bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Successful Application of Material Balance Calculation to a Fractured Dual Porosity Field
Authors: Heinemann Zoltán E. , Mittermeir Georg M. , Gharsalla Mohamed M.
Published: July 2015

Recently Mittermeir (2014) introduced a new material balance (MB) method applicable to naturally fractured dual porosity reservoirs which correctly considers the matrix-fracture fluid transfer too. The MB model is built by two columns, representing the matrix and the fracture continua. The overall MB is calculated as usual, determining the relation between pressure, OOIP, production and water influx. On top of that the fluid distribution in the fracture and matrix will be considered also. In the fracture full phase separation is assumed and the actual phase contacts define three sections. In the bottom section the fracture injects water by capillary imbibition, in the top section the gravitation forces the gas to invade the matrix and in the middle section expansion drive is active. The fracture-to-matrix injection rates are determined from the relation recovery factor versus injected pore volume (called recovery curves). They are derived from laboratory and field data or estimated on the basis of sound engineering judgment. The paper presents the calculation scheme and a successful application to the Sabah field (Libya) that had more than 500 MMstb original oil in place and a 35-year history of production. The new MB method matches both the reservoir pressure and the positions of the phase contacts. It also provides aquifer and matrix-fracture fluid transfer models. For the first time ever it becomes possible to realistically – this means by fully considering the governing recovery mechanisms and thus the matrix-fracture transfer – calculate material balance for naturally fractured dual porosity reservoirs.
Efficient Workflow for Assisted History Matching and Brownfield Design of Experiments for the Tengiz Field
Authors: Kassenov Baurzhan , King Gregory R. , Chaudhri Moon , Abdrakhmanova Aizada , Jenkins Steve , Bateman Phil , Iskakov Elrad
Published: July 2015

The main goal of history matching is to calibrate a reservoir model to production data and provide a model on which field development decisions can be made. Most of the history matching effort conducted in the industry is based on a single deterministic simulation model. With recent developments in probabilistic history matching techniques, faster computers, and efficient numerical algorithms, the opportunity to exploit these resources for efficient history matching workflows becomes available.

In this paper we present a combined approach of assisted history matching followed by Brownfield Design of Experiment (DoE or ED) for model development for the Tengiz field. The Tengiz oilfield, located along the northeastern margin of the Caspian Sea, is the world's deepest producing supergiant oil field. The underlying simulation model of the field uses a dual-porosity, dual-permeability compositional formulation.

The first step in the workflow was performing sensitivity study using one variable at a time analysis (OVAT) to reduce the number of uncertainties. This was followed by several Design of Experiments cycles to minimize the model misfit in static bottomhole pressures and MDT pressures and to modify the uncertainty ranges for the uncertain variables impacting the history match. The history match for the Tengiz field was achieved without any local modifications.

The next step in the workflow was simulating the Brownfield DoE to create probabilistic reservoir models. The objective of this step was to develop multiple history matched models that generate a range of prediction outcomes. Two sets of prediction scenarios were considered: a base case which included all business plan work and a future development case. 203 DoE cases were run for each of the development scenarios. All DoE cases were used to generate proxy equations for the pressure mismatch functions (relative error and L2-norm) and cumulative oil production for the base case and the future development case. Multiple proxies were used to select probabilistic reservoir models while maintaining a good history match. The resulting probabilistic models will be used for reserves estimations, production optimization from existing infrastructure, design of future projects (ongoing drilling and expansion of an existing miscible flood), and to assess any future opportunities.
Openhole Multistage Fracturing Completion with Swelling Packers and Sliding Sleeves in Carbonate Reservoir - A Case History from the Karachaganak Field
Authors: Etuhoko Mike , Viti Massimo , Akutin Alexandr , Zmeyevskiy Sergey , Caproni Cristiano
Published: July 2015

This paper describes the application of openhole Multi-Stage Fracturing completions with swelling packers and sliding sleeves in the carbonate formation of the Karachaganak field, Kazakhstan. It focuses on the benefit brought to the field by the new completion concept. It also explains the methodology and strategies adopted for executing fracturing stimulation within the limited capacity of material supply and logistic challenges in a harsh environment and remote location.

The completion strategy in the Karachaganak field has been evolving from simple vertical (cased hole / openhole) completions, to selective and non-selective multilateral wells, and most recently to extended horizontal wells. Acid stimulation, both matrix and fracturing, are the common method to improve well productivity in this highly heterogeneous formation. Multi-stage acid fracturing was identified as a potential technique to achieve the objective of unlocking production from extended horizontal openhole section in the low permeability regions of the field.

The new completion technology combines the use of swelling packers and ball activated stimulation sliding sleeves (with a mechanical shift option) to achieve intervention-free multi-stage fracturing in the openhole. The swelling packer and stimulation sliding sleeve provide a reliable isolation and fracturing point respectively for a selected fracturing zone.

