bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Combining Pressurised Mud Cap Drilling (PMCD) and Early Kick Detection (EKD) Techniques for Fractured Formations Overlying a High Pressure Reservoir in Offshore Kalimantan
Authors: Benny Benny , Hidayat Andri M. , Karnugroho Ardia , Sosa Julius , Toralde Julmar Shaun
Published: October 2013

Pressurized Mud Cap Drilling (PMCD) and Early Kick Detection (EKD) are two unconventional drilling techniques that have been used widely individually, mostly in relation to closed and pressurizable systems and to Managed Pressure Drilling (MPD) applications. However, both techniques are seldom used together as an integrated setup. This paper describes a synergized PMCD and EKD setup and field deployment that was used to successfully drill a well in offshore Kalimantan, Indonesia that had a high pressure formation below a zone prone to severe circulation losses. The key components in the setup were a rotating control device (RCD) and a Coriolis mass flow meter.

Using an RCD, the drilling system was converted from a conventional open-to-the-atmosphere to a closed-loop system that allows more precise diversion and accurate well flow monitoring, when used in conjunction with a Coriolis mass flow meter. Since it is a closed system, the comparison of the flow coming out of the well with the flow pumped into the well will provide advance information regarding any influx or outflux from the system. The system designed also takes into consideration the efficiency in switching between modes, that is, from conventional drilling to PMCD mode or to EKD mode and then, back to conventional mode. Possible improvements to the system and equipment are also discussed in the paper, as well as how the current system was utilized to successfully drill a well that previously involved multiple sidetracks when attempting to drill conventionally to target depth.
Electrokinetics Assisted Surfactant-EOR to Optimize Mature Waterfloods in AbuDhabi Carbonate Reservoirs
Authors: Ansari Arsalan , Haroun Muhammad , Al Kindy Nabeela , Ali Basma , Shrestha Reena Amatya , Sarma Hemanta
Published: October 2013

EOR technologies such as CO2 flooding and chemical floods have gained increased interest due to the decreasing number of new-field discoveries, increasing number of maturing fields and higher oil price. Therefore, promising results have been demonstrated in both lab scale and field pilots. Among the emerging EOR technologies, is the surfactant EOR integrated with the application of electrically enhanced oil recovery (EEOR), which is gaining increased popularity due to a number of reservoir- related advantages such as reduction in fluid viscosity, water-cut, increased reservoir permeability, reduced HSE concerns and increased targeting of the unswept oil.

Core flood tests were performed using carbonate core-plugs from Abu Dhabi producing oilfields which were saturated with medium crude oil in a specially designed EK core-flood setup. Electrokinetics (DC voltage of 2V/cm) was applied on these oil saturated cores while waterflooding simultaneously until the ultimate recovery was reached. In the second stage, the recovery was further enhanced by injecting non- ionic surfactant (APG) along with sequential application of EK. This was compared with simultaneous application of EK-assisted surfactant flooding on oil-wet cores. A smart Surfactant-EOR process was done in this study that allowed shifting from sequential to simultaneous Surfactant-EOR alongside EEOR.

The experimental results at ambient conditions show that the application of waterflooding on the carbonate cores yields recovery of approximately 42-64% along with an additional 6-14% incremental recovery that resulted upon the injection of non-ionic surfactant. However, there was a further 12-15% recovery enhanced by the application of EK-assisted surfactant flooding, which could be promising for water swept reservoirs. In addition, EK was shown to enhance the carbonate reservoir’s permeability by approximately 11-29%. Furthermore, this process can be engineered to be a greener approach as the water requirement can be reduced upto 20% in the presence of electrokinetics which is economically feasible.
Thermographic Inspection for Electrical Program Pre-Emptive Analysis and Intervention
Authors: Chandra Murti Oktavianus Danang
Published: October 2013

Managing mature assets has become a great challenge in oil and gas business. Aging and obsolete electrical equipment drives higher inspection tasks and maintenance costs, which become increasingly difficult to support as oil and gas production declines.

ExxonMobil Oil Indonesia, in keeping with a strong commitment to safety, integrity, and reliability, considers that pre- emptive analysis is a key to avoiding major incidents and confirming fitness for purpose on a proactive basis. Thermographic inspection is a proven pre-emptive analysis method for electrical equipment. The ability of an infrared camera system to measure surface temperatures of live electrical equipment without direct contact minimizes downtime and maintenance cost, and improves personnel safety.

In particular electrical equipment, an infrared window should be installed to eliminate electrical arc flash hazard during thermographic inspections. An infrared window allows infrared cameras to capture images of electrical components without opening electrical equipment enclosures.

This paper covers implementation of thermographic inspection in ExxonMobil Oil Indonesia, including safe execution practices, compliance with international standards such as NETA MTS & NFPA 70E, and maintenance interval optimization to minimize inspection cost and consequences of electrical equipment failure.
Laboratory Testing Approach to Evaluate Drill-In-Fluid Damage and Wellbore Cleanup Effectivity in Open Hole Horizontal Producer Wells
Authors: Aditama P. , Mirza M. , Iswachyono T. , Anwar Z. , Al Saadi H. , Al Kalbani M. , Qassabi A. , Al Raqmi M.
Published: October 2013

The paper presents laboratory testing approach to evaluate DIF (Drill-In-Fluid) damage and wellbore cleanup effectiveness in open hole horizontal producer wells. It also investigates the fine movement damage and also the side effect of mud cake removal if it is left in wellbore for long period.

