bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improvements of Sampling and Pressure Measurements with a New Wireline Formation Tester Module in Carbonate Reservoirs
Authors: Cig Koksal , Osunluk Halil Ibrahim , Naial Radwan , Ihab Tarek Mohamed , Al Baloushi Ahmed Yahya
Published: March 2015

A multilayer hydrocarbon reservoir in Abu Dhabi land is in an appraisal stage before experiencing an extensive field production operation. The hydrocarbon reservoir, having medium to low permeabilities, consists of a number of carbonate layers with their associated oil-water contacts. One of the challenges is to sample hydrocarbons in tighter layers as well as to measure valid reservoir pressures to determine oil-water contacts. While the goal is to accomplish the objectives with wireline formation testers (WFT) in openhole conditions, stationary times during logging are limited due to wellbore conditions. The time limit has been a longstanding challenge in the layers having especially lower permeabilities (<1md).

A typical sampling operation involves advanced modules of WFT including a Dual-Packer and an Insitu Fluid Analyzer to identify fluid types and provide downhole compositions with densities. Reservoir pressures are measured generally with Single-Probe modules. The new WFT inlet module is introduced first time in Abu Dhabi across the carbonate formations to accelerate the stationary operations. The new inlet module showed an improvement over a Dual-Packer and a Single-Probe modules in several aspects: Stationary times during sampling are reduced due to very low interval volumes in comparison to a Dual-Packer module and up to 60% faster oil breakthrough times are achieved.Tight zone pressures are measured as fast as a Single-Probe module with lower supercharging effects.Set and retract times are shortened so that a new sampling method of a set-retract-reset is developed without exceeding stationary times.

This paper summarizes the recent achievements by reducing risks associated with long stationary times. The field benefits are demonstrated in two separate WFT operations by comparing data qualities and job efficiencies in the same reservoir layers. Results show faster sampling, more accurate pressure and permeability measurements in the carbonate reservoir.
Application Of Technologies For Improved Drilling, Hydraulic Fracturing, And Production Increase - Case Studies From Deep And High Pressure Gas Wells
Authors: Rahim Zillur , Al-Anazi Hamoud , Al-Kanaan Adnan , El-Mofty Wael
Published: March 2015

Integration of technologies and application of innovative practices in drilling, completion, acid stimulation, and hydraulic fracturing have significantly contributed to the successful development of tight gas reservoirs. The well planning and development procedures entail careful selection of several critical parameters such as drilling azimuth, lateral length, well trajectory, drill-in fluids, well completion methods, stimulation fluid properties, fracture placement technique, proppant types, treatment volumes, and pumping schedule. All of these critical parameters impact fracture dimensions, proppant transport and placement, as well as stimulation efficiency and effective post-frac cleanup.

Depending on reservoir rock properties and stress profile in the near wellbore (NWB) and the far field, the effectiveness of hydraulic stimulation in connecting the wellbore to the undamaged virgin reservoir, as well as maximizing reservoir contact area and enhancing flow back of treatment fluids to restore proppant conductivity, dictate the well potential, sustainable gas rate level, and ultimate recovery. Successful fracture stimulation is therefore measured not only by proper pumping and placement of the designed treatment, but more importantly by the post-treatment stabilized production rate after the well is cleaned up and flowed back.
Crises Management in the Oil and Gas Industry
Authors: Odemene Glory C.
Published: March 2015

Crises are situations that disrupt systems, processes, and lifestyles. They adversely impact individuals, assets, prospects, operations, and reputations of organizations and societies on short and long-terms with significant environmental, social, economic, political, and legal consequences hence the need for priority attention to crises management. This study focused on crises in the oil and gas industry with special emphasis on the lingering situation in the Nigerian-Niger Delta between the communities, the oil and gas companies, and the Government. They became international concerns due to kidnappings, fatalities, assets destruction, environmental degradation, and poverty in the oil-rich region. Despite the industry's substantial expenditure on security, kidnapping and vandalism persist as restive youths who feel marginalized, seek to hurt systems they believe, denied them quality life.

Despite general knowledge and blames traded by parties involved, the study used qualitative-historical-narrative-approach to interview representatives of communities, oil and gas companies, and Government to discover root causes of the crises. Coping theory by Lazarus and Folkman and crisis decision theory by Sweeny were utilized to understand the reasoning and responses of the people to the decisions and management strategies of the Government and oil and gas companies.
Collaboration and Smart Fields - Experience from Global Scale-Up
Authors: van den Berg Frans G. , McCallum Giles A. R. , Graves Matt
Published: March 2015

Shell's Smart Fields programme has built elements of Intelligent Energy into the key field developments over the past ten years. Considerable value has been achieved, from new technologies, new ways of working and global implementation.

In Shell, Collaborative Work Environments (CWEs) have been implemented on a large scale, mostly focusing on the production and field surveillance area and on the real time drilling monitoring. More recently, collaborative work environments have been set up to streamline field development planning. The environments have provided significant benefits to the assets, by enabling new ways of working, improved communication and faster decision making.