Post-stimulation inflow profile indicated contribution from almost all the treated zones as a result of diversion effectiveness. The first application of this technology in one of the Karachaganak wells resulted in a significant initial production and the well was recorded as one of the best Object 3 oil producers in the field. Ten (10) subsequent completions were deployed after the first installation. The stimulations performed to date have shown that Swelling Packers are reliable for zonal isolation and allow a good coverage of the entire horizontal section.
The Introduction of a High Build-up Rate Rotary Steerable System as a Step Change in the Karachaganak Field Development
Authors: Aidoo Ato , Kereyeva Balzhan , Zhantolin Yerbol , Navrotsky Alexander , Rumvantseva Albina
Published: July 2015

This paper illustrates the introduction of the high build-up rate rotary steerable system (HBR-RSS) into the Karachaganak field (operated by Karachaganak Petroleum Operating b.v. – KPO b.v.) in Western Kazakhstan – the first introduction of this technology into Kazakhstan. The first run was in a 1380m-long re-entry sub-horizontal production lateral was drilled by HBR-RSS in 6″ hole, followed afterwards by a logging-while-drilling washdown run.

The well design required a sidetrack off a whipstock out of 7″ Liner at 4800m measured depth with a 6″ bottom-hole-assembly (BHA). The proximity of the re-entry well targets required a directional profile with dogleg severity of 6deg/30m and above. Despite the time and tortuosity gains from using rotary steerable technology in previous wells on this project, it was clear that the build section could only be drilled with mud motors for dogleg assurance reasons. In addition to being able to follow the directional plan, the introduction of HBR-RSS enabled other challenges, such as weight transfer, the effects of higher-than-required tortuosity, and the need for multiple bit runs, to be overcome.

All stages of the job was precisely planned and reviewed between the service provider and customer. The HBR-RSS tool performed as planned and the well was completed in one run, with an effective rate of penetration (ROP) of 8.6 metres per hour.

The introduction of HBR-RSS tools on Karachaganak project has allowed KPO b.v. to rethink the drilling of the reservoir zones in the field development plan – both in the design of new wells and in providing options for existing wells previously considered unfeasible, such as restoring production from existing stock of FSU wells by drilling even higher build-rate sidetracks.
Delivering Process Safety Through a Foundation in Data
Authors: Sarbanoglu Hakan
Published: July 2015

Process Safety is critical to meeting key operational excellence objectives in today’s oilfield, and it is necessary to implement the right processes, organizational capability and technical improvements.

One approach to increasing the effectiveness of Process Safety is a new Business Intelligence (BI) capability called Process Safety Dashboard (PSD). Tengizchevroil (TCO) has now defined, designed, developed and deployed a first release PSD solution in the 2013-2014 period. Users of PSD can interactively visualize and analyze leading and lagging indicators of process safety incidents. The lagging metrics chosen for this integration include Loss Of Containment (LOC) events and their undesired consequences like spills, gas releases, fires and explosions and workforce injuries. The goal is to align and correlate these metrics with a longer list of leading indicators that include metrics like Temporary Leak Repairs, Overdue Process Hazard Analysis, Overdue Tests and Inspections of Critical Equipment and Pressure Safety Valves, Pressure Relieve Device activations, etc. All the data behind PSD is integrated within and provided through a single and trusted source of information called Data Foundation, which also runs complex business rules to derive some information, like detecting overdue statuses. Users ranging from management level to functional team leads are able to visualize these data sets in time series and drill down and filter in a number of dimensions to identify business insights. This presentation introduces the scope, design and use cases of the TCO Process Safety Dashboard solution.
The Implementation of the Collaborative Working Environment (CWE) in Kashagan Field Development
Authors: Tajima T. , Kushekov A. , Jilkaidarov Z.
Published: July 2015

In the field of communications, specifically real time data management and interface tools, the landscape has changed a lot in the last ten years. This article highlights the development and implementation of the Production Operations Support Center (POSC) in Kazakhstan and details the application of several new technological advances, improving the way we operate to produce hydrocarbons safely and effectively.

The POSC has been built in Atyrau based on the industry leading guidelines on Collaborative Work Environment, which is a forum created to integrate people, processes, technology and facility for improved cross-functional and virtual collaboration, learning and high quality decision-making. This setup allows the company to maximize the available knowledge and operational knowhow between locations, minimizes the duplication of work streams by providing each team with the same "data" information stream at the same time and encourages collaboration in order to analyze process, rotating, corrosion and flow assurance issues as an integrated team. In this way the company can make more effective use of resources which ultimately results in a safe and stable production asset. POSC has already justified its value during Kashagan Start-Up Operations on 24/7stand-by duty with engineering support from the office.

Kashagan is a large green field development in the Northern Caspian Sea covering an area of 75 km in length, 45 km in width at about 5km in depth. The geographical, logistical and environmental challenges make Kashagan one of the most complex projects in the world, requiring state of the art technologies in most of its aspects in order to maximize value for the Republic of Kazakhstan.

