bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Microstructure and Tensile Deformation Features of Tandem Hot Rolling GH4169 Superalloy
Authors: Li Zhenrong , Ma Chunlei , Tian Sugui , Chen Liqing , Liu Xianghua
Published: August 2013

By means of solution treatment, microstructure observation and mechanical property measurement, the microstructure and tensile deformation features of tandem hot rolling GH4169 alloy have been investigated. Results shown that, after solution treatment and aging, large numbers of the spherical γ′ phase and the flat-ellipsoidal γ″ phase dispersedly precipitate in the matrix, and acicular or short rod-like δ-phase discontinuously distribute along grain boundaries. As the tensile temperatures increases, the tensile strength and yield strength of the alloy gradually decrease. The tensile deformation features of the alloy are that the twinning and slipping dislocations with double orientations are activated in the matrix. In the later tension, the deformed dislocations pile up near the grain boundary to induce initiation and propagation of cracks due to stress concentration.
Mormon Ideological Mappings of the Last Days
Authors: Yorgason Ethan
Published: August 2013

This article addresses the geo-eschatological ideologies associated with Mormonism. Recent scholarship points to the significance of geopolitical thought within religion to society’s broader geopolitical inclinations. This article reports on a survey of 817 Mormon university students’ geographical/political/social expectations for the “Last Days.” Results show confidence in their church’s institutional and doctrinal roles, but ambivalence toward various geopolitically laden popular discourses in Mormonism and Christianity. American respondents have higher levels of certain types of ideological and geopolitical concern than do their Asian and Pacific Islander counterparts. Cleavages in respondents’ social and geopolitical thought show important associations with ideological variation.
Pre-pregnancy overweight overtakes gestational diabetes as a risk factor for subsequent metabolic syndrome
Authors: Ijäs H , Morin-Papunen L , Keränen A K , Bloigu R , Ruokonen A , Puukka K , Ebeling T , Raudaskoski T , Vääräsmäki M
Published: August 2013

Objective

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is associated with an increased risk of subsequent diabetes and metabolic syndrome (MS). The independent significance of overweight, often associated with GDM, is controversial. This study was aimed to investigate the prevalence of MS and carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) values in normal and overweight women with previous insulin-treated GDM and control without GDM 19 years after the index pregnancy.

Methods

The study group consisted of 61 women with prior GDM and 55 controls who gave birth in Oulu University Hospital between 1988 and 1993. These women were further divided into subgroups according to pre-pregnancy BMI (<25 or ≥25 kg/m2). In 2008–2010, anthropometrics and blood pressure were measured, blood samples were taken, and an oral glucose tolerance test was performed to investigate the components of MS. CIMT was measured by Doppler ultrasound.

Results

Total prevalence of MS was 62% in the GDM group and 31% in the control group (P=0.001); it was highest (86%) in GDM women with pre-pregnancy overweight. CIMT was significantly thicker (0.67 vs 0.56 mm,P=0.007) and more often abnormal (71.7 vs 45.3%,P=0.004) in the GDM group compared with the controls. In logistic regression analysis, the strongest factor predicting MS in the whole study population was pre-pregnancy overweight.

Conclusions

Pre-pregnancy overweight was the strongest predictive factor for later MS, whereas GDM indicated increased risk of subsequent diabetes and subclinical atherosclerosis. The risk of MS was highest when both of these factors were present.
Neonatal overnutrition in mice exacerbates high-fat diet-induced metabolic perturbations
Authors: Liu Zhiguo , Lim Chun Yan , Su Michelle Yu-Fah , Soh Stephanie Li Ying , Shui Guanghou , Wenk Markus R , Grove Kevin L , Radda George K , Han Weiping , Xiao Xiaoqiu
Published: August 2013

Neonatal overnutrition results in accelerated development of high-fat diet (HFD)-induced metabolic defects in adulthood. To understand whether the increased susceptibility was associated with aggravated inflammation and dysregulated lipid metabolism, we studied metabolic changes and insulin signaling in a chronic postnatal overnutrition (CPO) mouse model. Male Swiss Webster pups were raised with either three pups per litter to induce CPO or ten pups per litter as control (CTR) and weaned to either low-fat diet (LFD) or HFD. All animals were killed on the postnatal day 150 (P150) except for a subset of mice killed on P15 for the measurement of stomach weight and milk composition. CPO mice exhibited accelerated body weight gain and increased body fat mass prior to weaning and the difference persisted into adulthood under conditions of both LFD and HFD. As adults, insulin signaling was more severely impaired in epididymal white adipose tissue (WAT) from HFD-fed CPO (CPO–HFD) mice. In addition, HFD-induced upregulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines was exaggerated in CPO–HFD mice. Consistent with greater inflammation, CPO–HFD mice showed more severe macrophage infiltration than HFD-fed CTR (CTR–HFD) mice. Furthermore, when compared with CTR–HFD mice, CPO–HFD mice exhibited reduced levels of several lipogenic enzymes in WAT and excess intramyocellular lipid accumulation. These data indicate that neonatal overnutrition accelerates the development of insulin resistance and exacerbates HFD-induced metabolic defects, possibly by worsening HFD-induced inflammatory response and impaired lipid metabolism.
Is Percutaneous Transluminal Coronary Angioplasty the Treatment of Choice for Iatrogenic Stenosis of the Left Main Coronary Artery following Aortic Valve Replacement?
Authors: Peruga Jan Z. , Bielecka-Dabrowa Agata , Kasprzak Jaroslaw D.
Published: August 2013

