bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Shale Poroelastic Behavior Determination by a Novel Tensile Strength Test
Authors: Borglum Scyller J. , Stetler Larry D.
Published: October 2016

This research proposes to answer the question, what are the directional dependencies of the poroelastic properties of shale? To fully answer this question, the following tasks will be completed. First, determine shale properties: strength, elastic and permeability. Second, determine what effective stress(es), or range, exceeds the shale's tensile strength. Lastly, determine a theoretical model for fracture propagation in shale. A large-scale laboratory experiment has been designed to subject shale to pore over-pressurization and induce tensile fractures bringing the sample to failure. It is anticipated that the pressure differential, elevated pore pressure in a low permeability rock sample, and concomitant bleeding off of confining pressure will induce tensile fractures affected by poroelastic properties of the rock. The results from this experiment will be used to calibrate a forward finite element numerical model, which can then simulate the tensile fracturing process and answer the above question. With rare exception, tensile strength is determined using the indirect method, a method that is industry standard, but by definition cannot describe uniform internal failure as it is intended to fail a sample diametrically. This project will use laboratory experiments to simulate the physical processes of initiating a tensile fracture with excess pore pressure. A numerical model will be constructed that simulate the laboratory experiments to illustrate the coupling of pore pressure, matrix stress and fracture initiation. The laboratory experiment is designed to provide data to with which to calibrate the model and validate the model's output. This model can then be used on the one hand to better design completions programs for hydraulic fracturing and, on the other hand, how to design safer storage caverns in shales. This research will make use of the coupling between a shale's matrix properties and the fluid properties contained within the pore space in order to evaluate the shale's usefulness for various applications: 1) completions engineers in the petroleum industry who endeavor to hydraulically fracture shales, and 2) those who do not seek to fracture shales, such as engineers designing shale caverns to store natural gas or carbon dioxide.
Horizontal Well Water Cut Estimation due to Water Coning in Heterogeneous Formations with Vertical Flow Barriers
Authors: Safin D. A. , Korobkin A. P. , Sitnikov A. N.
Published: October 2016

Water coning and cresting process complicates oil production from reservoirs with bottom water by severe water cut increase after water breakthrough and amplify the load on surface fluid processing equipment. Volume of easy to recover oil reserves declines gradually, thus creates the need in the instrument for economic evaluation of the profitability of such reserves, taking into account the possible geological risks.

This instrument must account for formation heterogeneity and flow barrier distribution, wellbore trajectory and well spacing. It should be noted that oil production with drawdown below critical in most cases is not economically feasible, so water cut estimation after water breakthrough is an important factor.

Water coning in horizontal well is a complex process indescribable by analytical models derived for homogeneous formations. Semi-numerical model of water cut estimation based on series of numerical calculations is presented. Model accounts for vertical flow barriers distribution and is compared with existing analytical and empirical solutions.

To consider the impact of formation heterogeneity and flow barrier distribution the combination of geological and flow simulation software were used to produce a large series of simulation runs. Data analysis produced stable relationship of recovery factor to water cut for a simplified field block considering variations in facies distribution parameters and dip angle. Due to complexity and uncertainty of real field geological properties a statistical approach was used to achieve most accurate well production profile estimation. Water cut descriptive function was derived to allow model application in semi-analytical production profile estimation.

After analysis of over 150,000 simulation runs with different reservoir parameters a reliable function of water cut to recovery factor for field block with horizontal well was achieved. This function takes into account flow barrier distribution through variogram stochastic distribution method, reservoir dip angle, oil column thickness, well construction and offset. Derived function allows exclude production rate and relative formation properties by usage of block recovery factor. Resulting model allows calculation of water breakthrough time and following water cut for horizontal well due to water coning process for various types of reservoirs. Large number of runs provides probabilistic estimation of well production profile (P10 P50 P90) for each reservoir properties combination.
Exploring through Fracturing in Eastern Siberia: Defining Gas Production Potential from Low-Temperature Sandstone of Chayandinskoe Field
Authors: Yudin Alexey , Paskhalov Maxim , Butula Kreso Kurt , Astapenok Vladimir , Vernigora Denis , Gennadievich Kreknin Sergey , Pushnikov Konstantin , Zykov Alexey , Borovinsky Yuri
Published: October 2016

With reserves of over 1 trillion cubic meters, Chayandinskoe oil, gas, and condensate field (OGCF) is one of the strategic fields in eastern Siberia. The field is currently in the exploration stage. Geological properties of the formations vary significantly, and it is necessary to define appropriate methods of well construction and completion prior to switching to a field development stage. One of the prospective options is to implement hydraulic fracturing in low-permeability areas of the Chayandinskoe. A pilot stimulation campaign was executed in 2015–2016 to test the efficiency of hydraulic fracturing in vertical wells and in one subhorizontal multilayer well.