In order to provide this important center, POSC project team has delivered an integrated solution of functional communications hardware, across our different locations, supporting software including Real Time surveillance, lean process flow mapping, together with the development of local staff capabilities to ensure value creation and maximization.
Typical chest pain and precordial leads ST-elevation in patients with pacemakers - are we always looking at an acute myocardial infarction?
Authors: Ostojic Marina , Potpara Tatjana , Polovina Marija , Ostojic Mladen , Ostojic Miodrag
Published: July 2015

Introduction. Electrocardiographic (ECG) diagnosis of acute myocardial
infarction (AMI) in patients with paced rhythm is difficult. Sgarbossa?s
criteria represent helpful diagnostic ECG tool. Case report. A 57-year-old
female patient with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation and a permanent pacemaker
presented in the Emergency Department with prolonged typical chest pain and
ECG recording suggestive for AMI. Documented ECG changes correspond to the
first Sgarbossa?s criterion for AMI in patients with dual pacemakers
(ST-segment elevation of ? 5 mm in the presence of the negative QRS complex).
The patient was sent to catheterization lab where coronary angiogram reveled
normal findings. ECG changes occurred due to pericardial reaction following
two interventions: pacemaker implantation a month before and radiofrequency
catheter ablation of AV junction two weeks before presentation in Emergency
Department. Conclusion. This case report points out to the limitations of
proposed criteria that aid in the recognition of AMI in patients with
underlying paced rhythm and possible cause(s) of transient
electrocardiographic abnormalities.
Analysis of over-the-counter medicines use among nursing students
Authors: Mlinar Suzana , Raskovic-Malnarsic Rosanda
Published: July 2015

Background/Aim. The use of over-the-counter (OTC) medication is widespread
among the adult and student populations in Slovenia. The aim of the study was
to analyse the prevalence of OTC medicines use among nursing students with
respect to sociodemographic characteristics. Methods. A total of 241 nursing
students in the Faculty of Health Sciences, Ljubljana, were included in the
cross-sectional study. A questionnaire was created for the purposes of the
study. Statistical analysis was performed with SPSS 20. Descriptive
statistics, t-test and the contingency coefficient were calculated.
Statistical significance was set at the p-value of < 0.05. Results. The study
showed that the use of prescription drugs was significantly higher in women
(p = 0.029), students living in rural areas (p = 0.005) and students who
described themselves as being of bad health (p = 0.008). At the same time, a
third of the respondents had been taking one OTC medicine within the last
month; those taking several prescription drugs commonly administered several
over-the-counter medicines (p = 0.027). Women used OTC medicines to treat
pain and fever (p = 0.001), respiratory issues (p = 0.015), and fungal
infections (p < 0.000) more often than men. OTC medicines were also used to
treat minor mental health issues by a higher proportion of respondents over
21 years of age (p = 0.005) and women (p < 0.000), while over-the-counter
medicines for treating skin conditions were more frequently used in rural
areas (p = 0.006). Conclusion. Nursing students tend to use OTC medicines on
their own accord, receiving instructions for safe use with their purchase,
which points to adequate promotion of safe use of medications in Slovenia.
Men's assessment of their personal health tends to be better than that of
women, who also use medication more frequently. A connection between poor
health and a higher incidence of the use of OTC medicines was established.
The use of OTC medicines to treat minor mental health issues increased with
age and was more typical of women. The results obtained demonstrate the
importance of personal control over the safe use of medicines, motivation for
personal good health and a healthy lifestyle.
Causes and Consequences of the CEO Also Being the Chair of the Board
Authors: Ghosh Aloke , Karuna Christo , Tian Feng
Published: July 2015

We examine whether a firm's operating environment influences the likelihood that the CEO is also the chair of the board of directors. Specifically, using robust regression techniques, we find that when a firm has greater advisory needs and is more reliant on managerial initiatives for innovation, the firm is more likely to appoint its CEO as the chair. We also examine whether CEO-Chairs use their greater bargaining power from holding dual positions to benefit themselves at the expense of shareholders. We find no evidence to suggest that CEO-Chairs are more likely to extract rents compared to CEOs who are not chairs. Collectively, these findings indicate that the decision by firms to appoint their CEOs as chairs is determined by the firms' operating environment and that there is no evidence to suggest that CEO-Chairs use their power from holding dual positions to the detriment of shareholders.
Correlation of Computed Tomography findings with Glasgow Coma Scale in patients with acute traumatic brain injury
Authors: Sah SK , Subedi ND , Poudel K , Mallik M
Published: July 2015

