bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Application of Framingham Risk Score in the Assessment of Coronary Heart Disease (CHD) Risk in Qatar Petroleum's Staff
Authors: Mochtar Iqbal , Subekti Rakhmat , Al Jaidah Mahmood Abdulrahman , Hooper Richard
Published: January 2011

Using Framingham Risk Score, this study analyzed and assessed the risk of QP's firemen and non-firemen in developing coronary heart disease events within the next 10 years. In both firemen and non-firemen, low HDL level was the most prevalent risk factor (66.9%), followed by hypertension, smoking, diabetes mellitus and high cholesterol, which accounted for 31.9%, 19.6%, 12.5% and 11.5% respectively. On average, firemen had 7.4% risk of developing CHD events within the next 10 years; this figure was significantly lower than that in non-firemen, which accounted for 9.2% (P<0.001). Although more firemen smoked than non-firemen (28.4% and 12.1%; P<0.001), they were considerably younger than non-firemen (39.7 years and 44.6 years; P<001). Firemen in Messaied had the highest prevalence of smoking, diabetes and low HDL level, which brought their CHD risk to be the highest among all firemen. To improve the CHD risk among staff, a health intervention program consisting multiple risk management strategy should be initiated. While the proposed program should target all staff, a specific intervention should be given to improve the low HDL level in all staff and to intensify multiple risk management strategy to firemen in Messaied.
Emerging Trends in Process Safety
Authors: Unnikrishnan G..
Published: January 2011

Process safety techniques have improved over the years. Better designs and rigorous Process Hazard analysis have resulted in reduction of incidents in the Process industry. However, complexity and nature of process plants pose challenges in understanding and mitigating potential incidents.

Better hardware designs and highly trained staff need not necessarily result in improved safety of the process system. Safety is an emergent property of a system and it cannot be considered in isolation from the society and business environment in which it operates. The changes occurring in these areas affect safety in many ways. Several new factors such as Safety Culture, Safety Leadership and Employee empowerment have come into the area of process safety.

The business environments as well as societal requirements are becoming more complex. Safety requirements are evolving. More and more stringent measures will be imposed on business and process industry for adherence in future. There is a need for better visualization of the complex issues involved and predict the nature of things to come. The industry has to be proactive with continuous research and upgrade rather than wait for regulatory measures.

As outlined above Process safety presents several challenges in identification, implementation and measurement which are not confined to technical disciplines alone. Drawing from the latest research on Process Safety and from fields such as Organizational Behavior, Psychology and Systems theory, this paper will examine the emerging trends in Process safety. In conclusion, the paper will identify these emerging trends and demonstrate that a holistic systems approach will be able to offer a better insight in to the same.
Moving Towards Efficient HSE Data Management System Using GIS Technology for Zakum Development Company (ZADCO)
Authors: Al-Hameedi Samar , Athmaram Jayaprakash
Published: January 2011

ZADCO's Health, Safety and Environment department has recently realized the challenges associated with managing large data volumes generated from various surveys, more specifically from environmental baseline surveys. To respond to this challenge, HSE with collaboration from the company's GIS applications section have initiated the use of Geographical Information technology to produce an effective HSE data management system, referred to as ECOGIS.

The primary objective of ECOGIS is to furnish a central database with defined standards in order to retrieve, manage and analyze geographically-related HSE data in a Web based GIS framework. ECOGIS is developed within the framework of a broader corporate GIS data management platform in ZADCO, referred to as iMAP (intelligent Mapping Application Package).

ECOGIS mainly incorporates environmental datasets as well as supplemental data layers for Health and Safety such as risk maps, noise level contours and so forth. Project data delivery guidelines have also been defined to provide to future survey contractors for a consistent data delivery. In addition to the creation and mapping of available HSE data and parameters, an Environmental Sensitivity Index (ESI) has been developed based on existing baseline data. The ESI serves as a necessary support tool to ZADCO's oil spill response team and as an input to the oil spill modeling application called OILMAP.

This initiative will effectively facilitate the resolution of the following problem areas associated with the data management system in the company: 1) varying data formats; 2) constraints in tracking, analyzing and interpreting data; and 3) systematic data storage and retrieval. This paper details the phases and considerations in developing the ECOGIS and ESI model and the potential it offers for further data analysis and interpretation. We also shed light on the methodologies used to develop the conceptual design of ECOGIS and the way forward for realizing the full functionality of the system.
Creating a Culture of Safety
Authors: Moussa Moustafa
Published: January 2011

A company or project's "Culture" is a culmination of individual beliefs and behaviors, and every person, from the CEO to the newest hire, has an impact on the culture that currently exists. This can be an opportunity or a continuing challenge because people, whether employee or contractor, will propagate the safety behaviors of their co-workers. One of the findings from a major industrial incident was "hazard training was largely passed down by experience from others. Sometimes this guidance was poor, perhaps due to an element of complacency…"

We constantly need to ask ourselves whose behaviors our people are adopting and are they the ones we want passed along.

There is a significant difference in a safety culture and a culture of safety. A safety culture simply describes the beliefs and behaviors demonstrated within an organization or during a project's lifetime. Therefore, a safety culture may be good, focused on reducing incidents and injuries, or it might be poor, tolerating at-risk behaviors that put people and the environment at unnecessary risk. A culture of safety is what we all want to achieve.

