bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A New Method for Gas Well Deliverability Potential Estimation Using MiniDST and Single Well Modeling: Theory and Examples
Authors: Kumar N. Karthik , Joshi Sameer , Banerjee Raj , Sundaram K. M. 
Published: March 2008

Abstract
This paper presents techniques for interpretation of MiniDrill Stem Test (MiniDST) for establishing commingled Absolute Openhole Flow Potential (AOFP) in deep water exploration wells in India. These gas bearing reservoirs are vertically heterogeneous with high permeability.
MiniDST's are conducted using the inflatable straddle packer system of wireline formation tester. A MiniDST transient sequence consists of a single or multiple flow periods, induced using a downhole pump, followed by a pressure buildup. The objectives of a MiniDST are sampling, estimation of reservoir properties such as permeability (k), skin(s), radial extrapolated pressure (p*) and estimating AOFP. AOFP is an important gas well flow parameter and is used to determine the commerciality of discovered prospects. We use a two step approach in establishing commingled AOFP of gas wells. First, we conduct a multiple station MiniDST run and interpret the data to estimate reservoir parameters (k, s, and p*). We also compute non-Darcy flow coefficient (D) using Swift & Kiel expression and then use an analytical pseudo-steady state equation to establish single point AOFP for each of the tested zones. Second, we extend routine forward modeling and incorporate features such as scaled permeability data, rock types and hydraulic flow units through interpretation of Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) and wireline petrophysics, into a model. The model is built in two different ways. One is based on numerical simulator and another based on cumulative permeability-thickness product for the gas bearing zones, using average reservoir pressure and temperature for the whole zone of interest. The success of single well simulation has given us the capability to forecast total AOFP for multiple zones using commingled approach. Furthermore, we also included production tubular and choke in our simulation model for well deliverability estimation.
Our technique has resulted in immense saving in rig time and cost since the workflow allowed delivering answers which enabled us to determine AOFP without resorting to conventional four points deliverability testing.
Design Tapered Electric Submersible Pumps For Gassy Wells
Authors: Zhou Desheng , Sachdeva Rajesh 
Published: March 2008

Abstract
A tapered electric submersible pump (ESP) is mainly used to pump wells with high gas oil ratio. Free gas is separated and vented via a shroud or gas separator. Or, it is compressed using a tapered larger-than-normal pump or specially-designed gas handler below the "normal" pump. Although tapered ESP has been used for decades in petroleum production, few articles have discussed its design. After studying the pressures and flow rates stage by stage using a computer program, the paper presents basic criterion to design a tapered pump.
Free gas in pumped fluid stream reduces pump performance, and may cause surging and gas lock. For tapered pumps the free gas effect becomes vital since generally tapered pumps handle considerable amount of free gas. The paper discusses traditional homogeneous model and multiphase pumping model. By comparing pump performances of the two models using examples, the paper presents that the traditional model designs fewer stages and will produce smaller rate than desired rate. Further, without considering free gas effect, the pump above bottom pump may work out of its operating range. For a tapered pump, pumping stability should be checked and pump degradation should be included in stage by stage calculation. Also, fluid flow pattern should be checked to avoid slug flow at the place of pump intake.
Also presented are optimal design methods for both single and tapered pumps. Widely used design methods are using desired liquid rate at surface or the liquid rate at pump intake to select a pump with closest best efficiency point. The paper illustrates by examples that the two liquid rate methods fail to design high efficiency when pumping high gas/liquid fluid, and proposes two methods of using total rate at pump discharge and using average total rate. The two design methods will improve a well's pumping efficiency and running life.
Intergenerational Mobility in Australia
Authors: Leigh Andrew 
Published: March 2008

