bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Horizontal Underbalanced Drilling Technology Successfully Applied in Field AA- Libya: Case Study
Authors: Shatwan Mohamed Ben , Qutob Hani , Vieira Paco
Published: October 2011

Recently, underbalanced drilling (UBD) has been used with increasing frequency to minimize problems associated with invasive formation damage which often greatly reduces the productivity of oil and gas reservoirs. When properly designed and executed, the benefits of underbalanced drilling (UBD) are well recognized by the industry and there is increasing raise in interest in this technology. The benefits from UBD generally fall into two categories:

Cost reduction- including mitigation of conventional drilling problems as lost circulation, differential sticking, reduction in stimulation and cleanup costs, etc.

Value adding- including productivity improvement, increase in ultimate recovery, and real-time reservoir characterization while drilling.

Arabian Gulf oil Company (AGOCO), a major energy player in the Libyan oil industry, decided to pioneer the introduction of the new technology by embarking on a pilot project to drill 6 underbalanced horizontal wells in field AA. The Field is located in the Libyan Desert on the south east of Sirte basin. The reservoir consists of sandstone from the Early Cretaceous age. The field was first put on production in 1967. Since 1991 ESP pumps have been used for the production. The target reservoir, Member XX, is partly depleted oil bearing reservoir from the initial reservoir pressure of 3995 psi to about 2400 psi (5.3 ppg EMW). 3 out of the 6 well UBD campaign have been drilled so far. The first two wells identified the technology as an effective method to improve penetration and production rates. The third well built on the experience of the previous wells by emphasizing on minimizing formation damage and maximizing the production of the well. Another objective was the evaluation of production while the well is being drilled, eliminating the need for expensive post drilling production testing.
Enhancing Ultimate Recovery and Adding Reserves by Underbalanced Drilling Technology
Authors: Qutob Hani , Mahli Zaki , Khlaifat Abdelaziz
Published: October 2011

The current world petroleum industry situation is that:

➢ Exploration is difficult and costs are increasing. ➢ The majority of hydrocarbons being exploited today are found in existing pressure depleted or complex and lower quality reservoirs ➢ Current oil prices are at their highest

Thus, world circumstances have forced today's petroleum industry to rethink both its operating methods and technologies aiming at improving recovery and reducing cost. It is believed that adoption of new technologies is the most important factor in adding reserves, enhancing recovery, reducing cost and increasing revenue. Underbalanced drilling technology is now seen as the way to achieve these objectives.
Buoyancy Technology Used Effectively in Casing Running Operations to Extend Lateral Stepout: Two Case Histories Detail Application Risks and Successes
Authors: Rogers Hank , Webb Earl , Strickland Derrick , Sparks Dale
Published: October 2011

Operators today face an ever-increasing demand for locating commercial reserves and producing those reserves with attention to exploration and development costs. In addition to basic financial pressures, operators also strive to reduce the environmental impact of well construction and production operations. Extended-reach drilling technology allows operators to reach recoverable reserves that, in the past, were unreachable. Specifically, extended-reach drilling from a multipad wellsite allows significant portions of the well-construction costs to be distributed amongst multiple wells, rather than being carried by an individual wellbore. Also, the capability to drill multiple wells from a single pad reduces the environmental impact of the drilling operation.

Extending wellbore reach from a given pad depends on the location of the target formation. Depth, horizontal distance, and production type significantly affect the type of drilling program as well as the casing running operation. Casing flotation is a proven technology that has been deployed in fields around the world to extend the attainable lateral reach of the casing running operation. In many wells, the buckling limits of the casing being run, rather than insufficient hook load, prevent successful casing running operations from pushing the casing into the lateral section. In some cases, slack-off loads with small casing strings cause helical buckling and lock-up of the casing before reaching total depth.

This paper documents the use of flotation technology in several wells where casing lock-up caused by buckling limits was averted to allow successful casing running operations to be performed without the requirement of costly premium torque-shouldered connections. Detailed prejob planning and computer simulations are provided to demonstrate the limits without casing flotation and the step out achieved with it.
Applying a New Systematic and Dynamic UBD Procedures Prevented Formation Damage, Wellbore Collapse and Improved Oil Production
Authors: Berkat Ali , Mazouzi Amine , Kartobi Khelil , Dhina Okba , Qutob Hani , Barakat Naiem , Grayson Fudge , Marei Ayman
Published: October 2011

The Hassi Massoud oil field is the largest of its kind in Algeria. The reservoir was discovered in 1956 and produces from a Cambrian-age at approximately 3400 meters depth. It produces 45°API oil from a thick Cambro-Ordovician sandstone formation.

This sandstone is extremely hard, abrasive and slow to drill. The reservoir is naturally fractured in some parts. Fractures are either open or plugged with materials such as shale, silica, anhydrite, pyrite and bitumen. Porosity is ranging from 6 to 12%. Generally, the permeability is low with a range of less than 1 to more than 100 md in open-fractures layers

Sonatrach introduced Underbalanced Drilling (UBD) primarily in an effort to improve penetration rates. However, all additional benefits obtained from UBD, such as production improvement and reservoir characterization while drilling, will be of an added value.

