bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Electronic-Set Openhole Packer Installation in Campos Basin, Offshore Brazil: A Case History
Authors: Mendes G. D. , Fowler M. A. , Hensgens S. K.
Published: September 2014

Interest in hydrocarbon-bearing carbonates as well as emerging extended-reach horizontal well technology for sandstone reservoirs has caused the need for reliable zonal isolation to receive substantial attention. Solutions for isolating more permeable sections of the reservoir from those less prone to produce in an economically favorable flow rate in a horizontal well often employ swell packers, whose major drawback is a long inflation period. This paper presents the successful installation of thirteen remote set packers in an offshore well for a major IOC in Brazil.

Twelve of the packers were set in openhole and one was set near the 9 5/8-in casing shoe. The device encompasses a programmable electronically controlled setting mechanism that includes a pressure sensor, temperature sensor and a countdown clock. Utilization of the new technology enabled the operator to set the packers faster than swell packers, saving 2 days of rig time.

The completion design comprised setting the packers sequentially from heel to toe, only a few minutes apart, by holding pressure inside the string against the openhole wall. Using actual drilling data, the packers were programmed with the desired pressure and temperature parameters prior to running in the hole. Upon reaching the setting depth, the work string pressure was increased and monitored through the cement unit. In less than one and a half hours, all thirteen devices were successfully set and observed through real-time monitoring of the cement unit's pressure transducer.

The paper presents the device concept, describes the complete sequence of pre-job preparation and reveals the installation outcomes.
New Material for Wellbore Strengthening and Fluid Losses Mitigation in Deepwater Drilling Scenario
Authors: Teixeira G. T. , Lomba R. F. , Fontoura S. A. , Meléndez V. A. , Ribeiro E. C. , Francisco A. D. , Nascimento R. S.
Published: September 2014

Drilling in deepwater environments poses many challenges, due its narrow operational window. Very common problems at this scenario are low fracture strength and big losses of drilling fluid while drilling. In order to mitigate these problems, various resin systems such as epoxies, phenolics, and furans have been reported in the literature. However, hyperbranched epoxy resin is a new class of polymers that promises to be a good choice for application in narrow window drilling operations, due its particular properties. In fact, hyperbranched resins are attracting attention of scientific community because of their unique structure and properties, such as low solution and melt-viscosity, good reactivity and faster curing time compared to their linear counterparts. Barua et.al has synthetized a low viscosity hyperbranched epoxy resin from non-hazardous and environment friendly substrate, the glycerol. The hyperbranched epoxy resin was evaluated by use of several procedures at room temperature – e.g., compressive and viscosity tests. Also, equipment has been designed and built in order to evaluate wellbore strengthening properties of developed material under simulated downhole conditions. This paper presents results that illustrate the capacity of this new system to cure losses and improve mechanical properties of the formations.
Fit-for-Purpose Under-reaming Blades Design and Total System Approach Helped Drill a Challenging 18 1/8-in. × 22-in. Section 20 Days Ahead of AFE in Deepwater Exploration Well Offshore Brazil
Authors: Pacheco L.. , Desousa J. H. , Thomson I.. , Freesz M..
Published: September 2014

Historically, deepwater offshore Brazil underreaming operations in large hole sizes (bigger than 20 in.) were always considered a significant challenge due to the presence of hard, abrasive interbeded formations in these sections. These challenges were typically associated with premature underreamers cutting structure damage and with bottomhole assembly (BHA) or drillstring catastrophic failures. These situations have caused extra costs to operators to implement remedial solutions, such as enlarging a pre-drilled hole or performing expensive fishing operations.

Downhole vibrations, along with underreamers' cutting structure durability had been the main villains in this type of operation. Recently, many options have been tried by operators and service companies including the selection of various drill bit types to improve drilling dynamics, and the use of non-conventional BHAs with underreamers in tandem to enhance the system's longevity. In spite of these efforts, the problems have remained.

A total systems approach was implemented to overcome these problems in a particularly challenging application offshore Brazil, where in the closest offset seven underreamer runs were needed to enlarge 850 meters. As the goal was maximizing the likelihood of drilling and underreaming the entire section in a single run, the under-reamer was equipped with a specialized heavy-duty cutting structure design. The design consisted of an optimized blade profile with increased cutter density and the latest newest technology in PDC cutters with improved impact and abrasion resistance. Along with the fit-for-purpose underreamer design, it also utilized a concentric expandable stabilizer on top of the underreamer to reduce downhole vibrations and a real-time drilling dynamics service to monitor downhole torque, weight on bit and vibrations to adjust drilling parameters as needed during the operation.

This concept was introduced for the first time in a big-bore project in Brazil. Proper planning and integration between the operator and service company resulted in drilling and underreaming 1,164 meters in a single run, with a total of 304 circulating hours. This accomplishment finalized the 1818-in. × 22-in. section twenty days ahead of the planned AFE.
Modeling and Field Trials of the Effective Tractoring Force of Axial Vibration Tools
Authors: Wicks Nathan , Pabon Jahir , Zheng Andrew
Published: September 2014

There are a significant number of extended reach wells that cannot be effectively intervened to total depth due to tubing string lock-up. If the horizontal section of the wellbore is sufficiently long, the axial compressive load conveying the tubing into the wellbore will cause the tubing to buckle. Buckling initiates in a sinusoidal mode and progresses to a helical mode. Once the tubing buckles helically, the string quickly locks-up due to increased normal forces and frictional interaction with the wellbore.