The geology of eastern Siberia formations is unique. In particular, producing formations of Chayandinskoe field have extremely low temperatures (8 to 13°C) that require a principally different approach to fracturing fluid design compared to the majority of the operations in western Siberia. One challenge is to achieve a fluid that is stable but that can break within a few hours after the treatment. Laboratory research was a significant part of the project preparatory stage; enzyme breakers, in particular, were included to the recipe. Methane hydrate creation is another common challenge in these reservoirs; special inhibitors under high concentrations were integrated within the fluid formulation.

Within two winter campaigns (a total of five fracturing stages), there were three wells stimulated. The Khamakinskiy producing formation was tested in all three wells, and the Botuobinskiy and Talakhskiy formations were tested in a subhorizontal well in 2016. Advanced logging suites were run in both the pilot and lateral holes of the wells to optimize fracture modeling and placement. This paper contains detailed description of the core and laboratory testing performed in the laboratory for fluid optimization. The specifics of completion of a subhorizontal well with a multistage stimulation assembly is described. In this well, premium ports were used to allow for selective interval isolation. Well cleanout and nitrogen kickoff via coiled tubing were done to minimize near-wellbore damage and prevent hydrate creation during fracturing fluid flowback. The flow profile was measured using a special multiphase imager run with fiber-optic-enabled coiled tubing. Results have shown that fracturing as a method of field development is effective, but requires a complex preparatory stage in the laboratory and further optimization to local logistics and geological conditions.

The project is one of the first gas fracturing campaigns in eastern Siberia. The methods developed and the lessons learned in this project are of paramount value for future stimulation campaigns for field development in the region.
Estimation Viscosity and its Heterogeneity by NMR Logging Tool in Reservoir Conditions in Oilfield with Heavy Oil: Practical Results
Authors: Musin K. , Abdullin T. , Shipunov T. , Khisamov R.
Published: October 2016

Heavy oil reservoirs are expected to have viscous anisotropy, both vertical and lateral, with viscosity value varying in the range of several orders of magnitude. Today, there is no any reliable technique to define viscosity anisotropy and to estimate oil viscosity in-situ. The existing methods cannot evaluate the viscosity of crude oil without its lifting to the surface. The solution is the Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) process which is capable of both reservoir characterization and formation fluid properties analysis.

Oil samples in such a case should be collected from reservoir zones that have not been exposed to heat or chemicals. Such samples can be derived, particularly, from oil-saturated core material recovered while drilling wells in newly discovered fields or in untreated reservoir areas. Centrifuge method (HSC) turned out to be the most successful and less laborious. The obtained by HSC samples most accurately reflect the intrinsic properties of potentially recoverable fluid.

Methods whisch can determine mobile oil viscosity from relaxation time is existing. However, all the earlier empirical equations fail to determine oil viscosity higher than 1000 MPa•s. It has been shown that the logarithmic mean spin-spin relaxation time demonstrates the best correlation with oil viscosity, which in combination with a calculated time cutoff, yields over 80% accuracy in viscosity estimation. The developed technique determines oil viscosity distribution from high-field NMR-logging data after calibrating correlation factors.

Considering oil viscosity anisotropy yields a significant economic benefit including the reduced costs of steam injection and increased cumulative oil production.
The Differentiated Approach of the Reserves Estimation for Source Rock Formations
Authors: Alekseev A. D. , Antonenko A. A. , Zhukov V. V. , Strizhnev K. V.
Published: October 2016

Today, it has become pretty obvious that the rocks that were conventionally believed to be source rocks are, in many cases, oil bearing rocks. This oil bearing potential can be attributed to both filtration of the hydrocarbon fluids in the reservoir and artificial generation of liquid and gaseous hydrocarbons by heating the solid organic matter underground. The suggested differentiated approach to estimation of the resource base allows identifying and assessing oil bearing potentials for various reservoir stimulation techniques: drawdown (due to natural reservoir properties of the rock), creation of artificial permeability, and generation of hydrocarbons by in-situ pyrolysis of the organic matter.
A Novel Evaluation of In-Situ Wettability in IRAQi Oil Fields; Case Studies
Authors: Al-Hilali Mazin Mohlab , Al-Abideen Mohammed Jawad , Li Weidong , Jebutu Segun , Perederii Artur
Published: October 2016

Optimizing Oil Recovery requires understanding of formation wettability; numerous characteristics of reservoir performance influenced by the oil versus water wetting preferences mainly in Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) practices and water flooding assuming a water-wet reservoir, if it is not, a permanent reservoir damage is expected.

Oil Companies depend on the Core-Measured-wettability. The practice of transferring the samples from the formation to the lab may lead to wettability alteration during core cutting operations and sample preparation; additional laboratory issues include surface adsorption equilibrium and optimal interface-ageing time, if a smooth surface is used it will not account for the rock surface roughness. The biggest disadvantage of the laboratory methods is that of scaling to entire reservoir extent downhole condition.

Adding up, all of these processes are time-consuming, consequently a technique to evaluate in-situ wettability is desired.