Well OMPZ553 is the 37th well drilled underbalanced in the Hassi Massoud field. In this well, the focus was on production improvement with minimum formation damage while the increased rate of penetration (ROP) was a secondary benefit. Another objective was the evaluation of production while the well is being drilled. This eliminates the need for expensive post drilling production testing, and also to minimize borehole instability specially when drilling in the R2 section of the drain.

In order to increase the success rate of drilling and completing this well underbalanced, Sonatrach introduced a new systematic and dynamic procedure. The new procedure consists of:

Proper UBD candidate screening Calculating the actual reservoir pressure before UB mode starts Completing the well in UB mode

This well proved to be the best UB drilled well in Hassi Massoud field in terms of reservoir benefits and characterization. The pre-job UBD candidate screening, feasibility studies and applying the new procedures proved effective in the success of this well.

This paper describes in detail the above procedure and presents the successful application of such procedure to optimize production and enhance the ultimate recovery in the Hassi Massoud field. Lessons learnt and challenges encountered will also be discussed in this paper
An Integrated Fluids Approach to Enhance Zonal Isolation in Deep Khuff Gas Producers and Injectors Offshore Abu Dhabi
Authors: Mehtar Mohammed A. , Salman Mohammed W. , Al-Naqbi Ahmed I. , Al-Marzouqi Abdulmohsen M.
Published: October 2011

Achieving long term well integrity in deep gas wells offshore Abu Dhabi has presented some unique challenges. Historically, cases of poor zonal isolations has led to pressures in annuli and even sea-bed seepages. In one case this had caused well-head movement, causing concerns about the integrity of well-head platforms and surface equipment. Corrective actions to remedy failures has cost the operator millions of dollars in addition to taking up valuable resources and rig-time.

The challenges were to ensure proper zonal isolations in these deep gas wells, where several stacked reservoirs have to be drilled prior to the target Khuff reservoir. Well-bore instability in shale formations and lost circulations into weaker, fractured carbonates presented significant complications, which seriously impacted the efforts of achieving zonal isolations in the multiple reservoirs. Thus, an integrated approach was undertaken to overcome these challenges. This encompassed well and casing design, drilling fluids formulations, cement designs, fit-for-purpose equipment, in addition to maintaining a stable well-bore and addressing the loss circulation issues that effectively raised the fracture gradients of weaker formations. The paper provides an overview of the optimization processes involved in the successful planning and execution of the wells.

The paper describes the development and application of drilling fluids for different hole sections to achieve well-bore stability as well as mitigation of lost circulation incidents. The particular fluids technique used to strengthen the weaker formations resulted in the ability to place the cement slurries in the well-bore as designed. As described in the case histories, the adaptation and application of various fluid technologies to arrive at fit-for-purpose solutions and the engineering of the total integrated drilling and cementing fluids solution was crucial in achieving the necessary zonal isolations to ensure long-term well integrity of the gas producer and injector wells.
Mechanisms of Drug Resistance to Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) Inhibitors
Authors: Tavakoli Jahan , B. Aragon-Ching Jeanny
Published: November 2011

Angiogenesis inhibitors have a major role in the treatment of varying cancers today. While originally thought to be independent of resistance, increasing data suggests varying mechanisms that bring about drug resistance, either intrinsically or through adaptation. The role of vascular endothelial growth factor single nucleotide polymorphisms (VEGF SNPs) in terms of therapeutic response and toxicity has increasingly been recognized, as well as its potential for contributing to drug resistance. This review will focus on theories, preclinical models, and clinical trials that help elucidate the mechanisms of resistance and clinical response to angiogenesis inhibitors.
Prenatal diagnosis of meconium ileus and meconium peritonitis: Indications for cystic fibrosis testing
Authors: Egic Amira , Mikovic Zeljko , Mandic Vesna , Karadzov Natasa
Published: October 2011

Introduction. More recently, the regions of increased abdominal echogenicity
such as echogenic bowel, meconium ileus and meconium peritonitis have been
associated with an increased prevalence of a variety of unfavourable outcomes
including chromosomal abnormalities, cytomegalovirus infection, intestinal
obstruction, anorectal malformations and cystic fibrosis. Earlier prenatal
examinations of these severe autosomal recessive diseases had been suggested
only to families with history of cystic fibrosis. Recently, systemic
examination has been introduced by ultrasound with bowel hyperechogenicity
where the fetus is the index case for genetic disease. Risk for cystic
fibrosis with this ultrasonography findings ranges from 0-33%. Outline of
Cases. Two patients are presented, aged 24 and 29 years, both primigravide.
The first one had ultrasonography finding of meconium peritonitis revealed at
the 37th week of gestation and the other meconium ileus revealed on
ultrasonography at the 29th week of gestation. Both patients had prenatal
testing of foetal blood obtained by cordocenthesis, both had normal kariotype
and were negative for cytomegalovirus infection. Parental DNA testing for the
2nd patient showed that parents were not carriers for the 29 most frequent
mutations. Both neonates had intestinal obstruction, underwent surgery and
early postoperative course was normal. Hystopathological finding suggested a
possibility of cystic fibrosis for the 1st patient, but parents did not want
to be tested and for the 2nd one congenital bowel stenosis as a cause of
intestinal obstruction. Conclusion. Ultrasonographic echogenic bowel is an
indication for invasive procedures for foetal blood testing for chromosomal
abnormalities, congenital infections and parental testing for cystic
fibrosis. Only if parental heterozygosity is proven foetus should be tested.
New Product Decisions - The Process and Outcome for a Community Health System
Authors: Delp Jose , Hadaway Lynn
Published: October 2011

Purpose: To compare patient outcomes and evaluate safety features and costs associated with a new catheter system and securement dressing.