Several commercial vibration devices attempt to extend intervention depths in extended reach wells. One of the primary modes of vibration employed in these devices is axial. We have developed a simulation tool to enhance understanding of how axial vibration devices extend reach. In the first section, we introduce a 1D finite rigid body dynamic model. This computational tool models the propagation of axial excitation in the presence of borehole frictional contact. In the second section, we demonstrate that the reach extension of axial vibration tools can be represented by an effective tractoring force, which is dependent upon vibration amplitude and injection speed. In the third section, we present field trial results of an axial vibration tool currently under development. Using tool output measured via a downhole force gauge, we compare reach extension seen in the field trials with modeling predictions.
An Efficient Multiscale Method for the Simulation of In-situ Conversion Processes
Authors: Li Hangyu , Vink Jeroen C. , Alpak Faruk O.
Published: September 2014

Numerical modeling of the in-situ conversion process (ICP) is a challenging endeavor involving thermal multiphase flow, compositional pressure/volume/temperature (PVT) behavior, and chemical reactions that convert solid kerogen into light hydrocarbons, which are tightly coupled to temperature propagation. Our investigations of grid-resolution effects on the accuracy and performance of ICP simulations have demonstrated that ICP-simulation outcomes—specifically, chemical-reaction rates, kerogen-accumulation profiles, and oil-/gas-production rates, may exhibit relatively large errors on coarse grids. Coarse grids are attractive because they deliver favorable computational performance. We have developed a novel multiscale modeling method for simulating ICP that reduces numerical-modeling errors and reproduces fine-scale-simulation results on relatively coarse grids. The method uses a two-scale solution method, in which the reaction kinetics of the solids is solved locally on a fine-scale grid, with interpolated temperatures obtained from coarse-grid simulations of thermal flow and fluid transport.

We demonstrate the accuracy and efficiency of our multiscale method with representative 1D models. It is shown that the method delivers accurate solutions for key ICP performance indicators with very little computational overhead compared with corresponding coarse-scale models. The robustness of the multiscale method has been verified over a number of physical-parameter ranges with a limited-scope sensitivity study. Numerical results show that the multiscale method consistently improves the simulation results and matches the fine-scale reference results closely.
Cultivar, Harvest Date, and Nitrogen Fertilization Affect Production and Quality of Fall Oat
Authors: Coblentz W. K. , Jokela W. E. , Bertram M. G.
Published: September 2014

Previous research has shown that oat (Avena sativa L.) has promise as a fall‐forage option for dairy producers. In addition, dairy producers often have a recurring need to identify opportunity windows for manure hauling other than before or after production of corn (Zea mays L.). Our objectives were to evaluate the effects of N fertilization, cultivar selection, and harvest date on dry matter (DM) yield, N uptake, N recovery, and the nutritive value of fall‐grown oat forages fertilized with either urea (46–0–0) or bedded‐pack manure obtained from a dairy‐heifer facility. Two cultivars of oat (ForagePlus and Ogle) were planted in August 2011 and 2012, fertilized with bedded‐pack manure (23 or 45 Mg ha–1, wet basis) or commercial urea (46–0–0) at rates of 0, 20, 40, 60, or 80 kg N ha–1, and then harvested on two dates. Climatic conditions differed sharply across years, with growth responses limited by droughty conditions during 2012. During both years, DM yield increased linearly with commercial N fertilization, although the magnitude of these responses was relatively small. Yields of DM following applications of urea exceeded those of forages receiving bedded‐pack manure during 2011. Apparent N recoveries increased linearly with application rate for urea during 2011 and increased with both linear and quadratic effects during 2012, but N recoveries following applications of bedded‐pack manures were minimal during both years (overall range = –6.2 to 2.6% of N applied). These results indicate that bedded‐pack manures containing wood shavings provided little immediately available N to support production of fall‐grown oat.
Development of Hexaploid (AABBJJ) Tritipyrums with rearranged Thinopyrum distichum (Thunb.) Á Löve‐derived Genomes
Authors: Marais Francois , Simsek Senay , Poudel Roshan Sharma , Cookman Davey , Somo Mohamed
Published: September 2014

