bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Shale Swelling Tests Using Optimized Water Content and Compaction Load
Authors: Ewy Russell T. , Morton E. Keith 
Published: March 2009

Abstract
Since preserved shale core is rarely available, swelling tests are usually performed by creating shale pellets using ground-up cuttings. Room-dry ground cuttings are mixed with water, and then compressed under load in a compaction cell. In this paper we study the effect of different water amounts and compaction loads for five different shales. We find that both the optimum amount of water to use, and the optimum compaction load, are functions of the shale porosity. Lower-porosity shales require less water and greater compaction load, compared to higher-porosity shales. Pore size distributions of pellets vs. intact samples, and pellet saturation calculations, reveal the reasons for this. We also find that the optimum amount of water further depends on the amount of smectite in the shale, because smectite-rich shales hold more water in the room-dry state. However, this held water is easily determined by comparing the weight of room-dry ground shale with the weight of oven-dry ground shale. Porosity is easily determined from shale in situ bulk density. We therefore present simple relationships for calculating the required water amount and compaction load. A ‘calculator’ is presented which is applicable to nearly all shales covering a large range of porosities and clay mineral contents. It requires only two inputs: the shale in situ bulk density (e.g. from a well log), and the oven-dried weight of the room-dry ground shale. This calculator allows one to easily determine the appropriate water amount and compaction load for creating an optimum shale pellet. These findings allow one to create optimum shale pellets for swelling tests, which come closest to reproducing the in situ shale and yet are also fully-saturated. With optimized pellets, drilling fluids and completion fluids can be confidently ranked in terms of ‘bestto-worst’ swelling for any particular shale, as shown by the example swelling results in this paper. Without using optimized pellets, test results can be affected by various testing artifacts, such as capillary swelling due to incomplete saturation.
Conceptual Models for Fast Tracking Decision Making in the Reservoir Management
Authors: Ogbe David O. , Iwere Fabian O. , Boukhelifa Linda , Gomez Ernie , Henshaw Ekeng 
Published: March 2009

Abstract
Conceptual models are used to solve specific problems in selected sectors of reservoirs; study production mechanisms; understand behavior of a particular process in a reservoir system, and assess impacts of changing input parameters during reservoir modeling. They are tools of choice for assessing risks, evaluating "worst-case" scenarios, validating analyst's intuition, and to support informed decision making. Our objective is to demonstrate via two case studies how conceptual numerical models were used to shorten the time required to make reservoir management decisions. The first case study involves making a decision, either to develop or sell an oil property. Target formation is sandstone saturated with heavy oil (12°API gravity) which is overlain by a gas cap. Conceptual numerical simulation models provided answers to two questions:
What is the impact of gas production from the gas cap on the underlying heavy oil zone? Can gas production from up-structure wells meet field deliverability requirements?
Second case study uses conceptual models to optimize well placement and support infill drilling. Infill well placement posed a challenge because thickness of target formation is not well known, and oil zone is bounded on top by a massive impermeable shale boundary, and by oil-water contact (OWC) located about 20-40 feet below.
Conceptual models answered the following questions:
What type of well to drill–vertical or horizontal? What is the impact of horizontal well's vertical placement (offset distance from OWC) on oil recovery and water breakthrough times? What is the optimum horizontal well lateral length and its impact on oil recovery?
This paper describes modeling methodology, major observations and conclusions. We discuss the benefits and lessons learned from the case studies and demonstrate that successful application of conceptual models requires identifying key well/reservoir performance drivers and assessing their impacts on the reservoir management decisions.
Water Problems and Control Techniques in Heavy Oils with Bottom Aquifers
Authors: Qin W. , Wojtanowicz A. K. 
Published: March 2009