Shell and Wipro have teamed up to establish a flexible, global, large scale implementation programme. Gradually, the programme has converged on standard solutions and designs for processes and technologies and on a lean implementation methodology.

Strong focus has been placed on embedding the changes into the organisation. Enticing field teams to adopt and keep new ways of working has required some inventive methods and intensive coaching of staff at all levels.

In this paper, we will show:An overview of Shell's Smart Fields programmeExamples of Collaborative Work Environments in the Middle East and other parts of the worldBenefits obtained from collaboration and Smart Fields solutionsPeople focused activities to embed new ways of workingWays to sustain the solutions and the benefitsLessons learned

Shell's Smart Fields Programme

In the past decade, Shell has developed and implemented Smart Fields technologies, making business cases and implementing the technologies as widely as feasible (see for example Potters and Kapteijn 2005). The uptake of the ‘smart’ technologies and sustained benefits was achieved across the global portfolio of assets in Shell. This has led to broad experience of deployment and sustainability, covering many operating environments, in terms of desert to arctic, field development/depletion types and various organisational models (e.g. Gerrard et al. 2010, Perrons 2010 and Cramer, Mabian and Tulalian 2010).

This has led to major contributions to the bottom line. The value of Smart Fields for Shell and its partners was assessed as 5bln US$ as a result of the smart technologies (Van den Berg et al., 2010). Learning from successes and failures in implementations, has provided deep insights in optimising of the approach for technology deployment.

Entering the second decade, the focus of the Smart Fields programme is on accelerating the implementation of the matured and new technologies across the world wide asset base, on realising the value and on sustaining the solutions and the benefits (De Best and Van den Berg 2012).
Seismic-Based Stochastic Porosity Prediction in a Giant Field: A Fine-Scale Quantitative Approach in Carbonates.
Authors: Samantaray Shubhabrata , Moyen Remi , Michel Jean-Marc , Bouziat Antoine , Yahia Ashraf , Al Zaabi Naema
Published: March 2015

Stochastic inversion of 3-D seismic data is used increasingly for reservoir characterization. It provides information on the reservoir at a much finer scale than deterministic inversion and delivers multiple scenarios for uncertainty analysis. In this work, a stochastic seismic inversion workflow has been developed to characterize porosity variations in the Thamama reservoir of the giant Field, onshore Abu Dhabi.

In contrast to traditional band-limited inversion, this stochastic inversion workflow first generates high frequency models of acoustic impedance which can be used directly for geomodelling without downscaling. Next, a collocated co-kriging sequential Gaussian simulation technique has been applied to generate fine scale 3-D porosity realizations constrained by the impedance stochastic models and by log porosity data.

In the example, post-stack stochastic inversion is combined with stochastic porosity modeling to characterize the uncertainty in the spatial distribution of thin, low porosity / permeability intra-Thamama layers, which adversely affect the field water flood performance. These thin layers have been mapped using seismic-constrained stochastic workflow. P10, P50 and P90 porosity realizations have been generated which represent more or less pessimistic scenarios of lateral extent of the tight zone along the flank of the field. A number of blind wells demonstrate that the seismic-based workflow provides more accurate porosity predictions than a purely well-based reservoir model. Specific technical contributions of the work include:Demonstrate the value of seismic information for characterizing mature carbonate reservoirsImplement field-specific stochastic workflow to characterize uncertainty in spatial extent of thin reservoir flow barriers from 3-D seismic dataPerform seismic inversion directly in fine-scale stratigraphic grid to facilitate integration with the field geomodel
A Review of Alternative Methods to Classify Rock-Types from Capillary Pressure Measurements
Authors: Lalanne Bruno , Rebelle Michel
Published: March 2015

Lab capillary pressure Pc measurements are routinely performed on core plug samples. Applications of Pc curve measurements are mainly to derive some relationships between water saturation Sw and the height H above the Free-Water-Level FWL. The resulting correlations can then be cross-checked vs. the Elogs-derived Sw so as to confirm the overall consistency of the Sw model. Ultimately, the Sw - H relationship can be used as input to the 3D model.

In addition, screening of Pc - Sw relationships often allows defining robust rock-types, based on observation of Pc clusters vs. the sample porosity, permeability, mineralogy and geological facies. In the case of MICP, the rock-type classification may be further enhanced by looking at the Pore-Throat-Radius PTR distributions, related to the derivative of the Pc curve.

Several methods to derive Sw - Pc relationships and classify Pc clusters are possible (e.g. Leverett, Thomeer, Johnson, Cuddy, Skelt, ..) and have been documented and published in the past.

