bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Probabilistic Decline Curve Analysis Reliably Quantifies Uncertainty in Shale Gas Reserves Regardless of Stage of Depletion
Authors: Gonzalez Raul , Gong Xinglai , McVay Duane 
Published: October 2012

Abstract
Arps' deterministic decline curve analysis has been the industry standard for forecasting production and estimating reserves despite its subjectivity and potentially large uncertainty, particularly early in well life. Probabilistic decline curve analysis (PDCA) methods have been proposed to quantify the significant uncertainty in reserves estimation in shale gas plays. However, all the published PDCA methodologies have been tested using Arps' decline curve model. New decline curve analysis (DCA) models have been developed for hydraulically fractured horizontal wells. However, these models have been primarily applied deterministically, without quantification of uncertainty.
We performed hindcast tests of six DCA models presented in the literature (Arps, Arps with a minimum decline, modified Arps, Power Law, Stretched Exponential, and Duong) with the Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) probabilistic methodology with different amounts of production data. Our results show that the MCMC probabilistic method reliably quantifies the uncertainty in production hindcasts and cumulative production estimates for decline curve models developed for shale gas wells. Even with DCA models based on Arps' equations, the probabilistic methodology is reasonably well calibrated. Hindcast uncertainty decreases as the amount of matched production data increases, but the MCMC probabilistic method is reasonably well calibrated regardless of the amount of production data matched. Furthermore, the MCMC probabilistic method yields P50 estimates that are more accurate than deterministic estimates at early times.
Uncertainty will always be present in production forecasts and reserves estimates and uncertainty can be quite large early in the producing lives of shale gas reservoirs. Reliable quantification of uncertainty can improve decision making in early stages of production, which can lead to more efficient exploitation of these reservoirs.
Thrust Bearing Inefficiencies Due to Directional Drilling Misalignments
Authors: Ide Russell 
Published: October 2012

Abstract
Bearings used in directional drilling operate in conditions which are significantly more severe than those found in traditional industrial applications. One of the most difficult conditions mud motor thrust bearings encounter is misalignment, which is amplified in bent housing motors. The purpose of fixed bend and adjustable bend motors is to build a desired angle in a well. To accomplish this build rate the housing is manufactured with a purposely bent joint which typically deviates between 1 to 3 degrees from the rest of the bottom hole assembly. Radial bearing wear creates uneven thrust bearing loading due to angular misalignment. Uneven loading in ball bearings results in significantly higher Hertzian stresses which reduces bearing life and reliability. Uneven loading in diamond, or PDC, bearings results in premature failures due to increased stresses and chipping. The proposed paper will demonstrate that a thrust bearing design incorporating independent and resiliently mounted thrust pads operating against a continuous rotating bearing surface is effective at handling misalignment in bent housing mud motors.
New Proppant for Hydraulic Fracturing Improves Well Performance and Decreases Environmental Impact of Hydraulic Fracturing Operations
Authors: Parker Mark A. , Ramurthy Kumar , Sanchez Patricio W. 
Published: October 2012

Abstract
Fracture conductivity in many hydraulic-fracturing treatments can be inadequate. It is greatly affected by the concentration of the packed proppant in the fracture. Higher concentrations yield higher conductivity by virtue of a wider fracture. However, there are practical limitations to the amount of proppant that can be placed into any particular reservoir, and therefore production is often conductivity limited.
An alternate approach to achieve high conductivity is to create a fracture by placing well-distributed, low-density particles characterized by a proppant concentration less than 0.1 lbm/ft2. Low particle concentrations result in fractures that have high porosity and are fundamentally different from fractures with packed beds of conventional proppants.
In this paper, the theoretical basis for the conductivity of these fractures is presented. A 3-D model has been developed to simulate high-porosity fractures created with these particles. Test data used to refine the model can be used to predict the conductivity of the fracture based on the porosity level, the closure stress, and the material properties.
Production data from two application areas in North America are shown to highlight the benefits of using this type of fracturing proppant.
A screening life cycle analysis (LCA) is included to evaluate and highlight the beneficial attributes of using a low-density proppant to achieve fractures with high conductivity. The LCA considers the impact of logistics and fracture design on the environment.
Managerial Ability and Earnings Quality
Authors: Demerjian Peter R. , Lev Baruch , Lewis Melissa F. , McVay Sarah E. 
Published: October 2012

