bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
End stage renal disease and ventricular arrhythmia.Hemodialysis and hemodiafiltration differently affect ventricular repolarization
Authors: Czifra Árpád , Páll Alida , Sebestyén Veronika , Barta Kitti , Lőrincz István , Balla József , Paragh György , Szabó Zoltán
Published: March 2015

Various factors (hypertension [27%], diabetes mellitus [40%]) and their cardiovascular complications play an important role in the genesis of end stage renal disease. Furthermore, primary kidney diseases (glomerulonephritis, tubulointerstitial nephritis, obstructive uropathy, analgesic nephropathy, polycystic kidney disease, autoimmune diseases) have an unfavorable effect on the cardiovascular outcome of this particular population. Increased susceptibility for arrhythmias may be caused by intermittent volume overload, metabolic disturbance, renal anemia, structural and electrophysiological changes of the myocardium, inflammatory mechanisms that may worsen the mortality statistics of these patients. A novel renal replacement method, hemodiafiltration – based on a convective transport – ensures reduced mortality that may be attributed to a decreased occurrence of arrhythmias. The aim of this paper is to review the pathogenetic factors taking part in the arrhythmogenesis of end stage renal disease and to provide diagnostic and therapeutic opportunities that can help in the prediction and prevention of arrhythmias. Orv. Hetil., 2015, 156(12), 463–471.
Use of Micro- and Nano-ZnO particles as Catalysts for the Microwave-Assisted Polymerization ofD,L-lactide
Authors: Rodríguez-Tobías Heriberto , Morales Graciela , Enríquez Javier , Espinoza-González Carlos , Grande Daniel
Published: March 2015

The use of a catalyst is required to synthesize poly(D,L-lactide) (PLA) and tin (II) 2-ethylhexanoate could be highlighted among them. However, this kind of catalysts can produce bio-dangerous compounds limiting the PLA in medical applications, therefore there is a need to investigate novel bio-safe catalysts. Taking into account this problem, this communication reports the use of micro- and nano-ZnO particles as catalysts for the microwave-assisted polymerization of D,L-lactide. By microwave heating a high monomer conversion (higher than 95%) was achieved in a relatively short reaction time (3 hours). Morphology/size and concentration of ZnO particles presented a strong effect on the production of PLA, star-like microparticles leaded to conversionca.25%, well below to the values achieved with the nanoparticles. Furthermore, the formation of a ZnO-PLA hybrid was evidenced by spectroscopic and thermal characterization techniques. The methodology herein developed represents a new pathway for the green synthesis of PLA.
Behavior of Hydrogel Microparticles Based on Acrylamide and 2-HEMA Obtained By Inverse Emulsion
Authors: Sanchez-Orozco Raymundo , Vasquez-Garcia Salomon R. , Flores-Ramirez Nelly , Domratcheva Lada
Published: March 2015

Poly(acrylamide-co-2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate), hydrogel microparticles were prepared by free radical copolymerization of acrylamide (AAm) and 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (2-HEMA) using an inverse emulsion polymerization technique, employing ethylene glycol dimethylacrylate (EGDMA) as crosslinker in the presence of w/o emulsifiers span-80 and span-85 (sorbitol mono-oleate) above the lower critical solution temperature. Water absorption capacity and characteristics of the hydrogel microparticles were analyzed by Optical Microscopy (OM), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA). Thus, microparticles were submitted to a gravimetric study on their ability to absorb and to retain distilled water at 25°C. One gram of microparticles absorbed at least 15 g of water. By varying the relative ratio between the continuous phase (hexane and emulsifiers) and the dispersed phase (monomers, initiator and crosslinker), non-agglomerated dispersed particles with nearly spherical shape were obtained having a narrow size distribution in the range from 10 to 20 µm. At a constant value of the emulsifier, and as a result of increasing the stirring rate, a particle size reduction was observed from 13 to 7 µm. The PAAm and PHEMA structures of synthesized hydrogel were confirmed using FTIR analysis. Additionally, through thermal analysis the P(AAm-HEMA) hydrogel showed an increase of water retention and thermal stability due to PAAm addition.
Thermoelectric properties of synthesized Mg2Si0.95-xGe0.05Sbx by spark plasma sintering
Authors: Sasaki Asumi , Arai Koya , Kimori Yuto , Nakamura Tomoyuki , Fujimoto Kenjiro , Yamaguchi Yuki , Tamura Ryuji , Iida Tsutomu , Nishio Keishi
Published: March 2015

