bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Calculation of the Band Structure in 3D Phononic Crystal with Hexagonal Lattice
Authors: Aryadoust Mahrokh , Salehi H.
Published: October 2015

In this article, the propagation of acoustic waves in the phononic crystals (PCs) of three dimensions with the hexagonal (HEX) lattice is studied theoretically. The PCs are constituted of nickel (Ni) spheres embedded in epoxy. The calculations of the band structure and the density of states are performed using the plane wave expansion (PWE) method in the irreducible part of the Brillouin zone (BZ). In this study, we analyse the dependence of the band structures inside (the complete band gap width) on c/a and filling fraction in the irreducible part of the first BZ. Also, we have analysed the band structure of the ALHA and MLHKM planes. The results show that the maximum width of absolute elastic band gap (AEBG) (0.045) in the irreducible part of the BZ of HEX lattice is formed for c/a=6 and filling fraction equal to 0.01. In addition, the maximum of the first and second AEBG widths are 0.0884 and 0.0474, respectively, in the MLHKM plane, and the maximum of the first and second AEBG widths are 0.0851 and 0.0431, respectively, in the ALHA plane.
Traffic Jam Response
Authors: Kao Robert M.
Published: October 2015

Congenital heart disease in newborns exhibits a spectrum of defects, one of which is the occlusion of the vascular conduits of the arteries. For students first learning about cardiovascular lesions, the tortuous path of blood vessels can be visually overwhelming to the untrained eye, and useful models are needed to help deconstruct the morphological complexity of heart chambers and vessel location during heart development and disease. Here, I present two hands-on activities to explore how pulmonary artery stenosis may have dire consequences, such as cardiac muscle cell hypertrophy. These activities will not only help students explore genetic aberrations associated with congenital heart diseases, but will also encourage them to think about how to develop molecular and cellular strategies that fix primary obstruction in other branched organs such as the gut, kidney, and pancreas.
Association of sex hormone-binding globulin and free testosterone with mortality in men with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Tint Aye N , Hoermann Rudolf , Wong Henry , Ekinci Elif I , MacIsaac Richard J , Jerums George , Zajac Jeffrey D , Grossmann Mathis
Published: October 2015

Objective

Low circulating testosterone levels have been associated with increased mortality in men. We hypothesized that the prognostic role of testosterone in men with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is influenced by its carrier protein sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG).

Design

We conducted a prospective cohort study at a tertiary referral centre.

Methods

In total, 531 men with T2DM presenting to a diabetes clinic in 2004–2005 were followed prospectively until death, or July 31, 2014, and a survival analysis was performed. The main outcome measure was all cause mortality.

Results

Over a mean (s.d.) follow up of 7.6 years (2.6) 175 men (33%) died. In Cox proportional hazard models both higher SHBG (Hazard Ratio (HR) 1.012 (95% CI 1.002–1.022),P=0.02) and lower calculated free testosterone (cFT) (HR 0.995 (95% CI 0.993–0.998),P=0.001) were risk factors for all cause mortality independently of age, BMI, presence of macro- and microvascular disease, duration of T2DM, hemoglobin, renal function, insulin use, C-reactive protein and homeostatic model of insulin resistance. By contrast, the inverse association of total testosterone (TT) with mortality weakened after these adjustments (P=0.11). SHBG remained associated with mortality (P<0.001) both if substituted for or added to TT in the multivariable model. In the fully adjusted model, an increase of SHBG by 17.3 nmol/l (1s.d.) increased mortality by 22% and a decrease in cFT by 81 pmol/l (1s.d.) increased mortality by 45%.

Conclusions

The association of SHBG with mortality in men with T2DM is novel. Whether SHBG acts via regulation of testosterone, has intrinsic biological roles, or is a marker of poor health requires further study.
Glucocorticoid receptor antagonism reverts docetaxel resistance in human prostate cancer
Authors: Kroon Jan , Puhr Martin , Buijs Jeroen T , van der Horst Geertje , Hemmer Daniëlle M , Marijt Koen A , Hwang Ming S , Masood Motasim , Grimm Stefan , Storm Gert , Metselaar Josbert M , Meijer Onno C , Culig Zoran , van der Pluijm Gabri
Published: October 2015

Resistance to docetaxel is a major clinical problem in advanced prostate cancer (PCa). Although glucocorticoids (GCs) are frequently used in combination with docetaxel, it is unclear to what extent GCs and their receptor, the glucocorticoid receptor (GR), contribute to the chemotherapy resistance. In this study, we aim to elucidate the role of the GR in docetaxel-resistant PCa in order to improve the current PCa therapies. GR expression was analyzed in a tissue microarray of primary PCa specimens from chemonaive and docetaxel-treated patients, and in cultured PCa cell lines with an acquired docetaxel resistance (PC3-DR, DU145-DR, and 22Rv1-DR). We found a robust overexpression of the GR in primary PCa from docetaxel-treated patients and enhanced GR levels in cultured docetaxel-resistant human PCa cells, indicating a key role of the GR in docetaxel resistance. The capability of the GR antagonists (RU-486 and cyproterone acetate) to revert docetaxel resistance was investigated and revealed significant resensitization of docetaxel-resistant PCa cells for docetaxel treatment in a dose- and time-dependent manner, in which a complete restoration of docetaxel sensitivity was achieved in both androgen receptor (AR)-negative and AR-positive cell lines. Mechanistically, we demonstrated down-regulation of Bcl-xL and Bcl-2 upon GR antagonism, thereby defining potential treatment targets. In conclusion, we describe the involvement of the GR in the acquisition of docetaxel resistance in human PCa. Therapeutic targeting of the GR effectively resensitizes docetaxel-resistant PCa cells. These findings warrant further investigation of the clinical utility of the GR antagonists in the management of patients with advanced and docetaxel-resistant PCa.
Associating Multivariate Quantitative Phenotypes with Genetic Variants in Family Samples with a Novel Kernel Machine Regression Method
Authors: Yan Qi , Weeks Daniel E , Celedón Juan C , Tiwari Hemant K , Li Bingshan , Wang Xiaojing , Lin Wan-Yu , Lou Xiang-Yang , Gao Guimin , Chen Wei , Liu Nianjun
Published: October 2015