The formation damage tests were carried out on sandstone core plugs from 3 different formations with permeability varying from several milidarcy to hundreds milidarcy. The WBM (Water Base Mud) was used with mostly consisted of CaCO3, NaCl, and KCl. Prior to formation damage test, critical velocity test was performed to investigate the fine movement damage. The formation damage tests were started by circulating the mud with 300 - 400 psi overbalance across the core plugs to create mud cake. The mud was then displaced by brine 8.8 ppg and high viscosity fluid was circulated to simulate the real condition in field for hole cleaning process. Several mud cake removals were then circulated and soaked for 1 and 5 days in the system. Finally, the oil return permeability was measured and compared with initial permeability.

Throughout the study, it is observed that the critical velocity is mainly controlled by the clay content. Porosity and permeability also plays significant role in the plugging behavior due to fine migration. Acid based mud cake removal can enhance the formation permeability if it is allowed to leak-off through the rock matrix. It also depends on the mineral content of the formation (acid soluble minerals). Delayed acid based mud cake removal outperformed other mud cake removals in this study. The most optimum soaking time using the delayed acid based mud cake removal in this study is 1 day. However, there is no permeability impairment identified if the mud cake removal is left up to 5 days.
Effects of Naltrexone Sustained- Release/Bupropion Sustained-Release Combination Therapy on Body Weight and Glycemic Parameters in Overweight and Obese Patients With Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Hollander Priscilla , Gupta Alok K. , Plodkowski Raymond , Greenway Frank , Bays Harold , Burns Colleen , Klassen Preston , Fujioka Ken ,   for the COR-Diabetes Study Group
Published: October 2013

OBJECTIVE

To assess the efficacy and safety of 32 mg naltrexone sustained-release (SR)/360 mg bupropion SR (NB) in overweight/obese individuals with type 2 diabetes with or without background oral antidiabetes drugs.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

This was a 56-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled study in which 505 patients received standardized lifestyle intervention and were randomized 2:1 to NB or placebo. Coprimary end points were percent weight change and achievement of ≥5% weight loss. Secondary end points included achievement of HbA1c <7% (53 mmol/mol), achievement of weight loss ≥10%, and change in HbA1c, waist circumference, fasting blood glucose, and lipids.

RESULTS

In the modified intent-to-treat population (54% female, 80% Caucasian, and mean age 54 years, weight 106 kg, BMI 37 kg/m2, and HbA1c 8.0% [64 mmol/mol]), NB resulted in significantly greater weight reduction (−5.0 vs. −1.8%; P < 0.001) and proportion of patients achieving ≥5% weight loss (44.5 vs. 18.9%, P < 0.001) compared with placebo. NB also resulted in significantly greater HbA1c reduction (−0.6 vs. −0.1% [6.6 vs. 1.1 mmol/mol]; P < 0.001), percent of patients achieving HbA1c <7% (53 mmol/mol) (44.1 vs. 26.3%; P < 0.001), and improvement in triglycerides and HDL cholesterol compared with placebo. NB was associated with higher incidence of nausea (42.3 vs. 7.1%), constipation (17.7 vs. 7.1%), and vomiting (18.3 vs. 3.6%). No difference was observed between groups in the incidence of depression, suicidal ideation, or hypoglycemia.

CONCLUSIONS

NB therapy in overweight/obese patients with type 2 diabetes induced weight loss, which was associated with improvements in glycemic control and select cardiovascular risk factors and was generally well tolerated with a safety profile similar to that in patients without diabetes.
Dapagliflozin Is Effective as Add-on Therapy to Sitagliptin With or Without Metformin: A 24-Week, Multicenter, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study
Authors: Jabbour Serge A. , Hardy Elise , Sugg Jennifer , Parikh, Shamik ,   for the Study 10 Group
Published: October 2013

OBJECTIVE

To assess the efficacy and safety of dapagliflozin as add-on therapy in patients with type 2 diabetes who were inadequately controlled with a dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor with or without metformin.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

In this 24-week, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group, phase 3 study with a 24-week blinded extension period, 432 patients were randomized to receive dapagliflozin 10 mg/day or placebo added to sitagliptin (100 mg/day) ± metformin (≥1,500 mg/day).

RESULTS

Baseline HbA1c and FPG levels were 7.9% (63.0 mmol/mol) and 162.2 mg/dL (9.0 mmol/L) for the dapagliflozin group and 8.0% (64.0 mmol/mol) and 163 mg/dL (9.0 mmol/L) for placebo. At week 24, dapagliflozin significantly reduced mean HbA1c levels (–0.5% [–4.9 mmol/mol]) versus placebo (0.0% [+0.4 mmol/mol]). Dapagliflozin reduced body weight versus placebo (–2.1 and –0.3 kg) and reduced HbA1c levels in patients with baseline values ≥8.0% (–0.8% [8.7 mmol/mol] and 0.0% [0.3 mmol/mol]) and fasting plasma glucose levels (–24.1 mg/dL [–1.3 mmol/L] and 3.8 mg/dL [0.2 mmol/L]). Similar results were observed when data were stratified by background therapy. Glycemic and weight benefits observed at week 24 were maintained through week 48. Changes from baseline in systolic blood pressure at week 8 were not significantly different between treatment groups. Over 48 weeks, fewer patients receiving dapagliflozin were discontinued or rescued for failing to achieve glycemic targets compared with placebo. Adverse events were balanced between groups, and discontinuation rates were low. At week 48, signs and symptoms suggestive of genital infection were more frequent with dapagliflozin (9.8%) than with placebo (0.4%). Signs and symptoms suggestive of urinary tract infection were balanced between dapagliflozin (6.7%) and placebo (6.2%).

