bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of oxide ions on separation factors of actinides from lanthanides in reductive extraction
Authors: Moriyama Hirotake , Moritani K. , Toda T. , Hayashi H. 
Published: May 2009

Abstract
The distribution coefficients of Am, Ce, and Eu between the salt and metal phases were measured at 1073 K in a reductive extraction system of equimolar NaCl-KCl melt and liquid Ga. By changing the solute concentrations, it was observed that the distribution coefficients were dependent on the oxide ion concentration in the system, possibly due to the formation of such compounds as AmO+. In addition, the mass balance of Am was possibly affected by the formation and precipitation of its oxychlorides and/or oxides in some runs. Taking these observations into consideration, the separation factor between Am and Ce was found to be around 30 in the present system.
Plutonium in the environment: key factors related to impact assessment in case of an accidental atmospheric release
Authors: Guétat Philippe , Moulin Valérie , Reiller Pascal E. , Vercouter T. , Bion Lionel , Fritsch P. , Monfort M. , Flüry-Herard A. , Comte A. , Menetrier F. , Ansoborlo Eric , et al.  
Published: May 2009

Abstract
This paper deals with plutonium and key factors related to impact assessment. It is based on recent work performed by CEA which summarize the main features of plutonium behaviour from sources inside installations to the environment and man, and to report current knowledge on the different parameters used in models for environmental and radiological impact assessment. These key factors are illustrated through a case study based on an accidental atmospheric release of Pu in a nuclear facility.
Abnormalities of cAMP signaling are present in adrenocortical lesions associated with ACTH-independent Cushing syndrome despite the absence of mutations in known genes
Authors: Bimpaki Eirini I , Nesterova Maria , Stratakis Constantine A 
Published: May 2009

ContextBilateral adrenal hyperplasias (BAHs) may be caused by mutations of genes that code for molecules that participate in cAMP signaling. Little is known about cAMP signaling in adrenal lesions associated with ACTH-independent Cushing syndrome (AICS) that do not harbor mutations in known genes.ObjectiveWe assessed the cAMP-signaling pathway by enzymatic and molecular studies.DesignSamples from 27 patients (ages 5–60 years) were studied and compared with normal adrenocortical tissue (n=4) and aldosterone-producing adenomas (APA, n=5). All samples were sequenced for GNAS, PRKAR1A, PDE11A, and PDE8B sequencing defects. cAMP levels and binding, protein kinase A, and phosphodiesterase (PDE) activities were assayed. Immunohistochemistry was used for certain studies and the phosphorylation status of CREB was studied.PatientsA total of 36 samples from patients were used.ResultsCortisol-producing adenomas (CPAs) and other lesions that were GNAS, PRKAR1A, PDE11A, and PDE8B gene mutation-negative were compared with PRKAR1A mutation-positive lesions, normal tissue, and APAs; abnormalities of the cAMP-signaling pathway were found in both BAHs and CPAs. Interestingly, mutation-negative CPAs had significantly decreased PDE activity.ConclusionLesions of the adrenal associated with AICS, independently of their GNAS, PRKAR1A, PDE11A, and PDE8B mutation status, have functional abnormalities of cAMP signaling. It is probable that epigenetic events or additional defects of genes involved in this pathway are responsible for this phenomenon.
Evaluation of insulin sensitivity with a new lipid-based index in non-diabetic postmenopausal overweight and obese women before and after a weight loss intervention
Authors: Antuna-Puente Barbara , Disse Emmanuel , Faraj May , Lavoie Marie-Eve , Laville Martine , Rabasa-Lhoret Rémi , Bastard Jean-Philippe 
Published: May 2009

