bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development of Low Permeability Carbonate Reservoir in Depleted Sand Producing Gas Field - A Case Study
Authors: Majeed Arshad , Khan Jadoon Mohammad Saeed , Jahangir Saleem , Andrabi Aftab Hussain , Ahmed Bashir
Published: November 2011

Exploration and exploitation of low permeability gas reservoirs in mature developed field is a challenge. It involves re-evaluation and characterization of reservoir properties of the producing zones. As the field understudy is mature and needs to understand the different pressure regimes and available gas potential in depleted and un-depleted zones before embarking on the exploitation of these low permeability reservoir. In past, development of low permeability reservoir was considered uneconomical due to low flow rate and longer pay out time. However, present gas prices and existence of infrastructure of surface facilities on field shifts the negative economics of low gas flow rates to positive direction. Consequently, any gas flow rates are deemed to be economical and a source of extra revenue.

In this field, both carbonate and sandstone are producing reservoirs. Carbonates are of low permeability reservoir while sandstone is fragile and represent high permeability reservoir. Initially DSTs were conducted in both reservoirs while wells were completed in sand stone reservoir. Due to the fragile nature of the sandstone formation, gravel pack completion was used to avoid sand production. Initially, high permeability sand stone formation was produced. Volumetric and dynamic data was collected and analyzed to determine the undepleted part of the reservoir. The dynamic data indicated that low permeability reservoir has insignificant contribution and needs to be developed. Petrophysical properties of the carbonate reservoir were reviewed; new DST was conducted in the carbonate reservoir. During DST, longer build up was planned for reliable pressure data. After DST analysis, it was observed that it is low permeability reservoir with high skin value and need to be stimulated. Acid stimulation was carried out that have resulted in significant improvement and the well was put on production with sustainable production rate. In this paper, integrated approach of evaluation of geological and dynamic data that have resulted in successful recompletion of wells in low permeability carbonate reservoir will be discussed. The lesson learned from this successful evaluation and production of low permeability reservoir can be used for the exploitation of these reservoirs in the country.
Remedy of Severe Scale Build Up Issue in OMV (Pakistan) at Well 'X'
Authors: Hassan Syed Saadat , Ahmad Tofeeq , Farooqui Shoaib , Ali Haseeb Mazhar , Qamar Atif
Published: November 2011

With current demand for gas at historic peak, any decrease in production due to deposits of scale within tubing is the most troublesome for any E&P company. Statistically 28% of time it is the scale in well that hinders producing it at optimum rate. "Carbonate" and "Sulfate" scales are most common of mineral scales that form in wells. Carbonate scales are generally tackled by wellbore cleanout with acid or by using scale inhibitors to slowdown scale deposition process but none of these solutions solve the problem on permanent basis. Sulfates scales are generally very hard to remove through acid job and usually chemical chelants are used to control sulfate scales.

The major production enhancement challenge faced in well ‘X’ was to permanently mitigate severe scale build up issue in tubing for optimum production performance. This paper presents how these challenges were faced and overcome by using ClearWELL* unit, resulting in stable and continuous production.

A scale study was conducted by OMV laboratory in Vienna to identify the scale build up mechanism and solutions for its mitigation. The study confirmed that minor pressure decrease at formation temperature promoted water transfer into the gas phase, if water rate is low compared to gas rate, this can result in complete evaporation and formation of precipitate leading to scale build up (mainly calcite). To reinstate production, repeated wellbore cleanouts with coiled tubing using diluted HCl (7.50%) were thought to be the temporary solution in fighting CaCO3 scales.

ClearWELL unit was commissioned at well ‘X’ x-mas tree, which is currently under pilot testing. It is an electromagnetic device which continuously generates electronic dipole that induces a randomly varying high frequency electric field throughout the entire piping system. The electric field generated by device forces homogeneous crystal formation in suspension rather than on metal surfaces. Scale crystallizes in suspension and is carried away with gas water mixture.

During last 5 months of its pilot testing, results achieved so far are promising. Stable and no lost production added a reasonable value to the producing asset and saved huge revenue loss to the company.
Characteristic Properties of Lakhra Lignite to be used as Drilling Mud Additive
Authors: Yousif Muhammad , Khan Iftekhar Ali , Khan Abid Murtaza
Published: November 2011

The Potwar region of Upper Indus Basin in Pakistan is well known for its complexities in drilling because of high pressure subsurface conditions at shallow depths and presence of loss circulation zones. Lignite mud system is applicable preferentially in such conditions because of its low cost, inhibitive properties and tolerance to high mud weights. A study has been undertaken to evaluate the characteristic properties of lignite from Lakhra Coal mines, district Jamshoro, Sindh Province as drilling mud additive. The rheological properties, filtration loss and tolerance to high mud weight were investigated using API standard procedures. The results were positive.

