bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The impact of cultural diversity on firm innovation: evidence from Dutch micro-data
Authors: Ozgen Ceren , Nijkamp Peter , Poot Jacques
Published: September 2013

An important question for firms and policy makers is whether the recruitment of
foreign workers can boost innovation. Migration studies have demonstrated
positive economic impacts of cultural diversity on productivity and innovation
at the regional level, but the impacts at firm level are less well known.
Merging data from four different sources, provided by Statistics Netherlands, we
construct and analyze a unique linked employer-employee micro dataset of 4582
firms that includes qualitative information on firm innovation. We consider both
the number of immigrants these firms employ and their cultural diversity.
Potential endogeneity of migrant employment is addressed by an instrumental
variables approach that accounts for the past geographic distribution of
immigrants and the past culinary diversity of the municipality the firm is
located in. We find robust evidence that firms employing relatively more
migrants are less innovative. However, there is evidence of integration in that
this effect is generally less strong or even absent for second generation
immigrants. Moreover, firms employing a more diverse foreign workforce are more
innovative, particularly in terms of product innovations. The benefits of
diversity for innovation are more apparent in sectors employing relatively more
skilled immigrants.

JEL codes

D22, F22, O31
Development and Standardization of a Furosemide Stress Test to Predict the Severity of Acute Kidney Injury
Authors: Chawla Lakhmir S , Davison Danielle L , Brasha-Mitchell Ermira , Koyner Jay L , Arthur John M , Shaw Andrew D , Tumlin James A , Trevino Sharon A , Kimmel Paul L , Seneff Michael G
Published: September 2013

Introduction

In the setting of early acute kidney injury (AKI), no test has been shown to definitively predict the progression to more severe stages.

Methods

We investigated the ability of a furosemide stress test (FST) (one-time dose of 1.0 or 1.5 mg/kg depending on prior furosemide-exposure) to predict the development of AKIN Stage-III in 2 cohorts of critically ill subjects with early AKI. Cohort 1 was a retrospective cohort who received a FST in the setting of AKI in critically ill patients as part of Southern AKI Network. Cohort 2 was a prospective multicenter group of critically ill patients who received their FST in the setting of early AKI.

Results

We studied 77 subjects; 23 from cohort 1 and 54 from cohort 2; 25 (32.4%) met the primary endpoint of progression to AKIN-III. Subjects with progressive AKI had significantly lower urine output following FST in each of the first 6 hours (p<0.001). The area under the receiver operator characteristic curves for the total urine output over the first 2 hours following FST to predict progression to AKIN-III was 0.87 (p = 0.001). The ideal-cutoff for predicting AKI progression during the first 2 hours following FST was a urine volume of less than 200mls(100ml/hr) with a sensitivity of 87.1% and specificity 84.1%.

Conclusions

The FST in subjects with early AKI serves as a novel assessment of tubular function with robust predictive capacity to identify those patients with severe and progressive AKI. Future studies to validate these findings are warranted.
CSF-1 receptor-mediated differentiation of a new type of monocytic cell with B cell-stimulating activity: its selective dependence on IL-34
Authors: Yamane Fumihiro , Nishikawa Yumiko , Matsui Kazue , Asakura Miki , Iwasaki Eriko , Watanabe Koji , Tanimoto Hikaru , Sano Hiroki , Fujiwara Yuki , Stanley E Richard , Kanayama Naoki , Mabbott Neil A , Magari Masaki , Ohmori Hitoshi
Published: September 2013

With the use of a mouse FDC line, FL-Y, we have been analyzing roles for FDCs in controlling B cell fate in GCs. Beside these regulatory functions, we fortuitously found that FL-Y cells induced a new type of CD11b+ monocytic cells (F4/80+, Gr-1−, Ly6C−, I-A/E−/lo, CD11c−, CD115+, CXCR4+, CCR2+, CX3CR1−) when cultured with a Lin−c-kit+ population from mouse spleen cells. The developed CD11b+ cells shared a similar gene-expression profile to mononuclear phagocytes and were designated as FDMCs. Here, we describe characteristic immunological functions and the induction mechanism of FDMCs. Proliferation of anti-CD40 antibody-stimulated B cells was markedly accelerated in the presence of FDMCs. In addition, the FDMC-activated B cells efficiently acquired GC B cell-associated markers (Fas and GL-7). We observed an increase of FDMC-like cells in mice after immunization. On the other hand, FL-Y cells were found to produce CSF-1 as well as IL-34, both of which are known to induce development of macrophages and monocytes by binding to the common receptor, CSF-1R, expressed on the progenitors. However, we show that FL-Y-derived IL-34, but not CSF-1, was selectively responsible for FDMC generation using neutralizing antibodies and RNAi. We also confirmed that FDMC generation was strictly dependent on CSF-1R. To our knowledge, a CSF-1R-mediated differentiation process that is intrinsically specific for IL-34 has not been reported. Our results provide new insights into understanding the diversity of IL-34 and CSF-1 signaling pathways through CSF-1R.
Hypomorphic mutation in the RAG2 gene affects dendritic cell distribution and migration
Authors: Maina Virginia , Marrella Veronica , Mantero Stefano , Cassani Barbara , Fontana Elena , Anselmo Achille , Del Prete Annalisa , Sozzani Silvano , Vezzoni Paolo , Poliani Pietro Luigi , Villa Anna
Published: September 2013