Abstract
As conventional petroleum is approaching its maximum production and the world oil demand continues to grow, heavy oil becomes one of the obvious replacement resources. One of the most important problems in heavy oil recovery is dramatic loss of wells’ productivity at the onset of water inflow due to the two fluids’ mobility contrast. Not only the recovery at breakthrough time is very low, but also the water cut increase is extremely rapid.
The paper presents a worldwide survey of heavy oil reservoirs with water problems and their production methods including the in-situ water drainage with down-hole water sink (DWS) completion. It also investigates the mechanisms of productivity reduction and loss of recovery in wells producing heavy oil with bottom water drive.
In the study, the production system (nodal) analysis model simulates well's inflow performance relationship (IPR) with variable water cut. The results capture the difference between heavy and light oil in terms of mobility ratio effect, recovery dynamics prior to and after water breakthrough, and water cut control with production rate. The IPR performance of water drainage with DWS wells is also presented and discussed.
Hepatoprotective effects of Calotropis gigantea extract against carbon tetrachloride induced liver injury in rats
Authors: Lodhi Gaurav , Singh Hemant , Pant Kamlesh , Hussain Zeashan 
Published: March 2009

Hepatoprotective effects ofCalotropis giganteaextract against carbon tetrachloride induced liver injury in ratsEthanolic extract (50 %) of stems ofCalotropis giganteaR. Br. (Asclepiadaceae) at doses of 250 and 500 mg kg-1were studied for hepatoprotective activity in male Wistar rats with liver damage induced using carbon tetrachloride, 2 mL kg-1twice a week. The protective effect ofC. giganteaextract was compared with the standard drug silymarin. Various biochemical parameters such as aspartate amino transferase (AST), alanine amino transferase (ALT), glutathione (GSH), lipid peroxide (LPO), superoxidedismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and catalase (CAT) were evaluated. The results revealed that theC. giganteaextract significantly decreased AST, ALT (p< 0.001) and lipid peroxide (p< 0.01) levels. The antioxidant parameters GSH, GPx, SOD and catalase levels were increased considerably compared to their levels in groups not treated withC. giganteaextract.
Investigation of the structural requirement for inhibiting HIV integrase: QSAR study
Authors: Dessalew Nigus 
Published: March 2009

Investigation of the structural requirement for inhibiting HIV integrase: QSAR studyHIV integrase has emerged as a promising target for discovery of agents against the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) pandemic. With the purpose of designing new chemotypes with enhanced potencies against the HIV integrase enzyme, the QSAR study carried out on 37 novel phthalimide derivatives is presented. The developed QSAR model was validated by standard statistical parameters and through a detailed structural study of how it reproduces and explains the quantitative differences seen in experimentally known pharmacological data. The model showed a good correlative and predictive ability having a cross-validated correlation coefficient (r2cv) of 0.709 and a conventional correlation coefficient (r2) of 0.949. The predictive correlation coefficient (r2pred) was found to be 0.512. The study revealed that the antiretroviral activity is predominantly explained by the substituent size, shape and polarity and provided insights into how modulation of the steric bulkiness and polarities of the substituents could be made to optimize the integrase-inhibitor interaction chemistry. A detailed investigation was made of the structural basis for the antiretroviral activity and the findings from the study could be usefully employed to design antagonists with a much more enhanced potency and selectivity.
Preclinical studies of [61Cu]ATSM as a PET radiopharmaceutical for fibrosarcoma imaging
Authors: Jalilian Amir , Rostampour Nima , Rowshanfarzad Pejman , Shafaii Kamaleddin , Kamali-Dehghan Mohsen , Akhlaghi Mehdi 
Published: March 2009

Preclinical studies of [61Cu]ATSM as a PET radiopharmaceutical for fibrosarcoma imaging
[61Cu]diacetyl-bis(N4-methylthiosemicarbazone) ([61Cu] ATSM) was prepared using in house-made diacetyl-bis(N4-methylthiosemicarbazone) (ATSM) ligand and [61Cu]CuCl2 produced via the natZn(p, x)61Cu (180 μA proton irradiation, 22 MeV, 3.2 h) and purified by a ion chromatography method. [61Cu]ATSM radiochemical purity was >98 %, as shown by HPLC and RTLC methods. [61Cu]ATSM was administered into normal and tumor bearing rodents for up to 210 minutes, followed by biodistribution and co-incidence imaging studies. Significant tumor/non-tumor accumulation was observed either by animal sacrification or imaging. [61Cu]ATSM is a positron emission tomography (PET) radiotracer for tumor hypoxia imaging.
Development and biopharmaceutical evaluation of extended release formulation of tramadol hydrochloride based on osmotic technology
Authors: Kumar Pramod , Singh Sanjay , Mishra Brahmeshwar 
Published: March 2009