Magnesium silicide (Mg2Si) has attracted much interest as an n-type thermoelectric material because it is eco-friendly, non-toxic, light, and relatively abundant compared with other thermoelectric materials. In this study, we tried to improve the thermoelectric performance by doping Sb and Ge in the Mg2Si, as well as further optimizing x in the carrier concentration to cause phonon scattering. A high purity Mg2Si was synthesized from metal Mg and Sb doped Si-Ge alloy by using spark plasma sintering (SPS) equipment. The sintered samples were cut and polished. They were evaluated by using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analyses. The carrier concentration of the samples was measured by using Hall measurement equipment. The electrical conductivity and Seebeck coefficient were measured by using a standard four-probe method in a He atmosphere. The thermal conductivity was measured by using a laser-flash system. We succeeded in obtaining a Sb doped Mg2Si0.95Ge0.05 sintered body easily without any impurities with the SPS equipment. The electrical conductivity of the sample was increased, and thermal conductivity was decreased by increasing the amount of doped Sb. The dimensionless figure of merit ZT became 0.74 at 733 K in the Mg2Si0.95-xGe0.05Sbx sample with x = 0.0022.
Purity of mushroom tyrosinase as a biocatalyst for biomaterial synthesis affects the stability of therapeutic peptides
Authors: Racheva M. , Romero O. , Julich-Gruner K.-K. , Ulrich A. S. , Wischke C. , Lendlein A.
Published: March 2015

The formation of injectable implants in the presence of cells or solutes has previously been conceptualized to be based on the selectivity of bioorthogonal chemical reactions. As an alternative approach, hydrogel network synthesis by enzymatic reactions with a typically high inherent substrate specificity and low toxicity have been repeatedly proposed, e.g. using commercial mushroom tyrosinase (MTyr), which specifically catalyzes phenol oxidation. In this study, it should be explored whether MTyr is compatible with therapeutic peptides that may be delivered from such hydrogels in the future. Based on the specificity of MTyr to phenol residues, no modification of peptides lacking the amino acid tyrosine would be expected. One example of such peptides is gramicidin S (GS), a potent antimicrobial peptide. However, when GS was incubated with commercial MTyr, peptide degradation occurred as observed by HPLC analysis. Several fragments of the peptide were detected by MALDI-TOF. Contamination of MTyr with peptidases was proven as the source of undesired peptide cleavage, which needs to be considered when preparing enzymatically crosslinked hydrogels for biomedical applications.
Phonon Transport in SiGe-Based Nanocomposites and Nanowires for Thermoelectric Applications
Authors: Upadhyaya M. , Aksamija Z.
Published: March 2015

Silicon-germanium (SiGe) superlattices (SLs) have been proposed for application as efficient thermoelectrics because of their low thermal conductivity, below that of bulk SiGe alloys. However, the cost of growing SLs is prohibitive, so nanocomposites, made by a ball-milling and sintering, have been proposed as a cost-effective replacement with similar properties. Lattice thermal conductivity in SiGe SLs is reduced by scattering from the rough interfaces between layers. Therefore, it is expected that interface properties, such as roughness, orientation, and composition, will play a significant role in thermal transport in nanocomposites and offer many additional degrees of freedom to control the thermal conductivity in nanocomposites by tailoring grain size, shape, and crystal angle distributions. We previously demonstrated the sensitivity of the lattice thermal conductivity in SLs to the interface properties, based on solving the phonon Boltzmann transport equation under the relaxation time approximation. Here we adapt the model to a broad range of SiGe nanocomposites. We model nanocomposite structures using a Voronoi tessellation to mimic the grains and their distribution in the nanocomposite and show excellent agreement with experimentally observed structures, while for nanowires we use the Monte Carlo method to solve the phonon Boltzmann equation. In order to accurately treat phonon scattering from a series of atomically rough interfaces between the grains in the nanocomposite and at the boundaries of nanowires, we employ a momentum-dependent specularity parameter. Our results show thermal transport in SiGe nanocomposites and nanowires is reduced significantly below their bulk alloy counterparts.
Osteogenesis imperfecta and pregnancy: case report
Authors: Kisielienė Rūta , Kupčiūnaitė Rasa , Bužinskienė Diana , Drąsutienė Gražina
Published: March 2015

Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) is a rare inherited connective tissue disorder, in which synthesis or structure of type I collagen is defective, causing reduced osseous density and increased bone fragility. There is presented a case report of type V osteogenesis imperfecta woman pregnancy and delivery, analyzed physiological changes during pregnancy, prenatal diagnosis, osteogenesis imperfecta influence to pregnancy and mode of delivery. Due to a vast variety of phenotype and insufficient data, individual analysis of each case and mode of delivery should be done by a multidisciplinary team. Osteogenesis imperfecta is an extragenital disorder and it‘s not a contraindication to pregnancy
Allelic Ratio of KRAS Mutations in Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Lennerz Jochen K. , Stenzinger Albrecht
Published: March 2015

KRAS is not simply mutated or wild type in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC); actually, it has never been. More than 90% of PDACs carry mutated KRAS alleles; however, the impact on PDAC biology may vary with the tumor-specific allelic ratio and dosage of mutated KRAS.
The Prostate Cancer DREAM Challenge: A Community-Wide Effort to Use Open Clinical Trial Data for the Quantitative Prediction of Outcomes in Metastatic Prostate Cancer
Authors: Abdallah Kald , Hugh-Jones Charles , Norman Thea , Friend Stephen , Stolovitzky Gustavo
Published: March 2015

Project Data Sphere and Sage Bionetworks/DREAM are launching the Prostate Cancer DREAM Challenge to improve a predictive model of disease progression and treatment toxicity in prostate cancer using historical trial data. Predictions identified through this challenge have the potential to translate into reduced trial redundancy, better clinical decision tools, and improved patient outcomes. The challenge launches on March 16, 2015.
Phase II Study of Sorafenib and Bortezomib for First-Line Treatment of Metastatic or Unresectable Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Rao Arpit , Lauer Richard
Published: March 2015

Author Summary

Background.

