bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Broadly Protective Shigella Vaccine Based on Type III Secretion Apparatus Proteins
Authors: Martinez-Becerra Francisco J. , Kissmann Julian M. , Diaz-McNair Jovita , Choudhari Shyamal P. , Quick Amy M. , Mellado-Sanchez Gabriela , Clements John D. , Pasetti Marcela F. , Picking Wendy L.
Published: December 2011

Shigella
spp. are food- and waterborne pathogens that cause severe diarrheal and dysenteric disease associated with high morbidity and mortality. Individuals most often affected are children under 5 years of age in the developing world. The existence of multiple
Shigella
serotypes and the heterogenic distribution of pathogenic strains, as well as emerging antibiotic resistance, require the development of a broadly protective vaccine. All
Shigella
spp. utilize a type III secretion system (TTSS) to initiate infection. The type III secretion apparatus (TTSA) is the molecular needle and syringe that form the energized conduit between the bacterial cytoplasm and the host cell to transport effector proteins that manipulate cellular processes to benefit the pathogen. IpaB and IpaD form a tip complex atop the TTSA needle and are required for pathogenesis. Because they are common to all virulent
Shigella
spp., they are ideal candidate antigens for a subunit-based, broad-spectrum vaccine. We examined the immunogenicity and protective efficacy of IpaB and IpaD, alone or combined, coadministered with a double mutant heat-labile toxin (dmLT) from
Escherichia coli
, used as a mucosal adjuvant, in a mouse model of intranasal immunization and pulmonary challenge. Robust systemic and mucosal antibody- and T cell-mediated immunities were induced against both proteins, particularly IpaB. Mice immunized in the presence of dmLT with IpaB alone or IpaB combined with IpaD were fully protected against lethal pulmonary infection with
Shigella flexneri
and
Shigella sonnei
. We provide the first demonstration that the
Shigella
TTSAs IpaB and IpaD are promising antigens for the development of a cross-protective
Shigella
vaccine.
Complete Genome Sequence of a Double-Stranded RNA Virus from Avocado
Authors: Villanueva Francisco , Sabanadzovic Sead , Valverde Rodrigo A. , Navas-Castillo Jesús
Published: December 2011

A number of avocado (
Persea americana
) cultivars are known to contain high-molecular-weight double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) molecules for which a viral nature has been suggested, although sequence data are not available. Here we report the cloning and complete sequencing of a 13.5-kbp dsRNA virus isolated from avocado and show that it corresponds to the genome of a new species of the genus
Endornavirus
(family
Endornaviridae
), tentatively named
Persea americana
endornavirus (PaEV).
SCALING LIMITS OF INTEGRABLE QUANTUM FIELD THEORIES
Authors: BOSTELMANN HENNING , LECHNER GANDALF , MORSELLA GERARDO
Published: December 2011

Short distance scaling limits of a class of integrable models on two-dimensional Minkowski space are considered in the algebraic framework of quantum field theory. Making use of the wedge-local quantum fields generating these models, it is shown that massless scaling limit theories exist, and decompose into (twisted) tensor products of chiral, translation-dilation covariant field theories. On the subspace which is generated from the vacuum by the observables localized in finite light ray intervals, this symmetry can be extended to the Möbius group. The structure of the interval-localized algebras in the chiral models is discussed in two explicit examples.
PRECISION FINISHING OF GEARS BY ELECTROCHEMICAL HONING PROCESS: A STATE OF ART REVIEW
Authors: MISRA J. P. , JAIN P. K. , DWIVEDI D. K.
Published: December 2011

This paper presents a state-of-the-art review of high precision finishing of gears by electrochemical honing (ECH) process. It is an electrochemical (EC)-based hybrid machining process combining the faster material removal capability of electrochemical machining (ECM) process and controlled functional surface–generating capability of conventional honing in a single action. The precision finishing of gears by ECH is a productive, high-accuracy, long toollife gear finishing process. The present study contains a detailed description of the process principle, influencing parameters, process capabilities, equipment details, applications, advantages and limitations, and comprehensive literature review of past research work on the ECH of gears along with some guidelines for further research with an objective to revive the interest of the global research community to mature this process further.
Preclinical Development of the Novel Chk1 Inhibitor SCH900776 in Combination with DNA-Damaging Agents and Antimetabolites
Authors: Montano Ryan , Chung Injae , Garner Kristen M. , Parry David , Eastman Alan
Published: December 2011

