bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Leveraging Incumbency to Sustain a Large Gas Business, the Opportunities and Challenges
Authors: Bally Y. K. , Simmons J. , Ingham G.
Published: June 2012

BP Trinidad and Tobago LLC (bpTT) has grown from an oil to a large gas based company over the last 50 years. The company’s discovery of large volumes of gas in the mid 90’s contributed significantly to the rapid development of a thriving Trinidad and Tobago gas based industry, including petrochemical and LNG industries. BP continued to focus on gas based exploration, appraisal and production activities through the decade and has now grown to be in the privileged position of being the largest gas resource holder and producer in Trinidad and Tobago, supplying circa. 2.1bcf/day of daily gas demand. As the industry finding rate, in particular large fields, decreased over the last decade BP has had to look for ways of leveraging its incumbency to increase value for Trinidad and Tobago and BP. Sustaining resource progression and production at current rates is a very challenging and exciting proposition.

The opportunities that present themselves both from a technology and incumbency viewpoint along with the required competency, skills and capability make for a challenge that requires new ways of working. BP has embarked on a multi staged approach; optimizing recovery from the base, applying new technology, commencing an aggressive appraisal program and continuing to explore on existing and new acreage. Clearly the future wells and developments need to be economic and add value to both to Trinidad and Tobago and BP.

Given the time required to progress resources through to production, the pace required to prove resources to continue to support Trinidad and Tobago’s existing gas business provides an exciting and challenging sense of urgency, which demands a different approach to Resource development as compared to what was done in the past. In this paper we will describe the approach, as we define long term sustainability of the gas business for BP and the opportunities and challenges that present themselves.
Tuning of the Peng-Robinson Equation of State for Gas Condensate Simulation Studies
Authors: Hosein R. , Dawe R. A.
Published: June 2012

Gas condensate compositional simulation studies are conducted to evaluate gas and condensate reserves. This is carried out when making comparisons of production methods for the economic development of a reservoir. The data needed for the evaluation are dew point pressure, gas compressibility factor, liquid volume and produced gas (Constant Volume Depletion, CVD data) and are nowadays determined from a tuned Equation of State (EOS). However the open literature has shown that there is no consistency in the number of Single Carbon Number (SCN) groups, EOS tuning parameters, lumping schemes and weight factors applied to the experimental when tuning an EOS for use in compositional simulation studies, particularly for gas condensate fluids.

Publications have shown that the two most widely used sets of parameters from the EOS that are tuned are the Binary Interaction Coefficient (BIC) with the critical properties and acentric factor or BIC and the constants called the omegas (Ω’s). The number of SCN groups used for tuning varies from ten to more than forty. However there are currently no criteria for selecting the most reliable lumping scheme that will give similar accuracy to using the many SCN groups except by trial and error or by algorithms designed to test a number of schemes and from which the best one is selected.

In this paper, the Peng-Robinson EOS has been tuned and tested to predict CVD data for seven gas condensate samples. Compositional analysis greater than Single Carbon Number 24 (SCN24) are required for the SCN route. The two sets of tuning parameters were used with and without the VSP. Our parametric study demonstrated that the VSP should not be applied with the Ω’s when tuning the Peng-Robinson EOS. With weight factors of 1 for liquid volume, 10 for gas compressibility factor and without the VSP, the Ω’s give better prediction of CVD data than the critical properties and acentric factor even with the VSP included. The SCN groups for two samples were lumped into six Multiple Carbon Number (MCN) groups using the simple Whitson’s lumping scheme. Our tuning technique with the Ω’s and with our new weight factors for the experimental data, gave differences of less than ±4.0 % from the tuned EOS predictions before and after lumping of the SCN group so that complex algorithms are not necessary to select an appropriate lumping scheme to reduce cost and computer time when performing simulation studies. Our tuning technique with only one regression step, showed consistency in tuning the Peng-Robinson EOS with the Ω’s and could be used for simulation studies of gas condensate systems.
Optimal Gas Utilization for Maximum Recovery in a Mature Oil Field
Authors: Kissoon L. , Persad N. , Marcelle-De Silva J. , Abder C.
Published: June 2012

In this study, a computerized integrated production model was developed for a gas lift system in a mature oilfield located off the east coast of Trinidad. The model included the compressor station, injection manifold, three producing strings, the producing manifold and the low pressure separator, and utilized reservoir pressure-volume-temperature data and injection data. It was used to analyze and provide the optimal allocation of available gas lift gas, over the entire network of wells, using nodal analysis.

Gas lift systems are a well-known form of artificial lift which is used to improve oil production rates. The high-pressure gas injected mixes with the oil column to reduce its density which in return reduces the flowing bottomhole pressure, creating a drawdown large enough for the well to flow. The main operating constraints at this mature field are the fixed amount of gas available for compression to the wells, and the operating pressure of the compressor. Given these constraints, one has to optimally utilize the available lift gas to allow maximum recovery while considering the economics of the project.

The results indicated that using the optimized gas injection rates, an increase in oil production would be realized. An economic evaluation of the optimized system also indicated improved project economics due to a decrease in gas utilization and operational costs.