The in-situ wettability of rocks from Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) log is a representative of the entire interval at the reservoir condition. A derived spin-lattice function from the fundamental NMR relaxation time T2 is directly related to the interfacial tension and the surface wetting fluid properties, as a result, an in-situ wettability index could be computed from the function.

Rock wettability may explain some apparent discrepancies that occur in defining water-oil contacts by Reservoir Characterization Instrument (RCI) and logging measurements.

Analyzing these discrepancies using the RCI Pressure Data makes it possible to estimate the In-Situ Wettability state of the reservoir.

Case Studies from two different Giant Oil Fields located in the South of IRAQ are included in this paper, and each field has various sets of Data, varied from Pressure Test and NMR to only Full-Set of Wire line data. These fields were selected to represent various applications scenarios of Carbonate and Shaly-Sand Oil Bearing Formations of In-Situ Wettability using Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) log and Reservoir Characterization Instrument (RCI) Pressure Data.

The novelty of this study offered advance integrated petrophysical evaluation for In-Situ Wettability to support the field development plans and improve the reservoir characterization.
The Infrared Method of Determining The Water-Cut of a Nonhomogeneous Water-Gaz-Oil Stream
Authors: Zaitcev E. V. , Grigoriev B. V. , Mikhailov P. Y. , Nikulin S. G.
Published: October 2016

A perspective method of water cut determination the for water-oil flux based on the optical measurement method using NIR spectrometry is considered in this paper. The laboratory studies on the implementation of the method on a double-beam NIR spectrometer have been carried out. Water-oil emulsions with different moisture contents have been used as test specimen. Optimal ranges of wavelengths to analyze the emulsion composition at different thicknesses of a translucent mixture have been determined. It has been shown that an optical path length has a significant influence on the choice of operating wavelength ranges.

It has been found that the dispersion value in a water-oil emulsion is a key factor for the accuracy of measurements.

A calculation method describing absorption and scattering of NIR radiation by water/oil emulsions has been proposed. The comparison of calculated and experimental data has been carried out. The possibility of the presented calculation method application for analysis of water cut of a water-oil emulsion has been proved.
Multistage Refracture in a Horizontal Well Using Flow-Diverting Technology
Authors: Astafyev Vladimir , Lahman Matthew , Chaburdo Pavel , Mast Michael , Mazitov Marat , Makienko Vladimir , Valiullin Albert
Published: October 2016

Development of hard-to-recover reserves in Russia necessitates the development of new technologies and use of those technologies for efficient production of hydrocarbons. One such technology is multistage fracturing in horizontal wells. Beginning in 2010, such technologies have been widely used in many regions. A liner with swellable or hydraulic packers for separation of intervals and fracture ports opened with balls or actuated with the help of coiled tubing is the simplest and most economically effective method for completion of horizontal sections of boreholes. Well production using multistage fracturing helps maximize initial flow rates and hydrocarbon extraction; however, production declines over time can be significant and, in some cases, it is necessary to perform repeated reservoir stimulation treatments to maintain an economic production level. Refracturing wells with shifting sleeves is complicated because it is necessary to perform selective interval isolation for the target interval treatment. Mechanical isolation involves special tools for well treatment and fracturing, which significantly increases the cost and duration of treatment. Multistage fracturing fluid diversion, with the help of biodegradable diverting agents, is widely used in unconventional reservoirs but has not been used effectively in reservoirs with relatively high permeability. The method discussed in this work is based on injection of a degradable diverting agent, sealing of highly permeable intervals, recovery of permeability of existing fractures, and formation of new hydraulic fractures. This technology does not require any special tools and substantially reduces treatment time. However, such specific technology requires adjustment and calibration to particular formation conditions and completion types. This paper describes the flow diversion multistage refracturing technology tested at Las-Eganskoye field. The technology was tested in formations with relatively high permeability. Results of well treatment and testing allowed for assessing key process procedures and developing measures aimed at adjusting the method to field conditions.
Advancements of Fracturing Technique Implementation to Jurassic Formations of Uvat Region
Authors: Yudin Alexey , Tetyuk Dmitry , Nizamova Nasima , Miklin Yuri , Savelyeva Irina
Published: October 2016

To provide designed oil production and to minimize non-productive time new approaches in hydraulic fracturing have been tried and introduced for several years in Uvat project. During this optimization process, several new technologies were pilot tested including fiber-laden fluid, rod-shaped proppant and channel fracturing technique. The main goal was to improve fracturing fluid reliability and to decrease the risk of premature screen-outs in combination with more aggressive fracturing design to maximize oil production.

Uvat project oil field is located in Western Siberia. Jurassic formation is the main oil producer from the field, presented by significant net height (up to 45 m), relatively high permeability which varies in wide range from 2 md to more than 50 mD. The formation temperature is 80-90°C. The requirements to fracture geometry is gradually increase in these conditions. The greater fracture width must be accompanied with sufficient effective fracture half-length. This goal cannot be achieved with standard hydraulic fracturing techniques because of limitations in proppant pack conductivity. Besides, the more aggressive design is associated with the higher risk of premature job screen-out that consequently results in non-productive time.

