bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Added Value of Piloting Maximum Reservoir Contact Wells Prior to Large Scale Application to a Giant Offshore Carbonate Field
Authors: Al Marzouqi Mohamed , Khedr Osama , Martin Wallace William , Brantferger Kenneth , Walters John Victor , Jackson Alfred
Published: December 2011

This paper presents a success story covering the design, execution and post job evaluation of drilling and completing two Maximum Reservoir Contact (MRC) pilot wells. The wells were drilled and tested as part of a pilot wells programme aimed at proving-up to the well architectures planned to be introduced on a field wide basis.

The carbonate field lies offshore Abu Dhabi in relatively shallow waters. Prior studies have confirmed the viability of continuing development of the field from artificial islands (drilling and production centers) by utilizing Extended Reach Drilling (ERD) and MRC well technology. The effectiveness of the MRC wells is critically dependent on well planning, design and placement in the reservoir interval. The paper describes the integrated workflow and well optimization process that have been applied to the two pilots which cover the following steps:Model developmentSimulation for completion options screeningProduction prediction by coupled reservoir-well dynamic simulationFlow assuranceAssessment of coiled tubing and wireline accessibilityDrilling and completions engineering analysis, time, cost and risk assessment.

The application of this process has led to a number of (local) well records, firsts and learning’s that can be applied to future wells. The paper also summarizes the post drilling evaluation activities, which included running of production logging tools to optimize acid stimulation, an extensive flow test and data gathering program, and well model construction and validation to closely monitor and assess well performance.
Evaluation and Application of the Extended Cyclic Steam Injection as a New Concept for Bachaquero-01 Reservoir in West Venezuela.
Authors: Chourio Geragg , Bracho Jose , Mohtadi Mehrdad
Published: December 2011

The thermal recovery method has been applied in to the heavy oil reservoirs in Venezuela for more than 50 years. The cyclic steam injection is the principal thermal technique in Venezuelan heavy oil reservoirs, which has an oil viscosity at reservoir conditions between 600 to 5000 cp. Steam flood has been applied in Venezuela as a pilot project in the Tia Juana reservoir (Formation C3-C4 and M-6) and East Venezuela in the Oficina Formation.

The Bachaquero-01 heavy oil reservoir has been producing with cyclic steam injection since 1965. Due to the high number of steam cycles (more than 6 steam cycles per well), cyclic steam injection is not economical in a lot of wells. Therefore an extensive work has been done to improve the economics of steam injection in Bachaquero-01 reservoir.

In this paper we present the application and the results of the extended cyclic steam injection, which is a combination of cyclic steam injection and continues steam injection. For the evaluation of this thermal process for Bachaquero-01 reservoir, we used an available history matched full field thermal model of the Bachaquero-01 (Area 95 Km², OOIP 6621 MMSTB, Recoverable Reserves 1072 MMSTB, Number of perforated wells 776, number of steam cycles 1600). Within the Bachaquero-01 reservoir we defined a representative area with 7 inverted seven-spot patterns. We discuss the results of the application of the extended cyclic steam injection and make a comparison with the results of the traditional steam flood and conventional cyclic steam injection. The field application of the extended cyclic steam injection for the Bachaquero-01 reservoir has been approved by the PDVSA management. The field site has been selected and the project will start at the beginning of 2012.
Advanced Reservoir Management of Greater Burgan Field
Authors: Su HoJeen , Ali Farida M. , Orjuela Jaime A. , Gheorghiu Sorin
Published: December 2011

The Greater Burgan field is the largest sandstone reservoir system in the world, and its complexity requires the state of art technology for a sound reservoir management practice. This paper will discuss our methodology to maximize the production plateau length of Burgan field using parallel reservoir simulation, waterflood efficiency algorithm, streamline visualization, and ensemble-based optimization method.

With a reservoir dimension longer than 48 km, parallel reservoir simulation becomes necessary for an integrated Burgan field study. Through history matching of 60-year production data, we quantified billions of barrels vertical fluid migration between major reservoir units, and fluid migration is a major concern in making reservoir management decisions. To optimize future development plans, an economic analysis package was developed to evaluate various operating scenarios, and Net Present Value (NPV) is used as an objective function. The scalability data of parallel reservoir simulation are discussed.

The waterflood efficiency algorithm was based in injection efficiency or remaining oil recovery, and the input could come from finite-difference simulation, streamline simulation, and field surveillance data. The algorithm utilized the injector-producer connectivity relationship realized from streamline analysis, and it calculated the amount of water injection for each injector in order to achieve maximum sweep efficiency.

The alternative method to optimize the waterflood is based on the ensemble method in which hundreds of simulation models with different operating settings are automatically submitted to run. Results of all models are gathered and analyzed by co-variance. A better setting will be proposed for each model and the next batch of simulation is then launched. At the end, all models will converge to an optimized operating setting.
Maximizing Tight Gas Recovery through a New Hydraulic Fracture Optimization Model
Authors: Rahman M. M. , Sarma H. K.
Published: December 2011

As the demand for gas increases worldwide, tight and deep unconventional gas reservoirs are becoming the target for development. However, for such reservoirs the conventional approach of simply fracturing the formation in such reservoirs to hydraulically stimulate the well is inadequate. This is because most currently available commercial software lack proper optimization tools in them and they do not take into consideration several key parameters and realistic constraints in them.