Background: The need to improve dwell times for short peripheral catheters and reduce complication rates, along with improvements in clinical practice in radiology and enhanced staff safety were driving factors leading to a change in peripheral catheters and securement systems.

Review of Relevant Literature: Several reports of catheter stabilization devices have shown improved clinical outcomes with their use. Currently available studies on this new catheter system include one small evaluation and a randomized trial comparing a traditional round hub catheter coupled with a supplemental securement device and the new catheter system with an integrated stabilization platform combined with a securement dressing. Passive safety mechanisms on peripheral catheters may produce fewer needlestick injuries than mechanisms requiring the user to activate the device.

Methods: After a learning period, the following seven months were designated the intervention period. Outcome data from the same seven-month period of the preceding year were used for comparison. The data were divided into scheduled and unscheduled restarts. Data from two hospitals are reported separately and in combination. Data from the two periods were analyzed for equivalence or noninferiority.

Results: Clinical outcomes for both periods are virtually equivalent, demonstrating that one system is not inferior to the other regarding catheter complications. However the catheter system with the integrated stabilization platform was less costly and safer due to a passive safety mechanism. Problems with high pressure injection in the radiology department were also solved with the new catheter system.

Conclusions: While any product change can be a challenging experience, we accomplished these changes in an orderly manner without negative impact on patient outcomes and reducing costs. Improvements in radiology were also attributed to these changes, along with enhanced staff safety.

Implications for Practice: The catheter designed with an integrated stabilization platform, a pre-attached extension set, and a passive safety mechanism produced benefits for radiology staff without negatively affecting patient outcomes in other clinical areas. These product changes were implemented in an organized manner and involved all stakeholders in the process.
PICC Zone Insertion Method™ (ZIM™): A Systematic Approach to Determine the Ideal Insertion Site for PICCs in the Upper Arm
Authors: Dawson Robert B.
Published: October 2011

The consequences of random PICC practice can be serious and manifest as deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, catheter related bloodstream infection, and post thrombotic syndrome. Risk factors related to site selection have been well established for other central venous access devices, but not for ultrasound guided PICC insertion in the upper arm. The author presents observations of upper arm PICC insertion designated by color zones to highlight the variability of PICC practice. The author also details site risk factors associated with each color zone and proposes an ideal insertion location for upper arm ultrasound guided PICC procedures.

The PICC Zone Insertion Method (ZIM) is a proposed system design for patient safety related to PICC insertions; performed by optimizing and organizing the clinical approach. It aids in identifying the Ideal Zone for upper arm needle insertion with ultrasound guidance. The significance of a systematic approach is that it is reproducible, measurable, and as a result will reduce variation in PICC insertion practice. The ZIM combines known mechanisms for vascular access insertion site complications with a systematic measuring and ultrasound scanning process, to reduce the impact of site risk factors. The impact of thrombosis cannot be underestimated, as it will likely limit the future use of veins for life saving vascular access. This issue should not be ignored by hospitals or clinicians, in fact, systematic solutions like PICC Zone Insertion Method, should be explored and supported as part of a comprehensive approach to vascular access care.
Therapeutic Potential of Nrf2 Activators in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Nephropathy
Authors: Zheng Hongting , Whitman Samantha A. , Wu Wei , Wondrak Georg T. , Wong Pak K. , Fang Deyu , Zhang Donna D.
Published: October 2011

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether dietary compounds targeting NFE2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) activation can be used to attenuate renal damage and preserve renal function during the course of streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic nephropathy.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Diabetes was induced in Nrf2+/+ and Nrf2−/− mice by STZ injection. Sulforaphane (SF) or cinnamic aldehyde (CA) was administered 2 weeks after STZ injection and metabolic indices and renal structure and function were assessed (18 weeks). Markers of diabetes including blood glucose, insulin, polydipsia, polyuria, and weight loss were measured. Pathological alterations and oxidative damage in glomeruli were also determined. Changes in protein expression of the Nrf2 pathway, as well as transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), fibronectin (FN), collagen IV, and p21/WAF1Cip1 (p21) were analyzed. The molecular mechanisms of Nrf2-mediated protection were investigated in an in vitro model using human renal mesangial cells (HRMCs).

RESULTS

SF or CA significantly attenuated common metabolic disorder symptoms associated with diabetes in Nrf2+/+ but not in Nrf2−/− mice, indicating SF and CA function through specific activation of the Nrf2 pathway. Furthermore, SF or CA improved renal performance and minimized pathological alterations in the glomerulus of STZ-Nrf2+/+ mice. Nrf2 activation reduced oxidative damage and suppressed the expression of TGF-β1, extracellular matrix proteins and p21 both in vivo and in HRMCs. In addition, Nrf2 activation reverted p21-mediated growth inhibition and hypertrophy of HRMCs under hyperglycemic conditions.

