bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On Thermodynamics of Undrained Zone in SAGD Process
Authors: Irani Mazda , Ghannadi Sahar
Published: December 2014

In Part 1 of this study (SPE 165457-MS) a permeability enhancement at the edge of steam chamber where the oil sand has been sheared under thermal stimulation was described and an increase in oil drainage rates was calculated for different conditions. Finally, a modified Butler's Theory that includes geomechanical effects was described.

Since heat transfer mechanisms are pivotal to the SAGD process and there are some doubts on the behaviour of the undrained zone at the edge of SAGD steam chamber in this study thermodynamics of undrained zone is discussed and new mechano-thermal equations are described. At the edge of steam chamber heat energy is transferred from steam to reservoir, reducing the viscosity of the bitumen, which flows under gravity toward a horizontal production well. Some of the heat transferred into the reservoir is used to increase the temperature of the reservoir, and some is stored as strain energy associated with the thermal stress field. The classical approach to exploring heat transfer studies in the SAGD industry is designed to satisfy only the "conservation of energy". Therefore, there is a lack of understanding of strain energy absorbed within the reservoir, and its effect on temperature variation inside the reservoir. The aim of the present work is to introduce a thermodynamic model to explore the effects of strain energy on temperature within the reservoir. This study explores the negative effect of developed stress field on heat transfer normal to the steam chamber interface. The novelty of this approach is the fact that it fully honours the energy equation. This study suggests the strain-energy number (NΔ) as a new dimensionless number representing an importance of the strain energy effect on the temperature profile within the reservoir. The results obtained from this study reveal that it is suitable to use Butler's theory and to exclude the strain energy effects in heat transfer in the SAGD process. This study uses both thermodynamic approach and pressure front evaluation to argue the current practice of suggesting no permeability enhancement occurrence beyond the 12 m from the steam interface suggested by Li et al. (2004) based on the bitumen viscosity greater than 20,000 cP. This study proposes using one tenth-length of pressure front for drained zone which is beyond the temperature front advancement. Knowing that the shear is mostly induced within temperature front, geomechanical effects within the reservoir can be studied suggesting drained condition.
Assessment of Artificial Lift Methods for a Heavy Oil Field in Kuwait
Authors: Worth D. , Al-Safran E. , Choudhuri A. , Al-Jasmi A.
Published: December 2014

This paper describes a systematic assessment artificial lift methods for a heavy oil development in Kuwait. The main recovery strategies that were being considered for the development consisted of different sequencing of primary production, cyclic steam stimulation and steam flooding, with both vertical and horizontal wells.

In 2007, Kuwait Oil Company drilled five vertical wells in their heavy oil fields, as a precursor to the full field development planned in the coming years. These five wells represented the first major activity in the formation since the 1980s when two cyclic steam stimulation pilot tests were conducted. The characteristics of the development and of the associated planned recovery strategies presented several AL challenges that needed to be assessed.

This work consisted of an assessment of the strengths and weaknesses of various AL systems and a ranking of these systems according to well geometry, oil viscosity, targeted flow rate and the recovery method. The assessment and ranking were mainly based on vendor quoted capabilities, focused wellbore modelling and lessons learned from other heavy oil field cases around the world. While significant experience with rod pumps in cyclic steam stimulation exists in Canada, the lessons learned from that experience needed to be evaluated due to the differences with the Kuwait heavy oil development, such as the requirement to "easily" transition from primary to thermal production and the possible use of metallic stator progressing cavity pumps.

This paper provides guidance to other developments around the world in regards to heavy oil AL selection and to how best to apply lessons learned from existing heavy oil developments.
Flush by Unit: A Game Changer Well Service Technology for Kuwait Heavy Oil
Authors: Pandey Dharmesh , Al-Khamees Waleed , Dashti Hussain , Kumar Rakesh
Published: December 2014

South Ratqa (SR) Heavy Oil is a strategic field development project for KOC which is aiming to deliver in the first phase, a production capacity of 60 MBOPD. In order to meet this strategic target a large number of wells will produce on artificial lift and hence will require frequent interventions as the wells will be on multiple cyclic steam stimulation followed by steamflood. Reducing the operating cost per barrel will be a big challenge.

The application of Flush by Unit for servicing the shallow wells of South Ratqa in an ongoing pilot has proved to have significant impact in reduction of intervention costs, downtime and deferred production. The Flush by Unit is an innovative, highly mobile and efficient service technology for servicing wells producing with artificial lift.

The unit consists of a fluid tank, a triplex pump, a small derrick and hoist assembly, with tools and safety equipment's including rod tongs and sucker rod blow out preventer, all mounted on one truck. Servicing capabilities expand if the unit is deployed in collaboration with other service units or supporting equipment's for carrying out coiled tubing unit (CTU) or well surveillance activities. It also enhances safety, is user friendly, well-engineered, requires fewer operating people and has shorter work process with less nonproductive time compared to alternatives, such as conventional work over rig, for the same applications like pump replacement, upsizing/downsizing pump, preparation of wells for steam injection, well killing and back flushing operations, etc.