The recent development of sequencing technology allows identification of association between the whole spectrum of genetic variants and complex diseases. Over the past few years, a number of association tests for rare variants have been developed. Jointly testing for association between genetic variants and multiple correlated phenotypes may increase the power to detect causal genes in family-based studies, but familial correlation needs to be appropriately handled to avoid an inflated type I error rate. Here we propose a novel approach for multivariate family data using kernel machine regression (denoted as MF-KM) that is based on a linear mixed-model framework and can be applied to a large range of studies with different types of traits. In our simulation studies, the usual kernel machine test has inflated type I error rates when applied directly to familial data, while our proposed MF-KM method preserves the expected type I error rates. Moreover, the MF-KM method has increased power compared to methods that either analyze each phenotype separately while considering family structure or use only unrelated founders from the families. Finally, we illustrate our proposed methodology by analyzing whole-genome genotyping data from a lung function study.
Targeted Chromosomal Translocations and Essential Gene Knockout Using CRISPR/Cas9 Technology in Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Chen Xiangyang , Li Mu , Feng Xuezhu , Guang Shouhong
Published: October 2015

Many genes play essential roles in development and fertility; their disruption leads to growth arrest or sterility. Genetic balancers have been widely used to study essential genes in many organisms. However, it is technically challenging and laborious to generate and maintain the loss-of-function mutations of essential genes. The CRISPR/Cas9 technology has been successfully applied for gene editing and chromosome engineering. Here, we have developed a method to induce chromosomal translocations and produce genetic balancers using the CRISPR/Cas9 technology and have applied this approach to edit essential genes in Caenorhabditis elegans. The co-injection of dual small guide RNA targeting genes on different chromosomes resulted in reciprocal translocation between nonhomologous chromosomes. These animals with chromosomal translocations were subsequently crossed with animals that contain normal sets of chromosomes. The F1 progeny were subjected to a second round of Cas9-mediated gene editing. Through this method, we successfully produced nematode strains with specified chromosomal translocations and generated a number of loss-of-function alleles of two essential genes (csr-1 and mes-6). Therefore, our method provides an easy and efficient approach to generate and maintain loss-of-function alleles of essential genes with detailed genetic background information.
In Memoriam doctora Augusta Noemí Ochoa López (1937-2015)
Authors: Rouillon Gabriela , Baylon Maribel , Aguilar Silvia
Published: October 2015

La Doctora Augusta Noemí Ochoa López, nació un martes 4 de mayo de 1937 en Cañete, Lima. Empezó los estudios de la carrera de biología en la Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, en 1953, también llevo cursos de la carrera de Educación. Obtuvo su grado de Bachiller en Biología en el año 1966 con la Tesis “Observaciones sobre el Desove de la Anchoveta, Engraulis ringens J., en la zona del Callao”.
In Memoriam doctor Juan Leónidas Tarazona Barboza (1952-2015)
Authors: Romero Leonardo
Published: October 2015

Juan Tarazona, nació el 28 de enero de 1952 y tuve el honor de ser espectador de una parte de su trayectoria académica, desde que fui su alumno, su ayudante, y después ya como colega. El 14 de mayo de 2015 falleció el doctor Juan Leónidas Tarazona Barboza, un alejamiento inesperado, porque la imagen que siempre prodigo el profesor Tarazona fue la de un joven incansable, ávido de emprender investigaciones y afrontar los retos académicos de ligar la ciencia a la sociedad. Siempre esperare verlo así. En estas lineas, como espectador siento que solo podre describir una parte de su trayectoria académica, solo las facetas que pude apreciar, solo el corto momento en que pude aprender de él y colaborar en sus investigaciones.
Inventario de los moluscos terrestres de Boquerones, Ciego de Ávila, Cuba
Authors: Pereira-Miller Félix Jonathan
Published: October 2015

Se llevó a cabo un inventario de moluscos en la zona de Boquerones, Ciego de Ávila, Cuba. Se estudiaron los índices de biodiversidad por formación vegetal, siendo estas: Bosque Siempreverde Mesofilo, Bosque Semideciduo Mesófilo y Complejo de Vegetación de Mogote. Las familias mejor representadas fueron Helicinidae, Annularidae, Urocoptidae y Subulinidae, teniendo el 97.6% de las especies algún grado de endemismo nacional y siendo de estas el 45.24% endémicos locales. La especie más ampliamente distribuida fue Farcimen camaguayanum Torre&Bartsch 1941 y la más rara fue Euclastaria euclasta Shuttleworth 1852. Los valores más altos de biodiversidad se observaron en el Complejo de Vegetación de Mogote siendo de 2.856 según el índice de Shannon-Wienner (H´). No se aprecian hasta el momento eventos de extinción de especies pero no se descartan para el futuro debido a un declive en las precipitaciones locales en los últimos 15 años así como a actividades antrópicas como la agricultura y el turismo local.
Ectoparásitos del lobo marino sudamericano (Otaria flavescens) de la costa peruana
Authors: Gomez-Puerta Luis A. , Gonzales-Viera Omar
Published: October 2015