CONCLUSIONS

We provide experimental evidence indicating that dietary compounds targeting Nrf2 activation can be used therapeutically to improve metabolic disorder and relieve renal damage induced by diabetes.
Continued Reduction in the Prevalence of Retinopathy in Adolescents With Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Downie Elizabeth , Craig Maria E. , Hing Stephen , Cusumano Janine , Chan Albert K.F. , Donaghue Kim C.
Published: October 2011

OBJECTIVE

To examine trends in microvascular complications in adolescents with type 1 diabetes between 1990 and 2009 in Sydney, Australia.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We used analysis of complications in 1,604 adolescents (54% female, aged 12–20 years, median duration 8.6 years), stratified by four time periods using Generalized Estimation Equations as follows: T1 (1990–1994), T2 (1995–1999), T3 (2000–2004), and T4 (2005–2009). Early retinopathy was detected using seven-field fundal photography, albumin excretion rate (AER) using timed overnight urine collections, and albumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR) and peripheral nerve function using thermal and vibration threshold.

RESULTS

Retinopathy declined (53, 38, 23, and 12%; P < 0.001), as did borderline elevation of AER/ACR (45, 30, 26, and 30%; P < 0.001) and microalbuminuria (8, 4, 3, and 3%; P = 0.006). Multiple daily injections (MDI)/continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) use increased (17, 54, 75, and 88%; P < 0.001), median HbA1c decreased (9.1, 8.9, 8.5, and 8.5%; P < 0.001), and severe hypoglycemia was unchanged (6, 8, 10, and 7%; P = 0.272). Retinopathy was associated with diabetes duration (odds ratio [OR] 1.12 [95% CI 1.08–1.17]), age (1.13 [1.06–1.20]), HbA1c (1.16 [1.08–1.25]), systolic blood pressure (BP) SDS (1.31 [1.16–1.48]), socioeconomic disadvantage (1.42 [1.04–1.95]), and 1 to 2 injections per day (vs. MDI/CSII; 1.35 [1.05–1.73]); borderline AER/ACR with male sex (1.32 [1.02–1.70]), age (1.19 [1.12–1.26]), HbA1c (1.18 [1.08–1.29]), weight SDS (1.31 [1.21–1.53]), insulin dose per kilograms (1.64 [1.13–2.39]), 1 to 2 injections per day (1.41 [1.08–1.84]), and socioeconomic disadvantage (1.68 [1.23–2.31]); and microalbuminuria with age (1.14 [1.01–1.29]), HbA1c (1.20 [1.05–1.37]), diastolic BP SDS (1.76 [1.26–2.46]), and 1 to 2 injections per day (1.95 [1.11–3.41]).

CONCLUSIONS

The decline in retinopathy supports contemporary guidelines that recommend lower glycemic targets and use of MDI/CSII in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes.
Evaluation of the Helicobacteraceae in the oral cavity of dogs
Authors: Craven Melanie , Recordati Camilla , Gualdi Valentina , Pengo Graziano , Luini Mario , Scanziani Eugenio , Simpson Kenneth W.
Published: October 2011

Objective—To determine the Helicobacter spp present in the oral cavity of dogs and the relationship of those organisms with gastric Helicobacter spp to better define the potential for dog-human and dog-dog transmission.

Sample—Saliva and dental plaque from 28 dogs and gastric biopsy specimens from a subset of 8 dogs.

Procedures—PCR-based screening for Helicobacter spp was conducted on samples obtained from the oral cavity of 28 dogs. Comparative analysis was conducted on Helicobacteraceae 16S rDNA clone libraries from the oral cavity and stomach of a subset of 8 dogs (5 vomiting and 3 healthy) that had positive PCR results for Helicobacter spp.

Results—Helicobacteraceae DNA was identified in the oral cavity of 24 of 28 dogs. Analysis of cloned 16S rDNA amplicons from 8 dogs revealed that Wolinella spp was the most common (8/8 dogs) and abundant (52/57 [91%] clones) member of the Helicobacteraceae family in the oral cavity. Only 2 of 8 dogs harbored Helicobacter spp in the oral cavity, and 1 of those was coinfected with Helicobacter heilmannii and Helicobacter felis in samples obtained from the stomach and saliva. Evaluation of oral cavity DNA with Wolinella-specific PCR primers yielded positive results for 16 of 20 other dogs (24/28 samples were positive for Wolinella spp).

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Wolinella spp rather than Helicobacter spp were the predominant Helicobacteraceae in the oral cavity of dogs. The oral cavity of dogs was apparently not a zoonotically important reservoir of Helicobacter spp that were non–Helicobacter pylori organisms.
Inhibition of cytochrome P450 enzymes involved in ketamine metabolism by use of liver microsomes and specific cytochrome P450 enzymes from horses, dogs, and humans
Authors: Mössner Lone D. , Schmitz Andrea , Theurillat Regula , Thormann Wolfgang , Mevissen Meike
Published: October 2011

Objective—To identify and characterize cytochrome P450 enzymes (CYPs) responsible for the metabolism of racemic ketamine in 3 mammalian species in vitro by use of chemical inhibitors and antibodies.

Sample—Human, canine, and equine liver microsomes and human single CYP3A4 and CYP2C9 and their canine orthologs.