This paper presents the characteristic properties of lignite from Lakhra for use as drilling mud additive. The study has been carried out in Mud Engineering and Cementing laboratory of Petroleum Engineering Department at NED University of Engineering and Technology, Karachi.
Achieving and maintaining of short-cut nitrification in a cyclic activated sludge system
Authors: Shaopo Wang , Jingjie Yu , Yanhui Liu , Yuan Liu , Liping Sun , Yongzhen Peng
Published: November 2011

A lab-scale Cyclic Activated Sludge Technology (CAST) system was operated more than 5 months to evaluate the effects of the operation mode on nitrogen removal performance and investigate a feasible method for achieving short-cut nitrification in the system. Results showed that nitrogen was removed by conventional biological nitrification and denitrification in traditional operation mode (fill/aeration 2 h, settle 1 h, decant 1 h), whereas short-cut nitrification and denitrification was the main nitrogen removal pathway in modified operation mode and the nitrogen removal performance was enhanced. Short-cut nitrification was successfully achieved in CAST system at 17 ± 1 °C by adjusting operation conditions and the average total nitrogen removal efficiency increased by 11.4% compared to traditional mode. It was assumed that low dissolved oxygen (<1.0 mg/L) limitation combined with free ammonia (0.28–0.34 mg/L) inhibition on nitrite-oxidizing bacteria caused nitrite accumulation in modified mode. During maintaining period of short-cut nitrification, preset aeration time enhanced ammonium-oxidizing bacteria dominance. It was also found that low DO could result in overgrowth of filamentous microorganisms and poor sludge settleability. The pH variation could provide effective information for controlling aeration duration in modified mode. However, no evident breakpoint appeared on pH and DO profiles in traditional mode.
The effect of sulfide and ammonia on cassava fermentation for ethanol production in an ethanol–methane coupled system
Authors: Wang Ke , Jiang Li , Mao ZhongGui , Zhang ChengMing , Zhang JianHua , Zhang HongJian
Published: November 2011

An ethanol–methane coupled system was proposed to resolve wastewater pollution in cassava ethanol production. The wastewater originated from ethanol distillation is treated with two-stage anaerobic digestion and then recycled for medium preparation for the next batch ethanol fermentation, thus eliminating wastewater discharge and saving fresh water. The constituents of the two-stage anaerobic digestion effluent were complex which influenced the ethanol fermentation performance. This paper aimed to study the effect of two constituents in the effluent, i.e. sulfide and ammonia, on cassava-based ethanol fermentation performance. It was found that sulfide reduced the consumption rate of total sugar by significantly inhibiting the growth of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, but the total consumption amount of total sugar at the end of fermentation was not influenced. S. cerevisiae produced more glycerol and less ethanol at the end of fermentation containing higher concentration of sodium sulfide. Ethanol fermentation performance could be hardly influenced by the sulfide in the two-stage effluent because of the very low concentration. More glycerol was produced while final ethanol concentration was reduced when the level of ammonia in the two-stage effluent was higher.
Anaerobic degradation of palm oil mill effluent (POME)
Authors: Yoochatchaval W. , Kumakura S. , Tanikawa D. , Yamaguchi T. , Yunus M. F. M. , Chen S. S. , Kubota K. , Harada H. , Syutsubo K.
Published: November 2011

The biodegradation characteristics of palm oil mill effluent (POME) and the related microbial community were studied in both actual sequential anaerobic ponds in Malaysia and enrichment cultures. The significant degradation of the POME was observed in the second pond, in which the temperature was 35–37 °C. In this pond, biodegradation of major long chain fatty acids (LCFA), such as palmitic acid (C16:0) and oleic acid (C18:1), was also confirmed. The enrichment culture experiment was conducted with different feeding substrates, i.e. POME, C16:0 and C18:1, at 35 °C. Good recovery of methane indicated biodegradation of feeds in the POME and C16:0 enrichments. The methane production rate of the C18:1 enrichment was slower than other substrates and inhibition of methanogenesis was frequently observed. Denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) analyses indicated the existence of LCFA-degrading bacteria, such as the genus Syntrophus and Syntorophomonas, in all enrichment cultures operated at 35 °C. Anaerobic degradation of the POME under mesophilic conditions was stably processed as compared with thermophilic conditions.
Hydrochemical evaluation of surface water quality and pollution source apportionment in the Luan River basin, China
Authors: Wang Huiliang , Li Xuyong , Xie Ying
Published: November 2011

In the context of rapid economic growth in China, hydrochemical characteristics of stream water quality are being influenced by a variety of natural and anthropogenic inputs. We determined 10 hydrochemical parameters of the surface water at 29 monitoring sites in the Luan River basin of northern China during 2007–2009. Water quality hydrochemistry was evaluated using fuzzy comprehensive analysis based on the National Surface Water Environmental Quality Standards of China. Our results showed that 14 sites were classified as ‘meeting standard (MS)’ while the other 15 sites were classified ‘non-meeting standard (NS)’. According to principal component analysis, four potential pollution sources were identified that explained 80.6% of the total variance among these MS sites, and three potential pollution sources that explained 78.3% of the total variance among these NS sites. Furthermore, multi-linear regression of the absolute principal component scores was used to estimate contributions from identified pollution sources. Most water pollution variables were influenced primarily by municipal sewage and non-point pollution in MS sites. In NS sites, chemical industry wastewater pollution dominated. Pollution in the main stream was more serious than that in the small tributaries. Our findings provide useful information for developing better pollution control strategies for the Luan River.
Effective degradation of para-chloronitrobenzene through a sequential treatment using zero-valent iron reduction and Fenton oxidation
Authors: Le Chen , Liang Junqian , Wu Jinhua , Li Ping , Wang Xiangde , Zhu Nengwu , Wu Pingxiao , Yang Bo
Published: November 2011

