bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mice Lacking the Integrin β5 Subunit Have Accelerated Osteoclast Maturation and Increased Activity in the Estrogen-Deficient State
Authors: Lane Nancy E , Yao Wei , Nakamura Mary C , Humphrey Mary Beth , Kimmel Donald , Huang Xiaozhu , Sheppard Dean , Ross F Patrick , Teitelbaum Steven L
Published: October 2007

Integrin αvβ5 is expressed on osteoclast precursors and is capable of recognizing the same amino acid motif as αvβ3. Three-month-old β5−/− female OVX mice had increased osteoclastogenesis ex vivo, and μCT assessment of trabecular bone volume was 53% lower than WT-OVX animals. These preliminary data suggest αvβ5 integrin's presence on osteoclast precursors may inhibit of osteoclast formation.

Introduction: Osteoclasts are unique resorptive skeletal cells, capable of degrading bone on contact to the juxtaposed matrix. Integrin αvβ5 is expressed on osteoclast precursors, structurally similar to αvβ3, and capable of recognizing the same amino acid motif. Given the structural relationship and reciprocal regulation of αvβ3 and αvβ5, the purpose of this study was to evaluate how αvβ5 might contribute to osteoclast maturation and activity.

Materials and Methods: Three-month-old wildtype (WT) and β5−/− female mice had ovariectomy (OVX) or sham operations. The osteoclastogenic capacity of marrow-derived precursors, the kinetic, the circulating, and structural parameters of bone remodeling, was determined after 6 weeks of paired feeding.

Results and Conclusions: OVX increased osteoclastogenesis ex vivo and in vivo. Osteoclast formation and prolonged pre-osteoclast survival were substantially enhanced in cultures containing β5−/− cells whether obtained from sham-operated or OVX mice. Expression of cathepsin K, β3 integrin subunit, and calcitonin receptor were accelerated in cultured β5−/−osteoclasts. β5−/− osteoclasts from OVX animals showed a 3-fold enhancement of net resorptive activity, with quantitative μCT showing trabecular bone volume loss after OVX 53% greater in β5−/− OVX compared with similarly treated WT OVX mice (p < 0.05). α5β3 seems to be an inhibitor of osteoclast formation, in contrast to αvβ3. In addition, loss of αvβ5 seems to accelerate osteoclast formation in the OVX model. Further examination of αvβ5 signaling pathways may enhance our understanding of the activation of bone resorption.
RANKL Regulates Fas Expression and Fas-Mediated Apoptosis in Osteoclasts
Authors: Wu Xiaojun , Pan George , McKenna Margaret A , Zayzafoon Majd , Xiong Wen-Cheng , McDonald Jay M
Published: October 2007

Osteoclast apoptosis is an influential determinant of osteoclast bone-resorbing activity. RANKL, a critical factor for osteoclastogenesis, is also important in osteoclast survival. However, the mechanisms by which RANKL prevents osteoclast apoptosis remain largely unknown.

Introduction: Fas, a death receptor, mediates apoptosis in multiple types of cells including osteoclasts. Here we report that RANKL acts as a survival factor in osteoclasts by downregulating Fas-mediated apoptosis and Fas expression in mature osteoclasts.

Materials and Methods: RAW264.7 and mouse bone marrow macrophage/monocyte progenitors and progenitor-derived osteoclasts, in the presence of various concentrations of RANKL, were used in this study. Western blotting, semiquantitative RT-PCR, flow cytometry, nuclear staining, and a fluorescent caspase-3 activity assay were used to assess the effect of RANKL on Fas expression and Fas-mediated apoptosis. The involvement of NF-κB in the regulation of Fas by RANKL was analyzed by luciferase assay and EMSA.

Results: Mature osteoclasts generated in the presence of a high concentration of RANKL (3.33 nM) failed to respond to Fas-induced apoptosis. The lack of responsiveness in mature osteoclasts is caused by the low level of Fas expression, as detected by both semiquantitative PCR and Western blotting. Fas protein and mRNA expression are inhibited by RANKL in concentration-dependent manners. The downregulation of Fas expression by RANKL is not because of modulation of the stability of Fas protein or mRNA. The regulation of Fas expression by RANKL is biphasic. During the early stage of osteoclastogenesis (1 day) when Fas is expressed at a very low level, RANKL upregulates Fas promoter activity by 2.4 ± 0.1-fold in a concentration-dependent manner and increases Fas mRNA and protein. This event correlates with regulation of the binding activity of NF-κB to the Fas promoter by RANKL, as detected by EMSA. In osteoclast precursors, the induction of Fas promoter activity by RANKL was dramatically reduced when NF-κB binding sites on the Fas promoter were mutated.

Conclusion: RANKL upregulates Fas expression in osteoclast progenitors through NF-κB, making osteoclasts targets of Fas-stimulated apoptosis. In differentiated mature osteoclasts, RANKL reduces the levels of Fas expression and Fas-mediated apoptosis, acting as a survival factor.
Abdominal Aortic Calcification Detected on Lateral Spine Images From a Bone Densitometer Predicts Incident Myocardial Infarction or Stroke in Older Women
Authors: Schousboe John T , Taylor Brent C , Kiel Douglas P , Ensrud Kristine E , Wilson Kevin E , McCloskey Eugene V
Published: October 2007

Among a cohort of elderly women, abdominal aortic calcification scored on baseline lateral spine densitometric images intended for vertebral fracture assessment was associated with subsequent myocardial infarction or stroke over a median 4-yr period, independent of clinical cardiovascular disease risk factors.

