bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Application of the Intelligent Control Systems for Horizontal Well Placement
Authors: Kolchanova Irina
Published: September 2014

Development of new fields of hard-to-recover hydrocarbons has led to the necessity of using new expanded and more informative logging suites. We have started to develop fields with more complex geological structure (seismic faults, several transitional areas in the section, etc.) and more complex lithology of formations. Currently there is a need to drill horizontal wells in demanding geological conditions. Now a standard set of methods is not enough and there is a growing necessity to improve the LWD suite. The conventional gamma-ray logging is continuously supplemented with new methods – density neutron logging, array resistivity logging, spectral gamma-ray logging, boundary mapper, and acoustic logging.

Horizontal drilling with geosteering is more often preferred, as drilling with pre-approved profile may be ineffective in demanding geological conditions. It is important to timely receive comprehensive information of the reservoir properties, when using geosteering in unconventional formations. Therefore it is necessary to use the most appropriate logging suite for evaluation of the lithology, and permeability and porosity properties, depending on the geological situation.

Our company successfully performs horizontal drilling in fields with high degree of reservoir uncertainty (facies replacement, lateral heterogeneities, etc.), drilling for shale oil and gas (including equivalents of Bazhenov formation in the USA). The main target is the maximum exposing of the reservoir producing section, and this task is successfully performed.

This study is an overview of practice in the application of expanded LWD suite for intelligent drilling of horizontal wells. For the first time ever we have the possibility to determine the rock natural radioactivity spectrum while drilling using the three-component analysis of Th, K, U. This helps to determine the nature of rocks radioactivity and to effectively drill horizontal wells in unconventional reservoirs with increased natural radioactivity.
Development of Universal Application for Drillstring Dynamics Simulation
Authors: Tikhonov V. S. , Safronov A. I. , Valiullin Kh. R. , Bukashkina O. S.
Published: September 2014

One of the most topical problems of drilling mechanics is development of a software program for 3D string dynamic simulation in a 3D well on various operation regimes with maximum account of all external factors.

The paper describes the results of long-term development of general-purpose DYNTUB software designed for string dynamic simulation. The software calculates: String torque and drag;Drillstring lateral and torsional vibrations;Drillstring buckling and whirling;Well path while drilling in sliding regime and in rotary regime with Rotary Steerable Systems (RSS) or systems controlled by downhole motor angular velocity modulation;Standoffs between the casing and the wellbore wall with various centralizers.

The software is based on the stiff string dynamic model. It accounts for deformation of the wellbore walls contacted by the string, initial drill pipe bending, PDC bit interaction with the bottomhole under downhole and pore pressure, rock anisotropy, refined multicomponent string friction model, etc.

The software proved applicability of the "soft" drill string model to calculate torque and drag, enabled study of multicomponent friction effects on string buckling, well path calculation while RSS drilling, and solving other complex problems of drilling mechanics.

Software efficiency is demonstrated based on case studies; the paper also includes results of comparative analysis using data from other references.

The software is designed for expert analysis of drilling, casing, coil tubing and similar object parameters while well drilling and completion.
A Novel High Temperature Insulating Packer Fluid
Authors: Eriksen Kjetil , Panamarathupalayam Balakrishnan , Foxenberg William E. , Chumakov Eugene
Published: September 2014

Drilling and completing wells in arctic areas pose many challenges, one of which is the tendency of permafrost to slowly thaw with production and cause wellbore integrity issues in later well life. With arctic exploration moving offshore, ensuring the integrity of the well for the productive life of the field is becoming even more crucial, as a well failure can potentially threaten to close down an entire production facility. Arctic permafrost is an example of an environment that can be disturbed during normal production operations due to heat transfer. Insulating the wellbores is a desirable practice; however, in many cases a suitable technology is either not readily available or not economically viable. Placing an insulating fluid in an annulus can be a practical and sustainable solution. Insulating fluids have been deployed in some cases but for various reasons, results have been less than satisfactory. This paper presents results of laboratory studies of a novel, 100% base oil system that provides sufficient viscoelastic yield stress to prevent convective heat loss though an annulus. The rheological properties necessary to reduce heat loss is achieved with this fluid at temperatures up to 150 °C. This viscoelastic property is obtained without the need for cross-linking agents that require complex mixing procedures and are sensitive to contamination. This paper also compares heat transfer properties of various packer fluids such as base oil, brine, viscosified brine and this novel gelled system. The ability to eliminate convective heat loss in combination with its intrinsic low thermal conductivity means that this fluid is an excellent candidate as an insulating packer fluid.
Provision of Shale Sediment Stability in Deviated (Horizontal) Wells
Authors: Rastegaev B. A. , Gnibidin V. N. , Nozhkina O. V. , Dorovskikh I. V.
Published: September 2014