Procedures—Chemical inhibitors selective for human CYP enzymes and anti-CYP antibodies were incubated with racemic ketamine and liver microsomes or specific CYPs. Ketamine N-demethylation to norketamine was determined via enantioselective capillary electrophoresis.

Results—The general CYP inhibitor 1-aminobenzotriazole almost completely blocked ketamine metabolism in human and canine liver microsomes but not in equine microsomes. Chemical inhibition of norketamine formation was dependent on inhibitor concentration in most circumstances. For all 3 species, inhibitors of CYP3A4, CYP2A6, CYP2C19, CYP2B6, and CYP2C9 diminished N-demethylation of ketamine. Anti-CYP3A4, anti-CYP2C9, and anti-CYP2B6 antibodies also inhibited ketamine N-demethylation. Chemical inhibition was strongest with inhibitors of CYP2A6 and CYP2C19 in canine and equine microsomes and with the CYP3A4 inhibitor in human microsomes. No significant contribution of CYP2D6 to ketamine biotransformation was observed. Although the human CYP2C9 inhibitor blocked ketamine N-demethylation completely in the canine ortholog CYP2C21, a strong inhibition was also obtained by the chemical inhibitors of CYP2C19 and CYP2B6. Ketamine N-demethylation was stereoselective in single human CYP3A4 and canine CYP2C21 enzymes.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Human-specific inhibitors of CYP2A6, CYP2C19, CYP3A4, CYP2B6, and CYP2C9 diminished ketamine N-demethylation in dogs and horses. To address drug-drug interactions in these animal species, investigations with single CYPs are needed.
Pharmacokinetics of long-acting ceftiofur crystalline-free acid in helmeted guineafowl (Numida meleagris) after a single intramuscular injection
Authors: Wojick Kimberlee B. , Langan Jennifer N. , Adkesson Michael J. , Cox Sherry K. , Gamble Kathryn C.
Published: October 2011

Objective—To evaluate the elimination pharmacokinetics of a single IM injection of a long-acting ceftiofur preparation (ceftiofur crystalline-free acid [CCFA]) in healthy adult helmeted guineafowl (Numida meleagris).

Animals—14 healthy adult guineafowl.

Procedures—1 dose of CCFA (10 mg/kg) was administered IM to each of the guineafowl. Blood samples were collected intermittently via jugular venipuncture over a 144-hour period. Concentrations of ceftiofur and all desfuroylceftiofur metabolites were measured in plasma via high-performance liquid chromatography.

Results—No adverse effects of drug administration or blood collection were observed in any bird. The minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) for many bacterial pathogens of poultry and domestic ducks (1 μg/mL) was achieved by 1 hour after administration in most birds and by 2 hours in all birds. A maximum plasma concentration of 5.26 μg/mL was reached 19.3 hours after administration. Plasma concentrations remained higher than the MIC for at least 56 hours in all birds and for at least 72 hours in all but 2 birds. The harmonic mean ± pseudo-SD terminal half-life of ceftiofur was 29.0 ± 4.93 hours. The mean area under the curve was 306 ± 69.3 μg•h/mL, with a mean residence time of 52.0 ± 8.43 hours.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—A dosage of 10 mg of CCFA/kg, IM, every 72 hours in helmeted guineafowl should provide a sufficient plasma drug concentration to inhibit growth of bacteria with an MIC ≤ 1 μg/mL. Clinical use should ideally be based on bacterial culture and antimicrobial susceptibility data and awareness that use of CCFA in avian patients constitutes extralabel use of this product.
Feasibility of percutaneous catheterization and embolization of the thoracic duct in dogs
Authors: Singh Ameet , Brisson Brigitte A. , O'Sullivan M. Lynne , Solomon Jeffrey A. , Malek Sarah , Nykamp Stephanie , Thomason Jeff J.
Published: October 2011

Objective—To develop and determine the feasibility of a novel minimally invasive technique for percutaneous catheterization and embolization of the thoracic duct (PCETD) in dogs and to determine thoricic duct TD pressure at rest and during short-term balloon occlusion of the cranial vena cava (CrVC).

Animals—Fifteen 7- to 11-month-old healthy mixed-breed dogs.

Procedures—Efferent intestinal lymphangiography was performed, and the cisterna chyli was punctured with a trochar needle percutaneously under fluoroscopic guidance. When access was successful, a guide wire was directed into the TD through the needle and a vascular access sheath was advanced over the guide wire. Thoracic duct pressure was measured at rest and during acute balloon occlusion of the CrVC. The TD was then embolized cranial to the diaphragm with a combination of microcoils and cyanoacrylate or ethylene vinyl alcohol.