Introduction: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk among older women is not adequately captured by traditional CVD risk factors. Lateral spine images obtained on bone densitometers for vertebral fracture assessment (VFA) can detect abdominal aortic calcification (AAC), an important marker of subclinical CVD. Our objective was to estimate the association between AAC scored on VFA images and subsequent myocardial infarction (MI) or stroke in elderly women.

Materials and Methods: Among participants in a randomized controlled trial (women; age >75 yr) of clodronate versus placebo, those who sustained an MI or stroke during the median 4-yr follow-up study period were selected as cases (n = 408), and 408 controls were randomly selected from the remainder of the parent study population. Baseline VFA images were scored for AAC with a previously validated 24-point scale and a newer, simpler 8-point scale.

Results: The OR of incident MI or stroke for those in the middle and top tertiles, respectively, compared with the bottom tertile of AAC score were 1.14 (95% CI, 0.79–1.66) and 1.74 (95% CI, 1.19–2.56) for the 24-point scale and 1.42 (95% CI, 0.98–2.05) and 1.77 (95% CI, 1.22–2.55) for the 8-point scale, adjusted for age, high-density lipoprotein and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, blood pressure, smoking, renal function, health status, and baseline diagnoses of diabetes mellitus, hypertension, angina, and prior stroke.

Conclusions: AAC scored on VFA images is independently associated with incident MI or stroke. Because bone densitometry is indicated for all women ≥65 yr of age, VFA imaging offers an opportunity to capture this CVD risk factor in postmenopausal women undergoing bone densitometry at very little additional cost.
Effect of Specimen Size on Quasi-Elastic Properties of Toyoura Sand in Hollow Cylinder Triaxial and Torsional Shear Tests
Authors: HongNam Nguyen , Koseki Junichi , Sato Takeshi
Published: October 2007

Quasi-elastic deformation properties of dry, dense Toyoura sand were experimentally investigated by triaxial and torsional shear tests on hollow cylindrical specimens of medium sizes (outer diameter Do=20 cm, inner diameter Di=16 or, 12 cm, and height H=30 cm) and small size (Do=10, Di=6, H=20 cm). In addition to the conventional external measurements, strains were measured locally by the newly developed pin-type local deformation transducers. The effect of specimen size on locally measured Young’s modulus Ez was insignificant. On the other hand, the locally measured values of shear modulus Gzθ with the small size specimen revealed lower reproducibility as compared with those measured with the medium size specimens, suggesting that larger specimen size is preferred in evaluating the small strain shear modulus in torsional shear tests on hollow cylindrical specimens. It was also inferred from the test results that, irrespective of the specimen size, effect of end restraint at the top cap and pedestal is significant on the externally measured values of Gzθ.
Quality Assurance Program for Soldering Copper Roofs
Authors: Michener Mark L. , Hoernschemeyer Craig A.
Published: October 2007

Since the early 1700s, the art of coppersmithing has been used to construct watertight roofing systems. For low slope, flat seam roofing systems, soldered locked seams and riveted lap joints are essential for the success of this type of system. However, industry standards for testing and monitoring quality assurance to produce a watertight metal roofing product are vague and are not adequately equated to contractor performance. This paper will trace the development of a soldering quality assurance program developed for historical roofing restoration projects requiring watertight seams.

The replacement of the original copper roofing on Kingswood School, Cranbrook Educational Community, a National Historic Landmark in Michigan, serves as a model for this current research. Designed by noted architect Eliel Saarinen and constructed in 1931, the building’s extensive copper roof is a character-defining feature of the Prairie Style structure. Because of the importance of the architectural feature, a quality assurance program during reconstruction was necessary to develop a confidence level that performance of the copper roofing would meet or exceed expectations.

Procedures were developed for certifying coppersmiths for flat locked and riveted seams. Standardized field observations and reports were created to provide continuous documentation of the contractor’s work. Variables examined in the work included joint geometry and soldering necessary for the production of watertight seams. Field observations include solder consumption rates to ensure adequate penetration of the seam.

This quality assurance program is designed to identify crucial aspects of a copper roofing system in order to effectively evaluate compliance with design requirements. The program recognizes the need for traditional artistry while incorporating new technology to improve roofing performance. The methodology presented in this paper can be directly employed to develop standards for monitoring copper roof system construction.
O Bolsa Família: problematizando questões centrais na política de transferência de renda no Brasil
Authors: Silva Maria Ozanira da Silva e
Published: October 2007

O Programa Bolsa Família foi criado em 2003 com o objetivo de unificar os Programas de Transferência de Renda iniciados em nível municipal, estadual e federal desde 1995. É concebido como uma expressão do processo de desenvolvimento desses programas no Brasil. Transferência de renda é entendida enquanto uma transferência monetária direta efetuada a indivíduos ou a famílias. O pressuposto central é de que articular uma transferência de renda com políticas e programas estruturantes, principalmente no campo da educação, saúde e trabalho, direcionados a famílias pobres, pode interromper o ciclo vicioso da pobreza do presente e sua reprodução no futuro. Portanto, uma articulação entre uma transferência monetária com políticas e programas estruturantes, direcionados a famílias pobres, pode possibilitar a construção de uma política de enfrentamento à pobreza e à desigualdade social. Nesse artigo, é apresentado o desenvolvimento histórico dos Programas de Transferência de Renda, no Brasil, orientado por um esforço problematizador do significado e do alcance desses programas no âmbito das políticas sociais brasileiras, considerando suas potencialidades e limites enquanto política de inclusão social.
Transferência condicionada de renda e segurança alimentar e nutricional
Authors: Burlandy Luciene
Published: October 2007