Sorafenib is an orally active multikinase inhibitor, and bortezomib is a proteasome inhibitor that affects multiple signaling pathways. Sorafenib has clinical activity in renal cell carcinoma (RCC), whereas bortezomib has demonstrated activity against RCC cell lines in vitro, with in vitro studies showing synergism between the two agents in the induction of apoptosis in neoplastic cell lines. In this phase II study, we explored the efficacy and toxicity of this regimen.

Methods.

Adult patients with cytologically confirmed clear cell RCC with no prior chemotherapy, Zubrod performance status of 0–1, serum creatinine <1.5 mg/dL, and normal liver function tests were treated with sorafenib 200 mg orally b.i.d. with bortezomib 1 mg/m2 intravenously on days 1, 4, 8, and 11 every 21 days. Treatment was continued until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. The primary objective was median progression-free survival (PFS) of at least 70 weeks.

Results.

Seventeen patients were enrolled between April 2011 and January 2013. Median age was 62 years (range: 44–75 years). Four of 17 patients had known brain metastasis on enrollment. Median number of cycles was 4 (range: 1 to ≥45). No patient had complete response, 1 had partial response, 12 had stable disease, and 4 had progressive disease (response rate of 6%; 95% confidence interval: 0%–29%) with treatment. Median PFS was 13.7 weeks, and median overall survival was 110 weeks. The study was halted for futility.

Conclusion.

The combination of sorafenib and bortezomib was well tolerated; however, response rate and PFS were comparable to sorafenib monotherapy. This regimen is not recommended for further development.
Experimental study on mechanical properties of sandstone specimens containing a single hole after high-temperature exposure
Authors: Yin Q. , Jing H. W. , Ma G. W.
Published: March 2015

The effect of temperature levels and hole diameter on the mechanical behaviour of intact and flawed sandstone specimens containing a single hole was analysed based on uniaxial compression test results. It was found that, with increasing temperature, both the peak strength and elastic modulus first increase gradually and then decrease sharply, reaching maximum values at 400°C. These two mechanical parameters of the flawed specimens were significantly lower than those of the corresponding intact specimens, with the extent of reduction being distinctly related to the hole diameter. Thermal damage of sandstone specimens changed gradually from ‘negative thermal damage’ to positive values with increasing temperature, while the variation of the thermal damage increased gradually with the diameter. The ultimate failure modes and crack coalescence behaviour were also evaluated for the flawed specimens after high temperature, and crack types (tensile crack, hole collapse, far-field crack and surface spalling) based on the crack coalescence mechanism are discussed. The sequence of crack coalescence in a flawed sandstone specimen after high temperature was captured, and its effect on the macroscopic axial stress–strain curve was also investigated.
KOSTROMA REGION: RESULTS, PROBLEMS, DEVELOPMENT LINES
Authors: Slyunyaev I. N.
Published: March 2015

Kostroma region is one of the fast-growing regions in Russia. Industrial policy of Kostroma region is aimed at creating highly efficient industrial complex with rational constitution and structure that will be able to provide competitive products, employment of population and stable budget revenues on all levels. Unique cultural heritage of Kostroma region is an essential part of the Russian history, national spiritual values of the country. In 2013, Russia will be celebrating great anniversary, 400 years after the end of the Time of Trouble, election of the first tsar of Romanov dynasty and renewal of Russian national identity. Romanov festival is carried on in Kostroma annualy.
FORMING MECHANISM OF MUNICIPAL ECONOMY CRISIS MANAGEMENT
Authors: Levinson N. L. , Haritonova N. A.
Published: March 2015

The article describes the mainstream of municipal economy crisis management, tactical activities in order to reconcile a disputes on the use of municipal property, arising between economic entities. The characteristics of existing municipal economy models are represented. The concrete methods of new principals of municipal property management are defined.
FINANCIAL AND ECONOMIC STABILITY: THE THEORETICAL ASPECTS OF ASSESSMENT AND MANAGEMENT
Authors: Kochetkov E. P.
Published: March 2015

This article investigates the stability of the organization as a socio-economic system based on a systemic approach. Author offers own definition of financial and economic stability, which is based on resistance to negative factors of the crisis of the organization, ensuring the preservation of business from destruction and growth of business value. The relationships between stability, factors of the crisis and the bankruptcy of the organization are considered as threats to stability. Author determines the threshold of resistance of organization, which provides its financial and economic stability.
THE INSTITUTIONAL ENVIRONMENT OF ANTI-CRISIS MANAGEMENT: LESSONS OF GLOBAL CRISIS
Authors: Morozova T. Ju.
Published: March 2015