Dos especies de ectoparásitos fueron colectados de un lobo marino sudamericano (Otaria flavescens) hallado varado en las playas de Chorrillos, en Lima, Perú. Los ectoparásitos fueron identificados como Antarctophthirus microchir (Phthiraptera) y Orthohalarachne attenuata (Acari). Algunas características morfológicas son descritas en el presente reporte. El hallazgo de estos ectoparásitos constituyen los primeros registros en el Perú.
Primeros registros de Hysterothylacium pelagicum (Anisakidae) y Toxocara alienata (Toxocaridae) en el Perú - Fe de errata
Authors: Gomez-Puerta Luis A.
Published: October 2015

Error en el artículo Primeros registros de Hysterothylacium pelagicum (Anisakidae) y Toxocara alienata (Toxocaridae) en el Perú publicado en la Revista Peruana de Biologia (2014) 21 (2): 171-174. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.15381/rpb.v21i2.9820 El error esta referido a la Tabla 1. Algunas medidas de Hysterothylacium pelagicum no han sido expesadas correctamente. Debe considerarse la tabla adjunta.
Pengamanan Pemberian Kredit Bank Dengan Jaminan Hak Guna Bangunan
Authors: PS Bambang Catur
Published: October 2015

Abstract: The Approval of Credit of Bank with the Guarantee of The Building Right. Bank has one of its functions as a credit provider that supports the sustainability of economy of the society. The loan given to the debitor will include the guarantee. One of the widely accepted guarantees is sertificate of the land, including sertificate of the Building Right. This study will explore to what extent this right is run and what are the obstacles and challenges of it will be discussed in this article. This article is based on doctrinal research in taking example the practice in BNI 46. Abstrak: Pengamanan Pemberian Kredit Bank Dengan Jaminan Hak Guna Bangunan. Bank memiliki salah satu fungsi sebagai penyedia kredit yang berguna bagi kelangsungan perekonomian masyarakat. Pinjaman yang diberikan kepada nasabah disertai dengan jaminan. Salah satu bentuk jaminan yang lazim diberikan adalah jaminan sertifikat hak atas tanah, yaitu Hak Guna Bangunan (HGB). Bagaimana praktek pengamanan ini dijalankan dan apa saja yang menjadi kendala dan tantangan akan dibahas dalam tulisan ini. Penelitian ini adalah penelitian normatif dengan mengambil contoh praktek di BNI 46. DOI: 10.15408/jch.v1i2.1468
Perlindungan Hukum Bagi Investor Dalam Pasar Modal
Authors: Dimyati Hilda Hilmiah
Published: October 2015

Abstract: Legal Protection for Investors in the Capital Market. Supervision in the financial services industry capital markets experienced a change of control by Bapepam-LK be supervised by the Financial Services Authority. Institutionally, Bapepam-LK is responsible to the Minister of Finance, as Bapepam-LK is under the auspices of the Ministry of Finance, while the Financial Services Authority is responsible to Parliament or the public. Crucial aspect on which the formation of the FSA is not maximum protection of the interests of consumers of financial services. In accordance with the problems that occur as above, the authors feel the need to examine the legal protection in the capital market. This writing will also examine the parties are entitled to legal protection based on Law No. 8 of 1995 and the Capital Market Law No. 21 of 2011 on the Financial Services Authority. Abstrak: Perlindungan Hukum Bagi Investor Dalam Pasar Modal. Pengawasan di bidang industri jasa keuangan pasar modal mengalami perubahan dari pengawasan yang dilakukan oleh Bapepam-LK menjadi diawasi oleh Otoritas Jasa Keuangan. Secara kelembagaan, Bapepam-LK bertanggung jawab kepada Menteri Keuangan, karena Bapepam-LK berada di bawah naungan Kementrian Keuangan, sedangkan Otoritas Jasa Keuangan bertanggung jawab kepada Dewan Perwakilan Rakyat atau masyarakat. Aspek krusial yang menjadi dasar pembentukan OJK adalah tidak maksimalnya perlindungan kepentingan konsumen jasa keuangan. Sesuai dengan permasalahan yang terjadi seperti diatas, maka penulis merasa perlu untuk meneliti tentang perlindungan hukum di pasar modal. Penulisan ini juga akan meneliti para pihak yang berhak atas perlindungan hukum berdasarkan pada Undang-Undang Nomor 8 Tahun 1995 Tentang Pasar Modal dan Undang-Undang Nomor 21 Tahun 2011 Tentang Otoritas Jasa Keuangan. DOI: 10.15408/jch.v1i2.1473
Treating EEG Seizures in Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Srinivasakumar Preethi , Zempel John , Trivedi Shamik , Wallendorf Michael , Rao Rakesh , Smith Barbara , Inder Terrie , Mathur Amit M.
Published: October 2015

BACKGROUND:

The impact of treating electrographic seizures in hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) is unknown.