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that in patients with type 2 diabetes, inadequately controlled on sitagliptin with or without metformin, add-on treatment with dapagliflozin provides additional clinical benefit and is well tolerated.
Peripheral Neuropathy in Adolescents and Young Adults With Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes From the SEARCH for Diabetes in Youth Follow-up Cohort
Authors: Jaiswal Mamta , Lauer Abigail , Martin Catherine L. , Bell Ronny A. , Divers Jasmin , Dabelea Dana , Pettitt David J. , Saydah Sharon , Pihoker Catherine , Standiford Debra A. , Rodriguez Beatriz L. , Pop-Busui Rodica , Feldman Eva L. ,   for the SEARCH for Diabetes in Youth Study Group
Published: October 2013

OBJECTIVE

To estimate the prevalence of and risk factors for diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) in a pilot study among youth participating in the SEARCH for Diabetes in Youth study.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

DPN was assessed using the Michigan Neuropathy Screening Instrument (MNSI) (examination for foot abnormalities, distal vibration perception, and ankle reflexes). An MNSI exam (MNSIE) score >2 is diagnostic for DPN.

RESULTS

The MNSIE was completed in 399 subjects, including 329 youth with type 1 diabetes (mean age 15.7 ± 4.3 years, duration 6.2 ± 0.9 years) and 70 with type 2 diabetes (mean age 21.6 ± 4.1 years, duration 7.6 ± 1.8 years). Glycated hemoglobin (A1C) was similar in both groups (8.8 ± 1.8% for type 1 vs. 8.5 ± 2.9% for type 2). The prevalence of DPN was significantly higher in youth with type 2 compared with those with type 1 diabetes (25.7 vs. 8.2%; P < 0.0001). In unadjusted analyses, diabetes type, older age, longer duration of diabetes, increased waist circumference, elevated blood pressure, lower HDL cholesterol, and presence of microalbuminuria (urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio >30 mg/g) were associated with DPN. The association between diabetes type and DPN remained significant after adjustment for age and sex (odds ratio 2.29 [95% CI 1.05–5.02], P = 0.03).

CONCLUSIONS

DPN prevalence among youth with type 2 diabetes approached rates reported in adult populations with diabetes. Our findings suggest not only that youth with diabetes are at risk for DPN but also that many already show measurable signs of DPN.
Bonding of Y-TZP to Dentin: Effects of Y-TZP Surface Conditioning, Resin Cement Type, and Aging
Authors: Bottino MA , Bergoli C , Lima EG , Marocho SMS , Souza RO , Valandro LF
Published: October 2013

Purpose

To evaluate the effects of two surface treatments, aging, and two resin cements on shear bond strength between dentin and yttrium-stabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystal ceramic (Y-TZP).

Materials and Methods

Eighty human molars were embedded in acrylic resin and sectioned 3 mm below the occlusal plane. These teeth and 80 cylindrical Y-TZP specimens (height, 4 mm; diameter, 3.4 mm) were divided into eight groups (n=10) using the following factors: Y-TZP surface treatment (Vi: low-fusing porcelain [vitrification] + hydrofluoric acid etching + silanization or Si: tribochemical silicatization); cementation strategies (PF: Panavia or CC: Clearfil); and storage (nonaging or aging). Bonding surfaces of 40 Y-TZP specimens received Vi treatment, and the rest received Si treatment. Half of the ceramic-tooth assemblies were cemented with Panavia, the rest with Clearfil. Shear tests were executed using 0.4-mm–thick wire at 0.5 mm/min. Data were analyzed by three-way analysis of variance and Tukey test (α=0.05). Fractures were analyzed.

Results

Y-TZP surface treatments did not affect bond strength (p=0.762, Vi = Si), while resin cements (p<0.001, Panavia > Clearfil) and aging (p=0.006, nonaging > aging) showed a significant effect. Most failures were in adhesive at dentin-cement interfaces; no failure occurred between zirconia and cement.

Conclusion

When Y-TZP ceramic is bonded to dentin, the weakest interface is that between dentin and resin cement. The resin cement/Y-TZP interface was less susceptible to failures, owing to Y-TZP surface treatments.
Incremental Filling Technique and Composite Material—Part I: Cuspal Deformation, Bond Strength, and Physical Properties
Authors: Bicalho AA , Pereira RD , Zanatta RF , Franco SD , Tantbirojn D , Versluis A , Soares CJ
Published: October 2013

Objectives

To evaluate the effect of composite resins (one conventional and two low-shrink composites) and filling techniques on cuspal strains (CS), microtensile bond strength (μTBS), composite ultimate tensile strength (UTS), and mechanical properties of the composites at various depths in molars with large Class II restorations.

Materials and Methods

One hundred seventeen human molars received standardized Class II mesio-oclusal-distal cavity preparations and restorations with three composites (Filtek LS [3M-ESPE]; Aelite LS [BISCO]; and Filtek Supreme [3M-ESPE]) using three filling techniques (bulk, eight increments, and 16 increments). CS was measured using strain gauges, after which the same restored teeth were used to assess μTBS and UTS. The elastic modulus (E) and Vickers hardness (VH) at different depths were determined from microhardness indentations. The CS, μTBS, UTS, E, and VH data were statistically analyzed using split-plot analysis of variance and Tukey test (p=0.05).