ObjectiveTo evaluate the validity of a new lipid-based index (Disse index) in assessing insulin sensitivity (IS) compared with the hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic (HIEG) clamp in overweight and obese, non-diabetic, postmenopausal women, before and after a weight loss intervention.Research design and methodsAssociation between Disse index and the HIEG clamp was evaluated in 86 non-diabetic postmenopausal overweight and obese women before and after weight loss. Percentage changes (%Δ) were calculated for several fasting indices and compared with %Δ of HIEG clamp.ResultsWe observed a strong correlation between Disse index and HIEG clamp (r=0.69, P<0.001). This association was higher than those of homeostasis model assessment (HOMA), quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (QUICKI), and McAuley indices while no significant difference was observed with Revised-QUICKI. Percent change of Disse index (pre- versus post-weight loss program) was significantly correlated with %Δ of HIEG clamp (r=0.34, P<0.01). This correlation was similar to those observed for the other indices tested.ConclusionsWe validated the reliability of Disse index in assessing IS in non-diabetic post-menopausal overweight and obese women, before and after weight loss intervention. Disse index may be useful not only for insulin resistant diagnostics in this type of population, but also for the IS follow-up after a weight-loss program and weight stabilization. The presence of lipid elements in this fasting index improves the estimation of IS in overweight and obese non-diabetic post-menopausal women and could add more information about peripheral IS.
Sex hormone-binding globulin predicts the incidence of hyperglycemia in women: interactions with adiponectin levels
Authors: Bonnet F , Balkau B , Malécot J M , Picard P , Lange C , Fumeron F , Aubert R , Raverot V , Déchaud H , Tichet J , Lecomte P , Pugeat M , _ _ 
Published: May 2009

ObjectivePrevious evidence has suggested that a low sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) concentration is associated with insulin-resistance and a low adiponectin concentration. We investigated the association between SHBG and the risk of hyperglycemia in each sex and we determined potential interactions between SHBG and adiponectin levels in the development of dysglycemia.DesignWe used a nested case–control design in the large prospective study, Data from an Epidemiological Study on the Insulin Resistance Syndrome (DESIR). We studied 227 men and women who were normoglycemic at baseline but hyperglycemic at 3 years (glycemia≥6.1 mmol/l or type 2 diabetes). They were matched for sex, age, and body mass index with 227 subjects who remained normoglycemic at 3 years.ResultsAt baseline, the concentration of SHBG was significantly lower in women who subsequently developed hyperglycemia than in those who remained normoglycemic, with no difference for men. In multiple regression, SHBG at baseline was as an independent determinant of plasma adiponectin levels, in both women (P<0.0001) and men (P=0.002). In multivariate conditional logistic regression taking into account physical activity and changes in waist circumference over the follow-up, plasma SHBG remained significantly associated with the development of hyperglycemia in women but not in men. These associations persisted after adjustment for fasting insulinemia, high fasting glucose, and adiponectin levels.ConclusionsThese findings suggest that a low SHBG level is a strong risk marker for dysglycemia in women, independently of both adiponectinemia and insulinemia. SHBG may therefore improve the identification of women at risk of diabetes.
Evaluating the Power Output of the Smith-Root GPP 5.0 Electrofisher to Promote Electrofishing Fleet Standardization
Authors: Martinez Patrick J. , Kolz A. Lawrence 
Published: May 2009

Abstract
The Smith-Root (S-R) series of GPP (gas-powered pulsator) electrofishers are widely used in boat-mounted electrofishing systems. Sampling in waters having different conductivities requires adjustment of the electrofisher controls to maintain consistent output power. However, the current meter supplied on GPP electrofishers provides an average rather than a peak measurement, and because no voltmeter is included, determining peak power output is not possible. As part of an overall effort to promote standardization of electrofishing operations, we used static electrical loads to measure the output characteristics of the commonly used S-R GPP 5.0 electrofishers under simulated electrofishing conditions. The range of resistance values to be simulated with static loads was extrapolated from in-water measurements of five electrode configurations consisting of paired, half-submerged, spherical anodes in combination with a 5.5-m-long flat-bottom aluminum-hull boat serving as the cathode. We measured the power output of GPP 5.0 electrofishers while they were connected to static loads of 114, 19, 9.5, and 5.7 Ω to simulate a wide range of ambient water conductivity values (approximately 100–1,000 μS/cm). These measurements of GPP 5.0 power output will provide electrofishing fleets with an improved understanding of electrofisher operational controls and performance and allow for a more consistent method of selecting electrofisher settings.
Ecological vulnerability in wildlife: An expert judgment and multicriteria analysis tool using ecological traits to assess relative impact of pollutants
Authors: Lange Hendrika J. De , Lahr Joost , Van der Pol Joost J.C. , Wessels Yolanda , Faber Jack H. 
Published: May 2009