METHODS:

Neonates ≥36 weeks with moderate or severe HIE were randomly assigned to either treatment of electrographic seizures alone (ESG) or treatment of clinical seizures (CSG). Conventional EEG video was monitored in both groups for up to 96 hours. Cumulative electrographic seizure burden (SB) was calculated in seconds and converted to log units for analysis. MRI scans were scored for severity of brain injury. Infants underwent neurodevelopmental evaluation at 18 to 24 months. Statistical analyses were performed by using SAS 9.3 version (SAS Institute, Inc, Cary, NC).

RESULTS:

Thirty-five of 69 neonates (51%) who were randomly assigned and included in the study developed seizures (15 in ESG and 20 in CSG). Excluding infants with status epilepticus, median SB (interquartile range) in seconds in ESG (n = 10) was lower than in CSG (n = 16) (449 [113–2070] vs 2226 [760–7654]; P = .02). ESG had fewer seizures with shorter time to treatment (P = .04). Twenty-four of 30 (80%) surviving infants with seizures underwent neurodevelopmental evaluation at 18 to 24 months. Increasing SB in the combined cohort was significantly associated with higher brain injury scores (P < .03) and lower performance scores across all 3 domains on BSID III (P = .03).

CONCLUSIONS:

In neonates with HIE, EEG monitoring and treatment of electrographic seizures results in significant reduction in SB. SB is associated with more severe brain injury and significantly lower performance scores across all domains on BSID III.
Psychosocial Adjustment in School-age Girls With a Family History of Breast Cancer
Authors: Bradbury Angela R. , Patrick-Miller Linda , Schwartz Lisa , Egleston Brian , Sands Colleen Burke , Chung Wendy K. , Glendon Gord , McDonald Jasmine A. , Moore Cynthia , Rauch Paula , Tuchman Lisa , Andrulis Irene L. , Buys Saundra S. , Frost Caren J. , Keegan Theresa H.M. , Knight Julia A. , Terry Mary Beth , John Esther M. , Daly Mary B.
Published: October 2015

OBJECTIVE:

Understanding how young girls respond to growing up with breast cancer family histories is critical given expansion of genetic testing and breast cancer messaging. We examined the impact of breast cancer family history on psychosocial adjustment and health behaviors among >800 girls in the multicenter LEGACY Girls Study.

METHODS:

Girls aged 6 to 13 years with a family history of breast cancer or familial BRCA1/2 mutation (BCFH+), peers without a family history (BCFH–), and their biological mothers completed assessments of psychosocial adjustment (maternal report for 6- to 13-year-olds, self-report for 10- to 13-year-olds), breast cancer–specific distress, perceived risk of breast cancer, and health behaviors (10- to 13-year-olds).

RESULTS:

BCFH+ girls had better general psychosocial adjustment than BCFH– peers by maternal report. Psychosocial adjustment and health behaviors did not differ significantly by self-report among 10- to 13-year-old girls. BCFH+ girls reported higher breast cancer–specific distress (P = .001) and were more likely to report themselves at increased breast cancer risk than BCFH– peers (38.4% vs 13.7%, P < .001), although many girls were unsure of their risk. In multivariable analyses, higher daughter anxiety was associated with higher maternal anxiety and poorer family communication. Higher daughter breast cancer–specific distress was associated with higher maternal breast cancer-specific distress.

CONCLUSIONS:

Although growing up in a family at risk for breast cancer does not negatively affect general psychosocial adjustment among preadolescent girls, those from breast cancer risk families experience greater breast cancer–specific distress. Interventions to address daughter and mother breast cancer concerns and responses to genetic or familial risk might improve psychosocial outcomes of teen daughters.
Safety of Botulinum Toxin Type A for Children With Nonambulatory Cerebral Palsy
Authors: Edwards Priya , Sakzewski Leanne , Copeland Lisa , Gascoigne-Pees Laura , McLennan Kim , Thorley Megan , Kentish Megan , Ware Robert , Boyd Roslyn N.
Published: October 2015

OBJECTIVE:

To determine safety of intramuscular botulinum toxin A (BoNT-A) injections to reduce spasticity and improve care and comfort of nonambulatory children with cerebral palsy (CP).

METHODS:

Nonambulatory children with CP were randomly allocated to receive either BoNT-A (n = 23) or sham procedure (n = 18) in Cycle 1. In Cycle 2, the BoNT-A group received a second episode of BoNT-A (n = 20) and sham group received their first episode of BoNT-A (n = 17). A pediatric rehabilitation specialist masked to group allocation graded each adverse event (AE) according to system, severity (mild, moderate, serious, sentinel) and causality (unlikely/unrelated; possible; probable/definite).

RESULTS:

There was no difference for all moderate/serious AEs between the BoNT-A and sham/control groups in either Cycle 1 (incident rate ratio = 1.30, 95% confidence interval = 0.43–4.00; P = .64) or Cycle 2 (incident rate ratio = 0.72, 95% confidence interval = 0.30–1.75; P = .47). In Cycle 2, 1 serious, 3 moderate (single-episode group), and 24 mild (single-episode group n = 10; 2 episode group n = 14) AEs were probably/definitely related to BoNT-A.