An integrated but constrained model to optimize hydraulic fracture treatment has been developed to maximize gas production and net present value with minimum treatment cost. A dual objective function has been incorporated to satisfy operator's economic constraints and also to investigate trade-off between two conflicting design objectives. Model couples both the industry experience and design constraints based on hydraulic fracture mechanics. The global optimization scheme in the model is driven by an intelligent moving-object algorithm. Unlike commercial software, important design parameters are included as the free design variables which are randomly varied during optimization. Model has been successfully applied to a hypothetical deeper tight gas formation to demonstrate its merits. The optimum treatment design indicates a significant incremental production (by 300% compared to production from non-fractured tight gas well) at lower cost compared to production from non-fractured tight gas sand. Insightful parametric sensitivity analyses are also presented. This model could also be used to study the potential of the deep UAE gas sands.
The Practical Applications Of Coupled Models From Reservoir To Sales Point For Fields With Highly Variable CO2 Content
Authors: Ong Cheng-Sun , Maroongroge Vichai , Tan Leong Hooi , Chin Yee Hoe
Published: December 2011

This paper presents an integrated production model construction workflow with actual field application from four fields with multiple stacked reservoirs and with varying carbon dioxide (CO2) content (up to 60%) located in the Malaysia-Thailand Joint Development Area (MTJDA). The subsurface-to-surface linked coupled models are history matched to field performance and reconciled to the surface gas utilization (fuel, flare, drop-out, etc.) under specific operating conditions to meet sales specifications. The capability of the subsurface-to-surface linked coupled models is further enhanced with the modeling of the CO2 membrane unit to aid in development planning. This integration is expected to help to maximize the economic value from the assets by accurately predicting the reservoir performance with respect to the surface network constraints.

The objectives of this project are to: Produce more reliable sales forecastsGenerate representative reserves recovery estimatesEqually compare different projects in different fieldsEstimate the timing of future developments to meet existing Gas Sales Agreements

The construction workflow can be described in four steps: Project DefinitionTest of ConceptQuality ControlForecast.

Project work scope calls for a coupled model that is able to generate a fully-automated combined field deliverability forecast at specified sales CO2 content that takes into account the CO2 removal unit, intra-field pipeline network, and every developable reservoir within the area.

This custom built simulation model is capable of generating incremental production profiles from the integrated dynamic simulation models (as opposed to tank models) to the sales point and its configuration allows a "plug and play" option to allow additional models to be integrated easily. This is an example of effective use of current simulation techniques to robustly and efficiently address the challenges of developing complex assets with highly variable CO2 content.
Geomechanics and Fluid Flow Modeling Using Finite-Difference Method
Authors: Albinali Ali A. , Kazemi Hossein , Alghamdi Bander N.
Published: December 2011

When hydrocarbon reservoirs undergo pressure depletion during production or pressure increase during fluid injection, the reservoir rock frame, as well as the rock mass above and below the reservoir, undergoes anisotropic stress changes. In most existing subsurface simulators, the change in rock stress is accounted for only via rock and fluid compressibilities; however, for more accurate fluid flow and rock mechanics modeling, a coupled geomechanics and fluid flow subsurface simulateor should be used. The work presented in this paper investigated developing a mathematical formulation using finite-difference techniques to solve the geomechanics' equations consistent with the mathematical formulation for solving fluid flow equations. The key considerations are consistency of the mathematical formulation (finite-difference technique) for both geomechanics and fluid flow calculations, and ease of implementing this formulation. The results show that it has successfully modeled the induced stress changes in the reservoir rock created by either fluid production or injection. In addition, the solution obtained from applying finite-difference technique in solving the geomechanics equations are comparable to that obtained from using finite-element techniques. Furthermore, the experience obtained from this work indicates that the adapted control volumes for fluid flow and geomechanics computations are well-structured and the developed formulation is computationally robust.
Modified EOR Screening Criteria as Applied to a Group of Offshore Carbonate Oil Reservoirs
Authors: Bourdarot Gilles , Ghedan Shawket
Published: December 2011

This screening study has been applied on a group of offshore carbonate oil reservoirs. The methodology is based on the EOR screening criteria set forth by Taber et. al.1,2 enriched with additional screening criteria. The EOR techniques screened included solvent flooding (miscible, immiscible hydrocarbon and CO2 Gas flooding), chemical flooding (Polymer flooding, and Surfactant and Polymer flooding), as well as Thermal flooding (Steam injection and In-situ combustion) techniques. The screening study investigated the challenging and the killing parameters of each technique if any, indicating the most applicable EOR technique.

By comparing the depth and API gravity data of the reservoirs under study to that of the worldwide producing EOR projects, it was possible to define at a glance which EOR methods have been already experienced for the same conditions of reservoir depth and API oil gravities. Furthermore, by considering the relatively high pressure and temperature of the heterogeneous carbonate reservoirs under study, with its low viscosity oil, and the associated high salinity formation water, several EOR methods can be discarded including: Steam Injection, In Situ Combustion, and Polymers.