ABSTRACT
We examine the relation between managerial ability and earnings quality. We find that earnings quality is positively associated with managerial ability. Specifically, more able managers are associated with fewer subsequent restatements, higher earnings and accruals persistence, lower errors in the bad debt provision, and higher quality accrual estimations. The results are consistent with the premise that managers can and do impact the quality of the judgments and estimates used to form earnings.
Data Availability: Data are publicly available from the sources identified in the text.
Incisor inclination changes produced by two compliance-free Class II correction protocols for the treatment of mild to moderate Class II malocclusions
Authors: Miller Robert A. , Tieu Long , Flores-Mir Carlos 
Published: October 2012

ABSTRACT

Objective:
To compare the changes in incisor inclination between two compliance-free Class II correction protocols for the treatment of mild to moderate Class II malocclusions.

Materials and Methods:
Among Class II malocclusion patients a total of 38 consecutive patients treated with the Xbow appliance and later with full brackets (XB) were compared to 36 consecutive patients treated with Forsus connected to the archwire while on full brackets (FO). Evaluated cephalometric variables were overjet, overbite, skeletal Class II, lower incisor inclination, and upper incisor inclination. Factors that were analyzed were gender, treatment type, age at start of treatment (T1), and treatment length. Independent t-tests, χ2, multiple analysis of variance, and Pearson correlations were applied.

Results:
No differences in incisor inclination between both treatment protocols were identified. At T1 no statistical difference for any cephalometric variable was demonstrated with regard to gender and treatment type. Gender was also not associated with a different treatment time or age at T1. The mean treatment time was 24.2 months for XB and 30.2 months for the FO group (P  =  .037). XB patients averaged 10 fewer months of fixed edgewise appliances compared to FO patients. Neither gender nor treatment type had any influence on the changes of the evaluated dependent variables between T1 and the end of treatment. Lower incisors proclined more the longer the treatment (P  =  .005). Both overjet and upper incisor inclination were affected by age at T1 (P  =  .001 and P  =  .014, respectively).

Conclusions:
Both compliance-free Class II correction protocols for the treatment of mild to moderate Class II malocclusions appear to generate the same amount of incisor inclination. Large variability was identified.
Human Rights Activists and the Question of Sex Discrimination in Postwar Ontario
Authors: Frager Ruth A. , Patrias Carmela 
Published: October 2012

Abstract: This article examines the varied understandings of human rights in Ontario in the immediate aftermath of the Second World War. The article compares the social origins and implementation of Ontario's Fair Employment Practices Act – which combatted racist and religious discrimination – with Ontario's Female Employees Fair Remuneration Act – which mandated equal pay for women who did the same work as men. Although a few feminists called for the Fair Employment Practices Act to prohibit sex discrimination as well, their pleas fell mainly on deaf ears in this period. Men and women who fought against racist injustice were frequently unaware of gender injustice, for they, like so many others, subscribed to the deeply embedded ideology of the family wage. Conversely, some of the most outspoken advocates of women's rights were unconscious of – or chose to ignore – racism. At the same time, some of the most committed advocates of equal pay for equal work actually reinforced certain conventional assumptions about men's gender privilege at work and at home. Moreover, while the enforcement of both acts was constrained by the conciliatory framework embedded within them, the government officials who were charged with applying both acts interpreted the equal pay act quite narrowly and were significantly more diligent in tackling racist and religious employment discrimination.
Endogenous Markers for Estimation of Renal Function in Peritoneal Dialysis Patients
Authors: Kjaergaard Krista Dybtved , Jensen Jens Dam , Rehling Michael , Jespersen Bente 
Published: October 2012