Development and biopharmaceutical evaluation of extended release formulation of tramadol hydrochloride based on osmotic technologyExtended release formulation of tramadol hydrochloride (TRH) based on osmotic technology was developed and evaluated. Target release profile was selected and different variables were optimized to achieve it. Formulation variables such as the level of swellable polymer, plasticizer and the coat thickness of semipermeable membrane (SPM) were found to markedly affect drug release. TRH release was directly proportional to the levels of plasticizer but inversely proportional to the levels of swellable polymer and coat thickness of SPM. Drug release from developed formulations was independent of pH and agitation intensity but dependent on osmotic pressure of the release media.In vivostudy was also performed on six healthy human volunteers and various pharmacokinetic parameters (cmax,tmax,AUC0-24,MRT) and relative bioavailability were calculated. Thein vitroandin vivoresults were compared with the performance of two commercial TRH tablets. The developed formulation provided more prolonged and controlled TRH release compared to the marketed formulation.In vitro-in vivocorrelation (IVIVC) was analyzed according to the Wagner-Nelson method. The optimized formulation (batch IVB) exhibited good IVIV correlation (R= 0.9750). The manufacturing procedure was found to be reproducible and formulations were stable over 6 months of accelerated stability testing.
General Theory of Quasi-Commutative BCI-algebras
Authors: Sun Tao , Pan Weibo , Wu Chenglong , Liang Xiquan 
Published: March 2009

General Theory of Quasi-Commutative BCI-algebrasIt is known that commutative BCK-algebras form a variety, but BCK-algebras do not [4]. Therefore H. Yutani introduced the notion of quasicommutative BCK-algebras. In this article we first present the notion and general theory of quasi-commutative BCI-algebras. Then we discuss the reduction of the type of quasi-commutative BCK-algebras and some special classes of quasicommutative BCI-algebras.
Linear Map of Matrices
Authors: Pąk Karol 
Published: March 2009

Linear Map of MatricesThe paper is concerned with a generalization of concepts introduced in [13], i.e. introduced are matrices of linear transformations over a finitedimensional vector space. Introduced are linear transformations over a finitedimensional vector space depending on a given matrix of the transformation. Finally, I prove that the rank of linear transformations over a finite-dimensional vector space is the same as the rank of the matrix of that transformation.
Basic Properties and Concept of Selected Subsequence of Zero Based Finite Sequences
Authors: Nakamura Yatsuka , Ito Hisashi 
Published: March 2009

Basic Properties and Concept of Selected Subsequence of Zero Based Finite Sequences
Here, we develop the theory of zero based finite sequences, which are sometimes, more useful in applications than normal one based finite sequences. The fundamental function Sgm is introduced as well as in case of normal finite sequences and other notions are also introduced. However, many theorems are a modification of old theorems of normal finite sequences, they are basically important and are necessary for applications. A new concept of selected subsequence is introduced. This concept came from the individual Ergodic theorem (see [7]) and it is the preparation for its proof.
The Role of Interphase Boundaries in the Deformation Behaviour of Fine-Grained Sn-38wt.%Pb Eutectics
Authors: Muktepavela F. , Bakradze G. , Zabels R. 
Published: March 2009