The problem of stability wellbore appears especially true when buroenii horizontal wells. This paper presents the results of stability analysis of rock Mukhanovskoye field. Also offers advice on selecting inhibited drilling fluid systems.

The relevance in consideration and in the forecast of massif rock tension that contain oil and gas-saturated reservoirs is characteristic for the majority of the fields complicated by the abnormally high formation pressures (AHFP) [1]. Besides now they start the development of the fields with hard-to-recover reserves characterized by complex rock-and-geological conditions, low permeability and poor development of infrastructure. One of problems related to these fields consists in poor knowledge on regional stresses in the fields and sharp variability of magnitudes and orientation of horizontal stresses by depth. The stress condition of the rock produces significant impact upon the wall stability in the well especially in its horizontal sections. Need to consider the stress direction and its magnitude while selecting the well construction and completion procedure is related to their influence upon the direction of natural fracture system development and the dependence of fracture direction created by hydro-fracturing operations upon the natural stress status that subsequently has significant impact on the production volume [2]. For fields in development this need is connected with their impact upon the oil and gas production, as well as with the application of some production stimulation procedures and their effect upon the stress local fields. Change in formation pressure, arrangement of formation pressure maintenance system, extensive application of reservoir hydro-fracturing jobs conducts the redistribution of stresses and tensions in the rock near some wells, and sometimes for the whole field [3]. Indirectly this is confirmed by expansion of areas connected with the technogenic seismicity caused by field development process. Thus, it’s required to have continuous monitoring over the rock stresses in the area of hydrocarbon fields and the consideration of the information received by these measurements while constructing the wells and developing the fields using the oil production stimulation procedures [1].

The monitor of excessive or abnormally high formation pressure (AHFP) should be considered as the versatile aspect that combines the elements of geology, rock mechanics, chemistry and engineering. For this it's required to have the information on regional geological history as well as the results on detailed studies for the wells drilled closely or directly across the territory under study.
An Integrated Experimental Approach to Determining How Invaded Mud Components Modify Near-Wellbore Properties
Authors: Mikhailov D. , Ryzhikov N. , Shako V. , Theuveny B.
Published: September 2014

At different penetration depths, mud-component invasion creates multizone structures in the vicinity of the wellbore. These structures include external mudcake (mud particles and mud clay deposited at the sandface), internal mudcake (which is formed by mud particles invaded into the reservoir formation), and mud-filtrate invaded zone.

We present a new technique for estimating empirical parameters of both external and internal mudcake by combining laboratory data on mud flooding experiments and measurements of the profile of the invaded mud components by X-ray microcomputed tomography (XmCT), image processing of core cross-section photography, and ultrasonic wave scanning.

The technique is validated on flooding experiments with simple ("model") muds: slurry of bentonite clay, suspended solid particles and polymer Xanthan.

Examples of reconstructed profiles of invaded mud components (solid particles and bentonite clay) as well as the procedure of determining internal mudcake parameters are provided.
Improving of Cleaning Efficiency of Oil Pipeline from Paraffin
Authors: Turbakov Mikhail S. , Riabokon Evgenii P.
Published: September 2014

The purpose of this paper is to present and analyze wax deposition mechanism on the inner oil pipe wall. It is shown that the factors such as pressure, temperature, wettability nature of washed surfaces, velocity of the oil during oil pipeline transportation, as well as resin asphaltene and hard paraffin concentration in the reservoir oil play key role in the wax matter deposition. The pigging tool which removes wax deposits is proposed. The advantages of this tool are compared with analogues. It is shown that tool increases operation reliability, oil pipeline life, high grade cleaning of oil pipeline in the curved areas and has low-cost production.
A New Engineering Approach to Hole-Making Position Control on the Arctic Shelf
Authors: Binder Ya. I. , Gutnikov A. L. , Paderina T. V. , Polienko V. N. , Rozentsvein V. G. , Klyushkin P. A. , Sokolov D. A.
Published: September 2014

The efficiency of developing new oil and gas resources on the Arctic shelf is substantially dependent on how perfect the drilling techniques and technologies are. The paper presents the results of the research and development carried out over the last few years by a consortium of marine and geophysical instrument engineering companies led by Concern CSRI Elektropribor (St. Petersburg, Russia). The discussion is focused on the original engineering approaches to designs, algorithms, and methods applied to solve the main problems encountered in offshore drilling of oil and gas wells and, in particular, at high latitudes.

