bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Automation of Drawworks and Topdrive Management To Minimize Swab/Surge and Poor-Downhole-Condition Effects
Authors: Cayeux Eric , Daireaux Benoît , Dvergsnes Erik Wolden
Published: December 2011

Careless axial and rotational movement of the drillstring can cause formation fracturing or fluid influx, resulting in costly remedial actions. With increasingly complex wellbore geometries and narrow geopressure windows, it is not always obvious for the driller how to estimate accurately the real maneuvering limits of the drawworks and the topdrive, especially under poor downhole conditions. The solution presented in this paper uses continuously updated safeguards applied to the drilling-control system to maintain a downhole pressure within the acceptable limits of the openhole formations. It automatically stops the movement of the drillstring in the case of abnormal hookloads or surface torques. Because automatic actions can be triggered in the case of an unexpected situation, some standard procedures have been fully automated, including friction tests and back reaming.

Numerical models are used to constantly calculate the maximum accelerations and velocities, which can be applied to the drillstring in the current drilling conditions. The resulting envelope of protection is dependent on many factors. Therefore, a proper evaluation of the downhole conditions is of paramount importance for the quality of the calculated safeguards. An automatic calibration of the physical models, on the basis of surface measurements, is at the heart of the system. The calibrated mechanical models are used to determine the limits for abnormal surface torques or hookloads. It is, therefore, possible to take actions automatically in the case of overpull, set-down weight, or high torque.

In 2008, a preliminary version of the system was tested during the drilling of a well in the North Sea. Even though the control algorithms did work well at that time, it was noticed that, in some circumstances, the drilling-control system would not be ready in time for fast-changing drilling conditions. An improved version of the drawworks and topdrive automation system has been tested during the drilling of three North Sea wells in the spring of 2009. In this last version, the response time of the system has been optimal at all times. The drillers involved in the testing of the system have found the system useful and user friendly.
Analytical Upgridding of Geocellular Mode in the Presence of Gravity-Dominated Displacement
Authors: Rittirong Ake , Kelkar Mohan
Published: December 2011

In simulating enhanced-oil-recovery (EOR) processes, it is critical that all the flow behaviors be properly accounted for in the simulation. Because of computation limitations, long calculation time, and complexity of physics, geological models cannot be directly used for fieldwide simulations. Upgridding reduces the number of gridblocks in the simulation model and therefore makes the simulation more efficient. An appropriate upgridding process needs to preserve the dynamic behavior of the fine-scale model.

We propose such an analytical methodology. Our new technique is based on preserving the characteristics, which are based on the fractional-flow concept specifically modified for vertical flow between the layers. We develop our method with a specific application to gravity-dominated displacement. In upgridding the fine-scale model, we have developed a criterion by which the sequence in which the fine-scale layers are combined is proposed such that fractional-flow characteristics based on the fine-scale model are honored. Using this methodology, we can determine not only the sequence in which layers are combined, but also to what extent we can upgrid the fine-scale model.

The proposed methodology is developed for two-phase, 2D flow under the effect of gravity-segregated displacement. However, it is also tested for three-phase, 3D flow in gravity-dominated displacement with moderate effect of viscous and capillary forces. The proposed solution is analytical; therefore, it is computationally efficient. We have validated the methodology with both synthetic and field examples and demonstrate that the proposed methodology is superior to conventional proportional layering and variance-based methodologies.
Investigation of Pore-Scale Mixed Wettability
Authors: Kumar Munish , Fogden Andrew , Senden Tim , Knackstedt Mark
Published: December 2011

The efficiency of secondary and tertiary-recovery processes can be improved by properly taking into account the reservoir's true wettability state. Most reservoirs are assumed to be mixed-wet, based on core-scale indices such as Amott-Harvey and USBM. Oil/brine/ mineral contact-angle measurements on smooth substrates offer some molecular-scale input and estimates for network modeling. However, direct experimental techniques to characterize wettability and validate the mixed-wet model at the pore scale in real or model rocks remain elusive. One promising avenue is the use of microtomography (µ-CT) to map the pore-scale distribution of multiple phases in miniplugs. A second, complementary approach involves the study of model rocks based on bead packs to probe the surface chemistry of the minerals exposed to crude oil and brine in pore confinement. Integrating the two approaches described in the current study provides a promising means of explaining the observed multiphase-fluid occupancy in pores by combining the detailed knowledge of the 3D pore structure and information on the surface chemistry of its walls.
Thermomagnetic Analyses of the Permeability-Controlling Minerals in Red and White Sandstones in Deep Tight Gas Reservoirs: Implications for Downhole Measurements
Authors: Ali Arfan , Potter David K.
Published: December 2011

Our recent work on deep tight gas reservoirs containing red and white sandstones (Potter et al. 2009) has suggested that the presence of small amounts of hematite in reservoir samples can have a dramatic effect on permeability. Such conclusions were made using laboratory-based low- and high-field magnetic-susceptibility measurements on reservoir-rock samples and by comparing these measurements with the permeability data. These rapid, nondestructive magnetic measurements have been applied previously in clastic reservoir samples (Potter 2007; (Ivakhnenko 2006; Ivakhnenko and Potter 2008; Potter and Ivakhnenko 2008) and carbonate reservoir samples (Al-Ghamdi 2006; Potter et al. 2011). However, such laboratory-based analyses are not representative of the downhole in-situ conditions, especially in deep gas reservoirs where the temperature can reach quite high values. Typical tight-gas-reservoir depths can reach approximately 4000 m (Abu-Shanab et al. 2005) and 6000 m (Tang et al. 2008), and the equivalent temperatures would measure 131 and 192°C, respectively, if one assumes the normal geothermal gradient (Mayer-Gurr 1976).