The petroleum sector has made significant strides towards improving workplace safety, as evidenced by the fact the industry's Lost Time Incident rate was over 14.0 in 1963 and stands at 0.37 at the end of 2009. Too often though, people still rely on ‘compliance with’ safety policies, procedures and equipment in everyday operations rather than a ‘belief in’ safety. In order to eliminate incidents safety must become a personal issue where each employee and contractor takes personal responsibility for choosing to follow the regulations, using the equipment properly and, most importantly, recognizing and reducing unnecessary at-risk behaviors.

This paper will explore the process of (1) assessing the organization's current culture, (2) aligning the steps necessary to lead change through the organization to support a culture of safety, (3) Application of the system to understand Primary Indicators and (4) communicating a clear, consistent vision enables companies to create a workplace in which employees take personal responsibility for recognizing and reducing at-risk behaviors. When safety becomes a part of the organization's personal beliefs and values, a culture of safety is created.
The Case For Competence
Authors: Moussa Moustafa
Published: January 2011

Several factors in today's oil and gas workforce are calling for a need for increased attention to training. Challenges including the workforce's age gap and the inherent rate of turnover and growth require a training approach that provides thorough, consistent, and efficient knowledge transfer.

Traditional training, either classroom or on the job, has been found lacking in ensuring competence. Competence is a standardized requirement to properly perform a specific job. It encompasses a combination of knowledge, skills and behavior utilized to improve performance. More generally, competence is the state or quality of being adequately or well qualified, having the ability to perform a specific role. In the past, competence was assumed with experience. Today, critical differences exist between knowledge and performance. Contractors, in particular, are asked to demonstrate or document the competence of their workforce.

The increased number of new and less experienced employees demands changing development methods. Training with an assumption of competence can lead to Poor safety performance;Poor safety performance;Poor operational performance;Decreased profitability; andLimited bid opportunities.

Simply put, the competence model is about RESULTS - utilizing the skills, knowledge, abilities, and appropriate behaviors providing results the organization requires.

A Competency Assurance Program utilizes clearly defined standards of performance, an assessment process conducted at the worksite, analysis to identify gaps and plans to address the gaps through coaching and training.

In defining standards, each position's core and specific competencies must be mapped to the tasks required by employees. In this phase, it is critical that competencies be developed with considerations of HSE, operational, and behavioral expectations.

The assessment process measures employee competence in meeting the standards, leading to the analysis of current competence and desired standard, identifying the gap.
Competitiveness of "Unconventional Energy" Based on Cost & Environmental Sustainability
Authors: Rana S..
Published: January 2011

The paper analyzes the facts and data regarding competitiveness of renewable energy use based on economics and environmental factors, showing how the cost relationships could change in the future, which would result in more competitive overall cost of producing and distributing energy.

Environmental cost concerns support a major reduction of fossil fuels and substitution of favored "nonpolluting" energies. The energy industry nearly spends as much on environmental protection as it spends searching for new supplies; roughly $10 billion a year (U.S. DOE). So far, the penetration of renewable energies into market has been slow, providing about 10% of total U.S. electricity use, principally by their higher cost relative to fossil energy.

Wind and solar power are the two energy sources most favored to displace fossil fuels to help protect environment, thus reducing compliance cost. The costs of solar and wind power systems have dropped substantially in the past 3 decades and continue to decline. Wind costs have declined from around US$0.20 per kWh to US$0.05 per kWh in favorable locations. Solar thermal facilities are operating effectively in virtually any climate, from facilities in "resource deficient regions" to water heating in the US (saving upto 300,000 GWh yearly). An added benefit of renewable energy projects is significant local economic activity, especially to "resource deficient regions" of world. For example, ethanol production not only offsets million of oil barrels, the associated crop production helps to create over $10 billion annually for investment into agricultural sector, thus revitalizing rural areas. While looking at unconventional energy, the paper also compares sustainability of some low-cost advanced technologies, estimated to increase "tertiary oil recovery" by millions of barrels by 2015 and beyond using various enhanced oil recovery techniques.

It is estimated that by 2030, the renewable energy capital cost per KW would be reduced by 5 to 10 times of the recent costs. The emphasis is to demonstrate the competitiveness of unconventional energy based on cost equivalence data in terms of millions of barrels of oil saved and hence its sustainability comparing to "conventional" sources.
Initiating Young Professionals into the Culture of Safety
Authors: Aggour Tamir , McKissack Jerry
Published: January 2011

This paper describes how recently graduated new hires in Saudi Aramco E&P are provided with an early induction to HSE as a critical component of their professional careers. All recently graduated new hires will participate in a 13-week program that prepares them to immediately contribute to their line organizations. The modules of the program cover several technical and nontechnical competencies, on-boarding young professionals to professional work in Saudi Aramco. This paper presents a review of the first module of the program, the "Safety First" week. The design, development and implementation of the course are presented, demonstrating how young professionals are engaged in this critical issue at an early stage of their careers. These efforts complement the corporate-wide initiatives and operations-specific certifications and training that professionals will regularly participate in.