Many anticancer agents damage DNA and arrest cell-cycle progression primarily in S or G2 phase of the cell cycle. Previous studies with the topoisomerase I inhibitor SN38 have shown the efficacy of the Chk1 inhibitor UCN-01 to overcome this arrest and induce mitotic catastrophe. UCN-01 was limited in clinical trials by unfavorable pharmacokinetics. SCH900776 is a novel and more selective Chk1 inhibitor that potently inhibits Chk1 and abrogates cell-cycle arrest induced by SN38. Like UCN-01, abrogation of SN38-induced arrest enhances the rate of cell death but does not increase overall cell death. In contrast, SCH900776 reduced the growth-inhibitory concentration of hydroxyurea by 20- to 70-fold. A similar magnitude of sensitization was observed with cytarabine. A 5- to 10-fold sensitization occurred with gemcitabine, but no sensitization occurred with cisplatin, 5-fluorouracil, or 6-thioguanine. Sensitization occurred at hydroxyurea concentrations that marginally slowed DNA replication without apparent activation of Chk1, but this led to dependence on Chk1 that increased with time. For example, when added 18 hours after hydroxyurea, SCH900776 induced DNA double-strand breaks consistent with rapid collapse of replication forks. In addition, some cell lines were highly sensitive to SCH900776 alone, and these cells required lower concentrations of SCH900776 to sensitize them to hydroxyurea. We conclude that some tumors may be very sensitive to the combination of SCH900776 and hydroxyurea. Delayed administration of SCH900776 may be more effective than concurrent treatment. SCH900776 is currently in phase I clinical trials, and these results provide the rationale and schedule for future clinical trials. Mol Cancer Ther; 11(2); 427–38. ©2011 AACR.
CEP-28122, a Highly Potent and Selective Orally Active Inhibitor of Anaplastic Lymphoma Kinase with Antitumor Activity in Experimental Models of Human Cancers
Authors: Cheng Mangeng , Quail Matthew R. , Gingrich Diane E. , Ott Gregory R. , Lu Lihui , Wan Weihua , Albom Mark S. , Angeles Thelma S. , Aimone Lisa D. , Cristofani Flavio , Machiorlatti Rodolfo , Abele Cristina , Ator Mark A. , Dorsey Bruce D. , Inghirami Giorgio , Ruggeri Bruce A.
Published: December 2011

Anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) is constitutively activated in a number of human cancer types due to chromosomal translocations, point mutations, and gene amplification and has emerged as an excellent molecular target for cancer therapy. Here we report the identification and preclinical characterization of CEP-28122, a highly potent and selective orally active ALK inhibitor. CEP-28122 is a potent inhibitor of recombinant ALK activity and cellular ALK tyrosine phosphorylation. It induced concentration-dependent growth inhibition/cytotoxicity of ALK-positive anaplastic large-cell lymphoma (ALCL), non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), and neuroblastoma cells, and displayed dose-dependent inhibition of ALK tyrosine phosphorylation in tumor xenografts in mice, with substantial target inhibition (>90%) for more than 12 hours following single oral dosing at 30 mg/kg. Dose-dependent antitumor activity was observed in ALK-positive ALCL, NSCLC, and neuroblastoma tumor xenografts in mice administered CEP-28122 orally, with complete/near complete tumor regressions observed following treatment at doses of 30 mg/kg twice daily or higher. Treatment of mice bearing Sup-M2 tumor xenografts for 4 weeks and primary human ALCL tumor grafts for 2 weeks at 55 or 100 mg/kg twice daily led to sustained tumor regression in all mice, with no tumor reemergence for more than 60 days postcessation of treatment. Conversely, CEP-28122 displayed marginal antitumor activity against ALK-negative human tumor xenografts under the same dosing regimens. Administration of CEP-28122 was well tolerated in mice and rats. In summary, CEP-28122 is a highly potent and selective orally active ALK inhibitor with a favorable pharmaceutical and pharmacokinetic profile and robust and selective pharmacologic efficacy against ALK-positive human cancer cells and tumor xenograft models in mice. Mol Cancer Ther; 11(3); 670–9. ©2011 AACR.
Rice-Induced Anaphylaxis: IgE-Mediated Allergy against a 56-kDa Glycoprotein
Authors: Trcka Jiri , Schäd Susanne G. , Scheurer Stephan , Conti Amedeo , Vieths Stefan , Gross Gerd , Trautmann Axel
Published: December 2011

Background: Although rice (Oryza sativa) is one of the most common cereals produced and consumed around the world, there have been only a few reports on immediate hypersensitivity reactions after ingestion of rice. Few clinical studies on rice allergy in Asia have been reported concerning rhinitis, asthma and atopic dermatitis. In this case study, we identify allergens presumably responsible for anaphylaxis after ingestion of rice in a German patient. Methods: Prick-to-prick tests, determination of specific IgE and the basophil activation test (BAT) were performed to confirm IgE-mediated allergy. IgE reactivity was further analyzed by immunoblotting of protein extracts from cooked commercial rice products. Rice allergens were purified, subjected to N-terminal sequencing and characterized by IgE binding and IgE inhibition assays using additional sera from 8 subjects with sensitization to rice and/or a history of hypersensitivity symptoms after rice ingestion. Results: Prick-to-prick tests were positive to raw and cooked rice (basmati rice and long-grain rice) and preparations of different rice extracts. Specific IgE against rice (f9) was 1.87 kUA/l. The BAT showed specific IgE-mediated activation of basophils after stimulation with rice extracts. Four IgE-reactive rice proteins with an apparent molecular weight of 49, 52, 56 and 98 kDa were identified. Interestingly, only binding to the 56-kDa glycoprotein was at least partially independent from cross-reactive carbohydrate determinants (CCD), whereas IgE binding to the other rice proteins was completely inhibited by pre-incubation with the CCD MUXF derived from bromelain. Conclusions: Yet unidentified high-molecular-weight allergens from rice seeds, predominantly a 56-kDa glycoprotein, seem to be responsible for anaphylaxis after consumption of rice in a German patient.
Diagnosis of Neonatal Sepsis by Broad-Range 16S Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction
Authors: Ohlin Andreas , Bäckman Anders , Ewald Uwe , Schollin Jens , Björkqvist Maria
Published: December 2011