Abstract
Combining four surveys conducted over a forty year period, I calculate intergenerational earnings elasticities for Australia, using predicted earnings in parents' occupations as a proxy for actual parental earnings. In the most recent survey, the elasticity of sons' wages with respect to fathers' wages is around 0.2. Comparing this estimate with earlier surveys, I find little evidence that intergenerational mobility in Australia has significantly risen or fallen over time. Applying the same methodology to United States data, I find that Australian society exhibits more intergenerational mobility than the United States. My method appears to slightly overstate the degree of intergenerational mobility; if the true intergenerational earnings elasticity in the United States is 0.40.6 (as recent studies have suggested), then the intergenerational earnings elasticity in Australia is probably around 0.20.3.
A Microsphere-Based Vaccine Prevents and Reverses New-Onset Autoimmune Diabetes
Authors: Phillips Brett , Nylander Karen , Harnaha Jo , Machen Jennifer , Lakomy Robert , Styche Alexis , Gillis Kimberly , Brown Larry , Lafreniere Debra , Gallo Michael , Knox Janet , Hogeland Kenneth , Trucco Massimo , Giannoukakis Nick 
Published: March 2008

OBJECTIVE—This study was aimed at ascertaining the efficacy of antisense oligonucleotide-formulated microspheres to prevent type 1 diabetes and to reverse new-onset disease.RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—Microspheres carrying antisense oligonucleotides to CD40, CD80, and CD86 were delivered into NOD mice. Glycemia was monitored to determine disease prevention and reversal. In recipients that remained and/or became diabetes free, spleen and lymph node T-cells were enriched to determine the prevalence of Foxp3+ putative regulatory T-cells (Treg cells). Splenocytes from diabetes-free microsphere-treated recipients were adoptively cotransferred with splenocytes from diabetic NOD mice into NOD-scid recipients. Live-animal in vivo imaging measured the microsphere accumulation pattern. To rule out nonspecific systemic immunosuppression, splenocytes from successfully treated recipients were pulsed with β-cell antigen or ovalbumin or cocultured with allogeneic splenocytes.RESULTS—The microspheres prevented type 1 diabetes and, most importantly, exhibited a capacity to reverse clinical hyperglycemia, suggesting reversal of new-onset disease. The microspheres augmented Foxp3+ Treg cells and induced hyporesponsiveness to NOD-derived pancreatic β-cell antigen, without compromising global immune responses to alloantigens and nominal antigens. T-cells from successfully treated mice suppressed adoptive transfer of disease by diabetogenic splenocytes into secondary immunodeficient recipients. Finally, microspheres accumulated within the pancreas and the spleen after either intraperitoneal or subcutaneous injection. Dendritic cells from spleen of the microsphere-treated mice exhibit decreased cell surface CD40, CD80, and CD86.CONCLUSIONS—This novel microsphere formulation represents the first diabetes-suppressive and reversing nucleic acid vaccine that confers an immunoregulatory phenotype to endogenous dendritic cells.
Genetic Variants of FTO Influence Adiposity, Insulin Sensitivity, Leptin Levels, and Resting Metabolic Rate in the Quebec Family Study
Authors: Do Ron , Bailey Swneke D. , Desbiens Katia , Belisle Alexandre , Montpetit Alexandre , Bouchard Claude , Pérusse Louis , Vohl Marie-Claude , Engert James C. 
Published: March 2008

OBJECTIVE—A genome-wide association study conducted by the Wellcome Trust Case Control Consortium recently associated single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the FTO (fatso/fat mass and obesity associated) gene with type 2 diabetes. These associations were shown to be mediated by obesity. Other research groups found similar results in Europeans and Hispanics but not African Americans. The mechanism by which FTO influences obesity and type 2 diabetes is currently unknown. The present study investigated the role of two FTO SNPs (rs17817449 and rs1421085) in adiposity, insulin sensitivity, and body weight regulation, including energy intake and expenditure.
RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—We genotyped 908 individuals from the Quebec City metropolitan area that participated in the Quebec Family Study, a long-term study of extensively phenotyped individuals designed to investigate factors involved in adiposity.
RESULTS—We found significant associations for both SNPs with several obesity-related phenotypes. In particular, rs17817449 was associated with BMI (P = 0.0014), weight (P = 0.0059), and waist circumference (P = 0.0021) under an additive model. In addition, this FTO SNP influenced fasting insulin (P = 0.011), homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (P = 0.038), and an insulin sensitivity index derived from an oral glucose tolerance test (P = 0.0091). Associations were also found with resting metabolic rate (RMR) (P = 0.042) and plasma leptin levels (P = 0.036). Adjustment for BMI abolished the associations with insulin sensitivity, RMR, and plasma leptin levels.
CONCLUSIONS—These results confirm that genetic variation at the FTO locus contributes to the etiology of obesity, insulin resistance, and increased plasma leptin levels.
In Vitro Proliferation of Cells Derived From Adult Human β-Cells Revealed By Cell-Lineage Tracing
Authors: Russ Holger A. , Bar Yael , Ravassard Philippe , Efrat Shimon 
Published: March 2008