In this paper, we make a synthetic review of the pros and cons associated to each Pc classification method. Eventually, we propose an innovative way to take the best of several known Pc classification methods in defining a straightforward technique to derive robust Pc clusters and equations.
How Mastering Flow Assurance Software Can Help The Industry Take Up The Challenges Of Marginal And Remote Field Developments And Unlock Reserves?
Authors: Candelier Christophe , Papot Fabien , Musi Andrea , Larrey Dominique
Published: March 2015

With most of the world's largest and easiest-to-exploit deepwater reservoirs already under development or producing, the industry is now facing new challenges. The tie-back of new smaller fields, often with complex fluids, to existing production facilities; or the transportation of multiphase production over long distances using large pipe diameters can appear as a viable route to unlocking reserves, which are often too small to be developed economically as a stand-alone facility.

If the use of subsea technologies and innovative field architectures is a step change in the industry for the development of such complex fields; operators have nevertheless to face inherent challenges. The most demanding are the flow assurance issues arising from the different operating regimes, deeper water, remote locations, harsher environment, etc. which may also be combined with more viscous fluids and/or reservoirs at low pressure and/or low temperature.

Flow assurance engineers use commercially available multiphase flow software for the design of field development facilities. Optimized design recommendations are heavily reliant on the accuracy of these multiphase flow simulators, but usually extensive sensitivity studies are needed to refine the concept in order to ensure compliance with operating constraints.

With increasing demand on flow assurance tools, development works are performed by the code suppliers to improve the simulation accuracy and operators have to undertake systematic internal validation tests and to apply a methodology before qualifying released versions.

This paper examines the accuracy of available commercial multiphase flow simulators against field data (oil dominated and gas dominated fields are considered) and laboratory tests. A methodology is also presented to address operational considerations such as degraded mode, turndown, pigging strategy and restart management as well as to handle uncertainty of multiphase flow simulation in the case of gas field development over long distance via a large diameter pipeline.
Supporting the National Agenda : Education & Capability Building for the Youth of Today.
Authors: Garg Anu , Al-Kaabi Maryam
Published: March 2015

The Technician Preparatory Program at Pearl GTL

Building a competent National Operator and Technician workforce to support the Oil and Gas sector is an increasing priority for resource rich countries globally. School leavers in many parts of the world today find the Petroleum Industry less attractive than other Industries and their need for structural development that builds a solid foundation that is portable across their chosen employer is a critical part of the employee value proposition. Certifications against a clear competence driven program are vehicles that have great appeal.

This paper will describe the partnership between the Qatar Petroleum Corporate Training Department, CNA-Q, (State College), QiTS (technical school) and Royal Dutch Shell in delivering a new generation of competent national technician and operations staff. The purpose of the TPP program is to build the foundation skills necessary for working at the technician and operations (certificate) level in the Energy and Industry Sector in Qatar.

The competence based training program leads to the Technical and Further Education (TAFE) certification. Harnessing the principles of blended learning, its building block approach has a particular emphasis in practical workplace learning.

The combination of a state run college program, based on international industry standards and direct workplace application enables the progression from knowledge to skill in a thorough manner. In addition to Line Supervision, the paper will describe the TPP Support Team whose role is to coach and monitor to ensure competence levels are attained and customized to the needs of the asset team when needed. Aligning theoretical content with plant specific (Pearl GTL) needs ensures a seamless start at the workplace for the individual.

Following graduation, the next phase of development is outlined via a clear Work Area Learning Program (WALP). These highly tailored WALPs are the primary tools for an operator trainee to acquire deeper proficiency in the work place whilst building on the basis. This increases their time to proficiency and builds a solid foundation for their future progression.
Re-Fracturing in Old, Mature and Depleted Carbonate Reservoir in Saudi Arabia for Production Enhancement
Authors: Malik Ataur R. , Ogundare Tolulope M. , Ali Yaseen H. , Waleed Khnaifir K. , Alaa Dashash A. , Sebastian Ricardo , Bukovac Tomislav
Published: March 2015

High temperature, low reservoir pressure, high permeability contrast, high H2S content, long perforated interval, production decline, existing hydraulically induced fractures, FeS scale, and mature and aging completions are some of the tough challenges encountered in certain carbonate reservoirs in Saudi Arabia. These wells require periodic mechanical descaling operations using coiled tubing. The reservoir suffers tremendous damage during the descaling process and requires restimulation to restore and/or enhance production. The damage is noticed to be higher in non-monobore completion. High rate matrix acid stimulation treatment has been often found not effective to restore and/or enhance production. Acid re-fracture treatment is required to bypass damage and achieve effective new etched fracture length, but the aging completion often disqualifies the well to be a candidate for refracturing treatment.

The wells discussed in this paper have been acid fractured in the past and produce for over 20 years with significant production decline. The wells were isolated by pumping large volume of calcium carbonate (CaCO3) chips into the formation prior to the descaling operations. During the descaling of 4.5 in. tubing and 7 in. liner completion, additional near wellbore damage is unintentionally introduced into the formation from the precipitation and broken scale buildup from the wall of the 7 in. liner. Subsequently, acid refracture treatment was effectively placed allowing better and new stimulated rock volume in the depleted formation bypassing the induced near wellbore damaged. The post stimulation flowback analysis showed an improved productivity from mature and depleted reservoirs after the refracturing treatments.