Background: The standard diagnostic test (blood culture) for suspected neonatal sepsis has limitations in sensitivity and specificity, and 16S polymerase chain reaction (PCR) has been suggested as a new diagnostic tool for neonatal sepsis. Objectives: To develop and evaluate a new real-time PCR method for detection of bacterial DNA in blood samples collected from infants with suspected neonatal sepsis. Methods: Immediately after blood culture, a study sample of 0.5–1.0 ml whole blood was collected and used for a novel 16S real-time PCR assay. All positive samples were sequenced. Detailed case studies were performed in all cases with conflicting results, to verify if PCR could detect pathogens in culture negative sepsis. Results: 368 samples from 317 infants were included. When compared with blood culture, the assay yielded a sensitivity of 79%, a specificity of 90%, a positive predictive value of 59%, and a negative predictive value of 96%. Seven of the 31 samples with a positive PCR result and a negative blood culture had definite or suspected bacterial sepsis. In five samples, PCR (but not blood culture) could detect a pathogen that was present in a blood culture collected more than 24 h prior to the PCR sample. Conclusions: This study presents an evaluation of a new real-time PCR technique that can detect culture-positive sepsis, and suggests that PCR has the potential to detect bacteria in culture-negative samples even after the initiation of intravenous antibiotics.
Genome-Wide Profiling of Blood Pressure in Adults and Children
Authors: Taal Hendrik R. , Verwoert Germaine C. , Demirkan Ayse , Janssens A. Cecile J.W. , Rice Kenneth , Ehret Georg , Smith Albert V. , Verhaaren Ben F.J. , Witteman Jacqueline C.M. , Hofman Albert , Vernooij Meike W. , Uitterlinden Andre G. , Rivadeneira Fernando , Ikram M. Arfan , Levy Daniel , van der Heijden Albert J. ,   for the Cohort for Heart and Aging Research in Genome Epidemiology and Early Genetics and Lifecourse Epidemiology consortia, Jaddoe Vincent W.V. , van Duijn Cornelia M.
Published: December 2011

Hypertension is an important determinant of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality and has a substantial heritability, which is likely of polygenic origin. The aim of this study was to assess to what extent multiple common genetic variants contribute to blood pressure regulation in both adults and children and to assess overlap in variants between different age groups, using genome-wide profiling. Single nucleotide polymorphism sets were defined based on a meta-analysis of genome-wide association studies on systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure performed by the Cohort for Heart and Aging Research in Genome Epidemiology (n=29 136), using different
P
value thresholds for selecting single nucleotide polymorphisms. Subsequently, genetic risk scores for systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure were calculated in an independent adult population (n=2072) and a child population (n=1034). The explained variance of the genetic risk scores was evaluated using linear regression models, including sex, age, and body mass index. Genetic risk scores, including also many nongenome-wide significant single nucleotide polymorphisms, explained more of the variance than scores based only on very significant single nucleotide polymorphisms in adults and children. Genetic risk scores significantly explained ≤1.2% (
P
=9.6*10
−8
) of the variance in adult systolic blood pressure and 0.8% (
P
=0.004) in children. For diastolic blood pressure, the variance explained was similar in adults and children (1.7% [
P
=8.9*10
−10
] and 1.4% [
P
=3.3*10
−5
], respectively). These findings suggest the presence of many genetic loci with small effects on blood pressure regulation both in adults and children, indicating also a (partly) common polygenic regulation of blood pressure throughout different periods of life.
KCNJ5
Mutations in European Families With Nonglucocorticoid Remediable Familial Hyperaldosteronism
Authors: Mulatero Paolo , Tauber Philipp , Zennaro Maria-Christina , Monticone Silvia , Lang Katharina , Beuschlein Felix , Fischer Evelyn , Tizzani Davide , Pallauf Anna , Viola Andrea , Amar Laurence , Williams Tracy Ann , Strom Tim M. , Graf Elisabeth , Bandulik Sascha , Penton David , Plouin Pierre-François , Warth Richard , Allolio Bruno , Jeunemaitre Xavier , Veglio Franco , Reincke Martin
Published: December 2011

Primary aldosteronism is the most frequent cause of endocrine hypertension. Three forms of familial hyperaldosteronism (FH) have been described, named FH-I to -III. Recently, a mutation of
KCNJ5
has been shown to be associated with FH-III, whereas the cause of FH-II is still unknown. In this study we searched for mutations in
KCNJ5
in 46 patients from 21 families with FH, in which FH-I was excluded. We identified a new germline G151E mutation in 2 primary aldosteronism–affected subjects from an Italian family and 3 somatic mutations in aldosterone-producing adenomas, T158A described previously as a germline mutation associated with FH-III, and G151R and L168R both described as somatic mutations in aldosterone-producing adenoma. The phenotype of the family with the G151E mutation was remarkably milder compared with the previously described American family, in terms of both clinical and biochemical parameters. Furthermore, patients with somatic
KCNJ5
mutations displayed a phenotype indistinguishable from that of sporadic primary aldosteronism. The functional characterization of the effects of the G151E mutation in vitro showed a profound alteration of the channel function, with loss of K
+
selectivity, Na
+
influx, and membrane depolarization. These alterations have been postulated to be responsible for voltage gate Ca
2+
channel activation, increase in cytosolic calcium, and stimulation of aldosterone production and adrenal cell proliferation. In conclusion, we describe herein a new mutation in the KCNJ5 potassium channel associated with FH-III, responsible for marked alterations of channel function but associated with a mild clinical and hormonal phenotype.
Present at the Creation: Edward Mead Earle and the Depression-Era Origins of Security Studies
Authors: Ekbladh David
Published: December 2011