Oil and gas deposits in the Arctic shelf are one of the major world energy resources, the exploration of which is among the main strategic objectives of Russia. One of the most critical problems to be solved within the Arctic project is creation of equipment for hole-making position control and monitoring of earlier drilled oil and gas wellbores. This is a challenge, as the designers should keep in mind such different kinds of problems as the unique natural conditions of the Arctic and a specific character of navigation at high latitudes, which makes control and monitoring intricate problems;shelf-typical problems of hole-making position control associated with specific configurations of the holes as well as hydrology and geology of the stratum separating the hole bottom and the day surface;world trends in hole-making position control technologies.

The engineering approach presented in the paper is concerned with most of the urgent problems encountered in drilling wellbores on the Arctic shelf. The research combines and develops alternative and traditional approaches but in both cases, the problems are resolved in a novel original way.
Horizontal Drilling with Multi-Stage Fracturing - Access to Challenged Reserves of Tyumen Formation, Krasnoleninskoye Field
Authors: Nemirovich Gennadiy , Islamgaliev Rustam
Published: September 2014

This paper describes the main issues and challenges complicated the full-field development of the Jurassic deposits of the Tyumen Formation (JK2-9), Krasnoleninskoye Field. The paper summarizes the conclusions of actual wells operation, as well as substantiates the development strategy for heterogeneous low-permeable reservoirs. The results obtained were used as a base for HW+MSF technology piloting on Em-Egovskaya area, the most promising area in terms of reserves of the Tyumen Formation, Krasnoleninskoye field. At the time of paper generation, the pilot project moved to the next stage – rolling-out of engineering solutions on contingent areas (drilling of additional well clusters). However, the main focus of this paper is placed on the first stage of the pilot project including development strategy definition.
Complex Waterflood Management in Mature Oil Fields
Authors: Ilyasov Ilnur
Published: September 2014

Pressure maintenance system in mature oil fields plays very important role and increase in field development efficiency is impossible without increase in waterflooding efficiency. Complex waterflood management consists of both organization and technological methods.

Suggested to use waterflooding analysis based on fileld development patterns, taking into account geological structure, instead of development blocks, that will help to make more detailed and reliable analysis of voidagecompensation. Second suggested method is to use streamlines. As technological metod it is suggested to use technology of discrete injection, main idea of which in changing working regime of injection wells from continious to discrete and in organization of the whole waterflood system in cyclic regime. Pilot sector was chosen, assessment of suggested methods and calculation of possible effect was made, which gave positive economic effect.
The Deployment of Managed Pressure Drilling Technology, to Assist in the Development of Offshore HPHT Gas Condensate Fields in Vietnam - Planning, Engineering, and Implementation
Authors: Gedge Ben , Yong Tan Chai , Rao Jordan , Singh Harpreet Kaur , Oracion Joseph , Quoc Bao Ta , Bot Nguyen Viet , Tran Nam Hong , Minh Tri Le , Buitenhuis Richard , Dai Lich Tran , Wittry Alan E. , Malpas Peter , Beaugeois Aldric , Huu Nhieu Nguyen , Que Nguyen Van
Published: September 2014

The paper discusses two gas condensate development projects in Vietnam, which have and are deploying Managed Pressure Drilling (MPD) Technology.

Bien Dong POC in 2010 commenced planning for the Bien Dong 1 High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT) gas condensate development project offshore Vietnam, with bottom hole pressures of 15.2lb/gal - 17.2lb/gal, and with bottom hole temperatures in the range of 155 deg C - 180 deg C. With very narrow kick loss margins inside 0.5 lbs/gal, the probability of serious kick loss issues during the drilling of the reservoir sections looked to be very high. The Bien Dong 1 development is a complex HPHT project ranking one of the most difficult and challenging HPHT projects in Asia Pacific currently.

