bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Thermal exposure conditions for a composite liner with a black geomembrane exposed to solar radiation
Authors: Take W.A. , Rowe R.K. , Brachman R.W.I. , Arnepalli D.N.
Published: March 2015

ABSTRACT: A black 1.5 mm geomembrane (GMB) and geosynthetic clay liner (GCL) liner were placed on both a 3H: 1V (18.4°) slope and a gently sloping (3%) base (latitude 44°34′15″N) and left exposed for 4.7 years. The observed solar radiation, ambient air temperature, temperature at the interface between the GMB and GCL, and temperature at various depths (to 600 mm) in the underlying silty sand soil are reported. The interface temperature was up to 40°C higher than ambient temperature on a sunny day. The difference between interface temperature on the slope and base was minimal near summer solstice and increased significantly earlier and later in the year (except when covered in snow). There was significant variability in GMB and interface temperature depending on the contact conditions between the GMB and GCL. The interface temperatures at wrinkles could be 15°C higher than other locations where there was intimate contact between GMB and GCL. Snow-cover insulated the liner from solar radiation and extreme temperature. These insulating effects were lost on the south-facing slope before the base, subjecting the GCL on the slope to more daily freeze–thaw cycles than on the base. A correlation between the interface temperature, ambient air temperature, and the solar radiation gave good agreement with the observed temperatures. The cycling of interface temperatures is considered to be central to the mechanism of moisture evaporation from the GCL that may cause GCL panel shrinkage and moisture condensation-driven downslope bentonite erosion. Covering the composite liner with a ballast layer as quickly as possible is recommended.
Hydraulic conductivity of a dense prehydrated geosynthetic clay liner
Authors: Mazzieri F. , Emidio G.Di
Published: March 2015

ABSTRACT: Dense prehydrated geosynthetic clay liners (DPH-GCLs) are a particular type of GCL which, unlike conventional GCLs manufactured with dry bentonite, contain bentonite prehydrated during manufacturing. DPH-GCLs are produced by a patented process that includes bentonite prehydration with a polymer solution and vacuum extrusion. This paper describes the results of permeability tests that were carried out using flexible-wall permeameters to investigate the hydraulic conductivity of a DPH GCL to water, natural seawater and a 12.5 mmol/l CaCl2 solution. Moreover, the efficiency of the 0.1 m overlap seams between DPH-GCL panels has been investigated by means of a medium-scale permeameter able to accommodate specimens 0.305 m in diameter. Test results showed that the DPH GCL has very low hydraulic conductivity to water (10−12–10−11 m/s) and preserve low permeability, of the order of 10−11 m/s, in the presence of relatively high calcium concentration in the permeating liquid. However, the efficiency of overlap seams can be affected by the permeant type. In the presence of permeant liquids that inhibit swelling (e.g. seawater), the hydraulic efficiency of the seams needs to be improved by adding bentonite paste at the overlap interface. The hydraulic performance of the DPH-GCL is attributed to the combination of prehydration, densification and chemical amendment.
4. OS LIMITES JURÍDICO-MORAIS DE CONTRATAR EM “O MERCADOR DE VENEZA”
Authors: CASTRO Fabio Caprio Leite de , WIEDEMANN NETO Ney
Published: March 2015

O texto examina a peça “O Mercador de Veneza”, de William Shakespeare, e a sua atualidade, numa aproximação entre o Direito e a Literatura, com foco nos limites morais do direito de contratar.
8. A (HIPER)VULNERABILIDADE DE IVAN ILITCH
Authors: GOULART Guilherme Damasio
Published: March 2015

Resumo. Este artigo apresenta uma análise da situação de (hiper)vulnerabilidade do personagem Ivan Ilitch da novela “A morte de Ivan Ilitch” de Tolstói. Levando em conta a doença do protagonista, são examinados alguns aspectos psicológicos de seu sofrimento, considerando o fato de que Ivan Ilitch sabe que sua morte é iminente. Após, tomando a novela como base, investiga-se a situação do vulnerável e do hipervulnerável no âmbito do direito privado.

Abstract. This paper presents an analisis of Ivan Ilych's (hyper)vulnerability situation in the novel "The Death of Ivan Ilitch". Taking into account the protagonist's illness, some psychological aspects of his suffering are examined, considering the fact that Ivan Ilitch knows that your death is iminent. After that, taking the novel as a basis, the vulnerable and hypervulnerable situation in the private law field is investigated.
8. LA ENSEÑANZA DEL DERECHO PROCESAL CONSTITUCIONAL
Authors: VALDEZ Carlos Hugo
Published: March 2015

 

Al atender a su condición de integrante de la curricula en la carrera de Abogacía, el Derecho Procesal Constitucional se refiere a los elementos doctrinarios, normativos y jurisprudenciales que fundamentan, describen, explican e interpretan los institutos y medios procedimentales pertinentes. Comprende su inserción en el Programa universitario correspondiente como preparación del futuro egresado para su aplicación ante las instancias judiciales pertinentes, hasta llegar a las de máximo nivel institucional, se persigue obtener una decisión sobre la relación entre una ley, una sentencia o un acto administrativo, por un lado, y lo que se estima la correspondiente pauta suprema
Gall wasp community response to fragmentation of oak tree species: importance of fragment size and isolated trees
Authors: Maldonado-López Y. , Cuevas-Reyes P. , Stone G. N. , Nieves-Aldrey J. L. , Oyama K.
Published: March 2015