Results—Successful puncture of the cisterna chyli with advancement of a wire into the TD was possible in 9 of 15 dogs, but successful catheterization was possible in only 5 of 9 dogs. Acute balloon occlusion of the CrVC led to a substantial TD pressure increase in 4 of 4 dogs, and embolization of the TD was successful in 4 of 4 dogs.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—PCETD can successfully be performed in healthy dogs; however, this minimally invasive technique cannot currently be recommended for routine treatment of chylothorax, in part because of the technically demanding nature of the procedure. An increase in jugular venous pressure led to an increase in TD pressure, potentially predisposing some dogs to developing chylothorax.
A finite difference approach for the initial-boundary value problem of the fractional Klein-Kramers equation in phase space
Authors: Gao Guang-hua , Sun Zhi-zhong
Published: October 2011

Considering the features of the fractional Klein-Kramers equation (FKKE) in phase space, only the unilateral boundary condition in position direction is needed, which is different from the bilateral boundary conditions in [Cartling B., Kinetics of activated processes from nonstationary solutions of the Fokker-Planck equation for a bistable potential, J. Chem. Phys., 1987, 87(5), 2638–2648] and [Deng W., Li C., Finite difference methods and their physical constrains for the fractional Klein-Kramers equation, Numer. Methods Partial Differential Equations, 2011, 27(6), 1561–1583]. In the paper, a finite difference scheme is constructed, where temporal fractional derivatives are approximated using L1 discretization. The advantages of the scheme are: for every temporal level it can be dealt with from one side to the other one in position direction, and for any fixed position only a tri-diagonal system of linear algebraic equations needs to be solved. The computational amount reduces compared with the ADI scheme in [Cartling B., Kinetics of activated processes from nonstationary solutions of the Fokker-Planck equation for a bistable potential, J. Chem. Phys., 1987, 87(5), 2638–2648] and the five-point scheme in [Deng W., Li C., Finite difference methods and their physical constrains for the fractional Klein-Kramers equation, Numer. Methods Partial Differential Equations, 2011, 27(6), 1561–1583]. The stability and convergence are proved and two examples are included to show the accuracy and effectiveness of the method.
Layered double hydroxides — multifunctional nanomaterials
Authors: Zümreoglu-Karan Birgül , Ay Ahmet
Published: October 2011

Layered double hydroxides (LDH’s), also known as anionic clays, are lamellar inorganic solids. The structure of most of them corresponds to that of mineral hydrotalcite, consisting of brucite-like hydroxide sheets, where partial substitution of trivalent or divalent cations results in a positive sheet charge compensated by reversibly exchangeable anions within interlayer galleries. These layered materials have good intercalation properties capturing inorganic and organic ions and they are promising materials for a large number of practical applications, both for direct preparation and for after thermal treatment.

Over the past decade, significant interest has been devoted to the synthesis of LDHs with new compositions allowing improved applications in many areas. This contribution reviews the recent advances in water treatment, nuclear waste treatment/storage, catalytic, industrial, and advanced applications and biomedical applications of LDH-based nanomaterials.
The environmental impact of gold mines: pollution by heavy metals
Authors: Abdul-Wahab Sabah , Marikar Fouzul
Published: October 2011

The gold mining plant of Oman was studied to assess the contribution of gold mining on the degree of heavy metals into different environmental media. Samples were collected from the gold mining plant area in tailings, stream waters, soils and crop plants. The collected samples were analyzed for 13 heavy metals including vanadium (V), chromium (Cr), manganese (Mn), nickel (Ni), copper (Cu), cadmium (Cd), cobalt (Co), lead (Pb), zinc (Zn), aluminium (Al), strontium (Sr), iron (Fe) and barium (Ba). The water in the acid evaporation pond showed a high concentration of Fe as well as residual quantities of Zn, V, and Al, whereas water from the citizens well showed concentrations of Al above those of Omani and WHO standards. The desert plant species growing closed to the gold pit indicated high concentrations of heavy metals (Mn, Al, Ni, Fe, Cr, and V), while the similar plant species used as a control indicated lesser concentrations of all heavy metals. The surface water (blue) indicated very high concentrations of copper and significant concentrations of Mn, Ni, Al, Fe, Zn, lead, Co and Cd. The results revealed that some of the toxic metals absorbed by plants indicated significant metal immobilization.
Towards validating a last generation, integrated wave-current-sediment numerical model in coastal regions using video measurements
Authors: Carniel Sandro , Sclavo Mauro , Archetti Renata
Published: October 2011

This paper presents the first steps in the implementation of a morphological numerical model to be applied in the Bevano River region, a shallow water area in the Adriatic Sea, with the aim of helping the identification and assessment of erosional patterns and bottom morphological modifications induced by severe marine storms. The numerical modeling, performed using a fully 3D coupled wave-current-sediment version of the ROMS model, has been complemented with in situ data analysis and observations: a first qualitative validation of the results was given by the analysis of images acquired via an ARGUS video station.

Hydrodynamic modeling highlighted how shear bottom stresses and bottom currents fields were heavily influenced by severe storm situations, and had large effects on the morphology of shallow regions. The correlation between the wave-current induced bottom stresses and the resulting topography was investigated. Nearshore hydrodynamics modeling results demonstrated the dominant role played by alongshore sediment transport, with the magnitude of both cross- and along-shore wave-induced currents strongly depending on wave height and direction.

We found a good qualitative conformity between the results of the numerical models applied during a “Bora” storm and the corresponding video observations; both techniques indicated the migration of the existing sandbar within the range of about 40 m seaward.