OBJECTIVE— Expansion of insulin-producing β-cells from adult human islets could alleviate donor shortage for cell-replacement therapy of diabetes. A major obstacle to development of effective expansion protocols is the rapid loss of β-cell markers in the cultured cells. Here, we report a genetic cell-lineage tracing approach for following the fate of cultured β-cells.
RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS— Cells dissociated from isolated human islets were infected with two lentiviruses, one expressing Cre recombinase under control of the insulin promoter and the other, a reporter cassette with the structure cytomegalovirus promoter-loxP-DsRed2-loxP-eGFP.
RESULTS— β-Cells were efficiently and specifically labeled by the dual virus system. Label+, insulin− cells derived from β-cells were shown to proliferate for a maximum of 16 population doublings, with an approximate doubling time of 7 days. Isolated labeled cells could be expanded in the absence of other pancreas cell types if provided with medium conditioned by pancreatic non–β-cells. Analysis of mouse islet cells by the same method revealed a much lower proliferation of labeled cells under similar culture conditions.
CONCLUSIONS— Our findings provide direct evidence for survival and dedifferentiation of cultured adult human β-cells and demonstrate that the dedifferentiated cells significantly proliferate in vitro. The findings confirm the difference between mouse and human β-cell proliferation under our culture conditions. These findings demonstrate the feasibility of cell-specific labeling of cultured primary human cells using a genetic recombination approach that was previously restricted to transgenic animals.
Lifetime Prediction of Tires with Regard to Oxidative Aging
Authors: Nasdala L. , Wei Y. , Rothert H. , Kaliske M. 
Published: March 2008

Abstract
It is a challenging task in the design of automobile tires to predict lifetime and performance on the basis of numerical simulations. Several factors have to be taken into account to correctly estimate the aging behavior. This paper focuses on oxygen reaction processes which, apart from mechanical and thermal aspects, effect the tire durability. The material parameters needed to describe the temperature-dependent oxygen diffusion and reaction processes are derived by means of the time–temperature–superposition principle from modulus profiling tests. These experiments are designed to examine the diffusion-limited oxidation (DLO) effect which occurs when accelerated aging tests are performed. For the cord-reinforced rubber composites, homogenization techniques are adopted to obtain effective material parameters (diffusivities and reaction constants).
The selection and arrangement of rubber components influence the temperature distribution and the oxygen penetration depth which impact tire durability. The goal of this paper is to establish a finite element analysis based criterion to predict lifetime with respect to oxidative aging. The finite element analysis is carried out in three stages. First the heat generation rate distribution is calculated using a viscoelastic material model. Then the temperature distribution can be determined. In the third step we evaluate the oxygen distribution or rather the oxygen consumption rate, which is a measure for the tire lifetime. Thus, the aging behavior of different kinds of tires can be compared. Numerical examples show how diffusivities, reaction coefficients, and temperature influence the durability of different tire parts. It is found that due to the DLO effect, some interior parts may age slower even if the temperature is increased.
Thallium fractionation in polluted environmental samples using a modified BCR three-step sequential extraction procedure and its determination by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry
Authors: Medved’ Ján , Kališ Milan , Hagarová Ingrid , Matúš Peter , Bujdoš Marek , Kubová Jana 
Published: March 2008

