bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
One-Dimensional Mathematical Modelling of Vapour Extraction (VAPEX)
Authors: Jia Xinfeng , Zeng Fanhua , Gu Yongan
Published: June 2012

Diffusion-convection mass-transfer process in porous medium is one of the major enhanced oil recovery (EOR) mechanisms of Vapor extraction (VAPEX). Previous work tried Fick’s Law to model the diffusion process, and mostly assumes the diffusion coefficient as a constant in the equation. However, the diffusion coefficient factually is a function of concentration, and thus the effect of its gradient should be included in the governing equation. In addition, bulk flow exist during the VAPEX especially during the solvent chamber rising phase, hence the process may be a diffusion-convection process rather than a pure diffusion process as presumed in previous works.

This paper proposes a new one-dimensional (1D) VAPEX mathematical model on the basis of diffusion–convection equation, gravity-based fluid flow equation (Darcy’s law), and mass-conservation equation. The model is directed at a vertical thin cylindrical VAPEX process with injector and producer both setted at the bottom. The solvent chamber is considered as a two-phase area and the oil in it is completely saturated, while the matiral beyond the chamber is thought as in liquid phase. First, the diffusion-convection model is developed to obtain the concentration distribution in the transition zone; the boundary between solvent chamber and transiton zone is seen as moving with time. Second, the drainage velocity of the saturated oil in solvent chamber is calculated and combined with the mass conservation equation, to model the saturation of the oil phase changing with time. On the basis of the saturation model the oil production rate can be obtained.

The recovery factor profile is divided into two distinct stages: solvent diluting-dominated stage and saturated oil flowing-dominated stage. During the first stage, it is found the solvent chamber growing rate tends to be constant; the oil production rate is proportional to the square root of permeability, which constists with the existing VAPEX theoretical model. During the second stage, the production rate is linearly related to the 1.1–1.3 power of the model length rather than the square root of it. This agrees perfectly with the lab observations in previous work.
Production Optimization of a Mature Offshore Asset
Authors: Bates G. , Bagoo D. , de la Calle D. G. , Finol A. , Nazarov R. , Rivas C. , Hernandez M. , Bunraj C.
Published: June 2012

In an offshore mature asset workover jobs involve high cost and operational risk that impact on the profitability of the projects. Non-rig interventions are a more sustainable approach to effectively sustain production. The fact that some reservoirs are depleted while many are water flushed often result in modest incremental gains. Due to the age of the asset, several wells present mechanical issues which make any intervention more challenging. The non-rig methodology has proven to be well-suited to these conditions.

This paper will describe the criteria and technology used to mitigate the production decline of the TSP (Teak, Samaan & Poui) asset located off the south-east coast of Trinidad. TSP is a mature oil field which has been producing for almost 40 years. The main constraints for flow assurance are sand production, scale and paraffin deposition, high IGLR, skin damage, high water cut, depleted reservoir and mechanical problems. A variety of non-rig interventions have been employed since 2006 in order to mitigate the mentioned constraints and therefore maximize production from the field. These interventions include tubing and formation acid/de-wax jobs, gas lift valve changeout, addition of new perforations, tubing punch, sand clean out, thru-tubing gravel pack and other jobs aimed to acquire information such as pressure surveys and cement, production, reservoir saturation and multi finger logs. These jobs, together with regular gas lift optimization exercises and re-activation of previously shut-in wells, have proven to be quite effective at slowing the natural production decline.

An annual technical and operational screening of all wells (active and shut-in) is performed and the under-performing wells are identified and targeted for the non-rig campaign and reactivation. In addition to that, multi-rate tests are carried out throughout the field prioritizing those critical wells. This ensures that the injection gas rates are at their optimal values, maximizing the oil rates and saving injection gas volumes.

The non-rig, well re-activation and GLO campaigns have maintained the annual production decline of the TSP field between 8 to 12% while facing operational and reservoir issues inherent in an aging field.
Improve Mature Fields Management by a New Method to Evaluate the Contacted Pore Volume Evolution
Authors: Serrano G. D. , Sancho Costa V. L. , Hryb D. E.
Published: June 2012

Mature field redevelopment involves the choice and implementation of different extraction techniques. This issue becomes more complex when the producing section is composed of isolated multilayer reservoirs with long and different production history which necessitates precise mangement of injection and production rates layer by layer and well by well. Geological discontinuities (Faults, pinch outs) also need to be taken into account when considering the injection of fluids in a multi-layered reservoir.

The present work, which involves a water flood, shows a method to define the contacted pore volume (CPV) evolution in time by dynamic simulation history matching, and thereby to determine the regions in each of the layers where changes in injection policy is justified. With the CPV defined at the end of the history match, the method allows an evaluation of the efficiency of the legacy secondary recovery scheme, and defines the corrective actions to improve it in each layer. This method is based on distribution of pore volume (PV) as function of water saturation i.e. PV(Sw) at each time before and after starting the injection in the reservoir. As a result, we can obtain the evolution of CPV since injection started, and then calculate the evolution of oil in place (OIP) in the CPV and compare this with total production of the layer considered, obtaining the efficiency of waterflooding layer by layer in different areas of the field. Extrapolating CPV(t) with the actual injection patterns allows an assement of CPV at the end of field concession, and gives us a base case forecast of future field behaviour.