This paper presents the experience and results of utilization of Flush by Unit in the ongoing pilot wells which have proved this is a game changer technology for shallow heavy oil wells in Lower Fars reservoir by improving well intervention costs and cycle times when compared to conventional work over rigs.
Foam Stability of Solvent/Surfactant/Heavy-Oil System Under Reservior Conditions
Authors: Wang Chao , Li Huazhou
Published: December 2014

Solvent-based method is an important method for recovering heavy oil. In the case of solvent flooding, its sweeping efficiency might be adversely affected by the sharp difference in mobility between solvent and heavy oil. It is of great importance to develop new techniques for decreasing the mobility of solvent phase. Solvent-alternating-surfactant injection, where foam creation can be expected, might be a feasible approach for achieving such purpose by increasing the apparent viscosity of solvent phase. The foam stability plays an important role in this process. In this study, the foam stability of C3H8/surfactant/heavy-oil system under reservoir condition has been examined experimentally by using the pressure/volume/temperature (PVT) system. The following factors are considered in the experiments: surfactant concentration, salinity, temperature, and the presence of pure C16H34 as pseudo-heavy oil. During the experiments, foam is generated by sparging C3H8 at a constant flow rate through the surfactant Triton X-100 solution and then stirring the mixture with a magnetic stirrer. The foam stability is subsequently evaluated in terms of its height change as a function of time. The critical micelle concentration (CMC) of surfactant Triton X-100 is confirmed firstly by conducting three runs of experiments at three different surfactant concentrations. Then the foam stability tests are performed by using such validated CMC at different salt concentrations and different temperatures. It is found that the increasing surfactant concentration contributes to an increase in foam stability, while foam stability is insensitive to surfactant concentration when the surfactant concentration is above the threshold CMC. An elevated temperature is detrimental to foam stability. At a higher temperature, the effective surfactant CMC also increases. Foam stability is negatively affected by increasing salinity; but such negative effect is found to be in small scale. As the C16H34 is added to the solution, significant decrease of foam stability occurs.
Organic Alkali for Heavy Oil Chemical EOR Improves the Performance Over Inorganic Alkali
Authors: Xie D. , Hou J. , Doda A. , Trivedi J. J.
Published: December 2014

Alkali is an important component for alkali/surfactant/polymer technology for enhanced oil recovery. The mechanism and advantages of traditional inorganic alkali for enhanced oil recovery (EOR) was reviewed in this paper. But the weakness of inorganic alkali, such as scaling, corrosion and high cost of water treatment, are significant too. This paper comparesthe use of a type of organic alkali ethanolamine for EOR with inorganic alkali (NaOH) for alkali-polymer (AP) and alkali-surfactant-polymer flooding. The solution of 0.1 wt% polymer (FLOPAAM 3130S) was mixed with different concentrations of ethanolamine and NaOH respectively. The rheological and dynamic properties of the combination of alkali and polymer were analyzed. The results show that the polymer solution with ethanolamine has better shear viscosity and elasticproperties at room temperature. Surfactant (Alfaterra 123-8S-90) with concentration of 0.15 wt% was added into each alkali-polymer solution. No significant change was observed in rheological properties of alkali-polymer solutions with and without surfactant. Emulsification test shows that ethanolamine has better performance with oil. Injectivity tests were also conducted. The results indicated that RRF for ethanolamine-polymer solution is always higher at each flow rate tested in comparison to NaOH AP solution which is beneficial for oil recovery. Core flooding experiments were tested in homogeneous sand pack and the performance of ethanolamine-polymer and NaOH-polymer was compared. The pressure comparison during flooding shows that it has higher injection pressure in ethanolamine conditions which result in good sweep efficiency. The ethanolamine-polymer flooding showed a significant increase in oil recovery (15.33%) over NaOH-polymer flooding. After addition of surfactant, the total recovery improves by 14.8% for ethanolamine-polymer-surfactant flooding over its inorganic counterpart. The results of core flooding indicate that ethanolamine has better performance in EOR for AP flooding and ASP flooding. Ethanolamine can become a potential alkali and can replace NaOH for EOR.
Successful Drilling and Completion of Shallow-Depth Horizontal Well in Unconsolidated Formation
Authors: Ahmed Khalid , Abbas Faisal , Choudhary Pradeep , Al-Naqi Ahmad , Ahmad Abuzar Tanweer , Al-Khamees Waleed
Published: December 2014

Kuwait has an unconsolidated formation with viscous oil at shallow-depth. Drilling and completion of horizontal well at such shallow depth is quite challenging. Industry practice is to use Slant Rig for shallow wells. Drilling experts preferred solution that would not entail Slant Rig for any future interventions and instead suggested using conventional vertical rig to establish feasibility of drilling and completion as a pilot.

Lots of pre-drilling studies were carried out which involved Geomechanics Study to understand Stress orientation, pore pressure and sanding risk; Laboratory test of return permeability on core plugs for drilling fluid design and pore-bridging material selection; XRD & SEM analysis for clay mineral identification; Torque and Drag Analysis for predicted performance during drilling and completion and Particle Size Analysis for sand control design with slotted liner.