Iatrogenic coronary ostial stenosis after aortic valve replacement (AVR) is a rare but life-threatening complication. This condition has been treated with urgent coronary bypass surgery, but such surgery is associated with high morbidity and mortality. The clinical symptoms are usually severe and may appear from 1 to 6 months postoperatively. Pains in the chest that are typical for coronary artery disease but occur in patients after the AVR operation suggest a significant threat. We report a case of left main coronary artery ostial stenosis in a patient who had normal preoperative coronary angiography results. The patient was successfully treated with implantation of a drug-eluting stent.
Ringless Alfieri Mitral Valve Repair for Significant Ischemic Mitral Regurgitation with Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting
Authors: Kunt Alper Sami
Published: August 2013

Background: Ischemic mitral regurgitation (IMR) is associated with diminished survival prospects. Ringless edge-to-edge mitral valve repair is usually performed in association with coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). In this report, we present our early results for ringless edge-to-edge repair and concomitant CABG.

Methods: Between January 2011 and June 2012, 17 patients underwent ringless edge-to-edge mitral valve repair. The cause was ischemic in all patients. A double-orifice repair was done in all patients. Complete coronary revascularization was routinely added in all cases.

Results: There were no hospital and late deaths. Low cardiac output developed in 5 patients (29.41%) and was treated with inotropic agents. Two of these patients required intraaortic balloon pump support. Atrial fibrillation and ventricular arrhythmia developed in 5 (29.41%) of the patients, and all of them converted to sinus rhythm with antiarrhythmic agents. The mean (SD) stays in the intensive care unit and the hospital were 2.83 � 1.29 days and 7.74 � 2.14 days, respectively. As of the latest follow-up, all patients were in New York Heart Association class I or II. There was no recurrent mitral valve regurgitation or valve-related complications.

Conclusions: Alfieri mitral valve repair is associated with lower risks of mortality, postoperative stroke, and prolonged intensive care unit and hospital stays. Alfieri mitral valve repair and concomitant CABG surgery can be performed in patients with IMR.
Repair of Rheumatic Tricuspid Valve Stenosis with Autologous Pericardium
Authors: Gür Ali Kemal , Gürsu Özgür , El Helin , Eker Esra , Etli Mustafa
Published: August 2013

The aim of the present study was to describe a successful method for treating rheumatic tricuspid valve stenosis with autologous pericardium, commissurotomy, and a Kalangos ring without replacing the tricuspid valve.
Repair of Anomalous Left Coronary Artery from Pulmonary Artery (ALCAPA) beyond Infancy
Authors: Talwar Sachin , Jha Aandrei Jivendra , Choudhary Shiv Kumar , Gupta Saurabh Kumar , Airan Balram
Published: August 2013

Between January 2002 and December 2012, five patients (4 female) underwent corrective surgery for anomalous left coronary artery from pulmonary artery (ALCAPA). They were older than 1 year (range, 3-56 years). One of the 2 patients younger than 10 years had presented with congestive heart failure, and the other had experienced repeated episodes of lower respiratory tract infection since childhood. Of the remaining 3 adult patients, 2 had experienced angina with effort, and 1 patient had had repeated respiratory tract infections since childhood, with mild dyspnea on effort of New York Heart Association (NYHA) class II. Three patients had the anomalous left coronary artery implanted directly into the ascending aorta via coronary-button transfer, and 2 patients underwent coronary artery bypass with obliteration of the left main ostium. Two patients underwent concomitant mitral valve repair procedures, and 1 patient underwent direct closure of a perimembranous ventricular septal defect. Four patients survived the surgery, and 1 patient died because of a persistently low cardiac output. Follow-up times ranged from 3 months to 4 years. All survivors are in NYHA class I and have left ventricular ejection fractions of 45% to 60%, with moderate (n = 1), mild (n = 1), or no (n = 2) mitral insufficiency. We conclude that a few naturally selected patients with ALCAPA do survive beyond infancy and can undergo establishment of 2 coronary systems with satisfactory results.
Incidental Gossypiboma Discovered during Tricuspid Valve Re-Repair 11 Years after Ebstein Anomaly Repair
Authors: Sologashvili Tornike , Kalangos Afksendiyos , Tissot C�cile , Myers Patrick O.
Published: August 2013

Background: A retained surgical sponge, an extremely rare occurrence after cardiac surgery, can trigger a granulomatous reaction and form a sizeable mass or gossypiboma. We report the incidental operative finding of a gossypiboma 11 years after repair of Ebstein anomaly.

Case Report: A 24-year-old man, who had previously undergone tricuspid annuloplasty for Ebstein anomaly 11 years earlier at another institution, was referred for recurrent severe tricuspid regurgitation. During the dissection along the superior vena cava and the right atrium, we entered 2 cystic cavities that exuded a pus-like material, which was sent for culture. Mesh from a retained surgical sponge (gossypiboma) was identified. After complete debridement and administration of vancomycin, the tricuspid valve was repaired. Antibiotics were continued until culture results were confirmed to be negative. The patient's postoperative course was uneventful, and he presented no signs of infection.