Objective This method comparison study, conducted at the peritoneal dialysis (PD) outpatient clinic of the Department of Renal Medicine, Aarhus University Hospital, Denmark, set out to evaluate the accuracy and reproducibility of methods for estimating glomerular filtration rate (GFR) based on endogenous markers in PD patients. Patients The 12 consecutive patients included in the study were examined twice while in a stable condition. All patients finished the study. Inclusion criteria were age 18 years or older, ability to collect 24-hour urine, and urine production greater than 300 mL in 24 hours. Main Outcome Measures The methods for estimating GFR using endogenous markers included the average of urinary clearances of creatinine and urea [U-Cl(crea–urea)] and two equations using the serum concentration of cystatin C [eGFR(CysC)]. The resulting GFR estimates were compared with those obtained using urinary and corrected plasma clearances of 51Cr-EDTA [U-Cl(EDTA) and cP-Cl(EDTA)], the corrected plasma clearance being plasma clearance minus dialysate clearance. Results Compared with the U-Cl(EDTA), the U-Cl(crea–urea) GFR estimate was 12% higher [95% confidence limits (CL): 3%, 21%]. Although significantly different ( p = 0.01), the latter two methods showed the best agreement. The estimates obtained using the eGFR(CysC) methods were skewed from y = x compared with the estimates obtained using other methods, indicating strong bias, probably because of extrarenal elimination. The cP-Cl(EDTA) estimate was 34% (95% CL: 26%, 42%), higher than the U-Cl(EDTA) estimate ( p < 0.001). The reproducibility (coefficients of variation) differed significantly between methods: cP-Cl(EDTA), 7%; U-Cl(EDTA), 14%; U-Cl(crea–urea), 18%; and both eGFR(CysC) methods, 3%. Conclusions In PD patients, GFR may be estimated as U-Cl(crea–urea) when complete urine collection is performed, taking into account an overestimation of approximately 12%. The available equations for eGFR(CysC) seem to be inaccurate; further development and validation is desirable. Omitting the eGFR(CysC) methods, cP-Cl(EDTA) was the most reproducible method and might be useful in certain situations.
SPRECware: Software Tools for Standard PREanalytical Code (SPREC) Labeling – Effective Exchange and Search of Stored Biospecimens
Authors: Nanni Umberto , Betsou Fotini , Riondino Silvia , Rossetti Luisa , Spila Antonella , Valente Maria Giovanna , Della-Morte David , Palmirotta Raffaele , Roselli Mario , Ferroni Patrizia , Guadagni Fiorella 
Published: October 2012

Biobanks provide stored material to basic, translational, and epidemiological research and this material should be transferred without institute-dependent intrinsic bias. The ISBER Biospecimen Science Working Group has released a “Standard PREanalytical Code” (SPREC), which is a proposal for a standard coding of the preanalytical options that have been adopted in order to track and make explicit the preanalytical variations in the collection, preparation, and storage of specimens. In this paper we address 2 issues arising in any biobank or biolaboratory aiming at adopting SPREC: (i) reducing the burden required to adopt this standard coding, and (ii) maximize the immediate benefits of this adoption by providing a free, dedicated software tool. We propose SPRECware, a vision encompassing tools and solutions for the best exploitation of SPREC based on information technology ( www.sprecware.org ). As a first step, we make available SPRECbase, a software tool useful for generating, storing, managing, and exchanging SPREC-related information associated to specimens. Adopting SPREC is useful both for internal purposes (such as finding the samples having some given preanalytical features), and for exchanging the preanalytical information associated to biological samples between Laboratory Information Systems. In case of a common adoption of this coding, it would be easy to find out whether and where, among the participating Biological Resource Centers, the specimens for a given study are available in order to carry out a planned experiment.
OPPORTUNITIES AND DRAWBACKS OF MOBILE FLOOD PROTECTION SYSTEMS
Authors: Koppe Baerbel , Brinkmann Birgitt 
Published: October 2012