Development of durum wheat (Triticum turgidum L.) × Thinopyrum hybrids as a new salt‐tolerant crop was first attempted in England. These hybrids (here called b‐tritipyrums) were based on the diploid grass Th. bessarabicum (Savul. & Rayss) Á Löve . Although salt tolerant, b‐tritipyrums (AABBJbJb) had poor agrotype, brittle rachis, and poor threshability, which impeded their continued development. In this study, we have developed alternative hexaploid hybrids (d‐tritipyrums) containing a single, rearranged J genome from Th. distichum (Thunb.) Á Löve (a segmental autotetraploid; J1dJ1dJ2dJ2d). Four first generation d‐tritipyrums with genomes AABBJJ were selected from segregating generations of crosses among primary and secondary durum wheat × Th. distichum amphiploids. The J genome in each appears to consist of seven rearranged Thinopyrum chromosomes, with each individual chromosome having been derived from either of the J1d or J2d genomes and altered through recombination with its homoeologue. A lineage with seedling salt tolerance, nonbrittle rachis, and moderately good threshability was then crossed with common wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) × Th. distichum secondary amphiploids to broaden J‐genome variability. Despite close homoeology, the J1d and J2d genomes appear to be highly diverse and second‐generation hexaploids and near‐hexaploids exhibited a rich diversity of Thinopyrum‐derived traits. Continued breeding for productivity in marginal soils can further the development of d‐tritipyrums to constitute an intermediate, well‐adapted germplasm. It will then be possible to compare it more effectively to wheat for the analysis and transfer of key physiological trait genes from the J genomes.
Hearing New Voices: Registered Nurses and Health Technicians Experience Caring for Chronic Pain Patients in Primary Care Clinics
Authors: Pellico Linda H. , Gilliam Wesley P. , Lee Allison W. , Kerns Robert D.
Published: September 2014

Recent national estimates from the U.S. reveal that as many as one-third of all Americans experience chronic pain resulting in high prevalence rates of visits to primary care clinics (PCC). Indeed, chronic pain appears to be an emerging global health problem. Research has largely ignored the perspective of PCC staff other than physicians in providing care for patients with chronic pain. We wanted to gain insights from the experiences of Registered Nurses (RNs) and Health Technicians (HTs) who care for this patient population. Krippendorff’s method for content analysis was used to analyze comments written in an open-ended survey from fifty-seven primary care clinic staff (RNs-N=27 and HTs-N=30) respondents. This represented an overall response rate of 75%. Five themes emerged related to the experience of RNs and HTs caring for patients with chronic pain: 1) Primacy of Medications and Accompanying Clinical Quandaries; 2) System Barriers; 3) Dealing with Failure; 4) Primacy of Patient Centered Care; and 5) Importance of Team Based Care. This study demonstrates that nursing staff provide patient-centered care, recognize the importance of their role within an interdisciplinary team and can offer valuable insight about the care of patients with chronic pain. This study provides insight into strategies that can mitigate barriers to chronic pain management while sustaining those aspects that RNs and HTs view as essential for improving patient care for this vulnerable population in PCCs.
Optimal design of compact organic Rankine cycle units for domestic solar applications
Authors: Barbazza Luca , Pierobon Leonardo , Mirandola Alberto , Haglind Fredrik
Published: September 2014

Organic Rankine cycle turbogenerators are a promising technology to transform
the solar radiation harvested by solar collectors into electric power. The
present work aims at sizing a small-scale organic Rankine cycle unit by
tailoring its design for domestic solar applications. Stringent design
criteria, i. e., compactness, high performance and safe operation, are
targeted by adopting a multi-objective optimization approach modeled with the
genetic algorithm. Design-point thermodynamic variables, e. g., evaporating
pressure, the working fluid, minimum allowable temperature differences, and
the equipment geometry, are the decision variables. Flat plate heat
exchangers with herringbone corrugations are selected as heat transfer
equipment for the preheater, the evaporator and the condenser. The results
unveil the hyperbolic trend binding the net power output to the heat
exchanger compactness. Findings also suggest that the evaporator and
condenser minimum allowable temperature differences have the largest impact
on the system volume and on the cycle performances. Among the fluids
considered, the results indicate that R1234yf and R1234ze are the best
working fluid candidates. Using flat plate solar collectors (hot water
temperature equal to 75 ?C), R1234yf is the optimal solution. The heat
exchanger volume ranges between 6.0 and 23.0 dm3, whereas the thermal
efficiency is around 4.5%. R1234ze is the best working fluid employing
parabolic solar collectors (hot water temperature equal to 120 ?C). In such
case the thermal efficiency is around 6.9%, and the heat exchanger volume
varies from 6.0 to 18.0 dm3.
Numerical simulation of friction stir welding
Authors: Mijajlovic Miroslav , Milcic Dragan , Milcic Miodrag
Published: September 2014

Friction stir welding is a solid-state welding technique that utilizes
thermo-mechanical influence of the rotating welding tool on parent material
resulting with monolith joint-weld. On the contact of welding tool and parent
material, significant stirring and deformation of parent material appears,
and during this process mechanical energy is partially transformed into heat.
The paper describes the software for the numerical simulation of friction
stir welding developed at Mechanical Engineering Faculty, University of Nis.
Numerical solution for estimation of welding plates temperature is estimated
using finite difference method-explicit scheme with adaptive grid,
considering influence of temperature on material's conductivity, contact
conditions between welding tool and parent material, material flow around
welding tool etc. The calculated results are in good agreement with the
experimental results.
Evaluation of the State of Stress in Load-Bearing Elements in Conveyances/Ocena Stanu Wytężenia W Elementach Nośnych Konstrukcji Naczyń Wydobywczych
Authors: Wolny Stanisław
Published: September 2014