Two methods were found to be most suitable for most of the reservoirs: Miscible Hydrocarbon and CO2 Gas injection. Minimum Miscibility Pressure (MMP) has been estimated using correlations. A miscible gas injection could be achieved in most of the reservoirs by adding 2 to 13% C3-C4 to processed gas. CO2 mimimum miscibility pressure, MMP, is expected to be about 1000 psi lower than most of the reservoir pressures, making CO2 miscible flooding to be easily achieved.

Surfactant Polymers flooding could reduce Remaining Oil Saturation in reservoirs with more than 50mD permeability. This technology is less mature, than other EOR technologies. It is yet too challenging due to the high salinity, high temperature and carbonate formation.
Carbonate Archie Exponents Correction Model and Variable Determination
Authors: Budebes S. , Saif O. , Al-Farisi O. , Hamdy T. , Al-Marzouqi M. , Yammahi F.
Published: December 2011

Oil industry's basic tool for in-situ determination of hydrocarbon saturation is resistivity log. Since 1942, Archie's empirical relations have been used to calculate oil (and water) saturations, which are vital for field development. Sw (Water Saturation) and So (Oil Saturation) values are needed in several phases of reservoir life; exploration, development, monitoring, management and long term plans.

In one of major Abu Dhabi offshore fields, a study to develop optimum methodology for determining Archie parameters that represent the corresponding rock properties is initiated. This is to replace the use of one constant value of by variable curve that respond to different rock properties.

In this paper, Archie's equation parameters determination techniques have been reviewed and analyzed. Cost effective, high confidence rock & Log type integration methodology were innovated to determine variable values of two parameters; Cementation and Saturation Exponent. Before this study, Special Core Analysis measurements were the main techniques to get the two parameters.

In this study, thorough investigation on utilizing Neutron, Density, Resistivity & Dielectric logging measurements as replacement of core analysis have showed for valuable opportunity to establish new water saturation log interpretation standards in carbonate rock.
Permeability Determination in Fractured & Non-Fractured Carbonate Reservoir; Using Innovative Multi Property Threshold Analysis Approach of Basic Log Data
Authors: Al-Farisi Omar , Budebes S. , Saif O. , Hamdy T. , Al-Felasi Ali , Sarri Amr
Published: December 2011

It's been long years of trials worldwide to find the relation between permeability and any other reservoir property or log and/or relation with combination of them. There have been even neural network, fuzzy logic and equation solver software modules used to enable extracting and finding probable sophisticated equation for permeability determination from log data, in a way replicating Archie's Equation for water saturation determination, however; it's important to keep in mind that core analysis were unable to provide proper reservoir water saturation due to coring operation deficiency in preserving core fluid from the time of coring until reaching surface and labs unless highly cost pressure coring was conducted. While core plug permeability measurements provide solid reference of permeability; in the other hand, if water saturation determination from logs is wrong no one can easily challenge it and proves opposite.

Here, in this paper a new analysis approach is innovated and detailed, as the analysis did not look for one relationship between permeability across all geological layers and specific log data like previous approaches; instead, the new approach is finding multi relations between permeability variations across each layer and several log data types until finding the suitable log or logs that are providing adequate relation. As we found that each reservoir layer permeability range responds to different log data types more sound and obvious than other log data types, in a way reflecting the domination reasons for permeability ranges whether they are due to fracture or matrix or any other structural, stratigraphic, deposition or digenetic effects.

This technique is utilized successfully in three different reservoirs; fractured limestone, non-fractured heterogeneous limestone and dolomitized-limestone.
Greece's "Unpleasant Arithmetic" Containing the Threat to the Global Economy
Authors: Barth James R. , Li Tong , Prabhavivadhana Apanard
Published: December 2011

Greece's debt-to-GDP ratio is reaching unsustainable levels. But why should the debt load of such a small country cause such outsized tremors in global financial markets?

Greek debt may be relatively small, but a sufficient amount is held by a few major banks in Europe to cause disruptions to the credit system. This effect is magnified because other banks from around the world are exposed to these European banks, making the problem global.

In this article we examine the exposure of banks around the world to Greek debt, and call for swift and decisive action by policymakers to head off a global banking crisis.
Demand for Services: Determinants of Tax Preparation Fees
Authors: Frischmann Peter J. , Frees Edward W.
Published: December 2011

We empirically investigate the demand for income tax preparation services by examining factors that affect both the choice and level of utilization of service. We identify the demand factors as the taxpayer's (1) opportunity costs, (2) estimated tax savings when using a preparer, and (3) historical uncertainty in tax liability. Our panel data set allows us to measure individual-specific uncertainty, a new measure in assessing determinants of tax service demand. Consistent with prior research, choice is measured by whether a taxpayer uses a professional paid preparer. The preparer's fee is the measure of utilization level. Fee information is heavily censored in part because fees only need to be disclosed when taxpayers itemize deductions and have miscellaneous itemized deductions above the 2 percent limit. We develop a partially censored regression model to accommodate the censoring.