CONCLUSIONS:

Children receiving BoNT-A were at no greater risk of moderate/serious AEs compared with a sham control procedure. There was no increased risk of moderate/serious AEs between one and two episodes of BoNT-A.
A new natural hybrid of Broughtonia (Orchidaceae) from Cuba
Authors: Mújica Ernesto , González Elaine , Bocourt José L. , SantaCruz Esther L. , Díaz J. M.
Published: October 2015

At Cabo San Antonio (Guanahacabibes Peninsula), Cuba in 2004, a single specimen of Broughtonia ortgiesiana (Rchb.f.) Dressler, and a related species, Broughtonia cubensis (Lindl.) Cogn., were both observed in flower simultaneously. In 2006, fruits were observed on B. ortgiesiana, and nine years later (2015) we noted five young plants in anthesis that displayed floral characteristics common to both species. Given the time frame and the blend of floral traits, we conclude that these five plants are the result of a natural hybridization event between the two Broughtonia species the details of which are described here.
The machine drawings of Hans Hammer in the context of the contemporary machine representations
Authors: Bereczki Zoltán
Published: October 2015

The first known drawings of machines can be found in warfare-themed manuscripts. The oldest of them dates back to the 14th century, but their proliferation took place in the 15th century. During the century an almost standardized drawing style, vocabulary was developed, which also survived throughout the Renaissance.

Compared to the relatively high number of the survived warfare-related manuscripts that included drawings (their number is above 50), the representation of machines for civil usage is very rare throughout the century, even though the architectural drawings also proliferated during this century, and they also introduced a distinct representation style.

The survived portfolio of the Strasbourg master builder Hans Hammer lies at the intersection of this two disciplines: it includes both machine and architectural drawings in a large number. Given the occupation of the master, it can safely assumed that in contrast to those found in the majority of the contemporary machine drawings, his machines served civil purposes.

In this article the following questions are discussed: how do Hans Hammer’s machine drawings fit in the corpus of the contemporary machine drawings both by drawing style and function; and with which manuscripts can a direct connection be made?
Quasi steady-state harmonic model of an infinite conductor plate pair
Authors: Tevan György
Published: October 2015

The paper deduces general relationships of real analytical functions for 1D quasi steady-state harmonic model of a conductor plate pair. To demonstrate the use of the model, the results are applied to calculate the active and reactive power of an induction furnace with graphite crucible and to determine the eddy current loss in different shielding arrangements.
Zastosowanie modelu VECM do badania długookresowej zależności pomiędzy eksportem i wzorcem przewag komparatywnych w Polsce
Authors: Salamaga Marcin
Published: October 2015

The paper presents the dynamic relationship and pattern between export and comparative advantages in Poland. The basic tool used for this study is vector autoregression models. For a more detailed identification of the dynamic interactions between the variables, the results of the impulse response functions and forecast error variance decomposition are analysed. The results provide a benchmark for determining the phase of economic development according to the Ozawa’s theory of dynamic comparative advantages. The important part of this theory applies to the long-term relationship between export and revealed comparative advantage indexes of goods that have a different share of the production factors. Data from the Central Statistical Office covering the period from the first quarter of 2002 to the fourth quarter of 2012 were used for the calculations.
Wiedza i wydatki na B+R w krajach Unii Europejskiej
Authors: Witoń Agnieszka
Published: October 2015

Due to the significant change in the role of knowledge in economic processes, the knowledge-based economy is considered a new paradigm. This article explores a number of aspects of building the knowledge-based economy in the European Union.Statistical analysis and parametric tests indicate that the “old” EU members spend more on R&D in relation to their GDP than the “new” EU member countries. Further, the “old” member countries are more advanced in building the knowledge-based economy, which was measured with the KI and KEI indices. The hypothesis that in the group of countries that are less advanced in creating the knowledge-based economy (the “new” member countries) governments undertake more intensive action towards the production and development of knowledge was shown to be untrue, suggesting that these countries have little interest in reaching their counterparts’ level of economic development.
Rozważania Eugeniusza Kwiatkowskiego o roli zbiorowej pracy społecznej w procesie likwidacji dysproporcji gospodarczych i społecznych II Rzeczypospolitej
Authors: Lityńska Aleksandra
Published: October 2015

The aim of the article is to analyse the socio-economic programme of Eugeniusz Kwiatkowski in the II Republic of Poland, based on the idea of collective social work. Kwiatkowski posited solidarity and the creative efforts of all citizens as a basis for strengthening the economic and political position of the country in the international arena. Fulfilling the duties of the Minister of Industry and Trade and then deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Treasury, he contributed to the development of strategic sectors of the economy, mainly in the COP (Central Industrial Region), Gdynia, Stalowa Wola, and Mościce.
AS REFORMAS DO CONSELHO DE SEGURANÇA DAS NAÇÕES UNIDAS: HISTÓRIA E PERSPECTIVAS
Authors: De Souza Alencar Gabriel
Published: October 2015

Este artigo procura expor as tentativas de reforma do Conselho de Segurança da Organização das Nações Unidas (CSNU), listando e analisando- as. Para isso, faz-se necessário explicar como se dá o funcionamento do CSNU, inserindo-o no seu contexto histórico e ainda analisar como se deram as etapas de formação deste Conselho, sua estrutura básica e funcionamento, para, com isso, expor as propostas de reforma. O artigo também mostrará a participação do Brasil tanto no próprio Conselho de Segurança assim como promotor de um movimento de reforma e as ações como defensor da expansão de assentos permanentes do CSNU.
A hypothermal storage solution for cytokine-induced killer cells derived from cord blood
Authors: Guan Liping , Ji Mingli
Published: October 2015