Security studies, as an American field of inquiry, has particular historical origins. Contrary to standard views, it was the unraveling of the international order in the 1930s that compelled a collection of internationalist institutions and individuals, led by historian Edward Mead Earle, to bind together a variety of new and traditional disciplines to create an entirely new field focused on the problem of security. These institutions and individuals not only sought to confront the crisis at hand by influencing public views, altering academic discussion, enhancing government capacity, and creating an American “grand strategy,” but also to establish strong institutional and intellectual foundations for an enduring scholarly project that would contended with future national security problems generated by the modern world. In this effort, Earle and his foundation, government, and university collaborators had significant influence on the evolution of security studies as a field that are still felt today.
Quality of Mobile Air Temperature and Atmospheric Pressure Observations from the 2010 Development Test Environment Experiment
Authors: Anderson Amanda R. S. , Chapman Michael , Drobot Sheldon D. , Tadesse Alemu , Lambi Brice , Wiener Gerry , Pisano Paul
Published: December 2011

The 2010 Development Test Environment Experiment (DTE10) took place from 28 January to 29 March 2010 in the Detroit, Michigan, metropolitan area for the purposes of collecting and evaluating mobile data from vehicles. To examine the quality of these data, over 239 000 air temperature and atmospheric pressure observations were obtained from nine vehicles and were compared with a weather station set up at the testing site. The observations from the vehicles were first run through the NCAR Vehicle Data Translator (VDT). As part of the VDT, quality-checking (QCh) tests were applied; pass rates from these tests were examined and were stratified by meteorological and nonmeteorological factors. Statistics were then calculated for air temperature and atmospheric pressure in comparison with the weather station, and the effects of different meteorological and nonmeteorological factors on the statistics were examined. Overall, temperature measurements showed consistent agreement with the weather station, and there was little impact from the QCh process or stratifications—a result that demonstrated the feasibility of collecting mobile temperature observations from vehicles. Atmospheric pressure observations were less well matched with surface validation, the degree of which varied with the make and model of vehicle. Therefore, more work must be done to improve the quality of these observations if atmospheric pressure from vehicles is to be useful.
Comparison of the Effects of Different Intravenous Fat Emulsions in Patients With Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome and Sepsis
Authors: Sungurtekin Hulya , Değirmenci Sezai , Sungurtekin Ugur , Oguz Berna Elibol , Sabir Nuran , Kaptanoglu Bunyamin
Published: December 2011

Background: In this study, the authors aimed to compare the effects that a medium‐ and long‐chain triglyceride (MCT/LCT) fat infusion and a fish oil–based (ω‐3) fat infusion for parenteral nutrition (PN) had on systemic inflammation, cytokine response, and hepatic steatosis in mixed intensive care unit (ICU) patients. Methods: This was a single‐center, placebo‐controlled, randomized clinical trial in a university hospital. Four patient groups, including systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) and sepsis patients, were assigned to receive PN employing the MCT/LCT fat infusion or the fish oil–based fat infusion over 7 days. Blood biochemistry and liver steatosis were evaluated. Results: Twenty sepsis and 20 SIRS patients were included in this study. There was no statistically significant difference in terms of biochemical values and Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II scores between the different feeding groups. Sepsis groups who received MCT/LCT revealed higher grades of liver steatosis by ultrasound on days 7 and 10 (P < .05). Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)–α and interleukin (IL)–6 values in sepsis group 1 (S1) were higher than in sepsis group (S2) on day 7, whereas IL‐1 values were higher on days 3, 7, and 10 in group S1 than in group S2. Conversely, IL‐10 values on days 3 and 7 were significantly higher in group S2. Conclusion: Fish oil–based fat emulsions might have anti‐inflammatory and hepatoprotective effects in hyperinflammatory disease such as sepsis.
Counting on commitment; the quality of primary care-led diabetes management in a system with minimal incentives
Authors: Mc Hugh Sheena , Marsden Paul , Brennan Carmel , Murphy Katie , Croarkin Celine , Moran Joe , Harkins Velma , Perry Ivan J
Published: December 2011

Background

The aim of the present study was to assess the performance of three primary care-led initiatives providing structured care to patients with Type 2 diabetes in Ireland, a country with minimal incentives to promote the quality of care.

Methods

Data, from three primary care initiatives, were available for 3010 adult patients with Type 2 diabetes. Results were benchmarked against the national guidelines for the management of Type 2 diabetes in the community and results from the National Diabetes Audit (NDA) for England (2008/2009) and the Scottish Diabetes Survey (2009).