By using concepts of instructional design, the program integrates HSE topics in a manner that will be engaging to the participants, with a focus on activity-based learning complemented by minimal classroom instruction. Participants in the program will understand the importance of HSE in the industry as a whole and in the context of each individual discipline, and understand the HSE-related behaviors and workflows required in their jobs. Participants will learn and apply proper HSE behaviors and tasks in both office and field environments.

The focus on HSE issues in the petroleum industry has evolved into a critical formal component of most workflows, permeating all stages of the exploration and producing life cycle. By weaving HSE into the early formal training for new hires in an engaging manner, Saudi Aramco is ensuring that upstream E&P young professionals enter the workforce with an appreciation of the importance of HSE that will stay with them throughout their careers.
Effective Tuberculosis Management in the Oil & Gas Industry
Authors: Mika Frano , Martin Alison , Cox Rob
Published: January 2011

Tuberculosis (TB) is the leading cause of death from a curable infectious disease. TB can disrupt workflow, reduce productivity, increase health-care costs and result in the need to train new workers. The majority of TB cases occur in the working population; the oil and gas industry is particularly vulnerable to the impact of TB, due to the fact that many countries in which the industry operates are ‘high burden’ countries and that there is considerable movement of industry workers between regions.

This paper outlines basic strategies to manage TB in the workplace and is designed to assist managers and supervisors in oil industry facilities recognize the risks associatd with TB in the workforce, and to respond by putting in place plans and programs to manage the disease.

__________________________________________________________________________________

The treatment of TB in the workplace is important, as untreated TB can lead to death; indeed, TB is the leading cause of death from a curable infectious disease. In 2008, there were 9.4 million new TB cases and an estimated 1.3 million attributable deaths1 (Figure 1). TB can disrupt workflow, reduce productivity, increase health-care costs and result in the need to train new workers. The majority of TB cases occur in people between the ages of 15 and 54; hence it is the core of the working population that is most vulnerable.

The impact of TB on business is severe. Each year, TB is responsible for a reduction of around US$16 billion in the annual incomes of the world's poorest communities2. It is therefore essential for business to address the threat of TB, and act collectively to ensure the most effective and cost-efficient response. To this end, a number of roundtables, conferences and forums are held around the world every year to ensure that this approach is adopted by interested parties.

The emergence of HIV in the past quarter century has proved a challenge to global efforts to reduce the prevalence of TB. HIV is a strong risk factor for the development of TB, and as a result, TB has emerged as the most common HIV-associated opportunistic infection worldwide3.

Effective control of the disease in countries with a high incidence of TB will have a positive impact on the global situation, and will minimize the health consequences and cost burden to business, local governments and communities.
KOC Goes Live In HSE!
Authors: Abbas Ahmed , Mataqi Ismail Y , Mohiudddeen Mohd. K , Adivi Bala Siva
Published: January 2011

The role of software and its applications in HSE field are immense. Kuwait Oil Company (KOC), one of the premier Oil &Gas companies in the Gulf region, gives top most commitment to HSE and considers Health, Safety and Environment as one of the key strategic objectives of its business strategy and number one priority in its endeavor towards sustainable development. Till 2008, KOC followed traditional paper based system in meeting various reporting requirements with respect of Health, Safety &Environment, which has its own disadvantages. Considering the e-age and its importance, KOC Management took historic decision in implementing customized software application in early 2009 which has grown up in meeting various aspects of HS&E in a span of just one year. With the strong Management Leadership and Commitment, KOC implemented ‘HSELive’, a customized software application, a Web Page Capture and Reporting tool for HS&E, which suits the company's HSE business requirements. This paper presents how the traditional paper based HSE reporting system has been taken over by ‘HSELive’ and the highlights. Being HSELive is an excellent HSE & Risk Management Tool, this paper also presents how this has helped the Management in taking quick decisions.
Diesel Engine Runaway Safety Risk in Hazardous Environments
Authors: Bhalla Jogen
Published: January 2011

There are many potential ignition sources in the petrochemical, refining and oil and gas drilling industry; such as hot work, internal combustion engines, improperly classified or maintained electrical equipment, lighting, and adjacent fired equipment. These are typically controlled via measures such as hot work permits for: -Welding/burning-Hot work or vehicle entry permit requirements to operate engines inside posted areas-Proper electrical classification along with programs to maintain it, and-Programs/practices to prevent/detect releases of flammable materials.

A large number of diesel engines (in vehicles, lighting towers, power generators and other equipment) are used in the petrochemical and oil and gas industry for their day-to-day operation. Diesel engine runaway is a serious hazard in oil and gas drilling and production and similar industries where flammable hydrocarbon emissions or leaks may occur. A runaway can be described as an engine running out of control on an external fuel source (i.e., the "fuel" in the air) where the operator cannot shut down the engine using conventional methods (i.e. turning off the engine ignition switch).

In a total runaway engine situation, the result can range from minor engine damage to engine explosion, causing catastrophic damage to the equipment and surrounding facilities and/or death or injuries to personnel such as BP Texas City refinery and BP Deepwater Horizon explosions. Fortunately, there is simple, inexpensive technology available which can prevent a diesel engine runaway. The paper is presented to increase awareness and lessons learned from many accidents involving runaway diesel engines.