The banking system, being the part of social-economic system of country, is taking of a strategic position in maintaining the economic safety. In the article it is offered to analyze the stages of anti-crisis management development and evaluate the needs of improving the institutional environment of bank’s functioning by using the system-institutional method. Realizing the lessons of insufficient flexibility and inopportuneness of updating the strategy of Russian banks in conditions of crisis situation development it is also offered to concentrate the efforts of the interested federal bodies, supervisory body and banking society to development the intellectual potential of anti-crisis management and to form the toolkit and methodical approaches for developing the anti-crisis strategy at all levels.
UNCERTAINTY, CHANGEABILITY AND INCONSISTENCY IN TASKS OF ANALYZING RISKS OF ECONOMIC SYSTEM BEHAVIOR
Authors: Avdiyskiy V. I. , Bezdenezhnyh V. М.
Published: March 2015

The theorem of ultimate uncertainty of a complex economic system states that the social-economical process of a complex economic system functioning develops efficiently if complexity and manageability characteristics are similar, and manageability criteria correspond to the levels of uncertainty of the environment and organization, and subsequently, its risk levels and management systems. The theorem of ultimate uncertainty (manageability) also allows making some individual conclusions. For example, taking into account uncertainty levels, we can select instruments for analysis, quantitative and qualitative methods of estimating possible risk development and means for its regulation.
4. BLOCO DE CONSTITUCIONALIDADE EM MATÉRIA DE GARANTIAS PROCESSUAIS NA AMÉRICA LATINA: ULTRAPASSANDO O PERFIL FUNCIONAL E ESTRUTURAL “HIPERMODERNO” DE PROCESSO RUMO À CONSTRUÇÃO DE UM DIREITO PROCESSUAL INTERNACIONAL DOS DIREITOS HUMANOS
Authors: LOPES SALDANHA Jânia Maria
Published: March 2015

O texto analisa a presença de um conjunto de garantias processuais nas Constituições dos Estados-partes do Mercosul, bem como de seus associados. Com isso, defende-se a tese de que existe, na matéria, um bloco de constitucionalidade que está alinhado às previsões convencionais que obrigam tais Estados, como a Declaração Universal dos Direitos do Homem e a Convenção Americana de Direitos do Homem. Nessa perspectiva, defende-se a possibilidade de construir-se o chamado direito processual internacional dos direitos humanos.
8. O DEVER DE FUNDAMENTAÇÃO DO PROVIMENTO JURISDICIONAL A PARTIR DE UM DIÁLOGO ENTRE PROCEDIMENTALISTAS E SUBSTANCIALISTAS
Authors: BORGES MOTTA Francisco José , HOMMERDING Adalberto Narciso
Published: March 2015

O presente artigo tem o objetivo de fornecer argumentos para a construção de uma teoria da decisão judicial democrática. Para tanto, estabelece um diálogo entre as concepções substantiva (Ronald Dworkin e Lenio Streck) e procedimental (Jürgen Habermas e Marcelo Cattoni) de democracia. A conclusão é a de que uma resposta judicial correta deve não só ser o resultado de um processo justo, mas, também, deve ser fundamentada em argumentos de princípio.
PREFÁCIO AO SEGUNDO NÚMERO DA REVISTA JURÍDICA DO CESUCA: DIREITOS FUNDAMENTAIS E PROCESSO
Authors: KRETSCHMANN Angela , SILVA Jaqueline Mielke
Published: March 2015

A Revista Jurídica do Cesuca alcança seu segundo número com uma seleção de artigos cuidadosamente selecionados e avaliados e que vêm a público agora, em dezembro de 2013. O segundo número leva em conta a linha de pesquisa adotada pela Revista: Direitos Fundamentais, Efetividade e Cidadania

Pensando na importância que uma Revista com acesso aberto representa para a comunidade acadêmica, e para a comunidade na qual se insere, e considerando que, de acordo com o CNPQ, uma linha de pesquisa deve representar temas que reúnam estudos científicos, aglutinando pesquisas com tradição investigativa, que levam a projetos que tragam resultados com afinidades, a Revista Jurídica do Cesuca adota a linha Direitos Fundamentais, Efetividade e Cidadania.

Na atualidade a manifestação da cidadania está condicionada por normas vinculadas a direitos fundamentais que orientam ou condicionam o saber-fazer humano, e no mesmo sentido, o caminho ou modo de alcançar a realização dos direitos. Com isso, aspectos culturais e valorativos assumem, junto com questões de ordem política, jurídica e econômica, uma importância central, o estudo das relações entre Direitos Fundamentais, Efetividade e Cidadania vem sendo  aprofundado, em uma perspectiva interdisciplinar.
Measuring ecosystem capacity to provide regulating services: forest removal and recovery at Hubbard Brook (USA)
Authors: Beier Colin M. , Caputo Jesse , Groffman Peter M.
Published: March 2015