Conclusions: We report a rare case of incidentally found gossypiboma after cardiac surgery.
Recombinant Activated Factor VII Administration after Pulmonary Embolectomy: Case Report
Authors: Omran Nedal , Harrer Jan , Brtko Miroslav , Habal Petr , Turek Zdenek , Pojar Marek , Brozik Jan
Published: August 2013

Bleeding management in cardiac surgery could be a great challenge for the surgeon and a life-threatening moment for the patient. Despite the fact that recombinant activated factor VII is now widely accepted as a useful adjunct in the management of postcardiotomy coagulopathy, its use in the course of recent thromboembolic event is rarely described. We hereby present a case of rescue recombinant activated factor VII administration to manage a severe coagulation disorder during surgical pulmonary embolectomy performed under cardiopulmonary bypass.
Imperforate Hymen Presenting as Chronic Low Back Pain
Authors: Domany Erel , Gilad Oded , Shwarz Michael , Vulfsons Simon , Garty Ben Zion
Published: August 2013

Imperforate hymen in an adolescent usually presents with cyclic abdominal pain or with pelvic mass associated with primary amenorrhea. We present a 13-year-old girl with chronic lower back pain of 6 months' duration as the only complaint. On physical examination, multiple trigger points were detected in the quadratus lumborum and gluteus medius muscles bilaterally. Abdominal ultrasound revealed hematometrocolpos secondary to an imperforate hymen. Hymenectomy was performed, with complete resolution of the back pain. Myofascial pain syndrome with a viscerosomatic reflex is a possible explanation for the clinical presentation of our patient.
Diagnosis and Outcome of SCN4A-Related Severe Neonatal Episodic Laryngospasm (SNEL): 2 New Cases
Authors: Caietta Emilie , Milh Mathieu , Sternberg Damien , Lépine Anne , Boulay Christophe , McGonigal Aileen , Chabrol Brigitte
Published: August 2013

Mutations of SCN4A encoding the skeletal muscle sodium channel Nav 1.4 cause several types of disease, including sodium channel myotonias. The latter may be responsible for neonatal symptoms, including severe neonatal episodic laryngospasm (SNEL). Establishing the diagnosis of SCN4A-related SNEL early in the neonatal period is crucial because treatment is available that can reduce laryngospasm and improve vital and cerebral outcome. We report 2 new unrelated French patients who presented with SNEL. The first patient was initially diagnosed with laryngomalacia and underwent laryngeal surgery in the neonatal period before being diagnosed with myotonia at 14 months of age. The episodes of laryngospasm disappeared spontaneously, although occasional circumstances such as cold exposure could trigger laryngeal reactions; in addition, he developed myotonia corresponding to an adult myotonia permanens phenotype. This patient is now 24 years old and leading a normal life. The second patient was initially diagnosed with gastroesophageal reflux, then SNEL; his condition improved with carbamazepine treatment, and he is now 6 months old. The diagnostic sequence in both patients was the same: first, severe episodic apneic attacks necessitating hospitalization occurring in the first week of life; second, observation of muscle hypertrophy and peripheral hypertonia with a clear myotonic pattern on electromyogram (at 14 and 3 months of age, respectively); third, genetic testing revealing de novo SCN4A G1306E mutation. Both patients have had good therapeutic response to sodium channel blockers (carbamazepine or mexiletine).
Screening Strategies for Hip Dysplasia: Long-term Outcome of a Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Laborie Lene B. , Engesæter Ingvild Ø. , Lehmann Trude G. , Eastwood Deborah M. , Engesæter Lars B. , Rosendahl Karen
Published: August 2013

OBJECTIVE:

Screening for hip dysplasia is controversial. A previous randomized controlled trial revealed that adding universal or selective ultrasound to routine clinical examination gave a nonsignificant reduction in rates of late presenting cases, but with higher treatment rates. This study assesses differences in outcome at skeletal maturity for the 3 newborn screening strategies in terms of radiographic markers of acetabular dysplasia and early degenerative change and avascular necrosis (AVN) secondary to neonatal treatment.

METHODS:

From the initial trial including 11 925 newborns, a population-based sample of 3935 adolescents was invited for follow-up at age 18 to 20 years. A standardized weight-bearing anteroposterior view was obtained. The outcomes evaluated were the radiographic findings of dysplasia (center-edge angle, femoral head extrusion-index, acetabular depth-width ratio, Sharp’s angle, subjective evaluation of dysplasia) and degenerative change (joint-space width). Signs of AVN were documented.

RESULTS:

Of the 3935 subjects invited, 2038 (51.8%) attended the maturity review, of which 2011 (58.2% female patients) were included: 551, 665, and 795 subjects from the universal, selective, and clinical groups, respectively. Rates per group of positive radiographic findings associated with dysplasia or degenerative change varied depending on radiographic marker used. No statistically significant differences were detected between groups. No AVN was seen.