Paper describes the results of pilot projects for the following new technologies introduction: fibers that allow better proppant distribution in the fracture and decrease polymer concentration without sacrificing proppant transportation ability of the fluid (the new generation of fibers was implemented which is for low temperature formation); rod-shaped proppant to prevent particles flowback and to increase fracture conductivity; channel fracturing technology that allows to decrease treatment costs and risk of premature screen-out while keeping or even increasing the flow capacity of the fracture. In channel fracturing application a proppant is added in short pulses alternated with clean fluid pulses. This becomes even more vital in remote locations as the same stimulation result can be achieved with less proppant amount replaced by clean fluid pulses that leads to decrease in spending on logistics and time optimization for fracturing job.

The manuscript describes the candidate selection methods for re-fracturing jobs and states the main success criteria (such as presence of formation energy and current skin calculation). The authors represent comparative analysis of horizontal wells and multistage fracturing effectiveness in low productive regions resulted in high incremental oil rate when compared to vertical wells with a single fracture.
Use of Comprehensive Analysis for Improvement of Development Design Quality
Authors: Prisyazhnjuk M. A. , Filatov M. A. , Nikulin S. E. , Sabelnikov I. S.
Published: October 2016

In the conditions of the current economic situation many oil fields face the acute problem of achievement of economic profitability for new well drilling and commissioning. Well drilling at the absence of required studies and detail analysis of the current condition of development in the situation of multi-layered and heterogeneous oil strata can fail to provide the expected increase of oil yield and even reduce the oil recovery factor of strata significantly. Comprehensive analysis of all available information about the field (laboratory, seismic, geophysical, hydrodynamic surveys) with further specification of the geological and hydrodynamic model are required for improvement of the quality of design and efficiency of drilling of designed wells. The main purpose of this work is justification of well drilling direction with horizontal laying on the basis of a permanent geological and technological model (PGTM).
Promoting Safe Work Environment and Good HSE Culture by Reporting Leading Indicators: Case Study in Oil & Gas Industry
Authors: Egbevurie Benson , Mustapha Adetoun , Chine Okey , Amadi Amadi
Published: October 2016

Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) reporting is defined as the recording of all unwanted or unplanned events/occurrences whether or not they resulted in injuries to people, damage to assets, harm to environment or have the potential to do so. In Nigeria, recording and reporting of accidents and ill health at work is a legal requirement under the Mineral Oil Safety Regulations (MOSR) 1997 and internationally, under the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR) 2013.

In HSE reporting, there are leading (proactive) and lagging (reactive) indicators. "Leading" indicators are preferred because they record performance before the top event and therefore helps create a safer work place, reduce lost time, increase productivity and improve company reputation. Identification of situations/actions that can lead to actual incidents /accidents in the work place and removing them ahead of time is key; It also helps to identify weak links and provide focus areas and efficient channelling of resources and creates learning opportunities in the workplace and proactively prevents actual incidents from occurring.

These leading indicators include Unsafe Acts (UA), Unsafe Conditions (UC) and Near Misses (NM.

This paper will discuss contributions of proactive reporting in relation to good HSE performance and learnings, over a couple of years in Oil & Gas Company. It will also demonstrate how application of LEAN methodology (an efficiency minded and quality-oriented process) helped to overcome the challenges with reporting and hence improved the quantity, quality and learning from past incidents. The outcome of this project, has been critical in creating a culture of pro active safety management and reduction in significant safety incidents
Pilot Plant Bioremediation of Hydrocarbon Contaminated Drill Mud - Case Study in Ghana
Authors: Osei-Twumasi D.. , Fei-Baffoe B.. , Darkwah L.. , Adomako F.. , Boateng D. A. , Johnson W. B. , Yartel R.. , Ennin K..
Published: October 2016

Hydrocarbon-contaminated drill mud waste associated with oil and gas activities constitutes a major risk to the environment, but current conventional treatment methods have not been effective in removing Total Petroleum Hydrocarbon (TPH). In this study, the remedial potential of nutrients addition to stimulate the growth of indigenous microbes was harnessed to treat drill mud contaminated with hydrocarbons as an alternative to the conventional treatment methods.

Baseline study of the hydrocarbon contaminated drill mud was carried out to establish the inherent physicochemical and biological characteristics. Homogenized sample of the hydrocarbon contaminated drill mud was inoculated with adequate amount of nutrient and bulking agent into various ratios of contaminated drill mud/nutrients/bulking agent. The specification for each microcosm experiment was 0.2 m × 0.5 m × 1.5 m for depth, breadth and length respectively.

The experimental results showed a high TPH level of 8.88 × 105 mg/kg, low nitrogen content of 0.4% and low microbial load of 1.34 × 103 CFU/100ml for the drill mud. TPH degraded sharply, averaging 98% after three weeks and 99.5% after seven weeks augmentation with nutrients. The trends of the other measured parameters supported that the degradation was due to the enhanced microbial activities.