Evaluation is made of the state of stress in load-bearing elements in conveyances. Relying on the design loads of load-bearing elements in conveyances given by the proposed method (Wolny & Łowkis, 2012), the state of stress in those components is obtained (in the graphic form) by the FEM approach. The final results will be utilised to develop the guidelines for designing the load-bearing elements in conveyances in the aspect of their mass minimisation.
Application of GIS Methods in Assessing Effects of Mining Activity on Surface Infrastructure/Zastosowanie Metod Gis W Ocenie Wpływu Działalności Górniczej Na Infrastrukturę Na Powierzchni
Authors: Blachowski Jan , Chrzanowski Adam , Szostak-Chrzanowski Anna
Published: September 2014

Tilt (T), curvature (K) and horizontal strain (ε) in ground subsidence troughs are the basic deformation parameters, which are used in the assessment of mining effects on surface infrastructure. The parameters can be determined from mathematical functions describing the continuous displacement field. The latter can be obtained by the least squares fitting of selected displacement functions to results of three-dimensional monitoring of horizontal and vertical displacements at discrete points. A methodology based on spatial data modelling in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) facilitates the above process as demonstrated on the example of a mining area in Canada. Polish guidelines regarding classification of mining risk categories based on the values of these parameters have been used in the example.
Deformation Characteristics of a Technological Pillar in the Chamber-Pillar Mining System/Charakterystyka Deformacyjna Filara Technologicznego W Komorowo-Filarowym Systemie Eksploatacji
Authors: Grzebyk Wiesław , Stolecki Lech
Published: September 2014

The article presents the suitability of the new measurement techniques for monitoring deformations of the technological pillars and fragments of the face in underground mining. The conducted observations concerned the mined pillar located in the lead of mining field G-3/4 of Rudna mine (mine belongs to KGHM Polska Miedź S.A.) in a situation of constant progress of mining works in its direction.

The observations conducted underground provided results demonstrating the suitability of the applied observation techniques in this area. The obtained measurement data directly describe the volumetric changes which form the basis for assessing the stress of the rock formation. This issue is well recognised based on the tests on rock samples. Further studies should concern the transfer of these experiences to the results of in situ observations.
Determination of the Influence of an Anticorrosive Layer on the Strength of Link Mining Chains/Określenie Wpływu Warstwy Antykorozyjnej Na Wytrzymałość Łańcuchów Ogniwowych – Górniczych
Authors: Szot Mariusz
Published: September 2014

Using link mining chains is related to the proper way of selecting the type of the chain. The operational parameters of the chain are associated with a risk to the employees who operate haulage systems using scraper conveyors. A complete analysis of operational parameters is possible to be made only after relevant tests are performed. The study presents laboratory test results as well as modeling studies which allowed to determine the influence of the anticorrosive protection of the chain’s surface on its operational parameters.
Application of Multidimensional Scaling to Classification of Various Types of Coal/Zastosowanie Skalowania Wielowymiarowego Do Klasyfikacji Różnych Typów Węgli
Authors: Jamróz Dariusz
Published: September 2014

Visualization of multidimensional data is a new way of statistical analysis of so-called statistical graphical methods. These methods allow to classify some analyzed objects, including their various features. Facing grained materials problems, like coal or ores many characteristics have an influence on the quality of product. In case of coal, many features must be taken into consideration to determine quality of the material. Apart from most obvious characteristics like particle size, particle density or ash contents there are many others which cause significant differences between considered types of material. In the paper the application of Multidimensional Scaling Method is presented which is one of the multidimensional data visualization techniques. To this purpose, sampling of three types of coal was performed, which were 31, 34.2 and 35 (according to Polish classification of coal types). First, the material was screened on sieves and then divided into density fractions. Next step was to analyze chemically the obtained particle and size fractions of researched coal. Then, the Multidimensional Scaling Method was applied to visualize the investigated set of data. It was proved that the applied methodology allows to identify certain coal types efficiently and can be used as a qualitative criterion for grained materials. However, it was impossible to achieve such identification comparing all three types of coal together. The Multidimensional Scaling Method is new technique of data analysis concerning widely understood mineral processing.
Development of the Kuz-Ram Model to Blasting in a Limestone Quarry/Opracowanie Modelu Kuz-Ram Do Wykorzystania Przy Pracach Strzałowych W Kopalni Wapienia
Authors: Tosun Abdurrahman , Konak Gurcan , Toprak Tugçe , Karakus Dogan , Onur Ahmet Hakan
Published: September 2014