This paper investigates the in-situ magnetic properties of deep tight gas reservoir samples (containing permeability-controlling reservoir minerals hematite and illite) by means of laboratory experiments to model downhole temperature conditions. We perform magnetic hysteresis measurements at various temperatures in order to identify and quantify mineralogy and model changes in the magnetic behavior of these minerals at in-situ downhole conditions. From these measurements, we are able to show whether the mineralogy or domain state of the permeability-controlling minerals is likely to change with temperature in deep gas reservoirs. These changes can potentially have a major effect on permeability.

We also demonstrate that there are strong correlations between core-permeability and magnetic-susceptibility data in these tight-gas-reservoir samples. The permeability is low in red sections of the core wherever there is hematite.
Shale Gas-in-Place Calculations Part I: New Pore-Scale Considerations
Authors: Ambrose Ray J. , Hartman Robert C. , Diaz-Campos Mery , Akkutlu I. Yucel , Sondergeld Carl H.
Published: December 2011

Using focused-ion-beam (FIB)/scanning-electron-microscope (SEM) imaging technology, a series of 2D and 3D submicroscale investigations revealed a finely dispersed porous organic (kerogen) material embedded within an inorganic matrix. The organic material has pores and capillaries having characteristic lengths typically less than 100 nm. A significant portion of total gas in place appears to be associated with interconnected large nanopores within the organic material.

Thermodynamics (phase behavior) of fluids in these pores is quite different; gas residing in a small pore or capillary is rarefied under the influence of organic pore walls and shows a different density profile. This raises serious questions related to gas-in-place calculations: Under reservoir conditions, what fraction of the pore volume of the organic material can be considered available as free gas, and what fraction is taken up by the adsorbed phase? How accurately is the shale-gas storage capacity estimated using the conventional volumetric methods? And finally, do average densities exist for the free and the adsorbed phases?

We combine the Langmuir adsorption isotherm with the volumetrics for free gas and formulate a new gas-in-place equation accounting for the pore space taken up by the sorbed phase. The method yields a total-gas-in-place prediction. Molecular dynamics simulations involving methane in small carbon slit-pores of varying size and temperature predict density profiles across the pores and show that (a) the adsorbed methane forms a 0.38-nm monolayer phase and (b) the adsorbed-phase density is 1.8–2.5 times larger than that of bulk methane. These findings could be a more important consideration with larger hydrocarbons and suggest that a significant adjustment is necessary in volume calculations, especially for gas shales high in total organic content. Finally, using typical values for the parameters, calculations show a 10–25% decrease in total gas-storage capacity compared with that using the conventional approach. The role of sorbed gas is more important than previously thought. The new methodology is recommended for estimating shale gas in place.
A New Deconvolution Technique Based on Pressure-Derivative Data for Pressure-Transient-Test Interpretation
Authors: Onur Mustafa , Kuchuk Fikri J.
Published: December 2011

In this paper, we present a new deconvolution method that removes the dependency of the deconvolved constant-rate drawdown responses on the initial reservoir pressure. It is well known that the late-time periods in particular of the deconvolved responses from the recent pressure-rate deconvolution methods are dependent on the initial reservoir pressure. A small error in the initial reservoir pressure could make a significant difference in the late-time periods of the deconvolved responses that can lead to an incorrect interpretation model, particularly misinterpretation of the boundaries. The new method presented is based on pressure-derivative data rather than pressure data that are used in all published deconvolution algorithms. Using pressure-derivative data in deconvolution leads to a nonlinear least-squares objective function that is different from those used in the earlier deconvolution methods and eliminates the dependency of the deconvolved responses on the initial reservoir pressure. Therefore, the new method minimizes incorrect interpretation because of an error or uncertainty in the initial reservoir pressure. We apply the new method to both simulated and field pressure-transient data sets. The results show that the new method offers a significant advantage over the earlier deconvolution methods for pressure-transient-test interpretation in cases where the initial reservoir pressure is unknown or uncertain.
Numerical Simulations of Sand-Screen Performance in Standalone Applications
Authors: Mondal Somnath , Sharma Mukul M. , Chanpura Rajesh A. , Parlar Mehmet , Ayoub Joseph A.
Published: December 2011

The selection of optimum screens for standalone screen (SAS) applications has historically been based on experimental data, rules of thumb, or correlations. Recent sand-retention tests conducted in various laboratories offer empirical screen-selection criteria on the basis of different sand-size-distribution parameters. Unfortunately, these experiments have their own limitations. They provide substantially different results, depending on how the tests are conducted and interpreted, leading to significant differences in the recommended screen type and screen-opening size for any given sand sample. To resolve these inconsistencies and to understand the physics of the problem better, this paper presents 3D numerical simulations to evaluate the performance of wire-wrapped sand screens and ultimately to develop systematic screen-selection criteria.

In this paper, a new method is presented to estimate the mass and size distribution of the solids produced through wire-wrap screens. The method uses the entire particle size distribution of the formation sand and is validated with experimental and numerical data. The new method allows us to evaluate the performance of different screens without running expensive and sometimes inconclusive experiments, enhances our understanding of screen performance, and helps to design sand screens better to meet performance criteria under a wide variety of conditions.

We first present results from 3D, discrete-element computer simulations of sand screens placed in contact with granular sand-packs of approximately 100,000 particles. The numerical model computes the mass and the size distribution of the solids produced. The effect of the most important parameters, such as friction coefficient, fluid viscosity, pressure gradient, and ratio of screen-opening size to sand size, on the mechanism of bridge formation and amount of sand produced is studied using both monodispersed and polydispersed systems.

The results have helped resolve some key questions about the physics of sand bridge formation. Numerous simulations are conducted to replicate the experimental conditions over a wide range of screen-opening/sand-size ratios for wire-wrap screens. Good agreement is observed between laboratory experiments and the simulations.
Field-/Well-Integrity Issues, Well-Abandonment Planning, and Workover Operations on an Inadequately Abandoned Well: Peace River, Alberta, Case Study
Authors: Diller C..
Published: December 2011

Maintaining well integrity for field life-cycle operations is a major factor that must be taken into account in the planning and execution of all well-engineering activities. Some legacy wells are not properly abandoned to prevent the contamination of secondary reservoirs or groundwater from other producing hydrocarbons or from emerging carbon-capture and acid-gas-storage projects being planned by both oil and gas operators and government research groups. If these wells are not identified and abandoned properly, there is a high risk of negative impact to the environment, operator reputation, and the economics of field operations.

This case study will examine the complex re-entry and reabandonment of a well in the Peace River region of Alberta, Canada. In the process of developing the plan to re-enter and abandon this well, a methodology for abandonment planning was adopted with three essential attributes: The abandonment should provide effective isolation of all critical zones; operations should allow for evaluation and confirmation of zonal isolation; and the final condition of the well should allow for a simple re-entry to remediate future isolation problems. Throughout the planning and execution of the program, the regulating agency was integrated into the decision-making process. To complete the abandonment, technologies such as casing drilling, downhole cameras, and magnetic ranging were employed along with directional-drilling, coiled-tubing, and fishing operations. Upon completion, the effectively executed abandonment program met or exceeded prescribed technical and regulatory requirements. The positive results of performing this operation included mitigating environmental impacts, delaying the capital-intensive construction of a future sour-gas-treatment plant, and allowing the extended operation of the Peace River complex (PRC).
Development of Water-Based Drilling Fluids Customized for Shale Reservoirs
Authors: Deville Jay P. , Fritz Brady , Jarrett Michael
Published: December 2011

Drilling activity has increased dramatically in unconventional shale gas reservoirs. The drilling fluid of choice in these shale plays is often nonaqueous-based fluid (NAF). While NAFs can provide advantages such as shale stabilization, lubricity, and contamination tolerance, environmental consequences and associated costs are an issue. These disadvantages cause operators to seek water-based muds (WBMs) for drilling many of these gas reservoirs.

Despite some operational similarities, a wide variety of unique downhole conditions can be found in the shale plays. Shale mineralogy and bottomhole temperature (BHT) represent just two highly variable critical factors in unconventional gas reservoirs. Therefore, a single water-based solution for addressing shale plays globally is not a realistic option. Instead, a customized approach that delivers WBMs formulated specifically for a given shale play has been pursued.

Customization relies on detailed analysis of the well parameters of a given shale play. This analysis includes not only the shale morphology and lithology but also well drilling program plans, environmental factors, and other reservoir-specific considerations. Applying appropriate drilling-fluid chemistries on the basis of this detailed analysis has led to the successful field deployment of a number of new shale fluids.

Details of the process used for customizing a WBM for a shale play, as well as specific examples of new fluids developed for the Barnett, Fayetteville, and Haynesville shales, are presented in this paper. Full laboratory development and testing are described. Additionally, field-trial results are presented that show that specially designed WBMs can provide performance comparable to that of NAFs, but with enhanced environmental and economic benefits. Application of the customization process to develop WBMs for other shale plays around the globe is also discussed.
Contextual Features of Tax Decision-Making Settings
Authors: Magro Anne M.
Published: December 2011

Prior research in psychology and accounting suggests that features of the decision-making task and context affect information processing, yet the decision-making context is often ignored in tax judgment and decision-making research. Two primary decision contexts in the tax setting are planning and compliance. If these two contexts differ on significant features, the information processing of tax professionals in the settings also is likely to differ. An analysis of the characteristics of tax planning and compliance contexts suggests that planning problems are generally characterized by greater complexity, ambiguity, and justifiability demands than are compliance problems. Experienced tax professionals' knowledge of these differences in complexity, ambiguity, and justifiability demands of problems in the planning and compliance contexts was tested in an experiment in which decision-making context was manipulated. Each participant rated the complexity, ambiguity, and justifiability demands of six research cases. As predicted, participants in the planning condition rated the cases as higher in complexity, ambiguity, and justifiability demands than did participants in the compliance condition. Behavioral implications of these differences were demonstrated in that managers in the planning context budgeted significantly more time for staff to complete tax research than did those in the compliance context.
Equity Security Investments: Evidence on Tax-Induced Dividend Clienteles
Authors: Geisler Gregory G.
Published: December 2011

This study examines the formation of tax-induced dividend clienteles in equity security holdings by life insurance companies (LICs). Generally, corporations are allowed a 70 percent deduction against dividends received from portfolio stocks. In contrast, LICs are only allowed a “prorated” dividends-received deduction (DRD) that ranges between 0 percent and 70 percent. So, even with similar levels of profitability, the marginal tax rate on dividend income effectively varies across LICs. This setting provides a unique opportunity to isolate and examine the effect of taxes on dividend clientele formation. Cross-sectional regression is used to analyze the relation between the prorated DRDs and the average dividend yield on equity holdings. Controls are added for other determinants of equity investment behavior. The results show that LICs' prorated DRDs significantly influence their average dividend yield on equity investments, providing direct evidence that investment behavior is consistent with tax-induced dividend clientele formation.
Experimental Evidence on the Relation between Tax Rates and Compliance: The Effect of Earned vs. Endowed Income
Authors: Boylan Scott J. , Sprinkle Geoffrey B.
Published: December 2011

In this paper, we report the results of an experiment designed to determine whether the manner in which income is obtained (earned vs. endowed) affects the relation between tax rates and taxpayer compliance. Our experiment consisted of an income phase and a tax-reporting phase. In the income phase, participants were either endowed with $20 or were required to earn $20 by performing a one-hour multiplication exercise. In the tax-reporting phase, participants decided how much of their $20 in income to report on their tax returns. Consistent with prior experimental evidence, we find that when income is endowed, participants respond to a tax rate increase by reporting less taxable income. In contrast, but consistent with economic theory and some archival-empirical evidence, we find that when income is earned, participants respond to a tax rate increase by reporting more taxable income. Collectively, the results suggest that income is not a fungible commodity and that tax-payer responses to changes in policy variables such as the tax rate may depend critically on the amount of time and effort required to generate income. Additionally, our results may help explain differences between the results of taxpayer compliance experiments (which typically endow individuals with income) and archival-empirical studies (which use data that typically include earned income) regarding how changes in the tax rate (and other factors) affect taxpayer compliance decisions.
The Effects of Not-for-Profit Hospital Reported Profits and Charitable Care on Perceptions of Tax-Exempt Status
Authors: Wilkicki Kathryn J. Jervis
Published: December 2011

I investigate whether the hospital tax-exemption decision is a function of (1) reported profits and (2) the amount of charitable care provided. Tax practitioners from public accounting firms made decisions about whether the hospital should maintain federal and state income tax and local property tax exemptions. A between-subject design was used with cases at two dimensions: reported profits (high and low) and level of charitable care (high and low).

Findings revealed that the main effects of reported profits and charitable care do not independently appear to affect respondents' perceptions about tax exemption. However, when charitable care is low, respondents' perceptions about tax exemption were negatively influenced by high reported profits.
The Impact of Deductibility Limits on Compensation Contracts: A Theoretical Examination
Authors: Halperin Robert M. , Kwon Young K. , Rhoades-Catanach Shelley C.
Published: December 2011

In 1993, Congress passed § 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code. Section 162(m) disallows a deduction for compensation in excess of $1,000,000 paid to the chief executive officer (CEO) and the four highest compensated officers other than the CEO of a publicly traded corporation unless the excess is “performance-based.” Several articles in the popular and professional press (The New York Times 1993; The Journal of Taxation 1994) predicted that executives whose nonperformance-based compensation exceeded $1,000,000 before the passage of the legislation would find their salaries reduced and their performance-based compensation increased as a result of the legislation. Other predictions regarding the impact of § 162(m) have been mixed, with some commentators predicting no real effect (Burzawa 1993).

While several empirical studies have examined firm reactions to § 162(m) in terms of compensation packaging, no prior research has considered the impact of this legislation on executive performance. This paper provides a theoretical examination of both firm and executive responses to the deductibility limit imposed by § 162(m). The results of this study may be useful to tax policymakers considering the effectiveness of § 162(m) in meeting Congressional objectives, and to empirical researchers examining the impact of this legislation on firm and executive performance.
The Effect of the Expected Holding Period on the Market Reaction to a Decline in the Capital Gains Tax Rate
Authors: Liang Jia-Wen , Matsunaga Steven R. , Morse Dale C.
Published: December 2011

We use the market reaction to capital gains tax rate reduction in the 1997 Tax Relief Act to investigate the market reaction to a change in investor-level tax rates. We find that the positive market reaction was lower for dividend-paying securities and securities with longer expected holding periods. Our results also support the hypothesis that a longer expected holding period reduces the impact of the dividend-paying status. These results are consistent with the tax capitalization model and suggest that the expected holding period is a significant variable in explaining the market reaction to a change in capital gains tax rates.
Tax Professional Decision Biases: The Effects of Initial Beliefs and Client Preference
Authors: Kahle Jennifer B. , White Richard A.
Published: December 2011

While many studies have inferred confirmation bias in a tax decision-making context, the tax professional's initial belief has usually been the same as the client-preferred position. The objective of this study was to disentangle the effects of evidence direction (confirming or disconfirming evidence) and client preference on tax professionals' belief revisions following the examination of additional evidence. In a repeated-measures design, participants recorded an initial belief and a revised belief in response to two independent fact scenarios. Consistent with research related to auditors, but inconsistent with the psychology literature, the results of this study indicate that tax professionals react in a manner opposite to the predictions of confirmation bias, particularly when the evidence reviewed is counter to the client's wishes. Further examination reveals that the client preference has a more substantial effect on tax professional judgments when the evidence being reviewed confirms the professionals' initial beliefs than when it disconfirms their initial beliefs.
An Examination of the Role of Ethics in Tax Compliance Decisions
Authors: Henderson B. Charlene , Kaplan Steven E.
Published: December 2011

The relationship between ethical beliefs and tax compliance is well documented, but extant research has not explored the relationships among general ethical beliefs, contextual ethical beliefs, and tax compliance behavior. In this study we propose a model that is intended to clarify the mechanisms through which ethical beliefs impact tax compliance. In the model, contextual ethical beliefs represent the mechanism through which individuals' general ethical beliefs impact tax compliance behavior. The model is tested using participants' ethical orientations as measures of their general ethical beliefs and using participants' ethical evaluations of others' tax compliance decisions as measures of their contextual ethical beliefs. Tax compliance behavior is inferred from participants' estimates of the likelihood that they would evade. Overall, the findings from our study support the proposed model. Ethical orientations are directly related to ethical evaluations; ethical evaluations directly predict tax compliance behavior; and finally, ethical orientations are indirectly related to tax compliance behavior. That is, ethical orientations influence tax compliance behavior, but only through their influence on ethical evaluations. We believe that the proposed model provides an important contribution by providing a framework that outlines the routes through which ethical beliefs impact tax compliance.
Ticks and Tax: The Effects of Price Discreteness and Taxation on Ex-Dividend Day Returns
Authors: Cloyd C. Bryan , Li Oliver Zhen , Weaver Connie D.
Published: December 2011

We investigate changes in the relation between dividend yield and exdividend day stock returns across four regimes, defined by two reductions in share price discreteness and two changes in differential tax rates on dividend versus longterm capital gain income of individual investors. Our research design enables us to examine the effect of changing price discreteness (1/16 to decimals) in early 2001 while holding tax rates constant, as well as the effect of changing tax rates in May 2003, while holding price discreteness constant. Changes in the relation between dividend yield and ex-dividend day abnormal returns across these regimes suggest that differential taxation is primarily responsible for the relation between dividend yield and ex-dividend day returns, although we find weak evidence that price discreteness also affects this relation.
Effects of tidal volume, ventilatory frequency, and oxygen insufflation flow on the fraction of inspired oxygen in cadaveric horse heads attached to a lung model
Authors: Crumley Mariana N. , Hodgson David S. , Kreider Scott E.
Published: December 2011

Objective—To measure the effects of tidal volume, ventilatory frequency, and oxygen insufflation flow on the fraction of inspired oxygen in cadaveric horse heads attached to a lung model.

Sample—8 heads of equine cadavers.

Procedures—Each cadaveric horse head was intubated with a nasotracheal tube that extended into the proximal portion of the trachea. Oxygen was delivered through an oxygen catheter contained within and extending to the tip of the nasotracheal tube. The trachea was connected to the lung model by use of a spiral-wound hose with a sampling adaptor. Eight treatment combinations involving 2 tidal volumes (5 and 8 L), 2 ventilatory frequencies (6 and 12 mechanical breathes/min), and 2 insufflation rates (10 and 15 L/min) were applied to each head. Hand-drawn inspired gas samples were collected and analyzed for oxygen concentrations.

Results—The fraction of inspired oxygen (measured at mid trachea) ranged from 26.8% to 39.4%. Fraction of inspired oxygen was significantly higher with a smaller tidal volume, lower ventilatory frequency, and higher insufflation rate.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—In the study model, measured fraction of inspired oxygen varied with ventilatory pattern as well as oxygen insufflation rate. Clinically, this information could be beneficial for interpretation of data regarding arterial blood gases and hemoglobin saturation and in making appropriate oxygen insufflation decisions for anesthetized horses that are breathing room air.
Responses of equine tendon- and bone marrow–derived cells to monolayer expansion with fibroblast growth factor-2 and sequential culture with pulverized tendon and insulin-like growth factor-I
Authors: Durgam Sushmitha S. , Stewart Allison A. , Pondenis Holly C. , Yates Angela C. , Evans Richard B. , Stewart Matthew C.
Published: December 2011

Objective—To compare in vitro expansion of equine tendon- and bone marrow–derived cells with fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2) supplementation and sequential matrix synthesis with pulverized tendon and insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I).

Sample—Cells from 6 young adult horses.

Procedures—Progenitor cells were expanded in monolayers with FGF-2, followed by culture with autogenous acellular pulverized tendon and IGF-I for 7 days. Initial cell isolation and subsequent monolayer proliferation were assessed. In pulverized tendon cultures, cell viability and expression of collagen types I and III and cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP) mRNAs were assessed. Collagen and glycosaminoglycan syntheses were quantified over a 24-hour period.

Results—Monolayer expansion with FGF-2 significantly increased the mean ± SE number of tendon-derived cells (15.3 ± 2.6 × 106), compared with bone marrow–derived cells (5.8 ± 1.8 × 106). Overall, increases in collagen type III and COMP mRNAs were seen in tendon-derived cells, compared with results for bone marrow–derived cells. After IGF-I supplementation, increases in collagen type I and type III mRNA expression were seen in bone marrow–derived cells, compared with results for unsupplemented control cells. Insulin-like growth factor-I significantly increased collagen synthesis of bone marrow–derived cells. Monolayer expansion with FGF-2 followed by IGF-I supplementation significantly increased glycosaminoglycan synthesis in tendon-derived cells.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Tendon-derived cells had increased cell numbers and matrix synthesis after monolayer expansion with FGF-2, compared with results for bone marrow–derived cells. In vivo experiments with FGF-2-expanded tendon-derived cells are warranted to evaluate effects on tendon healing.
Lesion severity at processing as a predictor of Salmonella contamination of swine carcasses
Authors: Hurd H. Scott , Yaeger Michael J. , Brudvig Jean M. , Taylor Daniel D. , Wang Bing
Published: December 2011

Objective—To measure the relationship between gross lesions in swine carcasses observed at a processing plant and Salmonella contamination and to determine whether nonexpert assessments of lesion status would correspond with swine pathologists' judgments.

Animals—Carcasses of 202 conventionally raised and 156 antimicrobial-free pigs in a Midwestern US processing plant examined from December 2005 to January 2006.

Procedures—4 replicates were conducted. For each, freshly eviscerated carcasses were identified as having or lacking visceral adhesions by a nonexpert evaluator and digital carcass photographs were obtained. Swab specimens were obtained from carcasses before the final rinse stage of processing, and bacterial culture for Salmonella spp and Enterococcus spp was performed. Subsequently, carcass photographs were numerically scored for lesion severity by 3 veterinary pathologists. Results were used to test the ability of lesion detection to predict bacterial contamination of carcasses and the agreement between judgments of the inexperienced and experienced assessors.

Results—The probability of Salmonella contamination in carcasses with lesions identified at the abattoir was 90% higher than that in carcasses lacking lesions, after controlling for replicate identity and antimicrobial use. The receiver operating characteristic curve and Cohen κ indicated close agreement between lesion detection at the abattoir and by the 3 pathologists.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Findings indicated the presence of lesions could be used to predict Salmonella contamination of swine carcasses and that a nonexpert processing-line assessment of lesions could be used to discriminate between healthy and chronically ill swine before their entry into the human food supply.
Does GSTP1 Polymorphism Contribute to Genetic Damage Caused by Ageing and Occupational Exposure?
Authors: Eshkoor Sima , Ismail Patimah , Rahman Sabariah , Moin Saidi
Published: December 2011

Does GSTP1 Polymorphism Contribute to Genetic Damage Caused by Ageing and Occupational Exposure?

The aim of our study was to see the effects of GSTP1 polymorphism on biomarkers of ageing, including micronuclei (MN), comet tail length, and relative telomere length in automobile repair workers, who are exposed to a broad spectrum of potential mutagens. The analysis was performed on buccal cells collected from occupationally exposed and non-exposed (control) subjects. Samples were analysed using cytogenetic and molecular methods, including restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP), MN test, comet assay, and real-time PCR. The results confirmed the DNA damaging effects of substances used in the mechanical workshops, but did not confirm the influence of GSTP1 gene polymorphism on DNA damage. However, further studies on both occupationally exposed and control populations are needed to understand the relationship between GSTP1 polymorphism and genome damage.
Macromolecular prodrugs. XIII. Hydrosoluble conjugates of 17β-estradiol and estradiol-17β-valerate with polyaspartamide polymer
Authors: Končič Marijana , Zorc Branka , Novak Predrag
Published: December 2011

Macromolecular prodrugs. XIII. Hydrosoluble conjugates of 17β-estradiol and estradiol-17β-valerate with polyaspartamide polymer

Two hydrosoluble conjugates of 17β-estradiol (ED) and estradiol-17β-valerate (EV) with polyaspartamide polymer were prepared and characterized. ED and EV were first chemically modified and bound to poly[α,β-(N-2-hydroxyethyl-DL-aspartamide)]-poly[α,β-(N-2-aminoethyl-DL-aspartamide)] (PAHA), a hydrosoluble polyaspartamide-type copolymer bearing both hydroxyl and amino groups. ED was first converted to 17-hemisuccinate (EDS) and then bound to PAHA. In the resulting conjugate PAHA-EDS, the estradiol moiety was linked to the polymer through a 2-aminoethylhemisuccinamide spacer. On the other hand, EV was first converted to estradiol-17β-valerate-3-(benzotriazole-1-carboxylate), which readily reacted with amino groups in PAHA affording the polymer-drug conjugate PAHA-EV. In the prepared conjugate PAHA-EV, the estradiol moiety was covalently bound to the polyaspartamide backbone by carbamate linkage, through an ethylenediamine spacer. The polymer-drug conjugates were designed and prepared with the aim to increase water-solubility, bioavailability and to improve drug delivery of the lipophilic estrogen hormone.
Effect of cattle liquid manure fertilization on the yield of grassland and density of soil oribatid mites (Acari, Oribatida)
Authors: Kruczyńska Karolina , Seniczak Stanisław
Published: December 2011

Effect of cattle liquid manure fertilization on the yield of grassland and density of soil oribatid mites (Acari, Oribatida)

The effect of cattle liquid manure without and with Effective Microorganisms (EM) on the hay yield and density of soil Oribatida was investigated in a lowland meadow. Fertilization of the meadow with low and medium doses (30 m3·ha-1 and 60 m3·ha-1) of liquid manure increased the hay yield, more with EM than without them. However, the highest dose (90 m3·ha-1) of fertilizer did not change hay yield, as compared to the control plot. All doses of cattle liquid manure reduced the density of oribatid mites, distinctly more without EM than with them. This suggests a favourable influence of EM on these mites. Among the Oribatida, Liebstadia similis, Scheloribates laevigatus, Eupelops occultus, and Achipteria coleoptrata, were abundant, while other species were infrequent. The community of Oribatida was dominated by adults.
Characterization of 24 transferable microsatellite loci in four skullcaps (Scutellaria, Labiatae)
Authors: Chiang Yu‐Chung , Huang Bing‐Hong , Shih Huei‐Chuan , Hsu Tsai‐Wen , Chang Chun‐Wen , Liao Pei‐Chun
Published: December 2011

• Premise of the study: Transferable polymorphic microsatellite loci for four skullcaps, Scutellaria indica, S. taiwanensis, S. austrotaiwanensis, and S. playfairii, were developed for future studies of the mating system and population structure of these species. Interspecific amplification was also tested in various Scutellaria species.

• Methods and Results: Twelve novel polymorphic microsatellite loci were isolated from four S. taiwanensis specimens, and seven are interspecifically transferable. Microsatellite loci developed from S. austrotaiwanensis in a previous study were also analyzed in the other three species, and 12 loci were found to be transferable. Allele numbers of the total 24 loci for S. indica, S. taiwanensis, S. playfairii, and S. austrotaiwanensis are two to four, two, two to five, and two to three, respectively, with an expected heterozygosity ranging from 0.114–0.661, 0.062–0.499, 0.280–0.730, and 0.268–0.662, respectively. The interspecies transferability of these 24 loci was further tested in another 10 Scutellaria species, including three species native to Taiwan. Seventeen loci were found to be interspecifically amplifiable, especially among the Taiwan native species.

• Conclusions: These highly polymorphic and transferable loci will be useful for future studies of the mating system of closely related Scutellaria species.
Resource Allocation for Cloud Computing
Authors: Ejarque Jorge , Álvarez Javier , Sirvent Raül , Badia Rosa M.
Published: December 2011

Cloud computing has emerged as a distributed computing paradigm where resources are requested on demand and in a very dynamic fashion and paying only for what you consume. This new paradigm created an ecosystem where several providers offer heterogeneous computing resources to satisfy the customers’ computing demand. So, the allocation and adaptation of this demand to the correct resources is a key issue in this ecosystem, because it can produce a mutual benefit for the customers and providers. However, with the wide variety of customers and providers, this allocation is not an easy task. This chapter presents a toolkit that implements a methodology for improving the resource allocation between different Cloud providers. The Semantically Enhanced Resource Allocator (SERA) toolkit introduces the semantic web and multi-agent technologies for facilitating the interoperability between the users and different resource providers. Semantic web technologies provide the required semantic interoperability between the different providers’ vocabularies; meanwhile a platform of configurable agents provides an adaptable and autonomous way of allocating and managing execution requests and resources according to the customers and providers rules.
The Use of Dexamethasone in Bacterial Meningitis in Children and Adults: A Retrospective Analysis
Authors: Cornelis An-Sophie , Hachimi-Idrissi Said
Published: December 2011