The high rate of degradation achieved in this study supports the proposition that bioremediation of drill mud is a feasible approach to effectively remove TPH components from the hydrocarbon contaminated drill mud. This study therefore paves way for scalable studies to be pursued in similar and/or different industrial situations.
Making an E&P - Fisheries Management Plan Work in Ghana - A Multi-Stakeholder Approach towards Addressing Implementation Challenges
Authors: Babanawo R.. , Boakye-Agyei K.. , Amoyaw-Osei Y.. , Buchman A..
Published: October 2016

The objective of this paper is to describe the process and results of the multi-stakeholder approach to solving marine zone conflicts which could serve as a reference for managing impacts of offshore E&P in other countries. Ghana's fishers and coastal communities had raised many concerns over the potential adverse impacts of offshore oil exploration and production prior to the development of the giant Jubilee field nearly a decade ago. Government officials have worked to filter the noise and misperceptions from the legitimate concerns in an effort to focus management efforts and communications on addressing actual impacts.

In 2014, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of Ghana in collaboration with other stakeholders initiated an Independent Study to ascertain the impacts of Exploration and Production on fisheries and the Marine environment as an important step in defining the way forward. The study included extensive interview and consultation with various stakeholders and produced series of recommendations that were carefully vetted with these stakeholders.

Implementing these recommendations in a manner that is inclusive of broad stakeholder interests to ensure peaceful coexistence between the fisheries and oil and gas sectors and harmonious utilization of the marine environment is inherently associated with critical challenges. To address these critical challenges, the Ministry of Fisheries, with support from offshore E&P operators and the Independent Study team launched a multi-stakeholder Marine Fisheries Advisory Committee with a specific charter and work plan for implementing recommended actions of the Independent Study.

Under the guidance of the Marine Fisheries Advisory Committee, a Coastal and Marine Sector Action Plan with activities categorized into seven priority areas was developed to address the main concerns of stakeholders. An Inter-Ministerial Oversight Committee (IMOC) is to be established to provide leverage for the implementation of the Action plan.
Ghana's Response to National Emergencies and Disaster Management: An Advocacy for a Multisectoral Approach
Authors: Teddy Gina , Akoriyea Samuel Kaba
Published: October 2016

The past two decades have seen an increasing trend in national disasters in Ghana resulting from natural catastrophes and human activities. In the past few years however, the range of threats have dramatically shifted to human activities leading to environmental degradation, infectious diseases and other public health hazards, technological and chemical hazards, and conflicts with consequences to public health and climate change. Across the country but largely in cities and towns, the threat for disaster are created through poor sanitation and building plans, mining and forestry practices, poor regulation and enforcement, lack of education, corruption and greed, and poor health and safety practices. Response to disaster and emergencies such as floods, bushfires, drought, deforestation, collapsed buildings, infectious disease outbreaks, unsafe food and water contamination, and road accidents have been adhoc, haphazardly planned and poorly supported. There is a lack of collaboration and partnership among the institutions responsible for managing these risks and disasters. The efforts of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), ministries of health, agriculture, mines and natural resources, ambulatory and fire services are all independent of each other on the one hand and isolated from the community, NGOs, civil societies and research institutes on the other.

These had led them to operate in silos, pursue individual policies at the detriment of maximising the scarce resources and capacities available to support risk management. Sordidly, providing relief to disaster victims is currently politicised by governments and political parties for campaign and voting purposes, leading to political inteference and manipulations. These short term approaches to disaster management had been the cause of recurrent preventative catastrophes, public health challenges and rapid environmental degradation experienced in Ghana. We are advocating for a multi-sectoral approach to emergency and disaster management in Ghana by all sectors and partners involved to ensure adequate prediction, regulation, prevention, and lessons for mitigation and monitoring, information and education to the public. NADMO cannot continue to haphazardly support disaster victims, nor the EPA overwhelmed with the growing challenges. We are calling for clear national policy direction and systems approach to disaster, risk and emergency management that allow for effective partnership, encourage capacity strengthening and resource collaboration among all partners for effective measures towards prevention, mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery.
CABGOC Process Safety Risk Management Challenges – Process Safety Effectiveness and Performance Improvement by Effective Process Implementation and Verification & Validation of Critical Safeguards
Authors: Shanmugavelu Rajasekaran , Ramos Joao A
Published: October 2016

Many accidents in oil industries have occurred in spite of investment in Risk Management (RM) Process because of ineffective safeguards verification & validation and improper critical RM corrective actions implementation. Risk assessment action closure based on risk severity and effective implementation of safeguard verification & validation are especially more important in low oil price regime to meet the company Operation Excellence objectives. This manuscript presents how Cabinda Gulf Oil Company Limited (CABGOC), Health, Environment and safety (HES) - Process safety team effectively re-orienting itself to address the challenges in meeting the risk reduction goals.

To implement RM process, it is required to develop and maintain the Company Risk Management database with qualified baseline RM studies and effective risk based recommendation action closure process. The article provides organized strategies to manage historical RM studies qualify for its reference and maintain the baseline studies for future revalidation as per Corporate RM processes and document the new processes for continuous improvement. It also enumerates the process of field safeguard verification & validation with information on Management of Change (MOC) and Non-Conformance Report and engagement of all stockholders for a complete process safety information understanding before carrying out the RM studies. Continual monitoring of the status of various facilities critical safeguards accredited for the RM process and improving the team competencies to meet the expectation are part of the strategy. The verification and the validation, as per corporate guidance, are being taken on all critical safeguards by field verification on condition, control status, adequacy based on MOC process or any other modification and Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) gaps in relation to effective implementation. How are these safeguards verification and validation data used in calibrating the quantitative studies input data for revalidation and study effectiveness is also explained. The strategies provide cost effective risk based RM process implementation, well managed RM database, compliance to corporate guidance and incident free operation.
The Complement System in Neuropathic and Postoperative Pain
Authors: Fritzinger David C. , Benjamin Daniel E.
Published: October 2016

Certain types of pain are major unmet medical needs that affect more than 8 percent of the population. Neuropathic pain can be caused by many pathogenic processes including injury, autoimmune disease, neurological disease, endocrine dysfunction, infection, toxin exposure, and substance abuse and is frequently resistant to available pain therapies. The same can be said of post-surgical pain, which can arise from uncontrolled inflammation around the wound site. The complement system is part of the innate immune system and can both initiate and sustain acute and chronic inflammatory pain. Here we review the complement system and original investigations that identify potential drug targets within this system. Drugs that act to inhibit the complement system could fill major gaps in our current standard of care for neuropathic pain states.
PHARMACOKINETICS, HEMATOLOGICAL AND BIOCHEMICAL EFFECTS OF CIPROFLOXACIN HYDROCHLORIDE-SODIUM CHOLATE COMPLEX
Authors: E. Osonwa U. , I. Ugochukwu J. , A. Onyegbule F. , O. Esimone C.
Published: October 2016

Objective: Ciprofloxacin is a broad spectrum antibiotic widely used in the treatment of infections, but its toxicological effects remains a great challenge. This research emphasized on analyzing the effect of a hydrophobic ion pair complex, involving ciprofloxacin hydrochloride and sodium cholate and also pegylated ciprofloxacin hydrochloride-sodium cholate complex.

Methods: The effects of ciprofloxacin-cholate complex and pegylated ciprofloxacin-cholate complex were evaluated. LD50 was determined. The test drugs were orally to twenty-four albino mice, in six groups of four mice, at different doses of 7.14 mg/kg, 14.2 mg/kg and 21.4 mg/kg; and PEG complex, 7.14 and 14.2 mg/kg. Each was administered twice daily for fourteen days. The animal blood samples were subjected to hematological, biochemical tests; and the liver organs were collected. Histopathological examination was carried out on the harvested organs. Pharmacokinetic parameters were determined using the non-compartmental method.

Results: The LD50 of the complex was above 5000 mg/kg. The non-significant decrease in PCV and WBC showed the parent drug and its complex are neither anemia inducing nor immunosuppressing; the significant decrease in the average RBCs count in post–treatment of 21.47 mg/kg of the complex could be from physiological changes; the bio-liver makers showed hepatocellular damage. Photomicrograph of the liver sections of mice showed mild areas of hepatocyte degeneration and inflammatory cell infiltrates.

Conclusion: The biochemical, hematological and histology results showed complexation did not increase adverse effects of ciprofloxacin. The PEGYlated complex showed higher AUC and Cmax peak than the uncomplexed drug, hence more therapeutic benefits.
CHEMICAL COMPOSITION AND ANTIBACTERIAL AND ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITIES OF THYMUS SATUREIOIDES COSS. ESSENTIAL OIL
Authors: Sbayou Houda , Boumaza Awatif , Hilali Abderraouf , Amghar Souad
Published: October 2016

Objective: Thymus satureioides is a well-known aromatic perennial shrub widely used throughout the Mediterranean basin as a culinary herb, in traditional medicine for the treatment of a variety of diseases, and as a natural preservative ingredient in the food industry. The aim of this study was to analyze the chemical composition of T. Satureioides essential oil and to assess its antibacterial and antioxidant activities.

Methods: The chemical composition of the essential oil was investigated by Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The essential oil was evaluated for its antibacterial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria using agar diffusion method and macro-broth dilution. The antioxidant activity was tested by three different methods, namely DPPH free radical scavenging, β-carotene/linoleic acid and TBARS assays.

Results: Thirty compounds were identified, representing 85.52% of the total composition of this essential oil. Borneol (26.45%) and thymol (11.24%) were the major components. The oil had a bactericidal activity against all tested bacteria, with the exception of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. In addition, the T. satureioides essential oil revealed strong antioxidant activity in all conducted assays.

Conclusion: The findings suggest that essential oil of T. satureioides may be used as an alternative to synthetic antibiotics and antioxidants.
Importance of pharmacogenetic markers in the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase gene during methotrexate treatment in pediatric patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Lazic Jelena , Kotur Nikola , Krstovski Nada , Dokmanovic Lidija , Zukic Branka , Predojevic-Samardzic Jelica , Zivotic Maja , Milosevic Goran , Djoric Milica , Janic Dragana , Pavlovic Sonja
Published: October 2016

Despite remarkable progress in survival of children with acute lymphoblastic
leukemia (ALL) which has reached about 85%, early toxicity and relapse rate
remain issues that need to to be resolved. Genetic variants are important
factors influencing the metabolism of cytotoxic drugs in ALL treatment.
Variants in genes coding for methotrexate (MTX)-metabolizing enzymes are
under constant scientific interest due to their potential impact on drug
toxicity and relapse rate. We investigated methylenetetrahydrofolate
reductase (MTHFR) c.677C>T and MTHFR c.1298A>C variants as pharmacogenetic
markers of MTX toxicity and predictors of relapse. The study enrolled 161
children with ALL, treated according to the current International
Berlin-Frankfurt-Munster group (BFM) for diagnostics and treatment of
leukemia and lymphoma protocols. Genotyping was performed using PCRRFLP and
allele-specific PCR assays. Our results revealed similar distributions of
MTHFR c.677C>T and MTHFR c.1298A>C genotypes among 104 healthy individuals as
compared to pediatric ALL patients. A lower incidence of early MTX toxicity
was noted in the MTHFR c.677TT genotype (p=0.017), while MTHFR c.1298A>C
genotypes were not associated with MTX toxicity. Carriers of any MTHFR
c.677C>T and MTHFR c.1298A>C genotypes did not experience decreased overall
survival (OAS) or higher relapse rates. Genetic variants in the MTHFR gene
are not involved in leukemogenesis in pediatric ALL. The presence of the
MTHFR c.677TT genotype was recognized as a predictive factor for decreased
MTX toxicity during the intensification phase of therapy. Neither MTHFR
c.677C>T nor MTHFR c.1298A>C genotypes correlated with an increased number of
toxic deaths or relapse rate. Our study emphasizes the importance of
implementing pharmacogenetic markers in order to optimize pediatric ALL
therapy.
New optical sensor based on the immobilization of a triazene ligand in PVC membrane for Hg(II) ion
Authors: Shafiekhani Homa , Nezam Fahimeh , Bahar Shahriyar
Published: October 2016

This paper describes the development and creation of a new sensitive optical sensor that is quite selective to Hg(II) ions in aqueous solution. The sensing element, the newly synthesized methyl 2-[3-(3-methylphenyl)-2-triazen- 1-yl]benzoate, incorporated into a plasticized poly(vinyl chloride) membrane, is able to determine Hg(II) ion with a high selectivity over a wide dynamic range from 5.0?115.1 ?g L-1 at pH 7.5 with a lower detection limit of 0.67 ?g L-1. The response of the optode membrane to Hg(II) was fully reversible and revealed a very good selectivity towards Hg(II) ion from a wide variety of other metal ions in solution. The overall performance characteristics of the sensor were evaluated and good reversibility, wide dynamic range, long life span, long-term response stability and high reproducibility were found. The proposed optical sensor gives proper results in applications including direct determination of the Hg(II) ion in real environmental samples.
Systolic Blood Pressure and Risk of Type 2 Diabetes: A Mendelian Randomization Study
Authors: Aikens Rachael C. , Zhao Wei , Saleheen Danish , Reilly Muredach P. , Epstein Stephen E. , Tikkanen Emmi , Salomaa Veikko , Voight Benjamin F.
Published: October 2016

Observational studies have shown that elevated systolic blood pressure (SBP) is associated with future onset of type 2 diabetes, but whether this association is causal is not known. We applied the Mendelian randomization framework to evaluate the causal hypothesis that elevated SBP increases risk for type 2 diabetes. We used 28 genetic variants associated with SBP and evaluated their impact on type 2 diabetes using a European-centric meta-analysis comprising 37,293 case and 125,686 control subjects. We found that elevation of SBP levels by 1 mmHg due to our genetic score was associated with a 2% increase in risk of type 2 diabetes (odds ratio 1.02, 95% CI 1.01–1.03, P = 9.05 × 10−5). To limit confounding, we constructed a second score based on 13 variants exclusively associated with SBP and found a similar increase in type 2 diabetes risk per 1 mmHg of genetic elevation in SBP (odds ratio 1.02, 95% CI 1.01–1.03, P = 1.48 × 10−3). Sensitivity analyses using multiple, alternative causal inference measures and simulation studies demonstrated consistent association, suggesting robustness of our primary observation. In line with previous reports from observational studies, we found that genetically elevated SBP was associated with increased risk for type 2 diabetes. Further work will be required to elucidate the biological mechanism and translational implications.
Exposure to Gestational Diabetes Mellitus: Impact on the Development of Early-Onset Type 2 Diabetes in Canadian First Nations and Non–First Nations Offspring
Authors: Sellers Elizabeth A.C. , Dean Heather J. , Shafer Leigh Anne , Martens Patricia J. , Phillips-Beck Wanda , Heaman Maureen , Prior Heather J. , Dart Allison B. , McGavock Jonathan , Morris Margaret , Torshizi Ali A. , Ludwig Sora , Shen Garry X.
Published: October 2016

OBJECTIVE

Type 2 diabetes is increasing in children worldwide, with Canadian First Nations (FN) children disproportionally affected. The prevalence of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) also is increasing. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of GDM exposure in utero and FN status on the subsequent risk of type 2 diabetes in offspring in the first 30 years of life.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

In this population-based historical prospective cohort study, we used administrative databases linked to a clinical database to explore the independent association and interaction between GDM and FN status on the subsequent development of type 2 diabetes in offspring.

RESULTS

Among 321,008 births with a median follow-up of 15.1 years, both maternal GDM and FN status were independently associated with subsequent risk of type 2 diabetes in offspring in the first 30 years of life (hazard ratio 3.03 [95% CI 2.44–3.76; P < 0.0001] vs. 4.86 [95% CI 4.08–5.79; P < 0.0001], respectively). No interaction between GDM and FN status on type 2 diabetes risk was observed. FN status had a stronger impact on the development of type 2 diabetes in offspring than GDM.

CONCLUSIONS

GDM is an important modifiable risk factor for type 2 diabetes, and its prevention may reduce the prevalence of subsequent type 2 diabetes in offspring. This study adds unique and rigorous evidence to the global public health debate about the impact of GDM on the long-term health of offspring.
A Century of Grading Research
Authors: Brookhart Susan M. , Guskey Thomas R. , Bowers Alex J. , McMillan James H. , Smith Jeffrey K. , Smith Lisa F. , Stevens Michael T. , Welsh Megan E.
Published: October 2016

Grading refers to the symbols assigned to individual pieces of student work or to composite measures of student performance on report cards. This review of over 100 years of research on grading considers five types of studies: (a) early studies of the reliability of grades, (b) quantitative studies of the composition of K–12 report card grades, (c) survey and interview studies of teachers’ perceptions of grades, (d) studies of standards-based grading, and (e) grading in higher education. Early 20th-century studies generally condemned teachers’ grades as unreliable. More recent studies of the relationships of grades to tested achievement and survey studies of teachers’ grading practices and beliefs suggest that grades assess a multidimensional construct containing both cognitive and noncognitive factors reflecting what teachers value in student work. Implications for future research and for grading practices are discussed.
Modeling of Microdevices for SAW-Based Acoustophoresis — A Study of Boundary Conditions
Authors: Skov Nils , Bruus Henrik
Published: October 2016

We present a ﬁnite-element method modeling of acoustophoretic devices consisting of a single, long, straight, water-ﬁlled microchannel surrounded by an elastic wall of either borosilicate glass (pyrex) or the elastomer polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and placed on top of a piezoelectric transducer that actuates the device by surface acoustic waves (SAW). We compare the resulting acoustic ﬁelds in these full solid-ﬂuid models with those obtained in reduced ﬂuid models comprising of only a water domain with simpliﬁed, approximate boundary conditions representing the surrounding solids. The reduced models are found to only approximate the acoustically hard pyrex systems to a limited degree for large wall thicknesses and but not very well for acoustically soft PDMS systems shorter than the PDMS damping length of 3 mm.
Estimation of Pine Forest Height and Underlying DEM Using Multi-Baseline P-Band PolInSAR Data
Authors: Fu Haiqiang , Wang Changcheng , Zhu Jianjun , Xie Qinghua , Zhang Bing
Published: October 2016

On the basis of the Gaussian vertical backscatter (GVB) model, this paper proposes a new method for extracting pine forest height and forest underlying digital elevation model (FUDEM) from multi-baseline (MB) P-band polarimetric-interferometric radar (PolInSAR) data. Considering the linear ground-to-volume relationship, the GVB is linked to the interferometric coherences of different polarizations. Subsequently, an inversion algorithm, weighted complex least squares adjustment (WCLSA), is formulated, including the mathematical model, the stochastic model and the parameter estimation method. The WCLSA method can take full advantage of the redundant observations, adjust the contributions of different observations and avoid null ground-to-volume ratio (GVR) assumption. The simulated experiment demonstrates that the WCLSA method is feasible to estimate the pure ground and volume scattering contributions. Finally, the WCLSA method is applied to E-SAR P-band data acquired over Krycklan Catchment covered with mixed pine forest. It is shown that the FUDEM highly agrees with those derived by LiDAR, with a root mean square error (RMSE) of 3.45 m, improved by 23.0% in comparison to the three-stage method. The difference between the extracted forest height and LiDAR forest height is assessed with a RMSE of 1.45 m, improved by 37.5% and 26.0%, respectively, for model and inversion aspects in comparison to three-stage inversion based on random volume over ground (RVoG) model.