OS is a severe combined immunodeficiency characterized by erythrodermia and protracted diarrhea as a result of infiltration of oligoclonal-activated T cells, caused by hypomorphic mutations in RAGs. The RAG2R229Q mouse model fully recapitulates the clinical OS phenotype. We evaluated whether T and B cell defects, together with the abnormal lymphoid structure, could affect DC homeostasis and function. High density of LCs was observed in skin biopsies of Omenn patients and in the derma of RAG2R229Q mice, correlating with the presence of erythrodermia. In vivo models of cutaneous skin painting and CHS demonstrated a decreased migration of RAG2R229Q DCs—in particular, LCs—into draining LNs. Interestingly, at steady state, RAG2R229Q mice showed a reduction in DC number in all hematopoietic organs except LNs. Analysis of the MHCII marker revealed a diminished expression also upon the LPS-driven inflammatory condition. Despite the decreased number of peripheral DCs, BM pre-cDCs were present in normal number compared with RAG2+/+ controls, whereas pDCs and monocytes were reduced significantly. Overall, these results point to a secondary defect in the DC compartment, which contributes to clinical manifestations and autoimmunity in OS.
The pan-Bcl-2 blocker obatoclax promotes the expression of Puma, Noxa, and Bim mRNA and induces apoptosis in neoplastic mast cells
Authors: Peter Barbara , Cerny-Reiterer Sabine , Hadzijusufovic Emir , Schuch Karina , Stefanzl Gabriele , Eisenwort Gregor , Gleixner Karoline V , Hoermann Gregor , Mayerhofer Matthias , Kundi Michael , Baumgartner Sigrid , Sperr Wolfgang R , Pickl Winfried F , Willmann Michael , Valent Peter
Published: September 2013

Advanced SM is an incurable neoplasm with short survival time. So far, no effective therapy is available for these patients. We and others have shown recently that neoplastic MC in ASM and MCL express antiapoptotic Mcl-1, Bcl-2, and Bcl-xL. In this study, we examined the effects of the pan-Bcl-2 family blocker obatoclax (GX015-070) on primary neoplastic MC, the human MC leukemia cell line HMC-1, and the canine mastocytoma cell line C2. Obatoclax was found to inhibit proliferation in primary human neoplastic MC (IC50: 0.057 μM), in HMC-1.2 cells expressing KIT D816V (IC50: 0.72 μM), and in HMC-1.1 cells lacking KIT D816V (IC50: 0.09 μM), as well as in C2 cells (IC50: 0.74 μM). The growth-inhibitory effects of obatoclax in HMC-1 cells were accompanied by an increase in expression of Puma, Noxa, and Bim mRNA, as well as by apoptosis, as evidenced by microscopy, TUNEL assay, and caspase cleavage. Viral-mediated overexpression of Mcl-1, Bcl-xL, or Bcl-2 in HMC-1 cells was found to introduce partial resistance against apoptosis-inducing effects of obatoclax. We were also able to show that obatoclax synergizes with several other antineoplastic drugs, including dasatinib, midostaurin, and bortezomib, in producing apoptosis and/or growth arrest in neoplastic MC. Together, obatoclax exerts major growth-inhibitory effects on neoplastic MC and potentiates the antineoplastic activity of other targeted drugs. Whether these drug effects can be translated to application in patients with advanced SM remains to be determined.
Supramolecular Chemistry of Pyrrole-Based π-Conjugated Molecules
Authors: Maeda Hiromitsu
Published: September 2013

This article summarizes the supramolecular chemistry of pyrrole-based π-conjugated molecules, with specific focus on the work carried out by the author’s group over the last nine years. The author provides a number of examples of supramolecular assemblies and functional materials comprising pyrrole-based molecules stabilized by noncovalent interactions such as metal coordination, hydrogen bonding, π–π stacking, and van der Waals forces. In particular, pyrrole-based π-conjugated molecules showed anion-binding behavior, and formed ion-based materials, wherein positively and negatively charged species were arranged in an ordered form by combination with appropriate cations.
Skeletal Reorganization of Enynes Catalyzed by a Ru(II)–Ru(III) Mixed-valence Complex under an Atmosphere of O2 or CO
Authors: Nakae Takahiro , Yasunaga Tomohiko , Kamiya Motonobu , Fukumoto Yoshiya , Chatani Naoto
Published: September 2013

A mixed-valence Ru(II)–Ru(III) complex was used to catalyze the skeletal reorganization of 1,6-enynes, leading to the production of 1-vinylcyclopentene derivatives. The reaction proceeded optimally in an atmosphere of O2 or CO. The presence of an alkyl group at the internal olefinic carbon in the starting enyne resulted in an increase in product yield compared to that bearing no substituent on the olefin moiety.
Congestion Behavior and Tolls in a Bottleneck Model with Stochastic Capacity
Authors: Xiao Ling-Ling , Huang Hai-Jun , Liu Ronghui
Published: September 2013