Este artigo analisa as interações entre programas de transferência condicionada de renda (TCR) e a segurança alimentar e nutricional (SAN), a partir de uma revisão da literatura. Considera que a TCR impacta os gastos com alimentação, especialmente quando há dinamismo de mercado e os investimentos com outros bens que afetam o bem- estar nutricional das famílias, incluindo a demanda por educação e cuidados com a saúde. No entanto, o impacto no estado nutricional, especialmente no crescimento infantil, não é inequívoco, pois depende de outras ações que afetam este processo, tais como a disponibilidade de serviços de saúde; educação; saneamento; os custos das famílias para acessá-los; o tempo de implementação dos programas; o valor transferido; o tamanho das famílias, além das regras intrafamiliares de alocação de recursos. De igual modo, cabe analisar o processo de implementação dos programas uma vez que podem afetar (positiva ou negativamente) os valores, relações e práticas sociais que contribuem para a conformação da pobreza e da SAN. A integração da TCR com outros programas é essencial para garantir seu impacto na SAN e o atual Conselho Nacional de Segurança Alimentar e Nutricional constitui espaço estratégico para o planejamento integrado de políticas neste campo.
Gasto social no Brasil: programas de transferência de renda versus investimento social
Authors: Lavinas Lena
Published: October 2007

Este artigo contrapõe a evolução recente do gasto no Brasil: redução do gasto com infra-estrutura social e aumento das transferências monetárias sujeitas à comprovação de renda. Evidencia-se que o modelo de combate à pobreza vigente no Brasil concentrado em programas focalizados de transferência de renda sem promover em simultâneo o aumento do gasto per capita em educação, saneamento básico, habitação não equaciona a questão da desigualdade. Neste artigo, trabalhamos com dados secundários da PNAD e do orçamento da União, estados e municípios.
Financeirização do Estado, erosão da democracia e empobrecimento da cidadania: tendências globais?
Authors: Giffin Karen Mary
Published: October 2007

Este artigo aborda a questão do avanço internacional do regime neoliberal, contexto da formulação de políticas que focalizam a pobreza, inclusive em países centrais. Em debates recentes, termos como 'cidadania' e 'democracia' têm sido sujeitos à interrogação crítica, revelando mudanças na relação cidadão/Estado que acompanham a hegemonia de critérios econômicos e a financeirização dos Estados nacionais. Argumentamos que tais processos globais requerem uma abordagem ampla, de uma perspectiva de economia política, capaz de iluminar como a substância da democracia e a legitimidade da autoridade estatal têm sido condicionadas pelo avanço de novos atores globais que representam os interesses do capital, favorecendo a concentração da riqueza e o aumento da pobreza, da desigualdade e da exclusão, e instaurando uma insegurança vital que atinge a maioria da população em nível mundial.
Direito à saúde: integridade, diversidade e territorialidade
Authors: Ribeiro Patrícia Tavares
Published: October 2007

Este ensaio apresenta algumas questões e desafios para a efetivação do direito universal à saúde no Brasil. Toma como referência resultados de projeto governamental, realizado em 2003, para a ampliação da visão dos problemas relativos ao cuidado à saúde no território nacional, que se baseou em interlocução entre governo e sociedade, complementar às formas já institucionalizadas de participação social no âmbito da gestão setorial. Partindo de uma síntese do complexo cenário internacional em que se desenvolvem as tarefas governamentais para a operacionalização de direitos sociais, destaca, no inventário de problemas identificados, três questões consideradas essenciais para a produção de políticas públicas: a integridade e a dignidade como fundamentos para a organização e regulação das intervenções públicas; o reconhecimento e o respeito à diferença como condição para a realização do direito à saúde; e a territorialização dos problemas e das políticas na produção de respostas às novas realidades. Por fim, elenca algumas indagações que desafiam o governo e a sociedade em suas ações na garantia do direito à saúde, afirmando a oportunidade da gestão governamental avançar na universalização efetiva deste direito pela valorização das temáticas dos direitos humanos e da cidadania.
Redes de política no combate à fome e à pobreza: a estratégia Comunidade Solidária no Brasil
Authors: Burlandy Luciene , Labra Maria Eliana
Published: October 2007

Este estudo analisou a estratégia de combate à pobreza da Comunidade Solidária (Governo Federal Brasileiro -1995-2003), examinando os mecanismos institucionais utilizados para aprimorar a focalização do Programa de Distribuição de Alimentos (PRODEA) e do Programa de Combate à Desnutrição Materno Infantil (PCDMI). Foram realizadas 97 entrevistas com atores governamentais e societários integrantes da CS nos níveis federal (9), estadual (6) e municipal (82 entrevistas em oito municípios do Estado do Rio de Janeiro), no ano de 2000. Concluiu-se que a CS avançou em identificar e convergir os programas para os municípios mais pobres e torná-los mais visíveis aos gestores. A inserção dos diferentes atores na rede da CS variou de acordo com o poder político e a capacidade institucional de cada setor. As estratégias utilizadas foram: a negociação com cada ministério para alocação prioritária de recursos a partir de um critério técnico (indigência); maior apoio técnico e acesso à informação para os municípios mais pobres, fortalecendo sua habilidade em captar recursos. O papel da CS no nível local foi limitado devido a deficiências na articulação intersetorial e a dificuldades no monitoramento da implementação dos programas e na seleção de beneficiários, limitando seu direcionamento para os grupos mais vulneráveis.
Pobreza, desnutrição e obesidade: inter-relação de estados nutricionais de indivíduos de uma mesma família
Authors: Martins Ignez Salas , Marinho Sheila Pita , Oliveira Denize Cristina de , Araújo Eutália Aparecida Cândido de
Published: October 2007