AbstractDetermination of thallium in polluted environmental samples and their extracts obtained by a modified BCR three-step sequential extraction procedure was used to study thallium distribution and mobility in the monitored polluted area affected by acidification (Šobov, Central Slovakia). The results of fractionation applied to 5 soil certified reference materials and 14 environmental samples show that the vast majority of thallium occurred in the residual fraction. This means that highly toxic thallium is strongly entrapped in the parent rock materials remains immobile and its environmental toxicity is therefore reduced. The limit of detection for thallium in the studied fractions was lower than 0.050 mg kg−1, the precision (RSD) of the ultratrace determination of thallium in the studied fractions was better than 17 % and the accuracy of the used method was verified by analyzing certified reference materials.
Pulmonary arterial hypertension and left‐sided heart disease in sickle cell disease: Clinical characteristics and association with soluble adhesion molecule expression
Authors: Klings Elizabeth S. , Anton Bland Demedrick , Rosenman Dara , Princeton Stephanie , Odhiambo Adam , Li Guihua , Bernard Sheilah A. , Steinberg Martin H. , Farber Harrison W. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractPulmonary hypertension (PH), a risk factor for mortality in sickle cell disease (SCD), has pathologic features of both pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and PH related to left‐sided heart disease (LHD) suggesting a link between these two entities. We hypothesized that both are characterized by endothelial dysfunction and increased adhesion molecule expression. SCD patients and normal volunteers underwent a screening questionnaire, echocardiogram, and blood donation for preparation of platelet‐poor plasma. PAH was defined as a tricuspid regurgitant jet (TRJ) velocity ≥2.5 m/sec and/or the presence of isolated right ventricular hypertrophy or decreased systolic function. LHD was defined as either left‐sided systolic/diastolic dysfunction or significant valvular disease. Plasma vascular cell adhesion molecule‐1 (VCAM‐1), intercellular adhesion molecule‐1 (ICAM‐1), P‐ and E‐selectin, nitric oxide (NOx), erythropoietin, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels were assayed by enzyme‐linked immunoassay. Forty‐three percent of sickle cell anemia (HbSS) and 28% of hemoglobin SC disease (HbSC) disease patients had PAH. Additionally, 10–15% of SCD patients had LHD. VCAM‐1 levels were significantly increased in HbSS patients compared with HbSC patients and normal volunteers. VCAM‐1 and P‐selectin levels correlated positively with TRJ velocity in HbSS patients (r = 0.45, P = 0.03, r = 0.2, P = 0.05, respectively). ICAM‐1, E‐selectin, NOx, erythropoietin, and VEGF levels were similar across subject groups. PH is common in SCD and, at times, due to LHD. Increased VCAM‐1 and P‐selectin expression was associated with TRJ elevation regardless of etiology suggesting a similar effect on endothelial gene expression and possibly providing a pathologic link between PAH and PH related to LHD in SCD. Am. J. Hematol. 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Surveillance of musculoskeletal injuries and disorders in a diverse cohort of workers at a tertiary care medical center
Authors: Pompeii Lisa A. , Lipscomb Hester J. , Dement John M. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractBackgroundThe purpose of this study was to investigate the incidence of work‐related musculoskeletal (MSK) injuries and disorders among a dynamic cohort of health care workers, including direct care providers and support services, employed at a tertiary care medical center.MethodsHuman resources data were used to define the cohort and time at risk. Workers' compensation (WC) records (1997–2003) were utilized to identify work‐related MSK claims. Poisson regression was used to generate gender specific rate ratios and 95% confidence intervals (CI) of MSK injuries among workgroups.ResultsMSK injuries resulted equally (∼30% each) from lift/push/pull of equipment, patient handling, and slip/trip/falls. Injury rates and their mechanisms varied substantially by occupational group, gender, and race. Even with declining injury rates over time, black workers had rates 2.5 times higher than other workers and women had rates 1.8 times higher than men. Male and female nurses' aides, housekeepers, and radiology technicians had among the highest rates of injury, while lost workdays rates were highest for male and female nurses' aides, female housekeepers, and male patient transporters.ConclusionsDifferential risk associated with work tasks in highly segregated work populations can contribute to disparities in health, and the patterns we observed partly reflect the high concentration of female and black workers in occupations with increased physical demands. While the greatest public health impact will be achieved by implementing prevention strategies among large workgroups with high injury rates, public health efforts must not ignore smaller, often segregated, workgroups identified in this study as high risk. Am. J. Ind. Med. 51:344–356, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Associations between patella lead and blood pressure in lead workers
Authors: Weaver Virginia M. , Ellis Lenworth R. , Lee Byung‐Kook , Todd Andrew C. , Shi Weiping , Ahn Kyu‐Dong , Schwartz Brian S. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractBackgroundTo compare associations of patella lead, a lead pool that may capture aspects of both current bioavailable and cumulative lead dose thus offering advantages over tibia or blood lead, with blood lead in models of blood pressure and hypertension and to examine effect modification by age, sex and polymorphisms of the genes encoding for the vitamin D receptor (VDR) and δ‐aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (ALAD).MethodsCross‐sectional data in 652 current and former lead workers were analyzed.ResultsBlood lead, but not patella lead, was positively associated with systolic blood pressure. Neither lead measure was associated with diastolic blood pressure or hypertension status. There was no evidence of effect modification.ConclusionsIn these workers, blood lead was more relevant to elevations in blood pressure than was patella lead. Additional research will be required to determine whether patella lead assessment provides unique information on vascular risk from lead exposure. Am. J. Ind. Med. 51:336–343, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Preparation and evaluation of β‐TCP/polylactide microspheres as osteogenesis materials
Authors: Lin Li Chun , Chang Shwu Jen , Kuo Shyh Ming , Niu Gregory Cheng‐Chie , Keng Hao Kai , Tsai Pei Hua 
Published: March 2008