This paper focuses on the challenges of refracturing old, mature and depleted carbonate reservoirs, well candidate selection, and treatment design, execution and evaluation.
Installation of Long Interval Conductor String Across Challenging Offshore Drilling Environment
Authors: Won K. , Muir K. , Chanpen C. , Thet W. , Noble F. , Budi Utama I.  B.
Published: March 2015

Conductor string installation has always proven to be key element process for a successful well construction in offshore project. However, challenging drilling environment such as rough current presents a huge resistance for the conductor string installation with conventional drilling technique. Previous offshore exploration activities have seen many case studies with failure on conductor installation causing significant delay on drilling operation consequently impacted with higher project cost.

Non-retrievable casing drilling technology, has gained wide reception from operators in Asia Pacific region for drilling top hole sections in offshore project recent years. The high value realized in reduction on well construction costs and efficient installation process across challenging drilling environment has contributed to the high popularity of this innovative drilling technique in the region's offshore work.

A non-retrievable casing drilling bit has been successful in previous casing drilling application across Myanmar shallow water. The previous success has raised interest for an attempt in pushing deeper conductor string setting depth to simplify well design and determining the ultimate capability of this system in drilling a 549 m conductor string, the deepest 20-Inch string set with casing drilling technique in Asia Pacific region. A new Leopard SD casing connector with higher torque capacity was first time utilized on a casing drilling application in this project.

This paper introduces the planning and implementation process of the long interval 20" casing drilling through challenging drilling environment in this project. In the paper it also discusses the detail running procedure, drilling parameters involved, operational results of the casing drilling bit, casing connector's performance and lesson learnt from the project.
Managing Risk in a Thermal Oil Sands Development Project Through Appropriate Technical and Well Operating Design
Authors: Zatka Mirko
Published: March 2015

Oil sands bitumen deposits in western Canada represent the third largest hydrocarbon resource in the world and with most requiring in-situ recovery technology, the safe and environmentally-responsible development of this resource is a key opportunity for Canada and the energy industry. Shell Canada Energy has operated thermal wells in Alberta for over 50 years in a number of different, steam- or other energy-based, recovery projects. Facing an ever-increasing regulatory demand for thermal wells that will provide safe long-term operation and stable hydraulic isolation from the thermal zone after abandonment, while meeting Shell's operating principles in protecting groundwater and air and a minimized surface footprint, the technical demands to achieve this continue to grow.

The key to overall technical success and reliable well integrity has been a systematic understanding of the parameters that lead to an appropriate and safe casing design, despite the need to operate the well casing at above-yield conditions. Through a combination of controlled materials testing, evaluation of full-scale connection behaviour under dynamic live conditions, and well monitoring during the operating phase, Shell Canada has been able to develop a comprehensive knowledge base over the past years that has enabled it to achieve a near-zero well failure rate.

This has been complemented by a comprehensive well integrity monitoring program that not only allows periodic confirmation of mechanical integrity of well components, but also detection of inter-well formation anomalies that may lead to well failure or loss of hydraulic isolation if left unidentified.

The know-how will be leveraged in the Carmon Creek thermal development project which is currently in detailed engineering design and, if approved, will start with two back-to-back development phases, each with a nominal target oil production rate of 40,000BPD.

Background

As defined today, the Carmon Creek project will consist of phased development of a very large oil sand deposit requiring in-situ recovery technology. The recovery process will utilize a combination of cyclic steam stimulation (CSS) and steam drive (SD) processes to mobilize and produce bitumen from the reservoir, which is located approximately 575m below surface. Wells will be drilled directionally from surface pads containing up to 48 operating and two observation wells (Figure 1). Aside from the wells, the surface pads will also contain associated facilities to produce and test fluids, and pipelines for steam and produced fluids / gases to/from the pad respectively. Co-generation will be used for power generation and steam production, using recycled produced water for steam and natural gas as fuel (Figure 2). Beam lift will be used for producing the wells when artificial lift is required.
Predicting Lithology And Porosity Of Carbonate Reservoirs Using Geostatistical Stochastic Pre-stack Inversion For Geomodeling Constraint
Authors: Pernia Soto L. R. , Piazza J.  L. , Chenot D. , De Margon C.
Published: March 2015

This paper describes a methodology to characterize lithology variations impacting the porosity distribution in a carbonate reservoir. We performed a stochastic seismic inversion to obtain multiple realizations of elastic properties discriminating between the target lithologies. These multi-realizations were then used in a supervised lithoseismic classification for obtaining cubes of occurrence probability of lithologies. Finally, a pseudo porosity cube is obtained using a linear combination between the acoustic impedance and the lithology probabilities. The entire workflow is performed in a stratigraphic grid layering-consistent with geomodeling grid. Such capability is important for further use of the results as 3D constraint during the geomodel infilling. Lithology probability cubes show proportions in agreement with vertical facies proportions observed from well data.