In this study, zero-valent iron (ZVI) was used to pretreat para-chloronitrobenzene (p-CNB), and the major product was para-chloroaniline (p-CAN). By adding H2O2 directly, further p-CAN degradation can be attributed to Fenton oxidation because ferrous ions (Fe2+) released during the ZVI corrosion could be used as an activator for H2O2 decomposition. In the reduction process, the reduction efficiency of p-CNB as well as Fe2+ concentration increased with increasing iron dosage and decreasing solution pH. Under the optimal conditions, 25 mg L−1 of p-CNB could be transformed in 3 h when initial solution pH was 3.0 and ZVI dosage was 2.0 g L−1. A sufficient amount of Fe2+ (50.4 mg L−1) was obtained after the above reaction to activate H2O2. In the Fenton process, the oxidization of p-CAN was also more effective in acidic conditions and it increased with increasing H2O2 concentration. The control experiments showed that the sequential treatment was more effective than Fenton oxidation alone in treating p-CNB wastewater since the removal rate of total organic carbon (TOC) was improved by about 34%. It suggested that the amino function group is more susceptible to oxidative radical attack than the nitro function group. Therefore, sequential treatment using zero-valent iron reduction followed by Fenton oxidation is a promising method for p-CNB degradation.
Diagnosing Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD)
Authors: Susan J. Astley
Published: November 2011

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) is a permanent birth defect syndrome caused by maternal consumption of alcohol during pregnancy. Almost four decades have passed since the term FAS was first coined. The condition is now recognized as a spectrum of disorders: Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD). Substantial progress has been made in developing specific criteria for delineating diagnoses under the umbrella of FASD. In the 14 years since the publication of the seminal report on FAS by the Institute of Medicine in 1996, clear consensus has been reached on two fundamental issues: 1) an FASD diagnostic evaluation is best conducted by a team of professionals from multiple disciplines (medicine, psychology, speech-language, occupational therapy) and 2) the team should use rigorously case-defined and validated FASD diagnostic guidelines. This chapter will provide a brief overview of the discovery of FASD, diagnostic challenges, how diagnostic guidelines and clinical models have evolved over time to address these challenges, and how new technology may influence the future of FASD diagnosis.
Differential Age Effects on Spatial and Visual Working Memory
Authors: Oosterman Joukje M. , Morel Sascha , Meijer Lisette , Buvens Cléo , Kessels Roy P. C. , Postma Albert
Published: November 2011

The present study was intended to compare age effects on visual and spatial working memory by using two versions of the same task that differed only in presentation mode. The working memory task contained both a simultaneous and a sequential presentation mode condition, reflecting, respectively, visual and spatial working memory processes. Young and older participants had to remember the locations of five equal objects under three different conditions: a baseline (immediate recall), a maintenance (including a delay of 5 seconds), and a manipulation (e.g., relocate all objects one column to the right) condition. Only older adults performed worse on the sequential compared to the simultaneous baseline condition and only this group revealed lower performance on the sequential delay compared to the simultaneous delay condition. However, in both groups the manipulation condition affected performance on the simultaneous and sequential presentation modes to the same extent. The findings of this study therefore partially support an age-related differentiation between visual and spatial working memory, with a stronger age effect on spatial than on visual working memory.
The Relationship between Religious Attendance and Blood Pressure: The Hunt Study, Norway
Authors: Sørensen Torgeir , Danbolt Lars J. , Lien Lars , Koenig Harold G. , Holmen Jostein
Published: November 2011

Objective:

Research from the United States shows a possible relationship between religious attendance (RA) and blood pressure (BP). The religious context in the United States differs widely from Scandinavia. The aim was, therefore, to test whether the relationship between RA and BP is specific to the religious culture in the United States or whether a similar relationship exists between RA and BP in a Norwegian context.

Design and Method:

Data from the Nord-Trøndelag Health Study's third wave, HUNT 3 (2006–08), was used. The associations between RA and diastolic (DBP) and systolic (SBP) blood pressure in women ( n = 20,066) and men ( n = 15,898) were investigated in a cross-sectional study using multiple regression analyses.

Results:

Mean DBP for women/men was 71.0 mmHg/76.7 mmHg. Mean SBP was 128.5 mmHg/134.0 mmHg; 39.1%/42.8% of women/men never attended religious services, 3.8%/3.4% attended more than 3x/month. The bivariate associations were statistically significant between RA and SBP in both genders and women's DBP but not men's DBP. After adjustment, inverse associations between RA and DBP/SBP for both genders were found. The RA-DBP relationship ( p < 0.001) demonstrated a gradient in effect for both genders, with increasing RA associated with decreasing DBP, with 1.50/1.67 mmHg lower in women/men respectively in those attending more than 3x/month, 0.87/1.16 mmHg lower in those attending 1–3x/month, and 0.49/0.10 mmHg less in those attending 1–6x/6 months. Differences in RA-SBP ( p < 0.05) were 2.12/1.71 mmHg, 0.30/0.11 mmHg, and 0.58/0.63 mmHg, respectively.

