Source rock/dispersed organic matter characterization-TSOP research subcommitee results

Because sedimentary organic matter consists of a diverse mixture of organic components with different properties, a combination of chemical and petrographic results offers the most complete assessment of source rock properties. The primary purpose of this Society for Organic Petrology (TSOP) subcommittee is to contribute to the standardization of kerogen characterization methods. Specific objectives include: (1) evaluation of the applications of different organic matter (petrographic) classifications and terminology, and (2) integration of petrographic and geochemical results. These objectives were met by completing questionnaires, and petrographic, geochemical and photomicrograph round-robin exercises. Samples that were selected for this study represent different petrographic and geochemical properties, and geologic settings to help identify issues related to the utilization of different classifications and techniques. Petrographic analysis of the organic matter was completed using both a prescribed classification and the individual classification normally used by each participant. Total organic carbon (TOC), Rock-Eval pyrolysis and elemental analysis were also completed for each sample. Significant differences exist in the petrographic results from both the prescribed and individual classifications. Although there is general agreement about the oil- vs gas-prone nature of the samples, comparison of results from individual classifications is difficult due to the variety of nomenclature and methods used to describe an organic matter assemblage. Results from the photomicrograph exercise document that different terminology is being used to describe the same component. Although variation in TOC and Rock-Eval data exists, geochemical results define kerogen type and generative potential. Recommendations from this study include: (1) A uniform organic matter classification must be employed, which eliminates complex terminology and is capable of direct correlation with geochemical parameters. (2) A standardized definition and nomenclature must be used for the unstructured (amorphous) organic matter category. Subdivisions of this generalized amorphous category are needed to define its chemical and environmental properties. (3) Standardized techniques including multimode illumination, types of sample preparations and data reporting will help eliminate variability in the type and amount of organic components reported

Source rock/dispersed organic matter characterization-TSOP research subcommitee results

Because sedimentary organic matter consists of a diverse mixture of organic components with different properties, a combination of chemical and petrographic results offers the most complete assessment of source rock properties. The primary purpose of this Society for Organic Petrology (TSOP) subcommittee is to contribute to the standardization of kerogen characterization methods. Specific objectives include: (1) evaluation of the applications of different organic matter (petrographic) classifications and terminology, and (2) integration of petrographic and geochemical results. These objectives were met by completing questionnaires, and petrographic, geochemical and photomicrograph round-robin exercises. Samples that were selected for this study represent different petrographic and geochemical properties, and geologic settings to help identify issues related to the utilization of different classifications and techniques. Petrographic analysis of the organic matter was completed using both a prescribed classification and the individual classification normally used by each participant. Total organic carbon (TOC), Rock-Eval pyrolysis and elemental analysis were also completed for each sample. Significant differences exist in the petrographic results from both the prescribed and individual classifications. Although there is general agreement about the oil- vs gas-prone nature of the samples, comparison of results from individual classifications is difficult due to the variety of nomenclature and methods used to describe an organic matter assemblage. Results from the photomicrograph exercise document that different terminology is being used to describe the same component. Although variation in TOC and Rock-Eval data exists, geochemical results define kerogen type and generative potential. Recommendations from this study include: (1) A uniform organic matter classification must be employed, which eliminates complex terminology and is capable of direct correlation with geochemical parameters. (2) A standardized definition and nomenclature must be used for the unstructured (amorphous) organic matter category. Subdivisions of this generalized amorphous category are needed to define its chemical and environmental properties. (3) Standardized techniques including multimode illumination, types of sample preparations and data reporting will help eliminate variability in the type and amount of organic components reported

A pilot randomized controlled trial for a videoconference-delivered mindfulness-based group intervention in a nonclinical setting

Technology is increasingly being integrated into the provision of therapy and mental health interventions. While the evidence base for technology-led delivery of mindfulness-based interventions is growing, one approach to understanding the effects of technology-delivered elements includes so-named blended programs that continue to include aspects of traditional face-to-face interaction. This arrangement offers unique practical advantages, and also enables researchers to isolate variables that may be underlying the effects of technology-delivered interventions. The present study reports on a pilot videoconference-delivered mindfulness-based group intervention offered to university students and staff members with wait-list controls. Apart from the first session of the six-week course, the main facilitator guided evening classes remotely via online videoconferencing, with follow-up exercises via email. Participants Powered by Editorial Manager® and ProduXion Manager® from Aries Systems Corporation were taught a variety of mindfulness-based exercises such as meditation, breathing exercises, mindful tasting, as well as the concepts underpinning such practice. Participants completed pre- and post-intervention questionnaires on depression, anxiety, repetitive negative thinking, dysfunctional attitudes, positive and negative affect, self-compassion, compassion for others, and mindfulness. For participants who attended at least five of the six sessions, scores on all outcome measures improved significantly post intervention and remained stable at three-week follow up. The videoconference-delivered mindfulness-based group intervention appears to provide a viable alternative format to standard mindfulness programs where the facilitator and participants need to live in close physical proximity with each other