The work presented in this study is of great value since it was geared towards solving a real industry-based problem. The model which was built can also be used for reservoir management since it is capable of making future predictions. It can also be continuously updated to reflect new operating conditions and changes to the surface piping or the downhole completion. This study shows that integrated asset/production modelling can be quite effective in production optimization.
Multiple Disease Resistance to Four Leaf Spot Diseases in Winter Wheat Accessions from the USDA National Small Grains Collection
Authors: Gurung Suraj , Hansen Jana M. , Bonman J. Michael , Gironella Ann Inez N. , Adhikari Tika B.
Published: June 2012

Tan spot (TS, caused by Pyrenophora tritici‐repentis), Stagonospora nodorum blotch (SNB, caused by Phaeosphaeria nodorum), spot blotch (SB, caused by Cochliobolus sativus), and Septoria tritici blotch (STB, caused by Mycosphaerella graminicola) are important leaf spot diseases of wheat (Triticum aestivum L. subsp. aestivum) worldwide. Most commercial wheat cultivars are often resistant to one pathogen but susceptible to the others. Our objective was to identify resistance to multiple leaf spot diseases in a subset of winter wheat accessions from the core collection of the National Small Grains Collection of the USDA‐ARS. In total, 633 winter wheat accessions were evaluated for resistance in a greenhouse and 205, 278, 146, and 68 accessions were resistant to TS, SNB, SB, and STB, respectively. Resistance to STB, SNB, and SB were positively associated, but resistance to TS was positively associated only with STB. Except for STB, resistance was more common among accessions from Europe than accessions from Asia. Cultivars and breeding lines were more likely to be resistant to SNB and STB compared with landraces. Fifty‐six accessions were resistant to three or more diseases, and of these, five (CItr16595, PI 278612, PI 351330, PI 361858, and PI 351983) were resistant to all four diseases. On the basis of Germplasm Resources Information Network data, 17 of the 56 wheat accessions were resistant to at least two additional diseases. These multiple disease resistance sources will be useful in wheat breeding programs.
Cross Species Amplification of Pennisetum glaucum Microsatellite Markers in Pennisetum purpureum and Genetic Diversity of Napier Grass Accessions
Authors: Sousa Azevedo Ana Luisa , Costa Pricila Palla , Machado Juarez Campolina , Machado Marco Antonio , Pereira Antônio Vander , José da Silva Lédo Francisco
Published: June 2012

Napier grass (Pennisetum purpureum Schum.) is an important forage crop in tropical areas although little is known about its genome information, and few molecular markers have been developed for this species. This work aimed to check the viability of cross‐species amplification of microsatellite markers between pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum) and Napier grass and to evaluate the genetic diversity among Napier grass germplasm accessions. Fifty‐four microsatellite markers previously described in pearl millet were tested against Napier grass, and 30 markers (55.5%) showed successful cross‐amplification. From them, 18 microsatellite markers were selected to study the genetic diversity in the Embrapa Active Germplasm Bank of Napier Grass (Embrapa‐BAGCE). A total of 180 alleles were identified by these selected microsatellite markers in 107 Napier grass accessions and four pearl millet samples. The average similarity coefficient (Dice) calculated among the Embrapa‐BAGCE accessions was 0.651, ranging from 0.254 to 1.0. Some accessions showed similarity coefficients equal to one, indicating that they have common progenitors or that they might be the same accessions with different denomination. To our knowledge, this work is the first to describe microsatellite markers in Napier grass and represents a significant advance regarding the use of molecular markers in this species.
Determining the Optimum Plant Temperature of Cotton Physiology and Yield to Improve Plant‐Based Irrigation Scheduling
Authors: Conaty W.C. , Burke J. J. , Mahan J. R. , Neilsen J. E. , Sutton B. G.
Published: June 2012

A plant‐based thermal optimum approach to irrigation scheduling provides potential benefits in that water applications are scheduled on the basis of plant response to water status. Such irrigation systems require a defined thermal optimum for the crop and while such optimum values have been identified for cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) cultivars in the United States, there is no information of this type for cultivars common in Australian production. This paper outlines a threefold approach to determining the optimum temperature (Topt) of the commercial Australian cotton cultivar Sicot 70BRF in an Australian production system. It combines the use of a laboratory‐based fluorescence assay, field‐based net C assimilation rate (A) and stomatal conductance to water vapor (gs), and canopy temperature (Tc)–yield relations. The fluorescence assay showed a Topt between 28 and 30°C while leaf gas exchange rates peaked at a leaf temperature (Tl) of 29°C. The Tc–yield relations peaked at 26°C, with yield reductions observed when Tc > 28°C. We conclude the Topt of the Australian upland cotton cultivar Sicot 70BRF to be 28 ± 2°C. This Topt will provide valuable information for use in thermal optimum irrigation scheduling systems.
Genetic Diversity and Population Structure in a European Collection of Rice
Authors: Courtois Brigitte , Frouin Julien , Greco Raffaella , Bruschi Gianluca , Droc Gaëtan , Hamelin Chantal , Ruiz Manuel , Clément Guy , Evrard Jean‐Charles , van Coppenole Sylvie , Katsantonis Dimitrios , Oliveira Margarida , Negrão Sónia , Matos Celina , Cavigiolo Stefano , Lupotto Elisabetta , Piffanelli Pietro , Ahmadi Nourollah
Published: June 2012