CONCLUSIONS:

Although both selective and universal ultrasound screenings gave a nonsignificant reduction in rates of late cases when compared with expert clinical programs, we were unable to demonstrate any additional reduction in the rates of radiographic findings associated with acetabular dysplasia or degenerative change at maturity. Increased treatment rates were not associated with AVN.
Difference in Therapeutic Response Between Basal and Nonbasal Triple-Negative Breast Cancers
Authors: Bertucci François , Finetti Pascal , Viens Patrice , Birnbaum Daniel
Published: August 2013

This study, which nicely complements a study recently published in The Oncologist, shows for the first time that triple-negative breast cancers are much more heterogeneous than basal breast cancers regarding the response to chemotherapy and the probability of response to molecularly targeted therapies.
Beyond connectivity: how empirical methods can quantify population persistence to improve marine protected‐area design
Authors: Burgess Scott C. , Nickols Kerry J. , Griesemer Chris D. , Barnett Lewis A. K. , Dedrick Allison G. , Satterthwaite Erin V. , Yamane Lauren , Morgan Steven G. , White J. Wilson , Botsford Louis W.
Published: August 2013

Demographic connectivity is a fundamental process influencing the dynamics and persistence of spatially structured populations. Consequently, quantifying connectivity is essential for properly designing networks of protected areas so that they achieve their core ecological objective of maintaining population persistence. Recently, many empirical studies in marine systems have provided essential, and historically challenging to obtain, data on patterns of larval dispersal and export from marine protected areas (MPAs). Here, we review the empirical studies that have directly quantified the origins and destinations of individual larvae and assess those studies' relevance to the theory of population persistence and MPA design objectives. We found that empirical studies often do not measure or present quantities that are relevant to assessing population persistence, even though most studies were motivated or contextualized by MPA applications. Persistence of spatial populations, like nonspatial populations, depends on replacement, whether individuals reproduce enough in their lifetime to replace themselves. In spatial populations, one needs to account for the effect of larval dispersal on future recruitment back to the local population through local retention and other connectivity pathways. The most commonly reported descriptor of larval dispersal was the fraction of recruitment from local origin (self‐recruitment). Self‐recruitment does not inform persistence‐based MPA design because it is a fraction of those arriving, not a fraction of those leaving (local retention), so contains no information on replacement. Some studies presented connectivity matrices, which can inform assessments of persistence with additional knowledge of survival and fecundity after recruitment. Some studies collected data in addition to larval dispersal that could inform assessments of population persistence but which were not presented in that way. We describe how three pieces of empirical information are needed to fully describe population persistence in a network of MPAs: (1) lifetime fecundity, (2) the proportion of larvae that are locally retained (or the full connectivity matrix), and (3) survival rate after recruitment. We conclude by linking theory and data to provide detailed guidance to empiricists and practitioners on field sampling design and data presentation that better informs the MPA objective of population persistence.
Electro-coalescence of Water Droplets in Air Medium by Electrowetting
Authors: Aljuhani Abdulwahab S. , Chase George G.
Published: August 2013

Coalescence of water drops phenomena is important to many industrial applications. One approach for coalescing water droplets is by introducing electrical charges by applying an external voltage potential gradient across the drops. Electro-coalesce occurs when spreading and motion of the drops due to the electrical field brings two drops into contact. In this paper, the phenomena of electro-coalescence is investigated for different electrical and geometric spacing conditions applied to 5 microliter drops of deionized water on electrowettable surfaces. The electrowettable surfaces were prepared with poly(styrene-co-methyl methacrylate) as the coated dielectric film followed by FluoroPel as the hydrophobic film. Coalescence was studied for two methods of applying the electrical field to the drops. The first method was by using a programmable power supply with 10 Volt/millisecond slew rate up to 200 VDC maximum. The second method for applying the field was by using a relay switch to give a sudden step change of 200 VDC. Coalescence events were video recorded in a high-speed frame rate and the coalescence of the drops were observed to coalesce within about 15 ± 5 milliseconds once the drops interfaces came in contact with each other regardless of the method used for applying the field. The rate limiting step for coalescence to take place was the method of applying the field.
A Method for Ranking the Musculoskeletal Risk of Operating Valves in Process Industries
Authors: Attwood Dennis A. , Tys Alicia T.
Published: August 2013

One constant in every process plant is the high number and diversity of valves that control the flow of feedstock, products and service liquids and gases. The ergonomic issues associated with the design, operation and maintenance of valves include: Physical stress to open and close themPotential for injuries and subsequent related costsLack of access to process critical valvesDifficulty to remove and replace themPotential for process upsets when valves cannot be operated in the time required

A comprehensive program was developed for a major US refinery to assess the musculoskeletal risk associated with manually operated valves, then to rank each valve according to the risk each poses to plant operators and maintenance technicians.

Clearly, valve repair and replacement is expensive. So, the cost-effective approach was to assess only those valves that are critical to plant operation.

