bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Well Integrity Management In KOC's North Kuwait Jurassic Gas Asset
Authors: Clayton Francis , Al-Awadhi Mansour 
Published: December 2012

Abstract
The North Kuwait Jurassic Gas (NKJG) reservoirs are currently under development by KOC with assistance from Shell under an Enhanced Technical Services Agreement (ETSA). The fractured carbonate reservoirs contain gas condensate and volatile oil at pressures up to 11,500 psi with 2.5% H2S and 1.5% CO2. This paper describes the planning and implementation of a Well Integrity Management System (WIMS) that allows the safe management of the wells that are being drilled in this hazardous environment.
The wells are designed and constructed in accordance with KOC standards and on transfer of ownership from Deep Drilling Group to Production Services Group have their integrity managed under WIMS. The system is a structured process, relating the frequency and extent of routine monitoring and testing to the particular risks associated with the wells. Compliance with WIMS requirements are routinely reported so that all are aware of the current state of well integrity. WIMS is initially managed through simple spreadsheets and during 2012 is being integrated into KOC's Digital Field infrastructure.
Initially, WIMS has been applied to the range of wells ‘owned’ by Production Services Group and tests currently carried out by Well Surveillance Group under PSG's direction. In order to realise the full assurance of safe operation the scope of WIMS application is being extended to the full well population, including suspended wells, and the full range of tests required.
Implementation of WIMS will allow KOC (NKJG) to be able to state that ‘our wells are safe and we know it’.
Association of Histologic Variants in FSGS Clinical Trial with Presenting Features and Outcomes
Authors: D’Agati Vivette D. , Alster Joan M. , Jennette J. Charles , Thomas David B. , Pullman James , Savino Daniel A. , Cohen Arthur H. , Gipson Debbie S. , Gassman Jennifer J. , Radeva Milena K. , Moxey-Mims Marva M. , Friedman Aaron L. , Kaskel Frederick J. , Trachtman Howard , Alpers Charles E. , Fogo Agnes B. , Greene Tom H. , Nast Cynthia C. 
Published: December 2012

Summary

Background and objectives
FSGS histologic variants have correlated with outcomes in retrospective studies. The FSGS Clinical Trial provided a unique opportunity to study the clinical impact of histologic variants in a well defined prospective cohort with steroid-resistant primary FSGS.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements
Renal biopsies of 138 FSGS Clinical Trial participants aged 2–38 years enrolled from 2004 to 2008 were analyzed using the Columbia classification by core pathologists. This study assessed the distribution of histologic variants and examined their clinical and biopsy characteristics and relationships to patient outcomes.

Results
The distribution of histologic variants was 68% (n=94) FSGS not otherwise specified, 12% (n=16) collapsing, 10% (n=14) tip, 7% (n=10) perihilar, and 3% (n=4) cellular. Individuals with not otherwise specified FSGS were more likely to have subnephrotic proteinuria (P=0.01); 33% of teenagers and adults had tip or collapsing variants compared with 10% of children, and subjects with these variants had greater proteinuria and hypoalbuminemia than not otherwise specified patients. Tip variant had the strongest association with white race (86%) and the lowest pathologic injury scores, baseline creatinine, and rate of progression. Collapsing variant had the strongest association with black race (63%, P=0.03) and the highest pathologic injury scores (P=0.003), baseline serum creatinine (P=0.003), and rate of progression. At 3 years, 47% of collapsing, 20% of not otherwise specified, and 7% of tip variant patients reached ESRD (P=0.005).

Conclusions
This is the first prospective study with protocol-defined immunomodulating therapies confirming poor renal survival in collapsing variant and showing better renal survival in tip variant among steroid-resistant patients.
Assessing Physical Function and Physical Activity in Patients with CKD
Authors: Painter Patricia , Marcus Robin L. 
Published: December 2012