As conclusions we observe that, this method is an easy and fast tool to determine the contacted pore volume evolution, and the efficiency of waterflooding. Further this method gives an estimation of Ultimate Contacted Pore Volume (UCPV) with the actual (or improved) injection configurations on a regional basis which allows further opportunity to be identified. The integration of this information with the actual field condition facilitates optimization of the water injection pattern and improves waterflooding productivity throughout the reservoir extension.
The Evolution of the NCMA Well Start-up Philosophy
Authors: Madray R. , Manrakhan S.
Published: June 2012

With sand control being an issue for many operators; there is a prevalence of Open Hole Gravel Pack (OHGP) completions used in offshore reservoirs. Gravel packing is an industry recognized method of stabilizing the well bore and controlling sand in gas and oil producing wells. But while ensuring the longevity of the well it also entraps the filter cake formed by the reservoir drilling and completion fluids. These factors result in a lower production rate well and the need for higher drawdown. Therefore it is essential that the filter cake be removed along the length of the wellbore to ensure no unnecessary restrictions to production.

This process requires an integrated approach to well start-up. It begins with the completion fluid used and ends with the start-up/bean-up procedure. The completion fluid type is essential in determining the lift-off pressure required by the filter cake. This pressure needs to be accounted for by the start-up rates used. Subsequently this start-up rate must be achieved in a safe and timely manner to ensure that the completion is not compromised, via the bean-up procedure. This necessitates the need for synergy between Subsurface, Well Engineering and Operations departments.

The North Coast Marine Area (NCMA) operated by BG Trinidad and Tobago consists of 17 horizontal OGHP gas production wells; hence it is imperative that a well thought out start-up philosophy to ensure well productivity. The sands, which these wells are completed in, are characterized by their thin laterally extensive nature. These sands show relatively homogenous reservoir quality profile with good lateral connectivity. Currently NCMA produces from the M2, M4 and M6 packages, each with a NTG over 95%. These wells have been drilled in three phases over the past decade, the last being October 2009 to March 2010.

This paper describes these improvements, challenges to the program and attempts to examine the results to determine any relative gains in productivity of the wells.
Overcoming Oil/Water Measurement Obstacles in Heavy Oil Production
Authors: Mohajer Kam , McWhorter Craig
Published: June 2012

The unique problems associated with heavy oil production largely revolve around the issue of viscosity. Production technologies used to overcome the viscosity issue, such as steam injection and water flooding, increase produced water levels at heavy oil wells. Accurate knowledge and monitoring of any produced water is key to production optimization; however, accurate measurement of water content relies on a homogenous flow, and the high viscosity of heavy oils makes high flow velocities and thus, homogeneity, particularly difficult to achieve.

While sampling standards acknowledge the need for a homogenous flow, no such standards currently exist for oil/water measurement. API MPMS Chapter 8.2 details the various combinations of velocity, pipe installation, and mixing devices required to achieve homogeneity for sampling and one can borrow from this standard for minimum requirements for oil/water measurement. However, mixing elements and piping configurations can create a pressure drop and are still subject to inconsistencies and complications from varying fluid velocities, densities, viscosities, etc., and none of the mixing elements are capable of creating a constant velocity.

The addition of a circulation or measurement loop to the main pipeline creates a consistent environment and homogenous flow for optimized measurement conditions, regardless of varying fluid conditions. The loop utilizes a pump in line with a suction nozzle to extract a representative flow from the main pipeline for oil/water measurement and an injection nozzle to inject that flow back into the pipeline upstream of the suction nozzle. The size of the pump and mechanical design of the injector must be appropriate to increase velocity and create mixing sufficient enough to generate a homogenous flow in the portion of the main pipeline between the injection and suction nozzles. Homogeneity is maintained in the loop itself by a high velocity of 10–15 fps-well above API minimum requirements. An oil/water measurement device or OWD is placed at the pump outflow where flow conditions remain constant regardless of variations in the main pipeline.
Nucleotide Diversity in Waxy Gene and Validation of Single Nucleotide Polymorphism in Relation to Amylose Content in Chinese Microcore Rice Germplasm
Authors: Wei‐Hua Qiao , You‐Tao Chen , Rong‐Sheng Wang , Xin Wei , Li‐Rong Cao , Wan‐Xia Zhang , Qing‐Wen Yang
Published: June 2012

The waxy protein primarily controls the synthesis of amylose, which is a key determinant of rice (Oryza sativa L.) cooking and processing qualities. Knowledge of the diversity of waxy gene in Chinese rice is essential to validate molecular markers for marker‐assisted selection and to trace the origin of Chinese glutinous rice. The waxy (Wx) gene in the wild rice has rarely been studied, and the origin of Chinese glutinous rice is not well understood. The objectives of our investigation were (i) to identify the diversity of Wx and molecular markers for marker‐assisted breeding and (ii) trace the origin of Chinese glutinous rice. We examined the sequence variations for the waxy gene of 98 accessions of cultivated rice and 134 accessions of wild rice from a previously established microcore collection of Chinese rice germplasm. A total of 51 and 226 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) or insertions or deletions were found in the cultivated rice and the wild rice, respectively. Wild rice accessions had much higher diversity than cultivated rice and nonglutinous rice had much higher diversity than glutinous rice whereas the genetic diversity of indica rice was similar to that of japonica rice. Polymorphisms of CTn microsatellite, G/T SNP, and 23‐bp insertion in the waxy gene and their relationship to amylose content were explored using cultivated rice. The G/T allele and 23‐bp insertion were better associated with amylose content than with the CTn alleles, and they were validated as molecular markers for marker‐assisted selection. All the wild rice accessions with 23‐bp insertion or T allele came from South China and the glutinous rice originated from wild rice of South China parallel with indica and japonica differentiation.
Direct and Marker‐Assisted Selection for Resistance to Common Bacterial Blight in Common Bean
Authors: Duncan Robert W. , Gilbertson Robert L. , Singh Shree P.
Published: June 2012