Analysis summaries and recommendations for improvement were provided to plant management for the top fifteen high-risk valves. Examples of recommendations are provided herein. It was also recommended that as the valves are repaired, modified or replaced, the assessment process is repeated to demonstrate how much musculoskeletal risk is reduced.
Hydraulic Fracturing and Organic Compounds - Uses, Disposal and Challenges
Authors: Carter Kimberly E. , Hakala J. Alexandra , Hammack Richard W.
Published: August 2013

Hydraulic fracturing has allowed oil and natural gas producers in the U.S. to effectively tap reservoirs that would otherwise be unfeasible to produce. In recent years, the natural gas industry has experienced a boost in production through the increased use of hydraulic fracturing in shale and tight sand formations. Despite its production advantages, the hydraulic fracturing process is not without its concerns. Hydraulic fracturing utilizes large quantities of water which, together with a number of chemical additives known as the ‘fracturing fluid’, are injected into underground formations. After being injected, between 5 and 60 percent of this fluid mixture flows back to the surface as produced water carrying with it any remaining chemical additives and naturally occurring material from the formation. Due to the complicated cycling of water and organic compounds during hydraulic fracturing and produced water treatment, the ability to independently identify and quantify chemicals associated with fracturing activities at different stages of the shale gas water lifecycle remains challenging. The ability to identify and quantify organics may be relevant both for maximizing efficiency during fracturing and water treatment, and for environmental management.

Continued analyses of both the ‘hydraulic fracturing fluid’ and the produced water have shown that not all organic compounds that were injected into the well return to the surface. This suggests that adsorption/desorption and/or chemical transformation processes are taking place within the formation. Determination whether organic compounds detected in produced waters are synthetic or naturally-derived from the reservoir is complicated by the number of compounds that exist both naturally in the formation, and are injected with the hydraulic fracturing fluid. Depending on the fracturing job, roughly 4 – 10 different synthetic organic compounds are added to the hydraulic fracturing fluid at one time. A survey of 1000 API registered wells hydraulically fractured in Western Pennsylvania and West Virginia showed roughly 150 different organic compounds used as ingredients in the fracturing fluids. This makes identification and analysis of these compounds in produced waters difficult. Further complications for evaluating organics in the shale gas water life cycle stem from the use of recycled produced waters. Analysis of samples from produced water treatment facilities showed the presence of organic compounds in the inlet and effluent of the treatment facility. The effluent of many treatment plants is reused bringing with it the organic compounds that are still present to the next hydraulic fracture job. This paper looks into the different organic compounds used in the hydraulic fracturing process, their possible life-cycle after the process, the difficulties encountered when analyzing for these compounds, and possible challenges with site planning and environmental decision-making.
Maximizing Flowback Reuse and Reducing Freshwater Demand: Case Studies from the Challenging Marcellus Shale
Authors: Seth Kushal , Shipman Shawn , McCutchan Morgan , McConnell Drew
Published: August 2013

The rapid development of horizontal drilling and fracturing has greatly increased the access to shale gas deposits in the Marcellus shale play. Multifold increase in water consumption and subsequent disposal issues are prompting the operators to look for more economic and environmentally sustainable options for hydraulic fracturing.

Two major operators in Marcellus were interested in reusing their flowback water for hydraulic fracturing to reduce the cost of sourcing and disposal. A holistic approach was taken, resulting in a single-step, environmentally preferred water treatment technology to sufficiently clean the water to be used as a mix for hydraulic fracturing operations. To date, over 600,000 bbl of flowback water have been treated and successfully used in over 240 stages of stimulation for the two operators.

With the improvement in produced water quality, the operators were able to increase the mix ratio of treated water to fresh water. This paper will validate the viability and value of produced water reuse reducing the demand for fresh water, waste disposal, and truck traffic. A description of the operations from analysis, treatment, fluid testing, and reuse operation demonstrates the need for continual optimization of the treatment process to ensure the variability of produced water is addressed.
Utilizing Diagnostics to Evaluate Completion Effectiveness in the Marcellus Shale
Authors: Pechiney J. , Ajayi B. , Cannon T. , Cardwell R.
Published: August 2013

Stimulation data obtained during a hydraulic fracture in unconventional shale gas reservoirs can be evaluated in combination with chemical tracer technology to give an indication of effectiveness of the completion operation. This paper will analyze the completion and flowback effectiveness of a Marcellus Shale well and will show how hydraulic fracture diagnostic tools such as chemical tracers, fracture pressure history matching models and statistical multiple linear regression models can be applied to describe reservoir heterogeneity and complex fracture geometry.

Tracer technology can supplement production and stimulation data to provide information as to the effectiveness of the completion design. In horizontal wells this technology has been used to evaluate flowback performance as it relates to changing lithology, wellbore trajectory and fracture geometry.

Observations from a recent well completion have shown varying degrees of flowback performance along with difficulties achieving fracturing rate and proppant placement metrics. The use of diagnostics in this case study was designed to explain how these changes translate to fracture geometry and completion effectiveness. An effective completion design is important in developing gas shales and the use of completion diagnostics would reduce the slope of the learning curve in an emerging play or else help optimize designs in developed areas.
Investigating Microseismic Responses and Interaction Between Offset Hydraulic Fracture Treatments During Horizontal Well Completions
Authors: Downie Robert , Reese Stephen , Ajayi Babatunde
Published: August 2013

Observations of microseismic data collected during hydraulic fracturing treatments in horizontal wells often show variations in the numbers of events and/or the locations of the events that cannot be attributed to differences in the treatment schedule, local variations in geology, or rock properties. These variations might be related to induced stresses from previously completed hydraulic fracturing treatments in the same well or in nearby offset wells. The responses to local changes in stress can be difficult to visualize. A method to identify and evaluate the possible influences of induced stress using seismic moment is proposed.