A desnutrição crônica na infância e a obesidade associada à baixa estatura na fase adulta podem ter determinantes comuns de natureza biológica e socioambiental. Tendo em vista o fornecimento de subsídios para o entendimento dessa relação, é objetivo deste trabalho verificar a distribuição intrafamiliar de estados nutricionais em famílias pauperizadas e os fatores de natureza social e biológica envolvidos. Trata-se de um estudo realizado em população pauperizada, com renda mensal familiar inferior a 70 dólares, em dois municípios do Estado de São Paulo, Monteiro Lobato e Santo Antônio do Pinhal. Foram estudadas 215 crianças entre 6 e 71,11 meses, suas mães (197), pais (167) e irmãos entre 6 e 18 anos (560). A metodologia constou de uma análise de regressão logística múltipla hierarquizada. A escolaridade materna, o número de cômodos do domicílio, a idade menor dos 24 meses, os problemas ao nascer, associaram-se ao déficit estatural das crianças; da mesma forma, a baixa estatura da mãe, principalmente quando acompanhada de obesidade. Verificou-se, também, forte associação entre o déficit estatural das crianças com a desnutrição crônica nos irmãos escolares/adolescentes (6 a 18 anos). Os indivíduos com idade menor ou igual a 24 meses apresentaram maior risco de atraso no crescimento.
Determinação social da odontalgia em estudos epidemiológicos: revisão teórica e proposta de um modelo conceitual
Authors: Bastos João Luiz Dornelles , Gigante Denise Petrucci , Peres Karen Glazer , Nedel Fúlvio Borges
Published: October 2007

A literatura epidemiológica se caracteriza por limitada abordagem teórica acerca dos mecanismos complexos de determinação das doenças e condições de saúde. No campo da epidemiologia da saúde bucal, isto não tem sido diferente, uma vez que a cárie dentária a doença bucal mais investigada no mundo é comumente vista sob um ponto de vista biologicista/reducionista. Uma das mais importantes conseqüências da cárie é a dor de origem dentária ou odontalgia, a qual tem recebido pouca atenção em investigações com refinamento teórico e delineamento de maior capacidade para inferência causal. O objetivo deste trabalho foi rever a literatura científica sobre os determinantes da odontalgia e colocar em debate teorias pertinentes à explicação do fenômeno. São revistos modelos de determinação e correntes de pensamento emergentes no estudo de morbidades bucais, estabelecendo-se interface com o modelo biopsicossocial da dor e almejando-se a elaboração de um modelo conceitual abrangente da odontalgia. Sugere-se que a ligação entre estrutura social e saúde bucal se dá por meio de vias materiais, comportamentais e psicossociais. Aspectos da estrutura social são levantados na tentativa de relacioná-los com o desfecho de interesse, destacando sua importância nas discussões acerca da causalidade dos fenômenos de saúde bucal.
Abordagem do modelo transteórico no comportamento alimentar
Authors: Toral Natacha , Slater Betzabeth
Published: October 2007

O estudo do comportamento alimentar tem despertado grande interesse por se tratar de um elemento importante para o sucesso de intervenções nutricionais. Considerando-se a complexidade do tema e as inúmeras influências a que está submetido, sugere-se que o aprofundamento de pesquisas sobre os determinantes do comportamento alimentar possibilite maior impacto nas ações de promoção de práticas alimentares saudáveis. A adoção cada vez mais freqüente de uma alimentação inadequada no Brasil e no mundo leva a um questionamento sobre o impacto das intervenções nutricionais tradicionalmente utilizadas em âmbito populacional. Diversas estratégias de educação nutricional são atualmente descritas na literatura; contudo, alcançar a motivação da população para uma mudança efetiva do padrão alimentar ainda é um dos grandes desafios para a saúde pública. A aplicação do modelo transteórico parece ter um papel promissor em relação à melhor compreensão da mudança de comportamento alimentar, almejada nas intervenções nutricionais. Estratégias que envolvam o direcionamento para cada estágio de mudança de comportamento, identificado segundo essa teoria, podem ser mais eficazes quanto à motivação dos indivíduos a adotar práticas alimentares mais saudáveis.
As práticas profissionais no campo público de atenção à saúde bucal: o caso de dois municípios da Bahia
Authors: Chaves Sônia Cristina Lima , Silva Lígia Maria Vieira da
Published: October 2007