Results

The CS was higher when using 16 increments. The ‘low-shrink' composites caused lower CS. The μTBS and UTS were similar for eight- and 16-increment techniques and higher when compared to the bulk filling in all composites. E and VH were constant through the depth when applied in eight or 16 increments.

Conclusions

Type of composite and filling technique affected the CS, μTBS, UTS, and mechanical properties of large Class II restorations. The eight-increments filling technique resulted in generally less CS with the same μTBS and UTS than was obtained with 16 increments, without affecting E and VH through the depth of the composites.
Comparison of meloxicam and a glucosamine-chondroitin supplement in management of feline osteoarthritis
Authors: Chase D. , Parkin T. , Bennett D. , Sul R. M.
Published: October 2013

Objectives: To compare the efficacy of meloxicam and a glucosamine-chondroitin (Glu-Ch) supplement in the management of feline osteoarthritis (OA).

Methods: Prospective, blinded, randomized clinical trial. Cats over eight years of age with clinical signs of chronic OA were assigned to one of two groups and Glu-Ch or meloxicam was administered orally for 70 days, followed by a placebo until day 98. Cats were assessed by a veterinarian on five occasions and the owner completed an assessment form at the same time.

Results: Data were collected from thirty cats. Pre-treatment disease scores were significantly higher in the meloxicam group for owner mobility (p = 0.01) and veterinary lameness (p = 0.02). Owner mobility scores at day 14 (p = 0.01) and day 42 (p = 0.002) were significantly improved compared to pre-treatment scores for the meloxicam group. When meloxicam and Glu-Ch were discontinued and the placebo commenced, a significant proportion of the meloxicam group showed worsening of all the ownerassessed scores between day 70 and day 98, when compared to the Glu-Ch group (mobility p = 0.01; activity p = 0.02; temperament p = 0.04; lifestyle p = 0.01).

Clinical significance: Treatment with meloxicam resulted in a significant improvement in mobility and activity levels of cats with OA until the placebo was introduced. A greater proportion of cats receiving meloxicam medication showed a significant worsening of owner assessment scores once the placed was introduced, when compared to the Glu-Ch group.
Patterns of Practice in the Prescription of Palliative Radiotherapy for the Treatment of Bone Metastases at the Rapid Response Radiotherapy Program between 2005 and 2012
Authors: Thavarajah N. , Zhang L. , Wong K. , Bedard G. , Wong E. , Tsao M. , Danjoux C. , Barnes E. , Sahgal A. , Dennis K. , Holden L. , Lauzon N. , Chow E.
Published: October 2013

Objective: We examined whether patterns of practice in the prescription of palliative radiation therapy for bone metastases had changed over time in the Rapid Response Radiotherapy Program (RRRP). Methods: After reviewing data from August 1, 2005, to April 30, 2012, we analyzed patient demographics, diseases, organizational factors, and possible reasons for the prescription of various radiotherapy fractionation schedules. The chi-square test was used to detect differences in proportions between unordered categorical variables. Univariate logistic regression analysis and the simple Fisher exact test were also used to determine the factors most significant to choice of dose–fractionation schedule. Results: During the study period, 2549 courses of radiation therapy were prescribed. In 65% of cases, a single fraction of radiation therapy was prescribed, and in 35% of cases, multiple fractions were prescribed. A single fraction of radiation therapy was more frequently prescribed when patients were older, had a prior history of radiation, or had a prostate primary, and when the radiation oncologist had qualified before 1990. Conclusions: For patients with bone metastasis, a single fraction of radiation therapy was prescribed with significantly greater frequency.
Predicting the Risk of Cardiovascular Comorbidities in Adult Cancer Survivors
Authors: Tashakkor A.Y. , Moghaddamjou A. , Chen L. , Cheung W.Y.
Published: October 2013

Objectives: Data on how to identify cancer survivors (CSS) at the greatest risk for cardiovascular conditions are limited. We aimed to characterize the clinical factors associated with ischemic heart disease (IHD) and congestive heart failure (CHF) in CSS and to develop a stratification schema for predicting the risk of cardiovascular comorbidities in CSS. Methods: Cancer survivors and non-cancer controls (NCCS) were identified from the U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Independent factors associated with increased relative risk (RR) for cardiovascular conditions were determined. A risk stratification schema was devised that correlated risk score with the prevalence of cardiovascular comorbidities in CS. Results: Baseline characteristics were similar for the 1869 CSS and 24,337 NCCS included in the study. Compared with NCCS, CSS were more likely to report IHD (13.7% vs. 5.2%), CHF (7.9% vs. 2.1%), or both (4.2% vs. 1.2%; all p < 0.01). Based on multivariate analyses, risk factors for cardiovascular problems included ages 40–60 years RR: 3.66; 95% CI: 1.87 to 7.17), 60–80 years RR: 14.18; 95% CI: 7.65 to 26.30), and 80 years or older RR: 25.34; 95% CI: 13.16 to 48.78); male sex RR: 2.25; 95% CI: 1.72 to 2.94); U.S. citizenship RR: 2.10; 95% CI: 1.08 to 4.08); annual incomes of $20,000–$45,000 RR: 1.81; 95% CI: 1.21 to 2.70) and less than $20,000 RR: 3.05; 95% CI: 1.81 to 5.14); comorbid diabetes mellitus RR: 2.97; 95% CI: 2.05 to 4.32); and physical inactivity RR: 1.98; 95% CI: 1.41 to 2.79). Conclusions: Independent risk factors for IHD and CHF in CSS were identified. The risk stratification schema presented here may be helpful in developing a risk-based approach to preventive cardiovascular strategies for CSS.
Eastern Canadian Colorectal Cancer Consensus Conference: Standards of Care for the Treatment of Patients with Rectal, Pancreatic, and Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumours and Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumours
Authors: Di Valentin T. , Biagi J. , Bourque S. , Butt R. , Champion P. , Chaput V. , Colwell B. , Cripps C. , Dorreen M. , Edwards S. , Falkson C. , Frechette D. , Gill S. , Goel R. , Grant D. , Hammad N. , Jeyakumar A. , L’Espérance M. , Marginean C. , Maroun J. , Nantais M. , Perrin N. , Quinton C. , Rother M. , Samson B. , Siddiqui J. , Singh S. , Snow S. , St-Hilaire E. , Tehfe M. , Thirlwell M. , Welch S. , Williams L. , Wright F. , Goodwin R.
Published: October 2013