OBJECTIVE To correlate Computed Tomography (CT) findings with Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) in patients with acute traumatic brain injury attending in Chitwan Medical College teaching hospital Chitwan, Nepal.MATERIALS AND METHODS A cross-sectional study was performed among 50 patients of acute (less than24 hours) cases of craniocerebral trauma over a period of four months. The patient’s level of consciousness (GCS) was determined and a brain CT scan without contrast media was performed. A sixth generation General Electric (GE) CT scan was utilized and 5mm and 10mm sections were obtained for infratentorial and supratentorial parts respectively.RESULT The age range of the patients was 1 to 75 years (mean age 35.6± 21.516 years) and male: female ratio was 3.1:1. The most common causes of head injury were road traffic accident (RTA) (60%), fall injury (20%), physical assault (12%) and pedestrian injuries (8%). The distribution of patients in accordance with consciousness level was found to be 54% with mild TBI (GCS score 12 to 14), 28% with moderate TBI (GCS score 11 to 8) and 18% with severe TBI (GCS score less than 7). The presence of mixed lesions and midline shift regardless of the underlying lesion on CT scan was accompanied by lower GCS.CONCLUSION The presence of mixed lesions and midline shift regardless of the underlying lesion on CT scan were accompanied with lower GCS. Patients having single lesion had more GCS level than mixed level and mid line shift type of injury.Journal of College of Medical Sciences-Nepal, 2014, Vol.10(2); 4-9
Nutritional supplementation practices during pregnancy in Village Development Committees of Morang District, Nepal
Authors: Sah RB , Subedi L , Shah U , Jha N , Pokharel PK
Published: July 2015

BACKGROUND Pregnancy is a critical period for both woman and baby from a nutritional perspective. Poor nutrition, during pregnancy is associated with adverse maternal and fetal outcomes. However, due to various factors, pregnant women do not increase the quality or quantity of diet during pregnancy. OBJECTIVE To find out the prevalence of nutritional supplementations taken during pregnancy and to find out the association between sociodemographic characteristics and nutritional supplementations taken during pregnancy. MATERIALS AND METHODS The cross-sectional study was conducted from 1st March to 14th March, 2014 among the residents of Rangeli VDC of Morang District in Eastern Nepal where 300 households were taken as subjects. Semistructured questionnaire was used and face to face interview was conducted. Chi-square test was applied to find out the association between sociodemographic characteristics and nutritional supplementations taken during pregnancy. RESULT The problem of not taking extra nutritional supplementations during pregnancy is common and has become a key public health concern. Lack of education of wife and husband led some of the respondents not taking more nutritional supplementations during pregnancy. CONCLUSION The problem of not taking extra nutritional supplementations during pregnancy is common and has become a key public health concern. Lack of education of wife and husband led some of the respondents not taking more nutritional supplementations during pregnancy.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jcmsn.v10i2.12948 Journal of College of Medical Sciences-Nepal, 2014, Vol.10(2); 10-17
Outcome of unstable fractures of the distal end of the radius treated with external fixator
Authors: Gupta HK , Shrestha R , Shrestha SK
Published: July 2015

BACK GROUND AND OBJECTIVES Fracture of the distal radius is the most common fracture treated by the orthopedic surgeons. Although there are several treatment options available today, the aim always remains to restore the anatomy and bring back the function to near normal condition. In this prospective study we intend to evaluate the functional and radiological outcome of the unstable fracture of the distal radius when treated with external fixator. MATERIALS AND METHODS In this hospital based, Prospective study conducted in department of Orthopedics, College of Medical Sciences Teaching Hospital, Bharatpur, Chitwan, during the period from January 2011 to September 2012, 54 patients, (33 male and 21 female) with unstable fracture of the distal end of radius were included in the study. All the patients were treated with external fixator and followed for a period of 12 weeks. RESULT Among 54 patients, 52 were followed up for 12 weeks and two patients were lost to follow up after six weeks. The final result was assessed in detail on the basis of Modification, by Sarmiento et al., of the Demerit Point system of Gartland and Werley at the end of 12 weeks. The result was excellent in 25 cases, good in 19 cases and fair in eight cases. There were no poor results in this series. CONCLUSION External fixator is not only easy to use, allows re-reduction, has lower rate of complications and can be stiff enough to maintain the alignment but it is also a cost effective, patient compliant method which causes lesser morbidity to the patient as compared to the other options available.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jcmsn.v10i2.12950Journal of College of Medical Sciences-Nepal, 2014, Vol.10(2); 27-32
Suicide by self-inflicted stab wound to the heart: a rare case of suicide from Nepal
Authors: Jha S , Parajuli SR , Subedi ND
Published: July 2015

Suicide, or the deliberate act of killing oneself, accounts for a substantial number of unnatural deaths each year in many countries. Though death by self-stabbing is quite uncommon, the left part of the chest represents one of the elected sites of self-inflicted wounds because of the knowledge of the situation of the heart and that the injuries to the heart are severe. We present a case of suicidal stab to the left thoracic region involving the heart.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jcmsn.v10i2.12952 Journal of College of Medical Sciences-Nepal, 2014, Vol.10(2); 33-35
Carcinoma of the appendix – A diagnostic challenge
Authors: Bhattarai S , Yadav BK , Kafle P , Maharjan N , Shrestha SJ , Belbase N , Kumar S , Patowary BN
Published: July 2015