The Role of Interphase Boundaries in the Deformation Behaviour of Fine-Grained Sn-38wt.%Pb EutecticsThe mechanical properties of binary Sn-38wt.%Pb eutectic alloys in the deformed and annealed states were investigated at room temperature using tensile, micro- and nano-indentation tests. The softening and high plasticity of a deformed Sn-Pb eutectic are explained as a result of grain boundary sliding (GBS) and fast diffusion-driven processes developing along the Sn-Pb interphase boundaries (IBs). From the results of micro- and nano-hardness measurements it follows that the Sn and Pb phases in the annealed eutectic are strengthened, and the relaxation processes occur mainly at the IB. Such IBs in the annealed Sn-Pb eutectic act as barriers to the motion of a dislocation ensemble when the size of the plastic zone is comparable with the grain size, lowering the hardness values due to the development of GBS when more grains are involved in the process of deformation. The nanohardness and elastic modulus values obtained evidence that an IB in the Sn-Pb eutectic is to be considered as a separate phase with its own mechanical properties.
Rapid Annealing of Black ZnO Thin Films Prepared by Pulsed Laser Deposition
Authors: Polyakov B. , Petruhin A. , Grigorjeva L. , Kulis P. , Tale I. 
Published: March 2009

Rapid Annealing of Black ZnO Thin Films Prepared by Pulsed Laser DepositionZnO thin films were deposited by pulsed laser deposition (fluence 2.2 J/cm2) in vacuum on different substrates kept at room temperature. This temperature allowed for fast film growing, however the as-prepared films had low transparency. To improve this optical property, keeping up at the same time the high electric conductivity of the films, post-annealing procedures in vacuum and in air were carried out. The influence of these procedures on the optical absorption, photoluminescence and electrical properties has been investigated. It is shown that the annealing in air improves only the transparency of such a film, however its conductivity decreases markedly. In turn, vacuum annealing for 3 min. at 600° C results in better transparency of the films, with their electric conductivity kept high.
Unsanctioned aggression in rugby union: relationships among aggressiveness, anger, athletic identity, and professionalization
Authors: Maxwell J. P. , Visek A. J. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractAggressive players who intentionally cause injury to their opponents are common in many sports, particularly collision sports such as Rugby Union. Although some acts of aggression fall within the rules (sanctioned), others do not (unsanctioned), with the latter tending to be less acceptable than the former. This study attempts to identify characteristics of players who are more likely to employ unsanctioned methods in order to injure an opponent. Male Rugby Union players completed questionnaires assessing aggressiveness, anger, past aggression, professionalization, and athletic identity. Players were assigned to one of two groups based on self‐reported past unsanctioned aggression. Results indicated that demographic variables (e.g., age, playing position, or level of play) were not predictive of group membership. Measures of aggressiveness and professionalization were significant predictors; high scores on both indicated a greater probability of reporting the use of unsanctioned aggressive force for the sole purpose of causing injury or pain. In addition, players who had been taught how to execute aggressive illegal plays without detection were also more likely to report using excessive force to injure an opponent. Results provide further support that highly professionalized players may be more likely to use methods outside the constitutive rules of Rugby Union in order to intentionally injure their opponents. Results are discussed within the context of the increasing win‐at‐all‐cost attitude that is becoming more prevalent in sport and its implications for youth athletes. Aggr. Behav. 35:237–243, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Children's memory for the duration of a paediatric consultation
Authors: Friedman William J. , Cederborg Ann‐Christin , Hultman Elin , Änghagen Olov , Magnusson Karin Fälth 
Published: March 2009

AbstractTo learn about children's ability to estimate the duration of an event many days after it occurred, 6–12‐year‐old children were asked to judge the amount of time (range 5–45 minutes) they spent in the treatment room as part of a paediatric visit. Judgements were made 1 week or 1 month after the visit occurred. Children showed an average error of about 13 minutes. Retention interval did not significantly affect estimates. Other judgements of the length of the interview itself (mean length 8 minutes) provided what may be the first data on children's ability to make immediate retrospective duration estimates. The results also include information about children's capacity to judge how long ago they visited the clinic. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Microcontact Printing: Limitations and Achievements
Authors: Perl András , Reinhoudt David N. , Huskens Jurriaan 
Published: March 2009