We explore the impact of habitat fragmentation on interactions between keystone resources of forest trees—oaks, genusQuercus(Fagaceae)—and an associated radiation of specialist cynipid gall wasps. Habitat fragmentation is predicted to have bottom‐up impacts on cynipid communities through impacts on host plant quality (plant vigor hypothesis). We explored the bottom‐up impacts on cynipid communities of habitat fragment size, fragment edge effects and presence of isolated oaks. We quantified temporal and spatial variation of leaves produced in the canopy to quantify plant vigor, and surveyed cynipid gall species abundance and richness over three years using 15 permanent forest patches and 25 isolated oaks in a fragmented oak woodland landscape in central Mexico. Cynipid gall abundance and species richness were higher in isolated oaks and small woodland fragments than in larger ones. Cynipid abundance and species richness were also higher along fragment edges in comparison with fragment interiors. This contrasts with patterns observed in other taxa. In addition, host plant quality was higher in isolated trees, in smaller fragments and along fragment edges. We therefore hypothesize that observed patterns in cynipid abundance and species richness are driven by changes in host plant quality due to forest fragmentation. Our data represent a baseline for longer‐term monitoring of fragmentation effects at a landscape scale. Further work is required to explore alternative potential explanations for observed patterns, including the estimation of potential top‐down impacts of fragmentation mediated by natural enemies.
A multifaceted trophic cascade in a detritus‐based system: density‐, trait‐, or processing‐chain‐mediated effects?
Authors: Albeny-Simões Daniel , Murrell Ebony G. , Vilela Evaldo F. , Juliano Steven A.
Published: March 2015

We investigated three pathways by which predators on an intermediate trophic level may produce a trophic cascade in detritus‐based systems. Predators may increase lower trophic levels (bacteria) by reducing density of bacteriovores, by altering behavior of bacteriovores, and by processing living bacteriovores into carcasses, feces, and dissolved nutrients that are substrates for bacteria. We tested these pathways in laboratory experiments with mosquitoes in water‐filled containers. Larval Toxorhynchites rutilus prey on larval Aedes triseriatus, which feed on bacteria. Using containers stocked with oak leaf infusion as a bacterial substrate, we compared bacterial productivity at 7 and 14 days for: prey alone; prey with a predator; and prey with predation cues but no predator. Controls contained no larvae, either with predation cues or without cues. Predation cues in the control treatment increased bacterial abundance at 7 days, but this effect waned by 14 days. Aedes triseriatus larvae reduced bacterial abundance significantly at 14 days. Predator cues and real predation both eliminated the negative effect of A. triseriatus on bacterial abundance. Predation cues reduced survivorship of A. triseriatus larvae at 14 days, however this effect was smaller than the effect of real predation. We further tested effects of residues from predation as cues or as detritus in a second experiment in which A. triseriatus were killed at similar rates by: real predators; mechanical damage without the predator and carcasses left as detritus; or mechanical damage and carcasses removed. No prey larvae were killed in controls. Bacterial productivity was greater with real predation than in all other treatments and greater when prey larvae were killed or killed and removed, than in controls. Thus we find evidence that all three pathways contribute to the trophic cascade from T. rutilus to bacteria in tree hole systems.
Downhole Measurements of Synthetic-Based Drilling Fluid in Offshore Well Quantify Dynamic Pressure and Temperature Distributions
Authors: White W.W. , Zamora Mario , Svoboda C.F.
Published: March 2015

Accurate downhole and surface measurements of a synthetic-based drilling fluid were taken in a Gulf of Mexico well to resolve variances between actual and calculated pump pressures, and to quantify equivalent circulating densities. Current API equations seriously underestimated drillstring losses, which accounted for the pump-pressure differences. Conversely, annular losses were much lower than predicted.

Introduction

The drilling industry cannot consistently match calculated and actual pump pressures and is uncertain with the reliability of equivalent-circulating-density (ECD) predictions when using oil-based muds. Sensitivity to temperature and pressure is the most often cited reason for the discrepancies. Attempts to compensate for these effects with oil-based muds have not met with widespread success.

Similar difficulties are encountered with synthetic-based muds (SBMs); however, concerns are more acute. Pump-pressure calculations with SBMs can be off as much as 35%. The high unit cost per bbl of SBMs makes lost circulation a serious risk if ECD values are unreliable. Related problems which also are affected by hydraulics include surge/swab pressures while tripping, sizing of mud pumps, hydraulic optimization, well control, and general well planning.
New Tool Improves Success Ratio for Balanced Plug Cementing
Authors: Harestad Kristian , Herigstad Thor P. , Torsvoll Arne , Nødland Nils E.
Published: March 2015

To place a proper balanced cement plug in a well has been a severe problem to the drilling industry for decades. The cement plug is rarely found at the desired depth. Due to the fact that the cement slurry usually is more dense than the well fluid, the cement plug is found deeper than anticipated, and the quality of the cement plug further down may be doubtful. This often results in setting a new cement plug in order to proceed with operations such as kick off in the wellbore, abandonment or pulling the Blowout Preventer. In the North sea area it is seen that cement plugs fail in > 25 % of the cases. Several techniques have been developed to keep the cement in place, but they are either very time consuming or have a low degree of success.