In southern Europe, rice (Oryza sativa L.) is grown as an irrigated crop in river deltas where it plays an important role in the agroecological equilibrium through soil desalinization. In these regions, rice is at the northern limit of its natural area of adaptation. Special cultivars are needed for these challenging conditions. Using model‐based and distance‐based approaches, we analyzed the genetic structure of the European Rice Germplasm Collection (ERGC), which is composed of 425 accessions, using 25 simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers. We compared it with a reference set of 50 accessions that are representative of the diversity of O. sativa. Most of the ERGC accessions (89%) clustered with japonica types. The ERGC japonica accessions were classified into three groups: one group close to rice types of tropical origin that are found in the United States and Argentina and two groups of temperate origin showing less differentiation. The three japonica groups could be characterized according to their grain type and maturity class, which are the most strongly selected traits in European breeding programs. We extracted a core collection of 250 japonica accessions and characterized it using 70 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). The SSR and SNP dissimilarity matrices coincided reasonably well and for the best‐supported structure, the percentages of admixture were highly correlated. The core collection can be used as an association panel to search for alleles of interest for temperate areas or as a training population for genomic selection.
Identification of Genetic Overlaps for Salt and Drought Tolerance Using Simple Sequence Repeat Markers on an Advanced Backcross Population in Rice
Authors: Yun Wang , Jinping Zang , Yong Sun , Jauhar Ali , Jianlong Xu , Zhikang Li
Published: June 2012

Salinity and drought are two of the major abiotic stresses that affect rice (Oryza sativaL.) production especially in Asia. Quantitative trait loci (QTL) for salt tolerance (ST) at seedling stage and drought tolerance (DT) at reproductive stage were identified using 77 BC2F8advanced backcross introgression lines (ILs) derived from a cross of Teqing × Binam in Teqing background. Ten ST QTL were identified governing days to seedlings survival (DSS), score on salt toxicity symptoms on leaves (SST), shoot K+concentration (SKC), and shoot Na+concentration (SNC) at seedling stage, and 23 QTL were identified under reproductive stage drought and irrigated conditions for panicle number per plant (PN), thousand grain weight (TGW), seed fertility (SF), plant height (PH), and grain yield per plant (GYP). Most QTL detected at reproductive stage showed obvious differential expression to drought stress. In addition, another eight QTL were detected by trait ratio of the stress to the irrigation; the alleles at all loci exceptQSf3showed increasing trait values to be associated with Binam, indicating Binam alleles at these loci could improve DT under drought stress. Upon comparison of identified ST and DT QTL we found 14 QTL shared the same genome regions with similar gene actions, clearly suggesting that genetic overlap existed between the two abiotic stress tolerances. Pyramiding of favorable alleles from Binam into Teqing background should allow us to develop superior ILs with higher levels of ST and DT.
Simple Sequence Repeats Linked with Slow Darkening Trait in Pinto Bean Discovered by Single Nucleotide Polymorphism Assay and Whole Genome Sequencing
Authors: Felicetti Erin. , Song Qijian. , Jia Gaofeng. , Cregan Perry. , Bett Kirstin.E. , Miklas Phillip N.
Published: June 2012

Seed coat darkening in pinto bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) primarily occurs during prolonged storage and can result in significant loss in value based on it being a consumer perceived product flaw. Several slow darkening (SD) pintos, conditioned by the presence of the recessive sd gene, exist but are poorly adapted. Breeding for improved SD pintos is complicated by the recessive inheritance and expression of the trait in maternal tissue. We sought to develop capacity for marker‐assisted selection (MAS) for the SD trait. Three F2 populations (159 individuals) derived from crosses between SD parents, representing two different sources (1533‐15 and SDIP‐1) for the trait, and commercial regular darkening (RD) pintos were used to screen for single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) linked with the sd locus. Separate DNA pools from SD and from RD F2 individuals genotyped for the sd locus were used to detect putative sd‐linked SNPs using the bulked‐segregant analysis strategy. Two of 1536 SNPs differentiated between the SD and RD DNA bulks for all three populations. The whole genome sequence scaffold possessing the two SNPs was canvassed for simple sequence repeats (SSRs). Three of 12 SSRs from the SNP region distinguished between the SD and RD lines. The three SSRs, Pvsd‐1157, Pvsd‐1158, and Pvsd‐0028, were observed to be tightly linked with the sd locus at 0.9, 0.4, and 3.1 cM, respectively, across the F2 populations. The SSRs assayed across a recombinant inbred line mapping population (CDC Pintium × 1533‐15) placed the sd gene on bean linkage group 7 between framework SSR markers BM210 and PvBR35. A survey of SD and RD advanced lines and cultivars revealed the SSRs will have utility for MAS of the SD trait in pinto bean and perhaps in other dry bean market classes as well.
The Evolutionary Origin of Poa annua L.
Authors: Mao Qing , Huff David R.
Published: June 2012

Poa annua L. (annual bluegrass) is one of the world's most widely distributed plant species and is ecologically and economically important both as a weed and as a forage and turfgrass. Determining the evolutionary origin of Poa anuua would provide valuable insight into understanding its wide distribution and extreme phenotypic variability. The objective of the present study is to use single copy nuclear DNA sequences trx and CDO504 and chrolopast sequences ndhF and trnTLF to discern the evolutionary origin of Poa annua from all other possible origins. Here we show that the homeologous nuclear DNA sequences present within Poa annua are inseparable from their respective orthologs within Poa supina Schrad. (supina bluegrass) and Poa infirma Kunth (weak bluegrass) and therefore could not have been contributed by any other Poa species. We confirm that Poa infirma served as the maternal parent and provide evidence that at least two interspecific hybridizations gave rise to Poa annua. Our data also suggest that the polyploid origin of Poa annua would be considered recent on an evolutionary time scale. Once the parental species of Poa annua have been identified, we were able to reexamine previously published cytological data and present evidence for the genomic designations of Poa infirma as II and Poa supina as SS, making the genomic constitution of the allotetraploid Poa annua as IISS. The results of this research place new emphasis on chromosomal rearrangements that likely took place during the evolution origin of Poa annua.
Algebro-geometric approach to the Yang-Baxter equation and related topics
Authors: Dragovic Vladimir
Published: June 2012