Este estudo visou analisar os meios e processos de trabalho dos cirurgiões-dentistas inseridos na atenção básica em dois municípios da Bahia, buscando identificar em que medida fatores relacionados à gestão da atenção à saúde bucal, formação, inserção e perfil profissional influenciam as práticas desenvolvidas pelos mesmos. Foram realizadas entrevistas semi-estruturadas junto a nove cirurgiões-dentistas em ambos os municípios. Houve um padrão de organização do processo de trabalho mais próximo dos princípios estruturantes do sistema de saúde brasileiro no município C em relação ao município E. Essas diferenças parecem estar relacionadas a características da gestão, onde no município C observou-se uma articulação entre as atividades clínicas individuais, coletivas, preventivas e de planejamento. Apesar dessas diferenças, os profissionais mostraram similitudes quanto à dupla militância e as percepções sobre os campos públicos e privados da saúde. A hegemonia do setor privado parece estar influenciando a prática profissional dos cirurgiões-dentistas no serviço público.
Development of the Strasshof Tief Sour-Gas Field Including Acid-Gas Injection Into Adjacent Producing Sour-Gas Reservoirs
Authors: Behrend Jens , Chugh Shelin , McKishnie Robert A.
Published: October 2007

OMV operates two producing sour-gas reservoirs in lower Austria: the Reyersdorfer dolomite (shallow reservoir) and the Schoenkirchen Uebertief dolomite (deep reservoir). A new, separate reservoir called the Perchtoldsdorfer dolomite (Strasshof Tief field) has been discovered, and options for how its acid gas can be handled are being investigated. The two currently producing reservoirs deliver to a gas plant with a 30-tonne/d sulfur plant. The sulfur plant is too small to accommodate the additional production. OMV has evaluated acid-gas injection as an alternative to a new, larger sulfur plant. Acid gas could be injected into either the Reyersdorfer dolomite or the Schoenkirchen Uebertief dolomite. In either case, injection would be occurring concurrently with production. Three injection scenarios are contemplated: 200, 400, and 800×103 std m3/d (6.4, 12.8, and 25.6 MMcf/D). The applied acid-gas composition is carbon dioxide (CO2) (80%), hydrogen sulfide (H2S) (16%), nitrogen (N2) (3%), and methane (CH4 or C1) (1%).

The intent of this project was to determine at a scoping level if sufficient injectivity and storativity are available in either the Reyersdorfer dolomite or the Schoenkirchen Uebertief dolomite. Compositional modeling and the prognosis of the breakthrough time at the producing wells were carried out to determine the contamination risk to existing production.

The simulation work included generating compositional numerical-simulation forecasts of production-rate/composition forecasts under concurrent injection/production scenarios; modeling in-situ miscibility and gravity-separation effects of acid gas; and evaluating risk scenarios for existing production to determine the optimal solution.
Core-Data Preprocessing To Improve Permeability-Log Estimation
Authors: Cozzi Mauro , Ruvo Livio , Scaglioni Paolo , Lyne Anna Maria
Published: October 2007

Two techniques of preprocessing data from core plugs have been investigated to enhance the quality of synthetic permeability estimation from conventional logs by use of artificial neural networks (ANNs). A first technique consists of "cleaning" the core-plug data set by removing the measurements deemed log-incompatible (i.e., those from plugs corresponding to log measurements affected by shoulder-bed effect or layers with thickness below the vertical log resolution). The second technique relies on building high-resolution digital models of cored intervals by use of a process-oriented-modeling (POM) approach—the core model is populated with permeability values from core plugs and then upscaled to a log-equivalent support volume.

Synthetic permeability curves estimated with these techniques have been compared to synthetic permeability curves estimated without core-data preprocessing and to permeability estimated directly from core plugs and properly calibrated permeability curves from a nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) log tool in a turbidite reservoir, the ground truth value being represented by actual dynamic data. Results highlight that core-to-log scale effects play a major role in the permeability estimation from conventional logs and show that the proposed preprocessing techniques can be effective in improving permeability prediction, because they significantly reduce cross-scaling problems related to the differences in support volumes.

Strengths and weaknesses of the two preprocessing approaches also have been compared. The first technique is faster, but its application is strongly constrained by the statistical and geological representativeness of the selected data set. This is because some lithologies go underrepresented so as to question the use of estimation tools like ANNs. Conversely, the POM preprocessing technique is more time-consuming and needs detailed core descriptions, but has the great advantage of supplying—starting from core data only—a reliable permeability curve that retains its validity at the log scale.
Waterflooding Surveillance and Monitoring: Putting Principles Into Practice
Authors: Terrado Martin , Yudono Suryo , Thakur Ganesh
Published: October 2007

This paper illustrates how practical application of surveillance and monitoring principles is a key to understanding reservoir performance and identifying opportunities that will improve ultimate oil recovery. Implementation of various principles recommended by industry experts is presented using examples from fields currently in production.

Practices in processing valuable information and analyzing data from different perspectives are presented in a methodical way on the following bases: field, block, pattern, and wells. A novel diagnostic plot is presented to assess well performance and identify problem wells for the field.

Results from the application of these practices in a pilot area are shared, indicating that the nominal decline rate improved from 33 to 18% per year without any infill drilling. The change in the decline rate is attributed primarily to effective waterflood management with a methodical approach, employing an integrated multifunctional team.

Although the suggested techniques can be applied to any oil field undergoing a waterflood, they are of great value to mature waterfloods that involve significant production history. In these cases, prioritization is a key aspect to maintain focus on the opportunities that will add the most value during the final period of the depletion cycle. Case studies illustrating the best surveillance practices are discussed.
Optimal Waterflood Management Using Rate Control
Authors: Alhuthali Ahmed H. , Oyerinde Adedayo , Datta-Gupta Akhil
Published: October 2007

Field-scale rate optimization problems often involve highly complex reservoir models, production-and-facilities related constraints, and a large number of unknowns. These factors make optimal reservoir management through rate- and flood-front control difficult without efficient optimization tools. Some aspects of the optimization problem have been studied before mainly using an optimal control theory. However, the applications to date have been rather limited to small problems because of the computation time and the complexities associated with the formulation and solution of adjoint equations. Field-scale rate optimization for maximizing waterflood sweep efficiency under realistic field conditions has remained largely unexplored.