Conclusion:

In a large population-based survey in Norway, RA was associated with lower DBP and SBP after adjusting for relevant variables.
Greater Impact of Melanocortin-4 Receptor Deficiency on Rates of Growth and Risk of Type 2 Diabetes During Childhood Compared With Adulthood in Pima Indians
Authors: Thearle Marie S. , Muller Yunhua L. , Hanson Robert L. , Mullins Meghan , AbdusSamad Maryam , Tran John , Knowler William C. , Bogardus Clifton , Krakoff Jonathan , Baier Leslie J.
Published: November 2011

Features of melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R) deficiency have been observed to be more pronounced in childhood. Longitudinal data from a population-based study were used to separate the phenotypic effects of MC4R deficiency during childhood and adulthood. The MC4R exon was sequenced in 6,760 individuals of predominantly Pima Indian heritage, and discovered mutations were functionally assessed in vitro. Effects on BMI, height, and slope of BMI change were assessed during childhood (ages 5–20 years) and adulthood (ages 20–45 years). Six mutations affecting MC4R function, including three that may be private to Pima Indians, were found in 159 individuals (2.4%). The slope of BMI increase was greater in individuals carrying an MC4R mutation compared with noncarriers during childhood but not during adulthood. The final adult height obtained was higher in individuals with MC4R deficiency. There was an increased risk for developing type 2 diabetes in individuals with a defective MC4R during childhood and adulthood, but this was only independent of BMI in childhood. The greater rates of body mass accumulation and risk of type 2 diabetes before the age of 20 years in individuals with MC4R deficiency indicate that the effects of these mutations are more apparent during the active growth of childhood.
Heparanase Is Essential for the Development of Diabetic Nephropathy in Mice
Authors: Gil Natali , Goldberg Rachel , Neuman Tzahi , Garsen Marjolein , Zcharia Eyal , Rubinstein Ariel M. , van Kuppevelt Toin , Meirovitz Amichay , Pisano Claudio , Li Jin-Ping , van der Vlag Johan , Vlodavsky Israel , Elkin Michael
Published: November 2011

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is the major life-threatening complication of diabetes. Abnormal permselectivity of glomerular basement membrane (GBM) plays an important role in DN pathogenesis. Heparanase is the predominant enzyme that degrades heparan sulfate (HS), the main polysaccharide of the GBM. Loss of GBM HS in diabetic kidney was associated with increased glomerular expression of heparanase; however, the causal involvement of heparanase in the pathogenesis of DN has not been demonstrated. We report for the first time the essential involvement of heparanase in DN. With the use of Hpse-KO mice, we found that deletion of the heparanase gene protects diabetic mice from DN. Furthermore, by investigating the molecular mechanism underlying induction of the enzyme in DN, we found that transcription factor early growth response 1 (Egr1) is responsible for activation of heparanase promoter under diabetic conditions. The specific heparanase inhibitor SST0001 markedly decreased the extent of albuminuria and renal damage in mouse models of DN. Our results collectively underscore the crucial role of heparanase in the pathogenesis of DN and its potential as a highly relevant target for therapeutic interventions in patients with DN.
Diet of nestling Barn Swallows Hirundo rustica in rural areas of Poland
Authors: Orłowski Grzegorz , Karg Jerzy
Published: November 2011

Analysis of faecal sacs of nestling Barn Swallows Hirundo rustica from 52 breeding colonies located within fifteen spatially-separated villages in Poland has revealed that the basic component of the diet was Coleoptera (56.1% of all identified prey items), followed by Hymenoptera (24.1%), Diptera (16.1%) and Hemiptera (3.3%). The average mass of all prey items with known weight amounted to 3.40 mg (95% CL, 3.16–3.63 mg; median=0.49 mg) dry weight. Coleopterans associated with dung and manure jointly made up 23.5% of the number and 24.3% of the total biomass of all representatives of the order. Statistically significant negative relationships between the average weight of prey and number of prey found in 52 analyzed breeding sites suggest a particular need for Barn Swallows to find larger-bodied prey rather than to exploit the local abundance of smaller prey. The high percentage of Coleoptera in the diet of nestling Barn Swallows probably results from extensive or traditional farm management based on rules of organic farming in agricultural areas of central Europe, mainly commonly used organic fertilizers, and suggests the importance of these insects as a more easily accessible and larger-bodied prey in comparison to some small Diptera or Hymenoptera. We believe that a large number of randomly collected faecal samples from tens of breeding sites allow us to precisely describe variation in the diet of the Barn Swallow. Our work has great importance for documenting of the food composition of the Barn Swallow in traditional European countrysides, i.e. under environmental and agricultural conditions which, as a result of transformations of the system of farming, ceased to exist in the western and northern part of this continent.
Population genetics: the next stop for microbial ecologists?
Authors: Logares Ramiro
Published: November 2011