We review the results of algebro-geometric approach to 4 ? 4 solutions of the
Yang-Baxter equation. We emphasis some further geometric properties,
connected with the double-reflection theorem, the Poncelet porism and the
Euler-Chasles correspondence. We present a list of classifications in
Mathematical Physics with a similar geometric background, related to pencils
of conics. In the conclusion, we introduce a notion of discriminantly
factorizable polynomials as a result of a computational experiment with
elementary n-valued groups.
Nesfatin-1 Action in the Brain Increases Insulin Sensitivity Through Akt/AMPK/TORC2 Pathway in Diet-Induced Insulin Resistance
Authors: Yang Mengliu , Zhang Zhihong , Wang Chong , Li Ke , Li Shengbing , Boden Guenther , Li Ling , Yang Gangyi
Published: June 2012

Nesfatin-1, derived from nucleobindin 2, was recently identified as an anorexigenic signal peptide. However, its neural role in glucose homeostasis and insulin sensitivity is unknown. To evaluate the metabolic impact and underlying mechanisms of central nesfatin-1 signaling, we infused nesfatin-1 in the third cerebral ventricle of high-fat diet (HFD)–fed rats. The effects of central nesfatin-1 on glucose metabolism and changes in transcription factors and signaling pathways were assessed during euglycemic-hyperinsulinemic clamping. The infusion of nesfatin-1 into the third cerebral ventricle markedly inhibited hepatic glucose production (HGP), promoted muscle glucose uptake, and was accompanied by decreases in hepatic mRNA and protein expression and enzymatic activity of PEPCK in both standard diet- and HFD-fed rats. In addition, central nesfatin-1 increased insulin receptor (InsR)/insulin receptor substrate-1 (IRS-1)/AMP-dependent protein kinase (AMPK)/Akt kinase (Akt)/target of rapamycin complex (TORC) 2 phosphorylation and resulted in an increase in Fos immunoreactivity in the hypothalamic nuclei that mediate glucose homeostasis. Taken together, these results reveal what we believe to be a novel site of action of nesfatin-1 on HGP and the PEPCK/InsR/IRS-1/AMPK/Akt/TORC2 pathway and suggest that hypothalamic nesfatin-1 action through a neural-mediated pathway can contribute to increased peripheral and hepatic insulin sensitivity by decreasing gluconeogenesis and promoting peripheral glucose uptake in vivo.
Intrarenal Dopamine Inhibits Progression of Diabetic Nephropathy
Authors: Zhang Ming-Zhi , Yao Bing , Yang Shilin , Yang Haichun , Wang Suwan , Fan Xiaofeng , Yin Huiyong , Fogo Agnes B. , Moeckel Gilbert W. , Harris Raymond C.
Published: June 2012

The kidney has a local intrarenal dopaminergic system, and in the kidney, dopamine modulates renal hemodynamics, inhibits salt and fluid reabsorption, antagonizes the renin-angiotensin system, and inhibits oxidative stress. The current study examined the effects of alterations in the intrarenal dopaminergic system on kidney structure and function in models of type 1 diabetes. We studied catechol-O-methyl-transferase (COMT)−/− mice, which have increased renal dopamine production due to decreased dopamine metabolism, and renal transplantation was used to determine whether the effects seen with COMT deficiency were kidney-specific. To determine the effects of selective inhibition of intrarenal dopamine production, we used mice with proximal tubule deletion of aromatic amino acid decarboxylase (ptAADC−/−). Compared with wild-type diabetic mice, COMT−/− mice had decreased hyperfiltration, decreased macula densa cyclooxygenase-2 expression, decreased albuminuria, decreased glomerulopathy, and inhibition of expression of markers of inflammation, oxidative stress, and fibrosis. These differences were also seen in diabetic mice with a transplanted kidney from COMT−/− mice. In contrast, diabetic ptAADC−/− mice had increased nephropathy. Our study demonstrates an important role of the intrarenal dopaminergic system to modulate the development and progression of diabetic kidney injury and indicate that the decreased renal dopamine production may have important consequences in the underlying pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy.
Serum 25(OH)D and Type 2 Diabetes Association in a General Population
Authors: Husemoen Lise Lotte N. , Thuesen Betina H. , Fenger Mogens , Jørgensen Torben , Glümer Charlotte , Svensson Jannet , Ovesen Lars , Witte Daniel R. , Linneberg Allan
Published: June 2012

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to examine vitamin D status as a determinant for development of type 2 diabetes and deterioration of glucose homeostasis.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

A random sample of the general population of Copenhagen, Denmark, was taken as part of the Inter99 study. Included were 6,405 men and women aged 30–65 years at baseline (1999–2001), with 4,296 participating in the follow-up examination 5 years later (2004–2006). Vitamin D was determined at baseline as serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D]. Diabetes was defined based on an oral glucose tolerance test and a glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) test. Secondary outcomes included continuous markers of glucose homeostasis.