INTRODUCTION Primary tumors of the appendix are rare. They are usually diagnosed after pathologic inspection of the appendix removed for suspected appendicitis. The main presentation is that of an acute appendicitis or as a palpable mass, mainly in the right lower quadrant. It mimics ovarian pathology in female because of close proximity to its anatomical structures. CASE PRESENTATION We report a case of 52 years female who presented to us in casualty with complains of pain abdomen and other findings suggestive of acute appendicitis. In spite of extensive preoperative investigations, the diagnosis was confirmed only after opening the abdomen as giant mucocele of appendix demanding right hemicolectomy as a treatment modality. CONCLUSION Although primary tumors of appendix is rare identity in the arena of surgery, it should be in the corner of thought as a possible diagnosis which require extensive surgery when compared to simple Appendicectomy.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jcmsn.v10i2.12953 Journal of College of Medical Sciences-Nepal, 2014, Vol.10(2); 36-40
Doppler ultrasound evaluation of pattern of venous incompetance and relation with skin changes in varicose vein patients
Authors: Pant HP , Sharma S , Bhattarai S , Pandit SP , Maharjan D
Published: July 2015

BACKGROUND Varicosity of lower limb is a common problem in agricultural country like Nepal. Doppler ultrasound is a standard investigation modality for confirmation of diagnosis, evaluation of severity and venous mapping to plan treatment. We aim to find out the epidemiology, common pattern of incompetance, severity assessment by doppler and association of the important doppler variables with skin changes.METHODOLOGY Doppler venous study was done in 56 patients from june 2013 to july 2014. Patients with deep vein thrombosis and peripheral arterial disease were excluded. Altogether 56 patients, 96 limbs were studied. Data was entered in preformed proforma. Doppler study was conducted by senior radiologist with linear probes. Data was entered in SPSS software version 16 and statistical significance was calculated using chi square test.RESULTS Bilateral limb involvement was seen in 40 patients and unilateral in 16 patuents only. Skin related changes were seen in 58 limbs. Saphenofemoral junction incompetance was seen in 79(82.2%) limbs and was most common pattern of incompetance. Overall, superficial veins were involved in 88(91.7%) limbs and deep in 30(31.2%) limbs. Prolonged duration of varicosity (>9 year) (p=0.000), bilateral limb involvement(p=0.024), reflux in deep venous system(p=0.002), larger Greater Saphenous Vein (GSV) size(p=0.003), prolonged duration of reflux(p=0.000) and perforator incompetence (p=0.002) were associated with skin changes. GSV diameter more than 7 mm was associated with reflux significantly (P=0.002).CONCLUSION Superficial vein incompetance is common pattern compared to deep venous system. Sapheno Femoral Junction (SFJ) incompetance is the commonest pattern. Larger caliber of vein, prolonged duration of reflux, reflux in deep venous system and perforator insufficiency are significantly associated with skin changes.Journal of College of Medical Sciences-Nepal, 2014, Vol-10, No-3, 1-7
Autism Spectrum Disorder: the Present Perspective
Authors: Chaudhuri S , Chatterjee N
Published: July 2015

The last decade has witnessed a surge of awareness about autism among the public and professionals. Much revealing research is being done on this issue and the knowledge base has improved substantially and a set of professionals are specializing on the subject, focusing on its causative factors and management. Autism being a disorder stemming from early childhood and the prevalence rate rising alarmingly over the years, Pediatricians are expected to play a vital role in early detection and early intervention in management of the problem. But, unfortunately, autism is not yet considered to be under the purview of pediatricians. As pediatricians, we are often perplexed when faced with such a different child in our office and either overlook the problem or hurry to hand him over to a psychiatrist, not trying to really identify and understand the problem as a medical entity ourselves. Hence better awareness among pediatricians is the need of the day. As specialists have worked with autism over the decades, it has become clear that: autism is a disorder that involves early development, presently there is no medical answer to autism, and the only management strategy hinges largely on effective training. The earlier the training begins the better it is for the child. It is of paramount importance to start training and bring about changes by the time the child is 18 months old. This throws up interesting new challenges to the profession of pediatrics. To identify the early warning signs of autism, it is important that Pediatricians are able to recognize the signs and symptoms of autistic spectrum disorders (ASD), have a strategy for assessing them systematically, be familiar with available tools for screening as well as developmental and educational resources.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jcmsn.v10i3.12775 Journal of College of Medical Sciences-Nepal, 2014, Vol-10, No-3, 37-47
Radial pseudoaneurysm following diagnostic coronary angiography
Authors: Laudari Shankar , Dhungel Sachin , Dubey Laxman , Prasad Guru , Bhattacharya R , Subramanyam S
Published: July 2015

The radial artery access has gained popularity as a method of diagnostic coronary catheterization compared to femoral artery puncture in terms of vascular complications and early ambulation. However, very rare complication like radial artery pseudoaneurysm may occur following cardiac catheterization which may give rise to serious consequences. Here, we report a patient with radial pseudoaneurysm following diagnostic coronary angiography. Adequate and correct methodology of compression of radial artery following puncture for maintaining hemostasis is the key to prevention.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jcmsn.v10i3.12776 Journal of College of Medical Sciences-Nepal, 2014, Vol-10, No-3, 48-50
Bilateral muscular axillary arch: An anatomic study and clinical considerations
Authors: Chunder R , Guha R
Published: July 2015