In this study, by coupling long‐term ecological data with empirical proxies of societal demand for benefits, we measured the capacity of forest watersheds to provide ecosystem services over variable time periods, to different beneficiaries, and in response to discrete perturbations and drivers of change. We revisited one of the earliest ecosystem experiments in North America: the 1963 de‐vegetation of a forested catchment at Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest in New Hampshire, USA. Potential benefits of the regulation of water flow, water quality, greenhouse gases, and forest growth were compared between experimental (WS 2) and reference (WS 6) watersheds over a 30‐year period. Both watersheds exhibited similarly high capacity for flow regulation, in part because functional loads remained low (i.e., few major storm events) during the de‐vegetation period. Drought mitigation capacity, or the maintenance of flows sufficient to satisfy municipal water consumption, was higher in WS 2 due to reduced evapotranspiration associated with loss of plant cover. We also assessed watershed capacity to regulate flows to satisfy different beneficiaries, including hypothetical flood averse and drought averse types. Capacity to regulate water quality was severely degraded during de‐vegetation, as nitrate concentrations exceeded drinking water standards on 40% of measurement days. Once forest regeneration began, WS 2 rapidly recovered the capacity to provide safe drinking water, and subsequently mitigated the eutrophication potential of rainwater at a marginally higher level than WS 6. We estimated this additional pollution removal benefit would have to accrue for approximately 65–70 years to offset the net eutrophication cost incurred during forest removal. Overall, our results affirmed the critical role of forest vegetation in water regulation, but also indicated trade‐offs associated with forest removal and recovery that partially depend on larger‐scale exogenous changes in climate forcing and pollution inputs. We also provide a starting point for integrating long‐term ecological research and modeling data into ecosystem services science.
Net primary production of a temperate deciduous forest exhibits a threshold response to increasing disturbance severity
Authors: Stuart-Haëntjens Ellen J. , Curtis Peter S. , Fahey Robert T. , Vogel Christoph S. , Gough Christopher M.
Published: March 2015

The global carbon (C) balance is vulnerable to disturbances that alter terrestrial C storage. Disturbances to forests occur along a continuum of severity, from low‐intensity disturbance causing the mortality or defoliation of only a subset of trees to severe stand‐replacing disturbance that kills all trees; yet considerable uncertainty remains in how forest production changes across gradients of disturbance intensity. We used a gradient of tree mortality in an upper Great Lakes forest ecosystem to: (1) quantify how aboveground wood net primary production (ANPPw) responds to a range of disturbance severities; and (2) identify mechanisms supporting ANPPwresistance or resilience following moderate disturbance. We found that ANPPwdeclined nonlinearly with rising disturbance severity, remaining stable until >60% of the total tree basal area senesced. As upper canopy openness increased from disturbance, greater light availability to the subcanopy enhanced the leaf‐level photosynthesis and growth of this formerly light‐limited canopy stratum, compensating for upper canopy production losses and a reduction in total leaf area index (LAI). As a result, whole‐ecosystem production efficiency (ANPPw/LAI) increased with rising disturbance severity, except in plots beyond the disturbance threshold. These findings provide a mechanistic explanation for a nonlinear relationship between ANPPwand disturbance severity, in which the physiological and growth enhancement of undisturbed vegetation is proportional to the level of disturbance until a threshold is exceeded. Our results have important ecological and management implications, demonstrating that in some ecosystems moderate levels of disturbance minimally alter forest production.
Estimating the Impact of Microholes on Economy and Environment via Geo Mechanical Simulation
Authors: Ansari Ubedullah , Tunio A. H. , Ali Zeeshan , Memon H. U.
Published: March 2015

Geo-mechanics has always been a challenge during drilling process. It has also been a common observation that 40% of the over-all capex is given away during drilling process. Moreover, it also damages the land mass at large, loads of drill cuttings are generated from subsurface which are disposed on the earth surface, simply affecting the topography. Even, drilling does not prove to be successful in various cases as most of the exploratory wells are found to be dry this issue requires an ultimate solution. A well known technology called microhole drilling has been introduced to cope up with such concern. No doubt, all these specifications are achieved with the help of micro instrumentation.

This study reflects the estimation of all the solids as wastes that are generated during the drilling process and imparts the environmental destruction. Microhole has been used effectively so far to hit the wells up to 700ft. Further, serious drilling issues are encountered but with the help of micro instrumentation it can be taken up to 5000ft or even farther. The main aspect that was found during the study that is microholes are drilled with the help of coiled tubing rig which consumes less disturbance area. In order to prove the metal of this technology a geo mechanical simulator is developed and model of microhole is even built on the developed software. The specifications and lithology of lower goru reservoir coordinates were used as input. Later, the results were compared to evaluate the recommended technology to avoid environmental issues and optimize the drilling program.
Production Forecast Scenarios for Shale Gas and Tight Gas: How Do They Differ in Terms of Simulation?
Authors: Khan Waqar A. , Ali Hamza , Shah Abdur Rahman , Ahmad Ammar , Jibran Ali , Baig Zeeshan
Published: March 2015

Unconventional reservoirs, due to their complexity, are among the greatest challenges to the oil and gas industry. After years of research, shale gas and tight gas reservoirs are now proven to be one of the unconventional reservoirs that are economically viable to fulfill the crucial energy requirements. Due to their low permeability and several other factors, they require advance techniques on both operational and simulation fronts.