The annual Eastern Canadian Colorectal Cancer Consensus Conference was held in Halifax, Nova Scotia, October 20–22, 2011. Health care professionals involved in the care of patients with colorectal cancer participated in presentation and discussion sessions for the purposes of developing the recommendations presented here. This consensus statement addresses current issues in the management of rectal cancer, including pathology reporting, neoadjuvant systemic and radiation therapy, surgical techniques, and palliative care of rectal cancer patients. Other topics discussed include multidisciplinary cancer conferences, treatment of gastrointestinal stromal tumours and pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours, the use of folfirinox in pancreatic cancer, and treatment of stage ii colon cancer.
Colorectal Cancer Screening in Canada: Results from the First Round of Screening for Five Provincial Programs
Authors: Major D. , Bryant H. , Delaney M. , Fekete S. , Gentile L. , Harrison M. , Mai V. , Nicholson E. , Taylor Y.
Published: October 2013

Background: Early implementation of programmatic colorectal cancer (CRC) screening for average-risk individuals 50–74 years of age in Canada has used fecal occult blood tests [FTS (guaiac or immunochemical)] and colonoscopy for follow-up of abnormal FTS. This paper presents results of an evaluation of this CRC screening. Methods: Five Canadian provincial programs provided aggregated data for individuals with a first-round FT processed between January 1, 2009, and December 31, 2011. Results: The 104,750 people who successfully completed a first round of screening represented 16.1% of those who had access to the programs between January 1, 2009, and December 31, 2011 (mean age: 61.2 years; men: 61.4 years; women: 61.1 years). Of those participants, 4661 had an abnormal FT (4.4%). Uptake of colonoscopy within 180 days after an abnormal FT was 80.5%, ranging from 67.8% to 89.5% by program. The positive predictive value (PPV) for adenoma was 35.9% for guaiac FT and 50.6% for immunochemical FT. Adenoma and CRC detection rates were, respectively, 16.9 and 1.8 per 1000 screened. Of invasive crcs detected, 64.6% were stage I or II. Conclusions: Considering the variation in characteristics and stage of implementation of each provincial program, the collaboration of the provinces leading to this report on the early performance of CRC screening in Canada is a major milestone. Targets are met or nearly met for significant indicators such as PPV for adenoma and cancer detection rate. Participation is expected to increase as programs are fully implemented in the provinces. Additional effort may be needed to improve timely access to follow-up colonoscopy.
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN CELL FUNCTION AND INITIAL CELL SEEDING DENSITY OF PRIMARY PORCINE CHONDROCYTES IN VITRO
Authors: Zhang Kun , Wang Lili , Han Qianqian , Heng Boon Chin , Yang Zheng , Ge Zigang
Published: October 2013

Maintenance of differentiated functional phenotype within in vitro chondrocyte culture requires seeding at high densities with large numbers of cells. However, optimal cell seeding numbers and densities remain elusive due to multiple varying parameters and different methodologies utilized in previous studies. In the current study, we tried to investigate the relationship between cell seeding number and differentiated functional phenotype of in vitro cultured chondrocytes. Varying numbers of primary porcine chondrocytes (0.25, 2.5, 25 and 250 K) were seeded in 96 well-plates and cultured for 4 weeks. Cell proliferation, glycosaminoglycan (GAG) production and gene expression levels of Sox9, aggrecan, COL II and COL I were evaluated. The results showed that GAG content was high in the 0.25 and 25 K groups, gene expression of Sox9 was high in the 2.5, 25 and 250 K groups and expression of COL II was high in the 25 K group, whereas expression of COL I was low in the 0.25, 25 and 250 K groups. It is concluded that the seeding number and density of the 25 K (78 K cells/cm2) group achieved the optimal balance between functional phenotype of individual cells and the total ECM production for in vitro cultured chondrocytes.
Disrupting the Magic Circle
Authors: Remmele Bernd , Whitton Nicola
Published: October 2013

Studies on game-based learning often focus on positive motivations, behaviours, and outcomes. However, negative social behaviours are common in play. Game play is important for moral learning since players learn to comply with rules, fairness, and accountability. Games allow, and sometimes encourage, negative behaviours, which release players’ obligations to behave in accepted ways and create new social situations where players learn to control behaviours as well as tolerate such behaviours in others. Sometimes this process fails and the magic circle of play is transgressed. Negative social behaviours, such as cheating, spoil-sporting, or sabotage, threaten to “break the magic circle” by disrupting the boundary between “game world” and “real world.” Even if game rules encourage such behaviours, they can undermine the accepted social norms in both contexts. Educational game designers, researchers, and practitioners must appreciate and understand negative social behaviours and attitudes and the processes they can initiate.
Individual Differences in the Enjoyment and Effectiveness of Serious Games
Authors: Blasko Dawn G. , Lum Heather C. , White Matthew M. , Drabik Holly Blasko
Published: October 2013