Summary
Patients with CKD are characterized by low levels of physical functioning, which, along with low physical activity, predict poor outcomes in those treated with dialysis. The hallmark of clinical care in geriatric practice and geriatric research is the orientation to and assessment of physical function and functional limitations. Although there is increasing interest in physical function and physical activity in patients with CKD, the nephrology field has not focused on this aspect of care. This paper provides an in-depth review of the measurement of physical function and physical activity. It focuses on physiologic impairments and physical performance limitations (impaired mobility and functional limitations). The review is based on established frameworks of physical impairment and functional limitations that have guided research in physical function in the aging population. Definitions and measures for physiologic impairments, physical performance limitations, self-reported function, and physical activity are presented. On the basis of the information presented, recommendations for incorporating routine assessment of physical function and encouragement for physical activity in clinical care are provided.
Lymphopenia and Treatment-Related Infectious Complications in ANCA-Associated Vasculitis
Authors: Goupil Rémi , Brachemi Soumeya , Nadeau-Fredette Annie-Claire , Déziel Clément , Troyanov Yves , Lavergne Valery , Troyanov Stéphan 
Published: December 2012

Summary

Background and objectives
ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV) is treated with potent immunosuppressive regimens. This study sought to determine risk factors associated with infections during first-intention therapy.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements
This retrospective study involved two separate cohorts of consecutive cases of AAV seen from 2004 to 2011 at two university hospitals. The following were assessed: vasculitis severity; therapy; and periods with no, moderate (lymphocyte count, 0.3–1.0× 109/L), or severe (lymphocyte count ≤ 0.3×109/L) lymphopenia and neutropenia (neutrophil count ≤ 1.5×109/L).

Results
One hundred patients had a mean age of 57±15 years and a Birmingham vasculitis activity score of 7.7±3.6. Therapy consisted of pulse methylprednisolone (59%), cyclophosphamide (85%), methotrexate (6%), and plasmapheresis (25%) in addition to oral corticosteroids. During follow-up, 53% of patients experienced infection and 28% were hospitalized for infection (severe infection). Only 18% experienced neutropenia, but 72% and 36% presented moderate and severe lymphopenia for a total duration of <0.1%, 73%, and 8% of the treatment follow-up, respectively. Lower initial estimated GFR, longer duration of corticosteroid use, and presence of lymphopenia were risk factors of infections. The rate was 2.23 events/person-year in the presence of severe lymphopenia compared with 0.41 and 0.19 during periods with moderate or no lymphopenia (P<0.001). Similarly, the rate of severe infections was 1.00 event/person-year with severe lymphopenia and 0.08 and 0.10 with moderate and no lymphopenia (P<0.001). This association remained independent of other risk factors.

Conclusions
Lymphopenia is frequent during the treatment of AAV, and its severity is associated with the risk of infectious complications.
Do Donors Discount Low-Quality Accounting Information?
Authors: Yetman Michelle H. , Yetman Robert J. 
Published: December 2012

ABSTRACT
Prior research finds that donors reward nonprofits that report larger program ratios with more donations and that program ratios frequently are subject to intentional manipulation as well as unintentional errors. We examine how donors react to low-quality ratios. We find that the average donor discounts ratios that are inflated by only the simplest and most observable of methods. We then examine the effect of financial data availability on the average donor's ability to unravel inflated ratios by using the historical shift in data availability that occurred in 1997 and 1998. We find that donors began to discount ratios only after 1998. Finally, we examine whether the discount applied to program ratios varies across donor sophistication (measured as the percentage of fund balances with restrictions) and find that sophisticated donors apply incrementally larger discounts to inflated ratios and discount ratios that are inflated by more complex methods.
JEL Classifications: G1; G18; G3; G38; L3; L30; L31; M4; M41; M43; M48
Data Availability: The data are available from public sources identified in this study.
The cryosphere and glacial permafrost as its integral component
Authors: Dobiński Wojciech 
Published: December 2012

Abstract
Since Earth sciences have undertaken studies of other celestial bodies, its various fields have moved beyond the scope of study assigned to them by name. Interest in space makes it necessary to abandon research geocentrism and reverse relations when comparing the structure of the Earth with other celestial bodies. As an exceptional place in the universe, it should not be the Earth which constitutes a reference point, especially in cryospheric research, but rather the other celestial bodies of our planetary system. This approach, referred to as “Spatial Uniformitarianism,” is the basis for determining the place of ice in the environment and for assigning it to the lithosphere. Ice can be penetrated by frost just as other minerals and rocks, so the occurrence of permafrost may yet be attributed to glaciers and ice-caps. In the article, the occurrence of glacial permafrost has been worked out on the basis of a thermal classification of glaciers with a thorough understanding of the phenomenon. This allows us to specify permafrost’s presence beneath glaciers and ice-caps, a concept which had been needlessly vague. Further, by considering rock glaciers as a mixture of two types of rocks, and by understanding the importance of movement in their evolution, we are now closer to fruitfully determining their role in the environment, their geomorphological significance.
Metallic mineral resources of Greece
Authors: Tsirambides Ananias , Filippidis Anestis 
Published: December 2012