A new tool has been developed which is deployed below the cement plug, preventing the cement slurry from escaping down the well. This tool is easy to install, does not take extra rig time and covers all sizes from 152.4 mm to 584.2 mm (6 to 23 in.) of hole diameters with one tool. Before field application, the system was tested in full scale, where cement plugs were set in casings both with and without the new tool. The result from this testing showed that the new tool had a very high degree of efficiency compared to the reference tests which were performed without tool. This paper will present the results from the testing and case histories where the tool has been used.
Enriching Education with Exemplars in Practice: Iterative Development of Data Curation Internships
Authors: Mayernik Matthew S. , Thompson Cheryl A. , Williams Valerie , Allard Suzie , Palmer Carole L. , Tenopir Carol
Published: March 2015

Partnerships between educational programs and research centers are vital to meeting the escalating workforce demands in data curation. They offer a platform for educators to increase their knowledge of current best practices and emerging challenges in the field. Student internships can be key to the success of these partnerships, not just for the students who gain authentic experience in facilities that excel at data intensive research and data services. Such partnerships provide an effective platform for rich and mutually beneficial engagement among educators, data professionals, scientists, and students. This paper reports on results from the Data Curation Education in Research Centers (DCERC) program aimed at developing a model for data curation education featuring field experiences in exemplar research centers. A strength of the DCERC model is its emphasis on facilitating mutual exchange of information among the DCERC program mentors and students. This model has evolved as a result of iterative and gradual refinements to the program model based upon information gathered from the formative evaluation. These refinements not only resulted in improved outcomes for the program participants but also, we believe, a more sustainable model for the program that leverages the knowledge base of the research scientists and students through peer-to-peer learning, rather than a traditional expert to trainee model. This paper describes formative evaluation findings that shaped the development of the DCERC program. We conclude with a discussion of the critical features of this model for the development of similar programs, and a data curation workforce that is able to accommodate and adapt to emergent data needs in a variety of environments.
Data Carpentry: Workshops to Increase Data Literacy for Researchers
Authors: Teal Tracy K. , Cranston Karen A. , Lapp Hilmar , White Ethan , Wilson Greg , Ram Karthik , Pawlik Aleksandra
Published: March 2015

In many domains the rapid generation of large amounts of data is fundamentally changing how research is done. The deluge of data presents great opportunities, but also many challenges in managing, analyzing and sharing data. However, good training resources for researchers looking to develop skills that will enable them to be more effective and productive researchers are scarce and there is little space in the existing curriculum for courses or additional lectures. To address this need we have developed an introductory two-day intensive workshop, Data Carpentry, designed to teach basic concepts, skills, and tools for working more effectively and reproducibly with data. These workshops are based on Software Carpentry: two-day, hands-on, bootcamp style workshops teaching best practices in software development, that have demonstrated the success of short workshops to teach foundational research skills. Data Carpentry focuses on data literacy in particular, with the objective of teaching skills to researchers to enable them to retrieve, view, manipulate, analyze and store their and other’s data in an open and reproducible way in order to extract knowledge from data.
Plant growth promoting potential of pseudomonas sp. SP0113 isolated from potable water from a closed water well
Authors: Przemieniecki Wojciech , Kurowski Paweł , Karwowska Anna
Published: March 2015

The Pseudomonas sp. SP0113 strain from a partially closed aquatic environment
was identified as a plant growth promoting bacterium (PGPB). Laboratory tests
revealed that PS0113 has multiple plant growth promoting traits, including
mineral phosphate solubilizing ability, ammonifying ability that increases
nitrogen availability for plants via the root system, and phosphatase
activity that plays an important role in organic phosphorus mineralization.
Tricalcium phosphate (Ca3(PO4)2) solubilizing ability was described as
average (2-3 mm) after 7 days of incubation and as high (>3 mm) after 14 days
of incubation. The analyzed bacterium was an antagonist of major crop
pathogenic fungi. A high degree of pathogen growth inhibition was reported
with regard to Rhizoctonia solani (38%), whereas the tested strain's ability
to inhibit the growth of fungi of the genera Fusarium and Microdochium
nivalis was somewhat lower at 20-29%. The bacterium proliferated in Roundup
360 SL solutions with concentrations of 0.1, 1 and 10 mg?ml-1.
Uncommon Responses of Segmental Vitiligo to Melanocyte-Keratinocyte Transplantation Procedure
Authors: Isedeh Prescilia , Issa Ahmed Al , Lim Henry W. , Mulekar Smita S. , Mulekar Sanjeev V.
Published: March 2015

Background

Patients with segmental vitiligo (SV), unlike those with nonsegmental vitiligo (NSV), have a more predictable course and are more responsive to surgery.

Objective

To report 10 patients with SV treated with the melanocyte-keratinocyte transplantation procedure (MKTP), who responded with unusual responses not previously reported in the literature.