Microbes play key roles in the functioning of the biosphere. Still, our knowledge about their total diversity is very limited. In particular, we lack a clear understanding of the evolutionary dynamics occurring within their populations (i.e. among members of the same biological species). Unlike animals and plants, microbes normally have huge population sizes, high reproductive rates and the potential for unrestricted dispersal. As a consequence, the knowledge of population genetics acquired from studying animals and plants cannot be applied without extensive testing to microbes. Next generation molecular tools, like High Throughput Sequencing (e.g. 454 and Illumina) coupled to Single Cell Genomics, now allow investigating microbial populations at a very fine scale. Such techniques have the potential to shed light on several ecological and evolutionary processes occurring within microbial populations that so far have remained hidden. Furthermore, they may facilitate the identification of microbial species. Eventually, we may find an answer to the question of whether microbes and multicellular organisms follow the same or different rules in their population diversification patterns.
Effect of Two-Stage Fuel Injection Parameters on NOx Reduction Characteristics in a DI Diesel Engine
Authors: Jeong Kyusoo , Lee Donggon , Park Sungwook , Lee Chang Sik
Published: November 2011

The aim of this study was to confirm the effects of two-stage combustion on the combustion and NOx reduction characteristics of a four cylinder direct injection diesel engine. In order to analyze the combustion and emission characteristics, various injection parameters, such as injection quantity, injection timing and injection pressure were used under constant engine speed and engine load. In addition, the experimental results of two-stage combustion are compared to the single injection when injection timing is 5° BTDC. The experimental results showed that NOx emissions were significantly reduced when applying two-stage combustion. In particular, an injection strategy when the first and second injections have a same quantity, the results showed the maximum reduction of NOx emissions in this experiment. The NOx emissions were also reduced when the timing of the first injection was advanced. However, NOx emissions indicated almost similar concentration regardless of first injection timings when the first injection timing was earlier than 50° BTDC. In the case of soot emissions were slightly increased compare to the single injection cases at tested conditions.
Dynamic Control of Adsorption Sensitivity for Photo-EMF-Based Ammonia Gas Sensors Using a Wireless Network
Authors: Vashpanov Yuriy , Choo Hyunseung , Kim Dongsoo Stephen
Published: November 2011

This paper proposes an adsorption sensitivity control method that uses a wireless network and illumination light intensity in a photo-electromagnetic field (EMF)-based gas sensor for measurements in real time of a wide range of ammonia concentrations. The minimum measurement error for a range of ammonia concentration from 3 to 800 ppm occurs when the gas concentration magnitude corresponds with the optimal intensity of the illumination light. A simulation with LabView-engineered modules for automatic control of a new intelligent computer system was conducted to improve measurement precision over a wide range of gas concentrations. This gas sensor computer system with wireless network technology could be useful in the chemical industry for automatic detection and measurement of hazardous ammonia gas levels in real time.
Computer-assisted gait analysis of the dog: Comparison of two surgical techniques for the ruptured cranial cruciate ligament
Authors: Böddeker J. , Drüen S. , Meyer-Lindenberg A. , Fehr M. , Nolte I. , Wefstaedt P.
Published: November 2011

Objectives: To compare the improvement in degree of lameness following surgical repair of cranial cruciate ligament rupture in dogs using computer-assisted gait analysis.

Methods: Two groups of 14 dogs were used. One group was treated by a capsular-fascial imbrication method, and the other group by tibial plateau levelling osteotomy (TPLO). All dogs underwent gait analysis prior to surgery, as well as at four days, four weeks, and four months after surgery. Symmetry indices of vertical ground reaction forces as well as vertical ground reaction forces in % body weight, joint angles and certain gait cycle parameters were evaluated.

Results: Four months after surgery, the degree of lameness expressed as symmetry index for peak vertical force for the TPLO group (5.83%) was not significantly different to the capsular-fascial imbrication group (19.05%). Within the TPLO group, there was a significantly increased ability to extend the stifle joint four months after surgery. The stifle motion pattern of the capsular-fascial imbrication group as well as the range-of-motion in both groups showed very little change at the time of the last gait analysis. The complication rate was greater in the TPLO group than in the capsular-fascial group.

Clinical significance: In conclusion the results suggest that the TPLO method leads to a faster recovery and improved limb function in comparison to the capsular-fascial imbrication method four months after surgery. Further analyses are needed to determine if the TPLO method is superior concerning long-term joint stability.

Online supplementary material: A video of the three-dimensional kinematic model is available online at: http://www.vcot-online.com
Characterization of microsatellite loci in Festuca gautieri (Poaceae) and transferability to F. eskia and F. ×picoeuropeana
Authors: Segarra‐Moragues José Gabriel , Catalán Pilar
Published: November 2011

• Premise of the study: Enriched genomic libraries were used to isolate and characterize microsatellite loci in Festuca gautieri, an important plant component of subalpine calcareous grasslands of the eastern Iberian Peninsula, the Pyrenees, and the Cantabrian Mountains. Microsatellites were required to investigate landscape genetics across its distribution range and at a narrower geographical scale within the Ordesa y Monte Perdido, Aigüestortes, and Picos de Europa Spanish national parks.

• Methods and Results: Ten polymorphic microsatellite loci were characterized. They amplified a total of 116 alleles in a sample of 30 individuals of F. gautieri, showing high levels of genetic diversity (expected heterozygosity = 0.821). Cross‐species transferability to two other close congeners, F. eskia and F ×picoeuropeana, increased the total number of alleles to 137. These taxa showed lower numbers of alleles but similar levels of genetic diversity to F. gautieri.