Similar to Cragg (1971), we decouple the choice and level of utilization models; findings indicate differences between these models. Generally, taxpayers choose paid preparers for time savings and uncertainty protection. Fees, however, reflect the purchase of time and tax savings, not uncertainty protection. These results suggest that pricing structures for professional tax preparation services could be adjusted to more closely reflect the services provided.
Morphometric features of the craniocervical junction region in dogs with suspected Chiari-like malformation determined by combined use of magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography
Authors: Marino Dominic J. , Loughin Catherine A. , Dewey Curtis W. , Marino Leonard J. , Sackman Joseph J. , Lesser Martin L. , Akerman Meredith B.
Published: December 2011

Objective—To objectively describe morphometric features of the craniocervical junction region of Cavalier King Charles Spaniels (CKCSs) and non-CKCS dogs with suspected Chiari-like malformation (CLM) and identify associations between these features and the presence of other malformations in this region.

Animals—216 CKCSs and 58 non-CKCS dogs.

Procedures—Magnetic resonance and computed tomographic images of the head and craniocervical junction region of patients evaluated because of suspected CLM were assessed for cerebellar compression (CC), ventral spinal cord compression at the C1–C2 articulation (medullary kinking), and dorsal spinal cord compression at the C1–C2 articulation (dorsal compression). A compression index was calculated for each of these 3 locations in each dog. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to determine whether breed (CKCS vs non-CKCS) and compression index values were associated with the presence of other craniocervical junction abnormalities.

Results—All 274 dogs had CC; medullary kinking was identified in 187 (68.2%) and dorsal compression was identified in 104 (38.0%). Atlantooccipital overlapping (AOO) was identified in 76 (27.7%) dogs. Breed of dog (CKCS vs non-CKCS) and value of CC index were the only significant predictors of AOO. The CKCSs had an almost 5-fold decrease in risk of AOO, compared with the non-CKCS dogs, and the risk of AOO nearly doubled for every 10% increase in CC index.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—The anatomic abnormality responsible for CC was AOO in a substantial percentage of dogs suspected to have CLM. The CC index value may be used to help differentiate subtypes of craniocervical junction abnormalities in dogs.
Assessment of plasma uracil-to-dihydrouracil concentration ratio as an indicator of dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase activity in clinically normal dogs and dogs with neoplasia or renal insufficiency
Authors: Schmiedt Chad W. , Saba Corey F. , Freeman Kimberly G. , Edwards Gaylen L.
Published: December 2011

Objective—To determine and compare the ratio of uracil (U) to dihydrouracil (UH2) concentrations in plasma as an indicator of dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase activity in clinically normal dogs and dogs with neoplasia or renal insufficiency.

Animals—101 client-and shelter-owned dogs.

Procedures—Study dogs included 74 clinically normal dogs, 17 dogs with neoplasia, and 10 dogs with renal insufficiency. For each dog, a blood sample was collected into an EDTA-containing tube; plasma U and UH2 concentrations were determined via UV high-performance liquid chromatography, and the U:UH2 concentration ratio was calculated. Data were compared among dogs grouped on the basis of sex, clinical group assignment, reproductive status (sexually intact, spayed, or castrated), and age.

Results—Mean ± SEM U:UH2 concentration ratio for all dogs was 1.55 ± 0.08 (median, 1.38; range, 0.4 to 7.14). In 14 (13.9%) dogs, the U:UH2 concentration ratio was considered abnormal (ie, > 2). Overall, mean ratio for sexually intact dogs was significantly higher than that for neutered dogs; a similar difference was apparent among males but not females. Dogs with ratios > 2 and dogs with ratios ≤ 2 did not differ significantly with regard to sex, clinical group, reproductive status, or age.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Determination of the U:UH2 concentration ratio was easy to perform. Ratios were variable among dogs, possibly suggesting differences in dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase activity. However, studies correlating U:UH2 concentration ratio and fluoropyrimidine antimetabolite drug tolerability are required to further evaluate the test's validity and its appropriate use in dogs.
Development of a nested polymerase chain reaction assay for the detection of Eimeria macusaniensis in camelid feces
Authors: Cebra Christopher K. , Stang Bernadette V. , Smith Courtney C.
Published: December 2011

Objective—To test the ability of a nested PCR assay to detect Eimeria macusaniensis at various stages of infection in alpacas.

Animals—4 healthy adult alpacas with no detectable E macusaniensis.

Procedures—Alpacas were inoculated with 2 × 104 sporulated oocysts. Serial fecal samples collected during the next 38 days were tested via sucrose flotation and PCR assay.