The author will present what companies are doing around the world to avoid diesel engine runaway as an ignition source for explosions in the hydrocarbon industry.
An Industrial Hygiene Programme for BP Sharjah
Authors: Holderness Lucetta
Published: January 2011

When the framework for an Industrial Hygiene (IH) programme for BP Sharjah was devised, the key to its ultimate success was clear; local competence and capability would equal sustainable health risk management and business value. Whilst capability gaps in countries with limited local market options may have previously been filled by foreign nationals, a variation on this approach was devised to ensure local IH management continuity. The business embraced the opportunity not only to ensure that a risk based IH programme was developed and delivered, but that during the implementation, individuals within the region benefited from practical experience and mentorship alongside a structured IH training programme.
Towards sustainable chemical use through chemical leasing
Authors: Gilbert Y. M. , Downs J. D.
Published: January 2011

Reducing the environmental, health and safety impact of chemical operations is a recognised target for upstream Oil & Gas operations. Approaches include use of less hazardous products, optimisation of waste management and minimisation of discharges. This paper discusses a novel business model, Chemical Leasing (ChL) that promotes sustainable use of chemicals through linking the supplier's sales income to chemical performance. In this model chemical consumption becomes a cost instead of a revenue factor for the supplier. This in turn leads to: Operational impact: Concentrated efforts on behalf of the supplier to reduce losses to the environment and increase recycling and reuse leads to lower environmental impact and associated costs through reduced emissions, discharges and chemical waste. This also lowers the exposure of employees, communities and consumers.Life-cycle impact reduction: raw material, energy etc. invested in the chemical decreases as chemical use decreasesInnovation: linking revenue to life-cycle performance stimulates the suppliers R&D process towards products and process modifications that reduce overall HSE impact.

For the operator, ChL therefore provides a clear potential for a win-win situation with four key chemical management targets: better environmental performance, better operational cost efficiency, minimisation of chemical waste created and reduced exposure. For the supplier, there is a potential to increase profits and competitive edge.

ChL has been successfully used in a number of applications, including cooling, heating; cleaning, purification and biocides. The United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) promotes the use of ChL as a tool for sustainable chemical management. In 2010, UNIDO recognised two oilfield players for outstanding ChL performance: Ecopetrol SA, for oil dehydration and water clarification applications and Cabot Specialty Fluids for leasing formate brines as well construction fluids. The ChL model is reviewed through these two applications. Further potential product groups and applications for the oilfield where ChL could be a viable option are discussed.
Myths and Misconceptions about Behavior-Based Safety (BBS): BAPCO Experience
Authors: Ahmed Ismail Mohamed
Published: January 2011

In mid-nineties there has been some indication that "behavior-based safety - BBS" is entering the mainstream vocabulary of safety professionals. Bapco has been one of the organizations in the region that implemented BBS during 2006 and is beginning to achieve its stated objectives.

There has been however many myths and misconceptions associated with BBS in the industry in general which hinders its potential impact in injury reduction.

This paper highlights Bapco's experience in addressing the six myths and misconceptions in implementing BBS system.
Creating an Intercultural Learning Opportunity: Zagreb, Croatia and Plattsburgh, New York
Authors: Mountcastle Amy
Published: January 2011

In the spring of 2009 I embarked on a teaching experiment in which I joined an online SUNY–Plattsburgh class taking my Anthropology of Human Rights course with a conventional class at the University of Zagreb, Croatia, where I was a visiting professor teaching the same course. My motivations were several, but prominent among them was to test the potential of technology in the creation of a virtual intercultural learning environment, to test in practice the cross-cultural context of human rights understanding, and a wish to provide students with an opportunity to interact cross-culturally to explore issues of vital importance to human beings across the globe. In this article, I describe this endeavor, while also reflecting on some of the implications of online teaching and its limitations. My thoughts and sentiments are representative, I believe, of many other non-technophilic, but globally conscious academics.
Virtual Communities of Practice: Bridging Research and Practice Using Web 2.0
Authors: Lewis Laura A. , Koston Zoe , Quartley Marjorie , Adsit Jason
Published: January 2011

A significant dilemma for the health and human service professions continues to be the question of how best to bridge the divide between academic research and practice. Communities of practice have traditionally been a vehicle for collaborative research and for information exchange (Moore, 2008). Through collaboration, communities of practice have the ability to disseminate knowledge and transmit best practices in these disciplines (Barry, 2007). However, organizational constraints on time can impose barriers to professional partnerships (i.e., Le May, Mulhall, & Alexander, 1998). Increasingly restrictive research agendas of faculty pose an additional barrier (Colbeck, 2000). Web 2.0 technologies may offer a solution to this challenge. According to Boulos and Wheeler (2007), Web 2.0 technologies “represent a quite revolutionary way of managing and repurposing/remixing online information and knowledge repositories, including clinical and research information, in comparison with the traditional Web 1.0 model” (p. 2). Also, a greater repository of information among communities of practice can be generated via new technology (Kok, 2006). This article describes a virtual community of practice developed through a partnership between the University at Buffalo School of Social Work and the University at Buffalo Teaching and Learning Center. A participatory process that included stakeholder input through use of surveys and focus groups was employed. A definition of community of practice is presented, and the five stages of development of communities of practice as outlined by Wenger, McDermott, and Snyder (2002) is applied to the current example. The utility of an online social networking tool for creating professional partnerships and for knowledge dissemination is explored. Barriers to implementation are expounded.
Is Your Avatar Ethical? on-Line Course Tools That are Methods for Student Identity and Verification
Authors: Semple Mid , Hatala Jeffrey , Franks Patricia , Rossi Margherita A.
Published: January 2011