Individuals differ in a myriad of ways and the promise of using a digital game format to teach or train new knowledge and skills is that they may be designed to allow each user to take their own path through the game and therefore create a more person-centered experience. The current chapter explores the research on some of the many individual differences that may be important to the design, use, and success of a serious game. These include factors that influence motivation to play and learn and learner characteristics such as age, gender, and ethnicity. Cognitive characteristics such as working memory and spatial skills can influence the play environment and may actually be improved by regular gaming. Finally, one area that has been much less studied is individual differences in teachers and trainers who often are charged with the implementation of the serious games.
Games for and by Teachers and Learners
Authors: van Rosmalen Peter , Wilson Amanda , Hummel Hans G.K.
Published: October 2013

With the advent of social media, it is widely accepted that teachers and learners are not only consumers but also may have an active role in contributing and co-creating lesson materials and content. Paradoxically, one strand of technology-enhanced learning (i.e. game-based learning) aligns only slightly to this development. Games, while there to experience, explore, and collaborate, are almost exclusively designed by professionals. Despite, or maybe because, games are the exclusive domain of professional developers, the general impression is that games require complex technologies and that games are difficult to organise and to embed in a curriculum. This chapter makes a case that games are not necessarily the exclusive domain of game professionals. Rather than enforcing teachers to get acquainted with and use complex, technically demanding games, the authors discuss approaches that teachers themselves can use to build games, make use of existing games, and even one step beyond use tools or games that can be used by learners to create their own designs (e.g. games or virtual worlds).
An Examination of Organization-Information System Fit from Perspectives of Technical Fit and User Fit
Authors: Hester Andrea J.
Published: October 2013

Information systems have evolved into ubiquitous, Web-based technologies that eliminate the boundaries of time and space, and support higher levels of social interaction. In order to achieve the highest return from information systems, organizations must match the capabilities of technology with their environment. This research proposes a model of Organization-Information System Fit based on task-technology fit and theories of user acceptance. Organization-information system fit may be achieved by balancing technical fit and user fit. Technical fit can be characterized as congruence among process-technology fit and task-technology fit. The idea of user fit is introduced as a moderator of the relationship between technical fit and utilization. Higher degrees of both technical fit and user fit should result in positive impacts on utilization and performance.
Risk Factors in IT Outsourcing and the Theories Decision Makers Use to Resolve Them
Authors: Hodosi Georg , Manavi Sanaz , Rusu Lazar
Published: October 2013

In this paper the Risk Factors (RFs) in IT Outsourcing (ITO) theories from a service buyer perspective are explored. A comparative study about how Transaction Cost Theory (TCT), Core Competency Theory (CCT) and Agency Theory (AT) cover the RFs has been performed. A framework describing, how the theories cover the RFs has been developed and tested using a case study research methodology. The interviews with companies for testing the framework have been used to get an indication about which ITO theories the decision makers are using in their ITO. This study shows that TCT fully covers all RFs, AT covers almost all and CCT has the lowest coverage. The theories, which are used by the ITO decision makers, could only partially be answered. Risk handling could not be entirely mapped to the theories. Risk and risk mitigation were the main concerns for some of the interviewees, CCT for some others. This study recommends using both TCT and CCT for a successful ITO.
The Porn Drift
Authors: Sunčič Mitja
Published: October 2013

The author introduces a concept he calls “the porn drift” and which describes the rift that exists between the experience of sexual intercourse as presented in pornographic moving pictures and that which is acted out in the corporeal world with another human being. He traces the cause for the porn drift to the technologically determined nature of pornography, which prevents it from conveying the most real experience involved in sexual intercourse with another human being: the tactile experience. Touching upon the historical development of pornography, he tries to understand the emergence and prevalence of the so-called “gonzo pornography” on the Internet and sees its existence as the tool for the pornographers to compensate for their genre’s inherent inability to convey the real sexual experience to the consumers. Finally, the author describes what he sees as an emerging new sexual practice that might greatly influence sex life in the new millennium, a practice defined by the merger of advanced information technology, hard-core pornography and masturbation.
Microglial Activation Milieu Controls Regulatory T Cell Responses
Authors: Ebner Friederike , Brandt Christine , Thiele Peggy , Richter Daniel , Schliesser Ulrike , Siffrin Volker , Schueler Jutta , Stubbe Tobias , Ellinghaus Agnes , Meisel Christian , Sawitzki Birgit , Nitsch Robert
Published: October 2013

Although mechanisms leading to brain-specific inflammation and T cell activation have been widely investigated, regulatory mechanisms of local innate immune cells in the brain are only poorly understood. In this study, to our knowledge we show for the first time that MHC class II+CD40dimCD86dimIL-10+ microglia are potent inducers of Ag-specific CD4+Foxp3+ regulatory T cells (Tregs) in vitro. Microglia differentially regulated MHC class II expression, costimulatory molecules, and IL-10 depending on the amount of IFN-γ challenge and Ag dose, promoting either effector T cell or Treg induction. Microglia-induced Tregs were functionally active in vitro by inhibiting Ag-specific proliferation of effector T cells, and in vivo by attenuating experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis disease course after adoptive transfer. These results indicate that MHC class II+CD40dimCD86dimIL-10+ microglia have regulatory properties potentially influencing local immune responses in the CNS.
Completions, Coordination, and Alignment in Dialogue
Authors: Poesio Massimo , Rieses Hannes
Published: October 2013