Methods

This is a retrospective, observational study that reports 10 patients with SV who underwent the MKTP between May 2003 and May 2012.

Results

Two patients had successful repigmentation after split-thickness skin grafting after failure of the MKTP. Two patients developed a hypopigmented ring at a margin of the MKTP-treated area. One patient had complete repigmentation after a second MKTP. Two patients developed koebnerization of the recipient site. Three patients developed new vitiligo patches in previously unaffected areas after the MKTP.

Conclusions

Uncommon and even suboptimal responses can occur following the MKTP in SV patients. There is a need for studies to provide better understanding and outcomes for SV patients undergoing the MKTP.
Prevalence of Rosacea in Community Settings
Authors: Moustafa Farah , Hopkinson Dennis , Huang Karen E. , Feldman Steve
Published: March 2015

Background

The prevalence of rosacea is poorly characterized. Because selection bias may affect prevalence estimates, there is a need to characterize the prevalence of rosacea outside the clinic setting.

Objective

To assess the prevalence of rosacea in community settings.

Methods

A clinical research fellow and a medical student stood in public places (a mall, the Department of Motor Vehicles, a grocery store) and examined consecutive individuals who passed by ≤ 2 yards away. They tallied demographic and descriptive data on the subject and included the subject in one of three categories: clearly rosacea, possible rosacea, and definitely no rosacea. Subanalyses by perceived gender, age, race, and rosacea subtype were also performed. Comparisons between groups were made using the Fisher exact test.

Results

Considering the prevalence of rosacea among all observed individuals in the community setting, 5.4% (95% CI 3.6-7.8) of individuals had “possible” rosacea and 6% (95% CI 4.1-8.5) of individuals had “definite” rosacea. Older, white individuals with fairer skin types (Fitzpatrick skin types I, II, and III) were more likely to have rosacea. There was no gender predisposition.

Limitations

Distance from subjects made it difficult to assess patients with mild rosacea or a few telangiectasias, as well as ocular rosacea. The study could not assess those individuals who were too embarrassed by their rosacea to be in the public settings observed. Additionally, some subjects may have applied significant makeup in an effort to conceal their rosacea, making assessment difficult.

Conclusions

Based on direct observation of individuals in community settings, rosacea is more common than previously reported in the United States.
Cost and Resource Use of Pemphigus and Pemphigoid Disorders Pre- and Post-Rituximab
Authors: Heelan Kara , Hassan Shazia , Bannon Grace , Knowles Sandra , Walsh Scott , Shear Neil H. , Mittmann Nicole
Published: March 2015

Background

Rituximab (RTX) is increasingly used for the treatment of pemphigus and pemphigoid disorders. The high cost of RTX frequently limits its use and access.

Objective

To determine the health system resources and costs associated with RTX treatment of pemphigus and pemphigoid.

Methods

Health system resources and costs attributed to a convenience sample of 89 patients with either pemphigus or pemphigoid were identified, quantified, and valued 6 months prior to and following RTX initiation between May 2006 and August 2012. Overall cohort costs and costs per patient were calculated (2013 Can$).

Results

The overall cohort cost for 6 months pre-RTX was $3.8 million and for 6 months post-RTX was $2.6 million. The average cost per patient decreased from $42,231 to $29,423 (30.3% decrease). The main cost driver was intravenous immunoglobulin.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that RTX is effective in reducing health system resources and the costs associated with the treatment of pemphigus and pemphigoid.
Dermatologic Surgical Pearls: Tips for Closing a Defect under Tension
Authors: Nantel-Battista Melissa , Murray Christian
Published: March 2015

Dermatologic surgery procedures can sometimes be time consuming in an office setting. We present a series of tips for dermatologists and dermatologic surgeons that will enhance the efficiency of simple procedures. This article reviews three methods to aid in the closure of defects under tension.

Les interventions en chirurgie dermatologique peuvent parfois prendre beaucoup de temps en cabinet. Nous présentons une serie de conseils à l'intention des dermatologues et des chirurgiens dermatologues, qui accroîtront l'efficacité de petites interventions. Seront expliquées dans l'article trois techniques visant â faciliter la fermeture des pertes de substance sous tension.
Public Engagement with Dermatology Contents on Facebook
Authors: Kim Whan B. , Marinas Joseph E.C. , Vender Ronald B.
Published: March 2015

Background

The growing presence of dermatology platforms on Facebook has been acknowledged; however, little is known about the extent to which different types of content influence the level of engagement with online users.

Objective

To assess the level of public engagement with different types of content posted on Facebook pages devoted to dermatology.

Methods

A search on Facebook identified existing pages for dermatology academic journals, professional societies, and patient-centered groups. Then the engagement rate was calculated for each content type published on the selected pages.

Results

The median engagement rates were 63.8% for educational posts, 41.3% for interactive posts, 27.4% for news articles, 11. 8% for academic articles, and 9.3% for others.