AbstractMicrocontact printing (µCP) offers a simple and low‐cost surface patterning methodology with high versatility and sub‐micrometer accuracy. The process has undergone a spectacular evolution since its invention, improving its capability to form sub‐100 nm SAM patterns of various polar and apolar materials and biomolecules over macroscopic areas. Diverse development lines of µCP are discussed in this work detailing various printing strategies. New printing schemes with improved stamp materials render µCP a reproducible surface‐patterning technique with an increased pattern resolution. New stamp materials and PDMS surface‐treatment methods allow the use of polar molecules as inks. Flat elastomeric surfaces and low‐diffusive inks push the feature sizes to the nanometer range. Chemical and supramolecular interactions between the ink and the substrate increase the applicability of the µCP process.
Effect of input excitation on the quality of empirical dynamic models for type 1 diabetes
Authors: Finan Daniel A. , Palerm Cesar C. , Doyle Francis J. , Seborg Dale E. , Zisser Howard , Bevier Wendy C. , Jovanovič Lois 
Published: March 2009

AbstractAccurate prediction of future blood glucose trends has the potential to significantly improve glycemic regulation in type 1 diabetes patients. A model‐based controller for an artificial β‐cell, for example, would determine the most efficacious insulin dose for the current sampling interval given available input–output data and model predictions of the resultant glucose trajectory. The two inputs most influential to the glucose concentration are bolused insulin and meal carbohydrates, which in practice are often taken simultaneously and in a specified ratio. This linear dependence has adverse effects on the quality of linear dynamic models identified from such data. On the other hand, inputs with greater degrees of excitation may force the subject into extreme hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia, and thus may be clinically unacceptable. Inputs with good excitation that do not endanger the subject are shown to result in models that can predict glucose trends reasonably accurately, 1–2 h ahead. © 2009 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2009
Dispersed oil–water–gas flow through a horizontal pipe
Authors: Piela K. , Delfos R. , Ooms G. , Westerweel J. , Oliemans R.V.A. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractAn experimental study of three‐phase dispersed flow in a horizontal pipe has been carried out. The pressure drop over the pipe strongly increases with increasing bubble and drop volume fraction. Because of the presence of drops the transition from dispersed bubble flow to elongated bubble flow occurs at a lower gas volume fraction. The gas bubbles have no significant influence on the phase inversion process. However, phase inversion has a strong effect on the gas bubbles. Just before inversion large bubbles are present and the flow pattern is elongated bubble flow. During the inversion process the bubbles break‐up quickly and as the dispersed drop volume fraction after inversion is much lower than before inversion, a dispersed bubble flow is present after inversion. (When inversion is postponed to high dispersed phase fractions, the volume fraction of the dispersed phase can be as high as 0.9 before inversion and as low as 0.1 after inversion.) © 2009 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2009
Maturity‐related differences in physical activity among 10‐ to 12‐year‐old girls
Authors: Drenowatz Clemens , Eisenmann Joey C. , Pfeiffer Karin A. , Wickel Eric E. , Gentile Douglas , Walsh David 
Published: March 2009

AbstractBesides environmental and psycho‐social factors explaining the variation in physical activity levels during adolescence, some evidence suggests that biological processes are involved in regulating habitual daily physical activity and energy expenditure. The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of biological maturity status on physical activity. Chronological age, standing height, sitting height, and body mass were measured cross‐sectionally in 268 girls, aged 9.5 to 11.5 years. Biological maturity groups (Early, Average, Late) were created according to estimated age at peak‐height‐velocity (estAPHV). Habitual physical activity was determined with a pedometer (Yamax Digiwalker SW‐200) over a 7‐day period. Differences in steps/day across maturity groups were examined by ANCOVA, controlling separately for time the pedometer was worn, leg length, and body mass. Mean pedometer steps/day was 10,822 ± 2,639. As expected, body size varied by maturity status (e.g., early > average > late). Significant maturity group differences were found with early maturing girls showing lower activity levels compared to average or late maturers. These differences remained after controlling for time the pedometer was worn and leg length; however, the differences were no longer significant when controlling for body mass. The results suggest that biological maturity status influences physical activity levels in girls between 10 and 12 years of age but the relationship is not independent of body mass. Further research is needed to establish the complex inter‐relationships among adiposity, biological maturation, and energy expenditure during puberty. Am. J. Hum. Biol., 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.