Pre-job coordination meetings, Daily briefings, usage of Rotary Steerable System, Geo-Steering and Mid-course correction of trajectory based on Real Time Data Monitoring resulted in well placement in sweet spot. Well by well, rig days got reduced, lateral lengths increased, tangent sections for pump placement optimised and practically no held up occurred during drilling, casing/liner lowering or completion. This was a World record of drilling horizontal well using vertical rig at such shallow depth.

The well completion as verified from Silicon Activation log suggests optimal placement of the slotted liner. This is further vindicated from zero sand and water production, another great achievement for the pilot project. Till date 7 such shallow wells have been drilled with 6 on continuous production for over 2 years in different parts of the field. Successful drilling and completion of these shallow-depth horizontal wells by conventional vertical rig in an efficient and cost-effective manner has confirmed all the pre-drilling assumptions and technological tests for the pilot phase, reaching world record breaking achievement.
Sand body Architecture Predictive Model using Sequence Stratigraphy for Proper Thermal Recovery of Unconventional Resources in Kuwait
Authors: Llerena Javier , Ferdous Hasan , Choudhary Pradeep , Saikia Pabitra , Bora Deepender , Ali Lahmar Hakima
Published: December 2014

Shallow poorly-consolidated viscous oil bearing sandstones in Kuwait were deposited in a complex fluvio-deltaic environment that was episodically influenced by estuarine-transitional-marine settings. Ongoing reservoir characterization is uncovering high matrix contents along with various cement phases, predominantly calcite, dolomite, and clay minerals that control the pore-networks with inter-granular primary porosity and generation of secondary pores, thus impacting the overall lithofacies and fluid flow-path used to design the development strategy.

A high-resolution Sequence Stratigraphy model revealed the dominant lowstand and highstand-transgressive depositional regimes for reservoir development. In the model sand bodies commonly represent multi-stacked fluvial to distributary channel-fills and associated facies resulting with variable degree of fluid saturations.

Using Sequence Stratigraphy first time, for an unconventional oil reservoir in Kuwait, this model is aimed to: 1) improve the understanding of depositional facies, evolution and distribution of reservoir sand trends within a chronostratigraphic framework, and 2) address the predictability of lateral and vertical complexity and distribution of the reservoir/non-reservoir Lithofacies.

A Gamma Ray/Density model was built in Petrel® software module, allowing creating a log-based property model and applied it to a set of logs, defining 11 lithofacies which have been calibrated with sedimentary core descriptions and divided in three categories; pay reservoir, non-pay reservoir (cemented baffles) and non-permeable facies. Discontinuous shale/siltstone/cemented baffles would act as thief zones and may cause cross-formational flow and conductive heat loss; this must be taken into consideration for thermal recovery strategy.

The developed Sequence Stratigraphy model has established a pattern of Systems Tracts that would address to define the lateral and vertical complexity and distribution of the reservoir lithofacies, and the model would provide a greater ability to identify and predict individual pay and non-pay zones with inherent rock lithologies and heterogeneity to result in a predictive sand-architecture framework for proper thermal development.
Assessment of Oil Reservoirs Suitable for CO2 Flooding in Mature Oil Reservoirs, Changqing Oilfield, China
Authors: Zhao Dongfeng , Liao Xinwei , Yin Dandan , Li Zhen , Gai Jian , Wang Huan
Published: December 2014

Most oil reservoirs in Changqing Oilfield area are low permeability. After several ten years of production, the effect of water flooding becomes worse and worse as the reservoir enters middle development stages. CO2 flooding is an important method for oil fields in the future to enhance recovery factor. In this paper, based on the data of 253 mature oil reservoirs, a set of potential evaluation method for CO2 flooding were builded to assess the potential of CO2 EOR in Changqing Oilfield.

A numerical model was established to study the effect of the related factors to CO2 miscible flooding and immiscible flooding. These factors are reservoir properties (thickness, Angle, temperature, pressure, depth), rock physical property (porosity, permeability, saturation, permeability differential, fracture development degree and permeability) and fluid properties (viscosity, density). Technical and economic benefits is assessed, to determine screening criteria and index for CO2 miscible flooding, their relative importance, and the index weights. Using comprehensive fuzzy evaluation method, this paper sets up a comprehensive evaluation method of CO2 miscible flooding and immiscible flooding, Which suit for the different blocks of Changqing Oilfield. Comprehensive evaluation value of reservoir was calculated, according to the evaluation method.