We performed several different simulations, both numerical and analytical, covering a variety of scenarios to compare shale gas and tight gas production forecasts. Both vertical and horizontal completions were analyzed. For horizontal completions, different hydraulic fracturing stage density was evaluated to identify the best possible production profile for a well and the entire field. The simulations show that Langmuir pressure, volume, rock density, well spacing, completion type, lateral length, and reservoir thickness have a large effect on production forecasts as well as simulations. The simulation results also show the effect of permeability in different cases. The aforementioned are key factors in development plan for a shale gas asset. All the values used for forecasting, both numerical and analytical, are typical for worldwide shales and belong to open source data. They have been selected carefully due to their close resemblance to unconventional reservoirs in Pakistan.
Combination of Foam Assisted Lift and Gas Lift (FAGL) to De-Liquefy Gas Wells
Authors: Tayyab Imran , Uddin M. Farooq , Ahmed Qazi I. , Rehman M. I. , Azam Syed Qazi
Published: March 2015

Liquid loading is an ineluctable problem encountered by gas wells as their reservoir pressure declines and Gas-Liquid Ratio (GLR) increases. Foam Assisted Lift (FAL) is one of the modern methods for dewatering gas wells by reducing effective density and surface tension of produced fluid. Gas lift is also a widely used method that reduces flowing bottom-hole pressure by injecting gas in the well to lower hydrostatic head.

This paper proposes a combination of above mentioned technologies called Foam Assisted Gas Lift (FAGL) and recommends its’ efficiency over two specific scenarios; a) when reservoir pressure is low and static liquid level remains below bottommost SPM, b) when there is a considerable liquid column in wellbore and gas injection pressures are limited due to surface constraints, injecting foam decreases the hydrostatic head and requires less gas injection pressure to offload the well. In either case, FAL can offload the well but the stabilized rates achieved are uneconomical compared to the soap requirement per day. FAGL is applied on mature wells having low reservoir pressures and completed with single SPM. These wells had frequent load-up issues and FAL/gas-lift failed due to low reservoir inflow. After FAGL is implemented, frequent load-up issues have been resolved and wells began to produce at increased stabilized rates. FAGL also emerged as an economical option because it reduced the soap/injected gas requirement per day and increased gas rates and overall recovery.

For wells with deep SPMs, depleted reservoir pressure and liquid loading problems, FAGL could be an economical de-liquefaction method when compared to standalone gas-lift or FAL due to its lower OPEX.
Linear Mathematical Model Developed Using Statistical Methods to Predict Permeability from Porosity
Authors: Dahraj Naeem Ul , Bhutto Abid Ali
Published: March 2015

As a matter of general belief there does not exist a universal mathematical relationship between porosity and permeability. Common practice to draw relationship between these two parameters is usually graphical, for instance using picket plots or picking general trends in the core or well logs data. Trends picked are mostly explicit and subjective i.e. limited to well and cannot be extrapolated to full field if the degree of heterogeneity is significant. Core work presents a general rigorous procedure for deriving a linear mathematical model for predicting permeability given porosity and vice versa, using statistical methods i.e. regression analysis & probability distribution, is developed using appropriate core data.

Based upon the literature review to the best of our knowledge so far regression analysis presented between porosity & permeability is so shallow and is only limited up to drawing trends in core or well logs data. Whereas in this paper, application of standard regression analysis methods opted from statistics is discussed in more details. In this regards the utility of Shapiro-Wilk test, Quantile-Quantile (Q-Q) plot, Cook's distance and residual plots have been presented to deal with outliers which normally come from heterogeneity. These techniques ultimately help developing a linear mathematical model for prediction. Besides in any new oil & gas field for reserves calculation and production forecast usually average porosity and permeability is needed. However, for best estimates average values for porosity & permeability have been calculated using probability distribution techniques. Average values obtained are more reliable than those obtained using simple averaging methods thus relatively more precise estimates of reserves/resources and production forecast can be made.
Handling adaptation policy choices in Sweden, Germany, the UK and the Netherlands
Authors: Massey Eric , Huitema Dave , Garrelts Heiko , Grecksch Kevin , Mees Heleen , Rayner Tim , Storbjörk Sofie , Termeer Catrien , Winges Maik
Published: March 2015

Attention is increasing in academia towards the governance of adaptation, specifically how state and non-state actors are defining the adaptation ‘problematique’ and crafting public policies to address it. Adaptation is the ‘adjustment in natural or human systems in response to actual or expected climatic stimuli or their effects, which moderates harm or exploits beneficial opportunities’. The challenge for governments is taking this rather vague concept and turning it into viable and implementable public policies. This implies that they have to make choices as to the types of polices to create, the sectors they should cover, ministerial jurisdictions and funding. This article contributes to the discussion on the adaptation governance by presenting a conceptual framework that outlines policy choices governors need to make, by applying this framework to a number of countries, and starting the debate on which choice or choices were particularly instrumental in shaping adaptation policy in particular countries as a whole. It focuses on four countries traditionally seen to be adaptation leaders: Germany, the Netherlands, Sweden and the United Kingdom.
Do state traditions matter? Comparing deliberative governance initiatives for climate change adaptation in Dutch corporatism and British pluralism
Authors: Vink M. J. , Benson D. , Boezeman D. , Cook H. , Dewulf A. , Termeer C.
Published: March 2015