In this paper we investigate a bottleneck model in which the capacity of the bottleneck is assumed stochastic and follows a uniform distribution. The commuters' departure time choice is assumed to follow the user equilibrium principle according to mean trip cost. The analytical solution of the proposed model is derived. Both the analytical and numerical results show that the capacity variability would indeed change the commuters' travel behavior by increasing the mean trip cost and lengthening the peak period. We then design congestion pricing schemes within the framework of the new stochastic bottleneck model, for both a time-varying toll and a single-step coarse toll, and prove that the proposed piecewise time-varying toll can effectively cut down, and even eliminate, the queues behind the bottleneck. We also find that the single-step coarse toll could either advance or postpone the earliest departure time. Furthermore, the numerical results show that the proposed pricing schemes can indeed improve the efficiency of the stochastic bottleneck through decreasing the system’s total travel cost.
Gratitude versus Entitlement: A Dual Process Model of the Profitability Implications of Customer Prioritization
Authors: Wetzel Hauke A. , Hammerschmidt Maik , Zablah Alex R.
Published: September 2013

Customer prioritization strategies, which focus a firm's efforts on its most important customers, are expected to improve account profitability. Anecdotal evidence suggests, however, that such strategies may also undermine account profitability by inducing customers to become overly demanding. Building on social exchange theory, this research evaluates these competing perspectives across two field studies and finds that prioritization is best understood as a double-edged sword. Specifically, the results reveal that prioritization efforts initiate both a gratitude-driven process, which enhances sales and profit, and an entitlement-driven process, which increases service costs and reduces profit. Importantly, the findings indicate that prioritization tactics differ in the extent to which they trigger these competing processes and thus in their ability to influence account profitability. Finally, the results also reveal that critical moderators (competitive intensity and prioritization transparency) determine the extent to which the entitlement-driven process undermines the gratitude-driven process. For managers, the findings suggest that both the tactics employed and moderating conditions determine whether prioritization has a positive, negative, or negligible effect on prioritized accounts’ profitability.
The Internet, News Consumption, and Political Attitudes – Evidence for Sweden
Authors: Liang Che-Yuan , Nordin Mattias
Published: September 2013

We investigate the effects of the rise of the Internet as an additional mass medium on news consumption patterns and political attitudes. We use Swedish survey data from 2002 to 2007, the period during which high-speed Internet (broadband) emerged. We find that broadband access is associated with online media consumption. The crowd out of offline consumption is, however, small. Furthermore, these altered news consumption patterns have no or small effects on political attitudes.
Combined treatment of green pitch pine wood by heat and superheated steam and the effects on physical properties of the products
Authors: Park Yonggun , Eom Chang-Deuk , Han Yeonjung , Park Jun-Ho , Chang Yoon-Seong , Yang Sang-Yun , Choi Joon-Weon , Yeo Hwanmyeong
Published: September 2013

Pitch pine (P. rigida) wood was treated with superheated steam (SHS) and the subsequent effects due to drying and heat treatment (HT) were observed. The following treatment parameters were tested: 180°C air HT, 220°C air HT, 0.1 MPa–180°C SHS HT, 0.1 MPa–220°C SHS HT, 0.5 MPa–180°C SHS HT, and 0.5 MPa–220°C SHS HT. No drying checks were observed in the specimens (500×150×50 mm3) treated at 0.5 MPa–220°C SHS and with these treatment parameters, equilibrium moisture content (EMC) was the lowest. Low EMC has an effect on physical properties such as shrinkage, compressive strength parallel to the grain, bending strength, hardness, and decay resistance. Based on the results, it is expected that the green wood in a large scale is possible to be simultaneously dried and heat-treated without occurrence of checks by the SHS HT process.
Mechanical performance of cellulose nanofibril film-wood flake laminate
Authors: Liu Jen-Chieh , Moon Robert J. , Rudie Alan , Youngblood Jeffrey P.
Published: September 2013

Homogeneous and transparent CNF films, fabricated from the (2,2,6,6- tetramethylpiperidin-1-yl) oxyl (TEMPO)-modified CNF suspension, were laminated onto wood flakes (WF) based on phenol-formaldehyde (PF) resin and the reinforcement potential of the material has been investigated. The focus was on the influence of CNF film lamination, relative humidity (RH), heat treatment, and anisotropic properties of WF on the CNF-WF laminate tensile properties (elastic modulus, ultimate tensile strength, strain to failure). Results demonstrated that CNF-WF laminates had improved mechanical performance as compared to the neat WF. In the WF transverse direction, there were gains of nearly 200% in Young’s modulus and 300% in ultimate tensile strength. However, in the WF axial direction, the reinforcement effect was minor after PF modification of the wood and the presence of the CNF layers. The effective elastic moduli of the CNF-WF laminates were calculated based on the laminated plate theory, and the calculation in both axial and transverse directions were in agreement with the experimental results.
Influence of Laboratory Mixing Procedures on Volumetric and Mechanical Properties of RAP Mixtures
Authors: Hajj Elie Y. , Souliman Mena I. , Sebaaly Peter E. , Barton Matthew
Published: September 2013