Conclusion

Educational posts engaged with online users the most effectively. The level of engagement is a key determinant of knowledge dissemination via online tools, and the type of content may influence the level of engagement.
Granular Cell Tumor on the Chest of a 9-Year-Old Female: Case Report and a Retrospective Analysis
Authors: Al-Dawsari Najla A. , Amra Nasir
Published: March 2015

Background

Granular cell tumor is a benign tumor originating from Schwann cells. Children and adolescents are rarely affected. We report a 9-year-old female who presented with a cutaneous granular cell tumor on the chest.

Objective

To determine the incidence of granular cell tumor and proportion of tumors seen in the pediatric population at our center.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the surgical pathology records from 1997 to 2014 at our center.

Results

The incidence of granular cell tumor is five cases per million person-years (95% CI 3-8). Of the 18 cases, 9 cases occurred in the pediatric population.

Conclusion

Fifty percent of granular cell tumor cases diagnosed at our center occurred in the pediatric population. Granular cell tumor may not be as rare as we expect in the pediatric population.
SUMO-Specific Protease 2 (SENP2) Is an Important Regulator of Fatty Acid Metabolism in Skeletal Muscle
Authors: Koo Young Do , Choi Jin Woo , Kim Myungjin , Chae Sehyun , Ahn Byung Yong , Kim Min , Oh Byung Chul , Hwang Daehee , Seol Jae Hong , Kim Young-Bum , Park Young Joo , Chung Sung Soo , Park Kyong Soo
Published: March 2015

Small ubiquitin-like modifier (SUMO)-specific proteases (SENPs) that reverse protein modification by SUMO are involved in the control of numerous cellular processes, including transcription, cell division, and cancer development. However, the physiological function of SENPs in energy metabolism remains unclear. Here, we investigated the role of SENP2 in fatty acid metabolism in C2C12 myotubes and in vivo. In C2C12 myotubes, treatment with saturated fatty acids, like palmitate, led to nuclear factor-κB–mediated increase in the expression of SENP2. This increase promoted the recruitment of peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor (PPAR)δ and PPARγ, through desumoylation of PPARs, to the promoters of the genes involved in fatty acid oxidation (FAO), such as carnitine-palmitoyl transferase-1 (CPT1b) and long-chain acyl-CoA synthetase 1 (ACSL1). In addition, SENP2 overexpression substantially increased FAO in C2C12 myotubes. Consistent with the cell culture system, muscle-specific SENP2 overexpression led to a marked increase in the mRNA levels of CPT1b and ACSL1 and thereby in FAO in the skeletal muscle, which ultimately alleviated high-fat diet–induced obesity and insulin resistance. Collectively, these data identify SENP2 as an important regulator of fatty acid metabolism in skeletal muscle and further implicate that muscle SENP2 could be a novel therapeutic target for the treatment of obesity-linked metabolic disorders.
Effects of the Lifestyle Intervention Program GLICEMIA in People at Risk for Type 2 Diabetes: A Cluster-Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Schmiedel Karin , Mayr Andreas , Fießler Cornelia , Schlager Helmut , Friedland Kristina
Published: March 2015

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of a 12-month prevention program conducted in 42 community pharmacies in reducing the risk for diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

In a cluster-randomized controlled trial in 1,092 participants, mean change in the risk for diabetes (indicated by the Finnish Diabetes Risk Score [FINDRISC]) between intervention and control groups was calculated. In the intervention program GLICEMIA, three appointments with individual counseling and five educational group sessions were combined, whereas in the control group, only information about the participants’ health was obtained in three assessments.

RESULTS

After adjusting for cluster structure and differences in baseline characteristics, improvement in FINDRISC in the intervention group was 0.74 points (95% CI 0.42–1.04) above the control group.

CONCLUSIONS

The GLICEMIA program shows the feasibility of a pharmacy-based intervention and leads to a significant modest reduction in diabetes risk score but does not reduce the rate of diabetes progression over 1 year.
Kidney Injury Molecule-1 and the Loss of Kidney Function in Diabetic Nephropathy: A Likely Causal Link in Patients With Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Panduru Nicolae M. , Sandholm Niina , Forsblom Carol , Saraheimo Markku , Dahlström Emma H. , Thorn Lena M. , Gordin Daniel , Tolonen Nina , Wadén Johan , Harjutsalo Valma , Bierhaus Angelika , Humpert Per M. , Groop Per-Henrik
Published: March 2015

OBJECTIVE

We evaluated the predictive value and clinical benefit of urinary kidney injury molecule (KIM)-1 for progression of diabetic nephropathy (DN) in type 1 diabetes. We also investigated its causal role for the decrease of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) by a Mendelian randomization (MR) approach.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We followed 1,573 patients with type 1 diabetes for 6 years. KIM-1 was measured at baseline and normalized with urinary creatinine. KIM-1 predictive value was evaluated by Cox regression, while its added predictive benefit was evaluated using a panel of statistical indexes. The causality for the loss of renal function was evaluated with MR, utilizing the top signal from our genome-wide association study (GWAS) as the instrumental variable.

RESULTS

KIM-1 was not an independent predictor of progression of DN when adjusted for albumin excretion rate (AER) and added no prognostic benefit to AER or eGFR. In multiple regressions, KIM-1 was associated with lower eGFR independently of diabetes duration (β = −4.066; P < 0.0001) but not of AER. In our GWAS, rs2036402 in the KIM1 gene was strongly associated with KIM-1 (β = −0.51; P = 6.5 × 10−38). In the MR, KIM-1 was associated with lower eGFR, independently of diabetes duration and AER (β = −5.044; P = 0.040), suggesting a causal relationship.