Abstract
Today Greece produces and exports raw bauxite and alumina, concentrates of galena and sphalerite and ferronickel. The indicated reserves of bauxite, located in the Mt Helikon-Mt Parnassus-Mt Giona-Mt Iti zone, are estimated at approximately 100 mt and those of aluminum 2.5 mt. The probable and indicated reserves of lead and zinc from Chalkidiki are approximately 3.125 mt. The total production of concentrates of galena and sphalerite is approximately 220,000 tpa. The proven reserves of nickel are approximately 1.392 mt and the production of ferronickel is approximately 18,500 tpa. Production of copper, silver and gold is pending in 2015. The probable and indicated reserves of copper from Skouries Chalkidiki are approximately 1.943 mt. In the Prefecture Units of Chalkidiki and Evros the probable and indicated reserves of gold are approximately 19.37 million ounces and those of silver 131.6 million ounces. Chromium, manganese and molybdenum present good prospects of exploitation. Calculated at current prices, the total gross value of the probable and indicated reserves of the metallic minerals of Greece is €79.4 billion.
Transmantle sign in focal cortical dysplasia: a unique radiological entity with excellent prognosis for seizure control
Authors: Wang Doris D. , Deans Abby E. , Barkovich A. James , Tihan Tarik , Barbaro Nicholas M. , Garcia Paul A. , Chang Edward F. 
Published: December 2012

Object
Focal cortical dysplasia (FCD) represents a spectrum of developmental cortical abnormalities and is one of the most common causes of intractable epilepsy in children and young adults. Outcomes after surgery for FCD are highly variable, and prognosticators of seizure freedom are unclear. In a subset of FCDs, a transmantle sign is observed on imaging that focally spans the entire cerebral mantle from the ventricle to the cortical surface. The aim of this study was to characterize seizure control outcomes and prognostic significance of the transmantle sign in FCD epilepsy.

Methods
Fourteen patients with the transmantle sign underwent epilepsy surgery for medically refractory epilepsy. Thirteen patients underwent resective surgery and 1 underwent multiple subpial transections with vagus nerve stimulator placement. Patient demographics, MRI, electroencephalography, intraoperative electrocorticography (ECoG), and pathology were reviewed. The results of this series were compared with those of 114 previously reported patients with FCD without the transmantle sign.

Results
All patients were found to have childhood seizure onset and concordant MRI and ECoG findings. The primary MRI findings associated with transmantle sign included gray-white junction blurring, appearance of cortical thickening, T2 or FLAIR abnormality, and bottom-of-the-sulcus dysplasia. The transmantle sign was usually a focal finding, typically confined to 1 or several gyri with well-circumscribed epileptic tissue. Correlation of the transmantle sign with FCD histopathological subtypes was highly variable. Patients who underwent complete resection of MRI and ECoG abnormalities (12 of 13 patients) became seizure free. When compared with 114 FCD patients without the transmantle sign, patients with the transmantle sign showed significantly improved seizure-free outcomes after complete resections (p = 0.04).

Conclusions
The presence of the transmantle sign in patients with medically refractory partial epilepsy is associated with highly favorable seizure control outcomes after surgical treatment.
Seizure outcome of surgical treatment of focal epilepsy associated with low-grade tumors in children
Authors: Babini Micol , Giulioni Marco , Galassi Ercole , Marucci Gianluca , Martinoni Matteo , Rubboli Guido , Volpi Lilia , Zucchelli Mino , Nicolini Francesca , Marliani Anna Federica , Michelucci Roberto , Calbucci Fabio 
Published: December 2012

Object
Low-grade tumor (LGT) is an increasingly recognized cause of focal epilepsies, particularly in children and young adults, and is frequently associated with cortical dysplasia. The optimal surgical treatment of epileptogenic LGTs in pediatric patients has not been fully established.

Methods
In the present study, the authors retrospectively reviewed 30 patients (age range 3–18 years) who underwent surgery for histopathologically confirmed LGTs, in which seizures were the only clinical manifestation. The patients were divided into 2 groups according to the type of surgical treatment: patients in Group A (20 cases) underwent only tumor removal (lesionectomy), whereas patients in Group B (11 cases) underwent removal of the tumor and the adjacent epileptogenic zone (tailored surgery). One of the patients, who underwent 2 operations, is included in both groups. Follow-up ranged from 1 to 17 years.

Results
Sixteen (80%) of 20 patients in Group A had an Engel Class I outcome. In this group, 3 of 4 patients who were in Engel Classes II and III had temporomesial lesions. All patients in Group B had temporomesial tumors and were seizure free (Engel Class I). In this series, in temporolateral and extratemporal tumor locations, lesionectomy yielded a good seizure outcome. In addition, a young age at seizure onset (in particular < 4 years) was associated with a poor seizure outcome.

Conclusions
Tailored resection in temporomesial LGTs was associated with excellent seizure outcome, indicating that an adequate presurgical evaluation including extensive neurophysiological evaluation (long-term videoelectroencephalography monitoring) to plan appropriate surgical strategy is advised.
Theories of cerebrospinal fluid dynamics and hydrocephalus: historical trend
Authors: Symss Nigel Peter , Oi Shizuo 
Published: December 2012

According to the CSF bulk flow theory, hydrocephalus is caused by an imbalance between CSF formation and absorption, or a block at various locations in the major CSF pathway. New theories, however, have been proposed in which minor CSF pathways may play a significant role in the development of congenital hydrocephalus. The authors review major contributions to the literature and analyze the evolution of theories of CSF dynamics in relation to hydrocephalus, dividing their development into 4 stages on the basis of historical trends.
In Stage I (prior to 1950), 2 systems of classifying hydrocephalus were proposed, namely Dandy's classifications of communicating and noncommunicating hydrocephalus and Russell's nonobstructive and obstructive hydrocephalus. In Stage II (1950–1974), based on these theories of major CSF pathway dynamics, treatment focused on ventriculostomy as an alternative to reduction of CSF production by choroid plexus coagulation. In Stage III (1975–1999), some of the specific forms of hydrocephalus, especially in premature infants, were found to be unsuitable for ventriculostomy. In Stage IV (2000–2008), selection of treatment modalities evolved further, with a focus on analysis of the chronological changes in CSF dynamics and the differences in absorption pathways in the developing and mature brains. The authors focus on “minor pathway hydrocephalus” in the immature brain, differentiating it from the conventional classification of obstructive and nonobstructive “major pathway hydrocephalus.”
Studies on the Biodiversity of Aseptate Gregarine Parasite From the Oligochaete Host of Bangladesh
Authors: Sarkar Sutapa , Bandyopadhyay Probir K 
Published: December 2012

Biodiversity studies in search of endoparasitic acephaline gregarines of the earthworms of Dhaka, Bangladesh, revealed a new species under the genus Nematocystis Hesse, 1909. The species was obtained from the seminal vesicles of the earthworm Metaphire peguana Rasa, 1890. It is a perfectly ribbon like organism, solitary, cylindrical, with several bulges and foldings in the middle portion of the body, especially in mature forms. Mature gamont measures 1955.85-1989.0 (1970.215 ± 13.830) ?m in length and 48.62-53.04 (51.714 ± 2.135) ?m in width. Nucleus small and rounded, measures 26.52-33.15 (29.835 ± 2.992) ?m in length and 17.68-22.01 (19.448 ± 2.282) ?m in width. Gametocysts spherical with two approximately equal sized gametocytes. It measures 110.05- 121.55 (116.24 ± 4.908) ?m in length and 88.04-99.45 (93.925 ± 5.823) ?m in width. Oocysts biconical, measuring 22.1-30.94 (26.962 ± 3.870) ?m × 11.05- 15.47 (13.26 ± 2.08) ?m. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjz.v40i1.12894 Bangladesh J. Zool. 40(1): 51-58, 2012
Toxicological Properties of Achras Zapota (Linn) Plant Parts on the Predatory Fishes Heteropneustes Fossilis (Bloch) and Channa Punctatus (Bloch)
Authors: Nasiruddin Munira , Azadi Mohammad Ali , Chakma Diana 
Published: December 2012

Toxicological properties of the indigeneous plant Achras zapota (Linn) (Family: Sapotaceae) (locally known as 'Safeda' in Bangla) were assessed on two predatory fishes, Heteropneustes fossilis (Bloch) and Channa punctatus (Bloch), after 24 h exposure under normal laboratory conditions (25 ± 3ºC). Distilled water, 50% and absolute ethyl alcohol solvent extrarcts of the dry seed, leaf, bark and root of A. zapota were tested upon the fishes. Exposed fishes showed hyperactivity with increased opercular movement and accumulation of mucus on the body surface. Increase in the concentration of the extracts caused an increase in the fish mortality. The LC50 values of the distilled water, 50% ethyl alcohol and absolute ethyl alcohol extracts of A. zapota plant parts for H. fossilis were 320.80, 222.26, 98.49 ppms, respectively in seed; 480.91, 279.37, 235.76 ppms, respectively in leaf; 630.86, 151.39, 85.21 ppms, respectively in bark and 218.12, 122.89, 111.62 ppms, respectively in root. Whereas, the LC50 values of the corresponding plant parts for C. punctatus were 218.12, 146.84, 88.83 ppms, respectively in seed; 279.35, 175.89, 125.69 ppms, respectively in leaf; 132.36, 102.91, 78.11 ppms, respectively in bark and 63.87, 39.46, 33.27 ppms, respectively in root. On the basis of the LC50 values of absolute ethyl alcohol extracts, for H. fossilis, the order of toxicity was found to be: bark > seed > root > leaf and for C. punctatus it was: root > bark > seed > leaf. Of the two test fishes H. fossilis was more tolerant and less sensitive to the effects of the plant part extracts than C. punctatus. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjz.v40i1.12900 Bangladesh J. Zool. 40(1): 109-119, 2012
Feeding Ecology Of Chironomus Larvae (Insecta: Diptera) Collected From Different Habitat of Dhaka, Bangladesh
Authors: Naser M Niamul , Roy Dulon 
Published: December 2012

Chironomid larvae are frequently available in the muddy habitats of Curzon Hall campus of University of Dhaka. The larvae of single species of Chironomus (Insecta: Diptera) were collected from the drains and pond of the campus. Algae, fungi, diatoms, protozoans, rotifers, animal parts (crustacean appendages, ostracodan shell, insect appendages), and detritus were found as the main food items of the larvae. Gut content analysis showed a change in their feeding habits with seasons. The feeding intensity was maximum in spring just after winter. The feeding activity was lowest in winter. The variation in the diet may suggest that these groups showed a low degree of selectivity, having more generalist food selection habit. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjz.v40i1.12902 Bangladesh J. Zool. 40(1): 129-133, 2012
Exploiting Parallel R in the Cloud with SPRINT
Authors: Piotrowski M. , McGilvary G. A. , Mewissen M. , Lloyd A. D. , Forster T. , Mitchell L. , Ghazal P. , Hill J. , Sloan T. M. 
Published: December 2012

SummaryBackground: Advances in DNA Microarray devices and next-generation massively parallel DNA sequencing platforms have led to an exponential growth in data availability but the arising opportunities require adequate computing resources. High Performance Computing (HPC) in the Cloud offers an affordable way of meeting this need.Objectives: Bioconductor, a popular tool for high-throughput genomic data analysis, is distributed as add-on modules for the R statistical programming language but R has no native capabilities for exploiting multiprocessor architectures. SPRINT is an R package that enables easy access to HPC for genomics researchers. This paper investigates: setting up and running SPRINT-enabled genomic analyses on Amazon’s Elastic Compute Cloud (EC2), the advantages of submitting applications to EC2 from different parts of the world and, if resource underutilization can improve application performance.Methods: The SPRINT parallel implementations of correlation, permutation testing, partitioning around medoids and the multi-purpose papply have been benchmarked on data sets of various size on Amazon EC2. Jobs have been submitted from both the UK and Thailand to investigate monetary differences.Results: It is possible to obtain good, scalable performance but the level of improvement is dependent upon the nature of the algorithm. Resource underutilization can further improve the time to result. End-user’s location impacts on costs due to factors such as local taxation.Conclusions: Although not designed to satisfy HPC requirements, Amazon EC2 and cloud computing in general provides an interesting alternative and provides new possibilities for smaller organisations with limited funds.