Common bacterial blight (CBB) caused by Xanthomonas campestris pv. phaseoli and X. campestris pv. phaseoli var. fuscans is a seed‐borne disease that can significantly reduce yield and seed quality of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.). Disease resistance is the most effective management strategy, but most common bean cultivars have no CBB resistance. Marker‐assisted selection (MAS) shows promise as a method to facilitate pyramiding CBB resistance between common bean gene pools. This study compared the efficiency of direct disease resistance selection (DDS) and MAS for the pyramiding and transfer of CBB resistance into dark red kidney bean. Direct disease resistance selection and MAS were applied independently, from the F1 through the F5, in an inter‐gene pool double‐cross population, Wilkinson 2/dark red kidney (DRK) 2//DRK 1/VAX 3. Replicated trials were performed in the greenhouse and field in 2006 and 2007 to assess levels of CBB resistance in 15 breeding lines independently developed with each method. Under high disease pressure, in two greenhouse environments, 12 resistant breeding lines were obtained with DDS compared with six using MAS, and the overall CBB mean disease severity index was 3.3 for DDS and 4.2 for MAS. Under moderate disease pressure in the field, there was no significant difference (p > 0.05) between the responses of breeding lines developed by the two selection methods. The cost of DDS was US$1.55 per plant compared to $2.03 for MAS.
Pollen Tube Growth After Intergeneric Pollinations of iap‐Homozygous Sorghum
Authors: Bartek Matthew S. , Hodnett George L. , Burson Byron L. , Stelly David M. , Rooney William L.
Published: June 2012

Hybridization within sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] has been the primary means of creating genetic diversity for improvement. While considerable variation exists within S. bicolor, traits such as biotic stress tolerance could be improved if secondary and tertiary germplasm pools were accessible through hybridization. Sorghum germplasm possessing the inhibition of alien pollen (iap) allele has enhanced the ability to make successful wide hybridizations between secondary and tertiary gene pools. However, the range of this efficacy has not been tested. Pollen from Miscanthus Andersson, Pennisetum Rich., Sorghastrum Nash, and Zea L. was transferred to the stigmas of S. bicolor lines Tx3361 (with the iap allele) and ATx623 (without the iap allele). Pollen of all genera exhibited tube growth, but the frequencies of germination and growth rates varied among species and accessions within a genus. Significantly more pollen germinated and grew into the pistils of Tx3361 than ATx623. Pollen grains were noticeably more numerous on stigmas of Tx3361, implying that factors within Tx3361 may also affect pollen adhesion. The results indicate that the potential for intergeneric hybridization of S. bicolor via Tx3361 will vary based on the individual species and accessions within a species that are used as pollinators.
Genetic Architecture Underlying Kernel Quality in Food‐Grade Maize
Authors: Lee E. A. , Young J.A. , Frégeau‐Reid J.A. , Good B.G.
Published: June 2012

Kernel quality of food‐grade maize (Zea mays L.) impacts the quality of the final product and is related to dry matter loss during the alkaline cooking process. Kernel size, density, and endosperm hardness are the main kernel characteristics that determine kernel quality. Insight into the genetics governing food‐grade kernel quality parameters and the influence of environment on them was gained through a series of genetic experiments. We initially characterized kernel quality in a breeding cross involving two white food‐grade maize inbred lines, SD79 and SD80. Two hundred forty F2:3–derived lines, the two parental inbred lines, and the F1 were grown in replicated trials at one location. Test weight, 50‐kernel weight, and percentage of thin kernels were measured and then compared with data collected from the Stenvert hardness test assay. Using these kernel quality parameters five high‐quality (H) and five low‐quality (L) lines were identified. The five H lines and five L lines were subsequently used in a H × H, L × L, and H × L mating scheme to examine the genetic effects governing the main kernel quality parameters (test weight, kernel size, and kernel weight). The 45 hybrids from the combination of the two partial diallels and the NC Design II mating scheme were grown in replicated trials at three locations. In general, the inheritance of test weight, kernel weight, and kernel size is influenced primarily by additive genetic effects.
Genetic Gains for Grain Yield in CIMMYT Spring Bread Wheat across International Environments
Authors: Sharma R. C. , Crossa J. , Velu G. , Huerta‐Espino J. , Vargas M. , Payne T. S. , Singh R. P.
Published: June 2012