CONCLUSIONS

KIM-1 did not predict progression to end-stage renal disease independently of AER and added no prognostic benefit to current biomarkers. Nevertheless, the MR showed that the inverse association of increased KIM-1 levels with lower eGFR is likely to represent a causal link.
Parental Characteristics Associated With Outcomes in Youth With Type 2 Diabetes: Results From the TODAY Clinical Trial
Authors: Weinstock Ruth S. , Trief Paula M. , El ghormli Laure , Goland Robin , McKay Siripoom , Milaszewski Kerry , Preske Jeff , Willi Steven , Yasuda Patrice M.
Published: March 2015

OBJECTIVE

This study examined parental factors associated with outcomes of youth in the Treatment Options for type 2 Diabetes in Adolescents and Youth (TODAY) clinical trial.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Of 699 youth with type 2 diabetes in the TODAY cohort, 623 (89.1%) had a parent participate and provide data at baseline, including weight, HbA1c, blood pressure, symptoms of depression, binge eating (BE), and medical history. Youth were followed 2–6.5 years. Data were analyzed using regression models and survival curve methods.

RESULTS

Parental diabetes (43.6% of parents) was associated with higher baseline HbA1c (P < 0.0001) and failure of youths to maintain glycemic control on study treatment (53.6% vs. 38.2% failure rate among those without a diabetic parent, P = 0.0002). Parental hypertension (40.6% of parents) was associated with hypertension in youth during TODAY (40.4% vs. 27.4% of youth with and without parental hypertension had hypertension, P = 0.0008) and with higher youth baseline BMI z scores (P = 0.0038). Parents had a mean baseline BMI of 33.6 kg/m2. Parental obesity (BMI >30 kg/m2) was associated with higher baseline BMI z scores in the youth (P < 0.0001). Depressive symptoms in parents (20.6% of parents) were related to youth depressive symptoms at baseline only (P = 0.0430); subclinical BE in parents was related to the presence of subclinical BE (P = 0.0354) and depressive symptoms (P = 0.0326) in youth throughout the study period.

CONCLUSIONS

Parental diabetes and hypertension were associated with lack of glycemic control, hypertension, and higher BMI z scores in youth. Further research is needed to better understand and address parental biological and behavioral factors to improve youth health outcomes.
Hyperglycemia Potentiates the Slowing of Gastric Emptying Induced by Exogenous GLP-1
Authors: Plummer Mark P. , Jones Karen L. , Cousins Caroline E. , Trahair Laurence G. , Meier Juris J. , Chapman Marianne J. , Horowitz Michael , Deane Adam M.
Published: March 2015

OBJECTIVE

Acute hyperglycemia markedly slows gastric emptying. Exogenous GLP-1 also slows gastric emptying, leading to diminished glycemic excursions. The primary objective was to determine whether hyperglycemia potentiates the slowing of gastric emptying induced by GLP-1 administration.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Ten healthy participants were studied on 4 separate days. Blood glucose was clamped at hyperglycemia using an intravenous infusion of 25% dextrose (∼12 mmol/L; hyper) on 2 days, or maintained at euglycemia (∼6 mmol/L; eu) on 2 days, between t = −15 and 240 min. During hyperglycemic and euglycemic days, participants received intravenous GLP-1 (1.2 pmol/kg/min) and placebo in a randomized double-blind fashion. At t = 0 min, subjects ingested 100 g beef mince labeled with 20 MBq technetium-99m–sulfur colloid and 3 g 3-O-methyl-glucose (3-OMG), a marker of glucose absorption. Gastric emptying was measured scintigraphically from t = 0 to 240 min and serum 3-OMG taken at regular intervals from t = 15 to 240 min. The areas under the curve for gastric emptying and 3-OMG were analyzed using one-way repeated-measures ANOVA with Bonferroni-Holm adjusted post hoc tests.

RESULTS

Hyperglycemia slowed gastric emptying (eu/placebo vs. hyper/placebo; P < 0.001) as did GLP-1 (eu/placebo vs. eu/GLP-1; P < 0.001). There was an additive effect of GLP-1 and hyperglycemia, such that gastric emptying was markedly slower compared with GLP-1 administration during euglycemia (eu/GLP-1 vs. hyper/GLP-1; P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Acute administration of exogenous GLP-1 profoundly slows gastric emptying during hyperglycemia in excess of the slowing induced by GLP-1 during euglycemia. Studies are required to determine the effects of hyperglycemia on gastric emptying with the subcutaneously administered commercially available GLP-1 agonists in patients with type 2 diabetes.
Effects of Administrator’s Role in Training Programmes and Trainees’ Motivation on Training MaIntenance
Authors: Ismail Azman , Foboy Nurul Afiqah , Abdullah Nur Atiqah , Mat Norazila , Makhbul Zafir Khan Mohamed
Published: March 2015