Introduction

Frequently a clear relationship between the acoustic impedance and the porosity is found in carbonate reservoirs, being the primary objective of reservoir characterization using seismic amplitudes on this kind of depositional contexts. This relationship is particularly complex in the presence of diverse lithologies, with different elastic responses not completely discriminated using only acoustic impedances. A good understanding of the lithologies behaviour in the reservoir is essential for a suitable characterisation of the spatial porosity distribution. Elastic properties inverted from seismic data have demonstrated an added value for lithology discrimination. These can be combined in a further lithoseismic classification approach supervised by well data in order to obtain lithology probability of occurrence in the 3D space.

Another problem to address in carbonate reservoirs is the presence of fine scale heterogeneities that cannot be easily discriminated using a conventional deterministic inversion scheme, which most of the times delivers a band limited result with an insufficient resolution power. Stochastic inversion schemes have been proposed in order to overcome the band-limited nature of classical deterministic inversion (Oldenburg et al., 1983). Multiple realizations of elastic properties from seismic data are generated, which incorporate the high frequency information present on well log data during the inversion process, which may help in the fine scale heterogeneities characterization from seismic data.
Earning a Future in Energy
Authors: Vera Fabian
Published: March 2015

Hydrocarbons represent 80% of energy worldwide and reliance upon them makes them necessary for at least another 50 more years. Among them, unconventional shale gas exhibits the best alternative for better efficiency in parallel of renewables development. Currently, not all shale gas is accessible because of several factors that do not rely only on technology development name the factors here and this underlines the opportunity of its access and production.

This work presents three main dimensions as policy, technology and the willingness of people, that ultimately affect the access, production and sustainability of hydrocarbon energy. Issues such as policy red tape, technology investment for production and wellpad strategies for production safety are the main factors to consideration in the near future. Representation on economic development factors diagnoses how the three dimensions affect access to financing unconventional projects, inflation and policy stability in different countries that leads to complicate, delay or forfeit shale gas development.

This paper introduces a method for estimating the optimum number of hydraulic fracture stages to achieve the best incremental gain, sustained production and environmental protection. Such insight enables a better approach to the reservoir and its long-term shale performance. Performance monitoring enables sustained energy production which influences technology development and access to profitable land.

Other factors such as institutions and policies incentives represent equal or more weight than the ones previously written and also such understating definitively helps to improve access of unconventional oil and gas.
Planning for a cohort study to investigate the impact and management of influenza in pregnancy in a future pandemic
Authors: Knight Marian , Brocklehurst Peter , O’Brien Pat , Quigley Maria A , Kurinczuk Jennifer J
Published: March 2015

Background

Evidence from the 2009 A/H1N1 influenza pandemic demonstrated that pregnant women are particularly vulnerable to infection and at an increased risk of death. Active data collection through the UK Obstetric Surveillance System (UKOSS) about women admitted to hospital during the 2009 A/H1N1 pandemic was used to inform ongoing clinical guidance regarding the use of antiviral treatment for pregnant women and demonstrated that, in addition to an increased risk of maternal morbidity, influenza infection in pregnancy is associated with poor perinatal outcomes, including an increased risk of stillbirth and preterm birth. This evidence influenced the decision to offer routine influenza immunisation to pregnant women. Even in a non-epidemic period, pregnant women continue to die from influenza.

Objective

To establish, and then to put into hibernation, the study mechanisms needed to mount a rapid investigation of the impact of pandemic influenza in pregnancy in the event of a newly emerging pandemic strain.

Design

A new UKOSS cohort study was designed, based on the 2009–10 study, and following consultation with the Pandemic Flu Planning Group at the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and the UKOSS Steering Committee, to identify potential previously unanswered questions.

Setting

UK maternity units.

Participants

All pregnant women admitted to hospital with influenza in a future pandemic.

Main outcome measures

Management of pregnant women with influenza infection, intervention rates, treatment and pregnancy outcome for both the mother and fetus.

Results

The study was designed and approved by the UKOSS Steering Committee and then placed into hibernation for activation in the event of an influenza pandemic.

Conclusions

Pregnant women, as a result of their changed immunological status, appear to be particularly susceptible to infection, including from influenza. The existence of the UKOSS enabled us to rapidly mount a study of pregnant women who were hospitalised with 2009 A/H1N1 influenza. Minor modifications to incorporate previously unanswered questions and our previous study enabled us to design, and then put into hibernation, a new study ready to investigate the impact and management of influenza in pregnancy, which is poised for activation in the event of a newly emerging pandemic strain. This will enable real-time data to be available on which to base rapid changes in clinical management as the as-yet-unforeseen pandemic unfolds. In the event of an influenza pandemic the study will be available to be immediately activated following expedited regulatory approvals.

Trial registration

Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN44137563.