RESULTS

The risk of incident diabetes associated with a 10 nmol/L increase in 25(OH)D was odds ratio (OR) 0.91 (95% CI 0.84–0.97) in crude analyses. The association became statistically nonsignificant after adjustment for confounders, with an OR per 10 nmol/L of 0.94 (0.86–1.03). Low 25(OH)D status was significantly associated with unfavorable longitudinal changes in continuous markers of glucose homeostasis after adjustment for confounders. Fasting and 2-h glucose and insulin as well as the degree of insulin resistance increased significantly more during follow-up among those with low 25(OH)D levels compared with those with higher levels.

CONCLUSIONS

Low 25(OH)D status was not significantly associated with incident diabetes after adjustment for confounders. However, it was significantly associated with unfavorable longitudinal changes in continuous markers of glucose homeostasis, indicating that low vitamin D status could be related to deterioration of glucose homeostasis.
Genetic Risk Score Constructed Using 14 Susceptibility Alleles for Type 2 Diabetes Is Associated With the Early Onset of Diabetes and May Predict the Future Requirement of Insulin Injections Among Japanese Individuals
Authors: Iwata Minoru , Maeda Shiro , Kamura Yutaka , Takano Atsuko , Kato Hiromi , Murakami Shihou , Higuchi Kiyohiro , Takahashi Atsushi , Fujita Hayato , Hara Kazuo , Kadowaki Takashi , Tobe Kazuyuki
Published: June 2012

OBJECTIVE

We evaluated the clinical usefulness of a genetic risk score (GRS) based on 14 well-established variants for type 2 diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We analyzed 14 SNPs at HHEX, CDKAL1, CDKN2B, SLC30A8, KCNJ11, IGF2BP2, PPARG, TCF7L2, FTO, KCNQ1, IRS-1, GCKR, UBE2E2, and C2CD4A/B in 1,487 Japanese individuals (724 patients with type 2 diabetes and 763 control subjects). A GRS was calculated according to the number of risk alleles by counting all 14 SNPs (T-GRS) as well as 11 SNPs related to β-cell function (β-GRS) and then assessing the association between each GRS and the clinical features.

RESULTS

Among the 14 SNPs, 4 SNPs were significantly associated with type 2 diabetes in the present Japanese sample (P < 0.0036). The T-GRS was significantly associated with type 2 diabetes (P = 5.9 × 10−21). Among the subjects with type 2 diabetes, the β-GRS was associated with individuals receiving insulin therapy (β = 0.0131, SE = 0.006, P = 0.0431), age at diagnosis (β = −0.608, SE = 0.204, P = 0.0029), fasting serum C-peptide level (β = −0.032, SE = 0.0140, P = 0.022), and C-peptide index (β = −0.031, SE = 0.012, P = 0.0125).

CONCLUSIONS

Our data suggest that the β-GRS is associated with reduced β-cell functions and may be useful for selecting patients who should receive more aggressive β-cell–preserving therapy.
Hemoglobin A1c Versus Oral Glucose Tolerance Test in Postpartum Diabetes Screening
Authors: Picón María José , Murri Mora , Muñoz Araceli , Fernández-García José Carlos , Gomez-Huelgas Ricardo , Tinahones Francisco J.
Published: June 2012

OBJECTIVE

To determine the usefulness of measuring hemoglobin A1c (A1C), alone or combined with the fasting glucose test, compared with the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) for the reassessment of the carbohydrate metabolism status in postpartum women with a history of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We evaluated the status of carbohydrate metabolism by performing the OGTT and fasting glucose and A1C tests in 231 postpartum women with prior GDM 1 year after delivery.

RESULTS

The prevalence of abnormal carbohydrate metabolism was 45.89% by the OGTT criterion, 19.05% by the A1C test criterion, 38.10% by the fasting glucose test criterion, and 46.75% by the A1C-fasting glucose test criteria. Using the OGTT as the gold standard, abnormal carbohydrate metabolism according to the A1C test criterion had 22.64% sensitivity and 54.55% positive predictive value; abnormal carbohydrate metabolism by the fasting glucose criterion had 83.02% sensitivity and 100% positive predictive value. The A1C-fasting glucose test criteria classified 18 women with normal carbohydrate metabolism as having abnormal carbohydrate metabolism. Abnormal carbohydrate metabolism by the A1C-fasting glucose test criteria had 83.02% sensitivity and 81.48% positive predictive value.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results seem to indicate that the A1C test criterion alone or in combination with fasting glucose test criterion does not provide a sensitive and specific diagnosis of abnormal carbohydrate metabolism in women who have had GDM.
A Simple Screening Score for Diabetes for the Korean Population
Authors: Lee Yong-ho , Bang Heejung , Kim Hyeon Chang , Kim Hee Man , Park Seok Won , Kim Dae Jung
Published: June 2012

OBJECTIVE

We developed and validated a self-assessment score for diabetes risk in Korean adults and compared it with other established screening models.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

The Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) 2001 and 2005 data were used to develop a diabetes screening score. After excluding patients with known diabetes, 9,602 participants aged ≥20 years were selected. Undiagnosed diabetes was defined as a fasting plasma glucose ≥126 mg/dL and/or nonfasting plasma glucose ≥200 mg/dL. The SAS Survey Logistic Regression analysis was used to determine predictors of undiagnosed diabetes (n = 341). We validated our model and compared it with other existing methods using the KNHANES 2007–2008 data (n = 8,391).