• Conclusions: These microsatellite primers will be useful in population and landscape genetics and in establishing conservation strategies for these characteristic elements of subalpine pastures.
Isolation and characterization of 52 polymorphic EST‐SSR markers for Callitris columellaris (Cupressaceae)
Authors: Sakaguchi Shota , Uchiyama Kentaro , Ueno Saneyoshi , Ujino‐Ihara Tokuko , Tsumura Yoshihiko , Prior Lynda D. , Bowman David M. J. S. , Crisp Michael D. , Isagi Yuji
Published: November 2011

•Premise of the study: We developed simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers from expressed sequence tags (ESTs) for Callitris columellaris sensu lato (s.l.) to elucidate population genetic structure and detect outlier loci by genome scan.

•Methods and Results: mRNA from an individual seedling was subjected to cDNA synthesis and then de novo pyrosequencing. Two hundred and nineteen primer pairs bordering sequence regions were designed from the obtained sequence data. In total, 52 showed polymorphism within 16 individuals representative of the species’ entire range, with the number of alleles per locus and expected heterozygosity ranging from two to 10 and 0.06 to 0.84, respectively.

•Conclusions: The EST‐SSR markers developed in this study will be useful for evaluating the range‐wide genetic structure of C. columellaris s.l. and detecting outlier loci under selection, as well as providing useful markers to investigate the conservation genetics and reproductive ecology of the species.
Les dilemmes de la construction de la nation dans les États-nations postcoloniaux : les cas de la Tanzanie et des Fidji
Authors: Larson Erik , Aminzade Ron
Published: November 2011

Résumé En nous fondant sur nos recherches comparatives touchant les politiques et les stratégies de réparation en Tanzanie et à Fidji, nous identifions et analysons les dilemmes de la construction de la nation dans les États postcoloniaux présentant des divisions ethniques et raciales. Deux dilemmes de ce type sont liés à l’héritage historique de la formation de l’État colonial et post-colonial. Celui de l’identité nationale résulte de la nécessité où se trouvent les États postcoloniaux de surmonter les formations raciales héritées de l’époque coloniale, qui ont créé de puissants éléments d’identification de groupe. Une fois qu’ils ont accédé à l’indépendance, les États-nations se trouvent soumis à des pressions concurrentes tendant à réduire d’une part les inégalités persistantes, et à répondre d’autre part à la mobilisation politique, pressions qui peuvent s’ancrer l’une et l’autre dans des identités de groupe. Le dilemme de la légitimité démocratique résulte des pressions contradictoires s’exerçant sur les États-nations pour qu’ils se conforment aux normes de conduite mondiales tout en satisfaisant aux demandes de l’électorat national. Dans ces cas, les États risquent d’être jugés en fonction de critères différents et incompatibles. Faute pour l’identité nationale de s’être développée de conserve avec l’appareil administratif, l’État court le risque d’être confisqué par des vainqueurs politiques, qui entretiendront les divisions existantes. Pour triompher de ces dilemmes, il faut une classe dirigeante éclairée, sur le plan intérieur comme sur le plan international.
L'adhésion au multiculturalisme aux Pays-Bas
Authors: Schalk-Soekar Saskia R. G. , Breugelmans Seger M. , Van de Vijver Fons J. R.
Published: November 2011

Résumé Une étude sur l’adhésion au multiculturalisme a porté sur 250 membres du groupe majoritaire dans une ville néerlandaise. On a constaté que cette notion était unidimensionnelle. L’approbation du multiculturalisme était moyenne, et différenciée selon les domaines; les enquêtés étaient neutres face à l’approbation (ou la désapprobation) de la diversité culturelle et des stratégies d’acculturation des membres du groupe majoritaire, approuvaient la participation égale à la vie sociale et les échanges entre membres du groupe majoritaire et immigrés, et désapprouvaient les stratégies d’acculturation des immigrés. Par ailleurs, le sexe, l’âge, et le revenu n’avaient pas d’effet sur l’adhésion au multiculturalisme, tandis que l’éducation avait une influence positive. L’étude reprenait les paramètres d’une étude antérieure, réalisée (en 1999) avant l’assassinat de Fortuyn, le politicien néerlandais. Les résultats de l’étude de 1999 et de celle qui est exposée ici ont donné des résultats identiques.
Is Topography-guided Ablation Profile Centered on the Corneal Vertex Better Than Wavefront-guided Ablation Profile Centered on the Entrance Pupil?
Authors: Reinstein Dan Z. , Archer Timothy J. , Gobbe Marine
Published: November 2011

PURPOSE:

To illustrate the hypothesis that corneal vertex centration is superior to entrance pupil centration when guiding an ablation by wavefront.

METHODS:

In one case example of therapeutic retreatment for treatment zone decentration after primary radial keratotomy (RK) centered on the entrance pupil (line of sight), both a whole-eye wavefront-guided ablation profile (WASCA data) and a topography-guided ablation profile (Atlas data) were generated using the CRS-Master (Carl Zeiss Meditec) and compared. The patient had a large vertical angle kappa. Corneal topography demonstrated that the zone of flattening was decentered superiorly with reference to the corneal vertex and the patient reported severe night vision disturbances.