Funding

The National Institute for Health Research Health Services and Delivery Research programme.
CT-Scan Findings of Patients Presented with Hepatic Mass attended at Tertiary Care Hospital in Bangladesh
Authors: Begum Wahida , Hussain Khondker Shaheed , Islam Tariqul , Rupa Sharmin Sultana
Published: March 2015

Background: CT-scan findings give a well delineated impression on hepatic mass. Objective: The purpose of the present study was to observe the CT-scan findings of hepatic mass. Methodology: This cross sectional study was carried out in the department of Radiology and Imaging MMC in collaboration with the same department of BSMMU, DMC, Dhaka during the period of 1st January 2006 to 31st December 2007 to establish the usefulness of CT scan in the diagnosis of hepatic mass and its validity by determining sensitivity, specificity, PV, NPV, and accuracy. A total of 50 patients were admitted in the Department of Medicine and Department of Hepatobiliary of MMCH, BSMMU, and DMCH with the clinical diagnosis of fever, abdominal pain, anorexia, nausea/vomiting, loss of appetite, jaundice, weight loss and ascites. They were sent to the department of Radiology and Imaging and of respected hospitals for CT evaluation, confirmation and to see the extension for planning of proper management. Result: A total number of 50 hepatic mass patients were recruited in this study. CT findings of all patients showed 29 had lesions on right lobe, six patients had on left lobe and 15 patients had lesion on both lobe (p value <0.05). Among all patients 28 had multiple lesion, of them 71.4% was malignant and 28.6% was benign. On the other side 22 patients had solitary lesion, of them 36.4% was malignant and 63.6% was benign (p value <0.05). Among all malignant lesions 17 (60.7%) were hypodense, followed by 6 (21.4%) were isodense and 5 (17.9%) had mixed pattern of density. 12 (42.9%) patients of malignant diseases had ill-defined margin and 16 (57.1%) had well defined margin. 6 (27.3%) patients of benign lesions had ill-defined and 16 (72.7%) had well defined margin. No significant difference was observed. All malignant lesions (100%) and 77.3% benign lesions were enhanced after giving contrast. 16 (57.1%) malignant lesions were mildly enhanced, 10 (35.7%) were moderate and 2 (7.1%) were intensely enhanced. On the other side 8 (47.1%) benign lesions were mild, 35.5% were moderate and 3 (17.6%) were intensely enhanced. Conclusion: In conclusion hepatic mass is more common in right lobe of the liver of which multiple lesion is commonly found.Journal of Current and Advance Medical Research 2015;2(1):7-11DOI:  http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jcamr.v2i1.22580
Parameters Identification for a Composite Piezoelectric Actuator Dynamics
Authors: Saadeh Mohammad , Trabia Mohamed
Published: March 2015

This work presents an approach for identifying the model of a composite piezoelectric (PZT) bimorph actuator dynamics, with the objective of creating a robust model that can be used under various operating conditions. This actuator exhibits nonlinear behavior that can be described using backlash and hysteresis. A linear dynamic model with a damping matrix that incorporates the Bouc–Wen hysteresis model and the backlash operators is developed. This work proposes identifying the actuator’s model parameters using the hybrid master-slave genetic algorithm neural network (HGANN). In this algorithm, the neural network exploits the ability of the genetic algorithm to search globally to optimize its structure, weights, biases and transfer functions to perform time series analysis efficiently. A total of nine datasets (cases) representing three different voltage amplitudes excited at three different frequencies are used to train and validate the model. Four cases are considered for training the NN architecture, connection weights, bias weights and learning rules. The remaining five cases are used to validate the model, which produced results that closely match the experimental ones. The analysis shows that damping parameters are inversely proportional to the excitation frequency. This indicates that the suggested hysteresis model is too general for the PZT model in this work. It also suggests that backlash appears only when dynamic forces become dominant.
Transcriptional Regulation of Chemokine Expression in Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Singha Bipradeb , Gatla Himavanth , Vancurova Ivana
Published: March 2015

The increased expression of pro-inflammatory and pro-angiogenic chemokines contributes to ovarian cancer progression through the induction of tumor cell proliferation, survival, angiogenesis, and metastasis. The substantial potential of these chemokines to facilitate the progression and metastasis of ovarian cancer underscores the need for their stringent transcriptional regulation. In this Review, we highlight the key mechanisms that regulate the transcription of pro-inflammatory chemokines in ovarian cancer cells, and that have important roles in controlling ovarian cancer progression. We further discuss the potential mechanisms underlying the increased chemokine expression in drug resistance, along with our perspective for future studies.
Impact of Pre-Procedure Interventions on No-Show Rate in Pediatric Endoscopy
Authors: Mani Jyoti , Franklin Linda , Pall Harpreet
Published: March 2015