It is very important to know the degree of disintegration beforehand in open quarry bench blasting in terms of blasting efficiency. Kuznetsov (1973), Cunningham (1987), and Ouchterlony (2005) have developed the Rosin-Rammler distribution function for estimating the degrees of fragmentation (Rosin & Rammler, 1933). However, models they developed do not give realistic results for blast surfaces where there are a lot of discontinuity characteristics with broken and fissured areas due to the difference in structural characteristics of the rocks. In this study, average fragmentative distribution of the heap formed as a result of several blasting tests in a quarry belonging to BATIÇİM have been separately determined by using a dimensional analysis program with Wipfrag image processing technique and Kuz-Ram estimation model. Average granular size correction has been carried out with the approach of accepting as fine-grain the areas that couldn’t be determined by means of image analysis programs and that were neglected in the analysis. Subsequently, the land coefficient in Kuz-Ram model was determined to be 0.0383 rather than 0.06 for the said quarry by taking the average dimension values determined by Wipfrag method as reference point.
Hydration Layers on Clay Mineral Surfaces in Aqueous Solutions: a Review/Warstwy Uwodnione Na Powierzchni Minerałów Ilastych W Roztworach Wodnych: Przegląd
Authors: Min Fanfei , Peng Chenliang , Song Shaoxian
Published: September 2014

Hydration layer on clay mineral surfaces is originated from the adsorption of polar water molecules and hydrated cations on the surfaces through unsaturated ionic bonds, hydrogen bonds and van der Waals bonds. It has attracted great attentions because of their important influences on the dispersive stability of the particles in aqueous solutions. This review highlighted the molecular structure of clay minerals, the origin of hydration layers on clay mineral surfaces, the hydration layer structural model, hydration force and the main parameters of affecting the hydration layers on clay minerals (crystal structure, cationic type and strength, and solution pH). Also, the research methods for hydration layers were briefly described, especially the determination of hydration layer thickness by the Einstein viscosity method and AFM method. In addition, the applications of the stability of fine clay mineral particles in aqueous suspensions were summarized.
Effect of Natural Pressure Drop in Mine Main Ventilation/Skutki Naturalnego Spadku Ciśnienia W Głównej Sieci Wentylacyjnej Kopalni
Authors: Zapletal Pavel , Hudeček Vlastimil , Trofimov Vitaly
Published: September 2014

Natural ventilation in a mine is ventilation without the use of means of artificial ventilation. The flow of mine air is induced by the difference between the mass column in an intake and that in a return. The difference in mine air density is a result of difference between the temperature of intake air and that of return air. To a certain extent, the influence of differences in mine air humidity and chemical composition can act as well.

Gassy mines in the Czech Republic and Ukraine are ventilated merely artificially, i.e. by means of exhaust ventilation. However, even in the case of this type of ventilation, when the total mine air flow is produced by fans, a natural current of air exists and acts in the ventilation network of the mine.
Methods of Determining Rock Mass Freezing Depth for Shaft Sinking in Difficult Hydrogeological and Geotechnical Conditions/Określenie Głębokości Zamrażania Górotworu Dla Potrzeb Głębienia Szybów W Trudnych Warunkach Hydrogeologicznych I Geotechnicznych
Authors: Duda Robert
Published: September 2014

Methods of determining the depth of rock mass freezing for the purpose of shaft sinking in solid rocks in difficult hydrogeological and geomechanical conditions are analyzed in this paper. There are presented factors on the basis of which the freezing depth can be determined in heterogeneous rocks media. The author focuses on the source of problems with establishing parameters used for defining the freezing depth. A method of interpreting hydrogeological and geomechanical source data is presented on two examples of weak and medium compact sandstones freezing for the purpose of shaft sinking in the Legnica-Głogów Copper Mining District, south-western Poland. Moreover, a general algorithm for determining the rock mass freezing depth is given. The following main criteria of freezing depth evaluation have been assumed: hydraulic conductivity values, porosity, rock quality designation index (RQD) and Protodiakonow’s rock compaction index. The outflow of drilling fluid in the exploration borehole was taken into account as a complementary criterion. The practical use of the algorithm was exemplified by a geological profile.
The effect of dexketoprofen pre-emptively administered on the consumption of tramadol and the incidence of nausea and vomiting after laparoscopic cholecystectomy
Authors: Costea D. , Gherghina V. , Popescu R. , Nicolae Gh. , Cîndea Iulia , Balcan Alina
Published: September 2014