With evaluation value of 0.53 as a boundary, CO2 flooding potential assessment of Changqing Oilfield has been done. Among 253 reserviors, 213 reservoirs are suitable for CO2 flooding EOR, which accouts for 84% of the total number of reservoirs within the block. The geological reserves which is suitable for CO2 flooding could be 25.05×108 t, equaling to 80% of the total reserves of Changqing Oilfield. Therefore, CO2 flooding has a good application prospect in Changqing Oilfield, and it would bring huge economic benefits to Changqing Oilfield.
Steam-Induced Wettability Alteration Through Contact Angle Measurement, a Case Study in X Field, Indonesia
Authors: Naser Madi A. , Permadi Asep K. , Bae Wisup , Ryoo Won S. , Yunsun Park , Dang Son T. , Kim Seongil
Published: December 2014

In steam-flood projects, injected steam does not only change fluid properties, but also affects particle and porous media properties by rock surface processes such as rock wettability change. It may be described in a simple case as follows: the pore in a sandstone formation is naturally water-wet, at high temperature condition, in which the residual oil is trapped in the center of the pore. The oil is encapsulated and inhibited from contacting with the rock matrix by surrounding liquid-phase hot water. When the transition to steam-flooding occurs, the encapsulating water is vaporized allowing the residual oil to contact with the rock surface directly. This allows adsorption to happen, which in many cases, even at elevated temperature, can cause the wettability state to be altered rapidly. This phenomenon will affect the irreducible water saturation, the efficiency of immiscible displacement, and thus the efficiency of oil recovery.

The purpose of this study is to evaluate specific changes in rock-fluid interactions, which are triggered by steam, as a function of the change in wettability of the porous media/fluid system. The specific case introduced is X Field, Indonesia, where steam-flooding has been in operation for almost 3 decades. However, this field is currently struggling with its declining production.

In order to study and understand this mechanism, the contact angle between a solid and two immiscible fluids was investigated. Experiments were run at elevated pressure and temperature conditions. After that, image processing was applied to determine the contact angles of solid/oil/steam systems on the quartz surfaces from the drop profile. The results showed that the contact angle generally increases when the saturated pressure and temperature increases. The results of the experiment were very useful for understanding the mechanism.
Intentionality and objectification: Husserl and Simmel on the cognitive and social conditions of experience
Authors: Takács Ádám
Published: December 2014

Husserl?s transcendental turn can be best regarded as a turn in his
phenomenological models of intentionality. While in the Logical
Investigations, he maintains a conception according to which intentionality
is a structure of cognitive directedness in which objectification plays a
formative role, in his later works the intentional relation is considered as
a structure of consciousness founded on a sphere of purely subjective
interiority. This paper 42 argues that if Husserl had extended the scope of
his early phenomenological research to the problems of object formation in
the domain of historical and cultural sciences (Geisteswissenschaften), the
radical subjectively oriented transformation of his theory of intentionality
would have been much more difficult, if not impossible. We also argue that in
Simmel?s theory of historical cognition and culture one can detect the
elements of a theory of intentionality that can account for what is missing
in Husserl, namely the attention devoted to the specific constitution of
social and cultural objects. It is precisely the objective mediation through
exteriorization and symbolization deployed in social and cultural values, and
in historical time that constitutes the specificity of these objects which
also conditions subjective experiencing, rather than remains dependent on it.
Discursive institutionalism and institutional change
Authors: Zurnic Marija
Published: December 2014

This paper outlines relevant aspects of institutional theory in social
sciences and gives a more detailed overview of the New Institutionalist
approaches. Moreover, the paper explores Discursive Institutionalism, one of
the newest theoretical approaches to institutions, and discusses its
application in empirical research. The aim of the article is to bring this
innovative theoretical framework closer to the academic community and
practitioners who are interested in exploring public debates in interaction
with institutions.
Identities, Roles and Iterative Processes: Methodological reflections from research on literacy among Gypsies and Travellers
Authors: McCaffery Juliet
Published: December 2014

In this article the author reflects on some of the methodological issues of conducting research in a local marginalised community in the UK. Her research was on attitudes to literacy in the Gypsy and Traveller community in southern England. This article describes some of the challenges and how she, as an outsider and not a member of their community, overcame their experience of hostility from settled people and their suspicion of researchers. She explains that gaining access was not just an initial act, but an ongoing iterative process in which her different roles as a researcher, an elected councillor and a member of a voluntary support organisation assisted in negotiating her presence and partial acceptance. She refers to the settled community's lack of knowledge of Gypsies and Travellers and the ongoing tension between the two communities and how this impacts on the research process. Though she had reservations about researching a community which is largely reluctant to give information to outsiders, she concluded that if the community is approached carefully and its concerns and culture are understood and respected, outsider research can provide both insight and information that can benefit the communities.
Participatory Action Research with ‘Minority Communities’ and the Complexities of Emancipatory Tensions: Intersectionality and cultural affinity
Authors: Sallah Momodou
Published: December 2014