The axillary arch is a variative muscular slip encountered in the axillary region which usually connects latissimus dorsi to pectoralis major. Reported here is a rare case of bilateral axillary arch splitting the radial nerve into two roots in each side as observed during routine dissection of the axillary region of an old male cadaver. The anatomy, surgical implications, and embryology of the anomalous muscle have been discussed. Clinicians should be aware of its existence as it can give rise to different pathologies. It should be recognised and excised to expose the axillary artery and vein in patients with trauma and to perform axillary lymphadenectomy or axillary bypass. It should be considered in the differential diagnosis of axillary masses or in a history of intermittent axillary vein obstruction.Journal of College of Medical Sciences-Nepal, 2014, Vol-10, No-3, 56-60
Adsorption and Micellization Behavior of Mixtures of Amphiphilic Drugs with Small Amounts of Bile Salts
Authors: Kabir-ud-Din  , Al-dahbali Gamal A. , Naqvi Andleeb Z. , Akram Mohd.
Published: July 2015

Bile acid salts are the most important biological surfactant-like molecules. These compounds play an active role in the cholesterol and lipid solubilization. They are also used as drug carriers. The salts give anionic amphiphilic moiety in aqueous solution and will interact strongly when mixed with cationic amphiphiles. With this aim we have investigated mixed systems of three bile acid salts (sodium cholate (NaC), sodium deoxycholate (NaDC) and sodium taurocholate (NaTC)) with two cationic drugs (adiphenine hydrochloride (ADP) and clomipramine hydrochloride (CLP)) by surface tension measurements. It was found that the two components mix nonideally, i.e., the cmc values of the mixtures decrease with the stoichiometric mole fraction (α1) of bile salts and are lower than cmc* values (cmc at ideal mixing condition). The interaction parameters, βmand βσ, come out to be negative and large in magnitude which is obvious from the fact that the two components are of opposite charge and would experience attractive interactions. The results suggest that the contribution of bile salts in the mixed micelles (X1m) is greater than both the α1and X1id(the contribution in ideal mixing condition). These components also form mixed interface where the contribution of bile salts is more than α1(i.e., X1σ> α1). The minimum area occupied by a monomer decreases with increase in the content of bile salts in the solution. This confirms that the opposite charges on the two components decrease the repulsion among the head groups. All the evaluated thermodynamic parameters (i.e., ΔG0m, ΔGex, ΔG°adsand Gmin) support the above explanations.
Best Combination of Promoter and Micellar Catalyst for Room Temperature Rapid Conversion of D-Lyxose to D-Lyxonic Acid in Aqueous Medium
Authors: Mukherjee Kakali , Saha Bidyut
Published: July 2015

The kinetic study of catalytic oxidation of D-lyxose by hexavalent chromium has been investigated spectrophotometrically under pseudo first order condition at temperature 313 K. The rate of oxidation of D-lyxose is very slow. Picolinic acid (PA), 2,2′-bipyridine (bpy), 1,10-phenanthroline (phen) are used as promoter to accelerate the rate of the reaction. Phen acts as the most effective promoter in aqueous medium. The rate of the reaction is also increased in presence of nonionic surfactant Triton-X-100 (TX-100) and anionic surfactant sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS). They are used as catalyst in this reaction. Thus the observed micellar effects have been explained by considering the hydrophobic and electrostatic interactions between the reactants and surfactants in terms of the proposed mechanism. However, the combination of promoter and surfactants produces a better result. The maximum rate enhancement is obtained in presence of the combination of phen and TX-100.
Tackling Sectarianism in Scotland
Authors: Rosie Michael , Clegg Cecelia , Galloway Ian , Lynch Margaret , Morrow Duncan
Published: July 2015

The Advisory Group on Tackling Sectarianism in Scotland (AGoTS) was established in August 2012 to provide Scottish Ministers with impartial advice on how to develop and assess work to tackle sectarianism in Scotland. Key to the Group's work was understanding the forms that sectarianism may (or may not) take in contemporary Scotland, and how best to address these. This article sets out an overview of the Group, as well as outlining the key contours of this Special Issue of Scottish Affairs.
A Benchmarking Algorithm to Determine Minimum Aggregation Delay for Data Gathering Trees and an Analysis of the Diameter-Aggregation Delay Tradeoff
Authors: Meghanathan Natarajan
Published: July 2015