Seismic moment is a measure of the intensity of the energy release that is detected as a microseismic event. Moment values can be related to the strains resulting from the deformation that produced the microseismic event. A simple summation of the moment values provides a measurement of the total deformation associated with the microseismic events and is used to compare the microseismic responses of offset fracturing treatments.

The cumulative moment responses can be compared to both the separation between consecutive stimulation treatments and the intervening time between those treatments. Two case histories are used to illustrate the observed responses. The first example highlights the effect that resting time between stimulation treatments in a single well has on the microseismic response. The second example examines the contemporaneous completion of multiple wells on a single drilling pad.

The initial results presented in this paper show that microseismic responses can be affected by both the time between stimulation treatments and the distance separating offset fracturing treatments even though there appears to be little difference in the external dimensions of the event clouds. The evaluation technique used minimizes monitor well bias when the monitoring tools are deployed in nearby wells. Cumulative moment-based responses therefore provide an analytical tool that can be used to evaluate microseismic responses during hydraulic fracturing treatments that incorporates the characteristics of the microseismic events.
Detecting evolution trends in the recorded runoffs from the major rivers in China during 1950–2010
Authors: Wang G. Q. , Yan X. L. , Zhang J. Y. , Liu C. S. , Jin J. L. , Liu Y. L. , Bao Z. X.
Published: August 2013

Evolution trends as well as abrupt changes in recorded runoffs from the major rivers in China during 1950–2010 were investigated using the Mann–Kendall test and ordered clustering analysis. Results show that the recorded runoff series at ten key hydrometric stations on the major rivers in China are characterized by a general decreasing trend. A significant decrease has occurred at six stations: Yichang, Huayuankou, Guantai, Shixiali, Tieling and Haerbin stations, which are located on the northern major rivers. Abrupt changes in runoff series are detectable for the Yellow River (1986), the Hai River (1965 at Guantai station, 1970 at Shixiali station) and the Liao River (1965). The relationship between runoff and precipitation at these stations is different before and after the abrupt change. Intensive human activities, such as land use change, water conservation projects, water diversion projects and rapid increases in agricultural irrigation, are likely to be among the main causes of the abrupt changes in runoff. Effective strategies for water conservation and adaptation to climate change will be needed to ensure sustainable use of water resources and safeguard economic growth under China's 12th 5-year plan.
Improving the performance of an integrated urban wastewater system under future climate change and urbanisation scenarios
Authors: Astaraie-Imani Maryam , Kapelan Zoran , Butler David
Published: August 2013

This paper presents the results of a study to investigate the performance of an integrated urban wastewater system (IUWS) consisting of a sewer system, biological wastewater treatment plant and receiving water under future climate change and urbanisation. In particular, the roles of both system operational control and (re)design were studied as means to ensure future compliance of the system with recipient water quality standards. This is carried out by applying a scenario-based approach to describe the possible features of future climate change and/or urbanisation. Dissolved oxygen and ammonium concentrations are considered as the objectives of the optimisation models. Critical flow rates in the IUWS are considered as decision variables of the operational control model and sewer storage tank volume is considered as the design model decision variable in this study. It is demonstrated that operational control optimisation alone, under all the scenarios developed, does not have enough potential to cope with these future conditions and only when combined with design optimisation can adequate performance be guaranteed.
Secular variation in rainfall and intensity–frequency–duration curves in Eastern Australia
Authors: Chen Yi-Ru , Yu Bofu , Jenkins Graham
Published: August 2013

Rainfall intensity–frequency–duration curves are used extensively for storm runoff estimation. It is generally assumed that rainfall intensity would increase with global warming irrespective of the underlying changes to rainfall. This study analyzed rainfall and temperature from six sites in Eastern Australia. Two non-overlapping 30-year periods with the greatest difference in the mean annual rainfall were selected at each of the six sites to test for significant changes in the mean annual temperature and rainfall. Changes in the mean rainfall intensity for different frequencies of occurrence and storm durations for each site were also analyzed. Temperature has increased at all sites, and significantly at five out of the six sites. The mean annual rainfall has significantly changed between the two non-overlapping periods at the sites with the exception of Cairns (latitude – 16.87° south). The changes in rainfall intensity for longer durations (≥1 h) positively correlate with changes in the mean annual rainfall. There is evidence to suggest that the 6 min rainfall intensity would increase irrespective of the changes in the mean annual rainfall.
Funding Sources and Excess CEO Compensation in Not-for-Profit Organizations
Authors: Gaver Jennifer J. , Im S. Mary
Published: August 2013

SYNOPSIS

We examine the relation between funding composition and excess CEO compensation in not-for-profit organizations (NFPs). Our sample consists of 105,400 observations from 15,412 unique organizations during 1992 to 2007. The results suggest that excess CEO compensation is negatively related to funding from government grants, government-paid program service revenues, and public donations. Excess CEO compensation is positively related to funding from investment income. Our findings generally support the view that the demand for monitoring by fund providers is associated with agency costs in NFP organizations.