Conducting research with communities constructed as the ‘other’ from a purely positivist paradigm can often be replete with colossal flaws with enormous potential to oppress the researched – especially minority communities in this case. This article presents an analysis of the cultural and experiential affinity experiences of the author towards a constructivist approach where the research process is emancipatory and the ultimate goal of engagement is for both the researcher and the researched to become co-producers of knowledge. The multidimensional identities of some ‘minority communities’ and their intersectionality are also discussed. This includes an exploration of this author's identity as a visible member of minority groups and the resulting cultural affinity that imbues his research as well as the participatory nature of his approach that seeks to liberate. The article will also highlight methodological implications of this author's empiric work, complemented by lessons drawn from recent research projects conducted with ‘minorities’ in different parts of the UK to illuminate methodological complexities and illustrate anti-oppressive practice with ‘minority communities’. This article is framed around the four theoretical constructs of Intersectionality; Participatory Action Research; Cultural Affinity/Experiential Affinity; and Freire's transformative education pedagogy.
Journeys into Inner/Outer Space: Reflections on the Methodological Challenges of Negotiating Insider/Outsider Status in International Educational Research
Authors: Savvides Nicola , Al-Youssef Joanna , Colin Mindy , Garrido Cecilia
Published: December 2014

This article highlights key theoretical and methodological issues and implications of being an insider/outsider when undertaking qualitative research in international educational settings. It first addresses discourses of ‘self’ and ‘other’, noting that identity and belonging emerge from fluid engagement between researchers and participants. It considers the benefits and challenges of being an insider or outsider and questions the traditional insider/outsider dichotomy. The role of ‘critical reflexivity’ in helping researchers conscientiously negotiate through ‘the space between’ is examined. The discussion is illustrated with examples from the authors' research focusing on the opportunities, challenges and tensions experienced as insiders/outsiders. They argue that engaging in critical reflexivity is important for working towards ethical and credible research as it enables the researcher to consider and make transparent how their positionality impacts on the entire research process.
The Impact of Order Effects on Nonprofessional Investors' Belief Revision When Presented a Long Series of Disclosures in an Experimental Market Setting
Authors: Daigle Ronald J. , Pinsker Robert E. , Pitre Terence J.
Published: December 2014

SYNOPSIS

Because firms are likely to release both good and bad news in close proximity to each other, it is important to understand what impact a long information set of mixed directional (i.e., both good and bad news) disclosures has on nonprofessional investors' stock price valuation decisions. Previous experimental research has identified information order effects as a critical factor impacting the decisions made by nonprofessional investors. However, the efficient market hypothesis predicts that individual biases are eliminated by the presence of market incentives, an element that is missing in prior studies on the effects of long information sets disclosures. Consequently, this study seeks to understand if and how order effects prevail in a market setting that includes economic incentives.

Our findings indicate that initial primacy effects revert to recency effects over time. These results offer insights regarding how nonprofessional investors process mixed information disclosures over time and should be of interest to firm managers and investors, since firms that release information to investors want to know what effects, if any, information order/disclosure patterns have on investors' long-term firm valuations.

Data Availability: Data are available from the first author upon request.
The Effect of Long-term Treatment with Sulfonylurea Derivatives on Protein Metabolism in Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Müting Dieter
Published: December 2014

In 101 diabetic adults without complications we determined before and during long-term treatment with sulfonylurea derivatives the serum protein content, electrophoretic serum composition, alkaline serum phosphatase, bromsulphalein retention, in serum, and in the twenty-four-hour urine free α-amino nitrogen and free α-amino acids were measured. The oxidative function of the liver was examined by loading with 2 gm. of methionine. The electrophoretic serum protein composition was only altered in sulfonylurea failure. After successful long-term treatment no changes in serum protein composition, alkaline serum phosphatase and bromsulphalein retention were found; however, the hyperaminoacidemia and hyperamino-aciduria decreased to normal values. The cause of this effect is probably an augmented production of insulin, which improves the oxidative deamination of amino acids in the liver.
Exercise and Blood Glucose Concentration in Intact and Pancreatectomized Dogs
Authors: Moxness Karen E , Molnar George D , McGuckin Warren F
Published: December 2014

Exercise studies were performed on six intact and seven pancreatectomized, unanesthetized dogs to examine the conditions under which exercise decreases the concentration of glucose in blood.

No major change in blood glucose concentration was demonstrated during exercise experiments on normoglycemic intact dogs. In the pancreatectomized dogs, the blood glucose concentration curves during exercise followed either one of two patterns: Some rose with exercise and some fell. In dogs with baseline blood glucose concentrations less than 400 mg. per 100 ml., a sustained decline in blood glucose occurred with exercise, while in those dogs with an initial level greater than 400, a rise occurred.

No effect of exercise was evident in a pancreatectomized dog with blood glucose concentration near the normal range during continuous infusion of insulin. Exercise produced a decrease in blood glucose concentration in an intact dog with hyperglycemia induced by glucose infusion, but this dog's blood glucose level increased during rest periods following exercise.
The Effect of Protamine Zinc Insulin on the Outcome of Pregnancy in the Normal Rat
Authors: Love E J , Kinch R A H , Stevenson J A F
Published: December 2014

Intermittent hypoglycemia was produced in normal pregnant rats by the administration of 0.5 I.U. of Protamine Zinc Insulin at twelve-hour intervals during either the last two weeks or the final week of pregnancy. The animals treated during the final week of pregnancy delivered significantly lighter litters, with a reduction in the weight of the living pups, and with a significant increase in the incidence of stillbirths which were significantly lighter than the pups delivered to the untreated controls. The exact cause of the growth retardation and the excessive loss are as yet unknown. Two alternate hypotheses are suggested: (1) that growth retardation occurred as the result of relative inanition of the fetus associated with the maternal hypoglycemia, less carbohydrate being available for fetal nutrition and growth, or (2) that with intermittent hypoglycemia there was less stimulation of the fetal pancreatic islets and of the production of insulin with its growth-promoting properties.