The Global Wheat Program of the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT) develops and distributes improved germplasm targeted toward various wheat growing regions of developing world. The objective of our study was to quantify the genetic yield gains in CIMMYT's spring bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) in the Elite Spring Wheat Yield Trial (ESWYT) distributed over the past 15 yr (1995–2009) as determined by the performance of entries across 919 environments in 69 countries. To determine the annual genetic gains, differences in mean yields of the five highest yielding entries from mean trial yield and mean yield of the widely grown international check ‘Attila’ were regressed over 15 yr of ESWYT testing. Across locations in all countries, mean yields of the five highest yielding entries showed an annual gain of 27.8 kg ha−1 (0.65%) compared to Attila. Annual yield gains in mega‐environment 1 (ME1) (optimally irrigated), ME2 (high rainfall), Egypt, India, and Pakistan were 27.4 (0.55%), 21.4 (0.62%), 111.6 (1.13%), 32.5 (0.83%), and 18.5 kg ha−1 (0.5%), respectively. These results demonstrate continuous genetic yield gains in the elite spring bread wheat lines developed and distributed by CIMMYT and the positive outcomes achieved through breeding and the international exchange of elite spring wheat germplasm that have benefited national programs throughout the world.
Evolution and Domestication of Lima Bean in Mexico: Evidence from Ribosomal DNA
Authors: Serrano‐Serrano Martha L. , Andueza‐Noh Rubén H. , Martínez‐Castillo Jaime , Debouck Daniel G. , Chacón S María I.
Published: June 2012

Phaseolus lunatus L., Lima bean, has been domesticated at least twice in the Americas, once in the Andean region and at another time in Mesoamerica; however, the domestication history of this crop in the latter region remains unclear. In this study, a phylogeographic analysis of DNA polymorphisms in the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of the ribosomal DNA from a collection of wild and domesticated accessions was applied to establish where and how many times in Mesoamerica Lima bean was domesticated. The results showed evidence for two wild Mesoamerican gene pools with contrasting geographical distributions. While the MI gene pool occurs in central western Mexico, including the Pacific coastal range, the MII gene pool is widespread and occurs toward the Gulf of Mexico, the Yucatan peninsula, and Central and South America. In a cluster analysis, all Mesoamerican landraces clustered together with wild accessions from the MI gene pool (L haplotype) suggesting a unique domestication event in central western Mexico. The most likely domestication region is an area of the states of Nayarit–Jalisco or Guerrero–Oaxaca and not areas such as the Peninsula of Yucatan where the crop is currently widespread and diverse. A strong founder effect due to domestication was quantified and several recently diversified haplotypes were identified. A hypothesis about possible dispersal routes of the crop within Mesoamerica is proposed as well as an apparent late adoption of the crop into the milpa system.
Wilt‐Based Irrigation in Kentucky Bluegrass: Effects on Visual Quality and Irrigation Amounts Among Cultivars
Authors: Lewis Jason D. , Bremer Dale J. , Keeley Steven J. , Fry Jack D.
Published: June 2012

A critical challenge facing the turf industry is increasingly limited water supplies. Identifying cultivars that use less water while maintaining acceptable quality may mitigate irrigation demands. Our objectives were to identify Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.) (KBG) cultivars and phenotypic groups that maintained better visual quality with less water. Thirty bluegrass selections were evaluated in a 2‐yr field study under a rainout shelter near Manhattan, KS. Irrigation (2.5 cm) was applied when >50% of a plot exhibited visible wilt symptoms. Visual quality was rated daily. Average irrigation applications ranged widely from 23.3 cm (mean = 2.2 mm d−1) in Bedazzled to 44.9 cm (mean = 4.2 mm d−1) in Kenblue, and days to wilt between irrigations ranged from 6.4 d in Kenblue to 13.1 d in Cabernet. Visual quality averaged at or slightly below 6.0, defined as “minimally acceptable,” but this may be adequate when water conservation is a priority and some dormancy is tolerable; irrigation at <50% wilt is recommended for improved quality. Based on statistical range tests, 15 of the 30 cultivars were grouped as both receiving the least water and having the greatest visual quality. Overall, the Compact America and Mid‐Atlantic KBG groups exhibited the greatest days to wilt and received the least water. Results suggest that Compact America and Mid‐Atlantic phenotypes have the greatest potential for integrating reduced water inputs with maintenance of acceptable visual quality.
‘Sustainable’ water abstraction: catchment abstraction management strategies in England and Wales
Authors: Warwick Cindy
Published: June 2012

Sustainability of water quantity management is largely associated with the provision of environmental flows. However, the implementation of environmental flows has been problematic, particularly when water needed for the environment has already been allocated to other uses. The potential rebalancing of allocations brings other aspects of sustainability to the fore, namely distributional and procedural justice. This paper reviews the Catchment Abstraction Management Strategies (CAMS) programme established in England and Wales in 2001 with the aim of creating a ‘sustainable’ balance between water users and the environment. A review of CAMS outcomes from the first 4 years of implementation found that the ‘sustainable’ balance achieved broadly equates to maintenance of the status quo. This is in part because, without appreciation of the inequities in abstraction rights and the lack of tools for their management, constrictions on environmental improvement remain. Increased transparency of these inequities and constraints is proposed as a priority for procedural justice and as a basis for further decision making regarding allocations. The case study has shown that to move beyond the platitudes of sustainability to real changes for environment and society, the history and institutions of environmental management, distributive justice and procedural justice must be critically reviewed and challenged.
Effects of boundary conditions on the cleaning efficiency of riverbank filtration and artificial groundwater recharge systems regarding bulk parameters and trace pollutants
Authors: Storck Florian R. , Schmidt Carsten K. , Wülser Richard , Brauch Heinz-Jürgen
Published: June 2012

Drinking water is often produced from surface water by riverbank filtration (RBF) or artificial groundwater recharge (AGR). In this study, an AGR system was exemplarily investigated and results were compared with those of RBF systems, in which the effects of redox milieu, temperature and surface water discharge on the cleaning efficiency were evaluated. Besides bulk parameters such as DOC (dissolved organic carbon), organic trace pollutants including iodinated X-ray contrast media, personal care products, complexing agents, and pharmaceuticals were investigated. At all studied sites, levels of TOC (total organic carbon), DOC, AOX (adsorbable organic halides), SAC (spectral absorption coefficient at 254 nm), and turbidity were reduced significantly. DOC removal was stimulated at higher groundwater temperatures during AGR. Several substances were generally easily removable during both AGR and RBF, regardless of the site, season, discharge or redox regime. For some more refractory substances, however, removal efficiency turned out to be significantly influenced by redox conditions.
Kinetics study of hydrazodicarbonamide synthesis reaction
Authors: Bakeri Gh. , Rahimnejad M.
Published: June 2012

In this study, the kinetics of hydrazodicarbonamide (HDCA) synthesis reaction
was investigated. Hydrazodicarbonamide is prepared by reaction of urea and
hydrazine in acidic medium. Synthesis of HDCA from urea and hydrazine is a
two steps reaction. In the first step, semicarbazide is synthesized from the
reaction of one mole of urea and one mole of hydrazine and in the second
step, semicarbazide reacts with urea to produce hydrazodicarbonamide. By
controlling the temperature and pH in the reaction, hydrazine concentration
and the amount of produced hydrazodicarbonamide were measured and using these
data, reaction rate constants were calculated. Based on this study, it was
found that the semicarbazide formation reaction from hydrazine is the rate
limiting step. Rate of semicarbazide synthesis is -r1 = 0.1396 [NH2NH2]0.5810
and the rate of hydrazodicarbonamide synthesis is -r2 = 0.7715
[NH2NHCONH2]0.8430.
Density and molar volume studies of phosphate glasses
Authors: Chanshetti U.B. , Shelke V.A. , Jadhav S.M. , Shankarwar S.G. , Chondhekar T.K. , Shankarwar A.G. , Sudarsan V. , Jogad M.S.
Published: June 2012

The density and molar volume of some phosphate glasses (xNa2O?(100-x)P2O5, x
= 30, 35, 40, 45, 50); xB2O3?(1-x)NaPO3, x = 5, 10, 15, 20, 25; xNa2O?(30-x)
K2O?10Al2O3? 25B2O3?35P2O5, x= 5, 10, 15, 20, 25) glasses were determined, in
order to study their structure. The density of the glasses increased while
their molar volume values decreases with the increase of sodium oxide content
in phosphate glasses. The results obtained could be correlated to several
factors such as the polarization, the field strengths and the ionic radii of
the different incorporated cations.
Stimuli-sensitive hydrogels for pharmaceutical and medical applications
Authors: Ilic-Stojanovic Snezana , Nikolic Ljubisa , Nikolic Vesna , Petrovic Slobodan , Stankovic Mihajlo , Mladenovic-Ranisavljevic Ivana
Published: June 2012

Hydrogels are three-dimensional cross-linked hydrophilic polymers that swell
in water and aqueous solutions without dissolving in them. They are very
sensitive to environmental stimulus, which is manifested by a sharp phase
transition. This feature is important for their application in the
pharmaceutical field, especially for making formulations with controlled
release of active ingredients, with the correction of the solubility,
degradation and their toxicity reducing. Because of the compatibility with
living tissues, hydrogels can be used in different medical purposes (for
making contact lenses, stents, balloon catheters, artificial muscles,
substitutes for arteries and veins, trachea, oviduct). This work presents
methods (chemical and physical) for obtaining hydrogels, their properties and
sensitivity to environmental stimuli (temperature, pH, magnetic field), as
well as their potential application in medicine and pharmacy.
A new continuous entropy function and its inverse
Authors: Grebenc Andrej
Published: June 2012

A new continuous entropy function of the form h(x)=-k?p'(x)*ln(p(x)) is constructed based on Lebesgue integral. Solution of the integral is of the form h(x)=-k*p(x)*ln(e-1*p(x)). Inverse solution of this function in the form of p(x)=h(x)*W-1(h(x)* e-1) has been obtained and this is a novelty. The fact that the integral of a logarithmic function is also a logarithmic function has been exploited and used in a more general ansatz for a deliberate function. The solution of the differential equation ?(x)= g(x)'*ln(g(x)) for a deliberate function g(x) includes the Lambert W function. The solution is a parametric function g(x)=(s(x)+C)/W(e-1*(s(x)+C)). Parameter C has a minimal value and, consequently, an infimal function g(x) exists. This transform is of general use, and is particularly suitable for use in neural networks, the measurement of complex systems and economic modeling, since it can transform multivariate variables to exponential form.
Information Fusion in Continuous Assurance
Authors: Perols Johan L. , Murthy Uday S.
Published: June 2012

We extend continuous assurance research by proposing a novel continuous assurance architecture grounded in information fusion research. Existing continuous assurance architectures focus primarily on methods of monitoring assurance clients' systems to detect anomalous activities and have not addressed the question of how to process the detected anomalies. Consequently, actual implementations of these systems typically detect a large number of anomalies, with the resulting information overload leading to suboptimal decision making due to human information processing limitations. The proposed architecture addresses these issues by performing anomaly detection, aggregation, and evaluation. Within the proposed architecture, artifacts developed in prior continuous assurance, ontology, and artificial intelligence research are used to perform the detection, aggregation, and evaluation information fusion tasks. The architecture contributes to the academic continuous assurance literature and has implications for practitioners involved in the development of more robust and useful continuous assurance systems.
Inhibition of TNF-α Improves the Bladder Dysfunction That Is Associated With Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Wang Zongwei , Cheng Zhiyong , Cristofaro Vivian , Li Jijun , Xiao Xingyuan , Gomez Pablo , Ge Rongbin , Gong Edward , Strle Klemen , Sullivan Maryrose P. , Adam Rosalyn M. , White Morris F. , Olumi Aria F.
Published: June 2012

Diabetic bladder dysfunction (DBD) is common and affects 80% of diabetic patients. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying DBD remain elusive because of a lack of appropriate animal models. We demonstrate DBD in a mouse model that harbors hepatic-specific insulin receptor substrate 1 and 2 deletions (double knockout [DKO]), which develops type 2 diabetes. Bladders of DKO animals exhibited detrusor overactivity at an early stage: increased frequency of nonvoiding contractions during bladder filling, decreased voided volume, and dispersed urine spot patterns. In contrast, older animals with diabetes exhibited detrusor hypoactivity, findings consistent with clinical features of diabetes in humans. The tumor necrosis factor (TNF) superfamily genes were upregulated in DKO bladders. In particular, TNF-α was upregulated in serum and in bladder smooth muscle tissue. TNF-α augmented the contraction of primary cultured bladder smooth muscle cells through upregulating Rho kinase activity and phosphorylating myosin light chain. Systemic treatment of DKO animals with soluble TNF receptor 1 (TNFRI) prevented upregulation of Rho A signaling and reversed the bladder dysfunction, without affecting hyperglycemia. TNFRI combined with the antidiabetic agent, metformin, improved DBD beyond that achieved with metformin alone, suggesting that therapies targeting TNF-α may have utility in reversing the secondary urologic complications of type 2 diabetes.
Steady-State Brain Glucose Concentrations During Hypoglycemia in Healthy Humans and Patients With Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: van de Ven Kim C.C. , van der Graaf Marinette , Tack Cees J. , Heerschap Arend , de Galan Bastiaan E.
Published: June 2012

The objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between plasma and brain glucose levels during euglycemia and hypoglycemia in healthy subjects and patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). Hyperinsulinemic euglycemic (5 mmol/L) and hypoglycemic (3 mmol/L) [1-13C]glucose clamps were performed in eight healthy subjects and nine patients with uncomplicated T1DM (HbA1c 7.7 ± 1.4%). Brain glucose levels were measured by 13C magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Linear regression analysis was used to fit the relationship between plasma and brain glucose levels and calculate reversible Michaelis-Menten (MM) kinetic parameters. Brain glucose values during euglycemia (1.1 ± 0.4 μmol/g vs. 1.1 ± 0.3 μmol/g; P = 0.95) and hypoglycemia (0.5 ± 0.2 μmol/g vs. 0.6 ± 0.3 μmol/g; P = 0.52) were comparable between healthy subjects and T1DM patients. MM kinetic parameters of combined data were calculated to be maximum transport rate/cerebral metabolic rate of glucose (Tmax/CMRglc) = 2.25 ± 0.32 and substrate concentration at half maximal transport (Kt) = 1.53 ± 0.88 mmol/L, which is in line with previously published data obtained under hyperglycemic conditions. In conclusion, the linear MM relationship between plasma and brain glucose can be extended to low plasma glucose levels. We found no evidence that the plasma to brain glucose relationship or the kinetics describing glucose transport over the blood–brain barrier differ between healthy subjects and patients with uncomplicated, reasonably well-controlled T1DM.
Time-Dependent Impact of Diabetes on Mortality in Patients With Stroke
Authors: Icks Andrea , Claessen Heiner , Morbach Stephan , Glaeske Gerd , Hoffmann Falk
Published: June 2012

OBJECTIVE

To estimate the impact of diabetes on mortality in patients after first stroke event.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Using claims data from a nationwide statutory health insurance fund (Gmünder ErsatzKasse), we assessed all deaths in a cohort of 5,757 patients with a first stroke between 2005 and 2007 (69.3% male, mean age 68.1 years, 32.2% with diabetes) up to 2009. By use of Cox regression, we estimated time-dependent hazard ratios (HRs) to compare patients with and without diabetes stratified by sex.

RESULTS

The cumulative 5-year mortality was 40.0 and 54.2% in diabetic men and women, and 32.3 and 38.1% in their nondiabetic counterparts, respectively. In males, mortality was significantly lower in diabetic compared with nondiabetic patients in the first 30 days (multiple-adjusted HR 0.67 [95% CI 0.53–0.84]). After approximately a quarter of a year, the diabetes risk increased, yielding crossed survival curves. Later on, mortality risk tended to be similar in diabetic and nondiabetic men (1–2 years: 1.42 [1.09–1.85]; 3–5 years: 1.00 [0.67–1.41]; time dependency of diabetes, P = 0.008). In women, the pattern was similar; however, time dependency was not statistically significant (P = 0.89). Increasing age, hemorrhagic stroke, renal failure (only in men), levels of care dependency, and number of prescribed medications were significantly associated with mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