Results—Oocyst passage was detected via fecal flotation in all 4 alpacas 31 to 35 days after inoculation. Three had positive results for PCR assays on samples obtained 7 to 14 days after inoculation. One alpaca subsequently was removed from the study because of weight loss and inappetence. Two remaining alpacas had positive PCR reactions 28 and 31 days after inoculation, up to 7 days before oocysts appeared in the feces. All fecal samples with positive results for flotation also had positive results for PCR assay.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—The PCR assay was able to detect early (7 to 14 days) and late (28 to 31 days) prepatent infection. These positive results suggested that the assay could have been detecting DNA unassociated with oocysts or detecting shedding earlier than has been previously recognized. The gap between the early and late detection periods may not be evident in alpacas receiving a larger or continuous inoculum, as might occur with natural infection. Use of a PCR assay for analysis of fecal samples may be valuable for detection of E macusaniensis during the prepatent period, thus aiding in the identification and control of infected animals.
Eosinophilic Inflammation in Allergic Rhinitis and Nasal Polyposis
Authors: Perić Aleksandar , Vojvodić Danilo , Vukomanović-Đurđević Biserka , Baletić Nenad
Published: December 2011

Eosinophilic Inflammation in Allergic Rhinitis and Nasal Polyposis

On histopathological examination, nasal polyps and nasal mucosa in allergic rhinitis show different forms of pseudostratified respiratory epithelium, whereas the dominant characteristic of lamina propria is an eosinophilic infiltration. The aim of this study was to compare interleukin (IL)-5 and eosinophilic cationic protein (ECP) levels in the nasal fluid of 42 patients: 12 with allergic rhinitis and nasal septal deviation, 17 non-atopic patients with nasal polyposis, and 13 atopic nasal polyp patients were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. Nasal secretion samples were collected a few days before surgery. The levels of IL-5 were measured using flow cytometry and the ECP using a commercial ELISA kit. In addition, we counted eosinophils in hematoxylin-and-eosin-stained sections of all nasal polyp and all nasal mucosa samples taken from the inferior nasal turbinates during septoplasty. A significantly higher concentration of IL-5 was found in the nasal fluid of atopic patients with nasal polyposis than in non-atopic nasal polyp patients (p=0.025) and patients with allergic rhinitis (p=0.05). ECP was higher in atopic nasal polyp patients than in patients with allergic rhinitis (p<0.0001) and than in non-atopic nasal polyp patients (p<0.0001). Polyp eosinophils were higher in atopic' than in non-atopic patients (p<0.0001) and higher than in the mucosa of patients with allergic rhinitis (p<0.0001). These however had significantly more mucosal eosinophils than was found in the polyps of non-atopic patients' (p=0.025). ECP levels in nasal fluid and eosinophil counts in tissue specimens correlated well in all three groups of patients. Our study has shown that atopic nasal polyp patients have a higher level of eosinophilic inflammation than non-atopic patients with nasal polyps and patients with allergic rhinitis.
Preliminary studies on the effect of rebamipide against the trypsin and egg-albumin induced experimental model of asthma
Authors: Gohil Priyanshee , Thakkar Himani , Gohil Unnati , Deshpande Shrikalp
Published: December 2011

Preliminary studies on the effect of rebamipide against the trypsin and egg-albumin induced experimental model of asthma

The present investigation was carried out to study the effect of rebamipide in experimentally induced bronchial asthma in mice. Trypsin and egg-albumin induced chronic model of asthma was used and various parameters were measured on the 35thday. The asthmatic control group showed lower level of haemoglobin saturation with oxygen, tidal volume, airflow rate and higher respiratory rate, serum bicarbonate level, eosinophil count in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and histamine level compared to the normal control group. Dexamethasone and rebamipide treated groups showed the return of all the above parameters towards normal values. Histopathological examination of lungs showed more prominent alveolar and muscular layer destruction in the asthmatic control group than in dexamethasone and rebamipide treated groups. Rebamipide showed a beneficial effect and might be used for the treatment of bronchial asthma.
Crystal modifications and dissolution rate of piroxicam
Authors: Lyn Lim , Sze Huan , Rajendran Adhiyaman , Adinarayana Gorajana , Dua Kamal , Garg Sanjay
Published: December 2011

Crystal modifications and dissolution rate of piroxicam

Piroxicam is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug with low aqueous solubility which exhibits polymorphism. The present study was carried out to develop polymorphs of piroxicam with enhanced solubility and dissolution rate by the crystal modification technique using different solvent mixtures prepared with PEG 4000 and PVP K30. Physicochemical characteristics of the modified crystal forms of piroxicam were investigated by X-ray powder diffractometry, FT-IR spectrophotometry and differential scanning calorimetry. Dissolution and solubility profiles of each modified crystal form were studied and compared with pure piroxicam. Solvent evaporation method (method I) produced both needle and cubic shaped crystals. Slow crystallization from ethanol with addition of PEG 4000 or PVP K30 at room temperature (method II) produced cubic crystal forms. Needle forms produced by method I improved dissolution but not solubility. Cubic crystals produced by method I had a dissolution profile similar to that of untreated piroxicam but showed better solubility than untreated piroxicam. Cubic shaped crystals produced by method II showed improved dissolution, without a significant change in solubility. Based on the XRPD results, modified piroxicam crystals obtained by method I from acetone/benzene were cube shaped, which correlates well with the FTIR spectrum; modified needle forms obtained from ethanol/methanol and ethanol/acetone showed a slight shift of FTIR peak that may be attributed to differences in the internal structure or conformation.
Socio-Demographic and Leisure Activity Determinants of Physical Activity of Working Warsaw Residents Aged 60 to 69 Years
Authors: Biernat Elżbieta , Tomaszewski Paweł
Published: December 2011