Permanent flood protection systems like dykes and protection walls offer a high level of protection against flooding and need only little maintenance during flood events. Therefore, most high-risk areas are protected by permanent constructions. Problems arise in densely populated areas where no space for dykes is available and less space consuming flood protection walls would cut off traffic lines and obstruct view axes. In these cases, mobile flood protection measures may be a solution to fit both requirements: protection in case of flooding and open access to the floodplain over the remaining time. Furthermore, mobile protective systems can be used as emergency tool against flooding in unprotected low-lying areas and for heightening of permanent flood protection structures in extreme events.
Planning criteria of mobile flood protection like types of application, early warning and deployment time, required personnel, structural failure mechanisms, financial aspects, and essential information politics are discussed in this paper. As the available constructions differ in material, construction, permanent facilities, available protection height, and safety level, a systematization of mobile flood protection systems as well as opportunities and drawbacks of the described constructions are given.
NEAR SHORE MORPHODYNAMIC OF DRAINED BEACHES
Authors: Damiani Leonardo , Petrillo Antonio Felice , Saponieri Alessandra 
Published: October 2012

The paper deals with a morphological study on a drained beach, under different wave conditions.
The Beach Drainage System (BDS) should artificially increase beach infiltration capacity by installing a drain under the beach face. The system produces a water table lowering and, consequently, an increasing of unsaturated zone (Damiani et Al.,2009); moreover, a vertical infiltration flow increases effective weight of grains, producing a better stability. According to the above hydrodynamic effect BDS should influence cross shore sediment transport in the shore zone.
Many BDS prototypes have been installed around the world; also in Italy some examples are available, i.e. Ostia (Damiani et Al.,2003), Alassio and Procida (Vicinanza et Al.,2009). Field monitoring is very useful to assess the effectiveness of the system, even if with uncertainties in results, affected by the impossibility to control the boundary conditions. Laboratory tests (Damiani et Al.,2009) could be used in defining how does the system work in different wave conditions and drain configurations.
Increase in multiple sclerosis activity after assisted reproduction technology
Authors: Correale Jorge , Farez Mauricio F. , Ysrraelit María C. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractObjective:Our objective was to evaluate risk of exacerbations in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients undergoing assisted reproduction technology (ART) infertility treatment.Methods:Sixteen patients with relapsing–remitting MS subjected to 26 ART treatment cycles receiving gonadotropin‐releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists and recombinant follicle‐stimulating hormone were studied prospectively. The baseline study period encompassed 12 months prior to the first cycle and 9 months after final ART cycle. Neurological examinations, brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and immunology testing were conducted every 3 months. Anti–myelin‐oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) antibody production, interleukin (IL)‐4, IL‐8, IL‐10, IL‐12, IL‐17, interferon (IFN)‐γ, and transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β secretion by myelin basic protein‐ and MOG‐peptide–specific T cells, as well as ex vivo isolated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), were studied using enzyme‐linked immunospot. vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) production by PBMCs was assessed using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.Results:ART was associated with a 7‐fold increase in risk of MS exacerbation, and a 9‐fold increase in risk of enhanced disease activity on MRI. Worsening was associated with higher number of cells producing IL‐8, IL‐12, IFN‐γ, and TGF‐β, as well as increased VEGF production by CD4+ T cells and CXCL‐12 plasma levels, all GnRH‐mediated effects. A rise in 17‐β estradiol production associated with ART increased anti‐MOG antibody titers, as well as B‐cell survival factor BAFF (B‐cell activating factor) and antiapoptotic molecule Bcl‐2 levels from purified CD19+ B cells. Finally, ART facilitated PBMC transmigration across an in vitro blood–brain barrier model, an effect mediated by IL‐8, VEGF, and CXCL‐12.Interpretation:Results indicate a significant increase in MS disease activity in patients receiving ART, a risk that neurologists should be aware of. Reproductive hormones appear to exert an important role in regulating immune responses during the course of autoimmune diseases. ANN NEUROL 2012;72:682–694
Major early complications following open, laparoscopic and robotic gastrectomy
Authors: Kim K M , An J Y , Kim H I , Cheong J H , Hyung W J , Noh S H 
Published: October 2012

Abstract

Background
Laparoscopic and robotic gastrectomy have been adopted rapidly despite lack of evidence concerning technical safety and controversy regarding additional benefits. This study aimed to compare clinically relevant complications after open, laparoscopic and robotic gastrectomy.