The animals treated with insulin for the last two weeks of pregnancy delivered litters of equal number and weight as the controls; the living pups were of equal weight compared to the controls; the number and weight of the stillborn pups was significantly increased. To explain this unexpected finding, it is suggested that in time adrenal cortical hyperfunction occurs secondary to intermittent bouts of hypoglycemia and that the normal or excessive growth is the result of excessive amounts of maternal adrenal corticoids.
Insulin Content of Microdissected Fetal Islets Obtained from Diabetic and Normal Rats
Authors: Dixit Padmakar K , Lowe Irene P , Heggestad Carl B , Lazarow Arnold
Published: December 2014

1. “Insulin” content of microdissected islets was determined using the epididymal fat pad assay method. Measurements were made on fetal islets obtained from both normal and diabetic mothers and from normal postnatal rats up to five weeks of age.

2. The insulin content of the normal fetal islets, expressed as units “insulin” per gram dry weight of tissue, increases progressively with increasing fetal age; at birth the value approximates that of the adult.

3. The insulin content of the fetal islets obtained from diabetic mothers is between 7 and 19 per cent of the corresponding normal value.

4. In the acid-alcohol extracts of the pancreas of seventeen-day-old fetuses, small though measurable amounts of “insulin” were detected viz.: 0.23 units per gram wet weight of normal pancreas. There was a progressive increase in the extractable “insulin” content of the fetal pancreas with age; the “insulin” content of the twenty-one-day normal fetal pancreas was 5.3 units per gram of tissue. In the pancreas of the fetuses from diabetic mothers, the values were about one third of those in the normal.

5. Thus measurable amounts of insulin-like activity were found in the pancreatic tissue of seventeen-day-old fetuses; this is prior to the time that beta cell granules could be detected cytologically using the aldehyde fuchsin staining method.

6. The insulin content of the islet tissue remained relatively constant during the first five weeks of postnatal development.
Electromyographic Study in Diabetes: Contribution to the Problem of Diabetic Angiopathy
Authors: Janda V , Kozák P
Published: December 2014

The results of electromyographic examination of the gastrocnemius muscle in thirty-three diabetics are reported. Pathological electromyographic patterns have been found in almost all individuals of the studied group. The electrical activity of muscle in diabetics differs from that of patients with atherosclerosis obliterans and resembles that of patients suffering from thromboangiitis obliterans. In diabetics and patients with obliterating thromboangiitis we regularly found electromyographic indications of both peripheral nerve and muscle lesion. With obliterating atherosclerosis only indications of peripheral neurogenic disorders were found.

It is concluded that the cause of the different electromyographic symptoms lies in the location of the occlusion at different levels of the arterial bed. The electromyographic changes, especially those pointing to a predominantly myogenic lesion, have been found even in young individuals in whom diabetes had been known only a few months. We believe that our study helps to establish the existence of diabetic angiopathy as a lesion different from the atherosclerosis obliterans.
Absolute Rates of Glucose Production, Accumulation, and Utilization in the Dog at Pancreatectomy and Thereafter
Authors: Wrenshall G A , Rappaport A M , Best C H , Cowan J S , Hetenyi G
Published: December 2014

1. The method of successive measured injections of tracer has been used to determine absolute rates of glucose appearance (production), accumulation, disappearance, excretion and utilization in six fasting bitches at times before and after total pancreatectomy.

2. The rate of glucose utilization underwent a great reduction within minutes following pancreatectomy.

3. In contrast, the rate of glucose production did not change greatly at this time.

4. As a consequence, there was a rapid accumulation of glucose in the dog when measured in terms of the amount which intermixed with the injected tracer, and as seen less directly by a rise in the concentration of glucose in the blood plasma.

5. The increase in blood glucose level following pancreatectomy was accompanied by a restoration in the average rate of glucose utilization to about two thirds of its value before pancreatectomy, and by glycosuria.

6. Both the rate of production and that of utilization increased moderately during the first one or two days following total pancreatectomy. Thereafter they decreased progressively and ketonuria became severe.

7. No effect of general anesthesia (Nembutal) was noted on the above patterns of change in glucose rates.
Predisposition to Diabetes as Evaluated by the Cortisone-Glucose Tolerance Test in Children: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Wajchenberg Bernardo Leo , Pupo Armando A , Quintão Eder R , Leon Nelson , Saldanha P H , Paulo São
Published: December 2014

Cortisone-glucose tolerance tests with progressively increasing doses of the steroid were performed in healthy children born to diabetic parents belonging to different mating types. The results suggest that predisposition to diabetes can be detected in younger offspring by using a critical dose of cortisone.
Diabetic Neuropathy: a Metabolic or a Vascular Disease?
Authors: Pirart Jean
Published: December 2014

A group of 1,175 unselected diabetics was examined and the degenerative lesions were correlated with each other and with other clinical data. Diabetic neuropathy was found in 21 per cent of the patients. It is closely related to diabetic retinopathy and nephropathy and to peripheral artery disease, but not to blood cholesterol or to coronary sclerosis, aortic sclerosis and myocardial degenerative disease not related to proved coronary disease. It is related to severity, poor control and duration of the diabetes.