This paper proposes a practical and efficient approach for computing optimal injection and production rates, thereby managing the waterflood front to maximize sweep efficiency and delaying the arrival time to minimize water cycling. Our work relies on equalizing the arrival times of the waterflood front at all producers within selected subregions of a waterflood project. The arrival-time optimization has favorable quasilinear properties, and the optimization proceeds smoothly, even if our initial conditions are far from the solution. Furthermore, the sensitivity of the arrival time with respect to injection and production rates can be calculated analytically using a single-flow simulation. This makes our approach computationally efficient and suitable for large-scale field applications. The arrival time optimization ensures appropriate rate allocation and flood-front management by delaying the water breakthrough at the producing wells.

Several examples are presented to support the robustness and efficiency of the proposed optimization scheme. These include several 2D-synthetic examples for validation purposes and a 3D field application. In addition, we demonstrate the potential of the approach to optimize the flow profile along injection/production segments of horizontal-smart wells.
Important Modeling Parameters for Predicting Steamflood Performance
Authors: Satik Cengiz , Kumar Mridul , DeFrancisco Sam , Hoang Viet , Basham Mike
Published: October 2007

A comprehensive numerical modeling study was performed to investigate impact of pattern confinement on steamflood simulation results, using a three-phase and 3D thermal reservoir simulator. In addition, the effects of cyclic steaming of the producers, grid size, and other physical parameters were evaluated. Detailed multipattern, single-sand steamflood models were constructed using properties of a heavy-oil field in California. All models included an initial primary depletion zone of 6 ft within 60 ft of net pay. Up to twenty-five, 2.5-acre patterns were included in the study.

Results show that finely gridded models accurately capture near-vertical steam override and oil drainage by gravity with a near-horizontal steam/oil interface. High injection pressures observed in many prior simulations are primarily a result of confined reservoir models. Steam-zone pressures and temperatures are similar to those typically observed in the field, when the model is unconfined (i.e., the model area is greater than the pattern area), representing undeveloped portions of the field. Moreover, including cyclic steaming of producers accelerates the steam breakthrough time and lowers injection pressures. During the postbreakthrough steam-rate-reduction period, field-observed oil-production response is represented better when the influence of surrounding patterns is included. Production-rate decline is relatively small when injection rate is reduced only in the primary pattern(s); however, the decline rate increases if rate reduction is implemented in the entire field.
Depressurization-Induced Gas Production From Class 1 Hydrate Deposits
Authors: Moridis George J. , Kowalsky Michael B. , Pruess Karsten
Published: October 2007

Class 1 hydrate deposits are characterized by a hydrate-bearing layer underlain by a two-phase zone involving mobile gas. Two kinds of deposits are investigated. The first involves water and hydrate in the hydrate zone (Class 1W), while the second involves gas and hydrate (Class 1G). We introduce new models to describe the effect of the presence of hydrates on the wettability properties of porous media. We determine that large volumes of gas can be readily produced at high rates for long times from Class 1 gas-hydrate accumulations by means of depressurization-induced dissociation using conventional technology. Dissociation in Class 1W deposits proceeds in distinct stages, while it is continuous in Class 1G deposits. To avoid blockage caused by hydrate formation in the vicinity of the well, wellbore heating is a necessity in production from Class 1 hydrates. Class 1W hydrates are shown to contribute up to 65% of the production rate and up to 45% of the cumulative volume of produced gas; the corresponding numbers for Class 1G hydrates are 75% and 54%. Production from both Class 1W and Class 1G deposits leads to the emergence of a second dissociation front (in addition to the original ascending hydrate interface) that forms at the top of the hydrate interval and advances downward. In both kinds of deposits, capillary pressure effects lead to hydrate lensing (i.e., the emergence of distinct banded structures of alternating high/low hydrate saturation, which form channels and shells and have a significant effect on production).
Studies on the male and female copulatory apparatus of Trichuris globulosa (Nematoda, Trichuridae)
Authors: Kaur H. , Duggal C.
Published: October 2007

The process of copulation in Trichuris globulosa (see Linstow, 1901) Ransom, 1911 has been studied using morphological, histological and scanning electron microscopical techniques (Keilley et al., 1973). The ventral coiling of the posterior part of the male body around the female is achieved by specialized muscles of the ventral body-wall. The single simple pointed spicule emerges with the everting cirrus and acquires a J-shape. The spicule may help in keeping apart the cuticular brim of the non-spiny noneversible part of the vagina during insemination. The cloacal tube is long with a detached internal cuticle which is eversible to the outside as a cirrus. Eversion is brought about by the protrusion of the spicule and contraction of the muscles of the spicule pouch. During eversion part of the proximal cloacal tube is also extruded and forms the globular part of the cirrus. The globular part is covered with spines, which may help in retaining the male and female in copula. The vagina is differentiated into the proximal vagina uterine and distal vagina vera. The vagina vera has a distal eversible spiny part and a proximal noneversible unarmed part. In Trichuris globulosa, the vagina vera is shorter than the spicule.
A new nematode, Pongobius hugoti gen. et sp. n. from the orangutan Pongo abelii (Primates: Hominidae)
Authors: Baruš V. , Foitová I. , Koubková B. , Hodová I. , Šimková A. , Nurcahyo W.
Published: October 2007