RESULTS:

The wavefront-guided profile, centered on the line of sight, was symmetrical because the wavefront was dominated by spherical aberration induced by the primary RK treatment. On the other hand, the topography-guided profile, centered on the corneal vertex, was asymmetric with an inferior region of ablation, which would logically improve the topographic decentration. The topography-guided profile was chosen for photorefractive keratectomy using the MEL 80 excimer laser (Carl Zeiss). Ten months after the procedure, the treatment zone was topographically well centered on the corneal vertex. Whole-eye higher order root-mean-square (RMS) was reduced by 43% and corneal higher order RMS was reduced by 61%. The patient reported large subjective improvement in the quality of vision and marked reduction in night vision disturbances.

CONCLUSIONS:

This case provides evidence that wavefront data centered on the entrance pupil center may not represent the patient’s view and the treatment zone should preferably be centered on the corneal vertex rather than the entrance pupil center.
Loss of Immunological Tolerance in Gimap5-Deficient Mice Is Associated with Loss of Foxo in CD4+ T Cells
Authors: Aksoylar H. Ibrahim , Lampe Kristin , Barnes Michael J. , Plas David R. , Hoebe Kasper
Published: November 2011

Previously, we reported the abrogation of quiescence and reduced survival in lymphocytes from Gimap5sph/sph mice, an ENU germline mutant with a missense mutation in the GTPase of immunity-associated protein 5 (Gimap5). These mice showed a progressive loss of peripheral lymphocyte populations and developed spontaneous colitis, resulting in early mortality. In this study, we identify the molecular pathways that contribute to the onset of colitis in Gimap5sph/sph mice. We show that CD4+ T cells become Th1/Th17 polarized and are critically important for the development of colitis. Concomitantly, regulatory T cells become reduced in frequency in the peripheral tissues, and their immunosuppressive capacity becomes impaired. Most importantly, these progressive changes in CD4+ T cells are associated with the loss of Forkheadbox group O (Foxo)1, Foxo3, and Foxo4 expression. Our data establish a novel link between Gimap5 and Foxo expression and provide evidence for a regulatory mechanism that controls Foxo protein expression and may help to maintain immunological tolerance.
Prevalence of diabetes, obesity, and metabolic syndrome in subjects with and without schizophrenia (CURES-104)
Authors: Subashini R , Deepa M , Padmavati R , Thara R , Mohan V
Published: November 2011

Background:

There are some reports that diabetes and metabolic syndrome (MS) are more prevalent among schizophrenia patients. However, there are very few studies in India which have estimated the prevalence of diabetes and MS in schizophrenia patients.

Aims:

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of diabetes, obesity, and MS in subjects with and without schizophrenia.

Settings and Design:

This case control study comprised of "cases" i.e. subjects with schizophrenia recruited from a schizophrenia centre at Chennai and "controls" i.e. healthy age- and gender-matched subjects without psychiatric illness selected from an ongoing epidemiological study in Chennai in a 1:4 ratio of cases: Controls.

Materials and Methods:

Fasting plasma glucose and serum lipids were estimated for all subjects. Anthropometric measures including height, weight, and waist circumference were assessed. Diabetes and impaired fasting glucose (IFG) were defined using American Diabetes Association criteria.

Statistical analysis:

One-way ANOVA or student's "t" test was used to compare continuous variables and Chi-square test to compare proportion between two groups.

Results:

The study group comprised of 655 subjects, 131 with schizophrenia and a control group of 524 subjects without schizophrenia. The prevalence of the diabetes, IFG, abdominal obesity and MS were significantly higher among subjects with schizophrenia compared to those without schizophrenia-diabetes (15.3% vs. 7.3%, P=0.003), IFG (31.3% vs. 8.6%, P<0.001), abdominal obesity (59.2% vs. 44.7%, P<0.001), and MS (34.4% vs. 24%, P=0.014).

Conclusion:

In subjects with schizophrenia, the prevalence of diabetes, IFG, abdominal obesity, and MS is significantly higher than in those without schizophrenia.
Tuberculosis and female reproductive health
Authors: Ghosh K , Ghosh K , Chowdhury JR
Published: November 2011

Tuberculosis (TB) is an important cause of mortality and morbidity all over the world and is particularly relevant in developing countries like India where the disease is endemic. Female reproductive system is very vulnerable to this infection and clinical presentation of this disease in female reproductive tract is protean in nature and in a large majority of patients could be completely silent. This disease is an important cause of infertility, menstrual irregularity, pregnancy loss, and in association with pregnancy, morbidity to both the mother and child increases. Some of the effects of TB infection on female genital tract could be remote in nature due to infection elsewhere. Medicines used to treat TB infection can also have adverse effects on contraception and other areas of female reproductive health. HIV coinfection and multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) and increased population migration from developed to developing countries have now added a whole new dimension to this infection. Though new, finer diagnostic tools of detection of TB are increasingly available in the form of bacterial cultures and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) based diagnostics, suspicion by clinicians remains the main tool for diagnosis of the condition. Hence, doctors need to be properly trained to become "Tuberculosis Minded".
Neuralgic amyotrophy associated with dengue fever
Authors: Verma R , Sharma P , Khurana N , Sharma LN
Published: November 2011