Socio-Demographic and Leisure Activity Determinants of Physical Activity of Working Warsaw Residents Aged 60 to 69 Years

The purpose of the study was to assess factors determining physical activity in persons at the age of 60-69 years in an urban area. The study included 262 working residents of Warsaw at the initial period of old age. The study utilized a questionnaire consisting of two parts. The first part concerned recreational and touristic activities in the previous year. The second is a Polish version of IPAQ, assessing the respondents' level of activity throughout the past week. Based on IPAQ results, the respondents were divided into physically active and inactive ones. The active group included people meeting moderate to vigorous physical activity, whereas the inactive group included people who took up no physical activity at all or those with a low physical activity level. The relations between taking up physical activity and the variables characterizing the demographic structure as well as touristic and recreational activity of the respondents were assessed with the use of a log-linear analysis. Out of the variables taken into account, age, education and participation in physical recreation proved to be significant factors in taking up activity by the elderly. The odds ratios computed for the analyzed variables indicate that the risk of being inactive increases over two times after exceeding 65 years of age; a risk of similar magnitude was also observed in case of less educated populations. Regular participation in physical recreation provides a four-times increase in the chances to achieve levels of physical activity sufficient to remain healthy.
A Chronic Oral Toxicity Study of Marine Collagen Peptides Preparation from Chum Salmon (Oncorhynchus keta) Skin Using Sprague-Dawley Rat
Authors: Liang Jiang , Pei Xin-Rong , Zhang Zhao-Feng , Wang Nan , Wang Jun-Bo , Li Yong
Published: December 2011

Due to the increased consumption of marine collagen peptides preparation (MCP) as ingredients in functional foods and pharmaceuticals, it was necessary to carry out safety requirements in the form of an oral chronic toxicity assessment. In order to define the oral chronic toxicity of MCP, a 24-month feeding study of MCP was carried out. Sprague-Dawley (S-D) rats at the age of four-week of both sexes were treated with MCP at the diet concentrations of 0%, 2.25%, 4.5%, 9% and 18% (wt/wt). The actual food intake and bodyweight of the individual animals were recorded periodically until sacrifice. Blood and urine samples were collected for serum chemistry evaluations and urinalysis. Throughout the experimental period, there was no toxicologically significant difference between the vehicle and MCP-treated animals with respect to the survival rate, body weight, food consumption, urinalysis, clinical biochemistry parameter and relative organ weight in either sex. Moreover, incidences of non-neoplastic lesions in MCP-treated groups did not significantly increase compared with the control group. Under the present experimental conditions, no higher risk of chronic toxic effects was observed in MCP-treated rats at the diet concentrations of 2.25%, 4.5%, 9% and 18% (wt/wt) than in the rats fed with basal rodent diet.
Intraspecific variation in Podostemum ceratophyllum (Podostemaceae): evidence of refugia and colonization since the last glacial maximum
Authors: Fehrmann Susie , Philbrick C. Thomas , Halliburton Richard
Published: December 2011

• Premise of the Study: Intraspecific variation among 20 populations of Podostemum ceratophyllum Michx. was investigated to test the hypothesis of range expansion from southern refugia since the last glacial maximum.

• Methods: Six noncoding regions of chloroplast DNA were sequenced in 60 individuals. Populations were divided into two groups, north and south of the glacial boundary, in addition to isolated populations in Arkansas and Honduras. Variation in populations north of the boundary was compared with variation in populations to the south and in the isolated populations.

• Key Results: Nucleotide diversity was an order of magnitude lower in populations north of the glacial boundary than in those to the south. The Arkansas and Honduras populations showed no variation. The predominant haplotype in northern populations was also found in a Virginia population.

• Conclusions: Reduced variation north of the glacial boundary suggests a founder event associated with range expansion since the last glacial maximum. Colonization probably occurred from populations in refugia located several hundred kilometers south of the glacial boundary. The results provide insight into the effects of past and current climate change on patterns of geographic distribution and genetic variation in aquatic plants.
El soporte de Les Ferreres de Calaceite (Teruel): una revisión desde su tecnología y contexto
Authors: Armada Xosé Lois , Rovira Salvador
Published: December 2011

Este artículo ofrece una nueva aproximación al soporte de bronce de Les Ferreres de Calaceite a partir de dos tipos de información. Por un lado, un estudio tecnológico utilizando EDXRF y metalografía, con el objetivo de conocer el proceso de fabricación. Por otro, una reconstrucción de su contexto arqueológico, utilizando diversos tipos de información, con el objetivo de aproximarse a su significado y cronología. En nuestra opinión, el objeto fue fabricado por un experto broncista en la primera mitad del siglo VI a.n.e., utilizando una tecnología compleja y emulando antiguos soportes de bronce de origen mediterráneo. Su iconografía y contexto arqueológico reflejan códigos simbólicos de las sociedades de inicios de la Edad del Hierro del Nordeste peninsular.
Strutture ad anfore: un sistema di bonifica dei suoli. Qualche parallelo dalle Provinciae Hispanicae
Authors: Antico Gallina Mariavittoria
Published: December 2011

[it] L’autrice, partendo dallo studio dei fattori tecnici necessari per analizzare un singolare metodo costruttivo con anfore poste nel sottosuolo, illustra alcuni casi dell’Italia Cisalpina, come Mediolanum, Cremona, Novaria ed altri ancora e li mette a confronto con casi delle città ispane. La finalità degli accumuli di anfore si comprende attraverso le caratteristiche litologiche dei terreni: si tratta infatti di metodi di miglioramento delle condizioni geotecniche e idrauliche per i quali non è corretto usare come termine convenzionale «drenaggio».Sulla base di queste esperienze l’A. riflette sui casi di Saragozza e Cadice, e sulla terminologia più adeguata.

