is taken a very well-defined pellet solid ibuprofen calcium- stearate formulation. Using a synchrotron and a laboratory multi-technical package, we could reveal hidden nanostructures and molecular information, which have not been detected in previous studies. The Small and Wide X-Ray Scattering (SWAXS) spectra of pellets show that process variables do not affect the crystalline state of components but slight changes in the crystal lattice undulations (i.e., SAXS). Additionally, using the high-resolution NMR, Raman and Synchrotron-beam line FT-IR method, we can identify the molecular partial degradation of the Active Pharmaceutics Ingredient (API) in 4- isobutylacetophenone only at 50 °C in terms of the drying and preparation-condition. Such molecular degradation could not be detected in previous study due to the lack of high-resolution analytical laboratories and synchrotron tools that we were able to apply in this paper. For this sample also SAXS specific surface area display higher values and can be correlated as an indication and prediction for the molecular degradation but also dissolution due to increase of electron density contrasts. In general, such analyzes are helpful for the detection in time before the product comes on the market. Thus, we propose the idea of additional high-resolution multi-techniques i.e. Synchrotrons and new methods to become more common for revealing hidden medical molecular degradations, which can induce non- therapeutically but side effects.

Abstract Exploration wells on the iceberg infested Grand Banks have traditionally been abandoned after testing, mainly because the wellheads have no protection against iceberg impact. The cost of drilling wells on the Grand Banks and the likelihood of future subsea development now justify retaining certain exploration wells for further testing or completion. Caissons have recently been used to place wellheads submudline below iceberg scour depth. This paper discusses the reasons for employing caisson wellheads, mentions other iceberg protection methods, explains the decision tree analysis method used to identify candidate wells and outlines the drilling and completion equipment installed. Introduction Typical offshore drilling practice is to plug and cement exploration and delineation wells on the completion of drilling and testing operations. They may then be abandoned by removing the subsea wellhead, or they may be left suspended to allow for future re-entry. In most areas of the world, subsequent development wells are drilled from fixed platforms. The exploration and delineation wells are therefore abandoned rather than re-entered for production because a replacement development well is cheaper to drill and maintain, However, as smaller offshore fields are being developed, floating production systems have become more common (Fig. 1). Such a development system requires subsea wells, making suspended delineation wells candidates for production. On the Grand Banks, other than the Hibernia field, no fields have yet been discovered which would warrant a fixed production platform. This is due to the high reserve threshold required to justify a fixed platform designed to withstand iceberg impact. Floating production systems are likely to be the only means by which these smaller discoveries can be developed. Unfortunately, icebergs pose major problems for subsea developments. Floating production systems will have to be designed to disconnect to avoid iceberg collision. Also, seafloor equipment should be placed below scour depth, where possible, to avoid damage to equipment such as manifolds, flowlines and wellheads. This is crucial for wellheads as an iceberg collision could result in a subsea well blowout if the only remaining means of well control is the subsurface safety valve. Furthermore, ice conditions would hamper immediate well control operations. Delineation wells with conventional subsea wellheads are therefore of little value as ‘keeper’ wells without wellhead protection. Various conceptual methods to protect wellheads from iceberg scour damage exist. For reasons of flexibility and compatibility with the drilling program and cost, the most appropriate system for protection of delineation wells is an arrangement whereby the wellhead (and ultimately the "Xmas " tree) is placed below scour depth in a caisson. Caisson wellhead systems were originally conceived to protect wellheads from fishing gear damage and are relatively recent developments. There are additional costs associated with using a caisson wellhead, both in equipment and rig time. A decision analysis must therefore be undertaken for each delineation well to justify the use of a caisson wellhead on that specific location. This involves estimating future cost savings and determining the risks associated with the delineation well and ultimate field development.

First experiments demonstrating the suitability of novel microfabricated fluidic devices for measuring living cells in physiological environment by synchrotron radiation (SR) Fourier Transform Infrared microspectroscopy (μ-FTIR) are presented. The devices were fabricated on CaF 2 windows, using the photoresist XARP 3100/10 to define the liquid cell lay-out. Therefore, the sample holder is transparent to both visible and infrared light, robust, completely recyclable and with a precise spacing. Using prototype devices of thicknesses 9, 5 and 3 μm, we studied the response of the U937 monocytic cell line to mechanical compression. The temporal evolution of the FTIR spectra, characteristic for the status of living cells, was used to monitor the cellular system stability in time. Protein biosynthesis and lipid metabolism alterations upon deformation have been identified by monitoring specific cell band ratios such as amide I to amide II, amide I to lipids, methylene to methyl and asymmetric to symmetric stretching of phosphates. Taking advantage of the high brilliance of the synchrotron radiation, chemical maps of monocyte cells were collected, demonstrating the versatility of the device.