Aggregation delay is the minimum number of time slots required to aggregate data along the edges of a data gathering tree (DG tree) spanning all the nodes in a wireless sensor network (WSN). We propose a benchmarking algorithm to determine the minimum possible aggregation delay for DG trees in a WSN. We assume the availability of a sufficient number of unique CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access) codes for the intermediate nodes to simultaneously aggregate data from their child nodes if the latter are ready with the data. An intermediate node has to still schedule non-overlapping time slots to sequentially aggregate data from its own child nodes (one time slot per child node). We show that the minimum aggregation delay for a DG tree depends on the underlying design choices (bottleneck node-weight based or bottleneck link-weight based) behind its construction. We observe the bottleneck node-weight based DG trees incur a smaller diameter and a larger number of child nodes per intermediate node; whereas, the bottleneck link-weight based DG trees incur a larger diameter and a much lower number of child nodes per intermediate node. As a result, we observe a complex diameter-aggregation delay tradeoff for data gathering trees in WSNs.
Synthesis Analysis of One Severe Convection Precipitation Event in Jiangsu Using Ground-Based GPS Technology
Authors: Wang Hao , He Jianxin , Wei Ming , Zhang Zhendong
Published: July 2015

Global positioning system (GPS) detection technology has several advantageous characteristics (i.e., all-weather applications, high accuracy, high spatial and temporal resolution, and low cost), and GPS tracking and monitoring techniques for water vapor have developed rapidly in recent years. The GPS-precipitable water vapor (GPS-PWV), obtained through inversion using this technology can reflect the water vapor inflow and outflow in a vertical air column above a certain area in nearly real-time, which is especially important for areas of severe water vapor variation. In this paper, we studied the relationship between GPS-PWV variation and actual precipitation. The specific aim was to identify the underlying physical mechanisms driving the variation and to further strengthen the utility of GPS-PWV in forecasts and warnings of severe convection weather. We concluded that (1) rapid rise in the GPS-PWV in the long-term low-level data predicted the arrival of precipitation and was therefore useful in weather forecasts; (2) the GPS-PWV variation was closely related with the movement of the water vapor transfer belt; (3) the atmosphere showed an unstable energy structure before the GPS-PWV increase; and (4) local motion was strongly related with the development and maintenance of precipitation.
Lindelöf Σ-Spaces and R-Factorizable Paratopological Groups
Authors: Tkachenko Mikhail
Published: July 2015

We prove that if a paratopological group G is a continuous image of an arbitrary product of regular Lindelöf Σ-spaces, then it is R-factorizable and has countable cellularity. If in addition, G is regular, then it is totally w-narrow and satisfies celw(G) ≤ w, and the Hewitt–Nachbin completion of G is again an R-factorizable paratopological group.
The Possible Roles of the Dentate Granule Cell’s Leptin and Other Ciliary Receptors in Alzheimer’s Neuropathology
Authors: Whitfield James , Chiarini Anna , Dal Prà Ilaria , Armato Ubaldo , Chakravarthy Balu
Published: July 2015

Dentate-gyral granule cells in the hippocampus plus dentate gyrus memory-recording/retrieving machine, unlike most other neurons in the brain, are continuously being generated in the adult brain with the important task of separating overlapping patterns of data streaming in from the outside world via the entorhinal cortex. This “adult neurogenesis” is driven by tools in the mature granule cell’s cilium. Here we report our discovery of leptin’s LepRb receptor in this cilium. In addition, we discuss how ciliary LepRb signaling might be involved with ciliary p75NTR and SSTR3 receptors in adult neurogenesis and memory formation as well as attenuation of Alzheimer’s neuropathology by reducing the production of its toxic amyloid-β-derived drivers.
Hybrid Imaging for Patient-Specific Dosimetry in Radionuclide Therapy
Authors: Ljungberg Michael , Gleisner Katarina
Published: July 2015

Radionuclide therapy aims to treat malignant diseases by systemic administration of radiopharmaceuticals, often using carrier molecules such as peptides and antibodies. The radionuclides used emit electrons or alpha particles as a consequence of radioactive decay, thus leading to local energy deposition. Administration to individual patients can be tailored with regards to the risk of toxicity in normal organs by using absorbed dose planning. The scintillation camera, employed in planar imaging or single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), generates images of the spatially and temporally varying activity distribution. Recent commercially available combined SPECT and computed tomography (CT) systems have dramatically increased the possibility of performing accurate dose planning by using the CT information in several steps of the dose-planning calculation chain. This paper discusses the dosimetry chain used for individual absorbed-dose planning and highlights the areas where hybrid imaging makes significant contributions.
Entropy, Information and Complexity or Which Aims the Arrow of Time?
Authors: Mikhailovsky George , Levich Alexander
Published: July 2015

In this article, we analyze the interrelationships among such notions as entropy, information, complexity, order and chaos and show using the theory of categories how to generalize the second law of thermodynamics as a law of increasing generalized entropy or a general law of complification. This law could be applied to any system with morphisms, including all of our universe and its subsystems. We discuss how such a general law and other laws of nature drive the evolution of the universe, including physicochemical and biological evolutions. In addition, we determine eliminating selection in physicochemical evolution as an extremely simplified prototype of natural selection. Laws of nature do not allow complexity and entropy to reach maximal values by generating structures. One could consider them as a kind of “breeder” of such selection.
Informational and Causal Architecture of Discrete-Time Renewal Processes
Authors: Marzen Sarah , Crutchfield James
Published: July 2015