Galaxy Zoo: quantitative visual morphological classifications for 48 000 galaxies from CANDELS

We present quantified visual morphologies of approximately 48 000 galaxies observed in three Hubble Space Telescope legacy fields by the Cosmic Assembly Near-infrared Deep Extragalactic Legacy Survey (CANDELS) and classified by participants in the Galaxy Zoo project. 90 per cent of galaxies have z ≤ 3 and are observed in rest-frame optical wavelengths by CANDELS. Each galaxy received an average of 40 independent classifications, which we combine into detailed morphological information on galaxy features such as clumpiness, bar instabilities, spiral structure, and merger and tidal signatures. We apply a consensus-based classifier weighting method that preserves classifier independence while effectively down-weighting significantly outlying classifications. After analysing the effect of varying image depth on reported classifications, we also provide depth-corrected classifications which both preserve the information in the deepest observations and also enable the use of classifications at comparable depths across the full survey. Comparing the Galaxy Zoo classifications to previous classifications of the same galaxies shows very good agreement; for some applications, the high number of independent classifications provided by Galaxy Zoo provides an advantage in selecting galaxies with a particular morphological profile, while in others the combination of Galaxy Zoo with other classifications is a more promising approach than using any one method alone. We combine the Galaxy Zoo classifications of ‘smooth’ galaxies with parametric morphologies to select a sample of featureless discs at 1 ≤ z ≤ 3, which may represent a dynamically warmer progenitor population to the settled disc galaxies seen at later epochs

An evaluation of the allergic contact dermatitis potential of colloidal grain suspensions

BACKGROUND: Colloidal grain suspensions have been used for decades as adjuncts in the treatment of atopic dermatitis, especially in the US. In Italy, many young children have been exposed to colloidal grains. Recently, it was suggested that these bath therapies may induce allergic contact dermatitis in some young atopic children. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the allergic skin reactions to topical oat and rice colloidal grain suspensions of normal and atopic children with and without previous exposure to colloidal grain suspensions. METHODS: A double-blind, randomized patch study. Two concentrations of oat and rice colloidal grains (0.007% and 0.7%) were applied occlusively to the backs of 65 children living in Italy, ages 6 months to 2 years (43 were atopic and 22 were normal). RESULTS: There were neither immediate urticarial nor allergic reactions in any of the 65 study subjects, atopic or nonatopic; 5 of 43 (12%) atopic subjects developed irritant reactions to the test materials. Radioallergosorbent tests (RAST) tests were performed on 55 subjects. The negative RAST test results found in the nonatopic group correlated well with nonatopic status, but positive RAST tests were found in only 8 of 35 (23%) atopic dermatitis subjects. None of the sera from positive RAST scores corresponded to subjects with irritant patch reactions. CONCLUSIONS: The data indicate that topical colloidal grains can be used as an adjunct in the management of mild atopic dermatitis in children under 2 years of age. There was no evidence of sensitization to topical colloidal grains in the group studied

Evidence-based management of ambulatory electronic health record system implementation: An assessment of conceptual support and qualitative evidence

Objectives: While electronic health record (EHR) systems have potential to drive improvements in healthcare, a majority of EHR implementations fall short of expectations. Shortcomings in implementations are often due to organizational issues around the implementation process rather than technological problems. Evidence from both the information technology and healthcare management literature can be applied to improve the likelihood of implementation success, but the translation of this evidence into practice has not been widespread. Our objective was to comprehensively study and synthesize best practices for managing ambulatory EHR system implementation in healthcare organizations, highlighting applicable management theories and successful strategies. Methods: We held 45 interviews with key informants in six U.S. healthcare organizations purposively selected based on reported success with ambulatory EHR implementation. We also conducted six focus groups comprised of 37 physicians. Interview and focus group transcripts were analyzed using both deductive and inductive methods to answer research questions and explore emergent themes. Results: We suggest that successful management of ambulatory EHR implementation can be guided by the Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) quality improvement (QI) model. While participants did not acknowledge nor emphasize use of this model, we found evidence that successful implementation practices could be framed using the PDSA model. Additionally, successful sites had three strategies in common: 1) use of evidence from published health information technology (HIT) literature emphasizing implementation facilitators; 2) focusing on workflow; and 3) incorporating critical management factors that facilitate implementation. Conclusions: Organizations seeking to improve ambulatory EHR implementation processes can use frameworks such as the PDSA QI model to guide efforts and provide a means to formally accommodate new evidence over time. Implementing formal management strategies and incorporating new evidence through the PDSA model is a key element of evidence-based management and a crucial way for organizations to position themselves to proactively address implementation and use challenges before they are exacerbated. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved