bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
One size does not fit all in severe infection: obesity alters outcome, susceptibility, treatment, and inflammatory response
Authors: Wacharasint Petch , Boyd John H , Russell James A , Walley Keith R
Published: June 2013

Introduction

Obesity is an increasingly common comorbidity in critically ill patients. Whether obesity alters sepsis outcome, susceptibility, treatment, and response is not completely understood.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective analysis comparing three group of septic shock patients based on the intervals of actual body mass index (BMI) in patients enrolled in the VASST (Vasopressin and Septic Shock Trial) cohort. Primary outcome measurement was 28-day mortality. We tested for differences in patterns of infection by comparing the primary site of infection and organism. We also compared the treatments (fluids and vasopressors) and inflammatory response, measuring adipose tissue-related cytokine concentrations (interleukin [IL]-6, monocyte chemotactic protein [MCP]-1, tumor necrosis factor [TNF]-α, and resistin) in plasma in a subset of 382 patients. Of the 778 patients in VASST, 730 patients who had body weight and height measurements were analyzed. Patients with BMI <25 kg/m2 (n = 276) were grouped as a reference and compared to 'overweight' (25< BMI <30 kg/m2, n = 209) and 'obese' (BMI > 30 kg/m2,n = 245) patients.

Results

Obese patients had the lowest 28-day mortality followed by overweight patients while patients with BMI <25 kg/m2 had the highest mortality (p = 0.02). Compared to the patients with BMI <25 kg/m2, obese and overweight patients also had a different pattern of infection with less lung (obese 35%, overweight 45%, BMI<25 kg/m2 50%, p = 0.003) and fungal infection (obese 8.2%, overweight 11%, and BMI<25 kg/m2 15.6%, p = 0.03). Per kilogram, obese and overweight patients received less fluid during the first four days (p<0.05) and received less norepinephrine (obese 0.14, overweight 0.21, BMI <25 kg/m2 0.26 µg/kg/min, p<0.0001) and vasopressin (obese 0.28, overweight 0.36, BMI <25 kg/m2 0.43 µU/kg/min, p<0.0001) on day 1 compared to patients with BMI <25 kg/m2. Obese and overweight patients also had a lower plasma IL-6 concentration at baseline (obese 106 [IQR 34-686], overweight 190 [IQR 44-2339], BMI <25 kg/m2 235 [IQR 44-1793] pg/mL, p = 0.046).

Conclusions

Overall obesity was associated with improved survival in septic shock and differences in pattern of infection, fluids, and vasopressors. Importantly, the magnitude of inflammatory IL-6 response is muted in the obese.
Attitudes towards psychiatric treatment and people with mental illness: changes over two decades
Authors: Angermeyer Matthias C. , Matschinger Herbert , Schomerus Georg
Published: June 2013

Background

Over the past decades, psychiatry, as a science and a clinical discipline, has witnessed profound changes.

Aims

To examine whether these changes are reflected in changes in the public's conceptualisation of mental disorders, the acceptance of mental health treatment and attitudes towards people with mental illness.

Method

In 1990 and 2011, population surveys were conducted in Germany on public attitudes about schizophrenia, depression and alcohol dependence.

Results

Although the public has become more inclined to endorse a biological causation of schizophrenia, the opposite trend was observed with the other two disorders. The public's readiness to recommend help-seeking from mental health professionals and using psychotherapy and psychotropic medication has increased considerably. Attitudes towards people with schizophrenia worsened, whereas for depression and alcohol dependence no or inconsistent changes were found.

Conclusions

The growing divide between attitudes towards schizophrenia and other mental disorders should be of particular concern to future anti-stigma campaigns.
Postnatal Dietary Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplementation Rescues Glucocorticoid-Programmed Adiposity, Hypertension, and Hyperlipidemia in Male Rat Offspring Raised on a High-Fat Diet
Authors: Zulkafli Intan S. , Waddell Brendan J. , Mark Peter J.
Published: June 2013

Fetal glucocorticoid excess programs several adverse outcomes in adult offspring, many of which can be prevented by postnatal, dietary omega-3 (n-3) fatty acids. Here we tested 2 separate hypotheses: 1) a postnatal high-fat diet exacerbates the glucocorticoid-programmed phenotype; and 2) postnatal, dietary n-3 fatty acids rescue programmed outcomes, even in the presence of a high-fat diet challenge. Pregnant Wistar rat dams were either untreated or administered dexamethasone acetate (Dex; 0.5 μg/mL drinking water) from day 13 of pregnancy. Offspring were cross-fostered to untreated mothers and males were weaned onto a standard (Std), high-fat, low n-3 (HF), or high-fat, high n-3 (HFHn-3) diet. Prenatal Dex reduced birth weight (26%) and delayed puberty onset by 1.2 days, irrespective of postnatal diet. Prenatal Dex programmed increased blood pressure in adult offspring, an effect worsened by the postnatal HF diet. Supplementation with high n-3 fatty acids, however, prevented both the Dex and HF-induced increases in blood pressure. Prenatal Dex also programmed increased adiposity, plasma cholesterol, and plasma triglyceride levels at 6 months of age, particularly in those offspring raised on the HF diet. But again, each of these adverse outcomes was rescued by supplementation of the HF diet with n-3 fatty acids. In conclusion, the capacity of n-3 fatty acids to overcome adverse programming outcomes remains evident, even in the presence of a HF diet challenge.
The Minimal Entropy Martingale Measure for Exponential Markov Chains
Authors: Lee Young , Rheinländer Thorsten
Published: June 2013

In this article we investigate the minimal entropy martingale measure for continuous-time Markov chains. The conditions for absence of arbitrage and existence of the minimal entropy martingale measure are discussed. Under this measure, expressions for the transition intensities are obtained. Differential equations for the arbitrage-free price are derived.
Consistency of Sample Estimates of Risk Averse Stochastic Programs
Authors: Shapiro Alexander
Published: June 2013

In this paper we study asymptotic consistency of law invariant convex risk measures and the corresponding risk averse stochastic programming problems for independent, identically distributed data. Under mild regularity conditions, we prove a law of large numbers and epiconvergence of the corresponding statistical estimators. This can be applied in a straightforward way to establish convergence with probability 1 of sample-based estimators of risk averse stochastic programming problems.
Protein trafficking abnormalities inDrosophilatissues with impaired activity of the ZIP7 zinc transporter Catsup
Authors: Groth Casper , Sasamura Takeshi , Khanna Mansi R. , Whitley Michael , Fortini Mark E.
Published: June 2013

Developmental patterning requires the precise interplay of numerous intercellular signaling pathways to ensure that cells are properly specified during tissue formation and organogenesis. The spatiotemporal function of the Notch signaling pathway is strongly influenced by the biosynthesis and intracellular trafficking of signaling components. Receptors and ligands must be trafficked to the cell surface where they interact, and their subsequent endocytic internalization and endosomal trafficking is crucial for both signal propagation and its down-modulation. In a forward genetic screen for mutations that alter intracellular Notch receptor trafficking in Drosophila epithelial tissues, we recovered mutations that disrupt the Catsup gene, which encodes the Drosophila ortholog of the mammalian ZIP7 zinc transporter. Loss of Catsup function causes Notch to accumulate abnormally in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and Golgi compartments, resulting in impaired Notch signaling. In addition, Catsup mutant cells exhibit elevated ER stress, suggesting that impaired zinc homeostasis causes increased levels of misfolded proteins within the secretory compartment.
A simple PCR-based strategy for estimating species-specific contributions in chimeras and xenografts
Authors: Ealba Erin L. , Schneider Richard A.
Published: June 2013

Many tissue-engineering approaches for repair and regeneration involve transplants between species. Yet a challenge is distinguishing donor versus host effects on gene expression. This study provides a simple molecular strategy to quantify species-specific contributions in chimeras and xenografts. Species-specific primers for reverse transcription quantitative real-time PCR (RT-qPCR) were designed by identifying silent mutations in quail, duck, chicken, mouse and human ribosomal protein L19 (RPL19). cDNA from different pairs of species was mixed in a dilution series and species-specific RPL19 primers were used to generate standard curves. Then quail cells were transplanted into transgenic-GFP chick and resulting chimeras were analyzed with species-specific primers. Fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) confirmed that donor- and host-specific levels of RPL19 expression represent actual proportions of cells. To apply the RPL19 strategy, we measured Runx2 expression in quail-duck chimeras. Elevated Runx2 levels correlated with higher percentages of donor cells. Finally, RPL19 primers also discriminated mouse from human and chick. Thus, this strategy enables chimeras and/or xenografts to be screened rapidly at the molecular level.
The occurrence of postpartum depression in women at puerperium and the sociodemographic situation and family relationships
Authors: Lewicka Magdalena , Sulima Magdalena , Iracka Emilia , Makara-Studzińska Marta
Published: June 2013

Introduction. Pregnancy and childbirth are the periods where there are mood swings and hormonal changes in the female body. The development of depression during the postpartum period is about ten times higher than in other times.
Aim. The aim of this study was to analyze the occurrence of postpartum depression in women in the postpartum period, depending on sociodemographic situation and family relationships.
Materials and methods. The study was conducted among 130 women in childbirth, between the fourth and twelfth week of childbirth. Research tool used was the author questionnaire and The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (ESDP, called Edinburgh postnatal Depression Scale).
Results. Based on s tudies o f postpartum, depression was found i n 4 0.00% of r espondents, while 6 0.00% o f the women h ad no symptoms of postpartum depression. In addition, a significant association was found between the occurrence of postpartum depression and age (p=0.03) and marital status (p=0.0006). A significant correlation was also shown between the presence of depressive symptoms and the assessment of the relationship with a partner (p=0.00001), with their parents (p=0.0006) and in-laws (p= 0.008).
Conclusions. Age, marital status and family relations have a significant impact on the prevalence of depressive symptoms in the postpartum period. Particular attention should be drawnt to mothers under 25 years of age, unmarried, and those that have a bad relationship with their husbands / partners, their parents and in-laws. Women diagnosed with depression levels ≥ 12 points, should be taken into the care of a psychologist or psychiatrist to confirm or exclude postpartum depression. Family midwives and nurses should use screening tool in professional practice to identify patients with depressive disorders at puerperium.
The comparison of quality of life of female patients over and below 41 years of age with lower limbs ulcerataion treated surgically or conservatively
Authors: Makara-Studzińska Marta , Podstawka Danuta , Wilczek Małgorzata , Kryś-Noszczyk Karolina
Published: June 2013

Crural ulcerations are associated with age and are much more common in people over 60 years of age. Ulcers etiologic factors include: genetic predisposition, factors related to the conditions and lifestyle. Often they are the result of co-morbidities such as arterial disease, diabetes, or rheumatoid arthritis. Ulcerating changes cause physical discomfort, mental depression, which contributes to social isolation. Research indicates that with increasing age, health becomes the primary and one of the main determinants of the quality of life. Complications occurring in the elderly connected with ulcers, and venous insufficiency lead to lower quality of life. The study group comprised patients with leg ulcers treated in the Military Hospital with Policlinic in the Public Health Institute, Al. Racławickie 23 in Lublin in the Department of Surgery. The group size was 60 patients. To assess the quality of life of patients with leg ulcers a shortened version of the questionnaire WHOQOL - BREF w as u sed i n assessing the quality of life. This survey consists of 26 questions, which describe the quality of life in four areas: physical, psychological, social and environmental. The study also used a brief authors’ questionnaire. The research confirms that the age of patients with leg ulcers differentiates their assessment of the quality of life. In the group of patients over 41 years of age the quality of life was assessed lower; primarily it concerned somatic, psychological and environmental areas. The age of patients significantly influenced the assessment of the quality of their lives.
The insight and the risk of psychiatric re-hospitalization in patients suffering from schizophrenia
Authors: Pawełczak Paweł , Karakuła Hanna , Wróbel Aleksandra , Stecka Mariola
Published: June 2013

Despite significant advances in the treatment and rehabilitation of schizophrenic patients, high relapse rates in the course of this disease are still observed, frequently resulting in psychiatric hospitalization. Insight into illness is an important component of the presentation and its level may play an important role in assessing risk of hospitalization in the course of schizophrenia.
This paper reviews the literature in order to determine relationships between insight into illness and the risk of hospital readmission among schizophrenic patients. Due to the complexity of the phenomenon of insight, study findings in this area are not always consistent. Lower insight may be associated with poorer compliance, more fulminant course of illness and more frequent occurrence of aggressive behavior in patients with schizophrenia, which consequently may predispose to more frequent psychiatric hospitalizations.
On the other hand, lower insight may also contribute to lower severity of depressive symptoms and suicidal tendencies, which in turn may reduce the risk of hospitalization. The studies on relationships between the level of insight into illness in schizophrenia and the risk of hospitalization have to date yielded no conclusive results and should be continued.
Secrets and lies: Narrative methods at the limits of research
Authors: Anim-Addo Joan , Gunaratnam Yasmin
Published: June 2013

This collaborative article explores some commonalities to be found in narrative methods used by Caribbeanist, Joan Anim-Addo and sociologist, Yasmin Gunaratnam. Recognizing how narrative and stories are socially inflected and relational, our work with diasporic stories approaches narrative as an unstable and evolving event that poses its own ethical provocations. We discuss the limits of our respective methods – oral history and biographical narrative interviews – through an exploration of ‘secrets and lies’ in the telling and relaying of stories. We consider, centrally, the relations between facts and fictions in diasporic stories, highlighting two central conundrums that we have encountered in our research: (i) what is experienced and lived but cannot be said/told; (ii) what is told but not necessarily lived. Creolization theory and notions of cultural hybridity serve to frame the conversation that we engage.
Harnessing hidden knowledge for paradigm change
Authors: Wood John , Backwell John
Published: June 2013

Can designers re-design the paradigm that threatens human survival? Probably not, if they only apply the specialist skills of their training. Design evolved to make factory-made products and services more amenable to paying customers. However, if we are to meet the environmental and economic challenges facing us, it needs to be more comprehensive, integrated, self-reflexive and transdisciplinary. Our ‘metadesign’ approach seeks new synergies by combining existing resources. However, many new synergies are ‘unthinkable’ from within the ‘language’ of the current paradigm. In addressing this challenge we used a number of methods to reveal hidden synergies, including non-verbal, pre-verbal and interpersonal forms of knowing. We used simple mathematics to map all of the relations among all of the participants in the team, in order to make the data more shareable.
The collapsing rate of the Kähler–Ricci flow with regular infinite time singularity
Authors: Fong Frederick Tsz-Ho , Zhang Zhou
Published: June 2013

We study the collapsing behavior of the Kähler–Ricci flow on a compact
Kähler manifold X admitting a holomorphic submersion

π
:
X
→
Σ

$\pi :X\rightarrow \Sigma $

inherited from its canonical bundle, where Σ is a Kähler
manifold with

dim
ℂ

Σ
<

dim
ℂ

X

$\dim _\mathbb {C}\Sigma <\dim _\mathbb {C}X$

. We show that the flow metric
degenerates at exactly the rate of

e

-
t

$e^{-t}$

as predicted by the cohomology information,
and so the fibres

π

-
1

(
z
)

$\pi ^{-1}(z)$

,

z
∈
Σ

$z \in \Sigma $

collapse at the
optimal rate

diam
t

(

π

-
1

(
z
)

)

≃

e

-
t
/
2

$\operatorname{diam}_t (\pi ^{-1}(z)) \simeq e^{-t/2}$

. Consequently, it leads to some analytic and geometric extensions to the regular case of works by J. Song and G. Tian.
Its applicability to general Calabi–Yau fibrations will also be discussed in local settings.
Evaluation of drug-metabolizing enzyme hydroxylation phenotypes in Hispanic populations: the CEIBA cocktail
Authors: de Andrés Fernando , Sosa-Macías Martha , Lazalde-Ramos Blanca P. , Naranjo María Eugenia G. , Tarazona-Santos Eduardo , LLerena Adrián
Published: June 2013

Interindividual differences in response to drug treatments are mainly caused by differences in drug metabolism, in which cytochrome P450 (CYP450) enzymes are involved. Genetic polymorphisms of these enzymes have a key role in this variability. However, environmental factors, endogenous metabolism and disease states also have a great influence on the actual drug metabolism rate (metabolic phenotype). Consequently, the genotype does not always correlate with the actual drug hydroxylation phenotype. In this sense, in vivo phenotyping strategies represent an alternative to evaluate the interindividual variability in drug metabolism. Therefore, the ‘cocktail’ approach is considered as an advantageous strategy to obtain actual and reliable information on several CYP activities in just one experiment. As reviewed, phenotyping studies on Latin-American populations, which comprise about 400 million people, are scarce, and only selective phenotyping methods were applied. Therefore, a novel cocktail approach is here proposed as a phenotyping tool to evaluate the relationship between genotype and phenotype of major CYP enzymes in Hispanic populations. This determination will allow adaptation of drug therapies to these populations and consequently to benefit from the application of pharmacogenetics in the reduction of drug adverse effects and in the improvement of therapeutic responses.
A Simple and Semi-Empirical Model to Predict THMs Generation in Water Facilities Including pH Effects
Authors: Gilliard MaríB. , Lovato MarÍa E. , MartÍa Carlos A.
Published: June 2013

This work presents a study focused on the development of a simple useful tool to predict the generation of trihalomethanes in drinking water purification systems, using two precursors and trichloromethane as model compounds through a simple chlorine decay model. This work proposed a semiempirical model without adjustable power parameters where fast and slow stages and the effect of pH were included. Despite that the model is not based in a complete kinetic scheme, using the proposed equations it is possible to predict the simultaneous evolution of chlorine and TCM with a set of linear kinetics parameters which characterize the system and will be obtained using simple routine laboratory measurements. The results show that both TCM formation and chlorine decay are strongly dependent on the chemical nature of the model precursor. Although resorcinol and phenol have different reactivity with chlorine and represent different functional groups which are present in natural compounds, the TCM generation appears to be properly described in both cases by the total chlorine consumption. Considering that during the potabilization processes the pH changes, the study of the effects of this variable is very important to achieve the minimization of THMs generation. The pH has a significant effect on the time evolution of chlorine-substituted hydroxybenzene intermediates and therefore on the TCM formation, since the properties of the reacting species are directly affected by the reaction medium for their participation in the different reaction paths. The study of the distribution and selectivity of the intermediate species allowed explaining the results obtained for the kinetics of formation of TCM. The results suggest that in order to understand the effect of pH, the nature of oxidation of HOCl and ClO‒, should be considered simultaneously with the electronegative nature of the precursor compounds. Finally, in terms of minimizing the generation of THM it is important to consider the potential impact of pH changes within the water treatment process and supply and the stages where chlorination may be carried out.
Challenges in the Orthodontic Treatment of a Patient with Pycnodysostosis
Authors: Vieira Ortegosa Márcio , Romeo Bertola Débora , Aguena Meire , Passos-Bueno Maria Rita , Ae Kim Chong , Justamante De Faria Maria Estela
Published: June 2013

Pycnodysostosis is a rare, autosomal recessive syndrome characterized by osteosclerosis, brittle bones, stunting, and significant craniofacial changes. The objective of this study was to report a case of a 6-year-old patient with pycnodysostosis orthodontically treated and followed up until age 10 years and to discuss the risk factors, options for orthodontic treatment, and limitations involving this type of treatment, which has not yet been performed. Prevention through counseling and periodic follow-up visits is essential in eliminating factors that predispose patients to infections and fractures. New studies are necessary to establish safe and efficient orthodontic treatment plans.
Ultrasound–Guided Surgery of Particulate Cancellous Bone and Marrow from the Iliac Crest for Cleft Palate
Authors: Kamatani T. , Shirota T. , Kondo S. , Shintani S.
Published: June 2013

Minimally invasive procedures for treatment of disease have become increasingly popular and require specialized instruments and precise imaging guidance. We here propose a technique of minimally invasive surgery with ultrasound echo–guided procedures as a less traumatic and invasive procedure to get particulate cancellous bone and marrow from the iliac crest for cleft palate. This technique has been used successfully at our institutions. Our experience suggests that it can provide reliable ultrasound echo imaging-guided surgery.
Influence of surface finish and notch on flexural strength and fracture of a high-performance alloy steel for innovative applications
Authors: Manigandan Kannan , Srivatsan Tirumalai S. , Freborg Andrew M.
Published: June 2013

In this article, the extrinsic influence of surface finish and notch on flexural strength and fracture behavior of the alloy steel, Pyrowear 53, when subjected to quasi-static bending is presented and discussed. The influence of surface finish on bevel-shaped samples of Pyrowear 53 revealed the isotropic surface finish to carry a higher maximum load during a flexural test. However, from the standpoint of extension, the micromachine-processed samples revealed observable improvement in extension (mm) capability when subjected to static bending. Samples of this alloy steel having a funnel notch had a lower maximum-load-carrying capability when compared one-on-one with the bevel-shaped sample. The macroscopic fracture mode and the microscopic features on the fracture surface are presented and discussed in light of shape of the test specimen. The key microscopic mechanisms governing fracture behavior of this novel steel are discussed in light of the role played by intrinsic microstructural features, deformation characteristics of the microstructural constituents and nature of loading.
Loss of Pulp Vitality After Maxillary Sinus Augmentation: A Surgical and Endodontic Approach
Authors: Romanos Georgios E. , Papadimitriou Dimitrios E.V. , Hoyo Manuel J. , Caton Jack G.
Published: June 2013

Background: Maxillary sinus augmentation is a routine procedure performed in implant dentistry in cases with sinus pneumatization. This study presents a series of clinical cases in which tooth devitalization occurred in conjunction with sinus augmentation.

Methods: In the three cases presented, a sinus‐lift procedure was performed that resulted in devitalization of the adjacent teeth. Patients were referred to an endodontist for evaluation and treatment. Vitality of the teeth was determined by the use of a cold test, electric pulp test, and cavity test. The pulp was considered to be necrotic if the tests were negative.

Results: In this case series, loss of pulp vitality of two maxillary left second premolars and one maxillary left first molar occurs after sinus‐augmentation procedures. The devitalized teeth were free of caries. In one case, two amalgam restorations were present.

Conclusion: Pulp necrosis may occur in conjunction with a sinus‐lift procedure in cases when an adjacent root is in close proximity to the sinus floor and the sinus membrane is elevated over the root apex.
Evaluation of a β‐Calcium Metaphosphate Bone Graft Containing Bone Morphogenetic Protein‐7 in Rabbit Maxillary Defects
Authors: Buranawat Borvornwut , Di Silvio Lucy , Deb Sanjukta , Nannmark Ulf , Sennerby Lars , Palmer Richard M.
Published: June 2013

Background: Calcium phosphate–based materials have been widely used as bone substitutes and more recently are being exploited together with growth factors as bone tissue engineering scaffolds regulating cell behavior. The aim of this study is to evaluate the in vitro and in vivo response to a newly developed calcium metaphosphate (CMP) bone graft, with and without bone‐stimulating growth factor.

Methods: Porous scaffolds of CMP were developed and extensively tested in vitro. Subsequently, CMP grafts with osteogenic protein‐1 (OP‐1) (test) and without OP‐1 (control) were implanted into experimental rabbit maxillary bone defects. Animals were sacrificed at 2, 4, and 8 weeks, and samples were examined with microcomputed tomography (micro‐CT) and processed for histomorphometric analysis.

Results: At 8 weeks, the scaffolds containing OP‐1 induced greater bone formation (P = 0.018) than CMP alone, based on histomorphometric evaluation (percentage bone area: test: 57.1 ± 5.6; control: 49.4 ± 7.7) and micro‐CT analysis (percentage bone volume density: test: 63.46 ± 5.61; control: 51.20 ± 6.71). Thus, these data indicated that both test and control CMP grafts showed a good degree of bone formation. Furthermore, the CMP materials showed signs of resorption from 4 weeks, and no graft materials were observed at 8 weeks.

Conclusions: In vitro, the OP‐1 loaded graft demonstrated a release profile and bioactivity over a 28‐day period. In vivo testing confirmed enhanced bone formation of the OP‐1 loaded graft after 8 weeks of healing.
An Improved Three-Phase Relative Permeability and Hysteresis Model for the Simulation of a Water-Alternating-Gas Injection
Authors: Shahverdi H.. , Sohrabi M..
Published: June 2013

Water-alternating-gas (WAG) injection in waterflooded reservoirs can increase oil recovery and extend the life of these reservoirs. Reliable reservoir simulations are needed to predict the performance of WAG injection before field implementation. This requires accurate sets of relative permeability (kr) and capillary pressure (Pc) functions for each fluid phase, in a three-phase-flow regime. The WAG process also involves another major complication, hysteresis, which is caused by flow reversal happening during WAG injection. Hysteresis is one of the most important phenomena manipulating the performance of WAG injection, and hence, it has to be carefully accounted for.

In this study, we have benefited from the results of a series of coreflood experiments that we have been performing since 1997 as a part of the Characterization of Three-Phase Flow and WAG Injection JIP (joint industry project) at Heriot-Watt University. In particular, we focus on a WAG experiment carried out on a water-wet core to obtain three-phase relative permeability values for oil, water, and gas. The relative permeabilities exhibit significant and irreversible hysteresis for oil, water, and gas. The observed hysteresis, which is a result of the cyclic injection of water and gas during WAG injection, is not predicted by the existing hysteresis models.

We present a new three-phase relative permeability model coupled with hysteresis effects for the modeling of the observed cycle-dependent relative permeabilities taking place during WAG injection. The approach has been successfully tested and verified with measured three-phase relative permeability values obtained from a WAG experiment. In line with our laboratory observations, the new model predicts the reduction of the gas relative permeability during consecutive water-and-gas-injection cycles as well as the increase in oil relative permeability happening in consecutive water-injection cycles.
Application of Chicory as Corrosion Inhibitor for Acidic Environments
Authors: Choudhary Yogesh Kumar , Sabhapondit Anupom , Kumar Arunesh
Published: June 2013

During acidizing stimulation or cleanup operations, metal tubulars, downhole tools/valves, and surface lines are exposed to acidic fluids and are prone to corrosion. Because corrosion rates drastically increase in high-temperature wells, controlling corrosion is critical and must be dealt with carefully. In addition, corrosion protection is important for maintaining the integrity and long life of downhole tools installed in a well. Several corrosion inhibitors, such as quaternary ammonium compounds and propargyl alcohol-based compounds, have been effectively used in the industry. However, because of stringent environmental regulations, attention has focused on the development of new corrosion inhibitors that are environmentally benign. Food-grade products that are considered "green" chemicals have significant potential as corrosion inhibitors in the oil and gas industry.

In this paper, application of chicory as a corrosion inhibitor for high-temperature and strong-acidic conditions is discussed. Chicory is a perennial bush plant available in many parts of the world. The root of the chicory plant can be roasted and ground for use as a coffee substitute or additive. Chicory is environmentally acceptable and, being of plant origin, is widely recognized as biodegradable in nature. This study shows that chicory can provide corrosion protection for alloys such as N-80, 13Cr-L80, and 1010 steel in the presence of either inorganic or organic acids at temperatures up to 250°F (121°C). Considering its performance and lack of toxicity issues, chicory has significant potential for acid corrosion-inhibition applications. The mixing procedure for preparing the blend, experimental setup and test procedure, and laboratory results of high-pressure/high-temperature (HP/HT) corrosion tests are discussed.
Experimental Study of Polymer-Free and Polymer-Added Foams for Underbalanced Drilling: Are Two Foam-Flow Regimes Still There?
Authors: Edrisi A.R.. R. , Gajbhiye R.N.. N. , Kam S.I.. I.
Published: June 2013

The foam-assisted underbalanced-drilling technique is more advantageous than the traditional overbalanced drilling near the productive water-sensitive formations because of its reduced formation damage, improved rate of penetration, higher cuttings-transport capacity, and lower circulation losses. However, the complicated nature of foam rheology has been a major impediment to the optimal design of field applications.

Earlier studies with surfactant foams without oils and polymers show that foam flow in pipe can be represented by two different flow regimes: the low-quality regime showing either plug-flow or segregated-flow pattern, and the high-quality regime showing slug-flow pattern. The objective of this study is to investigate foam-flow characteristics in horizontal pipes at different injection conditions, with or without oils, by using polymer-free and polymer-added surfactant foams.

The results of this study were presented in two different ways—by steady-state pressure drops (or, apparent foam viscosity, equivalently) measured by multiple pressure taps and by the visualization of bubble size, size distribution, and flow patterns in transparent pipes. The results with surfactant foams and oil showed that first, oil reduced the stability of foams in pipes, thus decreasing the steady-state pressure drops and foam viscosities, and second, the presence of oil tended to lower the transition between the high-quality and the low-quality regimes (i.e., lower foam quality at the boundary, or lower f*g equivalently). In addition, the results with surfactant foams with polymer showed that first, polymer thickened the liquid phase and, if enough agitation was supplied, could make foams long-lived and increase foam viscosities, and second, the system sometimes did not reach the steady state readily, showing systematic oscillations. In both cases, though, the experiments carried out in this study showed the presence of two distinct high-quality and low-quality flow regimes.
Trust in Digital Repositories
Authors: Yakel Elizabeth , Faniel Ixchel M. , Kriesberg Adam , Yoon Ayoung
Published: June 2013

ISO 16363:2012, Space Data and Information Transfer Systems - Audit and Certification of Trustworthy Digital Repositories (ISO TRAC), outlines actions a repository can take to be considered trustworthy, but research examining whether the repositoryâ€™s designated community of users associates such actions with trustworthiness has been limited. Drawing from this ISO document and the management and information systems literatures, this paper discusses findings from interviews with 66 archaeologists and quantitative social scientists. We found similarities and differences across the disciplines and among the social scientists. Both disciplinary communities associated trust with a repositoryâ€™s transparency. However, archaeologists mentioned guarantees of preservation and sustainability more frequently than the social scientists, who talked about institutional reputation. Repository processes were also linked to trust, with archaeologists more frequently citing metadata issues and social scientists discussing data selection and cleaning processes. Among the social scientists, novices mentioned the influence of colleagues on their trust in repositories almost twice as much as the experts. We discuss the implications our findings have for identifying trustworthy repositories and how they extend the models presented in the management and information systems literatures.
Modeling Young Stand Development towards the Old-Growth Reference Condition in Evergreen Mixed-Conifer Stands at Headwaters Forest Reserve, California
Authors: Berrill John-Pascal , Beal Christopher , LaFever David , Dagley Christa
Published: June 2013

We sought to answer the question: How do we restore characteristics of old-growth evergreen mixed-conifer forests in young even-aged stands on upland terrain at Headwaters Forest Reserve (HFR)? We described the old-growth reference condition for three stands at HFR. In each old-growth stand, trees within a 1-ha plot were inventoried. We found coast Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii var. menziesii) and tanoak (Notholithocarpus densiflorus) well represented while coast redwood (Sequoia sempervirens) dominated in terms of size. Numbers of understory and overstory trees ha−1 and average tree sizes were similar among sites, suggesting these were useful goals for restoration. Adjacent to each old-growth stand, we measured recent growth rates of second-growth trees and remnant old trees across a range of tree sizes, stand structures, and densities. The resultant growth models of redwood and Douglas-fir enabled us to project the development of precommercially thinned young stands at HFR forward in time under two silvicultural prescriptions: (i) no further management; and (ii) partial harvesting simulated before trees attained 30 cm dbh. The partial-harvesting prescription reduced stand density and set the young stand on a more rapid trajectory towards the reference condition found at HFR.
Above Ground Leafless Woody Biomass and Nutrient Content within Different Compartments of a P. maximowicii × P. trichocarpa Poplar Clone
Authors: Morhart Christopher , Sheppard Jonathan , Spiecker Heinrich
Published: June 2013

In this study the quantification of biomass within all relevant compartments of a three-year-old poplar clone (P. maximowicii × P. trichocarpa) planted on abandoned agricultural land at a density of 5000 trees ha−1 is presented. A total of 30 trees within a diameter range of 1.8 cm to 8.9 cm, at breast height (dbh at 1.3 m), were destructively sampled. In order to analyze the biomass, the complete tree, stem, as well as all branches, were divided into 1 cm diameter classes and all buds from the trees were completely removed. Total yield was calculated as 11.7 odt ha−1 year−1 (oven dry tonnes per hectare and year). Branches constituted 22.2% of total dry leafless biomass and buds 2.0%. The analyses revealed a strong correlation of the dry weight for all the three compartments with diameter at breast height. Debarked sample discs were used to obtain a ratio between wood and bark. Derived from these results, a model was developed to calculate the biomass of bark with dbh as the predictor variable. Mean bark percentage was found to be 16.8% of above ground leafless biomass. The results concur that bark percentage decreases with increasing tree diameter, providing the conclusion that larger trees contain a lower bark proportion, and thus positively influence the quality of the end product while consequently reducing the export of nutrients from site.
A Fully Automated Radiosynthesis of [18F]Fluoroethyl-Diprenorphine on a Single Module by Use of SPE Cartridges for Preparation of High Quality 2-[18F]Fluoroethyl Tosylate
Authors: Schoultz Bent , Reed Brian , Marton János , Willoch Frode , Henriksen Gjermund
Published: June 2013

We have developed a new method for automated production of 2-[18F]fluoroethyl tosylate ([18F]FETos) that enables 18F-alkylation to provide PET tracers with high chemical purity. The method is based on the removal of excess ethylene glycol bistosylate precursor by precipitation and subsequent filtration and purification of the filtrate by means of solid phase extraction cartridges (SPE). The method is integrated to a single synthesis module and thereby provides the advantage over previous methods of not requiring HPLC purification, as demonstrated by the full radiosynthesis of the potent opioid receptor PET tracer [18F]fluoroethyldiprenorphine.
A Reflective Photonic Crystal Fiber Temperature Sensor Probe Based on Infiltration with Liquid Mixtures
Authors: Wang Ran , Yao Jianquan , Miao Yinping , Lu Ying , Xu Degang , Luan Nannan , Musideke Mayilamu , Duan Liangcheng , Hao Congjing
Published: June 2013

In this paper, a reflective photonic crystal fiber (PCF) sensor probe for temperature measurement has been demonstrated both theoretically and experimentally. The performance of the device depends on the intensity modulation of the optical signal by liquid mixtures infiltrated into the air holes of commercial LMA-8 PCFs. The effective mode field area and the confinement loss of the probe are both proved highly temperature-dependent based on the finite element method (FEM). The experimental results show that the reflected power exhibits a linear response with a temperature sensitivity of about 1 dB/°C. The sensor probe presents a tunable temperature sensitive range due to the concentration of the mixture components. Further research illustrates that with appropriate mixtures of liquids, the probe could be developed as a cryogenic temperature sensor. The temperature sensitivity is about 0.75 dB/°C. Such a configuration is promising for a portable, low-power and all-in-fiber device for temperature or refractive index monitoring in chemical or biosensing applications.
Clinical Information Available to Oncologists in Surgically Treated Rectal Cancer: Room to Improve
Authors: Porter G.A. , Urquhart R.L. , Rheaume D. , Cwajna S. , Cox M.A. , Grunfeld E.
Published: June 2013

Introduction: In rectal cancer, decisions about the use of adjuvant and neoadjuvant treatment rely on clinical information from a variety of sources. Currently, the quality and accuracy of the aggregate of this clinical information is unclear. The objectives of the present study were to evaluate the completeness and quality of clinical information available to oncologists managing rectal cancer. Methods: All patients diagnosed with rectal cancer in Nova Scotia between 2001 and 2005 were identified through the provincial cancer registry. The registry was linked to other administrative databases to obtain demographic, diagnostic, and treatment data. Patients undergoing radiation oncology consultation were identified, and a standardized review of the cancer centre chart was performed on a random sample, stratified by year. Results: For the 222 patients reviewed, the relevant endoscopy report was present in 113 cases (51%). The level of the tumour was documented in 75% of those reports, and colonoscopy completeness, in 81%. The relevant operative report was available in 192 cases (87%). Tumour level was described in 59% of those reports, and local extension, in 73%. Elements of total mesorectal excision were partially described in 97%. In pathology reports (10% of which were synoptic), we observed significant variability in the presence of important elements. Reporting of those elements was significantly better in the synoptic pathology reports. Conclusions: Clinical information related to adjuvant and neoadjuvant therapy decision-making in rectal cancer is often not available or incomplete. A synoptic reporting system in endoscopy, surgery, and pathology could potentially be a beneficial tool in rectal cancer care.
A Pan-Canadian Practice Guideline and Algorithm: Screening, Assessment, and Supportive Care of Adults with Cancer-Related Fatigue
Authors: Howell D. , Keller–Olaman S. , Oliver T.K. , Hack T.F. , Broadfield L. , Biggs K. , Chung J. , Gravelle D. , Green E. , Hamel M. , Harth T. , Johnston P. , McLeod D. , Swinton N. , Syme A. , Olson K.
Published: June 2013

Purpose: The purpose of the present systematic review was to develop a practice guideline to inform health care providers about screening, assessment, and effective management of cancer-related fatigue (CRF) in adults. Methods: The internationally endorsed adapte methodology was used to develop a practice guideline for pan-Canadian use. A systematic search of the literature identified a broad range of evidence: clinical practice guidelines, systematic reviews, and other guidance documents on the screening, assessment, and management of CRF. The search included MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, the Cochrane Library, and other guideline and data sources to December 2009. Results: Two clinical practice guidelines were identified for adaptation. Seven guidance documents and four systematic reviews also provided supplementary evidence to inform guideline recommendations. Health professionals across Canada provided expert feedback on the adapted recommendations in the practice guideline and algorithm through a participatory external review process. Conclusions: Practice guidelines can facilitate the adoption of evidence-based assessment and interventions for adult cancer patients experiencing fatigue. Development of an algorithm to guide decision-making in practice may also foster the uptake of a guideline into routine care.
Surgical Margins and Handling of Soft-Tissue Sarcoma in Extremities: A Clinical Practice Guideline
Authors: Kandel R. , Coakley N. , Werier J. , Engel J. , Ghert M. , Verma S.
Published: June 2013

Background: Surgery is the primary treatment for extremity STS. The combination of radiotherapy with surgery allows for limb salvage by using radiation to biologically “sterilize” microscopic extensions of tumour and to spare neurovascular and osseous structures. Adjuvant chemotherapy in STS—except for rhabdomyosarcoma and Ewing sarcoma—continues to be controversial. Methods: The MEDLINE and EMBASE databases (1975 to June 2011) and the Cochrane Library were searched for pertinent studies. The Web sites of the main guideline organizations and the American Society of Clinical Oncology conference proceedings (2007–2010) were also searched. Results and Conclusions: Thirty-three papers, including four guidelines, one protocol, and one abstract, were eligible for inclusion. The data suggest that patients with clear margins have a better prognosis, but no prospective studies have indicated how wide margins should be. In limb-salvage surgery for extremity STS, the procedure should be planned to achieve a clear margin. However, to preserve functionality, surgery may result in a very close (<1 cm) or even microscopically positive margin. In this circumstance, the use of preoperative or postoperative radiation should be considered. No studies described the optimal number of tissue sections required to assess adequacy of excision nor the appropriate handling of surgical resection specimens. The Sarcoma Disease Site Group made its recommendations based on expert opinion and consensus.
Fallopian Tube Removal: “stic-Ing” it to Ovarian Cancer: What Is the Utility of Prophylactic Tubal Removal?
Authors: Herzog T.J. , Dinkelspiel H.E.
Published: June 2013

Ovarian cancer and associated fallopian tube and primary peritoneal cancers fall under a continuum of malignancies arising from the mullerian tract.[...]
Preventing Ovarian Cancer by Salpingectomy
Authors: Foulkes W.D.
Published: June 2013

This issue of Current Oncology contains four articles1–4 on the subject of the role of bilateral salpingectomy in preventing high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma.[...]
A Software Engineering Framework for Context-Aware Service-Based Processes in Pervasive Environments
Authors: Jaroucheh Zakwan , Liu Xiaodong , Smith Sally
Published: June 2013

Context-awareness is considered to be the cornerstone technique for developing pervasive computing applications that are flexible, adaptable, and capable of acting autonomously on behalf of the user. However, context-awareness introduces various software engineering challenges. The separation of concerns is a promising approach in the design of the context-aware adaptive processes (CAAPs) where the core logic is designed and implemented separately from the context handling and adaptation logics. In this respect, this chapter presents a conceptual framework for developing CAAPs and software infrastructure for efficient context management that together address the known software engineering challenges and facilitate the design and implementation tasks associated with such context-aware applications.