The aim of our study has been to assess the comparative use of the two NSAIDs, dexketoprofen and ketoprofen, for postoperative analgesia after laparoscopic cholecystectomy mainly following: the quality of the analgesia, the incidence of potential adverse effects (for example, postoperative nausea and vomiting) and the rescue analgesics consumption (tramadol). This prospective, randomized, double-blind study included 90 patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy under general anaesthesia. Patients were randomly assigned into 2 groups: group D (n = 45) - patients that have received dexketoprofen 50 mg in dilution with10 ml saline solution iv., 30 minutes before the induction and group K (n = 45) - patients that have received ketoprofen 100 mg in dilution with 10 ml saline solution iv., 30 minutes before the induction (preemptive analgesia). Surgical interventions were conducted under general anaesthesia, with identical protocol for the two groups of study. Post-surgery analgesic regime consisting in 4 g of paracetamol administered for example in the first 24 hours, was started immediately after surgery. Boluses of tramadol of 100 mg (until 400 mg /daily) have been used as rescue analgesia. The main objectives of our study have been: post-surgery analgesia (VAS at mobilization, 0-100 mm) at 0, 2, 6, 12 and 24 hours after the surgery,the consumption of tramadol, incidence of PONV and the length of hospitalization period (LOS). Secondary objectives of the study have been: the incidence of gastrointestinal symptoms and the incidence of postsurgery blood losses. In the two study groups there have not been any differences concerning demographic data, post-surgery gastro-intestinal symptoms, postsurgery loss of blood and the hospitalization period. VAS was significantly lower in group D vs. K, at 0 and 6 hours after the surgery (p <0,05). The incidence of PONV was lower in the group of patients who received preemptive analgesia with dexketoprofen (p <0,05). The number of tramadol boluses administered and the number of patients requiring backup analgesia was lower in group D comparatively to group K. Preemptive administration of dexketoprofen seems to be more effective than the administration of ketoprofen for post-surgery multimodal analgesia after laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The preemptive administration of dexketoprofen also deereases tramadol consumption and the incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting.
Evaluation of 3D hybrid microfiber/nanofiber scaffolds for bone tissue engineering
Authors: Ostrowska B. , Jaroszewicz J. , Zaczynska E. , Tomaszewski W. , Swieszkowski W. , Kurzydlowsk K.J.
Published: September 2014

Fabrication of scaffolds for tissue engineering (TE) applications becomes a very important research topic in present days. The aim of the study was to create and evaluate a hybrid polymeric 3D scaffold consisted of nano and microfibers, which could be used for bone tissue engineering. Hybrid structures were fabricated using rapid prototyping (RP) and electrospinning (ES) methods. Electrospun nanofibrous mats were incorporated between the microfibrous layers produced by RP technology. The nanofibers were made of poly(L-lactid) and polycaprolactone was used to fabricate microfibers. The micro- and nanostructures of the hybrid scaffolds were examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). X-ray microtomographical (μCT) analysis and the mechanical testing of the porous hybrid structures were performed using SkyScan 1172 machine, equipped with a material testing stage. The scanning electron microscopy and micro-tomography analyses showed that obtained scaffolds are hybrid nanofibers/microfibers structures with high porosity and interconnected pores ranging from 10 to 500um. Although, connection between microfibrous layers and electrospun mats remained consistent under compression tests, addition of the nanofibrous mats affected the mechanical properties of the scaffold, particularly its elastic modulus. The results of the biocompatibility tests didn’t show any cytotoxic effects and no fibroblast after contact with the scaffold showed any damage of the cell body, the cells had proper morphologies and showed good proliferation. Summarizing, using RP technology and electrospinning method it is possible to fabricate biocompatible scaffolds with controllable geometrical parameters and good mechanical properties.
From Readiness to Action: How Motivation Works
Authors: Kruglanski Arie W. , Chernikova Marina , Schori-Eyal Noa
Published: September 2014

We present a new theoretical construct labeled motivational readiness. It is defined as the inclination, whether or not ultimately implemented, to satisfy a desire. A general model of readiness is described which builds on the work of prior theories, including animal learning models and personality approaches, and which aims to integrate a variety of research findings across different domains of motivational research. Components of this model include the Want state (that is, an individual’s currently active desire), and the Expectancy of being able to satisfy that Want. We maintain that the Want concept is the critical ingredient in motivational readiness: without it, readiness cannot exist. In contrast, some motivational readiness can exist without Expectancy. We also discuss the role of incentive in motivational readiness. Incentive is presently conceived of in terms of a Match between a Want and a Perceived Situational Affordance. Whereas in classic models incentive was portrayed as a first order determinant of motivational readiness, here we describe it as a second order factor which affects readiness by influencing Want, Expectancy, or both. The new model’s relation to its theoretical predecessors, and its implications for future research, also are discussed.
Consolidation electrochemotherapy with bleomycin in metastatic melanoma during treatment with dabrafenib
Authors: Valpione Sara , Campana Luca G. , Pigozzo Jacopo , Chiarion-Sileni Vanna
Published: September 2014

Background. Small molecules that inhibit V600 mutated BRAF protein, such as vemurafenib and dabrafenib, are effective in treatment of metastatic melanoma.

Case report. We here describe the clinical course of a V600E BRAF mutated metastatic melanoma patient with systemic disease, who developed tumor progression on superficial soft-tissue metastases during treatment with dabrafenib. Bleomycin electrochemotherapy during dabrafenib treatment was administered to control the soft-tissue progressing metastases and ensured sustained local control without significant toxicity.