On-line college courses present a mandate for student identity verification for accreditation and funding sources. Student authentication requires course modification to detect fraud and misrepresentation of authorship in assignment submissions. The reality is that some college students cheat in face-to-face classrooms; however, the potential for on-line fraud exceeds that of traditional classroom protocols. Because of reduced personal contact, on-line teaching requires additional ways to prevent cheating and to authenticate authorship of course submissions. Key issues include providing both legal and ethical accountability to college's funding sources for accreditation. Detection methods include qualitative and quantitative analysis utilizing course content analysis, psychometrics, and biometrics (which includes fingerprint, voice recognition software, camera photo ID matched to student ID). Case studies include qualitative analysis focused on cultural causes related to ethical lapses. This article describes these topics and methods and how their use helps detect and reduce cheating. Verification methods should identify student authorship and submission misrepresentation and reduce errors in student evaluations, grading, course outcomes analysis, and the granting of college credit for work completed.
Using the Theory of Planned Behavior to Predict Safer Sexual Behavior by Ghanaian Immigrants in a Large Midwestern U.S. City
Authors: Asare Matthew , Sharma Manoj
Published: January 2011

Ghanaian immigrant population in the United States is at a high risk for developing HIV/AIDS. This study uses the Theory of Planned Behavior to predict safer sexual behavior among Ghanaian immigrants in a large Midwestern city in the United States. A 55-item questionnaire was developed and tested for validity (face, content, and construct) and reliability (stability and test-retest). A total of 137 Ghanaian immigrants completed the questionnaire. The constructs of perceived behavioral control ( p < 0.001) and subjective norm ( p < 0.001) were significant predictors for intention to use condoms and they accounted for 38% of the variance. Behavioral intention for condom use ( p < 0.001) was the significant predictor for condom use and it accounted for 21% of the variance. Health education interventions based on constructs of the Theory of Planned Behavior must promote consistent and correct use of condoms in this population.
Literacy for Good Health: Pre-Menopause Women in Cross River State, Nigeria
Authors: Edet Pauline B. , Uwe Ekanem Anwana , Eyo Mary Bassey
Published: January 2011

This article examines the influence of literacy on the health of menopausetting (or pre-menopause) women in urban Calabar Metropolis of Cross River State, Nigeria. Two null hypotheses were formulated with a 45-item questionnaire from a representative sample size of 500 urban women between ages 35 and above, using purposive, stratified, and simple random sampling procedures. The research design is survey inferential, while data analysis was by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). Fisher's multiple comparison (LSD) and Independent t-test techniques were carried out. The analysis revealed that literacy level significantly influences the health of menopausetting women and that menopausetting women who are highly literate live healthier lives than their counterparts who are averagely and lowly literate. Some recommendations were made which will enhance longevity and ultimate well-being of menopausetting women.
Coordinated Control of Energy Storage System and Diesel Generator in Isolated Power System
Authors: Goya Tomonori , Uchida Kosuke , Kinjyo Yoshihisa , Senjyu Tomonobu , Yona Atsushi , Funabashi Toshihisa
Published: January 2011

Nowadays, renewable energy systems such as wind turbine generators and photovoltaic systems are introduced to power systems. However, the renewable energy system is influenced by weather conditions, and the generated power of the renewable energy system is deviated. For the provision of deviated power, the battery energy storage system is introduced to suppress the deviation of the frequency and voltage in power system. However, it needs the large capacity of a battery system, which increases the capital cost. In this paper, we propose a coordinated control strategy between the diesel generator and the battery system to reduce the capital cost of battery, inverter capacity and storage capacity. The proposed control system incorporates the H-infinity control theory, which enables intuitive controller design in frequency domain. Effectiveness of the proposed control system is validated by simulation results.
Ongoing β-Cell Turnover in Adult Nonhuman Primates Is Not Adaptively Increased in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetes
Authors: Saisho Yoshifumi , Manesso Erica , Butler Alexandra E. , Galasso Ryan , Kavanagh Kylie , Flynn Mickey , Zhang Li , Clark Paige , Gurlo Tatyana , Toffolo Gianna M. , Cobelli Claudio , Wagner Janice D. , Butler Peter C.
Published: January 2011

OBJECTIVE

β-Cell turnover and its potential to permit β-cell regeneration in adult primates are unknown. Our aims were 1) to measure β-cell turnover in adult nonhuman primates; 2) to establish the relative contribution of β-cell replication and formation of new β-cells from other precursors (defined thus as β-cell neogenesis); and 3) to establish whether there is an adaptive increase in β-cell formation (attempted regeneration) in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes in adult nonhuman primates.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Adult (aged 7 years) vervet monkeys were administered STZ (45–55 mg/kg, n = 7) or saline (n = 9). Pancreas was obtained from each animal twice, first by open surgical biopsy and then by euthanasia. β-Cell turnover was evaluated by applying a mathematic model to measured replication and apoptosis rates.