AbstractIn the osteological field, the study of repairing and recovering processes for bone tissues has been one of the major clinical research subjects. To promote the bone healing, bioactive composite materials have been employed for the filling and supporting of defects, voids or diseased parts. In this study, a series of microsphere composites made from polylactide (PLA), a biodegradable polymer, and β‐calcium phosphate (β‐TCP), an osteogenesis material, were prepared and estimated their potential applications in participation to the growth of new bone tissues on bone defects. By employing the water/oil/water (w/o/w) emulsion technique to fabricate a series of bioactive and biodegradable microspheres materials, we have found that one type of the microspheres: with diameter at 177 ± 33 μm, and enclosure of β‐TCP at 18% (wt/wt), exhibiting smooth surface by the optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observations, and showing slow yet steady calcium ion release and PLA degradation by in vitro test, showed excellent repairing and recovery of the chondrocyte and osteocyte tissues on drilled defects on the condyle of New Zealand rabbits within 1 month of application. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Phthalocyanine/laponite nanocomposites as multifunction additives for stabilization of polymeric materials
Authors: El‐Ghaffar M. A. Abd , El‐Halawany N. R. , Essawy H. A. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractNovel phthalocyanine amide polymers (Pc) based on 1,8‐naphthalenediamine (Ar) as an aromatic amine and 1,4‐diaminobutane (Al) as an aliphatic amine, were synthesized to improve the limited stabilization modes of conventional phthalocyanines. The metal‐free phthalocyanines polymers (MF‐Pc) were moderately soluble in DMSO only while the metalized forms (Cu&Ni‐Pc) were completely insoluble. The structure of the samples was confirmed using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), ultraviolet–visible spectrometry (UV–vis) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). Additionally, the thermal stability and glass transition temperatures (Tg) were investigated by thermal gravimetric analyzer (TGA) and differential scanning calorimeter (DSC), respectively. The intercalation of the metal‐free phthalocyanines, based on the aliphatic amine (MF‐PcAl) and aromatic amine (MF‐PcAr), into laponite from DMSO solution, was proved by X‐ray diffraction (XRD). The basal space of laponite increased from 1.2 to 1.36 nm upon intercalation of MF‐PcAl and extended more to 1.91 nm on using MF‐PcAr as intercalant while the quaternized forms of MF‐Pcs behaved likewise and could not widen the basal space of laponite to more than 1.43 nm which was attributed to the random distribution of the positive charges over the Pc chains which imposed confined arrangement inside the basal space and consequently narrower space than the attained one in the case of nonquaternized phthalocyanines. The plasticized PVC composites based on laponite treated with either MF‐PcAl or MF‐PcAr exhibited improved resistance to the UV radiation as revealed by the retention of the tensile strength and elongation at rupture after exposure to UV radiation for different time intervals. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008