We found a time-dependent mortality risk of diabetes after first stroke in men. Possible explanations may be type of stroke or earlier and more intensive treatment of risk factors in diabetic patients.
Reducing the Glycemic Index or Carbohydrate Content of Mixed Meals Reduces Postprandial Glycemia and Insulinemia Over the Entire Day but Does Not Affect Satiety
Authors: Liu Ann G. , Most Marlene M. , Brashear Meghan M. , Johnson William D. , Cefalu William T. , Greenway Frank L.
Published: June 2012

OBJECTIVE

We evaluated the effects of mixed meals differing in glycemic index (GI) and carbohydrate content on postprandial serum glucose and insulin response, hunger, and satiety over the course of a 12-h day.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

In this randomized crossover trial, 26 overweight or obese adults received four diets in random order (high GI, high carbohydrate [HGI-HC]; high GI, low carbohydrate [HGI-LC]; low GI, high carbohydrate [LGI-HC]; and low GI, low carbohydrate [LGI-LC]). All meals were prepared by a metabolic kitchen. Participants received breakfast, lunch, and dinner over the course of a 12-h day. Primary outcomes were postprandial serum glucose and insulin quantified as area under the curve. Hunger, fullness, and satiety were assessed by visual analog scale.

RESULTS

The HGI-LC, LGI-HC, and LGI-LC diets significantly reduced glucose and insulin area under the curve compared with the HGI-HC diet (P < 0.001 for all comparisons). There were no significant differences in ratings of hunger, fullness, or satiety between the different dietary treatments.

CONCLUSIONS

Reducing the GI or carbohydrate content of mixed meals reduces postprandial glycemia and insulinemia, and these changes can be sustained over the course of an entire day. However, there were no differences in subjective hunger and satiety ratings between the diets. These results demonstrate that maintaining a low GI or glycemic load diet is an effective method of controlling serum glucose and insulin levels.
Germany and the Arab Spring: Foreign Policy between New Activism and Old Habits
Authors: Ratka Edmund
Published: June 2012

In the midst of the European Union’s (EU) unprecedented crisis and a

rapidly changing international environment, Germany is redefining its

place in Europe and in the world. Long-cherished certainties such as a

staunch commitment to European integration and to its Western allies in

general seem being called into question. Critics like the former Chancellor

Helmut Kohl or the historian Heinrich August Winkler deplore a missing

compass and “politics without a project.”1 Against this background, this

article analyses the German policy toward an issue that forcefully marked

the year 2011 and continues to transform North Africa and the Middle

East—the so-called “Arab Spring”.
Incidence of Retained Placenta in Relation with Breed, Age, Parity and Body Condition Score of Dairy cows
Authors: Islam MH , Sarder MJU , Rahman M , Kader MA , Islam MA
Published: June 2012

Retained placenta is an economically important reproductive disorder which occurs at the end of the reproductive cycle and has repercussions on the next. The study was conducted a total 1205 dairy cows from 9 upazila and 4 Metro Thana of Rajshahi during the period from July 2010 to June 2011. To evaluate the incidence of retained placenta in relation to breed, age, parity and body condition score of dairy cows. A questionnaire was prepared including information viz. name and address of farmer, breed, age; parity and body condition score for achievement of the study. The overall prevalence of retained placenta was 13.4%. The influencing factors including breed, age, parity, body condition score had significant effect (P<0.05) on retained placenta. The highest prevalence was 10.7%, 4.5%, 5.6% and 7.1% observed in cross-breed, > 3 years age, 1st parity and fair body condition group of cows, respectively. From this study, it might be concluded that local breed, ? 3 years but less than 5 years age group, 3rd parity had least risk for retained placenta. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/ijns.v2i1.10878 International Journal of Natural Sciences (2012), 2(1): 15-20
Evaluation of Real Time PCR for the diagnosis of Extrapulmonary Tuberculosis and comparison with AFB Microscopy among Bangladeshi population
Authors: Chowdhury MR , Bari SMN , Islam KS , Rakibuzzaman AGM , Afrin S
Published: June 2012

Tuberculosis is a global public health issue and a disease burden in Africa and Asia. Bangladesh is one of the high burden countries in Southeast Asian region. Mycobacterium tuberculosis the causative agent of tuberculosis, is a devastating bacterium because it spreads person to person, acquired multiple antibiotic resistance and most importantly has the limitation in rapid diagnosis, specially in case of extrapulmonary infection. Here we showed Real-Time PCR assay with the primers targeting IS6110 is a better method than conventional AFB microscopy for the diagnosis of extrapulmonary tuberculosis. For the comparative study 99 extrapulmonary specimens from 9 different parts of the body were collected from suspected patients. Among those only 10 samples were positive, where 50% them were scanty positive in AFB microscopy, on the other hand 33 samples were positive in RealTime PCR assay. All samples positive in AFB microscopy were also positive in Real-Time PCR assay with an additional 23 positive. Higher percentage of positive results were found in Real-Time PCR analysis in all the samples except Percutaneous nephrostomy (PCN) fluid and Pus. The sharp differences in the result indicate the effectiveness and of the Real-Time PCR assay over the conventional AFB microscopy. High precision and accuracy make it better choice as a diagnostic method for the diagnosis of extrapulmonary tuberculosis. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/ijns.v2i1.10880 International Journal of Natural Sciences (2012), 2(1): 26-32
In vitro Plant Regeneration in Brassica spp.
Authors: Mollika Sanjida Rahman , Sarker R.H. , Hoque M.I.
Published: June 2012