JEL Classifications: D23; L31; M48.

Data Availability: The data used in this study are available from the National Center for Charitable Statistics.
Determinants and Prognostic Value of Cardiovascular Autonomic Function in Coronary Artery Disease Patients With and Without Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Karjalainen Jaana J. , Kiviniemi Antti M. , Hautala Arto J. , Piira Olli-Pekka , Lepojärvi E. Samuli , Peltola Mirja A. , Ukkola Olavi H. , Hedberg Pirjo S.M. , Huikuri Heikki V. , Tulppo Mikko Paavo
Published: August 2013

OBJECTIVE

Cardiovascular autonomic dysfunction is a common finding among patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) and type 2 diabetes (T2D). The reasons and prognostic value of autonomic dysfunction in CAD patients with T2D are not well known.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We examined the association between heart rate recovery (HRR), 24-h heart rate (HR) variability (SD of normal R-R interval [SDNN]), and HR turbulence (HRT), and echocardiographic parameters, metabolic, inflammatory, and coronary risk variables, exercise capacity, and the presence of T2D among 1,060 patients with CAD (mean age 67 ± 8 years; 69% males; 50% patients with T2D). Second, we investigated how autonomic function predicts a composite end point of cardiovascular death, acute coronary event, stroke, and hospitalization for heart failure during a 2-year follow-up.

RESULTS

In multiple linear regression model, exercise capacity was a strong predictor of HRR (R = 0.34, P < 0.001), SDNN (R = 0.33, P < 0.001), and HRT (R = 0.13, P = 0.001). In univariate analyses, a composite end point was predicted by reduced HRR (hazard ratio 1.7 [95% CI 1.1–2.6]; P = 0.020), reduced SDNN (2.0 [95% CI 1.2–3.1]; P = 0.005), and blunted HRT (2.1 [1.3–3.4]; P = 0.003) only in patients with T2D. After multivariate adjustment, none of the autonomic markers predicted the end point, but high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) remained an independent predictor.

CONCLUSIONS

Cardiovascular autonomic function in CAD patients is associated with several variables, including exercise capacity. Autonomic dysfunction predicts short-term cardiovascular events among CAD patients with T2D, but it is not as strong an independent predictor as hs-CRP.
Cardiovascular Autonomic Dysfunction Predicts Severe Hypoglycemia in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes: A 10-Year Follow-up Study
Authors: Yun Jae-Seung , Kim Ji-Hyun , Song Ki-Ho , Ahn Yu-Bae , Yoon Kun-Ho , Yoo Ki-Dong , Park Yong-Moon , Ko Seung-Hyun
Published: August 2013

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to investigate the development of severe hypoglycemia (SH) in the presence of cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy (CAN) in patients with type 2 diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

From January 2001 to December 2002, a total of 894 patients with type 2 diabetes were enrolled. A cardiovascular autonomic function test (AFT) was performed using the following heart rate variability parameters: expiration-to-inspiration ratio, response to Valsalva maneuver, and standing. From the results for each of the three tests (0 for normal, 1 for abnormal), a total AFT score of 1 was defined as early CAN, and an AFT score of ≥2 was defined as definite CAN.

RESULTS

The median follow-up time was 9.5 years. The mean age was 54.5 ± 10.1 years, and the mean duration of diabetes was 8.9 ± 6.3 years. One hundred ninety-six patients (31.4%) showed an abnormal cardiovascular AFT score at baseline. Sixty-two patients (9.9%) experienced 77 episodes of SH (1.33 per 100 patient-years). The number of SH events increased as the CAN score increased (23 patients [5.4%] with normal score; 17 patients [17.2%] with early CAN; and 22 patients [22.7%] with definite CAN; P for trends < 0.001). Cox proportional hazards regression analysis revealed that SH was associated with definite CAN (normal vs. definite CAN: hazard ratio 2.43 [95% CI 1.21–4.84]; P = 0.012).

CONCLUSIONS

Definite CAN was an independent prognostic factor for the development of SH in patients with type 2 diabetes.
Effects of Prospective Monetary Rewards on Movement Initiation in Choice Reaction-Time Tasks with Varying Stimulus-Response Compatibility
Authors: Chen David D. , Chen Douglass W.
Published: August 2013

Although numerous studies have examined the facilitative and deleterious effects of monetary rewards on human behavior, little research (if any) has examined the connection between monetary rewards and choice reaction time (CRT) under varying stimulus–response (S–R) compatibility conditions. Twenty self-declared right-handed, undergraduate students, with an equal number of males and females in each group ( M age = 21.6 yr., SD = 2.13), were randomly assigned to one of two groups: monetary rewards or control. Participants in the monetary rewards group had a chance to draw for a cash prize of $30.00 if their CRT performances (both speed and accuracy) were at the 50th percentile or better. Participants completed 4 tests of 40 trials that had varying S–R compatibility. Two subscales of the modified Brunel Modified Scale (BRUMS) were administered prior to testing and immediately after a 40-trial test. Dependent variables included CRT, error scores, and BRUMS survey data. Mixed-design analyses of variance (ANOVAs) indicated that monetary rewards did not affect movement initiation, response accuracy, or tension and confusion levels. However, strong S–R effects were found, based on CRT, error scores, and BRUMS data. These results are discussed with respect to the mechanisms of monetary rewards and S–R effects.
Management of acute streptococcal pharyngitis: still the subject of controversy
Authors: Mazur Elżbieta
Published: August 2013