A group of 235 cases of asymptomatic diabetic neuropathy (asymptomatic loss of a deep reflex) was compared with a selected group of fifty-eight cases of symptomatic diabetic neuropathy (symptomatic with often severe motor, sensory, autonomic and/or trophic disturbances). The correlations previously found were still more striking in the group of symptomatic diabetic neuropathy.

The clinical picture of fifty-eight cases of symptomatic diabetic neuropathy shows such a close association between acute and chronic, between symmetrical and asymmetrical, and between motor, sensory, autonomic and trophic defects that any classification of diabetic neuropathies seems artificial. Only paralysis of extra-ocular muscles might be classified in a separate group. Attention is drawn to the acute course (weeks) of some cases of paralysis and, on the other hand, to the very slow evolution of some cases of trophic lesions of the feet (up to twenty-five years).

Certain cases are briefly reported to show that the vascular pathogenetic theory of diabetic neuropathy is not in agreement with several clinical observations.
Allergic Interstitial Pancreatitis in Rats Injected with Guinea Pig Anti-insulin Serum
Authors: Lacy Paul E , Wright Peter H
Published: December 2014

The diabetic syndrome induced in rats by guinea-pig anti-insulin serum is complicated by interstitial pancreatitis similar in several respects to that seen in some infants born of diabetic mothers. It is characterized by lesions in the exocrine portion of the gland which include eosinophilic infiltration (73 per cent), edema (54 per cent), and focal areas of necrosis (15 per cent) or hemorrhage (14 per cent). Its appearance is not related to the severity of the induced diabetes and its nature suggests that it is allergic in origin. Other histological findings are consistent with previous observations and similar to those encountered in human and other forms of experimental diabetes.
Lack of Hypoglycemic Activity of Insulin after Intestinal Administration to the Rabbit
Authors: Tocus E C , Tonelli G
Published: December 2014

The effect of insulin on blood glucose in the rabbit after direct instillation in the small intestine has been investigated. Crystalline Insulin, (U.S.P. U-40), administered via catheters placed in the duodenum, jejunum and ileum did not cause hypoglycemia at doses up to 50 U./kg. Tolbutamide (100 mg./kg.) produced a hypoglycemic response after oral and intestinal administration. The lack of response to insulin is believed to be due to the destruction of insulin by proteolytic enzymes of the gastrointestinal tract.
Critical Variables in the Radioimmunoassay of Serum Insulin Using the Double Antibody Technic
Authors: Soeldner J Stuart , Slone D
Published: December 2014

An adaptation of the double antibody radioimmunoassay for insulin originally presented by Morgan and Lazarow is described. These studies have confirmed the presence of an inhibitor in serum and plasma (heparin) which delays the rate at which the insulin-insulin antibody complex is rendered insoluble by rabbit serum containing antibodies to guinea pig globulin. Serum dilution reduces the effect of the inhibitor but increases dilutional error. Heparin similarly reduces the effect of the inhibitor, but excess heparin produces falsely low values for immunoreactive insulin (IRI).

Data are presented for serum which show that if sufficient time (72 hrs.) is allowed to elapse after the addition of the precipitating antibody (rabbit, anti-guinea pig globulin, serum), the precipitating system reaches equilibrium. Employing this modification, additional data are presented, showing excellent recovery of human insulin added to serum, good duplication of respective serum IRI values in repeat assays, and constancy of fasting serum IRI in any one individual on repeated sampling. Normal adults exhibit fasting values of serum IRI from 1 to 20 μU./ml. with a mean of 8.4 μU./ml., and after rapid intravenous glucose, serum IRI usually reaches maximum levels in one to two minutes.
Beta Cell Structure in Latent and Chronic Diabetes of the Rabbit
Authors: Folk Bruno W , Lazarus Sydney S , Wellman Klaus F
Published: December 2014