Dengue is an acute mosquito borne viral infection caused by one of the four distinct serotype of dengue viruses (type 1-4), belonging to flavivirus family. Dengue fever, an arboviral infection is known to cause various neurological complications. Commonly reported neurological manifestations associated with dengue infection are encephalopathy, myelopathy, stroke, Guillain-Barre syndrome and hypokalemic paralysis. Brachial amyotrophy associated with dengue infection were not described previously. Here, we describe three patients presenting with brachial neuritis associated with dengue infection. Dengue infection should be considered in the etiological list of brachial neuritis in dengue endemic areas, especially if preceded by history of febrile illness compatible with dengue illness.
Anterior abdominal wall abscess with epididymo-orchitis
Authors: Kamble PM , Patil A , Jadhav S , Rao SA
Published: November 2011

Pancreatitis indicates inflammation of the pancreas. Clinically acute pancreatitis typically presents as upper abdominal pain mostly in epigastric region, nausea, vomiting and elevated levels of amylase and lipase. Depending upon severity of acute pancreatitis patient may presents with minimal symptoms to more severe signs of acute abdomen like generalized guarding and rigidity. Inspite of absence of disease-specific signs and symptoms for acute pancreatitis, diagnosis is usually not difficult using a combination of clinical, laboratory and radiological findings. Sometimes pancreatitis may presents atypically, which may be misleading in the management especially when typical presentation of pancreatitis as described above is absent. We have described a case of pancreatitis where patient presented with anterior abdominal wall abscess with epididymo-orchitis because of tracking of pancreatic fluid into the retroperitoneum till scrotum. Patients presentation may be different depending upon complication occurred during the course of pancreatitis. After reviewing the literature we found very few cases in which you may not get a clue to diagnose pancreatitis because of atypical presentation. In the described case, patient managed conservatively with percutaneous drainage of the abscess by pigtail catheter placement and scrotal support for epididymoorchitis. This avoided unnecessary exploration in above patient.
A Preliminary Study on the Impact of a Pedometer-Based Intervention on Daily Steps
Authors: Croteau Karen A.
Published: November 2011

Purpose.

To investigate the effects of an 8-week, pedometer-based lifestyle physical activity intervention on physical activity levels.

Methods.

Participants were 37 college employees who volunteered to participate in the study. The intervention consisted of goal setting, pedometer use, self-monitoring, and weekly e-mail reminders. Physical activity measures (pedometer, survey) were taken at baseline and immediately following the intervention. A t-test for paired samples was used to determine significant changes in measures.

Results.

Results indicate a significant increase in average daily steps (p < .01), from 8565 (± 3121) steps at baseline to 10,538 (± 3681) steps after the program. Participants who averaged fewer than 6000 steps and obese participants experienced the greatest increase.

Discussion.

Although preliminary, this study indicates that the minimal contact, self-managed, pedometer-based lifestyle intervention was effective in increasing the daily physical activity of participants. Given the combination of behavioral techniques used, a recommendation for future studies would be to examine the impact of individual behavioral techniques on daily physical activity.
Zoning Should Promote Public Health
Authors: Hirschhorn Joel S.
Published: November 2011

Legally, governments use their police powers to protect public health, safety, and welfare through zoning. This paper presents a case for revisiting zoning on the basis of increasing evidence that certain types of community design promote public health, as opposed to the dominant pattern of sprawl development, which does not. Zoning, and the land use planning linked to it, that prohibits or disfavors health-promoting community designs contradicts the inherent public policy goal on which it is based. If there is a paradigm shift underway, from traditional sprawl to health-promoting community designs, then health professionals and others should understand why zoning must be reassessed.
Reaching Out to Promote Physical Activity in Australia: A Statewide Randomized Controlled Trial of a Stage-Targeted Intervention
Authors: Marshall Alison L. , Bauman Adrian E. , Owen Neville , Booth Michael L. , Crawford David , Marcus Bess H.
Published: November 2011

Purpose.

This study examined the broader use of a print-media intervention, which was previously shown to be effective at promoting physical activity to participants recruited from a regional Australian community, as a strategy suitable for a more diverse statewide population sample.

Methods.

Participants were randomly selected adults who responded to a telephone interview conducted by the New South Wales Health Department and consented to participate in a randomized controlled trial. Consenters were allocated to either intervention (n = 361) or control (n = 358) conditions. The intervention, a personalized letter plus stage-targeted booklets, was sent 1 week postbaseline. Data were collected via telephone interview at baseline and 2 and 8 months and were analyzed using repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) and χ2 statistics.

Results.

The groups were similar at baseline (mean age 43 ± 3 years; 64% women). Process evaluation showed high intervention recall (76% at 2 months) and high follow-up response rates (>85% at 8 months) were achieved. Nonsignificant increases in physical activity were observed (F 1,719 = 2.18, p = .14).

Discussion.

A single mailing of stage-targeted print materials was not effective in promoting increases in physical activity among participants selected from the statewide population. Future research could examine how the effectiveness of print media might be enhanced, possibly by using supplementary media, community-based prompts, or other incentives.