[es] La autora, que desde los años ochenta estudia los sistemas de mejora de las características del terreno con ánforas, partiendo del estudio de los factores técnicos necesarios para analizar un método único de construcción a base de ánforas colocadas en el suelo, ilustra algunos casos de la Italia Cisalpina, como Mediolanum, Cremona, Novaria y otros, y los compara con hallazgos en ciudades hispanas como Zaragoza y Cádiz. El propósito de los acúmulos de ánforas puede entenderse por las características litológicas de las zonas en las que se aplicó esta técnica, por lo que la autora reflexiona sobre la terminología más adecuada a aplicar según el objetivo perseguido por los técnicos que adoptaron esta particular forma de construcción.
The Contributions of Information Security Culture and Human Relations to the Improvement of Situational Awareness
Authors: Hagen Janne Merete
Published: December 2011

The chapter gives an overview of business practices and how people and human relations influence situational awareness and information security in an organization. There is still a long way to go in training employees in information security and improving employees’ information security awareness. Motivated and trained employees have the ability to detect and report security weaknesses and breaches, including near-miss incidents, and in this way, they may provide a valuable defense-in-depth-capability that is often lacking. The chapter discusses two approaches to overcome the barriers to building situational awareness promulgated in the general deterrence theory and socio-technical theory.
Information Data Fusion and Computer Network Defense
Authors: Ballora Mark , Giacobe Nicklaus A. , McNeese Michael , Hall David L.
Published: December 2011

Computer networks no longer simply enable military and civilian operations, but have become vital infrastructures for all types of operations ranging from sensing and command/control to logistics, power distribution, and many other functions. Consequently, network attacks have become weapons of choice for adversaries engaged in asymmetric warfare. Traditionally, data and information fusion techniques were developed to improve situational awareness and threat assessment by combining data from diverse sources, and have recently been extended to include both physical (“hard”) sensors and human observers (acting as “soft” sensors). This chapter provides an introduction to traditional data fusion models and adapts them to the domain of cyber security. Recent advances in hard and soft information fusion are summarized and applied to the cyber security domain. Research on the use of sound for human-in-the-loop pattern recognition (sonification) is also introduced. Finally, perspectives are provided on the future for data fusion in cyber security research.
A Pilot Study of Social Competence Assessment Using Interaction Rating Scale Advanced
Authors: Anme T. , Watanabe T. , Tokutake K. , Tomisaki E. , Mochizuki Y. , Tanaka E. , Wu B. , Nanba M. , Shinohara R. , Sugisawa Y.
Published: December 2011

Purpose. The purpose of this paper is to clarify the validity of the Interaction Rating Scale Advanced (IRSA) as an evidence-based practical index of social skills. Methods. The participants in our study were 17 high school students. The participants completed the five-minute interaction session and were observed using the IRSA. Their teacher evaluated their social competence based on regular observation in school. Results. The results indicated the high correlation between IRSA scores and teacher's practical evaluation. IRSA can measure social competence with high validity. Conclusion. The IRSA provides further evidence of the fact that in order to study social competence development, it is important to evaluate various features of the interaction like IRSA subscales.
Condition assessment of appurtenances: A water sector perspective
Authors: Marlow David R. , Beale David J.
Published: December 2011

Managing appurtenances within a water supply network can be a challenge for utilities. Condition assessment provides one means of gaining the information needed to make management decisions. This article presents results from research undertaken to develop guidance on such assessments, focusing primarily on isolation valves and hydrants. An overview of the research is given, with specific emphasis on the insights gained from interactions with utilities in North America, Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom. The results show that a broad range of management strategies are used—e.g., some utilities assess all valves on a cyclic basis, whereas others have no program of assessments at all. Inspection intervals specified in industry guidelines are not generally applied, and pragmatic approaches to inspections tend to be used. In the face of resource constraints, the authors concluded that utilities should adopt a risk‐based approach that focuses maintenance efforts on “critical” valves.
Rectangletown
Authors: Polly Drew
Published: December 2011

The problem from last year had students working with the concepts of a square and translations to consider area and perimeter when calculating land-sale profits. North Carolina preservice teachers in a graduate certification program and fourth graders offer their solutions.
Direct Filtration: A Tale of Two Winters
Authors: James Wendell , Craik Stephen , Molla Saif , Suarez Alfredo
Published: December 2011

This article discusses how Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, substantially reduced coagulant requirements and residuals production by converting its water treatment plants to direct filtration mode in winter.
Polyoxypropylene–montmorillonite nanocomposites for drug‐delivery vehicles: Preparation and characterization
Authors: Salahuddin Nehal , Kenawy El‐Refaie , Abdeen Rehab
Published: December 2011