RESULTS

β-Cell turnover is present in adult nonhuman primates (3.3 ± 0.9 mg/month), mostly (∼80%) derived from β-cell neogenesis. β-Cell formation was minimal in STZ-induced diabetes. Despite marked hyperglycemia, β-cell apoptosis was not increased in monkeys administered STZ.

CONCLUSIONS

There is ongoing β-cell turnover in adult nonhuman primates that cannot be accounted for by β-cell replication. There is no evidence of β-cell regeneration in monkeys administered STZ. Hyperglycemia does not induce β-cell apoptosis in nonhuman primates in vivo.
Natural Killer Cells From Children With Type 1 Diabetes Have Defects in NKG2D-Dependent Function and Signaling
Authors: Qin Huilian , Lee I-Fang , Panagiotopoulos Constadina , Wang Xiaoxia , Chu Alvina D. , Utz Paul J. , Priatel John J. , Tan Rusung
Published: January 2011

OBJECTIVE

Natural killer (NK) cells from NOD mice have numeric and functional abnormalities, and restoration of NK cell function prevents autoimmune diabetes in NOD mice. However, little is known about the number and function of NK cells in humans affected by type 1 diabetes. Therefore, we evaluated the phenotype and function of NK cells in a large cohort of type 1 diabetic children.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Peripheral blood mononuclear blood cells were obtained from subjects whose duration of disease was between 6 months and 2 years. NK cells were characterized by flow cytometry, enzyme-linked immunosorbent spot assays, and cytotoxicity assays. Signaling through the activating NK cell receptor, NKG2D, was assessed by immunoblotting and reverse-phase phosphoprotein lysate microarray.

RESULTS

NK cells from type 1 diabetic subjects were present at reduced cell numbers compared with age-matched, nondiabetic control subjects and had diminished responses to the cytokines interleukin (IL)-2 and IL-15. Analysis before and after IL-2 stimulation revealed that unlike NK cells from nondiabetic control subjects, NK cells from type 1 diabetic subjects failed to downregulate the NKG2D ligands, major histocompatibility complex class I–related chains A and B, upon activation. Moreover, type 1 diabetic NK cells also exhibited decreased NKG2D-dependent cytotoxicity and interferon-γ secretion. Finally, type 1 diabetic NK cells showed clear defects in NKG2D-mediated activation of the phosphoinositide 3-kinase–AKT pathway.

CONCLUSIONS

These results are the first to demonstrate that type 1 diabetic subjects have aberrant signaling through the NKG2D receptor and suggest that NK cell dysfunction contributes to the autoimmune pathogenesis of type 1 diabetes.
Intracavernous Delivery of a Designed Angiopoietin-1 Variant Rescues Erectile Function by Enhancing Endothelial Regeneration in the Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Mouse
Authors: Jin Hai-Rong , Kim Woo Jean , Song Jae Sook , Piao Shuguang , Choi Min Ji , Tumurbaatar Munkhbayar , Shin Sun Hwa , Yin Guo Nan , Koh Gou Young , Ryu Ji-Kan , Suh Jun-Kyu
Published: January 2011

OBJECTIVE

Patients with diabetic erectile dysfunction often have severe endothelial dysfunction and respond poorly to oral phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors. We examined the effectiveness of the potent angiopoietin-1 (Ang1) variant, cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP)-Ang1, in promoting cavernous endothelial regeneration and restoring erectile function in diabetic animals.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Four groups of mice were used: controls; streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic mice; STZ-induced diabetic mice treated with repeated intracavernous injections of PBS; and STZ-induced diabetic mice treated with COMP-Ang1 protein (days −3 and 0). Two and 4 weeks after treatment, we measured erectile function by electrical stimulation of the cavernous nerve. The penis was harvested for histologic examinations, Western blot analysis, and cGMP quantification. We also performed a vascular permeability test.

RESULTS

Local delivery of the COMP-Ang1 protein significantly increased cavernous endothelial proliferation, endothelial nitric oxide (NO) synthase (NOS) phosphorylation, and cGMP expression compared with that in the untreated or PBS-treated STZ-induced diabetic group. The changes in the group that received COMP-Ang1 restored erectile function up to 4 weeks after treatment. Endothelial protective effects, such as marked decreases in the expression of p47phox and inducible NOS, in the generation of superoxide anion and nitrotyrosine, and in the number of apoptotic cells in the corpus cavernosum tissue, were noted in COMP-Ang1–treated STZ-induced diabetic mice. An intracavernous injection of COMP-Ang1 completely restored endothelial cell-cell junction proteins and decreased cavernous endothelial permeability. COMP-Ang1–induced promotion of cavernous angiogenesis and erectile function was abolished by the NOS inhibitor, N-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester, but not by the NADPH oxidase inhibitor, apocynin.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings support the concept of cavernous endothelial regeneration by use of the recombinant Ang1 protein as a curative therapy for diabetic erectile dysfunction.
An Allele of IKZF1 (Ikaros) Conferring Susceptibility to Childhood Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Protects Against Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Swafford Austin D.-E. , Howson Joanna M.M. , Davison Lucy J. , Wallace Chris , Smyth Deborah J. , Schuilenburg Helen , Maisuria-Armer Meeta , Mistry Trupti , Lenardo Michael J. , Todd John A.
Published: January 2011