The primary goal of this study was to assess the effectiveness of specific laboratory mixing procedures in simulating the production of plant-produced hot mix asphalt (HMA) mixtures with high reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) content. Three distinct methods for incorporating the RAP material into the mixing process were examined. The first method consisted of heating and mixing the virgin aggregate, virgin asphalt binder, and RAP material at the appropriate mixing temperature for the virgin asphalt binder. The second method consisted of superheating the virgin aggregates according to the National Asphalt Pavement Association (NAPA) recommendations, with the virgin asphalt binder heated to the appropriate temperature and the RAP material introduced dry and at the ambient temperature. Last, the third method was similar to the second procedure with the exception of adding the RAP material wet at the ambient temperature. Mixing temperatures were examined over the duration of the mixing process for each method. This provided insight into how effectively the virgin aggregate is transferring heat to the RAP material. Additionally, a short-term oven-aging analysis was utilized to determine the appropriate aging time in the laboratory to replicate the aging experienced by the plant-produced mixtures. Last, compacted samples were created for each mixing method, as well as for the plant-produced laboratory-compacted mixtures, to analyze the volumetric properties and mechanical properties using the dynamic modulus. Based on the data generated in this study, the most appropriate method was recommended to be instituted in the laboratory for mixing HMA mixtures containing RAP material because of its simplicity and its close results to the plant-produced mixtures.
Are prognostic scoring systems of value in patients with follicular thyroid carcinoma?
Authors: Ríos A , Rodríguez J M , Ferri B , Matínez-Barba E , Febrero B , Parrilla P
Published: September 2013

Purpose

Most prognostic systems for differentiated carcinoma have been designed for papillary carcinoma.

Objective

To analyze the value of the existing prognostic systems for evaluating follicular carcinoma and to determine whether any of them have a better predictive effect.

Methods

A total of 66 follicular carcinomas were analyzed. The following prognostic systems were studied: EORTC, AGES, AMES, MACIS, TNM, and NTCTCS.

Results

The AGES and AMES systems did not demonstrate a good prognostic correlation. In the EORTC system, the rate of disease-free patients was 89% in group 1, 75% in group 2, 69% in group 3, and 0% in group 4. The MACIS system showed 83, 60, 67, and 0% of disease-free patients respectively. The TNM system showed 81, 71, 50, and 0% of disease-free patients respectively. Finally, the NTCTCS system demonstrated 100, 84, 53, and 0% of disease-free patients respectively. Cox's regression analysis was used to calculate the proportion of variation in survival time explained (PVE). The prognostic classification system with the greatest survival prediction was EORTC at 67.64% of PVE, followed by TNM at 62.5% of PVE, and MACIS at 57.82% of PVE.

Conclusions

MACIS and TNM are good prognostic systems for evaluating follicular thyroid carcinoma, although the one with the most prognostic value was the EORTC system.
Prokineticin 1 induces a pro-inflammatory response in murine fetal membranes but does not induce preterm delivery
Authors: Lannagan Tamsin R M , Wilson Martin R , Denison Fiona , Norman Jane E , Catalano Rob D , Jabbour Henry N
Published: September 2013

The mechanisms that regulate the induction of term or preterm delivery (PTD) are not fully understood. Infection is known to play a role in the induction of pro-inflammatory cascades in uteroplacental tissues associated with preterm pathological parturition. Similar but not identical cascades are evident in term labour. In the current study, we used a mouse model to evaluate the role of prokineticins in term and preterm parturition. Prokineticins are multi-functioning secreted proteins that signal through G-protein-coupled receptors to induce gene expression, including genes important in inflammatory responses. Expression of prokineticins (Prok1andProk2) was quantified in murine uteroplacental tissues by QPCR in the days preceding labour (days 16–19).Prok1mRNA expression increased significantly on D18 in fetal membranes (compared with D16) but not in uterus or placenta. Intrauterine injection of PROK1 on D17 induced fetal membrane mRNA expression of the pro-inflammatory mediatorsIl6,Il1b,Tnf,Cxcl2andCxcl5, which are not normally up-regulated until D19 of pregnancy. However, intrauterine injection of PROK1 did not result in PTD. As expected, injection of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced PTD, but this was not associated with changes in expression ofProk1or its receptor (Prokr1) in fetal membranes. These results suggest that althoughProk1exhibits dynamic mRNA regulation in fetal membranes preceding labour and induces a pro-inflammatory response when injected into the uterus on D17, it is insufficient to induce PTD. Additionally, prokineticin up-regulation appears not to be part of the LPS-induced inflammatory response in mouse fetal membranes.
From Birth to Maturity: Midline Tessier 0–14 Craniofacial Cleft Patients who have Completed Protocol Management at a Single Craniofacial Unit
Authors: Pidgeon Thomas E. , Flapper Walter J. , David David J. , Anderson Peter J.
Published: September 2013

Introduction

The rare craniofacial clefts form an important component of craniofacial pathology, but little has been written regarding the definitive management of affected patients. This report describes the presentation, management, and outcomes in a group of patients who have completed their protocol management for treatment of midline Tessier 0–14 clefts.

Methods

A retrospective review of the clinical, photographic, and radiographic records of all midline cleft patients treated at a single center was performed. Data describing each patient's presenting features, surgical management, and final outcomes are presented.