Results show how integrated numerical open source tools, often used in oceanography, are becoming suitable for both preliminary investigations and for planning the effective littoral management, and how their calibration can be supported by the use of new low cost techniques, such as video measurements.
Chaetoceros resting spores as indicators of Holocene paleoenvironmental changes in the Gulf of Gdańsk, southern Baltic Sea
Authors: Witak Małgorzata , Dunder Julita , Leśniewska Małgorzata
Published: October 2011

The aim of this study was to analyze resting spores of Chaetoceros spp. preserved in Middle and Late Holocene sediments of the three parts of the Gulf of Gdańsk, southern Baltic Sea. The material studied consists of ten cores retrieved from Kuźnica Deep (Puck Lagoon), as well as the shallower and deeper parts of the Outer Puck Bay region. Our results indicate that the abundance of Chaetoceros resting spores in diatom taphocoenoses corresponded to regional and local paleoecological changes registered in Mastogloia, Littorina and Post-Littorina sediments, and that they also reflect human impact in the last hundred years.
In situ study of adult Artemia salina morphometry and its relationship to the physicochemical water parameters in the saltwork of Sahline (Tunisia)
Authors: Naceur Hachem , Jenhani Amel , Romdhane Mohamed
Published: October 2011

The morphometric characteristics of the adult natural population of the brine shrimp Artemia salina from the saltwork of Sahline were surveyed in order to establish the relationship between morphometry and environmental water parameters. The field work was performed monthly from October 2005 to June 2006. During this period, the variation in water temperature, salinity, pH, and concentrations of dissolved oxygen and nutrients (orthophosphate, nitrite, nitrate and ammonium) were monitored. Adult Artemia samples (male and female) were randomly collected and stored in plastic containers and transferred to the laboratory for morphometric characterisation. Results show that adult specimens appear in the saltwork of Sahline from December through June. The population sampled in June had significantly lower values in all morphometric characters when compared to the other samples. Concerning male specimens, correlation analysis of the morphometric parameters and environmental conditions indicate that the strongest correlations were between temperature and total length (r
xy = −0.656), salinity and total length (r
xy = −0.558), and between pH and width of head (r
xy = 0.559). For female specimens, the strongest correlations were between total length and salinity (r
xy = −0.610), total length and temperature (r
xy = −0.537) and between total length and pH (r
xy = 0.583). No correlations were observed between dissolved oxygen concentrations or ammonium levels and any morphometric parameters. The principal component analysis (PCA) revealed that diameter of compound eyes, width of second abdominal segment and width of third abdominal segment, for male specimens, and total length, abdominal length and width of the ovisac, for female specimens, are the morphometric parameters that show the greatest variation between samples.
Spatial distribution of rotifers (Rotifera) in monospecies beds of invasive Vallisneria spiralis L. in heated lakes
Authors: Ejsmont-Karabin Jolanta , Hutorowicz Andrzej
Published: October 2011

Species abundance and richness of rotifer communities occupying monospecies beds of Vallisneria was studied in Lake Licheńskie included in the open cooling system of heat and power stations. Differences were found in rotifer numbers, species composition and diversity between sampling points within the same location and between the locations. Factors that seem to be responsible for the high diversity of rotifer communities inhabiting Vallisneria beds are: large-scale horizontal diversity (between macrophyte patches), small-scale horizontal diversity (within patches) and the high vulnerability of Vallisneria epiphyton to disturbances caused by wave action.
Vestiges of the Phoenix: De Quincey, Kant and the Heavens
Authors: Murray Alex
Published: October 2011

This essay examines the context surrounding Thomas De Quincey's 1846 essay, ‘System of the Heavens as Revealed by Lord Rosse's Telescope’, placing it in relation to the thesis of Robert Chambers’ then anonymous proto-evolutionary Vestiges of the Natural History of Creation. I argue that De Quincey's essay – which never mentions Vestiges – can be read as an attempt to refute the ‘succession’ model of evolution and development put forward by Chambers, and that it does so by turning to Immanuel Kant's ‘Phoenix of Nature’. The article traces the complex relationship between De Quincey and Kant's model of the Heavens through a comprehensive analysis of both Kant and astronomy in De Quincey's voluminous body of work, complicating our understanding of De Quincey's relationship to the ‘destroyer’ of Königsberg, and revealing the crisis of experience that emerged in De Quincey's engagement with Kant and the Heavens.
(B15c5)BiI3(I2): Molecular Benzo-15-Crown-5―BiI3 Complexes Bridged by Iodine Molecules to Chains
Authors: Fiolka Christoph , Richter Mark , Pantenburg Ingo , Mudring Anja-Verena , Meyer Gerd
Published: October 2011

The reaction of bismuth triiodide with iodine and benzo-15-crown-5 in ethanol/dichloromethane yielded red single crystals of (b15c5)BiI3(I2) (monoclinic, P21/c (no. 14), a = 1376.9(1), b = 1172.7(1), c = 1700.2(2) pm, b = 115.197(6), V = 2484.1(4)·106 pm3, Z = 4). Neutral pseudo-octahedral complexes (b15c5)BiI3 are connected by secondary bonding interactions via iodine molecules to chains. Electronic structure calculations of the neutral complex (b15c5)BiI3 reveal that the compound can indeed be described as b15c5 interacting with a molecular BiI3 unit. However, bonding has to be mainly electrostatic as the interactions of the bismuth 6s lone pair with the 2p orbitals of the oxygen atoms of the crown ether are clearly antibonding.
Use of Oligonucleotides Carrying Photolabile Groups for the Control of the Deposition of Nanoparticles in Surfaces and Nanoparticle Association
Authors: Manning Brendan , Eritja Ramon
Published: October 2011