Collaborative completions are among the strongest evidence that dialogue requires coordination even at the sub-sentential level; the study of sentence completions may thus shed light on a number of central issues both at the `macro’ level of dialogue management and at the `micro’ level of the semantic interpretation of utterances. We propose a treatment of collaborative completions in PTT, a theory of interpretation in dialogue that provides some of the necessary ingredients for a formal account of completions at the ‘micro’ level, such a theory of incremental utterance interpretation and an account of grounding. We argue that an account of semantic interpretation in completions can be provided through relatively straightforward generalizations of existing theories of syntax such as Lexical Tree Adjoining Grammar (LTAG) and of semantics such as (Compositional) DRT and SituationSemantics. At the macro level, we provide an intentional account of completions, as well as a preliminary account within Pickering and Garrod’s alignment theory.
Photosynthesis-dependent isoprene emission from leaf to planet in a global carbon-chemistry-climate model
Authors: Unger N. , Harper K. , Zheng Y. , Kiang N. Y. , Aleinov I. , Arneth A. , Schurgers G. , Amelynck C. , Goldstein A. , Guenther A. , Heinesch B. , Hewitt C. N. , Karl T. , Laffineur Q. , Langford B. , A. McKinney K. , Misztal P. , Potosnak M. , Rinne J. , Pressley S. , Schoon N. , Serça D.
Published: October 2013

Abstract. We describe the implementation of a biochemical model of isoprene emission that depends on the electron requirement for isoprene synthesis into the Farquhar–Ball–Berry leaf model of photosynthesis and stomatal conductance that is embedded within a global chemistry-climate simulation framework. The isoprene production is calculated as a function of electron transport-limited photosynthesis, intercellular and atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration, and canopy temperature. The vegetation biophysics module computes the photosynthetic uptake of carbon dioxide coupled with the transpiration of water vapor and the isoprene emission rate at the 30 min physical integration time step of the global chemistry-climate model. In the model, the rate of carbon assimilation provides the dominant control on isoprene emission variability over canopy temperature. A control simulation representative of the present-day climatic state that uses 8 plant functional types (PFTs), prescribed phenology and generic PFT-specific isoprene emission potentials (fraction of electrons available for isoprene synthesis) reproduces 50% of the variability across different ecosystems and seasons in a global database of 28 measured campaign-average fluxes. Compared to time-varying isoprene flux measurements at 9 select sites, the model authentically captures the observed variability in the 30 min average diurnal cycle (R2 = 64–96%) and simulates the flux magnitude to within a factor of 2. The control run yields a global isoprene source strength of 451 TgC yr−1 that increases by 30% in the artificial absence of plant water stress and by 55% for potential natural vegetation.
Particle number concentrations over Europe in 2030: the role of emissions and new particle formation
Authors: Ahlm L. , Julin J. , Fountoukis C. , Pandis S. N. , Riipinen I.
Published: October 2013

Abstract. The aerosol particle number concentration is a key parameter when estimating impacts of aerosol particles on climate and human health. We use a three-dimensional chemical transport model with detailed microphysics, PMCAMx-UF, to simulate particle number concentrations over Europe in the year 2030, by applying emission scenarios for trace gases and primary aerosols. The scenarios are based on expected changes in anthropogenic emissions of sulfur dioxide, ammonia, nitrogen oxides, and primary aerosol particles with a diameter less than 2.5 μm (PM2.5) focusing on a photochemically active period, and the implications for other seasons are discussed. For the baseline scenario, which represents a best estimate of the evolution of anthropogenic emissions in Europe, PMCAMx-UF predicts that the total particle number concentration (Ntot) will decrease by 30–70% between 2008 and 2030. The number concentration of particles larger than 100 nm (N100), a proxy for cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) concentration, is predicted to decrease by 40–70% during the same period. The predicted decrease in Ntot is mainly a result of reduced new particle formation due to the expected reduction in SO2 emissions, whereas the predicted decrease in N100 is a result of both decreasing condensational growth and reduced primary aerosol emissions. For larger emission reductions, PMCAMx-UF predicts reductions of 60–80% in both Ntot and N100 over Europe. Sensitivity tests reveal that a reduction in SO2 emissions is far more efficient than any other emission reduction investigated, in reducing Ntot. For N100, emission reductions of both SO2 and PM2.5 contribute significantly to the reduced concentration, even though SO2 plays the dominant role once more. The impact of SO2 for both new particle formation and growth over Europe may be expected to be somewhat higher during the simulated period with high photochemical activity than during times of the year with less incoming solar radiation. The predicted reductions in both Ntot and N100 between 2008 and 2030 in this study will likely reduce both the aerosol direct and indirect effects, and limit the damaging effects of aerosol particles on human health in Europe.
Ozone ProfilE Retrieval Algorithm for nadir-looking satellite instruments in the UV-VIS
Authors: van Peet J. C. A. , van der A R. J. , Tuinder O. N. E. , Wolfram E. , Salvador J. , Levelt P. F. , Kelder H. M.
Published: October 2013