The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between the administrator’s role (i.e., communication and delivery mode) in training programmes, trainees’ motivation, and training maintenance. Data were collected from 123 employees of various military health centres in Malaysia. The results of SmartPLS path model analysis revealed two important findings: firstly, communication and trainees’ motivation are positively and significantly related to training maintenance. Secondly, delivery mode and trainees’ motivation are positively and significantly related to training maintenance. As a whole, these findings posit that trainees’ motivation does act as an effective mediating variable in the relationship between the administrator’s role in training programmes and training maintenance in the studied organizations. Further discussions, implications and conclusion are presented in the succeeding sections.
Nasal Mucosa Narrow Band Imaging in Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis (Wegener Granulomatosis): A Preliminary Study
Authors: Trimarchi Matteo , Bozzolo Enrica , Pilolli Francesco , Bertazzoni Giacomo , Campochiaro Corrado , Sabbadini Maria Grazia , Bussi Mario
Published: March 2015

Background

Narrow band imaging (NBI) endoscopy is a technique that allows for real-time visualization of mucosal and submucosal vascular patterns.

Objective

Because granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) (Wegener granulomatosis) is an autoimmune disease defined by vascular inflammation, we examined patients with GPA and with NBI to evaluate whether disease-specific mucosal vascular patterns were present. To the best of our knowledge, the use of NBI endoscopy for assessment of an immune system disease such as GPA has never been previously attempted.

Methods

We conducted a prospective observational study by performing an endoscopic evaluation of upper airways with NBI on patients diagnosed with GPA; on patients with symptoms and signs suggestive for GPA, who were scheduled to undergo nasal biopsy to confirm diagnosis; on patients affected by chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps; and on healthy controls.

Results

We enrolled 69 patients. NBI vascular patterns in patients with GPA were consistently and recognizably different from healthy mucosal patterns in 53% of our cases. In patients with GPA, biopsy and NBI results were for the most part comparable, except for three cases.

Conclusion

Nasal mucosa NBI endoscopy can be considered a promising rapid and noninvasive live imaging technique for nasal mucosa GPA that, based on further study, could become a supplementary diagnostic tool in the complex workup of GPA and vasculitis.
A Rigorous Correlation for Quantification of Skin in Pre-analysis of Hydraulic Fracturing
Authors: Khan Rizwan Ahmed , Alnuaim Sami , Rammay Muzammil Hussain
Published: March 2015

Hydraulic fracturing is practiced to stimulate unconventional and tight oil and gas reservoirs. This technique increases the deliverability of reservoir by inducing reduction in pressure drawdown and exposing more reservoir contact; hence, improving the well productivity index. Fracturing can also help to break through and pass near well-bore severe formation damage and can make low permeability and tight reservoirs economically viable.

Prior to execution of fracturing job, the feasibility of the operation can be accessed through analyzing the effect of skin on overall deliverability of the system. Valuable extent of research has already been done to analytically model or numerical simulate the whole scheme for evaluating this effect. While the orthodox analytical approach to address this problem incorporates simple assumptions, an attempt has been made to build a semi analytical correlation.

This paper proposes a mathematical correlation to determine equivalent skin in hydraulic fractured system for pre-analysis of hydraulic fracturing obtained through numerical simulation modeling. The paper describes two 3D simulation models scenarios; Scenario 1 is without hydraulic fracture and Scenario 2 is with hydraulic fractures. Both scenarios consider the anisotropy (different Kx and Kv) in the system. Scenario 1 has been run for the whole range of matrix permeabilitity values from 0.001 to 1 md. Scenario 2 has been run with different sets of varying fracture's lengths, fracture widths and fracture permeability as well as matrix permeabilities. The two scenarios with corresponding matrix permeability are comparatively analyzed and skin has been determined by calculating fold of increase. Total number of 29040 Data points are obtained by the 29040 number of simulation runs by coupling the commercial reservoir simulator with Matlab. Multivariate regression technique is used to obtain generalized correlation for skin as a function of hydraulic fracture and matrix permeabilities properties. 20000 data points are used to develop proposed correlation and remaining 9040 data points are used to validate and test the proposed correlation.

The newly derived correlation was compared with prevailing analytical approach for skin estimation. It has been found that the degree of absolute percentage error, average percentage error and standard deviation by using of this new correlation has reduced to 3.21%, 3%, and 6.4 respectively.
A Comparison of North American and International Risks in Unconventional Resource Plays
Authors: Meehan D  Nathan
Published: March 2015

Unconventional resources are defined to include coal-bed methane (CBM), tight gas and source rock- (often shale) based reservoirs. Tight gas and CBM have not been "unconventional" in the United States and Canada for more than a decade and are being developed in many countries as more or less conventional plays. Source rock-based plays (shale oil, shale gas) in North America have become widely commercialized and contribute substantially to both gas and hydrocarbon liquid production. Vast quantities of shale resources outside of the United States and Canada have been identified but generally remain at early stages of development. Although large numbers of horizontal, multi-stage hydraulically fractured shale wells have been drilled commercially, such plays remain unconventional for a variety of reasons.