OBJECTIVE

IKZF1 encoding Ikaros, an essential regulator of lymphopoiesis and immune homeostasis, has been implicated in the development of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (C-ALL). Because recent genome-wide association (GWA) studies have linked a region of the 3′-UTR of IKZF1 with C-ALL susceptibility, we tested whether IKZF1 is associated with the autoimmune disease type 1 diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

rs10272724 (T>C) near IKZF1 at 7p12 was genotyped in 8,333 individuals with type 1 diabetes, 9,947 control subjects, and 3,997 families of European ancestry. Association was tested using logistic regression in the case-control data and by the transmission disequilibrium test in the families. Expression data for IKZF1 by rs10272724 genotype were obtained using quantitative PCR of mRNA/cDNA generated from peripheral blood mononuclear cells from 88 individuals, whereas expression data for five other neighboring genes were obtained from the online Genevar dataset.

RESULTS

The minor allele of rs10272724 (C) was found to be protective from type 1 diabetes (odds ratio 0.87 [95% CI 0.83–0.91]; P = 1.1 × 10−11). rs10272724 was not correlated with levels of two transcripts of IKZF1 in peripheral blood mononuclear cells.

CONCLUSIONS

The major susceptibility genotype for C-ALL confers protection from type 1 diabetes. Our finding strengthens the link between autoimmunity and lymphoid cancers. Further investigation is warranted for the genetic effect marked by rs10272724, its impact on IKZF1, and the role of Ikaros and other family members, Ailios (IKZF3) and Eos (IKZF4), in autoimmunity.
Genetic Defects in Human Pericentrin Are Associated With Severe Insulin Resistance and Diabetes
Authors: Huang-Doran Isabel , Bicknell Louise S. , Finucane Francis M. , Rocha Nuno , Porter Keith M. , Tung Y.C. Loraine , Szekeres Ferenc , Krook Anna , Nolan John J. , O’Driscoll Mark , Bober Michael , O’Rahilly Stephen , Jackson Andrew P. , Semple Robert K. ,   for the Majewski Osteodysplastic Primordial Dwarfism Study Group
Published: January 2011

OBJECTIVE

Genetic defects in human pericentrin (PCNT), encoding the centrosomal protein pericentrin, cause a form of osteodysplastic primordial dwarfism that is sometimes reported to be associated with diabetes. We thus set out to determine the prevalence of diabetes and insulin resistance among patients with PCNT defects and examined the effects of pericentrin depletion on insulin action using 3T3-L1 adipocytes as a model system.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

A cross-sectional metabolic assessment of 21 patients with PCNT mutations was undertaken. Pericentrin expression in human tissues was profiled using quantitative real-time PCR. The effect of pericentrin knockdown on insulin action and adipogenesis in 3T3-L1 adipocytes was determined using Oil red O staining, gene-expression analysis, immunoblotting, and glucose uptake assays. Pericentrin expression and localization also was determined in skeletal muscle.

RESULTS

Of 21 patients with genetic defects in PCNT, 18 had insulin resistance, which was severe in the majority of subjects. Ten subjects had confirmed diabetes (mean age of onset 15 years [range 5–28]), and 13 had metabolic dyslipidemia. All patients without insulin resistance were younger than 4 years old. Knockdown of pericentrin in adipocytes had no effect on proximal insulin signaling but produced a twofold impairment in insulin-stimulated glucose uptake, approximately commensurate with an associated defect in cell proliferation and adipogenesis. Pericentrin was highly expressed in human skeletal muscle, where it showed a perinuclear distribution.

CONCLUSIONS

Severe insulin resistance and premature diabetes are common features of PCNT deficiency but are not congenital. Partial failure of adipocyte differentiation may contribute to this, but pericentrin deficiency does not impair proximal insulin action in adipocytes.
Sodium Phenylbutyrate, a Drug With Known Capacity to Reduce Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress, Partially Alleviates Lipid-Induced Insulin Resistance and β-Cell Dysfunction in Humans
Authors: Xiao Changting , Giacca Adria , Lewis Gary F.
Published: January 2011

OBJECTIVE

Chronically elevated free fatty acids contribute to insulin resistance and pancreatic β-cell failure. Among numerous potential factors, the involvement of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress has been postulated to play a mechanistic role. Here we examined the efficacy of the chemical chaperone, sodium phenylbutyrate (PBA), a drug with known capacity to reduce ER stress in animal models and in vitro, on lipid-induced insulin resistance and β-cell dysfunction in humans.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Eight overweight or obese nondiabetic men underwent four studies each, in random order, 4 to 6 weeks apart. Two studies were preceded by 2 weeks of oral PBA (7.5 g/day), followed by a 48-h i.v. infusion of intralipid/heparin or saline, and two studies were preceded by placebo treatment, followed by similar infusions. Insulin secretion rates (ISRs) and sensitivity (SI) were assessed after the 48-h infusions by hyperglycemic and hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamps, respectively.