Results

Four patients were identified as having completed protocol management for Tessier 0–14 midline clefting at the unit. The age range at the most recent follow-up was 19.3 to 36.3 years. Three patients had entered protocol management during infancy, and the remaining patient presented to the unit at 13.8 years of age. The surgical management regimen is described in detail. Outcomes for development, hearing, speech, and vision at maturity were all acceptable. Three patients attained a respectable educational and social status. With respect to facial aesthetics scores, the only significant difference after management was a significant worsening of deformity in the region of the orbits. The Whitaker grade for repeat surgery improved after management (3.25 before to 2.63 postmanagement), but this improvement was not statistically significant.

Conclusion

Presented are the results of the first cohort of midline Tessier 0–14 cleft patients to have completed protocol management at a single craniofacial unit. As more patients complete their management in the future, further refinements to the protocol could be made.
Performance of precast concrete floor systems during the 2010/2011 Canterbury earthquake series
Authors: Corney Samuel Robert , Henry Richard Stuart , Ingham Jason Maxwell
Published: September 2013

The 2010/2011 Canterbury earthquakes have provided an opportunity to further examine the seismic performance of precast concrete floor systems. Extensive research has been performed on precast floor systems throughout the past 10 years, during which many deficiencies have been identified and revisions to current standards have been made. Furthermore, a large number of possible failure modes have been examined and were compared against the damage that was observed during the earthquakes. In general, precast flooring units performed well and only minor damage was observed. Severe damage in several buildings was attributed to either displacement incompatibilities within the structure or a lack of robustness of the floor diaphragm as a whole. There have been significant advances in the design provisions for precast concrete floor systems in recent years and much of the observed damage would not have occurred in buildings constructed following current best practice. However, issues remain with the design of floor diaphragms and it has been recommended by the Structural Engineering Society of New Zealand (SESOC) that a more robust and unified design method is required. In particular, minimum topping thicknesses should be increased, precast units should be required to be supported on low-friction bearing strips and non-ductile mesh should not be permitted.
Effect of reinforcement curtailment on deflections, strain and crack development in RC slabs under catenary action
Authors: Gouverneur Dirk , Caspeele Robby , Taerwe Luc
Published: September 2013

The present paper is concerned with the development and influence of catenary action in one-way slabs. The testing of two longitudinally restrained large-scale slab specimens subjected to an accidental event (removal of the central support) and subsequent monotonic vertical loading until collapse is described. The observed increase in the load-carrying capacity as well as the change in the structural behaviour in slabs that are restrained against inward movement is investigated. Whereas the first specimen is designed with continuous flexural reinforcement over the entire length, the second slab test is subjected to the same loading scheme and has the same geometrical dimensions, but differs in the reinforcement arrangement, considering a more conventional reinforcement curtailment. Comparisons are made with respect to the development of displacements, strains and cracks in the critical sections. The failure of the top reinforcement bars over the supports occurs at approximately the same load level. In addition, the failure mode (failure of the bottom reinforcement bars over the supports) is the same for both slabs. However, the final collapse load in case of the slab with curtailed reinforcement is strongly reduced due to the reduction of reinforcement in the bottom layer over the supports. The results of this contribution are of particular importance with respect to the validation of numerical and deterministic models related to the development of tensile membrane action in concrete slabs in the framework of robustness assessment.
Factors Associated With College Women’s Labeling of Sexual Victimization
Authors: Orchowski Lindsay M. , Untied Amy S. , Gidycz Christine A.
Published: September 2013

Despite high rates of sexual assault among college women, most victims do not label the experience as sexual assault or rape. Prior research examining labeling of sexual victimization has focused on women’s characterization of rape experiences as either not victimization or victimization. This study extends prior research by exploring factors associated with labeling various forms of sexual victimization as “not victimization,” a “serious miscommunication,” or a “sexual assault, date rape, rape, or crime.” A sample of 1,060 college women reported on their experiences of sexual victimization since the age of 14 years. Women who reported experiences of prior sexual victimization (n = 371) indicated their level of acquaintance with the assailant, assault disclosure, substance use at time of assault, attributions of self- and perpetrator-blame for the assault, and labeling of the experience. Most women who reported experiences of sexual victimization did not self-identify as victims, and 38% labeled sexual victimization as a serious miscommunication. Greater acquaintance with the perpetrator, higher behavioral self-blame, and victim substance use at the time of the assault were associated with labeling sexual assault experiences as a serious miscommunication. Implications are discussed.
Associations Between Women’s Experiences of Sexual Violence and Forgiveness
Authors: Davidson M. Meghan , Lozano Nicole M. , Cole Brian P. , Gervais Sarah J.
Published: September 2013

The purpose of this study was to examine forgiveness and sexual violence among college women. Undergraduate women (N = 503) completed an online survey assessing experiences of sexual violence and forgiveness. Simultaneous multivariate regressions revealed that experiencing more sexual violence was associated with more revenge and avoidance, and less benevolence. Furthermore, findings indicated that more experiences of sexual violence were negatively associated with forgiveness of self, forgiveness of others, and forgiveness of uncontrollable situations. This work begins to fill critical gaps in the extant literature because it is the only study to date that examines sexual violence and the positive psychological construct of forgiveness. Implications and directions for future research are discussed.
New Developments and Implications for Understanding the Victimization of Gang Members
Authors: Fox Kathleen A.
Published: September 2013