Pediatric endoscopy has evolved into an indispensable tool in the diagnosis and management of gastrointestinal diseases in children. However, there is limited literature focusing on quality improvement initiatives in pediatric endoscopy. The primary goal of this project was to reduce the no-show rate in the pediatric endoscopy unit. Also, we aimed to improve patient and family satisfaction with the procedure by identifying opportunities for improvement. A checklist was designed based on the potential causes of no-show. The endoscopy nurse coordinator reviewed the checklist when scheduling the procedure to identify patients at high risk for non-compliance. Once a risk factor was identified, appropriate actions were taken. She also made a pre-procedure phone call as a reminder and to address any of these risks for non-compliance if present. A patient satisfaction survey was used to identify potential areas for improvement. The no-show rate decreased from an average of 7% in the pre-intervention phase to 2% in the post-intervention phase (p = 0.009). 91% of the patients/family recorded an overall satisfaction of 4 or 5 on a scale of 1–5 5 being best). Quality improvement strategies decreased the no-show rate in the pediatric endoscopy unit. A patient satisfaction survey helped in identifying areas for improvement.
Analysis of Bioactive Components of Oilseed Cakes by High-Performance Thin-Layer Chromatography-(Bio)assay Combined with Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Teh Sue-Siang , Morlock Gertrud
Published: March 2015

Hemp, flax and canola seed cakes are byproducts of the plant oil extraction industry that have not received much attention in terms of their potential use for human food instead of animal feed. Thus, the bioactivity profiling of these oilseed cakes is of interest. For their effect-directed analysis, planar chromatography was combined with several (bio)assays, namely 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl scavenging, acetylcholine esterase inhibition, planar yeast estrogen screen, antimicrobial Bacillus subtilis and Aliivibrio fischeri assays. The streamlined high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC)-bioassay method allowed the discovery of previously unknown bioactive compounds present in these oilseed cake extracts. In contrast to target analysis, the direct link to the effective compounds allowed comprehensive information with regard to selected effects. HPTLC-electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry via the elution-head based TLC-MS Interface was used for a first characterization of the unknown effective compounds. The demonstrated bioactivity profiling on the feed/food intake side may guide the isolation of active compounds for production of functional food or for justified motivation of functional feed/food supplements.
In Vitro Corrosion and Cytocompatibility Properties of Nano-Whisker Hydroxyapatite Coating on Magnesium Alloy for Bone Tissue Engineering Applications
Authors: Yang Huawei , Yan Xueyu , Ling Min , Xiong Zuquan , Ou Caiwen , Lu Wei
Published: March 2015

We report here the successful fabrication of nano-whisker hydroxyapatite (nHA) coatings on Mg alloy by using a simple one-step hydrothermal process in aqueous solution. The nHA coating shows uniform structure and high crystallinity. Results indicate that nHA coating is promising for improving the in vitro corrosion and cytocompatibility properties of Mg-based implants and devices for bone tissue engineering. In addition, the simple hydrothermal deposition method used in the current study is also applicable to substrates with complex shapes or surface geometries.
New Therapies for Dedifferentiated Papillary Thyroid Cancer
Authors: Fallahi Poupak , Mazzi Valeria , Vita Roberto , Ferrari Silvia , Materazzi Gabriele , Galleri David , Benvenga Salvatore , Miccoli Paolo , Antonelli Alessandro
Published: March 2015

The number of thyroid cancers is increasing. Standard treatment usually includes primary surgery, thyroid-stimulating hormone suppressive therapy, and ablation of the thyroid remnant with radioactive iodine (RAI). Despite the generally good prognosis of thyroid carcinoma, about 5% of patients will develop metastatic disease, which fails to respond to RAI, exhibiting a more aggressive behavior. The lack of specific, effective and well-tolerated drugs, the scarcity of data about the association of multi-targeting drugs, and the limited role of radioiodine for dedifferentiated thyroid cancer, call for further efforts in the field of new drugs development. Rearranged during transfection (RET)/papillary thyroid carcinoma gene rearrangements, BRAF (B-RAF proto-oncogene, serine/threonine kinase) gene mutations, RAS (rat sarcoma) mutations, and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 angiogenesis pathways are some of the known pathways playing a crucial role in the development of thyroid cancer. Targeted novel compounds have been demonstrated to induce clinical responses and stabilization of disease. Sorafenib has been approved for differentiated thyroid cancer refractory to RAI.
Effect of Chemical Treatments on Flax Fibre Reinforced Polypropylene Composites on Tensile and Dome Forming Behaviour
Authors: Wang Wentian , Lowe Adrian , Kalyanasundaram Shankar
Published: March 2015

Tensile tests were performed on two different natural fibre composites (same constituent material, similar fibre fraction and thickness but different weave structure) to determine changes in mechanical properties caused by various aqueous chemical treatments and whether any permanent changes remain on drying. Scanning electronic microscopic examinations suggested that flax fibres and the flax/polypropylene interface were affected by the treatments resulting in tensile property variations. The ductility of natural fibre composites was improved significantly under wet condition and mechanical properties (elongation-to-failure, stiffness and strength) can almost retain back to pre-treated levels when dried from wet condition. Preheating is usually required to improve the formability of material in rapid forming, and the chemical treatments performed in this study were far more effective than preheating. The major breakthrough in improving the formability of natural fibre composites can aid in rapid forming of this class of material system.
Characterization of Thermal Stability of Synthetic and Semi-Synthetic Engine Oils
Authors: Tripathi Anand , Vinu Ravikrishnan
Published: March 2015