As a remedy for such potential drilling hazards, Managed Pressure Drilling techniques and technology were selected, and implemented. This technology gives the option for accurate early kick detection and if required Constant Bottom Hole Pressure (CBHP) drilling coupled with ECD management.

The second project which deployed MPD Technology is the gas condensate development for Cuulong JOC, with lower pore pressures than Bien Dong 1 the range of 12.5lb/gal - 14.0lb/gal but with bottom hole temperatures up to 190 deg C static.

The paper will examine the following Reasons and conceptions to use managed pressure drilling technologyPreplanning and engineering of the projectManaged pressure drilling equipment adaption into a new build semi-submersible tender assist, quad mast rig, including modifications to the hook up of the 15K BOP stack and expanded mud gas separator systemImplementation of the project once the rig was on location in readiness to commence drilling the first wellRig crew familiarization and training in MPD techniquesAnalysis of the early results in the project
Gaining Competitive Edge by Managing Construction Risk
Authors: Wall George
Published: September 2014

Gaining competitive edge by managing construction risk
Application of an Innovative Cement Spacer to Improve Zonal Isolation - Indonesia Case Histories
Authors: Farahani Hamidreza S. , Budiawan Aditya , Brandl Andreas , Mohamed Mickael , Sasmita Minda , Ardian Iwan
Published: September 2014

This paper reviews the challenges faced during well cementing in the fields of Indonesia and describes the use of an innovative cement spacer to successfully solve these issues. Unconsolidated formations, natural fractures, and depleted reservoirs are the main causes for lost circulation during drilling and cementing operations, often resulting in poor zonal isolation and failed Top of Cement (TOC) requirements. The common practice to address these well integrity problems is to apply lost-circulation materials and low-density cementing systems which did not always yield the desired results. As a result, remedial cement squeeze jobs were needed in many primary cement jobs.

To overcome these challenges, an innovative cement spacer system was engineered and applied. The environmentally preferred spacer system contains a biopolymer to mitigate lost circulation issues during cementing. It strengthens the wellbore wall by forming an effective seal along the formation, minimizing losses and preventing cement fallback after placement. In cases of severe or total loss of returns, a special Lost Circulation Material (LCM) can be added to the spacer system which enhances the performance of the spacer by allowing it to adhere to the lost circulation zone(s). The special LCM technology is a blend of 100% organic biodegradable, lost circulation materials.

The initial field application was immediately successful in obtaining full circulation returns during cementing, a constant challenge on many jobs in the fields of Indonesia. An additional advantage in some areas was that the cement slurry density could be increased from lightweight (10.5 ppg) to conventional (15.8 ppg) without encountering losses, despite exceeding the maximum theoretically allowable equivalent circulating density (ECD). The increased slurry density improved early cement strength development, which reduced wait-on-cement times and eliminated the requirement for expensive lightweight cement materials. This, in turn, simplified operations and logistics, and reduced costs.

Multiple case histories are presented covering more than 70 successful cement jobs using the innovative sealing spacer system. Specific cases are discussed where successful results were achieved despite partial to total losses during the drilling phase; where cement bond logs have improved; where severe to total losses have been cured by the addition of special LCM and where remedial jobs have been eliminated. Conservative cost savings with the new spacer design were conservatively estimated to be more than 4 million USD.
Near Wellbore Asphaltene and Wax Remediation Using In-Situ Heat Generation in Both PCP and Non-PCP Wells: Concept, Operational Challenges & Remedial Solutions
Authors: Goenka S. K. , Singhal J. , Kothiyal M. D. , Parasher A. , Tiwari S.
Published: September 2014

Deposition of paraffins and asphaltenes in the near well bore region has always been one of the most studied cause of production decline especially in brown fields. Pumping heated fluids, inhibitor pumping, or mechanical methods of clean out using coiled tubing jetting or jointed pipes are some of the industry prevalent methods of countering this issue. But these methods are both cost and time consuming with short lasting results. With industry constantly marching towards the production of more and more ‘difficult oil’ it has become the need of hour to devise and deploy more cost and time efficient methods to mitigate the problem.

The paper highlights the application of In-Situ Heat generation methodology and details the execution process used to mitigate the near wellbore wax deposition in field X in western part of India. Field X in India has been developed as an onshore field wherein wells are drilled in shallow reservoir. To support the oil production, some wells are produced using Artificial Lift techniques like PCP. Crude of the reservoir is high in wax content with pour point at 60 °C which is very close to reservoir temperature (~65 °C) resulting in high wax deposition against screens & near wellbore. The wax dissolution temperature is well above the reservoir temperature, due to which any effective remedial treatment necessitates higher temperature generation for dissolution/inhibition of wax problems.

In-Situ Heat generation methodology is based on the concept of down-hole heat generation by exothermic chemical reactions. The paper details the operational challenges observed while conducting the operation in both PCP and non-PCP wells and various measures taken to mitigate the same. Steps in developing this system and using it in the field are documented, and the challenges encountered, lessons learnt and recommendations for future application of the system are described.
Edge-Water Drive Recovery Enhancement by Induced Fines Migration
Authors: Zeinijahromi Abbas , Al-Jassasi Hammam , Zhang Yizhong , Begg Steve , Bedrikovetsky Pavel
Published: September 2014

Oil bypassing is a significant problem in edge-water drive reservoirs. The encroaching water from an active aquifer overruns oil and leaves a significant volume of trapped residual oil behind. This causes pre-mature water production and early well abandonment. The technique to inject small volume of low salinity water into abandoned wells in order to create a low permeable barrier against the water fingers is presented. In addition a method of applying commercial reservoir simulators to model the process is introduced. The modeling results shows that injection of small volume of low salinity water results in increasing reservoir production life and consequently 4.5% incremental recovery if compared to normal depletion. The economic evaluation of the technique resulted in NPV value of +7.84 MM US$ meaning that the technique is viable from economic stand point.
Cluster LNG – New Paradigm for Small and Medium LNG Business
Authors: Lee JungHan
Published: September 2014

Small and medium scale LNG is different from conventional LNG in trading distances, target markets, and application areas. Small and medium scale LNG may liaise needs between regional gas producers and consumers. Restrictions and differences of the regional energy tasks may call for different approaches in technology and business model. Cluster LNG is new concept LNG technology suitable for the emerging market environments. High performance of Cluster LNG is originated from higher liquefaction temperature and the adoption of efficient refrigerants for the temperature ranges. The inherent high performance of Cluster LNG enables low CAPEX and low OPEX. Despite of increased containment system cost over Conventional one, cost reduction in the Cluster LNG liquefaction system prevails overall economics within 3,000 ~ 5,000 Km distance from production to consumer sites. The high performance of the Cluster LNG brings competitiveness in small and medium scale LNG business requiring 75 ~ 85% of CAPEX and 65 ~ 75% OPEX compared with Conventional one. In addition, the CO2 emission per unit LNG production for Cluster LNG is 60 ~ 70% of the Conventional LNG. The Cluster LNG technology and business is well matched for small and medium LNG business with cost-effectiveness and flexibility. After extensive engineering verifications and test plant operations, several commercial Cluster LNG projects are under negotiation stages. The Cluster LNG technology also increases local contents with wider choices of equipment vendors and system providers together with less project budgets. Flexibility and cost competitiveness of the Cluster LNG would bring paradigm change in small and medium LNG business.
Generation of Representative PVT Properties through an EOS Model by Integrating Multiple Partial Datasets
Authors: Das Gunajit , Khan Hasnain , Singh Chander Shekhar , Mandal Dipak , Kumar Sanjiv , Tamin Muhammad , Yunos Khairil Anuar
Published: September 2014

The field in study has multiple stacked reservoirs with 10-20m oil column overlain by medium to large gas caps. PVT analysis from DST in the gas zones were available, which showed gas and condensate production at surface. Composition, PSAT and CCE data were available from surface samples. DST tests in oil zone provided only GORs, surface oil and gas gravities. Reservoir oil and gas gradients were also available from RFT/MDT.

The challenge was to generate representative PVT properties for the oil zone for reservoir simulation by integrating these partial datasets. Due to condensate production, it was necessary also to incorporate and characterize the vaporized oil fraction in the gas, which is not possible by using black oil correlations.