An oligodeoxynucleotide hairpin containing a photolabile 2-nitrobenzyl group in the loop and terminated with a thiol function was prepared. The photocleavage of such a hairpin on gold yields a surface activated with a single stranded oligonucleotide which can be utilised to direct the assembly of nanoparticles conjugated with a complementary strand. Analysis of photocleaved surfaces gives nanoparticle coverage one order of magnitude higher than nonphotocleaved surfaces. This illustrates the ability of photocleavable hairpins to direct the assembly of nanomaterials on conducting materials. The conjugation of the photocleavable hairpin to a gold nanoparticle allows the observation of intermolecular interactions between hairpins linked in different nanoparticles, by comparing the thermal dissociations of a hairpin-nanoparticle conjugates at 260 nm and 520 nm. We have also shown that it is possible to permanently alter the physiochemical properties of DNA-nanoparticles by the introduction of a photocleavable group. Indeed for the first time it has been shown that by exposure to UV light the disassembly of nanoparticle aggregates can be induced.
Ricinus communis Intoxications in Human and Veterinary Medicine—A Summary of Real Cases
Authors: Worbs Sylvia , Köhler Kernt , Pauly Diana , Avondet Marc-André , Schaer Martin , Dorner Martin B. , Dorner Brigitte G.
Published: October 2011

Accidental and intended Ricinus communis intoxications in humans and animals have been known for centuries but the causative agent remained elusive until 1888 when Stillmark attributed the toxicity to the lectin ricin. Ricinus communis is grown worldwide on an industrial scale for the production of castor oil. As by-product in castor oil production ricin is mass produced above 1 million tons per year. On the basis of its availability, toxicity, ease of preparation and the current lack of medical countermeasures, ricin has gained attention as potential biological warfare agent. The seeds also contain the less toxic, but highly homologous Ricinus communis agglutinin and the alkaloid ricinine, and especially the latter can be used to track intoxications. After oil extraction and detoxification, the defatted press cake is used as organic fertilizer and as low-value feed. In this context there have been sporadic reports from different countries describing animal intoxications after uptake of obviously insufficiently detoxified fertilizer. Observations in Germany over several years, however, have led us to speculate that the detoxification process is not always performed thoroughly and controlled, calling for international regulations which clearly state a ricin threshold in fertilizer. In this review we summarize knowledge on intended and unintended poisoning with ricin or castor seeds both in humans and animals, with a particular emphasis on intoxications due to improperly detoxified castor bean meal and forensic analysis.
Service Quality, Brand Loyalty, and Profit Growth in UK Budget Hotels
Authors: Ekinci Yuksel , Zeglat Dia , Whyatt Georgina
Published: October 2011

Although past studies advocate a positive impact of service quality on business performance, empirical studies investigating the nature of the relationship between service quality and profit growth in the hotel industry are limited. This study contributes to an ongoing debate as to
whether service quality has a direct or indirect influence on profitability in the hotel industry. The data were collected from a national budget hotel company in the UK and the research hypotheses were tested through structural equation modeling via the LISREL software. The findings of the
study found that service quality had a positive influence on brand loyalty and premium price. The effect of service quality on profit growth was indirect and mediated by premium price, brand loyalty, and sales growth.
Grey Nomads on Tour: A Revolution in Travel and Tourism for Older Adults
Authors: Patterson Ian , Pegg Shane , Litster Jillian
Published: October 2011

The "grey nomad" phenomenon is a growth market in Australia. Grey nomads are one type of grey tourist, and are generally referred to as people who are aged 55 years and over, who independently travel around Australia by caravan or campervan for an extended period of time. This study
used an ethnographic methodology to collect qualitative data from four couples who undertook an extended, multidestination holiday through the Northern Territory and the State of Western Australia. Narratives were used to illustrate a variety of themes that emerged about the everyday experiences
of grey nomads on tour. Travel diaries, and a questionnaire that was completed at the end of the trip, were used as a means of investigating the nomad's engagement with friends and family while "on the road." This article argues that being "far away" physically did not necessarily mean that
they were disengaged and isolated for their family and friends. Rather, the study results suggest that these ties were important connections that were maintained throughout their travels.
Sociocultural Strategies for Stress Reduction Among Hospitality Workers in Developing Contexts: The Case of Zimbabwean Chefs
Authors: Mkono Muchazondida
Published: October 2011

In the media, the chef profession is portrayed as exciting and glamorous. However, research on the ground reveals that the job is characterized by high levels of stress and burnout, resulting from long and unsocial working hours, poor remuneration, close and direct supervision, and
few career advancement opportunities, among other factors. Although the problem of job stress and burnout in hospitality jobs is well recognized in the literature, most of the empirical research has largely overlooked African countries. This study is an attempt to investigate sociocultural
strategies for coping with stress and burnout in a developing country context, and to analyze these interpretively within the relevant sociocultural framework. Semistructured interviews were carried out with 23 hotel chefs in the resort town of Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. The research concludes
that any effective strategy for dealing with stress in the workplace can only be successful to the extent that it takes into account relevant sociocultural dynamics.