Light and scanning electron microscopical examination and molecular analysis of pinworm samples collected from the Sumatran orangutan (Pongo abelii) from Sumatra (Indonesia) revealed the presence of a new taxon, Pongobius hugoti gen. et sp. n. (Oxyuridae: Enterobiinae). The monotypic genus Pongobius is characterised by the presence of a triangular mouth, three rounded teeth and three chisel-like inner teeth in the buccal cavity, an oesophagus with a long pharyngeal part, corpus posteriorly slightly enlarged and continuing as a pyriform bulb, isthmus absent. These features differentiate P. hugoti from all members of the subfamily Enterobiinae. The male has a long caudal appendix (> 50% of total tail length). Molecular analysis of the new taxon is presented for more precise identification.
The genus Longidorus (Nematoda: Longidoridae) from Bohemia and South Moravia in the rhizosphere of fruit orchards and vineyards
Authors: Kumari S. , Decraemer W.
Published: October 2007

The occurrence and geographic distribution of the genus Longidorus was investigated during a nematological survey of Bohemia and South Moravia between 2003 and 2006. Soil samples were collected from 139 different fruit orchards and vineyards. Three Longidorus species (L. elongatus, L. euonymus and L. leptocephalus) were recorded. L. euonymus constitutes a new record for the Czech nematofauna.
Metacercariae of Centrocestus formosanus in goldfish (Carassius auratus L.) imported into Croatia
Authors: Gjurčević E. , Petrinec Z. , Kozarić Z. , Kužir S. , Gjurčević Kantura V. , Vučemilo M. , Džaja P.
Published: October 2007

The presence of metacercariae of Centrocestus formosanus was detected on the gills of goldfish (Carassius auratus L.) imported from Singapore and obtained from two pet shops. This is the first report of the parasite in Croatia. The histopathological changes observed lead to the conclusion that the infection could be one of the reasons for the death of goldfish.
The first record of Spirocerca lupi (Rudolphi, 1809) (Spirocercidae, Nematoda) from Poland based on faecal analysis of wolf (Canis lupus L.)
Authors: Szczęsna J. , Popiołek M.
Published: October 2007

During studies on the helminth fauna of wolves inhabiting natural ecosystems of Poland, 86 scats were examined. All the samples were collected in the autumn of 2005. Spirocerca lupi was detected with decantation and flotation techniques. The prevalence was 2.32 %. This is the first record of the parasite from Poland and the third case of its occurrence in the wolf (Canis lupus L.) within its distribution range.
On restricted domination in graphs
Authors: Samodivkin Vladimir
Published: October 2007

The k-restricted domination number of a graph G is the minimum number d
k such that for any subset U of k vertices of G, there is a dominating set in G including U and having at most d
k vertices. Some new upper bounds in terms of order and degrees for this number are found.
Slant and semi-slant submanifolds of a kenmotsu manifold
Authors: Khan V. , Khan M. , Khan K.
Published: October 2007

In the present note we have obtained some basic results pertaining to the geometry of slant and semi-slant submanifolds of a Kenmotsu manifold.
Bright Blue Photo‐ and Electroluminescence from Eu2+‐Doped GaN/SiO2 Nanocomposites
Authors: Mahalingam V. , Tan M. , Munusamy P. , Gilroy J. B. , Raudsepp M. , van Veggel F. C. J. M.
Published: October 2007

In this article we demonstrate the synthesis of Eu2+‐doped GaN/SiO2 nanocomposites using a simple solid state reaction and their use in light‐emitting devices. The nanocomposite exhibits a bright blue luminescence when excited in the UV region (quantum yield = 23 %). The origin of the blue emission is attributed to the presence of europium ions in the +2 oxidation state in the GaN/SiO2 nanocomposites. Analysis of the EPR spectrum of europium‐doped GaN/SiO2 nanocomposites confirms the existence of Eu2+ in the nanocomposites. Various control experiments show that the blue emission arises from these europium ions and that the interface of GaN and silica plays a crucial role. The Eu2+‐doped GaN/SiO2 nanocomposite also exhibits a bright blue electroluminescence. Furthermore, the nanocomposites can be coated with a polymer to tune their dispersibility in organic medium.
Thermally Stable and Solvent Resistant Mesoporous Honeycomb Films from a Crosslinkable Polymer
Authors: Kabuto T. , Hashimoto Y. , Karthaus O.
Published: October 2007

The preparation of mesoporous honeycomb films, also known as breath figure arrays (BFAs), from poly(styrene‐co‐maleic anhydride) is reported. Films containing regular arrays of micrometer‐sized air‐holes were prepared by evaporation of a chloroform solution of a mixture of the above polymer including 10 % of an amphiphilic polyion complex under high humidity that leads to the formation of a hexagonally packed monolayer of water droplets in the polymer film. The porous films were characterized by optical and scanning electron microscopy. Crosslinking was achieved by immersion in an ethanol solution of an α, ω alkyldiamine and the chemical reaction was monitored by infrared spectroscopy. The non‐crosslinked films are hydrophobic with a water contact angle of more than 90°, whereas the crosslinked films became hydrophilic, so that a water drop penetrated into the films. After crosslinking, the honeycomb structure was stable to up to 350 °C, an increase of more than 150 K as compared to the non‐crosslinked films.
Preparation of Short Carbon Nanotubes and Application as an Electrode Material in Li‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Wang X. X. , Wang J. N. , Chang H. , Zhang Y. F.
Published: October 2007