MS with different concentrations and combinations of hormones were used for in vitro multiple shoot regeneration in two varieties of Brassica juncea, namely, BARI Sarisha-11 and BARI Sarisha-16 and one variety of Brassica campestris, Tori-7. The highest percentage of responsive explants towards the regeneration of shoots was obtained on MS with 2.0 mg/l BAP, 0.2 mg/l NAA and 0.5 mg/l Kn in case of BARI Sarisha-11 and BARI Sarisha-16. For Tori-7, 3.0 mg/l BAP and 0.2 mg/l NAA was best for obtaining maximum number of shoots per explant. Among three varieties, BARI Sarisha-11 showed best response in terms of shoot regeneration as well as number of shoot per explant. Days required for induction of shoots was also recorded to be lowest in BARI Sarisha-11. Best root induction in BARI Sarisha-11 and BARI Sarisha-16 was achieved on hormone free MS. After proper hardening the in vitro regenerated plantlets were successfully transplanted into soil. Interestingly some of the in vitro regenerated shoots produced in vitro flowers on regeneration media as well as hormone free MS. Key words: Plant regeneration, Brassica juncea, Brassica campestris D. O. I. 10.3329/ptcb.v21i2.10235 Plant Tissue Cult. & Biotech. 21(2): 127-134, 2011 (December)
Plant Regeneration through Somatic Embryogenesis from Leaf Sheath Derived Callus of Sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.) var. Isd -16
Authors: Roy Mohashweta , Hossain M. , Biswas A. , Biswas M. K. , Islam R.
Published: June 2012

Leaf sheath explants of an indigenous variety Isd-16 of sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.) produced light yellow friable callus after culturing on to MS with 2,4-D (2 - 4 mg/l) and NAA (3 - 5 mg/l) singly. Callus formation was the maximum on MS + 3 mg/l 2,4-D. Callus underwent embryogenesis producing huge number of somatic embryos when subcultured on MS with 15 - 30 mg/l             L-proline, 3 mg/l 2,4-D + 5 - 10% coconut water (v/v) and 3 mg/l 2,4-D + 10% CW  (v/v) + 300 - 500 mg/l CH. L-proline significantly enhanced somatic embryo-genesis and 25 mg/l L-proline in MS was the best culture medium formulation. Most of the somatic embryos germinated and developed plantlets after 1 - 2 weeks of incubation in proline-supplimented medium. On the other hand, maturation and germination of embryos were achieved on half-strength MS with or without 0.25 - 1.0 mg/l L-proline, and 5% coconut water (v/v). Somatic embryos derived plantlets were then successfully transferred to natural condition through successive phages of acclimation.   Key words: Plant regeneration, Leaf sheath, Somatic embryogenesis, Sugarcane   D. O. I. 10.3329/ptcb.v21i2.10237   Plant Tissue Cult. & Biotech. 21(2): 143-149, 2011 (December)
Rapid Development of Microsatellite Markers with 454 Pyrosequencing in a Vulnerable Fish, the Mottled Skate, Raja pulchra
Authors: Kang Jung-Ha , Park Jung-Youn , Jo Hyun-Su
Published: June 2012

The mottled skate, Raja pulchra, is an economically valuable fish. However, due to a severe population decline, it is listed as a vulnerable species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. To analyze its genetic structure and diversity, microsatellite markers were developed using 454 pyrosequencing. A total of 17,033 reads containing dinucleotide microsatellite repeat units (mean, 487 base pairs) were identified from 453,549 reads. Among 32 loci containing more than nine repeat units, 20 primer sets (62%) produced strong PCR products, of which 14 were polymorphic. In an analysis of 60 individuals from two R. pulchra populations, the number of alleles per locus ranged from 1–10, and the mean allelic richness was 4.7. No linkage disequilibrium was found between any pair of loci, indicating that the markers were independent. The Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium test showed significant deviation in two of the 28 single-loci after sequential Bonferroni’s correction. Using 11 primer sets, cross-species amplification was demonstrated in nine related species from four families within two classes. Among the 11 loci amplified from three other Rajidae family species; three loci were polymorphic. A monomorphic locus was amplified in all three Rajidae family species and the Dasyatidae family. Two Rajidae polymorphic loci amplified monomorphic target DNAs in four species belonging to the Carcharhiniformes class, and another was polymorphic in two Carcharhiniformes species.
Biosysthesis of Corn Starch Palmitate by Lipase Novozym 435
Authors: Xin Jia-Ying , Wang Yan , Liu Tie , Lin Kai , Chang Le , Xia Chun-Gu
Published: June 2012

Esterification of starch was carried out to expand the usefulness of starch for a myriad of industrial applications. Lipase B from Candida antarctica, immobilized on macroporous acrylic resin (Novozym 435), was used for starch esterification in two reaction systems: micro-solvent system and solvent-free system. The esterification of corn starch with palmitic acid in the solvent-free system and micro-solvent system gave a degree of substitution (DS) of 1.04 and 0.0072 respectively. Esterification of corn starch with palmitic acid was confirmed by UV spectroscopy and IR spectroscopy. The results of emulsifying property analysis showed that the starch palmitate with higher DS contributes to the higher emulsifying property (67.6%) and emulsion stability (79.6%) than the native starch (5.3% and 3.9%). Modified starch obtained by esterification that possesses emulsifying properties and has long chain fatty acids, like palmitic acid, has been widely used in the food, pharmaceutical and biomedical applications industries.