Shale plays differ from tight gas, CBM and historically conventional plays for the same reasons. Unlike the other plays whose characteristics that result in success are well known, shale plays only have indicators pointing to success. The reasons for variability in individual well performance for shale plays are poorly known. Methodologies to "derisk" potential plays vary. Mathematical models to predict performance for shale plays are less rigorous and operators often rely on overly simplified approaches.

Highly competitive North American markets with scores of well-funded competitors and relatively easy access to land and technology have resulted in rapid evaluation of many shale plays at the cost of a substantial number of underperforming wells. In the study, several plays are presented, showing how quickly derisking occurs, what factors contribute to them and how they impact long-term efficiency.

A consistent method for gathering data (seismic, test wells, cores, logs, geomechanical information) is proposed to minimize excess costs and maximize NPV. The approaches to optimize development are applied to shale plays with synthetic properties established on observed heterogeneities but reservoir characteristics for some international shale prospects. The economics are tested with various strategies to illustrate the differences in value obtained.
First Successful Proppant Fracture for Unconventional Carbonate Source Rock in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Al-Mulhim Nayef Ibrahim , Al-Saihati Ali Hussein , Hakami Ahmed M. , Al-Harbi Moataz , Asiri Khalid Saeed
Published: March 2015

Widely recognized as the world leader in crude oil production, Saudi Aramco has only recently begun to explore for unconventional gas resources. Saudi Aramco started evaluating its unconventional reservoirs to meet the anticipated future demands for natural gas. One of the subject plays that is currently being evaluated is a carbonate source rock with nanodarcy permeability and very low porosity. The target formation has few, if any, analogs that can be used for comparison. Knowledge of the formation characteristics, geomechanics, stimulation response and production potential has been nonexistent until recently. Historically, all attempts to hydraulically fracture stimulate carbonate formations in Kingdom have resulted in premature screen-outs. This paper will discuss the hydraulic fracturing stimulation design, execution and evaluation of the first successful proppant fracturing treatment in an unconventional carbonate source rock in Saudi Arabia. The successful two-stage treatment proved that proppant fracturing techniques could be utilized to stimulate carbonate formations after modifying the stimulation design, specifically the perforation strategy, fracturing fluids and proppant type. The Tuwaiq Mountain and Jubailah formations were treated with 104,000 lbs and 114,956 lbs of proppant respectively.

INTRODUCTION

Saudi Aramco's unconventional gas exploration efforts were influenced by the growing local gas demand and the economic success of shale exploration in the United States, Canada, Europe and Australia. Saudi Aramco started evaluating its unconventional reservoirs and their potential to reduce oil consumption in the electricity sector and to fuel the anticipated future demands for natural gas.

"The multi-stage fracturing technique has facilitated the development of shale gas and light tight oil production in the United States and is believed to do so in the other countries with unconventional hydrocarbon resources" (1).

Saudi Aramco has embarked on an unconventional exploration and appraisal project to assess its unconventional resources potential in three geographic areas, Northwest, South Ghawar and East Ghawar. Hydraulic fracturing techniques will be utilized to enhance production by connecting natural fissures and creating high connectivity pathways for gas to flow into the well.
Comparison of Recursive RMS vs. Monte Carlo Errors for Saturation Height Function and Its Implications in Oil Field Activities
Authors: Altunbay Michael Mehmet , Bonnye Yoel , Poit Raymond Elug
Published: March 2015

Uncertainties in hydrocarbon saturation calculations have to be quantified and managed prior to STOIP/GIP estimations for economics evaluation of reserves. There are numerous statistical tools to do the quantification of variances. This study compares the root-mean-squared (RMS) error in the results of saturation-height-function (SHF) as functions of input variances against Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) treatment of the same. Deterministic aggregation of errors in SHF (or variances of results -Sw-) via RMS against the simulations of solutions of SHF with randomly selected inputs of a given range (MCMC) are compared to evaluate the error margins in deterministic against probabilistic treatments of the same data and equations.

RMS-driven error estimations are more sensitive than Monte Carlo (MC) simulations of errors when a large error in one of the inputs may produce disproportionate weight on the formulations originating from partial derivatives of the equation. However, Monte Carlo approach has also theoretically questionable treatment of data due to conceptual violation of independency of the individual variables in subject equation because of inter-dependencies of permeability to porosity in our models. However, these potential issues are circumvented by the proper range for the systematic errors (due to measurement and treatments) in RMS and by using Markov Chain method in MC, respectively.

The comparison of variances (error margins) from RMS versus MCMC methods are presented for different forms of SHF (e.g., Leverett-J and modified forms). This study presents the ranges of Sw determined from two different approaches as avenues of selecting the more appropriate methodology for a specific case. The width of the confidence intervals from RMS is proportional to the RMS-driven error margins while Monte Carlo simulation of the Sw by SHF also yielding the boundaries where the outcome of a specific J-function would lie.

Introduction

Estimations of in-place hydrocarbon volume and reservoir modeling require calculations of uncertainties in petrophysical properties together with other relevant data. Based on outcome of uncertainty computations, field development and required data acquisition need to be managed by putting either tighter constrains on data acquisition and interpretation methods or changing the course of actions and directions of field progress. The impact of uncertainties on net present value or anticipated return on total investments is large enough to demand the quantification of uncertainties at every stage of the field activities and development.