Engine oils undergo oxidative degradation and wears out during service. Hence it is important to characterize ageing of engine oils at different simulated conditions to evaluate the performance of existing oils and also design new formulations. This work focuses on characterizing the thermo-oxidative degradation of synthetic and semi-synthetic engine oils aged at 120, 149 and 200 °C. Apparent activation energy of decomposition of aged oils evaluated using the isoconversional Kissinger-Akahira-Sunose technique was used as a thermal stability marker. The temporal variation of stability at different ageing temperatures was corroborated with kinematic viscosity, oxidation, sulfation and nitration indices, total base number, antiwear additive content and molecular structure of the organic species present in the oils. At the lowest temperature employed, synthetic oil underwent higher rate of oxidation, while semi-synthetic oil was stable for longer time periods. At higher temperatures, the initial rate of change of average apparent activation energy of synthetic oil correlated well with a similar variation in oxidation number. A mixture of long chain linear, branched, and cyclic hydrocarbons were observed when semi-synthetic oil was degraded at higher temperatures.
Preparation and Electrical Properties of La0.9Sr0.1TiO3+δ
Authors: Li Wenzhi , Ma Zhuang , Gao Lihong , Wang Fuchi
Published: March 2015

La1−xSrxTiO3+δ (LST) has been studied in many fields, especially in the field of microelectronics due to its excellent electrical performance. Our previous theoretical simulated work has suggested that LST has good dielectric properties, but there are rare reports about this, especially experimental reports. In this paper, LST was prepared using a solid-state reaction method. The X-rays diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), broadband dielectric spectroscopy, impedance spectroscopy and photoconductive measurement were used to characterize the sample. The results show that the values of dielectric parameters (the relative dielectric constant εr and dielectric loss tanδ), dependent on temperature, are stable under 350 °C and the value of the relative dielectric constant and dielectric loss are about 52–88 and 6.5 × 10−3, respectively. Its value of conductivity increases with rise in temperature, which suggests its negative temperature coefficient of the resistance. In addition, the band gap of LST is about 3.39 eV, so it belongs to a kind of wide-band-gap semiconductor materials. All these indicate that LST has anti-interference ability and good dielectric properties. It could have potential applications as an electronic material.
Recent Progress in Electrochemical HbA1c Sensors: A Review
Authors: Wang Baozhen , Anzai Jun-ichi
Published: March 2015

This article reviews recent progress made in the development of electrochemical glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) sensors for the diagnosis and management of diabetes mellitus. Electrochemical HbA1c sensors are divided into two categories based on the detection protocol of the sensors. The first type of sensor directly detects HbA1c by binding HbA1c on the surface of an electrode through bio-affinity of antibody and boronic acids, followed by an appropriate mode of signal transduction. In the second type of sensor, HbA1c is indirectly determined by detecting a digestion product of HbA1c, fructosyl valine (FV). Thus, the former sensors rely on the selective binding of HbA1c to the surface of the electrodes followed by electrochemical signaling in amperometric, voltammetric, impedometric, or potentiometric mode. Redox active markers, such as ferrocene derivatives and ferricyanide/ferrocyanide ions, are often used for electrochemical signaling. For the latter sensors, HbA1c must be digested in advance by proteolytic enzymes to produce the FV fragment. FV is electrochemically detected through catalytic oxidation by fructosyl amine oxidase or by selective binding to imprinted polymers. The performance characteristics of HbA1c sensors are discussed in relation to their use in the diagnosis and control of diabetic mellitus.
Purification and Partial Characterization of a New Antitumor Protein from Tegillarca granosa
Authors: Lv Shuangshuang , Gao Jingjing , Liu Ting , Zhu Jianhua , Xu Jian , Song Liyan , Liang Jincai , Yu Rongmin
Published: March 2015

A new protein, coded as D2-3, was obtained from the marine organism Tegillarca granosa L. by anion exchange and hydrophobic chromatography. The purity of D2-3 was over 99.0% as measured by RP-HPLC. Its molecular weight was shown to be 20.320 kDa by ESI-MS/MS, and the isoelectric point of D2-3 was 4.70. The antitumor activity of D2-3 against four human tumor cell lines was measured by MTT assay. The conformational structure of D2-3 was further characterized by UV-vis, FT-IR and CD spectroscopy. Partial amino acid sequences of D2-3 were determined to be LMMTDVEESR, SSHMLSECRRK, KNGRNVDISHKDKG, SSDPTLMDPDDTNKDR, SSDKNTCSKTEYYTR and SSETMPYDVLDTNEMR via MALDI-TOF-MS and de novo sequencing.