Polyoxypropylene–montmorillonite (MMT) nanocomposites were prepared by an ion‐exchange process of sodium montmorillonite (Na‐MMT) and NH3+ groups in polyoxypropylene amine hydrochlorides with three different molecular masses (D230, D400, and D2000). Wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction (XRD) confirmed the intercalation of the polymer between the silicate layers. Electrostatic interaction between the positively charged NH3+ groups and the negatively charged surface of MMT was observed. Acidic ibuprofen and basic theophylline drugs were intercalated into the nanocomposites and characterized by infrared spectroscopy, XRD, transmission electron microscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis. The amount of drugs in the nanocomposites was calculated by calcination measurement. The in vitro drug release from the nanocomposites was studied in colon and intestinal pHs and compared with drug release from Na‐MMT. The nanocomposite is expected to achieve in situ release for colorectal therapy in future applications. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Propylene polymerization using supported Ziegler–Natta catalyst systems with mixed donors
Authors: Makwana Umesh C. , Singala Kamlesh J. , Patankar Rajendra B. , Singh Saurabh C. , Gupta Virendra K.
Published: December 2011

Magnesium dichloride supported titanium catalyst incorporated with varying concentration of ethylbenzoate and diisobutyl phthalate together as internal donor are synthesized. The synthesized catalysts are characterized and compared with respect to composition, phase characteristics, crystallite size, and particle morphology. Performance of catalysts containing mixed donors is compared with the conventional single donor‐based catalysts. The polymerization studies of the catalysts for propylene polymerization show dependence of polymerization kinetics on relative concentration of diisobutyl phthalate and ethylbenzoate. Molecular weight characteristics of polypropylene obtained from these catalysts are studied and correlated with the nature and concentration of donors present in the catalyst. Morphology replication from catalyst precursor to polymer is observed irrespective of the nature of donor being incorporated in the synthesized catalyst. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Cell permeabilization and inhibition of voltage‐gated Ca2+ and Na+ channel currents by nanosecond pulsed electric field
Authors: Nesin Vasyl , Bowman Angela M. , Xiao Shu , Pakhomov Andrei G.
Published: December 2011

Previous studies have found that nanosecond pulsed electric field (nsPEF) exposure causes long‐term permeabilization of the cell plasma membrane. In this study, we utilized the whole‐cell patch‐clamp method to study the nsPEF effect on currents of voltage‐gated (VG) Ca2+ and Na+ channels (ICa and INa) in cultured GH3 and NG108 cells. We found that a single 300 or 600 ns pulse at or above 1.5–2 kV/cm caused prolonged inhibition of ICa and INa. Concurrently, nsPEF increased a non‐inactivating “leak” current (Ileak), presumably due to the formation of nanoelectropores or larger pores in the plasma membrane. The nsPEF effects were similar in cells that were exposed intact and subsequently brought into the whole‐cell recording configuration, and in cells that were first brought into the whole‐cell configuration and then exposed. Although both Ileak and the inhibition of VG currents were enhanced at higher E‐field levels, these two nsPEF effects showed relatively weak correlation with each other. In some cells, Ileak increased 10‐fold or more while VG currents remained unchanged. At longer time intervals after exposure (5–15 min), ICa and INa could remain inhibited although Ileak had largely recovered. The causal relation of nsPEF inhibitory effects on VG currents and permeabilization of the plasma membrane is discussed. Bioelectromagnetics 33:394–404, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Development and validation of HPLC method for simultaneous estimation of piperine and guggulsterones in compound Unani formulation (tablets) and a nanoreservoir system
Authors: Kamal Y.T. , Mohammed Musthaba S. , Singh Mhaveer , Parveen Rabea , Ahmad Sayeed , Baboota Sanjula , Ali Imran , Siddiqui Khalid M. , Arif Zaidi S. M.
Published: December 2011

An attempt has been made to develop and validate a simultaneous HPLC method for novel approach of drug release via oil‐in‐water (o/w) nanoemulsion formulation and Habb‐e‐Khardal Unani tablet containing piperine and guggul sterones E and Z as main ingredients. Nanoemulsion was prepared by titration method using sefsol‐218 as an oily phase, cremophor‐EL as a surfactant, transcutol as a co‐surfactant and distilled water as an aqueous phase. The formulation was optimized on the basis of thermodynamic stability and dispersibilty test. The nanoformulation was evaluated for particle size, surface morphology, electrical conductivity and viscosity determination. The in vitro dissolution was carried out by dialysis bag method. Drugs were quantified using an HPLC method developed in‐house with a C18 column as stationary phase and acetonitrile and water as mobile phase at λmax of 240 nm. The optimized formulation showed higher drug release, lower droplet size and less viscosity as compared with the conventional Habb‐e‐Khardal Unani tablet. The present study illustrated the potential of nanoemulsion dosage form in improving biopharmaceutic performance of piperine and guggul sterone. The HPLC method was also found to be quite sufficient for the routine quality control of formulations containing piperine and guggul sterone E and Z as ingredients and also for in vitro drug release studies. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.