Bacterial meningitis is a life-threatening illness that results from bacterial infection of the meninges and is associated with high mortality and morbidity rate, especially when theStreptococcus pneumoniaeis the causative agent. Dexamethasone as adjunctive therapy to antibiotics does not influence the outcome or the complications in children as well as in adults suffering bacterial meningitis. However, we identified some prognostic parameters in the outcome of bacterial meningitis, and when dexamethasone was given in presence of at least one of 3 poor prognostic CSF parameters (WBC < 1000/mm3, glucose < 20 mg/dl, lactate > 10 mg/dl) it substantially improved the outcome.
Analyzing Highway Speeding Data in the Statistics Classroom
Authors: Laumakis Paul
Published: December 2011

Students bring the real world into the classroom by studying speeding data collected on two Pennsylvania highways.
Adding Depth to Geometry through Flatland
Authors: Anderson Gail Marie
Published: December 2011

This classic novel introduces students to core geometry concepts, engages them in spatial visualization, and provides rich, cross-curricular learning opportunities.
Unfolding Fraction Multiplication
Authors: Wyberg Terry , Whitney Stephanie R. , Cramer Kathleen A. , Monson Debra S. , Leavitt Seth
Published: December 2011

Help students understand an important algorithm by using a piece of paper and a number line.
Teaching Number in the Early Elementary Years
Authors: Cain Chris R. , Faulkner Valerie N.
Published: December 2011

To help children understand the concrete concept that an abstract orthographic symbol represents, let's apply the same strategies we use for teaching background knowledge in reading.
Study on the synthesis and characterization of surface activities of hydrophilic derivatives of β‐sitosterol
Authors: Lim Jong Choo , Chung Dae‐Won
Published: December 2011

Three kinds of hydrophilic derivatives of β‐sitosterol (HPS) were synthesized from poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) with molecular weight 1000, 2000, and 4000 by two‐step reactions. The chemical structure and the distribution of isomers in HPSs were investigated by 1H‐NMR and Maldi‐Tof, respectively. The solubility of HPS in water increased as the molecular weight of the parent PEG increased. However, when the solubility of each HPS was calculated based on the weight ratio of the β‐sitosterol moiety in HPS, HPS‐1000 prepared from PEG 1000 showed the highest solubility. Both the CMC and surface tension of HPS surfactant system have been found to increase with an increase in molecular weight of the parent PEG. Dynamic surface tension measurement using a maximum bubble pressure tensiometer showed that much longer time was required to reach an equilibrium value presumably due to the lower mobility of a surfactant molecule with high molecular weight. The interfacial tensions measured between HPS system and n‐decane at 25°C were in the same order of magnitude as those exhibited between micellar solutions and nonpolar hydrocarbon oils and also found to decrease with a decrease in molecular weight of the parent PEG. The most stable foams were observed with HPS‐1000 system which is consistent with that of surface tension measurement where HPS‐1000 system exhibited a lower surface tension value at CMC than other two systems. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Optical studies of CdS:Mn nanoparticles
Authors: Sharma Ravi
Published: December 2011

Cadmium sulphide nanoparticles were grown using a wet chemical method, by dissolving the reactants, cadmium chloride and sodium sulphide in water, in the presence of mercaptoethanol (ME), which was used as a capping agent. Manganese chloride was used to dope the nanoparticles. It was found that the particle size varied with different concentrations of ME. At higher concentrations of ME, smaller sized nanoparticles were synthesized. This method also reveals the high stability of nanoparticles in water. Nanoparticle properties were investigated using UV–vis absorption, photoluminescence spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) techniques. The particle sizes were measured by the XRD technique, SEM and optical absorption spectra and were in the range 2–6 nm. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A2a adenosine receptor mediates HepG2 cell apoptosis by downregulating Bcl‐XL expression and upregulating bid expression
Authors: Tamura Kunihiro , Kanno Takeshi , Fujita Yumiko , Gotoh Akinobu , Nakano Takashi , Nishizaki Tomoyuki
Published: December 2011

Extracellular adenosine induced apoptosis in HepG2 cells, a human hepatoma cell line, by tuning apoptosis‐mediator gene transcription. The present study aimed at identifying the responsible adenosine receptor and clarifying the signaling pathway underlying adenosine‐induced HepG2 cell apoptosis. Adenosine and CGS21680, an A2a adenosine receptor agonist, induced HepG2 cell apoptosis, and the effect was inhibited by DMPX, an A2a adenosine receptor antagonist, or by knocking‐down A2a adenosine receptors. Adenosine reduced expression of Bcl‐XL mRNA and protein but otherwise increased expression of the Bid mRNA and protein in HepG2 cells, and those effects were also prevented by knocking‐down A2a adenosine receptors. Adenosine caused disruption of mitochondrial membrane potentials and stimulated cytochrome c efflux from the mitochondria in HepG2 cells. Adenosine activated caspases‐3 and ‐9 in HepG2 cells, which was significantly inhibited by knocking‐down A2a adenosine receptors. The results of the present study indicate that extracellular adenosine downregulates Bcl‐XL expression and upregulates Bid expression, thereby disrupting mitochondrial membrane potentials to allow cytochrome c efflux from the mitochondria, and then causing activation of caspase‐9 and the effector caspase‐3, as mediated via A2a adenosine receptors. J. Cell. Biochem. 113: 1766–1775, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.