Abstract. For the retrieval of the vertical distribution of ozone in the atmosphere the Ozone ProfilE Retrieval Algorithm (OPERA) has been further developed. The new version (1.26) of OPERA is capable of retrieving ozone profiles from UV-VIS observations of most nadir looking satellite instruments like GOME, SCIAMACHY, OMI and GOME-2. The set-up of OPERA is described and results are presented for GOME and GOME-2 observations. The retrieved ozone profiles are globally compared to ozone sondes for the year 1997 and 2008. Relative differences between GOME/GOME-2 and ozone sondes are within the limits as specified by the user requirements from the Climate Change Initiative (CCI) program of ESA. To demonstrate the performance of the algorithm under extreme circumstances the 2009 Antarctic ozone hole season was investigated in more detail using GOME-2 ozone profiles and lidar data, which showed an unusual persistence of the vortex over the Río Gallegos observing station (51° S, 69.3° W). By applying OPERA to multiple instruments a timeseries of ozone profiles from 1996 to 2013 from a single robust algorithm can be created.
Technical Note: Precise quantitative measurements of total dissolved inorganic carbon from small amounts of seawater using a gas chromatographic system
Authors: Hansen T. , Gardeler B. , Matthiessen B.
Published: October 2013

Abstract. Total dissolved inorganic carbon (CT) is one of the most frequently measured parameters used to calculate the partial pressure of carbon dioxide in seawater. Its determination has become increasingly important because of the rising interest in the biological effects of ocean acidification. Coulometric and infrared detection methods are currently favored in order to precisely quantify CT. These methods however are not sufficiently validated for CT measurements of biological experiments manipulating seawater carbonate chemistry with an extended CT measurement range (~1250–2400 μmol kg–1) compared to natural open ocean seawater (~1950–2200 μmol kg−1). The requirement of total sample amounts between 0.1–1 L seawater in the coulometric- and infrared detection methods potentially exclude their use for experiments working with much smaller volumes. Additionally, precise CT analytics become difficult with high amounts of biomass (e.g., phytoplankton cultures) or even impossible in the presence of planktonic calcifiers without sample pre-filtration. Filtration however, can alter CT concentration through gas exchange induced by high pressure. Addressing these problems, we present precise quantification of CT using a small, basic and inexpensive gas chromatograph as a CT analyzer. Our technique is able to provide a repeatability of ±3.1 μmol kg−1, given by the pooled standard deviation over a CT range typically applied in acidification experiments. 200 μL of sample is required to perform the actual CT measurement. The total sample amount needed is 12 mL. Moreover, we show that sample filtration is applicable with only minor alteration of the CT. The method is simple, reliable and with low cumulative material costs. Hence, it is potentially attractive for all researchers experimentally manipulating the seawater carbonate system.
Solubility of iron and other trace elements in rainwater collected on the Kerguelen Islands (South Indian Ocean)
Authors: Heimburger A. , Losno R. , Triquet S.
Published: October 2013

Abstract. The soluble fraction of aerosols that is deposited on the open ocean is vital for phytoplankton growth. It is believed that a large proportion of this dissolved fraction is bioavailable for marine biota and thus plays an important role in primary production, especially in HNLC oceanic areas where this production is limited by micronutrient supply. There is still much uncertainty surrounding the solubility of atmospheric particles in global biogeochemical cycles and it is not well understood. In this study, we present the solubilities of seven elements (Al, Ce, Fe, La, Mn, Nd, Ti) in rainwater on the Kerguelen Islands, in the middle of the Southern Indian Ocean. The solubilities of elements exhibit high values, generally greater than 70%, and Ti remains the least soluble element. Because the Southern Indian Ocean is remote from its dust sources, only a fraction of smaller aerosols reaches the Kerguelen Islands after undergoing several cloud and chemical processes during their transport, resulting in a drastic increase in solubility. Finally, we deduced an average soluble iron deposition flux of 27 ± 6 μg m−2 d−1 (~0.5 μmol m−2 d−1) for the studied oceanic area, taking into account a median iron solubility of 82% ± 18%.
Observation of 2nd Schumann eigenmode on Titan's surface
Authors: Béghin C. , Wattieaux G. , Grard R. , Hamelin M. , Lebreton J. P.
Published: October 2013

Abstract. This work presents the results obtained from an updated data analysis of the observations of extremely low frequency (ELF) electromagnetic waves performed with the HASI-PWA (Huygens Atmospheric Structure and Permittivity, Wave and Altimetry) instrumentation after Huygens Probe landing on Titan's surface in January 2005. The most significant signals observed at around 36 Hz throughout the descent in the atmosphere have been extensively analyzed for several years, and subsequently interpreted as the signature of a Schumann resonance, although the latter exhibits atypical peculiarities compared with those known on Earth. The usual depicting methods of space wave data used so far could not allow for retrieving the presence of weak signals when Huygens was at rest for 32 min on Titan's surface. Whereas the expected signal seems hidden within the instrumental noise, we show that a careful statistical analysis of the amplitude distribution of the 418 spectral density samples of the 36 Hz line reveals abnormal characteristics compared to other frequencies. This behavior is shown to occur under propitious circumstances due to the characteristics of the onboard data conversion processes into digital telemetry counts, namely 8-bit dynamic after logarithm compression of the DFT (Discrete Fourier Transform) of ELF waveforms. Since this phenomenon is observed only at the frequency bin around 36 Hz, we demonstrate that the Schumann resonance, seen in the atmosphere within the same band is still present on the surface, albeit with a much smaller amplitude compared to that measured before and a few seconds after the impact, because the electric dipole is thought to have been stabilized ten seconds later almost horizontally until the end of the measurements.