Despite a long line of research establishing a connection between gang membership and delinquent or criminal behavior, less is known about gang members’ exposure to victimization. Among the few published studies that have recently investigated the gang-victimization link, findings are mixed and our understanding of this relationship remains unclear. This study offers a synthesis of the emerging gang-victimization literature by highlighting methodological and theoretical advancements and limitations within the field. Specific recommendations are presented to guide future research.
Iron Sulfide Scale Dissolvers: How Effective Are They?
Authors: Wang Qiwei , Ajwad Hassan , Shafai Tawfiq , Lynn Jack D.
Published: September 2013

Many Khuff reservoir gas wells in Saudi Aramco fields are classified as sour producers with H2S levels as much as 8 mol% and CO2 contents as much as 5 mol%. Despite being completed with carbon steel tubular, corrosion failure has not been a major issue even after more than 20 years of service. On the other hand, most wells are experiencing scale buildup in production strings, causing an estimated production loss of up to 7 MMscfd for some wells. Besides, scale deposits are limiting well access for downhole surveillance and intervention.

Significant efforts have been taken to understand the scale formation mechanisms. Extensive scale samples have been collected and characterized over the years. Although the exact chemical compositions change from well to well and also vary with depth in a given well, the scale deposits are usually mixtures of many compounds and often dominated with iron sulfide minerals. These iron sulfides include pyrrhotite, troilite, mackinawite, greigite, pyrite and marcasite. Other iron containing compounds, such as iron oxide and iron carbonate, are also found in significant amounts in most cases. Additionally, mineral scales, such as calcium carbonate and barium, strontium and calcium sulfate, are often present.

Both mechanical and chemical methods have been applied for scale removal. Chemical dissolvers based on concentrated hydrochloric acid have been the most effective solvents. This types of dissolvers are very corrosive to well completion metallurgy at elevated temperatures, and the spent acids can cause severe formation damage due to re-precipitation of iron sulfides, if entering the near wellbore area. The rapid generation of large amounts of H2S gas creates a potentially lethal health hazard. This paper presents an effort to identify alternative dissolvers with high dissolving power and low corrosivity to carbon steel.
Upgrading Multistage Fracturing Strategies Drives Double Success after Success in the Unusual Saudi Gas Reserves
Authors: Al-Ghazal Mohammed , Al-Driweesh Saad , Al-Ghurairi Fadel
Published: September 2013

Open hole multistage fracturing (MSF) technologies have been deployed in Saudi Arabia’s tight gas fields with the objective of maximizing reservoir contact through inducing independent multiple fractures and increasing matrix contribution in both carbonate and sandstone formations.

Full achievement of this objective has not been straightforward or quick. While good well productivity was seen from the early wells completed with MSF technologies, several technical issues had to be investigated and resolved when the technology was initially introduced. These issues included mechanical and differential sticking during the technology deployment phase as well as not attaining clear fracture signatures for the subsequent fracture stages after fracturing the first stage during the well treatment operations due to potential hydraulic communication between the fracture stages in carbonate formations.

Accordingly, improvement strategies were implemented to mitigate these limitations and realize the full advantage of using MSF technologies in developing tight gas reserves. This paper discusses these strategies and show how they have been successfully utilized to further improve the application of multistage fracturing.

Furthermore, the paper addresses a scheme for increasing the success rate for the secondary (contingency) coiled tubing (CT) ball seat milling operations for MSF systems.

Also, the paper analyzes the production results for wells completed with MSF technologies and compares them with that of wells completed using other techniques. Additionally, the paper takes a holistic approach integrating the various technical displinces involved in ensuring optimum results are obtained.
A Novel Approach to Drilling 8 3/8-in. Medium-Radius Curve Section in Deep Gas Drilling in Saudi Arabia: Successful Introduction of High Build Rate Rotary Steerable System
Authors: Thomas Shaji P. , Mukherjee Tushar S. , Ezi Peter C. , Briceno Luani A. , Verma Jaywant K. , Ganda Sukesh , Fuenmayor Luis , Al-Hajji Nawaf
Published: September 2013

Generally, long-radius wells are kicked off in the base of the Jilh (BJD) formation in the Ghawar field, Saudi Arabia. The well profiles require 3° to 4°/100 ft dogleg severity (DLS). The two problematic formations encountered while drilling these curve sections are the BJD and the Sudair formation. Overpressure exists in the BJD, and drilling in this unstable formation often leads to kicks. The Sudair formation, which is plastic shale, has a tendency to microball the bit, leading to slower penetration rates. Higher inclination through Sudair formation generally means more contact and hence longer duration of slower rate of penetration (ROP).

Responding to domestic demand for natural gas growth, Saudi Aramco started to focus on reducing unit cost and maximizing reservoir production. After a feasibility analysis, drilling medium-radius curve wells with steerable motors was put forth as a solution; this would mean drilling vertically through problematic formations and target entry (TE) could be reached in 800 to 900 ft of vertical section which would result in increase in reservoir exposure and therefore production. Drilling a medium-curvature well with a conventional motor assembly required a minimum of five runs. Drilling with a steerable motor and rock bit combination resulted in extra bit trips, wiper trips to clean the hole, and multiple reaming trips before running the liner. In all, drilling efficiency was poor because of slow penetration rates and multiple bit trips.

After some modifications, a high build rate rotary steerable system (HRSS) was introduced in a well in a challenging deep gas environment. Deployment of the new technology allowed the kickoff point to be pushed deeper, reducing risk and cost. The section was drilled in a single run, saving 6.5 days and improving penetration rate 84% over conventional mud motor bottomhole assembly (BHA). The introduction of new technology, while significant, was not the only factor contributing to the step change in drilling performance; the success was realized by a thorough understanding of local drilling conditions, which informed bit, BHA, and well design decisions and led to superior execution.
Benchmarking RPMs Performance to Reduce Water-Oil Ratio of Produced Fluids from Carbonate Formations
Authors: Al-Nakhli Ayman R. , Al-Muntasheri Ghaithan A. , Al-Harith Abdullah M. , Balharth Salem A.
Published: September 2013

Excessive water production affects profitability of oil and gas. It reduces hydrocarbons production rates. In addition, it leads to corrosion, scale formation, and extra costs in constructing large water handling facilities. One of the key issues is to correctly identify the source of the excess water and develop the appropriate treatment.1 The targeted reservoir of this study is a naturally fractured carbonate reservoir that displays super K which are areas of extremely high permeability that can produce substantial volumes of both oil and water. Super K zones can significantly enhance recovery per well, however, these zones present significant challenges at the onset of water production because they can dominate the flow in the wellbore resulting in high water loading.

One chemical method to deal with the excessive water production problems is the use of Relative Permeability Modifiers (RPM). It reduces water cut of the produced fluids without significantly damaging hydrocarbon production. Unfortunately, most of the developed RPMs are suitable for Sandston reservoirs rather than carbonate ones. There have been no successful applications of materials that display a relative permeability modification in reservoirs of this type. It is estimated that carbonate reservoirs contain more than 60% of the world’s remaining oil reserves so the development of new technologies that enable these reserves to be tapped are extremely worthwhile.2

The development of novel materials which could tackle excess water production in carbonate wells would represent a radical, and much needed step-change technology for the extraction of the significant reserves trapped in reservoirs of this type. This paper describes a comprehensive review of different chemical methods for water control and reports on lab tests to examine the performance of several commercially available RPMs to reduce water-cut in carbonate cores. An advanced work to create and develop a relative permeability modifier (RPM) to control water production in naturally fractured carbonate fields with super K permeability is also described in this paper.
High Resolution Electrical Imaging While Drilling Enables Optimum Completion Design and Helps in Accurate Well Placement in Carbonate Reservoirs
Authors: Palmer Richard , Khan Kamran Ahmad , Glowig Thomas
Published: September 2013

Logging While Drilling technologies and bore hole imaging techniques are increasingly necessary to exploit hydrocarbons in challenging geological scenarios. Selecting the correct technology for the application involves consideration of formation evaluation requirements, logging and borehole conditions, drilling optimization and safety. A particular challenge is in the optimal placement of laterals in 4-­-8 foot thick naturally fractured carbonate reservoir sandwiched between anhydrite formations. A high resolution electrical image while drilling was acquired to identify the faults and fractures to design effective intelligent inflow control devises (Equalizers).

A case study from a Middle Eastern onshore field is discussed where the use of a high resolution 4 ¾" electrical image-­-while-­-drilling technology allowed real-­-time fracture identification and reservoir navigation. Utilizing high resolution 360-­-degree electrical images in real-­-time and memory additionally provided the information necessary to determine fracture, fracture characterization, bed dips, rock fabric, drilling fluid loss zones, and aid in design and efficient placement of intelligent open hole completions.
Spectral Gamma Ray Complements Innovative Real Time Advanced Mud Logging Characterization While Drilling
Authors: Marsala Alberto F. , Kasprzykowski Pawel , Kimour Farouk
Published: September 2013

In the framework of a long-term research on Advanced Mud Logging (AML) we have further developed innovative AML methods and techniques to be deployed while drilling, for real time formation characterization on cuttings. AML can deliver integrated, comprehensive Petrophysical Information Logs (PILs) for well evaluation, facilitates improved monitoring and thus optimization of drilling operations, as well as supports formation evaluation. In the following paragraphs we describe an innovative Spectral Gamma Ray (GR) instrument developed with a NaI(Tl) scintillation crystal, geared especially towards well site cuttings measurements. Gamma ray on cuttings complements the well-established AML well site techniques, including direct measurements on cuttings such as grain density, porosity by Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray Fluorescence (XRF), etc. The spectral gamma ray measurements on cuttings allow resolving the ambiguity on cuttings depth shift, by comparison with conventional gamma ray logging tool, reducing the uncertainty and giving significance on the subsequent AML characterization on cuttings.

As part of the development process, extensive laboratory tests were performed to validate and compare results of different types of instruments. A typical spectral gamma ray measurement on cuttings takes about 15 minutes and gives total gamma ray activity in API units, and the normal Uranium (U), Thorium (Th), and Potassium (K) spectral components. Laboratory tests proved a good signal to noise ratio (SNR) and a match with measurements done on large rock pieces with conventional lab tools, in terms of relative value of the GR readings. Next, results from laboratory test done with real cuttings collected from a well in Saudi Arabia and a conventional (non-spectral) GR showed a good correlation. Finally, actual field tests with the spectral gamma ray instrument on cuttings in the AML unit have shown a good match with wireline log results.
Extreme Drought Effects on Carbon Dynamics of a Semiarid Pasture
Authors: Rajan Nithya , Maas Stephan J. , Cui Song
Published: September 2013

Environmental and management factors are critical in determining the C source or sink status of agroecosystems. Information on the C dynamics of an ecosystem from source to sink and vice versa are critical in determining the role of that ecosystem in regional and global C balances. We investigated the impact of the 2011 mega‐drought on seasonal changes in net CO2exchange of a WW‐B. Dahl Old World bluestem [Bothriochloa bladhii(Retz) S.T. Blake] pasture in the Texas High Plains and compared the results with those from 2010, a hydrologically wet year. Carbon dioxide flux between the vegetation and atmosphere was measured using an eddy covariance flux tower. Our results indicate that net ecosystem exchange, ecosystem respiration, and gross primary production for this agroecosystem were strongly affected by environmental variables and grazing. During the period of measurement in 2010 (Days of the Year 152–365), the pasture accumulated 164 g C m–2and was a net C sink. During the same period in 2011, the severe drought changed the dynamics of the pasture from a C sink to a source, with a net cumulative loss of 142 g C m–2. Ecosystem respiration was an exponential function of soil temperature in both years. When extreme water‐limiting days were excluded, the exponential model explained 90% of the variation in ecosystem respiration in 2011 and 92% of the variation in ecosystem respiration in 2010. Incorporating the results from our study with ecosystem models can improve our understanding of the contributions of managed pastures to regional C balances.
Grain Yield Potential Strategies in an Elite Wheat Double‐Haploid Population Grown in Contrasting Environments
Authors: García Guillermo A. , Hasan Ahmed K. , Puhl Laura E. , Reynolds Matthew P. , Calderini Daniel F. , Miralles Daniel J.
Published: September 2013

The understanding of ecophysiological basis of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) grain yield potential provides a useful framework to complement conventional breeding aimed at achieving genetic gains. This study analyzed the ecophysiological performance of an elite wheat mapping population (105 double‐haploid lines derived from two modern cultivars, Bacanora and Weebil, with similar phenology but different and stable combinations of grain number per area unit (GN) and grain weight (GW) resulting in high grain yield) grown in four contrasting high‐yielding environments, to determine the most successful strategies to increase grain yield potential. Main effect of environment on grain yield was significant (p < 0.0001) but the genotypic component was larger than genotype × environment interaction (30%). A robust and positive relationship between grain yield and biomass production was observed across all environments (r2 > 0.82, p < 0.0001), and relatively high harvest indexes were expressed (0.39–0.51). While GN was clearly the dominant numerical component in terms of association with grain yield (r2 > 0.51, p < 0.0001), a wide range in both components (i.e., GN and GW) was observed across all environments. This population represents a valuable resource for prebreeding studies, as the transgressive segregation in physiological and numerical yield components in combination with favorable expression of all agronomic traits could allow a fine phenotyping and mapping to identify key traits and quantitative trait loci linked with grain yield.
Neutrophilic iron-oxidizing bacteria: occurrence and relevance in biological drinking water treatment
Authors: Gülay A. , Musovic S. , Albrechtsen H.-J. , Smets B. F.
Published: September 2013

Rapid sand filtration (RSF) is an economical way to treat anoxic groundwater around the world. It consists of groundwater aeration followed by passage through a sand filter. The oxidation and removal of ferrous iron, which is commonly found in anoxic groundwaters, is often believed to be a fully physicochemical process. However, persistently low temperatures in RSF across Denmark may negatively affect the kinetics of chemical oxidation. The slower chemical oxidation of ferrous iron may increase the chances for iron bioconversion by neutrophilic iron-oxidizing bacteria (FeOB), which are found naturally in many environments. In this study, we used a combination of a cultivation-based opposing gradient enrichment technique and 16S rRNA gene targeted molecular tools to isolate, quantify and identify FeOB from a RSF. The microscopic quantification of selectively enriched FeOB cells revealed that in RSF, neutrophilic iron oxidizers were present at the level of up to 7 × 105 cells g−1 sediment. The spatial abundance and diversity of FeOB inferred by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis fingerprinting differed greatly both between and within individual sand filters. The results suggest a larger than assumed role of FeOB in iron removal at waterworks using RSF technologies.
Identification of treatment by-products of the ozonation of estrone sulfate
Authors: Barritaud L. , Leroy G. , Chachignon M. , Ingrand V. , Roche P. , Bichon E. , Gervais G. , Bourgin M. , Antignac J. P. , Monteau F. , Le Bizec B.
Published: September 2013

This article presents a methodology developed in order to identify the potential by-products of emerging chemical pollutants generated during oxidation treatments like chlorination and ozonation. As an example, the study of ozonated real river water samples spiked with estrone sulfate (E1-S) was used to evaluate the impact of ozonation on E1-S concentration and to identify the generated treatment by-products (TBPs). After a large-scale solid phase extraction, samples were analyzed by liquid chromatography coupled with high resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) and data were processed according to a differential metabolomic-like approach to uncover the produced compounds. Four main TBPs were found. ERα-CALUX bioassays were performed to measure the estrogenic potency of samples before and after treatment. Results show that the estrogenic potency decreases drastically in drinking water with ozonation.