Results

The recording of clinical processes of care was similar to results in the UK however the recording of lifestyle factors was markedly lower. Recording of HbA1c, blood pressure and lipids exceeded 85%. Recording of retinopathy screening (71%) was also comparable to England (77%) and Scotland (90%). Only 63% of patients had smoking status recorded compared to 99% in Scotland while 70% had BMI recorded compared to 89% in England. A similar proportion of patients in this initiative and the UK achieved clinical targets. Thirty-five percent of patients achieved a target HbA1c of < 6.5% (< 48 mmol/mol) compared to 25% in England. Applying the NICE target for blood pressure (≤ 140/80 mmHg), 54% of patients reached this target comparable to 60% in England. Slightly less patients were categorised as obese (> 30 kg/m2) in Ireland (50%, n = 1060) compared to Scotland (54%).

Conclusions

This study has demonstrated what can be achieved by proactive and interested health professionals in the absence of national infrastructure to support high quality diabetes care. The quality of primary care-led diabetes management in the three initiatives studied appears broadly consistent with results from the UK with the exception of recording lifestyle factors. The challenge facing health systems is to establish quality assurance a responsibility for all health care professionals rather than the subject of special interest for a few.
Activated sintering mechanisms of W-pre-alloy bronze composites by Fe and Co activators addition
Authors: Mohammed Kahtan , Rahmat Azmi
Published: December 2011

In this study, the effects of 1-3 wt. % Fe and Co additions on the sintering of W40-80 wt. %-pre-alloy bronze compacts were examined. The compacts were sintered isothermally at temperatures ranging from 920°C to 1100°C for 3hrs. Relative sintered densities in the range of 65-90% were achieved. The gain in sintered density due to activators addition was 5-15%. The sintering activation effects started at 900°C. SEM, XRD and EDX tests proved that Fe and Corich crystalline interboundary layers completely wet the tungsten grain boundaries in the solid state and act as short-circuit diffusion path for mass transportation. This outcome seems to follow the classical activated sintering model and comes in contrast with some other recently proposed models, whereby a detected nanometer-thick, activator-enriched disordered film at W grain boundary is considered fully responsible for the solid-state activated sintering.
Rational Generating Functions and Integer Programming Games
Authors: Köppe Matthias , Ryan Christopher Thomas , Queyranne Maurice
Published: December 2011

We explore the computational complexity of computing pure Nash equilibria for a new class of strategic games called integer programming games, with differences of piecewise-linear convex functions as payoffs. Integer programming games are games where players' action sets are integer points inside of polytopes. Using recent results from the study of short rational generating functions for encoding sets of integer points pioneered by Alexander Barvinok, we present efficient algorithms for enumerating all pure Nash equilibria, and other computations of interest, such as the pure price of anarchy and pure threat point, when the dimension and number of “convex” linear pieces in the payoff functions are fixed. Sequential games where a leader is followed by competing followers (a Stackelberg–Nash setting) are also considered.
Estimation of Potential Precipitation From an Equilibrated Calcium Carbonate Aqueous Phase Using Simple Predictive Tool
Authors: Bahadori Alireza
Published: December 2011

Carbon dioxide (CO2) sequestration in saline aquifers has been proposed as one of the most practical options for reducing CO2 emissions into the atmosphere. Massive CO2 injection into an aquifer would alter the geochemical equilibrium between the rock-forming minerals and the formation water. In this work, a novel and simple predictive tool is presented to estimate the formation of calcium carbonate (CaCO3) scaling as a function of pH, temperature, ionic strength of the solution, calcium cation concentration, bicarbonate anion concentration, and CO2 mole fraction when the water mixture is saturated with a gas containing CO2 to evaluate the effect of solution conditions on the tendency and extent of precipitation. The proposed simple method covers concentrations of calcium cation or bicarbonate anion in the range of 10 to 10 000 mg/L, with temperature ranging between 5 and 90°C, total ionic strength ranging between 0.1 and 3.6, and pH values ranging between 5.5 and 8. The predicted values are found to be in good agreement with the reported data, with average absolute deviations being less than 2.6%. The proposed tool is superior because of its accuracy and clear numerical background based on the Vandermonde matrix, wherein the relevant coefficients can be retuned quickly if more data become available in the future. The simple predictive tool proposed in the paper can be of immense practical value for engineers and researchers to have a quick check on the formation of calcium carbonate scaling when the water mixture is saturated with a gas containing CO2 at various conditions without opting for any experimental measurements. In particular, process engineers would find the proposed method to be user friendly, involving no complex expressions and presenting transparent calculations.
Carbon Sequestration From Waste Through Conversion to Charcoal: Equipment for a Small-Scale Operation
Authors: Gupta Subodh , Struyk Arnoud , Gilbert Denis
Published: December 2011

Carbon emitted on account of our continued use of fossil fuel can be offset using carbon capture and storage (CCS). The technology for this exists, but the economics of it is context dependent, and CCS has shown itself to be not very cost effective in oil sands. Committing to the large-scale sequestration projects needed without properly considering alternatives can prove costly at both the economic and social levels. Charcoal sequestration, discussed earlier by Gupta (2010), provides a few advantages, such as being less costly and lacking any post-operation liabilities. Above all, it is reversible, allowing flexibility of policy and operation and avoiding long-term or large-scale commitments.

The economics of the charcoal approach mainly depend on two factors—the cost of the feed biomass and the cost of processing. The first of these is addressed by using municipal waste as feedstock, which can be available free of charge. Expectedly, the cost of processing, the second factor, depends on the apparatus and the scale of operation.