AbstractNature development in The Netherlands often is planned on contaminated soils and sediments of former agricultural land and in floodplain areas; however, this contamination may present a risk to wildlife species desired at those nature development sites. Specific risk assessment methods are needed, because toxicological information is lacking for most wildlife species. The vulnerability of a species is a combination of its potential exposure, sensitivity to the type of pollutant, and recovery capacity. We developed a new method to predict ecological vulnerability in wildlife using autecological information. The analysis results in an ordinal ranking of vulnerable species. The method was applied to six representative contaminants: copper and zinc (essential metals, low to medium toxicity), cadmium (nonessential metal, high toxicity), DDT (persistent organic pesticide, high toxicity), chlorpyrifos (persistent organophosphate insecticide, high toxicity), and ivermectin (persistent veterinary pharmaceutical, low to medium toxicity). High vulnerability to the essential metals copper and zinc was correlated with soil and sediment habitat preference of a species and with r-strategy (opportunistic strategy suited for unstable environments). Increased vulnerability to the bioaccumulating substances cadmium and DDT was correlated with higher position of a species in the food web and with life span and K-strategy (equilibrium strategy suited for stable environments). Vulnerability to chlorpyrifos and ivermectin was high for species with a preference for soil habitats. The ecological vulnerability analysis has potential to further our abilities in risk assessment.
Improvements in Downhole Fluid Identification by Combining High Resolution Fluid Density Sensor Measurements and a New Processing Method: Cases from a Saudi Aramco Field
Authors: Palmer Richard , Silva Andre , Saghiyyah George , Rourke Marvin , Engelman Bob , van Zuilekom Tony , Proett Mark 
Published: May 2009

Abstract
Accurate chemical and physical properties of hydrocarbon and formation water are required for efficient reservoir and production management. During exploration and field development, a sample of formation fluids is frequently required. One method to obtain reservoir fluid samples is with a pumpout wireline formation tester (PWFT) in which the objective of sampling is to collect a representative fluid sample with minimum rig time. Sampling mixed phases or immiscible fluids has been a long standing challenge for fluid identification using PWFTs. The mixing of fluids that are flowing inside the tool increases sensor noise, making the interpretation of fluid type and amount of contamination difficult, if not impossible. Consequently, these noisy sensor readings are often ignored and attributed to fluid transitions during of sampling. This erratic behavior has been observed with most sensors, including resistivity and optical sensors. With the introduction of a new high resolution fluid density sensor and improved data handling techniques, it is now possible to identify these mixed fluid flow regimes of hydrocarbon and water more precisely. The new fluid density sensor monitors the frequency change of a vibrating tube that is filled with the fluid sample quickly and reliably. The high accuracy of this technique enables the determination of additional fluid properties, such as density, water salinity, and fluid compressibility. Furthermore, the new processing methods provide a clearer understanding of the flow behavior, enabling more accurate estimates of fluid contamination. Data from the tool can also be used to observe changes in fluid properties over depth intervals and to aid in the identification of fluid interfaces and compartments.
Real-time Geology/Petrophysics in Complex Carbonate Reservoirs
Authors: Eyvazzadeh Ramsin , BinNasser Rami , Kersey David 
Published: May 2009