Conclusions. The new combined approach maintained the patient quality of life and allowed for the prosecution of the target therapy, which proved to be still effective on systemic disease, up to 17 months
The 26S Proteasome and Initiation of Gene Transcription
Authors: Durairaj Geetha , Kaiser Peter
Published: September 2014

Transcription activation is the foremost step of gene expression and is modulated by various factors that act in synergy. Misregulation of this process and its associated factors has severe effects and hence requires strong regulatory control. In recent years, growing evidence has highlighted the 26S proteasome as an important contributor to the regulation of transcription initiation. Well known for its role in protein destruction, its contribution to protein synthesis was initially viewed with skepticism. However, studies over the past several years have established the proteasome as an important component of transcription initiation through proteolytic and non-proteolytic activities. In this review, we discuss findings made so far in understanding the connections between transcription initiation and the 26S proteasome complex.
Roles of Calcium Regulating MicroRNAs in Cardiac Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury
Authors: Choi Eunhyun , Cha Min-Ji , Hwang Ki-Chul
Published: September 2014

Cardiac Ca2+ cycling and signaling are closely associated with cardiac function. Changes in cellular Ca2+ homeostasis may lead to aberrant cardiac rhythm and may play a critical role in the pathogenesis of cardiac diseases, due to their exacerbation of heart failure. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play a key role in the regulation of gene expression at the post-transcriptional level and participate in regulating diverse biological processes. The emerging evidence indicates that the expression profiles of miRNAs vary among human diseases, including cardiovascular diseases. Cardiac Ca2+-handling and signaling proteins are also regulated by miRNAs. Given the relationship between cardiac Ca2+ homeostasis and signaling and miRNA, Ca2+-related miRNAs may serve as therapeutic targets during the treatment of heart failure. In this review, we summarize the knowledge currently available regarding the role of Ca2+ in cardiac function, as well as changes in Ca2+ cycling and homeostasis and the handling of these processes by miRNAs during cardiac ischemia-reperfusion injury.
Illuminating Water and Life
Authors: Ho Mae-Wan
Published: September 2014

This paper reviews the quantum electrodynamics theory of water put forward by Del Giudice and colleagues and how it may provide a useful foundation for a new science of water for life. The interaction of light with liquid water generates quantum coherent domains in which the water molecules oscillate between the ground state and an excited state close to the ionizing potential of water. This produces a plasma of almost free electrons favouring redox reactions, the basis of energy metabolism in living organisms. Coherent domains stabilized by surfaces, such as membranes and macromolecules, provide the excited interfacial water that enables photosynthesis to take place, on which most of life on Earth depends. Excited water is the source of superconducting protons for rapid intercommunication within the body that may be associated with the acupuncture meridians. Coherent domains can also trap electromagnetic frequencies from the environment to orchestrate and activate specific biochemical reactions through resonance, a mechanism for the most precise regulation of gene function.
The Forest Energy Chain in Tuscany: Economic Feasibility and Environmental Effects of Two Types of Biomass District Heating Plant
Authors: Fagarazzi Claudio , Tirinnanzi Alessandro , Cozzi Mario , Napoli Francesco , Romano Severino
Published: September 2014

The purpose of this study was to examine two biomass district heating plants operating in Tuscany, with a specific focus on the ex-post evaluation of their economic and financial feasibility and of their environmental benefits. The former biomass district heating plant supplies only public users (Comunità Montana della Lunigiana, CML: administrative body that coordinates the municipalities located in mountain areas), the latter supplies both public and private users (Municipality of San Romano in Garfagnana). Ex-post investment analysis was performed to check both the consistency of results with the forecasts made in the stage of the project design and on the factors, which may have reduced or jeopardized the estimated economic performance of the investment (ex-ante assessment). The results of the study point out appreciable results only in the case of biomass district heating plants involving private users and fuelled by biomasses sourced from third parties. In this case, the factors that most influence ex-post results include the conditions of the woody biomass local market (market prices), the policies of energy selling prices to private users and the temporal dynamics of private users’ connection. To ensure the consistency of ex-post economic outcome with the expected results it is thus important to: (i) have good knowledge of the woody local market; (ii) define energy selling prices that should be cheap for private users but consistent with energy production costs and (iii) constrain private users beforehand to prevent errors in the plant design and in the preliminary estimate of return on investment. Moreover, the results obtained during the monitoring activities could help in providing information on the effectiveness of the supporting measures adopted and also to orient future choices of policy makers and particularly designers, to identify the most efficient configuration of district heating organization for improving energy and environmental performances of communities, and to develop a chain model for the optimization of energy use in the municipality.
A STATCOM with Supercapacitors for Low-Voltage Ride-Through in Fixed-Speed Wind Turbines
Authors: Obando-Montaño Andrés , Carrillo Camilo , Cidrás José , Díaz-Dorado Eloy
Published: September 2014

Fixed-speed wind generator (FSWG) technology has an important presence in countries where wind energy started to be developed more than a decade ago. This type of technology cannot be directly adapted to the grid codes, for example those requirements related to the immunity level under voltage dips. That behavior is typically referred as low-voltage ride through (LVRT), and it usually implies certain reactive and active power injection requirements, both during a voltage dip and during the voltage recovery. In this context, a review is presented of the LVRT exigencies present in some of the countries with the most advanced grid codes (Denmark, Germany, Spain and the United Kingdom). In this paper, the capabilities of STATCOM-based devices for fulfilling the LVRT requirements in FSWGs are analyzed. For this purpose, two technologies are considered: a STATCOM with a supercapacitor, which improves its energy storage features; and a STATCOM with a supercapacitor and a DC-DC converter, to achieve higher discharge levels.
An Adaptive Gain Nonlinear Observer for State of Charge Estimation of Lithium-Ion Batteries in Electric Vehicles
Authors: Tian Yong , Chen Chaoren , Xia Bizhong , Sun Wei , Xu Zhihui , Zheng Weiwei
Published: September 2014