Although most cases of acute pharyngitis are viral in origin, antibiotics are overused in its treatment. Streptococcus pyogenes (group A streptococcus, GAS), the principal bacterial pathogen of acute sore throat, is responsible for merely 5–30% of cases. Moreover, GAS pharyngitis is currently the only commonly occurring form of acute pharyngitis for which antibiotic therapy is definitely indicated. Therefore the differentiation between GAS pharyngitis and that of viral etiology is crucial. Accordingly, scientific societies as well as respected advisory bodies in Europe and North America, issued guidelines for the management of acute pharyngitis with the aim of minimizing unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions in its treatment. The aim of this review work is to confront the state of the art in acute GAS pharyngitis diagnosis and treatment with different approaches to its management represented by current European and North American guidelines. Although based on scientific evidence, international guidelines differ substantially in opinions whether GAS pharyngitis diagnosis should be based on microbiological testing, clinical algorithm or a combination of both. On the other hand, some European guidelines consider GAS pharyngitis to be a mild, self-limiting disease that does not require a specific diagnosis or antimicrobial treatment except in high-risk patients. There is an agreement among guidelines that if antibiotic therapy is indicated, phenoxymethyl penicillin should be the drug of choice to treat GAS pharyngitis.
Ultra-trace determination of Pb(II) and Cd(II) in drinking water and alcoholic beverages using homogeneous liquid-liquid extraction followed by flame atomic absorption spectrometry
Authors: Kinaree Samat , Chanthai Saksit
Published: August 2013

The determination of Pb(II) and Cd(II) in different sample matrices, including drinking water, distilled spirits and fruit wine, was carried out by flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS) after pre-concentration using homogeneous liquid-liquid extraction (HLLE). First, the HLLE method was optimised with lead diethyldithiocarbamate (Pb-DDTC) complex which was extracted with a perfluorooctanoate anion (PFOA−) dissolved in lithium hydroxide under acidic conditions. The optimum extraction conditions, using 0.01 M DDTC, 0.05 M PFOA−, 3 M HCl and 1 mL of 30 vol. % acetone, were obtained. The Pb-DDTC complex in the nitric acid digest of the samples (50–150 mL) was extracted quantitatively into a drop of 100 μL of sediment phase. The sediment phase dissolved in 1 vol. % HNO3 with at least 3–5 mL of the final volume was then determined by FAAS, affording a pre-concentration factor of 10–50. Hence, the HLLE method afforded an increase in both sensitivity and selectivity for the metal determination by conventional FAAS, resulting in ultra-trace level detection of Pb(II) in all samples analysed (drinking water, 9.2–23 ng mL−1; distilled spirits, 23–50 ng mL−1; fruit wine, 24–53 ng mL−1). In addition, the proposed method could successfully be applied to Cd(II) determination in these samples.
Effect of quaternary ammonium silane coating on adhesive immobilization of industrial yeasts
Authors: Kregiel Dorota , Berlowska Joanna
Published: August 2013

The aim of the research was to study how the surface coating with quaternary ammonium silanes influences the attachment of industrial yeast cells. Three brewery and distillery strains belonging to Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and one strain of Debaryomyces occidentalis with high amylolytic activity were used in this study. Native chamotte carriers were modified using two organo-silanes with different functional groups containing ethanolamine ([3-N(N,N,N-dimethyl(2-hydroxyethyl)ammonio)propyl]trimethoxysilane) and octan-1-amine (octylamine) ([3-N(N,N,N-dimethyl-octylammonio)propyl]trimethoxysilane). The yeast cell surface charge was evaluated using an alcian blue retention assay. To determine the adhesion efficiency, light microscopy and methylene blue staining of cells were used. The viability of immobilized cells was confirmed by [2-chloro-4-(2,3 dihydro-3-methyl(benzo-1,3-thiozol-2-yl)-methylidene)-1-phenylquinolinium iodide] (FUN®1) staining. Modification of chamotte carriers increased the biomass load significantly; however, organo-silane with octylamine showed strong anti-yeast properties. This paper describes the use of inexpensive porous chamotte covered with active organo-silanes with quaternary ammonium groups as a way to improve yeast cell adhesion efficiency.
Spatial profiling of optical gain for optimizing lasing in plasmonic nano-lasers
Authors: Sattar Z. A. , Shore K. A.
Published: August 2013

Design of cylindrical metal-clad semiconductor nano-lasers is undertaken. Specific attention is given to determining the modal gain in structures supporting TM01 Surface Plasmon Polarition (SPP) modes. For representative structures it is indicated that cavity lengths of order 100 µm enable lasing action. In comparison structures supporting TE01 core-confined modes having cavity lengths of order 10 µm may sustain lasing. The analysis methodology adopted offers means to affect the design of candidate semiconductor lasers for bespoke applications.