In this paper, the authors discuss the benefits and drawbacks of prominent traditional and modern apparatus used for conversion of biomass to charcoal and describe a simple and pragmatic apparatus that could be assembled relatively easily for a small-scale operation such as processing industrial-camp-generated solid organic waste.

Offsetting carbon in this manner obviously can be a good way to initiate demonstration projects for the charcoal-sequestration approach because it also helps with waste management. These demonstration projects in turn will help evaluate various aspects of this novel method of sequestration and enhance public awareness on the subject, which in turn will help society make an informed choice to embark on a correct course of action for atmospheric carbon abatement. Additionally, in light of the growing per capita waste worldwide, use of municipal waste as feedstock for charcoal sequestration can be a significant measure of carbon offset at global scale in its own right.
On Interaction Buckling in Platform Conductors
Authors: Adams A.J.. J.
Published: December 2011

For more than 30 years, the design of platform and jackup conductors has been based on Stahl and Baur's famous hypothesis that internal string loads do not contribute to buckling (Stahl and Baur 1983). It is a vital result, allowing significant weight and cost savings. However, no derivation was ever given, and the result has remained a folk theorem: widely used, but never proved. The industry has, therefore, been at risk should the result prove to be a severe approximation, or to have unduly restrictive assumptions and/or limitations. This paper provides a rigorous proof of the hypothesis. It shows that it is an approximation, though an acceptable one, and gives a thorough exposition of its meaning, assumptions, and limitations. Finally, it derives the exact counterpart of Stahl and Baurs’ result. The improved result gives minor weight and cost savings.
Real-Time Simulation of the Dispersion of Accidental Emission Release of Hazardous Substance on Industrial Site Using 3D Modeling
Authors: Libre Jean-Marie , Tripathi Amita , Le Guellec Malo , Mailliard Thibault , Guérin Stéphanie , Souprayen Claude , Castellari Aldo
Published: December 2011

The knowledge in real time of the concentration fields resulting from the accidental release of a hazardous substance would be extremely valuable information as support for emergency actions and for impact evaluation on the industrial site itself and its vicinity. For that purpose, a modeling platform is being developed and applied to simulate in real time the atmospheric dispersion of a hazardous substance at the scale of the industrial site and also of its surroundings. The industrial site of Lacq (France) has been chosen as a pilot, and the key hazardous substance considered in this study is hydrogen sulfide (H2S). A 3D computational-fluid-dynamic (CFD) model (Fluidyn-Panepr) has been chosen to simulate the 3D wind-field pattern on the industrial site, taking into account the details of the installations. This approach enables a simulation as close as possible of the turbulence and flow around the buildings that could not be achieved with a standard Gaussian approach. For that purpose, a detailed numerical model of the Lacq installation was built on the basis of a thorough review of the existing installations and an evaluation of their size and "porosity." Wind fields were calculated for a set of predefined boundary conditions based on the climatology of the site. Investigations were carried out to ensure that site information systems could deliver the information available from the H2S sensors and on-site meteorological station in real time. The real-time approach is made possible by the use of a complete wind-field precalculated database automatically selected in case of accidental release by comparison with real-time wind-direction and -speed measurements from the meteorological station located on the industrial site. The location and intensity of the source term are determined using a probabilistic approach (Bayesian inference), making use of both real-time measurements and precalculated concentration responses from unitary emissions (puffs) on sensors. This approach was validated successfully using a limited number of sensors and sources but with the complex structure and flow patterns expected on the site. The activation of the simulation platform is triggered by the detection of threshold concentrations at the sensors. The estimated source term is then used in forward dispersion mode to simulate the dispersion in (fast) Lagrangian puff mode. The modeling platform will be validated through measurement campaigns with a neutral species in 2010.
Multi-Well Real-Time 3D Structural Modeling and Horizontal Well Placement: An Innovative Workflow for Shale Gas Reservoirs
Authors: Azike Ogochukwu
Published: December 2011

Horizontal well performance in shale gas plays is highly dependent on placing the well in the preferred target zone of the reservoir interval. Some operators who drill in shale plays do not have seismic data and depth structural maps. They plan their horizontal wells with only offset well data. Sometimes, their wells land outside of the preferred target because they blindly place horizontal wells by using only non-directional gamma ray (GR) log data. For optimal well planning and placement for optimized production, it is important to minimize uncertainty about reservoir structure and placement.

Usually, operators create a depth map from identified markers such as well tops correlated across available wells in the field. The generated map is limited and often leads to landing laterals outside the target zone, especially when well control is not ideal. The aim of this paper is to illustrate a method of building structural maps and 3D geologic models for drilling in shale gas reservoirs. This methodology lends itself particularly well (but not exclusively) to the pad drilling approach common in shale gas development. The use of logging-while-drilling (LWD) technology can be strategically planned from pad to pad to help mitigate structural uncertainty.

Data from 42 horizontal and 6 vertical wells in the project area allowed real-time density image and azimuthal logs to be coupled with vertical offset well information to model the structure along the drilled horizontal well trajectory. The model integrated all the well tops and real-time bedding dip information to produce modeled surfaces.