Renewal processes are broadly used to model stochastic behavior consisting of isolated events separated by periods of quiescence, whose durations are specified by a given probability law. Here, we identify the minimal sufficient statistic for their prediction (the set of causal states), calculate the historical memory capacity required to store those states (statistical complexity), delineate what information is predictable (excess entropy), and decompose the entropy of a single measurement into that shared with the past, future, or both. The causal state equivalence relation defines a new subclass of renewal processes with a finite number of causal states despite having an unbounded interevent count distribution. We use the resulting formulae to analyze the output of the parametrized Simple Nonunifilar Source, generated by a simple two-state hidden Markov model, but with an infinite-state machine presentation. All in all, the results lay the groundwork for analyzing more complex processes with infinite statistical complexity and infinite excess entropy.
Fisher Information Properties
Authors: Zegers Pablo
Published: July 2015

A set of Fisher information properties are presented in order to draw a parallel with similar properties of Shannon differential entropy. Already known properties are presented together with new ones, which include: (i) a generalization of mutual information for Fisher information; (ii) a new proof that Fisher information increases under conditioning; (iii) showing that Fisher information decreases in Markov chains; and (iv) bound estimation error using Fisher information. This last result is especially important, because it completes Fano’s inequality, i.e., a lower bound for estimation error, showing that Fisher information can be used to define an upper bound for this error. In this way, it is shown that Shannon’s differential entropy, which quantifies the behavior of the random variable, and the Fisher information, which quantifies the internal structure of the density function that defines the random variable, can be used to characterize the estimation error.
Consistency in Estimation and Model Selection of Dynamic Panel Data Models with Fixed Effects
Authors: Li Guangjie
Published: July 2015

We examine the relationship between consistent parameter estimation and model selection for autoregressive panel data models with fixed effects. We find that the transformation of fixed effects proposed by Lancaster (2002) does not necessarily lead to consistent estimation of common parameters when some true exogenous regressors are excluded. We propose a data dependent way to specify the prior of the autoregressive coefficient and argue for comparing different model specifications before parameter estimation. Model selection properties of Bayes factors and Bayesian information criterion (BIC) are investigated. When model uncertainty is substantial, we recommend the use of Bayesian Model Averaging to obtain point estimators with lower root mean squared errors (RMSE). We also study the implications of different levels of inclusion probabilities by simulations.
An Environmentally-Friendly Tourist Village in Egypt Based on a Hybrid Renewable Energy System––Part One: What Is the Optimum City?
Authors: Diab Fahd , Lan Hai , Zhang Lijun , Ali Salwa
Published: July 2015

The main objective of this work is to select the optimum city from five touristic Egyptian cities (Luxor, Giza, Alexandria, Qena and Aswan) to establish an environmentally-friendly tourist village. The selection of the city, according to the economic cost (cost of energy (COE), net present cost (NPC)) and the amount of greenhouse gases (GHG) emitted, is carried out with respect to four cases, based on the effects of ambient temperature and applying GHG emission penalties. According to the simulation results, using the well-known Homer software, Alexandria is the economic city for hybrid photovoltaics (PV)/wind/diesel/battery and wind/diesel/battery systems, while Aswan is the most economic city for a hybrid PV/diesel/battery system. However, for a diesel/battery system there is no significant economic difference between the cities in the study. On the other hand, according to the amount of GHG emitted from a hybrid PV/wind/diesel/battery system, Qena is the optimum city if the effects of ambient temperature are considered. However, if the GHG emission penalties are applied, Aswan will be the optimum city. Furthermore, Alexandria is the optimum city if the effects of ambient temperature are considered and the GHG emission penalties are applied. Additionally, the effects of ambient temperature and applying GHG emission penalties are studied on hybrid PV/diesel/battery, wind/diesel/battery and diesel/battery systems in this study.
Multi-Objective Reservoir Optimization Balancing Energy Generation and Firm Power
Authors: Li Fang-Fang , Qiu Jun
Published: July 2015

To maximize annual power generation and to improve firm power are important but competing goals for hydropower stations. The firm power output is decisive for the installed capacity in design, and represents the reliability of the power generation when the power plant is put into operation. To improve the firm power, the whole generation process needs to be as stable as possible, while the maximization of power generation requires a rapid rise of the water level at the beginning of the storage period. Taking the minimal power output as the firm power, both the total amount and the reliability of the hydropower generation are considered simultaneously in this study. A multi-objective model to improve the comprehensive benefits of hydropower stations are established, which is optimized by Non-dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm-II (NSGA-II). The Three Gorges Cascade Hydropower System (TGCHS) is taken as the study case, and the Pareto Fronts in different search spaces are obtained. The results not only prove the effectiveness of the proposed method, but also provide operational references for the TGCHS, indicating that there is room of improvement for both the annual power generation and the firm power.