Abstract
Geosteering technology has played a key role in enhancing hydrocarbon production and recovery in many reservoirs throughout the world. Traditionally, Logging While Drilling (LWD) measurements are used to determine petrophysical parameters, such as porosity and hydrocarbon saturation in order to geosteer wells in the reservoir. However, in many complex carbonate reservoirs, fluid flow characteristics are generally difficult to predict and the most porous intervals are not always the best reservoirs as intervals of equivalent porosity can exhibit large variations in permeability. In addition, changes in depositional and digenetic environments provide for a complex geology that poses challenges in well placement.
A new technique has been developed that utilizes LWD data and neural network analysis to determine key geological and petrophysical parameters such as lithology, permeability, hydraulic flow units and reservoir quality indicators. These parameters are determined real-time to place wells into the most productive reservoir intervals.
This new technique integrates core descriptions, logging and laboratory measured core data from several offset wells to develop cluster based models that are used to train log data to determine rock types and their inherent petrophysical characteristics. The prediction model is then used in a real-time analysis to geosteer wells into high-pay intervals.
Reservoir Saturation Monitoring in Saudi-Aramco; Benefits, Challenges and Opportunities
Authors: Ariwodo Izu , Al-Hasan Ali H. , Al-Belowi Ali R. 
Published: May 2009

Abstract
Oil production from the giant oil fields of Saudi Arabia is said to be one of the big levers that drive the world economy. Saudi Aramco has been providing the support of this lever with over 70 years of oil production. To maintain its level of production, Saudi Aramco has had to place some of its fields on a water injection scheme, for pressure support and to enhance reservoir recovery. Hydrocarbon sweep and water contact movement through these reservoirs is then monitored through saturation logs.
In Saudi Aramco, hydrocarbon saturation within the reservoir after water has swept through is typically measured with two types of tools: A Gamma ray (GR) detection tool. This tool acquires GR in two modes, namely the sigma/capture mode and the Carbon-Oxygen/inelastic mode.A resistivity tool. This can be logged in cased hole with a cased hole formation resistivity, and in barefoot completions using the slim induction tools.
Both types of monitoring devices, when logged under the right environmental conditions have been found to add significant value to the way we manage our reservoirs. Some of the Saudi Aramco business drivers for logging these tools are: Reservoir management and optimizations.Optimal well placement.Location of the pool of attic or bypassed oil.Calibration of reservoir simulation models.Identification of cost saving workover opportunities.
The existing reservoir monitoring tools in the market are dogged with some challenges. The measurement envelope of the GR tools are very shallow, therefore they suffer from washouts and near wellbore fluid effects, while the resistivity tools require a good knowledge of the flood water salinity for accurate saturation computation. Thus, it is critical that these tools are logged under the right conditions.
In spite of the above challenges, Saudi Aramco continues to look ahead for cost-effective solutions through collaboration with service companies.
This paper will review some of the benefits that Saudi Aramco has derived from over 200 Reservoir Saturation Monitoring (RSM) logs acquired annually, while also highlighting some challenges and opportunities for the future development of these tools.
Advances in Micro-CT Based Evaluation of Reservoir Rocks
Authors: Sarker M. R. H. , Siddiqui S. 
Published: May 2009