Methods
This was a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data on surgical complications in patients undergoing gastrectomy with curative intent for histologically proven adenocarcinoma between 2005 and 2010 at the Department of Surgery, Yonsei University College of Medicine in Seoul, Korea. Complications were categorized into wound infection, bleeding, anastomotic leak, obstruction, fluid collection and other.

Results
In a total of 5839 patients (4542 open, 861 laparoscopic and 436 robotic gastrectomies), overall complication, reoperation and mortality rates were 10·5, 1·0 and 0·4 per cent respectively. There were no significant differences between the three groups. Ileus (P = 0·001) and intra-abdominal fluid collections (P = 0·013) were commoner after conventional open surgery. However, tumour stage was higher and more complex resections were performed in the open group. Anastomotic leak, the leading cause of death, occurred more often after a minimally invasive approach (P = 0·017).

Conclusion
Laparoscopic and robotic gastrectomy had overall complication and mortality rates similar to those of open surgery, but anastomotic leaks were more common with the minimally invasive techniques.
Refolding of urea‐denatured α‐chymotrypsin by protein‐folding liquid chromatography
Authors: Congyu Ke , Wujuan Sun , Qunzheng Zhang , Xindu Geng 
Published: October 2012

ABSTRACTAn approach for re‐folding denatured proteins during proteome research by protein folding liquid chromatography (PFLC) is presented. Standard protein, α‐chymotrypsin (α‐Chy), was selected as a model protein and hydrophobic interaction chromatography was performed as a typical PFLC; the three different α‐Chy states – urea‐denatured (U state), its folded intermediates (M state) and nature state (N state) – were studied during protein folding. Based on the test by matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time of flight mass spectrometry and bioactivity, only one stable M state of the α‐Chy was identified and then it was prepared for further investigation. The specific bioactivity of the refolded α‐Chy was found to be higher than that of commercial α‐Chy as the urea concentration in the sample solution ranged from 1.0 to 3.0 m; the highest specific bioactivity at urea concentration was 1.0 m, indicating the possibility for re‐folding some proteins that have partially or completely lost their bioactivity, as a dilute urea solution was employed for dissolving the sample. The experiment showed that the peak height of its M state increased with increasing urea concentration, and correspondingly decreased in the amount of the refolded α‐Chy. When the urea concentration reached 6.0 m, the unfolded α‐Chy could not be refolded at all. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Balloon catheter systems for PTCA: The importance of the catheter length
Authors: Rozenbaum Eliezer A. , Topaz On , Wysham Douglas G. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractThe length of a balloon catheter system plays an important role in successfully dilating distal coronary or vein graft stenoses. We herein report a case in which a distal saphenous vein graft lesion could not be reached with a conventional balloon catheter. Factors responsible for this failure included insufficient length. The lesion was eventually reached and successfully dilated with another balloon catheter, which according to the manufacturer had the same length as the first balloon.In order to study this phenomenon eleven balloon catheters were examined using the following measurements: functional catheter length, deliverable catheter length, crossing distance and longitudinal compression. Seven guide catheters were also measured. Results showed variations in standard functional length between several manufacturers, ranging from 132.2–137.8 cm. The deliverable length ranged from 18.3–23.9 cm, crossing distance ranged from 7–37 mm, and the longitudinal compression ranged from 4–30 mm. Guiding catheter length varied among several manufacturers, ranging from 100.6–107 cm. A significant variation was found not only among certain manufacturers, but also among several standard catheters made by one manufacturer. The results of this study suggest that significant variations exist in the length of standard balloon catheters and guiding catheters even among those made by the same manufacturer. These findings can affect the ability to reach a lesion and should be taken into account, especially when attempting to perform angioplasty of stenoses located in the distal portion of a coronary artery or saphenous vein graft.
Coronary stenting through 6 French guiding catheters
Authors: Urban Philip , Meier Bernhard , Haine Emmanuel , Verine Vitali , Mehan Vivek 
Published: October 2012

AbstractMost stent implantation procedures currently require the use of large‐diameter guiding catheters. We describe our preliminary successful experience with 6 French guiding catheters to deliver balloon‐expandable Palmaz‐Schatz stents to the coronary arteries.