In the emerging field of climate adaptation, deliberative governance initiatives are proposed to yield better adaptation strategies. However, introducing these network-centred deliberations between public and private players may contrast with institutionalized traditions of interest intermediation between state and society. This paper shows how these so-called state traditions affect the processes and outcomes of newly set up deliberative governance initiatives. Because of the similarities in geographical characteristics and the differences in state tradition we conducted a qualitative case study comparison of Dutch and British water management. Our comparison is two-fold. First, we compare deliberative governance initiatives in the different state traditions of the Netherlands and UK. Second, we compare the newly set up deliberative governance initiative to an existing policy regime mainstreaming climate adaptation in a similar state tradition, in our case the Netherlands. We find that: (1) deliberative governance initiatives in the corporatist state tradition of the Netherlands yields learning but shows apathy among politically elected decision-makers compared to deliberative governance initiatives in the pluralist state tradition of the UK where clearly defined rules and responsibilities yields negotiation and action; and (2) a typical corporatist policy regime mainstreaming climate adaption in a corporatist state tradition yields effective and legitimate policy formation but lacks learning.
The Mechanical Properties Analysis of Machine Tool Spindle After
Remanufacturing Based on Uncertain Constraints
Authors: Liu Ling
Published: March 2015

In this paper, the CNC machine spindle after remanufacturing is researched as an object on uncertain
constraints. At first, the equations of the machine spindle motion based on beam theory are established. This article uses
Finite Element Analysis (FEA) function to analyze the remanufacturing of machine spindle system in the free mode and
while static and the actual working conditions of multi-modal analysis of the spindle’s constraints state. By analysis it is
known that the spindle vibrates and deforms at high speeds, and some assumptions are used to improve the unreasonable
parameters, so that the spindle’s dynamic performance is more stable and reliable in the conditions of the high speed and
heavy load operation. In addition, simplifying the cost and shortening the design cycle are the part of the analysis. The
results provides an optimized design and a basis for precision control for the heavy-duty mechanical spindle system or
machine spindle system.
Transverse Vibration Analysis of the Riser in Deep Water
Authors: Li Zifeng , Wang Peng , Zhao Min , Li Xuejiao
Published: March 2015

With high international oil price, the exhaustion of onshore resources and declination of oil and gas production
in shallow sea, deep water has become the important succeeding area of worldwide oil and gas. During deepwater oil and
gas development, riser must be used to isolate seawater, circulate drilling fluid, and compensate the heaving movements
of the string and so on. However, with the operating water depth increasing, the loads of waves and ocean currents on the
riser become more complex, leading to extremely high construction risk and funds risk of deep-water operations. In this
paper, considering the combined action of inside and outside fluid on the riser, transverse vibration partial differential
equation is derived, and solved with finite difference method. Meanwhile, transverse displacement response of the riser
acted by outer load is determined, and the shear force, bending moment and bend angle at different locations are solved,
then the influence factors of riser transverse vibration are analyzed. The mechanical analysis of marine riser can provide a
theoretical guidance for safe and effective drilling work, which is of great significance for the offshore oil and gas development.
Adapting an Evidence-Based Survivorship Intervention for Latina Breast Cancer Survivors
Authors: Meneses Karen , Gisiger-Camata Silvia , Schoenberger Yu-Mei , Weech-Maldonado Robert , McNees Patrick
Published: March 2015

Aim: About 120,000 Latina breast cancer survivors (LBCS) live in the USA with the numbers expected to increase. LBCS experience survivorship disparities and report poor quality of life outcomes. Despite poor outcomes, few survivorship interventions for LBCS are available. Adapting evidence-based interventions for Latinas may be one strategy to reduce disparities. Materials & Methods: An evidence-based intervention called the Breast Cancer Education Intervention was adapted for Latinas. First, certified translation and cognitive interview to assess cultural relevance were conducted. Next, a pilot sample of 40 Latinas who participated in the intervention were asked to provide follow-up evaluation of their satisfaction with and usefulness of the translated education manual and intervention. Results: Thirty LBCS completed the intervention, and 14 LBCS submitted an evaluation summary expressing satisfaction with usefulness, readability and relevance. Conclusion: The process by which translation and cultural adaptation of an evidence-based intervention provides beginning foundation to support and reduce disparities among LBCS.
Impact of Fecal Incontinence and Its Treatment on Quality of Life in Women
Authors: Meyer Isuzu , Richter Holly E
Published: March 2015

Fecal incontinence (FI) is a physically and psychosocially debilitating disorder which negatively impacts quality of life (QOL). It bears a significant burden not only on patients but also on their families, caretakers as well as society as a whole. Even though it is considered a somewhat common condition, especially as women age, the prevalence is often underestimated due to patients' reluctance to report symptoms or seek care. The evaluation and treatment of FI can be also hindered by lack of understanding of the current management options among healthcare providers and how they impact on QOL. This article provides a comprehensive review on the impact of FI and its treatment on QOL in women.
The Next Steps in Cervical Screening
Authors: Sankaranarayanan Rengaswamy , Qiao You-lin , Keita Namory
Published: March 2015