We measured the killing activities of cytokine-induced killer cells (CIK) cells after hypothermal storage of such cells to identify an effective freezing solution. Fourteen days after induction of CIK cells from cultured umbilical cord blood, cells were frozen and stored in a new storage solution (10% [v/v] dimethyl sulphoxide [DMSO]; 10% [w/v] Dextran; and lymphocytes, but without serum) and traditional cell freezing solution (15% [v/v] DMSO; 10% [w/v] human albumin; and lymphocytes, also without serum). Cells were thawed and cultured after 180 days, and cell morphology and proliferation were investigated. Flow cytometric measurement (FCM) was used to define the immune phenotype. The lactate dehydrogenas ( LDH) method was employed to test the ability of stored and freshly induced CIK cells to kill The myelogenous leukemia cell line K562. The morphologies and immune phenotypes of freshly induced and stored (in either solution) cells were similar. The proliferative activity and killing capacity of fresh CIK cells and those stored in the new solution were similar, and higher than those of cells stored in the traditional solution.
Integrate, Network, and Don’t Underestimate the Power of Communication
Authors: Jamal Fayaz
Published: October 2015

Pillars of the Industry

Contending with the oil and gas industry’s global and uncertain nature requires skill sets that span multiple professions, and a seamless integration between them. A passion to work with a diverse workforce attracts many of us to the oil and gas industry.

When I arrived in Canada as a refugee, my first job was working at a holiday resort where the workforce included people from all over the world and this experience is something I cherish. If there is one thing that I can attribute to where I am today, it is the individuals I worked with in my first job. These were some of the best coaches and mentors that shaped my life. It is fair to say that my affiliation to the oil and gas industry was more by accident than design.

As a professional in the oil and gas industry, a skill that is most dear to my heart is being part of an integrated team. As with life, one’s career is a journey and there is so much you can learn on the way. You need to keep an open mind throughout your career. The more complex the industry gets, the more the requirement for individuals who are good at integrating by forming strong long-lasting networks.

The Current Industry Landscape

We live in a world where oil production was predicted to reach its peak in the mid-2000s at just more than 80 million BOPD with demand expected to outstrip supply by 10 million BOPD in 2015. The reality is that world oil supply in the first quarter of 2015 was close to 96 million BOPD, with demand for oil at 94 million BOPD, according to data from the US Energy Information Administration. At the same time, oil prices have fallen more than 50% in the last year, and the world rotary rig count has dropped by close to 30%, according to recent data published by energyeconomist.com.

In Australia, “nation-building” mega liquefied natural gas (LNG) projects have been constructed over the last decade and the country has significant LNG production capacity. A recent publication from the Reserve Bank of Australia forecasts LNG nameplate capacity growing from 20 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) in 2010 to 85 MPTA by 2018, at a time when downward oil prices are putting enormous pressure on oil and gas producers. According to Australia’s Department of Industry and Science, 2014–2015 LNG export value of about USD 18 billion is projected to increase at an annual growth rate of 21%, with export value expected to reach USD 47 billion by 2019–2020. By 2050, oil and gas is projected to supply close to two-thirds of Australia’s energy consumption. This growth is phenomenal. Clearly, just relying on what has happened in the past is not always the best yardstick for the future. The more we are apt to change, the higher our chances of survival.
The Engineering Gold Rush in Investment Banking
Authors: Brown Jeff
Published: October 2015

HR Discussion

In the wake of the 2008 financial crisis, the investment banking industry was vilified by most of US (and perhaps rightfully so) as one of the main facilitators of “The Great Recession.” We cheered on as the industry was subject to an onslaught of new federal regulation, forcing many investment banks to slash thousands of jobs and drastically cut compensation for those on Wall Street. It is almost poetically ironic that with the recent downturn in the energy industry, investment banking (specifically energy investment banking) is well-positioned to not only weather the storm, but flourish in the current environment.

Those who have followed the market closely in recent months are likely aware that the drop in commodity prices has forced many operators and service providers to slow production, cut costs, and restructure their current portfolios. The general consensus of industry experts is that it is only a matter of time before the industry sees a sizeable wave of merger and acquisition deals and consolidation. Consequently, energy investment banking groups are not only capitalizing on said restructuring, but will be one of, if not the main, beneficiaries as many companies in the industry will be forced to sell off assets and/or consolidate.

Before diving into the specifics of what this means from a hiring perspective, it is important to understand how the energy investment banking industry, and particularly acquisitions and divestitures (A&D) groups, have evolved over the past 10 years.

Before 2005, any type of transaction facilitated by an investment bank that required nuanced, technical due diligence was almost always outsourced to a third party engineering agency. For example, if an operator intended to divest an asset, an investment bank would be engaged to represent and advise on the divestiture, with any technical analysis likely handled by an independent advisory. The investment bank would take the findings of the third party agency and incorporate its analysis in determining the price/ fair market value of said assets. Senior level investment bankers would then pitch the potential acquisition to prospective buyers.

As the energy investment banking industry became increasingly competitive, many investment banks began to realize a competitive advantage by conducting in-house technical analysis and evaluation for their clients. One example of this was Jefferies acquiring Randall & Dewey, a large and reputable independent oil and gas advisory firm, in February 2005. Through this acquisition, Jefferies was able to realize the value of conducting in-house technical analysis. Moreover, having seasoned reservoir engineers and geologists accompany traditional investment bankers as they pitched to C-suite executives (many of whom are engineers or geologists by background) proved to be paramount in winning new business.
Gelation of a Water-Shutoff Gel at High Pressure and High Temperature: Rheological Investigation
Authors: El-Karsani Khalid S.M. , Al-Muntasheri Ghaithan A. , Sultan Abdullah S. , Hussein Ibnelwaleed A.
Published: October 2015

Polymeric gels are used to reduce or shut off excess water in petroleum reservoirs. The strength of polymeric gels needs to be high enough to withstand the water flow. This study investigates the strength of an organically crosslinked polyacrylamide (PAM) with polyethylenimine (PEI) as crosslinker. Dynamic testing measurements at high temperatures up to 130°C (266°F) and high pressure (500 psi) were used. During the gelation process, the rate of crosslinking increases with increased temperature. However, after the crosslinking reactions were completed, G′ was lower at higher temperatures than at lower temperatures. Polymer concentration has a stronger impact on G′ in comparison with the crosslinker. Salinity of mixing water has a negative impact on G′. High G′ was observed in distilled water (1044 Pa) in comparison with field water (725 Pa) at 130°C (266°F). Moreover, samples prepared at alkaline and acidic conditions produced stronger gels compared with samples prepared at neutral conditions. However, the gelation time is longer at a pH of 7. Ammonium chloride is found to be a very effective retarder in comparison with NaCl. The yield stress of the gel was correlated to the pressure gradient for the gel extrusion through fractures. It was found that gels with 7:0.3 and 5:0.3 wt% PAM/PEI gave pressure gradients of 155.5 kPa/m (55.2 psi/m) and 3572 kPa/m (518 psi/m), respectively. The decrease or increase in gel strength was explained through the impact of the different parameters on PAM hydrolysis.
Normalization of Analog Horizontal Wells for Type Curve Generation in Tight Gas Plays
Authors: Yu Shaoyong , Gouveia Jim
Published: October 2015

A mature reservoir is usually characterized with a number of both vertical and horizontal wells, which may both contribute to a significant recovery to-date. When considering forecasting for new wells in the geological similar areas (GSAs), it is common practice to generate a type curve by harnessing historical production data from analog wells. But, given varying well types and completion practices (e.g. different horizontal wellbore length), the analog assumption may be challenged.

When working on type curve generation, the common questions frequently asked are:Do we need to normalize analog wells for the type curve generation?How to conduct the normalization on both wellbore length and completion parameters?

It seems that the answer to the first question is a very obvious yes if the new wells will be designed differently from the analog wells – particularly if the lateral length and completion method is not similar. As a result, Estimated Ultimate Recoveries (EURs) and the Initial Production (IPs) will need to be normalized from those analog wells to a desired new wellbore length.

After having investigated both analytically and numerically the impacts on Recovery Factors (RFs) and the IPs from those factors of horizontal wells that include horizontal wellbore length (L), fracturing spacing/stages (nf) and drainage area (A), or well spacing, it is found that: RF will be directly affected by the wellbore length. There is linearity between RF and L when the latter is less than a certain value. The fracturing spacing/stages and drainage area (well spacing), however, will affect RF when the reservoir matrix permeability is extremely low.Also, IP has a high positive correlation with lateral length. In fact, these two variables have high linearity. In addition, fracture spacing will have a large impact on IP rates; however, drainage area will not at all. Note that these conclusions presume that wellbore hydraulic considerations are not a constraint. Further, lateral length presumes an effectively stimulated horizontal section.

The specific scope of this study is to provide a systematic normalization technique. Dry gas and wet gas case studies from the Western Canadian Sedimentary Basin (WCSB) have been adopted to demonstrate the workflow. Further, sequential accumulation statistical logic has been successfully applied to validate the premise of lateral length and fracture spacing as the key normalization variables.

It is believed that this methodology is rigorous for dry and wet gas reservoir systems. Moreover, this methodology is also applicable to richer gas-condensate and oil plays; however, broader relationships need to be established and tested before any conclusions can be drawn with wellbore hydraulic dynamics being taking into account as an effective factor.
MPD Allows Operator to Safely and Efficiently Drill Challenging Wells In Kobes (Montney Formation) in British Columbia
Authors: Weatherhead S. , Djidjelli A. , Leeds M. , Mujumdar H.
Published: October 2015

Interest in the unconventional shale gas plays continues to grow in Western Canada. The Montney formation found in North Eastern British Columbia can be particularly challenging due to drilling in the Canadian Foothills. Wells in the area are known for deep, hard, abrasive and abnormally pressured formations. Further challenges include unexpected fractures, lost circulation and coals seams. The combination of these drilling issues can cause a significant increase in expected drilling times (slow ROP and NPT).

Following some difficulty drilling offset wells due to well control issues, future designs incorporated a higher, more conservative mud weight. This let to slower ROP and corresponding NPT.

A new approach with MPD and lighter mud weight was proposed. For the intermediate sections, the first well changed from a weighted to un-weighted invert emulsion. The second well was drilled with a pure base oil system to lower the fluids solids content. The horizontal section was initially planned to drill with a density of 1400kg/m3 weighted invert. A MPD program was proposed drilling with a 1250kg/m3 weighted invert for the next two wells and adjusting backpressure to match the required bottom hole ECD.