Abstract
From the very early days of hydrocarbon exploration and production, cylindrical rock samples known as cores have been used as identifying reservoir samples for determining important physical properties such as porosity, permeability, grain density, and important rock-fluid interaction properties such as wettability, capillary pressure and relative permeability. All of these properties are needed to predict and improve hydrocarbon recovery. Converted medical X-ray CT-scanners have provided the oil industry with many important rock and rock-fluid properties in a non-destructive manner. Although medical CT-scanners have seen constant improvement in speed since their inception in the early &lsquo;70s, the spatial resolution has not improved from the typical 350-450 mm range. Typical pore sizes of reservoir rocks vary from sub-micron to few microns and therefore the oil industry has been looking for alternatives such as micro and nano CT-scanners. Micro CT-scanners have been used successfully to extract valuable information from cuttings-sized rock fragments (Siddiqui et al., 2005) and constant research involving micro CT-scanners can eventually eliminate the need for cutting cores, which is time-consuming, risky and expensive. This paper first presents an exhaustive review of the state-of-the-art in micro CT-based petrophysical research. It describes the various techniques used by researchers for image reconstruction, artifact reduction, segmentation, network extraction, pore body-pore throat distribution leading to the building of realistic pore network models and then determining different petrophysical properties using methods such as Lattice-Boltzman Method (LBM), Finite Element Method (FEM) and Monte-Carlo simulation (MCS). The paper presents some specific applications in petroleum engineering, identifies the areas in which deficiency exists and suggests possible improvements. The paper also discusses future directions in micro CT-based research for obtaining various petrophysical parameters.
Collaborative Development of a Slim LWD NMR Tool: From Concept to Field Testing
Authors: Akkurt Ridvan , Marsala Alberto F. , Seifert Douglas , Al-Harbi Ahmed , Buenrostro Carlos , Kruspe Thomas , Thern Holger F. , Kurz Gerhard , Blanz Martin , Kroken Asbjorn 
Published: May 2009

Abstract
Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) was identified as a critical technology for reducing uncertainty and minimizing risk during the planning phase of a major field development project. The reservoirs in the subject field contain heavy oil/tar in the flanks, and accurate knowledge of viscosity trends becomes essential for the placement of water injectors. Since NMR logs can be used to estimate heavy oil viscosity, the development plan required running logging while drilling (LWD) NMR logs in the extended-reach horizontal injectors, in addition to some selected producers.
A program heavily based on slim hole drilling presented a practical challenge for the execution of the development plan, since at the time no service company offered slim hole LWD NMR services. Considering the business impact of this technology gap, the operator decided to collaborate with the service industry to develop LWD NMR technology for hole sizes ranging from 5⅞- to 6⅛-in. Within a year, a joint project was established with a major technology provider for the development of a slim LWD NMR tool. The first two prototypes were delivered for field testing in less than 18 months.
The prototypes have been run in nearly a dozen wells to date and in a variety of environments, including extended-reach wells with high salinity muds. Data obtained from drilling and reaming runs agree very well with those from other porosity tools, including wireline NMR. Furthermore, close coordination and cooperation between the operator and the service provider during testing runs have resulted in significant improvements in downhole firmware, data acquisition modes and signal processing.
Two factors weigh heavily for the successful fast delivery of the project goals: clear requirements from the operator, and proven expertise in NMR tool design from the technology provider. Given continuing reliable and robust performance from the prototypes, the slim LWD NMR service is expected to be commercially available shortly. In fact, the high level of confidence gained from early field tests has already allowed the use of the data in critical well placement decisions in some wells.
Neural Network Prediction of Porosity and Permeability of Heterogeneous Gas Sand Reservoirs
Authors: Hamada G. M. , Elshafei M. A. 
Published: May 2009

Abstract
Analysis of heterogeneous gas sand reservoirs is one of the most difficult problems. These reservoirs usually produce from multiple layers with different permeability and complex formation, which is often enhanced by natural fracturing. Therefore, using new well logging techniques like NMR or a combination of NMR and conventional openhole logs, as well as developing new interpretation methodologies are essential for improved reservoir characterization. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) logs differ from conventional neutron, density, sonic and resistivity logs because the NMR measurements provide mainly lithology independent detailed porosity and offer a good evaluation of the hydrocarbon potential. NMR logs can also be used to determine formation permeability and capillary pressure.
In heterogeneous reservoirs classical methods face problems in determining accurately the relevant petrophysical parameters. Applications of artificial intelligence have recently made this challenge a possible practice. This paper presents a successful application of Neural Network (NN) to predict porosity and permeability of gas sand reservoirs using NMR T2 (transverse relaxation time) and conventional open hole logs data. The developed NN models use the NMR T2 pin values, and density and resistivity logs to predict porosity, and permeability for two test wells. The NN trained models displayed good correlation with core porosity and permeability values, and with the NMR derived porosity and permeability in the test wells.