A new approach is developed for cutting conventional micrometer‐long entangled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) to short ca. 200 nm long segments with excellent dispersion. CNTs with different lengths are used as anode materials in Li‐ion batteries. The reversible capacity of the Li‐ion batteries is increased and the irreversible capacity is decreased upon shortening the length of the CNTs. The reason for this is that the insertion/extraction of Li ions is easier into/from short CNTs as compared to long CNTs because of the shortened length and the presence of lateral defects. Moreover, short CNTs have a lower electrical resistance and Warburg prefactor, resulting in better rate performance at high current densities. The present study suggests that short segments of CNTs obtained by cutting long CNTs may possess novel properties that may be useful for a wide variety of applications.
Novel Multi‐functional Mixed‐oxide Catalysts for Effective NOx Capture, Decomposition, and Reduction
Authors: Yu J. J. , Wang X. P. , Li L. D. , Hao Z. P. , Xu Z. P. , Lu G. Q.
Published: October 2007

In this paper, novel multi‐functional mixed‐oxide catalysts have been rationally designed and developed for the effective abatement of NOx. CaxCo3 – xAl hydrotalcite‐like compounds (where x = 0.0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, 3.0) are first synthesized by co‐precipitation and calcined at 800 °C for 4 h in air to derive the mixed oxides. The resultant mixed oxides are generally of spinel phase, where the CaO phase is segregated when x ≥ 2.5. It has subsequently been found that the derived oxides are catalytically multi‐functional for NOx decomposition, capture, and reduction. For example, the mixed Ca2Co1Al1‐oxide can decompose 55 % NO at 300 °C in 8 % oxygen, completely trap NO for 750 s, and capture 12.88 and 18.06 mg g–1 NO within 30 and 60 min, respectively. The catalytic activities of the Ca2Co1Al1‐oxide catalyst have been further improved by incorporating La to form a quaternary catalyst Ca2Co1La0.1Al0.9‐oxide. This catalyst significantly enhances the NO decomposition to 75 %, extends the complete trapping time to 1100 s, and captures more NO at 300 °C in 8 % O2 (19.02 mg g–1 NO within 60 min). The in‐situ IR spectra of the catalysts with adsorbed NO indicates that the major nitrogen species formed on the catalysts are various kinds of nitrites and nitrates, which can be readily reduced by H2 within 6 min at 350 °C. Therefore, the excellent catalytic activity of layered double hydroxide (LDH)‐based mixed oxides for NO decomposition, storage, and reduction can be achieved by the elegant combination of normal transition metals.
Hydrogen separation of methyltriethoxysilane templating silica membrane
Authors: Moon Jong‐Ho , Lee Chang‐Ha
Published: October 2007

Hydrogen separation on microporous methyltriethoxysilane‐templating silica composite/α‐alumina membranes (below MTES membrane) was studied using three binary gas mixtures: H2/N2, H2/CO2, and H2/CH4. The characteristics of unsteady and steady‐state permeation/separation on the MTES membrane were compared to each other. Although permeation flux in the H2/N2 mixture was comparatively low, H2 selectivity was high (H2/N2 SF ≈ 30–60). On the contrary, the H2/CO2 mixture showed high permeation flux but low H2 selectivity (H2/CO2 SF ≈ 1.5–6.5). The H2/CH4 mixture showed a large difference between permselectivity (28–48) and separation factor (10–22). Results from this study revealed that it was difficult to predict the separation factor using the one‐component permeation ratio (permselectivity) over the experimental range tested. These separation characteristics could be primarily ascribed to the molecular size and structure of each gas, which likely contributed to steric hindrance or molecular sieving within the membrane pore. In addition, the adsorption affinity of each molecule on the membrane surface acted as a key factor in separation performance because it significantly influenced surface diffusion. The generalized Maxwell‐Stefan model incorporating the dust gas model, and the Langmuir model could successfully predict the transient and steady‐state permeation/separation. © 2007 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2007
Autosomal microsatellite variability of the Arrernte people of Australia
Authors: Alfonso‐Sánchez M. A. , Pérez‐Miranda A. M. , Herrera R. J.
Published: October 2007

The genomic diversity of the Arrernte people of Australia or caterpillar people was investigated utilizing 13 autosomal short tandem repeat (STR) markers. Significant departures from Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium were detected at the D18S51, TPOX and CSF1PO loci, which persisted after applying the Bonferroni correction. Gene diversity values oscillate between 0.6302 (CSF1PO) and 0.8731 (D21S11). Observed heterozygosity (Ho) ranges from 0.2632 (D18S51) to 0.8333 (vWA) and is lower than the expected heterozygosity (He) for 12 of the 13 loci analyzed. The genetic relationships of the Arrernte with Middle Eastern, East Asian, South Asian and Indian populations were analyzed by distance‐based methods, including Neighbor‐Joining trees and nonmetric multidimensional scaling. In addition, the genetic contribution of the populations included in the analysis to the Arrernte gene pool was estimated utilizing weighted least square coefficients. Although the Arrernte population exhibits a remarkable level of genetic differentiation, results of the phylogeographic analyses based on autosomal microsatellite data suggest a certain degree of genetic relatedness between the Arrernte tribe of Australia and populations from the Indian subcontinent. In contrast, the STR diversity analyses failed to detect substantial East Asian contribution to the genetic background of the Arrernte group. Am. J. Hum. Biol., 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.