The state of charge (SOC) is important for the safety and reliability of battery operation since it indicates the remaining capacity of a battery. However, it is difficult to get an accurate value of SOC, because the SOC cannot be directly measured by a sensor. In this paper, an adaptive gain nonlinear observer (AGNO) for SOC estimation of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) in electric vehicles (EVs) is proposed. The second-order resistor–capacitor (2RC) equivalent circuit model is used to simulate the dynamic behaviors of a LIB, based on which the state equations are derived to design the AGNO for SOC estimation. The model parameters are identified using the exponential-function fitting method. The sixth-order polynomial function is used to describe the highly nonlinear relationship between the open circuit voltage (OCV) and the SOC. The convergence of the proposed AGNO is proved using the Lyapunov stability theory. Two typical driving cycles, including the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC) and Federal Urban Driving Schedule (FUDS) are adopted to evaluate the performance of the AGNO by comparing with the unscented Kalman filter (UKF) algorithm. The experimental results show that the AGNO has better performance than the UKF algorithm in terms of reducing the computation cost, improving the estimation accuracy and enhancing the convergence ability.
Removal of Disinfection By-Products from Contaminated Water Using a Synthetic Goethite Catalyst via Catalytic Ozonation and a Biofiltration System
Authors: Wang Yu-Hsiang , Chen Kuan-Chung
Published: September 2014

The effects of synthetic goethite (α-FeOOH) used as the catalyst in catalytic ozonation for the degradation of disinfection by-product (DBP) precursors are investigated. A biofiltration column applied following the catalytic ozonation process is used to evaluate the efficiency of removing DBP precursors via biotreatment. Ozone can rapidly react with aromatic compounds and oxidize organic compounds, resulting in a decrease in the fluorescence intensity of dissolved organic matter (DOM). In addition, catalytic ozonation can break down large organic molecules, which causes a blue shift in the emission-excitation matrix spectra. Water treated with catalytic ozonation is composed of low-molecular structures, including soluble microbial products (SMPs) and other aromatic proteins (APs). The DOM in SMPs and APs is removed by subsequent biofiltration. Catalytic ozonation has a higher removal efficiency for dissolved organic carbon and higher ultraviolet absorbance at 254 nm compared to those of ozonation without a catalyst. The use of catalytic ozonation and subsequent biofiltration leads to a lower DBP formation potential during chlorination compared to that obtained using ozonation and catalytic ozonation alone. Regarding DBP species during chlorination, the bromine incorporation factor (BIF) of trihalomethanes and haloacetic acids increases with increasing catalyst dosage in catalytic ozonation. Moreover, the highest BIF is obtained for catalytic ozonation and subsequent biofiltration.
Recruitment and Baseline Characteristics of Participants in the Finnish Geriatric Intervention Study to Prevent Cognitive Impairment and Disability (FINGER)—A Randomized Controlled Lifestyle Trial
Authors: Ngandu Tiia , Lehtisalo Jenni , Levälahti Esko , Laatikainen Tiina , Lindström Jaana , Peltonen Markku , Solomon Alina , Ahtiluoto Satu , Antikainen Riitta , Hänninen Tuomo , Jula Antti , Mangialasche Francesca , Paajanen Teemu , Pajala Satu , Rauramaa Rainer , Strandberg Timo , Tuomilehto Jaakko , Soininen Hilkka , Kivipelto Miia
Published: September 2014

Our aim is to describe the study recruitment and baseline characteristics of the Finnish Geriatric Intervention Study to Prevent Cognitive Impairment and Disability (FINGER) study population. Potential study participants (age 60–77 years, the dementia risk score ≥6) were identified from previous population-based survey cohorts and invited to the screening visit. To be eligible, cognitive performance measured at the screening visit had to be at the mean level or slightly lower than expected for age. Of those invited (n = 5496), 48% (n = 2654) attended the screening visit, and finally 1260 eligible participants were randomized to the intervention and control groups (1:1). The screening visit non-attendees were slightly older, less educated, and had more vascular risk factors and diseases present. The mean (SD) age of the randomized participants was 69.4 (4.7) years, Mini-Mental State Examination 26.7 (2.0) points, systolic blood pressure 140.1 (16.2) mmHg, total serum cholesterol 5.2 (1.0) mmol/L for, and fasting glucose 6.1 (0.9) mmol/L for, with no difference between intervention and control groups. Several modifiable risk factors were present at baseline indicating an opportunity for the intervention. The FINGER study will provide important information on the effect of lifestyle intervention to prevent cognitive impairment among at risk persons.