The structural model generated during this study can be used for new well landing-point planning with limited true vertical depth uncertainty and for other fieldwide reservoir characterization. If structure information becomes available from seismic data, this technique also can be used to update the structural model derived from seismic interpretation, thereby delivering enhanced structural control of the field.
Effects of Fluid and Rock Properties on Reserve Estimation
Authors: Ling Kegang , Shen Zheng
Published: December 2011

Oil and gas reserves are the most important assets for oil companies. An accurate estimation of reserves not only helps listed oil companies prepare solid annual reserves reports required by SEC, but also guarantees the good reward from divesting assets or reasonable price to farm-in asset. A precise reserves calculation is the fundamentality for production forecast, which is vital to the sale contract, thus the feasibility of project. It controls the cash flow and most of all the sustainable development of the company. The importance of reserve estimation cannot be overemphasized whatsoever.

We know that in the practice of exploration and production, all efforts are to obtain fluid and rock properties such as porosity, permeability, saturation, rock and fluid compressibility, viscosity, fluid gravity, gas z-factor, saturation pressure, reservoir pressure and temperature. Due to the instrument sensitivity, limitation, measurement error, environmental effect, sample interval, location, the representative of sample, and Mother Nature of these properties, there is always uncertainty. In this research, a systematic study on the effects of fluid and rock properties on reserves estimation had been conducted. Effect of each property on reserves estimation is quantified through sensitivity analysis. As a result of this study, a comprehensive picture of how fluid and rock properties affect the reserves was brought to engineers. Reserves evaluator can use this to estimate the range of reserves as a consequence of uncertainty. With this study, we realized their different impacts on reserves. Therefore main efforts should go to the variables that affect the reserves most.
Flow Back Water Treatment Using Swellable Organosilica Media
Authors: Edmiston P. L. , Keener J. , Buckwald S. , Sloan B. , Terneus J.
Published: December 2011

ABS Materials has developed a new type of swellable organophilic material that extracts a wide array of dissolved hydrocarbons from oil field waters. With funding from the U.S. Department of Energy (SBIR Program) orchestrated through the National Energy Technology Laboratory, ABS Materials has been engineering systems to use swellable glass to treat flow back waters to remove dissolved organics. Two pilot scale systems were built: a non-regenerating skid-mounted system which handles inputs of up to 4 gal/min and a 60 gal/min trailer mounted system which included a mechanism for swellable glass regeneration.
Evaluating the Impact of Wellbore Azimuth in the Marcellus Shale
Authors: Zinn Christopher , Blood David R. , Morath Phillip
Published: December 2011

It is common industry knowledge that horizontal shale gas development is enhanced by drilling in the orientation parallel to the local minimum principal horizontal stress such that the induced hydraulic fractures grow parallel to the maximum horizontal stress during completion. Given the incongruous nature of mineral leases in the Marcellus Shale play, operators often drill in orientations that are sub parallel to this preferred azimuth in the interest of saturating acreage positions. What remains unknown is the degree to which this deviation from the preferred azimuth affects treatment pressures and/or more importantly well productivity. This case study will incorporate proprietary and public data in order to relate Marcellus well productivity to deviation from preferred horizontal well azimuth.

In the effort to assess the impact horizontal wellbore azimuth bears on completions and well productivity, the productivity of wells in EQT’s core development areas has been correlated with the well’s deviation from minimum horizontal principal stress as determined from the analysis of over 25 image logs and cores across Pennsylvania and West Virginia. Furthermore, over 500 public domain wells released from the PA DEP and WV Geological Survey have been parsed and normalized to determine whether or not similar correlations can be made. The conclusions drawn from this study will determine if productivity is related to preferred wellbore azimuth and the regional variability of the relationship. Technical, logistical, and economic analysis will be applied to conclusions.

This study has drawn some value from initial Marcellus public datasets that, while statistically significant in size, often lack in detail. The shortcomings of this large dataset will be normalized by the detailed datasets acquired from EQT’s core development areas. The ability to relate deviation from preferred wellbore azimuth to productivity will allow EQT and other operators to develop acreage more efficiently and optimize capital allocation.
Development and Evaluation of Pseudo Capillary Pressure in Naturally Fractured Reservoirs
Authors: Shirdel Mahdy , Abbaszadeh Maghsood , Gerardo Incera Garrido , Rodriguez-de la Garza Fernando
Published: December 2011

Large volumes of oil are left behind in matrix system of naturally fractured reservoirs (NFR) with expanding gas cap and/or encroaching water influx upon years of oil production. Such systems are subjected to natural gravity drainage or induced gravity drainage/imbibitions by injection of external gas or chemical EOR treatments. Proper modeling of gravity drainage is a very challenging task for such situations in naturally fractured reservoirs. This is because the gravity term is not explicitly included in the exchange function between matrix and fracture in dual continuum formulation of most commercial numerical simulators. Classical discrete fracture models are generally impractical for being computationally expensive.

Much work has been done in the past on alternate ways of capturing gravity effects in numerical simulations of fractured systems. Often, pseudo capillary pressure terms have been proposed that combine gravity and rock capillary pressures and mimic proper transfer of fluids between matrix and fractures. Several methods have been published in the literature for the computation of pseudo capillary pressure for single and multiple matrix cases with varying results. However, their applicability and conditions for their applicability have remained uncertain.