RESULTS

Lipid infusion reduced SI, which was significantly ameliorated by pretreatment with PBA. Absolute ISR was not affected by any treatment; however, PBA partially ameliorated the lipid-induced reduction in the disposition index (DI = ISR × SI), indicating that PBA prevented lipid-induced β-cell dysfunction.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that PBA may provide benefits in humans by ameliorating the insulin resistance and β-cell dysfunction induced by prolonged elevation of free fatty acids.
Insulin Degludec in Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Birkeland Kåre I. , Home Philip D. , Wendisch Ulrich , Ratner Robert E. , Johansen Thue , Endahl Lars A. , Lyby Karsten , Jendle Johan H. , Roberts Anthony P. , DeVries J. Hans , Meneghini Luigi F.
Published: January 2011

OBJECTIVE

Insulin degludec (IDeg) is a basal insulin that forms soluble multihexamers after subcutaneous injection, resulting in an ultra-long action profile. We assessed the efficacy and safety of IDeg formulations administered once daily in combination with mealtime insulin aspart in people with type 1 diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

In this 16-week, randomized, open-label trial, participants (mean: 45.8 years old, A1C 8.4%, fasting plasma glucose [FPG] 9.9 mmol/L, BMI 26.9 kg/m2) received subcutaneous injections of IDeg(A) (600 μmol/L; n = 59), IDeg(B) (900 μmol/L; n = 60), or insulin glargine (IGlar; n = 59), all given once daily in the evening. Insulin aspart was administered at mealtimes.

RESULTS

At 16 weeks, mean A1C was comparable for IDeg(A) (7.8 ± 0.8%), IDeg(B) (8.0 ± 1.0%), and IGlar (7.6 ± 0.8%), as was FPG (8.3 ± 4.0, 8.3 ± 2.8, and 8.9 ± 3.5 mmol/L, respectively). Estimated mean rates of confirmed hypoglycemia were 28% lower for IDeg(A) compared with IGlar (rate ratio [RR]: 0.72 [95% CI 0.52–1.00]) and 10% lower for IDeg(B) compared with IGlar (RR: 0.90 [0.65–1.24]); rates of nocturnal hypoglycemia were 58% lower for IDeg(A) (RR: 0.42 [0.25–0.69]) and 29% lower for IDeg(B) (RR: 0.71 [0.44–1.16]). Mean total daily insulin dose was similar to baseline. The frequency and pattern of adverse events was similar between insulin treatments.

CONCLUSIONS

In this clinical exploratory phase 2 trial in people with type 1 diabetes, IDeg is safe and well tolerated and provides comparable glycemic control to IGlar at similar doses, with reduced rates of hypoglycemia.
Dating mortar by optically stimulated luminescence: A feasibility study
Authors: Goedicke Christian
Published: January 2011

Quartz is the datable component in mortar. Although its luminescence properties are very well studied, the problem of mortar dating arises from a low level of optical bleaching. In order to reduce the time consuming efforts for dating lime mortar in monuments by optically stimulated luminescence, we investigated the most suitable methods of dose and dose rate determination, and we explored tests which are suitable to predict the datability of a given material. Reverting to the large number of publications on sedimentary partially bleached quartz we found linear modulation techniques especially useful, equally we also recommend the determination of the level of optical depletion before starting analyses. Single grain analysis is regarded as an ultimate but infallible tool to date very poorly bleached quartz from mortar. Dose rate measurements need to take into account the radioactive equilibrium of the uranium decay and the short range inhomogeneity of the environmental gamma radiation field: gamma spectrometry and on-site TLD measurements are best suited.
Stability of IRSL signals from sedimentary K-feldspar samples
Authors: Thomsen Kristina , Murray Andrew , Jain Mayank
Published: January 2011

Recent work has identified IR stimulated luminescence signals at elevated temperature from both potassium- and sodium-rich feldspars that have much lower anomalous fading rates than the conventional signal measured using IR stimulation at 50°C. This paper examines the stability of these signals for potassium-rich sedimentary feldspars. We show that the natural post-IR IRSL (pIRIR) signal from a 3.6 Ma old sample is in apparent saturation on a laboratory generated dose response curve, i.e. it does not show detectable fading in nature although a low fading rate is observed on laboratory time scales. We show that the pIRIR signal has a greater thermal stability than the IRSL signal and that the trend in increasing thermal stability is mirrored by a decreasing fading rate. We also investigate the effect of preheat temperature and IR stimulation power on the decay shape and conclude that the data can be explained in terms of either a single- or multiple-trap model. We present evidence that may suggest that at least part of pIRIR signal is derived from a high temperature trap (∼550°C thermoluminescence (TL) peak), although again the data can also be explained in terms of a single-trap model. Finally, we present dose response curves and characteristic curvature constants (D0) values for various IRSL signals and conclude that the more stable signals saturate more quickly than the less stable signals and that the initial and final signals saturate at approximately the same level.