The key operational objectives for the operator were increased ROP and a reduction of NPT. This was accomplished by lower ECD associated with lower mud densities, lower drilled solids and lower viscosities. A secondary benefit was the reduction of whole mud losses. Mud losses were reduced in manner that allowed for fast safe well control in the event a pressured fracture (kick) was encountered.

A reduction of more than 7.4 days vs AFE from spud to rig release was largely attributed to utilizing MPD technique and the team work of everyone involved on location. NPT was reduced from 100 hours to 8 hours on the final well of the project. The second MPD well of the project was considered a big success, with the following results (refer table 1).

Table 1 MPD2 vs Best Conventional well Performance Data Intermediate Hole Performance Main Hole Performance MPD#2 Well Best Conventional Well MPD#2 Well Best Conventional Well Bit Runs 3 4 3 8 Depth Length (m) 918 880 3080 2368 Time (hr) 41 77.5 243.75 290.3 ROP (m/hr) 26.5 11.55 11.3 8.025

As the activity in NE British Colombia's Montney play continues to grow, it is important that other operators learn the benefits of utilizing MPD. This includes safely decreasing days on the well by increasing ROP and reducing influx and losse related NPT caused by excessive mud weight.
The Effect of Kerogen-Hydrocarbons Interaction on the PVT Properties in Liquid Rich Shale Plays
Authors: Pathak M. , Deo M. D. , Panja P. , Levey R. A.
Published: October 2015

In liquid rich shale plays, the hydrocarbons may remain associated with the parent kerogen. During catagenesis of kerogen in the geologic history, the kerogen is converted to hydrocarbons. A fraction of the generated hydrocarbons is expelled from the residual kerogen matrix, while the rest is retained within the kerogen matrix. In liquid rich shale plays, the hydrocarbons retained within the kerogen plays a key role in estimated ultimate recovery (EUR). However, the vapor-liquid equilibrium between oil and gas in shales is affected by the presence of kerogen. The conventional compositional simulators ignore this kerogen-fluid interaction in calculation of pressure-volume-temperature (PVT) properties which leads to vastly different results.

The swelling of kerogen in the presence of solvents has been experimentally studied in previous works. These experiments suggest that the hydrocarbons expelled from the kerogen structure remain in a multicomponent equilibrium with the kerogen matrix. Molecular Dynamics Simulations (MDS) techniques have been used in the current paper to confirm the swelling behavior of kerogen in presence of solvents. The retained hydrocarbons stay in the dissolved form within the kerogen matrix. Considering the cross-linked nature of kerogen, there have been studies of the equilibrium behavior between the kerogen matrix and the expelled hydrocarbons using an extended Flory-Rehner Regular Solution theory model. The effect of this equilibrium between the expelled fluids and the kerogen matrix on PVT properties has been studied in the current paper. The vapor liquid equilibrium between oil and gas in the expelled hydrocarbons has been solved together with the kerogen-expelled hydrocarbons equilibrium.

The kerogen-fluid interaction in liquid rich shales affects important reservoir fluid properties such as saturation pressures, gas oil ratios (GOR) and formation volume factors leading to changes in produced GOR. A thermodynamic model has been proposed in the current study to calculate changes in above properties due to the kerogen-fluid interaction. The PVT properties calculated with the proposed model account for the kerogen-fluid interaction and will significantly change the predicted recoveries from liquid rich shale plays
Growth of Fractured Zone Around Hydraulic Fracture
Authors: Geilikman M. B. , Wong Sau-Wai , Karanikas J. M.
Published: October 2015

Propagation of fractures, hydraulic fractures included, is accompanied by growth of a certain process zone or "crack layer" around the fracture. This process or hydraulically fractured zone (HFZ) can be either smaller or larger depending on the properties of formation. The goal of this paper is to determine how the extent of HFZ depends both on rock properties and operational parameters as well. A better understanding of the HFZ is important because growth of hydraulically fractured zone can significantly increase permeability adjacent to the fracture leading to improved hydrocarbon production. More energy is required to induce an HFZ than just creating the main hydraulic fracture itself but a larger extent of HFZ leads to lower elastic energy for the same cumulative volume of pumped fluid. In order to adequately describe the entire hydraulic fracturing process, all main energy contributions should be taken into account. Traditionally, in using linear elastic fracture mechanics (LEFM) to model the hydraulic fracturing process we would predict creation of large planar fracture or even fractures without considering the possibility of developing an HFZ around the main hydraulic fracture. In this paper, a new description of hydraulic fracturing based on the Least Action Principle, is proposed to appropriately account for the potential development of an HFZ. Since hydraulic fracture for Unconventional Resource is induced by injection of large volume of fracturing fluid into tight rock formations, it is therefore convenient to formulate the model in the Rice-Cleary framework where "undrained" rock parameters are used. Elastic interaction of the hydraulically fractured zone with surrounding rock is described using Eshelby inclusion approach. It can be demonstrated that when the model is applied to the propagation of a single hydraulic fracture, the model reduces to the conventional (Geertsma-de Klerk) regime of fracture growth. As a result, the extent of the hydraulically fractured zone and its permeability can be expressed in terms of rock properties and key operational parameters (e.g. pumping rate, etc.). Validity of this model will require further work, especially in the laboratory experimental arena as well as analysis of field observations.