In this paper we introduce a new method to derive pseudo capillary pressures that preserve gravity effects for both water/oil and gas/oil systems under various conditions. The method is applied to single block and multiple block cases, and is benchmarked against the corresponding single-porosity fine-grid simulations with explicit fractures. The paper also investigates other available pseudo capillary pressure methods on the same matrix/fracture configurations to evaluate their performance and to compare with the new method of this paper. Our simulation results show that proper pseudo capillary pressures effectively incorporate the gravity effects in simulations of oil/water and gas/oil systems; and as such they significantly improve modeling of oil recovery in dual porosity models. This capability is highly crucial in full-field simulations of naturally fractured reservoirs with continuum models.
Local Sales Tax Competition and the Effect on County Governments' Tax Rates and Tax Bases
Authors: Luna LeAnn
Published: December 2011

Local governments can try to attract retail sales by keeping sales tax rates low and encouraging residents of other jurisdictions to cross-border shop. This predatory behavior must be balanced against the governments' desire to raise revenues. This study examines the extent to which local governments compete and attempt to limit cross-border shopping by changing sales tax rates. I estimate two equations, local sales tax rate and local sales tax base, in the short and long run. The local sales tax rate equation represents the county's tax policy choices and the sales tax base equation represents the demand function for the county businesses' taxable goods and services. The regression results show local governments do consider the sales tax rates of neighboring counties in setting their own rates in both the short and long run. The study also provides evidence that the sales tax rates of the home and competing counties will affect the sales tax base of the home county because shoppers will cross borders to take advantage of differences in tax rates between counties.
Legionella Species in Year-Round vs. Seasonal Accommodation Water Supply Systems
Authors: Rakić Anita , Perić Jelena , Štambuk-Giljanović Nives , Mikrut Antonija , Bakavić Ana-Spomenka
Published: December 2011

LegionellaSpecies in Year-Roundvs.Seasonal Accommodation Water Supply Systems

The purpose of this study was to compare the quality of hot water between eleven hotels in the Split-Dalmatia County, Croatia that are open year round and 10 summer season hotels and retirement homes with irregular use of water. We took 122 samples between May and December 2009. Water temperature and free residual chlorine were measuredin situ.Physical and chemical analysis included pH, electrical conductivity, and concentrations of iron, manganese, copper, zinc, calcium, and magnesium that were measured using atomic absorption spectrophotometry, while theLegionellaspecies were determined using a cultivation method on buffered charcoal yeast extract agar.

Differences in metal concentrations between the seasonal and year-round accommodation facilities were negligible, save for zinc that was higher in year-round (0.341 mg L-1) than in seasonal facilities (0.130 mg L-1).

Samples from all year-round and six summer season hotels were negative to theLegionellaspecies, but four seasonal facilities turned up with positive samples toLegionella pneumophila.

Our study has demonstrated that water quality differs between year-round and seasonal accommodation facilities. These findings suggest that metal plumbing components and associated corrosion products are important factors in the survival and growth ofLegionellaspecies in water distribution systems.
Mineral Oil Drinking Water Pollution Accident in Slavonski Brod, Croatia
Authors: Knežević Zvonimira , Nadih Martina , Josipović Renata , Grgić Ivanka , Cvitković Ante
Published: December 2011

Zagađenje pitke vode mineralnim uljima u slavonskom brodu

21. rujna 2008. godine u Slavonskom Brodu dolazi do prodora mazuta iz toplinskih podstanica u toplovode, zatim u cijevi koje vode toplu vodu do slavina za toplu i hladnu vodu u stanovima. Cilj je ovog rada prikazati tijek događaja zbog nezgode i postupke koji bi se mogli primijeniti u eventualnim sličnim situacijama.

Kemijski parametri "A"-analize definirani Pravilnikom o zdravstvenoj ispravnosti vode za piće (Narodne novine 47/08) određeni su spektrofotometrijskim i titrimetrijskim metodama, dok su mikrobiološki pokazatelji analizirani metodama membranske filtracije i određivanja ukupnog broja bakterija. Za analizu mineralnih ulja upotrijebljena je metoda infracrvene spektroskopije. Epidemiološku obradu stanovnika proveli su epidemiolozi. Ispiranje vodovodnih cijevi obavljeno je vodom i detergentom BIS O 2700.

Nezgoda prodora mazuta u pitku vodu trajala je od 21. rujna do početka studenoga 2008. godine. Razlog nastanka nezgode jest kvar izmjenjivača za toplu vodu u toplinskim podstanicama koji je prouzročio miješanje vode iz toplovoda u kojem ima i mazuta, s toplom vodom za stanove na slavinama.

U tom su razdoblju analizirana ukupno 192 uzorka vode: 174 uzorka na "A"-analizu, 192 uzorka na mineralna ulja te 5 uzoraka na policikličke aromatske ugljikovodike (PAH) i aromatske ugljikovodike: benzen, toluen, etilbenzen i ksilen (BTEX). Mineralna ulja bila su prisutna iznad maksimalno dopuštene koncentracije (MDK) u 55 uzoraka vode, "A"-analiza nije odgovarala u dva slučaja, a PAH i BTEX bili su ispod MDK.

Za uspješnost rješavanja ovakvih situacija potreban je multidisciplinarni pristup s jasnim ovlastima svih institucija.