An electron microscopic study was carried out on the pancreatic islets of cortisone-alloxan pretreated rabbits in which protracted severe diabetes was produced by the subsequent administration of a subdiabetogenic dose of 1 mg. per kilogram of cortisone acetate. In the nondiabetic control rabbits, receiving cortisone-alloxan treatment alone, the beta cells were ultramicroscopically riddled with membranous sacs which either were empty or contained variable amounts of a diffuse electron-dense material. There were but few typical granules present. Occasional atypical granules were irregularly shaped and in some instances were eccentrically located. There were no other changes present. By light microscopy the beta cells appeared, by the aldehyde fuchsin method, well granulated. The cortisonealloxanized rabbits which were rendered severely diabetic for up to 105 days by subsequent treatment with 1 mg./kg. of cortisone, showed marked degranulation and loss of the membranous sacs. There was prominence of the various organelles of beta cells, particularly the endoplasmic reticulum which was frequently arranged in a concentric array, often giving a fingerprint-like appearance. These changes were considered expressions of marked cellular hyperactivity. In addition, there was glycogen deposition in beta cells as well as significant dilatation of the intercellular spaces and undulation of the plasma cell membranes. The alpha and delta cells were unchanged. These studies suggest that the beta cells of rabbits after cortisonealloxan administration develop a defect which makes them incapable of meeting the metabolic stress of a subdiabetogenic dose of cortisone which normal animals are able to cope with readily. These findings make it necessary to re-evaluate the concept of normal pancreatic islet and beta cell morphology in cases of human maturity-onset diabetes. These patients, as do the cortisone-alloxan treated rabbits, may have readily apparent beta cell pathology at the ultrastructural level, which is not visualized by light microscopy.
Comparison of Pancreatic and Steroid Diabetes in Respect to Tumor Growth and Glycosuria
Authors: Ingle Dwight J
Published: December 2014

Sexually mature male rats were made severely diabetic by either pancreatectomy or daily injection of large doses of cortisone acetate. One half of the animals were then made host to Walker Carcinoma 256. The tumor suppressed the glycosuria in all of the animals, but the effect was greater in steroid diabetes than in pancreatic diabetes. Diabetogenic doses of cortisone inhibited the growth of tumor to a greater extent than did pancreatic diabetes. The depancreatized tumor host is partially resistant to the diabetogenic action of cortisone.
The Course of Juvenile Diabetes Treated with Unmeasured Diet
Authors: Knowles Harvey C , Guest George M , Lampe Joan , Kessler Margaret , Skillman Thomas G
Published: December 2014

Prospective observations over a ten-year period of 108 juvenile diabetics treated with unmeasured diet are reported. Description is given of the patient material, circumstances at diagnosis, and course of management.

Hyperglycemia and glycosuria were common, and ketoacidosis occurred often. Total plasma lipidswere elevated. Chemical control was unsatisfactory according to current popular standards.

Growth was less in those with onset before puberty, and the men were underweight. Infections may have been excessive. Adolescent emotional difficulties were exaggerated. Educational, athletic, and vocational achievements probably equaled the normal expectation.

Pregnancies were only 55 per cent successful when fetuses were viable.

The prevalence of degenerative complication was similar to that reported from restricted diet studies. No factors were found to account for vascular disease. It is surmised that the general course of the patients compared favorably to those reported to be following diets. It is also suggested that if diet control does have favorable effects, then those reported to follow diets are not following them, or factors other than control are more influential on the progression of juvenile diabetic vascular disease.
An Insulin-like Thymic Factor: A Preliminary Report
Authors: Pansky B , House E L , Cone L A
Published: December 2014

Previous studies have indicated that AKR strain mice develop hypoglycemia and thymic enlargement in association with spontaneous lymphatic leukemia. Histologic, biologic and immunologic studies of the thymus in the AKR mouse and other vertebrate species have shown that the reticular cells and Hassal's bodies secrete or store an insulin-like material. These data coupled with the embryological origin of the thymus suggest that it functions as an endocrine organ. The implications of these findings are discussed.
Serum Concentration and Urinary Excretion of Oral Sulfonylurea Compounds: Relation to Diabetic Control
Authors: Sheldon Joanna , Anderson John , Stoner Linda
Published: December 2014

Serum and urinary concentrations of sulfonylureas were measured in 125 diabetic patients over periods of eight to eighteen months. The concentrations were dose related. They varied between individuals but tended to remain constant in the same person. They also tended to vary inversely with body weight. Acetohexamide concentration increased with the number of doses given daily. The per cent of urinary recovery of each drug was unrelated to dosage.

The response to therapy was graded and ranges of therapeutically effective serum concentrations determined. A delayed response was observed in some patients, and failure to respond occurred in others despite high serum concentrations. Presumed failure to take the prescribed drugs was seen in five patients.
A Triamcinolone-glucose Tolerance Test in the Early Diagnosis of Diabetes
Authors: Navarrete Victoriano N , Torres Isabel H
Published: December 2014

A glucose tolerance test with the prior administration of triamcinolone (8 mg. at eleven and at one hour preceding glucose) was performed in two groups, (1) a control group of 163 normal individuals having no diabetic antecedents; and (2) a group of 301 “clinically prediabetic” patients so classified on obstetrical grounds orbecause both parents were diabetic, with a previously normal glucose tolerance test.

Abnormal triamcinolone curves were found in 1.8 per cent of the control group, an additional 1.8 per cent were “suspicious,” contrasting with 80 per cent abnormal and 11.6 per cent “suspicious” curves in the clinically prediabetic group. A comparison of this test with the standard glucose tolerance, the tolbutamide or the glucose-cortisone test, reveals that the triamcinolone test had a higher correlation with the clinical findings; also, the disadvantages attributed to the glucose-cortisone test did not occur.