RESULTS

Age, family history of diabetes, hypertension, waist circumference, smoking, and alcohol intake were independently associated with undiagnosed diabetes. We calculated a diabetes screening score (range 0–11), and a cut point of ≥5 defined 47% of adults as being at high risk for diabetes and yielded a sensitivity of 81%, specificity of 54%, positive predictive value of 6%, and positive likelihood ratio of 1.8 (area under the curve [AUC] = 0.73). Comparable results were obtained in validation datasets (sensitivity 80%, specificity 53%, and AUC = 0.73), showing better performance than other non-Asian models from the U.S. or European population.

CONCLUSIONS

This self-assessment score may be useful for identifying Korean adults at high risk for diabetes. Additional studies are needed to evaluate the utility and feasibility of this score in various settings.
Infectivity Assays and Sequence Analyses for Unassigned Pseudomonas Species as Putative Cause of Dieback Disease of Dalbergia sissoo Roxb. in Bangladesh
Authors: Tantau Hanny , Renk Steffi , Schultz Dorothee , Meyer Heidrun , Schulze Jana , Palm Denise , Stubbe Annika , Stubbe Annika , Aguirre Nayuf Valdez , Sarker Rakha Hari x , Alam Sk. Shamimul , Saha Mihir Lal , Khan M. Salim , Hoque M. Imdadul , Mühlbach Hans-Peter
Published: June 2012

identified unequivocally. Putative microbial pathogens (fungi and bacteria) were studied in dieback affected sissoo trees collected from Bangladesh, using plant pathological techniques combined with molecular tools. DNA based characteri-zation showed the presence of heterogeneous patterns of various fungi (mostly saprophytic). It did not support the hypothesis of Fusarium solani being the cause of sissoo dieback. In contrast, isolation and molecular characterisation of bacteria from dieback affected sissoo revealed the presence of Pseudomonas in 83% of the samples. Sequencing the gene of 16S ribosomal RNA, the rpoD-gene, the gacA-gene and the rnpB-gene strongly suggested that these isolates belong most probably to a still unassigned Pseudomonas species. Hypersensitivity response assays and infection studies using sissoo seedlings demonstrated their pathogenic potential.   Key words: Sissoo, dieback, Pseudomonas, fungal pathogens   D.O.I. 10.3329/ptcb.v21i2.10214   Plant Tissue Cult. & Biotech. 21(2): 101-113, 2011 (December)
Enhancement of L-DOPA Production in Micropropagated Plants of two Different Varieties of Mucuna pruriens L., Available in India
Authors: Lahiri Kotisree , Mukhopadhyay Madhumita J. , Mukhopadhyay Sandip
Published: June 2012

Reports on increment in L-DOPA content in micropropagated plants, regenerated through a simple technique following shoot bud multiplication in four strains of two different varieties of Mucuna pruriens are made. Nodal segments from in vitro grown seedlings were cultured on modified MS with various concentrations and combinations of BAP, 2iP, Kn either alone or with NAA. Highest shoot regeneration from the callus was achieved in modified MS fortified with BAP at 1.33 µM level. The regenerated shoots were rooted in vitro in half-strength of liquid MS supplemented with various levels of NAA (0.54 - 10.7 mM) or IBA (0.49 - 9.85 mM). However, roots of superior quality were obtained at 5.4 mM NAA level after two weeks in culture. The regenerants were acclimatized for 2 - 3 weeks and about 85% survival rate was observed after transferring to the field. Both chromosome number stability as well as stability in nuclear DNA contents of the regenerants of all these strains was recorded with complete absence of aneuploidy. The different strains have revealed two to three-folds increase in L-DOPA contents in the cultured plants. The L-DOPA concentration in leaves of the regenerated plants varied from11.85 - 15.42 mg/g dry weight in all these accessions. However, the highest amount was observed in the wild strain of M. pruriens. This is the first report on enhancement of L-DOPA content in differentiated tissue of cultured plants of both the varieties of M. pruriens.   Key words: L-DOPA, Micropropagation, Mucuna pruriens, Nuclear DNA   D. O. I. 10.3329/ptcb.v21i2.10224   Plant Tissue Cult. & Biotech. 21(2): 115-125, 2011 (December)
Vers une norme pluricentrique ou une pluralité de normes en francophonie du nord ?
Authors: Pooley Tim
Published: June 2012

Étant donné qu’une norme de prononciation différente de celle de France est largement reconnue au Canada, et que la population québécoise montre de plus en plus d’assurance quant à la qualité de son français, je me propose dans cette étude d’examiner la question de la norme de prestige en matière de prononciation en Belgique et en Suisse romande. Après avor passé en revue les principales études des représentations du français pratiqué dans ces deux territoires, je présente ensuite l’analyse de la prononciation d’un petit nombre de présentateurs et de journalistes d’une chaîne de télévision publique dans chacun des deux pays (RTBF pour la Belgique ; TSR pour la Suisse). Les premiers résultats semblent indiquer que les locuteurs belges manifestent davantage d’écarts par rapport aux normes françaises en situation comparable, mais que si l’on tient compte du facteur âge, la convergence semble se poursuivre.
Solution d'une énigme dans L'Éthique
Authors: Brykman Geneviève
Published: June 2012

Résumé Commentaire de l’article d’Hélène Bouchilloux qui précède.
Arthrodesis Versus ORIF for Lisfranc Fractures
Authors: Sheibani-Rad Shahin , Coetzee J. Christiaan , Giveans M. Russell , DiGiovanni Christopher
Published: June 2012

The Lisfranc joints make up the bony structural support of the transverse arch in the midfoot and account for approximately 0.2% of all fractures. Early recognition and treatment of this injury are paramount to preserving normal foot biomechanics and function. Controversy exists regarding the optimal treatment of patients with Lisfranc injuries, particularly when the instability is entirely ligamentous.

The authors performed a qualitative, systematic review of the literature to compare the 2 most common procedures for Lisfranc fractures: primary arthrodesis and open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF). Six articles with a total of 193 patients met the inclusion criteria. At 1-year follow-up, the mean American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society score of ORIF patients was 72.5 and of arthrodesis patients was 88.0. Fisher’s exact test revealed no significant effect of treatment group on the percentage on patients who had an anatomic reduction (
P
=.319).

This study highlights that both procedures yield satisfactory and equivalent results. A slight advantage may exist in performing a primary arthrodesis for Lisfranc joint injuries in terms of clinical outcomes.
Open Reduction and Internal Fixation of Intra-articular Calcaneal Fractures in Children
Authors: Yu Guang-rong , Zhao Hong-mou , Yang Yun-feng , Zhou Jia-qian , Li Hai-feng
Published: June 2012

Calcaneal fractures are rare injuries in children and adolescents, and fractures with displaced intra-articular fracture patterns are even more rare. The purpose of this study was to report 9 intra-articular calcaneal fractures in 8 children (mean age, 12.6 years; range,10–15 years) treated with open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) and to examine cases reported in the literature to better define the classification characteristics and operational outcomes of this uncommon fracture. Preoperative radiographs and computed tomography scans were used to evaluate and classify the fractures. Clinical and radiographic examinations were performed at postoperative follow-up, and functional outcome was assessed with the modified American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) Ankle-Hindfoot score. Mean follow-up was 47 months (range, 21–72 months). Mean time to union was 9.2 weeks (range, 8–12 weeks). Mean modified AOFAS score was 65.2 points (range, 53–68 points). One foot experienced a minor complication.

After a systematic review of the literature, 4 studies with a total of 35 patients (37 fractures) were included. All fractures were caused by high-energy injuries. Based on the Essex-Lopresti classification, 40.5% (15/37) were tongue-type fractures and 59.5% (22/37) were joint depression–type fractures. Based on the Sanders classification, 62.2% (23/37) of fractures were 2 parts, 32.4% (12/37) were 3 parts, and 5.4% (2/37) showed comminution. No significant difference was found in classification information between children and adults. The authors concluded that the characteristics of intra-articular calcaneal fractures in children are similar to those in adults, and operative treatment of these fractures yields good results with few complications.
Foot and Ankle Questions on the Orthopaedic In-Training Examination: Analysis of Content, Reference, and Performance
Authors: Barr Cameron R. , Cheng Ivan , Chou Loretta B. , Hunt Kenneth J.
Published: June 2012

The purpose of this study was to provide a comprehensive analysis of the Orthopaedic In-Training Examination’s (OITE’s) questions, question sources, and resident performance over the course of residency training.

The authors analyzed all OITE questions pertaining to foot and ankle surgery between 2006 and 2010. Recorded data included the topic and area tested, imaging modality used, tested treatment method, taxonomic classification, cited references, and resident performance scores. Foot- and ankle-related questions made up 13.9% (186/1341) of the OITE questions. Thirteen general topic areas were identified, with the most common being foot and ankle trauma, the pediatric foot, and foot and ankle deformity. Imaging modalities were tested in approximately half of the questions. Knowledge of treatment modalities was required in 58.1% (108/186) of the questions. Recall-type questions were the most common. Trends existed in the recommended references, with 2 journals and 1 textbook being commonly and consistently cited:
Foot and Ankle International
,
The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery American Volume
, and
Surgery of the Foot and Ankle
, respectively. Resident performance scores increased with each successive level of training.

An understanding of the topics and resources used for OITE foot and ankle questions is an important aid in creating or improving residency programs’ foot and ankle education curricula. With knowledge of question content, source, and resident performance, education can be optimized toward efficient learning and improved scores on this section of the examination.
Role of Hematologic Laboratory Studies in the Postoperative Management of Patients Undergoing Anterior Cervical Diskectomy and Fusion
Authors: Tan Eric W. , Jain Amit , Hassanzadeh Hamid , Bernard Johnathan A. , Lemma Mesfin A.
Published: June 2012

Anterior cervical diskectomy and fusion is a common spinal procedure. Over time, complications and hospital stay have decreased. However, to the authors’ knowledge, no study has examined the necessity of routine postoperative hematologic laboratory studies for patients undergoing this procedure.

From January 2005 through July 2010, four hundred thirty-four consecutive patients with cervical radioculopathy or myelopathy underwent anterior cervical diskectomy and fusion at 1 institution. Patients who had a concomitant second spinal procedure, revision anterior cervical diskectomy and fusion, history of anemia or a hematologic condition, or intraoperative complications were excluded, leaving 372 patients for the study group. Data were collected on postoperative hematologic laboratory studies ordered (complete blood count, coagulation studies, type, screen), postoperative blood transfusions, and readmissions within 1 month for anemia or transfusion. Patients were divided into those with and those without postoperative hematologic studies: 290 patients (119 one-level, 133 two-level, 38 three-level anterior cervical diskectomy and fusion) and 82 patients (41 one-level and 41 two-level anterior cervical diskectomy and fusion), respectively. No patient in either group required postoperative blood transfusion or readmission within 1 month for hematologic issues or surgery-related complications.

For patients undergoing 1-, 2-, or 3-level anterior cervical diskectomy and fusion with no history of hematologic issues, routine postoperative hematologic laboratory studies may be deferred without affecting the incidence of postoperative blood transfusions or hematologic-related readmissions. The elimination of unnecessary routine studies may result in substantial health care cost savings.
Distance and Near Visual Acuity Improvement After Implantation of Multifocal Intraocular Lenses in Cataract Patients With Presbyopia: A Systematic Review
Authors: Agresta Blaise , Knorz Michael C. , Kohnen Thomas , Donatti Christina , Jackson Daniel
Published: June 2012

PURPOSE:

To evaluate uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA) as well as uncorrected near visual acuity (UNVA) as outcomes in treating presbyopic cataract patients to assist clinicians and ophthalmologists in their decision-making process regarding available interventions.

METHODS:

Medline, Embase, and Evidence Based Medicine Reviews were systematically reviewed to identify studies reporting changes in UDVA and UNVA after cataract surgery in presbyopic patients. Strict inclusion/exclusion criteria were used to exclude any studies not reporting uncorrected visual acuity in a presbyopic population with cataracts implanted with multifocal intraocular lenses (IOLs). Relevant outcomes (UDVA and UNVA) were identified from the studies retrieved through the systematic review process.

RESULTS:

Twenty-nine studies were identified that reported uncorrected visual acuities, including one study that reported uncorrected intermediate visual acuity. Nine brands of multifocal IOLs were identified in the search. All studies identified in the literature search reported improvements in UDVA and UNVA following multifocal IOL implantation. The largest improvements in visual acuity were reported using the Rayner M-Flex lens (Rayner Intraocular Lenses Ltd) (UDVA, binocular: 1.05 logMAR, monocular: 0.92 logMAR; UNVA, binocular and monocular: 0.83 logMAR) and the smallest improvements were reported using the Acri.LISA lens (Carl Zeiss Meditec) (UDVA, 0.21 decimal; UNVA, 0.51 decimal).

CONCLUSIONS:

The results of this systematic review show the aggregate of studies reporting a beneficial increase in UDVA and UNVA with the use of multifocal IOLs in cataract patients with presbyopia, hence providing evidence to support the hypothesis that multifocal IOLs increase UDVA and UNVA in cataract patients.
Effects of Variation in Depth and Side Cut Angulations in LASIK and Thin-flap LASIK Using a Femtosecond Laser: A Biomechanical Study
Authors: Knox Cartwright Nathaniel E. , Tyrer John R. , Jaycock Philip D. , Marshall John
Published: June 2012

PURPOSE:

To study the corneal biomechanical effects of varying LASIK flap depth and side cut angulations and evaluate the relative contribution of the lamellar and side cuts using a femtosecond laser and radial shearing speckle pattern interferometry (RSSPI).

METHODS:

Forty-two organ-cultured human corneas were divided into a control group and three investigative groups, each undergoing different incision types at both 90- and 160-μm depth using a femtosecond laser. In the first group, typical LASIK flaps were created; in the second group, only the bed was cut (delamination); and in the third group, side cuts alone were affected. Corneal strain was measured using RSSPI before and after treatment following an increase in hydrostatic pressure from 15.0 to 15.5 mmHg and again after 1 week of incubation in culture medium.

RESULTS:

The flap group demonstrated a weakening of strength related to the depth of cut, with strain increasing by 9% and 32% at 90 and 160 μm, respectively. Similar changes, 9% and 33%, were observed following execution of side cuts to the same depths. By contrast, strain increase following delamination showed no relationship with depth, increasing by 5% in both instances. When the side cut angle was made more acute, strain decreased with a 2% strain increase being measured after a 90-μm, 150° side cut was created. No significant changes occurred during the period of organ culture.

CONCLUSIONS:

Vertical side cuts through corneal lamellae rather than horizontal delamination incisions contribute to the loss of structural integrity during LASIK flap creation. Angulating side cuts such that the stromal diameter of the flap exceeds its epithelial diameter can decrease this effect.
La transmisión intergeneracional de aptitudes y actitudes culturales. Adaptando el paradigma de la omnivoridad cultural para Andalucía
Authors: Herrera-Usagre Manuel
Published: June 2012

El gusto musical ha sido objeto de estudio privilegiado de la sociología, no tanto por la manera en que es adquirido en la escuela, sino por el modo en que los grupos primarios, como la familia o los grupos de pares, han ejercido su influencia. En el presente artículo hemos utilizado la Encuesta sobre la Realidad Social en Andalucía (2009) con el objetivo de mostrar el papel que juegan un conjunto de características sociales de los individuos en su patrón de consumo de música. Nuestros resultados han evidenciado que no existe un patrón de consumo exclusivo de alta cultura ligado a un estrato social. A través de un análisis de clases latentes, hemos encontrado tres patrones de consumo: ‘omnívoro’, ‘moderno’ y ‘unívoro tradicional’, distinguiéndose por el nivel educativo, la edad o el origen social. La voracidad de géneros musicales, por tanto, es fruto de una combinación de factores como el logro educativo, el ciclo de vida y la transmisión intergeneracional de aptitudes y actitudes culturales, pero no así de logro de prestigio o clase social.