Cervical cancer is fourth most common cancer among women with four-fifths of the global burden in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Persistent infection with one of the high-risk types of human papillomaviruses (HPV), particularly HPV 16/18, is the central cause of cervical neoplasia. Progress in developing feasible, alternative screening methods in LMICs and HPV vaccines have further improved cervical cancer prevention prospects. While existing screening programs in high-income countries should be re-organized, in view of the downstream effects of national HPV vaccination programs, LMICs should introduce national programs to vaccinate single year cohorts of girls aged 9–13 years with two or three doses and screen 30–35-year-old women with HPV testing to pragmatically decrease their high disease burden.
Should We Abandon All Conservative Treatments for Uterine Fibroids? the Problem with Leiomyosarcomas
Authors: Odejinmi Funlayo , Agarwal Nilesh , Maclaran Kate , Oliver Reeba
Published: March 2015

Fibroids are the most common tumor in women and many medical and surgical options exist for their management. The incidence of uterine sarcoma in women undergoing treatment for fibroids has previously been thought to be extremely rare, however there has been recent controversy as to whether this risk has been underestimated. This article reviews the literature investigating the incidence of leiomyosarcoma and explores how different treatment modalities may affect risk from occult malignancy. We aim to provide a tool for counseling women who are considering options for the management of their fibroids.
Exploring the Relationship between Endometriomas and Infertility
Authors: Berlanda Nicola , Alberico Daniela , Barbara Giussy , Frattaruolo Maria Pina , Vercellini Paolo
Published: March 2015

Several clinical and epidemiological studies demonstrated an association between endometriosis and infertility. A role in the genesis of infertility may be played by endometriomas, which may interfere with ovulation or damage ovarian tissue. Unlike peritoneal implants, the availability of an accurate noninvasive sonographic diagnosis facilitates the investigation of endometrioma associated infertility. The laparoscopic excision of an endometrioma relieves the ovary from the damage caused by the cyst itself, which may be progressive over time, but at the same time is associated with a detrimental effect on ovarian reserve and with high rates of postoperative endometrioma recurrence. Therefore, the management of endometrioma-related infertility should not be based upon surgery alone, but upon a combination of surgery, with a refinement of the operating technique, long-term oral contraceptive, in vitro fertilization and oocyte cryopreservation.
Personalized Assessment and Management of Women at Risk for Breast Cancer in North America
Authors: Pruthi Sandhya , Heisey Ruth , Bevers Therese
Published: March 2015

Many women at increased risk for breast cancer would benefit from referral for genetic testing, enhanced screening, preventive therapy or risk-reducing surgery. We present a visual model and a step-wise approach to assist with a personalized risk stratification and management of these women. We present current recommendations with respect to lifestyle behaviors and mammographic screening, and we review the current evidence regarding enhanced screening and risk-reducing therapies. We discuss the usefulness of three risk-assessment tools in determining whether a woman qualifies for genetic testing, enhanced screening or preventive therapy and present four cases to demonstrate the usefulness of this approach in the clinical setting.
Next Steps to Reduce Maternal Morbidity and Mortality in the USA
Authors: Kilpatrick Sarah J
Published: March 2015

Maternal mortality is rising in the USA. The pregnancy-related maternal mortality ratio increased from 10/100,000 to 17/100,000 live births from the 1990s to 2012. A large proportion of maternal deaths are preventable. This review highlights a national approach to reduce maternal death and morbidity and discusses multiple efforts to reduce maternal morbidity, death and improve obstetric safety. These efforts include communication and collaboration between all stake holders involved in perinatal health, creation of national bundles addressing key maternal care areas such as hemorrhage management, call for all obstetric hospitals to review and analyze all cases of severe maternal morbidity, and access to contraception. Implementation of interventions based on these efforts is a national imperative to improve obstetric safety.
Complete solution to seven-point schemes of discrete anisotropic Laplacian on regular hexagons
Authors: Lee Daniel
Published: March 2015

We consider in this work hexagonal seven-point schemes for two-dimensional
diagonal-form Laplacian. Ordinary and compact seven-point stencils are
investigated by even-odd decompositions. The result gives explicit complete
solutions to both ordinary and compact hexagonal seven-point schemes for all
phase angles.
Retraction: Kartelija G, Nedeljkovic M, Radenovic L. Photosensitive neurons in mollusks, Arch Biol Sci. 2005; 57(4):247-58, DOI:10.2298/ABS0504247K
Authors: Editorial E
Published: March 2015

This is a notice of retraction of the article: Photosensitive neurons in mollusks, published
in the Archives of Biological Sciences in 2005, Vol. 57, Issue 4. The
editorial board has been informed that this paper plagiarizes an earlier
paper: Kartelija G, Nedeljkovic M, Radenovic L. Photosensitive neurons in
mollusks. Comp Biochem Physiol A Mol Integr Physiol. 2003, 134(3):483-495.
This claim is correct and the entire paper is a verbatim copy of the earlier
one. After confirmation of this fact, the editorial board of the Archives of
Biological Sciences has decided to retract the paper immediately. We
apologize to the readers of the journal that it took so many years to notice
this error and to retract the paper. We request readers of the journal to
directly get in touch with the editorial office and the editors of the
journal for similar cases in the future, so that they can be handled
promptly.

 Link to the retracted article 10.2298/ABS0504247K