This paper describes the workflow used to integrate these partial datasets through an EOS model to generate representative PVT properties for the reservoir oil and gas. The composition from the gas cap sample was used to build an EOS Model which was tuned using CCE data and gas cap DST results. This partially tuned EOS was used to simulate a compositional gradient experiment which was tuned to match the PSAT at GOC obtained from RFT/MDT and equilibrium oil composition at reservoir temperature and pressure at GOC was calculated. This oil composition was then plugged back into the EOS Model and model was further tuned with reservoir oil density from RFT/MDT, oil API and production GOR from the oil zone DST. This tuned EOS was then used to export Live Oil and Live Gas PVT tables for simulation.

This approach helped to generate representative PVT tables which produced a good history match in the dynamic model within the range of uncertainty. This approach is now being tried with other reservoirs where PVT data is inadequate and is becoming helpful to tune PVT models.
Elite Performance for Grain Yield from Unadapted Exotic Soybean Germplasm in Three Cycles of a Recurrent Selection Experiment
Authors: Posadas Luis G. , Eskridge Kent M. , Specht James E. , Graef George L.
Published: September 2014

Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] germplasm collections remain largely unexploited for complex quantitative traits such as grain yield. A long‐term recurrent selection (RS) program was developed to improve soybean grain yield in a population designated UP2Y, developed from seven unimproved plant introductions selected on their high seed protein concentration and diverse geographical origin. The objective of this study was to evaluate effects of S3–derived line RS for increased grain yield on major agronomic traits of the UP2Y population. Response to selection was measured by evaluating the 10 highest‐yielding lines selected at the end of each of three RS cycles along with the seven founders and three check cultivars in three replications of a randomized complete block design in eight environments. After three cycles of RS, grain yield increased significantly (P < 0.001) from a mean of 3070 kg ha−1 for Cycle 0 (C0) to a mean of 5037 kg ha−1 for Cycle 3 (C3) with an average significant (P < 0.001) gain of 567 kg ha−1 cycle−1. Mean maturity and plant lodging decreased significantly, while average plant height increased after three cycles of RS. We present evidence suggesting that effective selection methods can bring together the appropriate genetic makeup for superior performance from nonelite landraces of exotic geographical origins in a relatively short time. Our evidence further supports previous findings of favorable alleles being present in untapped germplasm.
Forming Core Collections in Barnyard, Kodo, and Little Millets using Morphoagronomic Descriptors
Authors: Upadhyaya H.D. , Dwivedi S.L. , Singh S.K. , Singh S. , Vetriventhan M. , Sharma S.
Published: September 2014

Millets are hardy crops adapted to marginal lands in hot, drought‐prone arid and semiarid environments. Among the small millets, barnyard (Echinochloa spp.), kodo (Paspalum scrobiculatum L.), and little (Panicum sumatrense Roth ex Roem. and Schult.) millets are the most underresearched crops in terms of useful genetic and genomic resources available to breeders for genetic enhancement in these crops. A core collection is an important strategy to enhance use of diverse germplasm with agronomically beneficial traits in applied breeding. The entire germplasm collections of barnyard (736 accessions), kodo (656 accessions), and little (460 accessions) millets at ICRISAT were evaluated for 20 to 21 morphoagronomic traits in two to three rainy seasons at Patancheru, India. Quantitative traits data were subjected to residual (or restricted) maximum likelihood analysis and the best linear unbiased predictors were obtained. Qualitative traits data and standardized data on quantitative traits were used to determine Gower distance matrix, which was subjected to hierarchical cluster analysis following Ward method at R2 0.75 to form distinct clusters. About 10% or a minimum of one accession from each cluster were selected to form core collections, which consisted of 89 accessions in barnyard, 75 in kodo, and 56 in little millets. Comparisons of means, variances, frequency distribution, diversity indices, and correlations indicated that the variation in the entire collection has been preserved in the core collections, which can be evaluated multilocationally to identify trait‐specific diverse germplasm for use in genetic improvement of these crops.
The Organic P Composition of Vertisols as Determined by 31P NMR Spectroscopy
Authors: McLaren Timothy I. , Smernik Ronald J. , Guppy Christopher N. , Bell Mike J. , Tighe Matthew K.
Published: September 2014

Solution 31P nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy on sodium hydroxide–ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (NaOH–EDTA) extracts can provide detailed characterization of soil organic P, but has not been previously applied widely to Vertisols. Vertisol soils were collected at two depths (0–10 cm and 10–30 cm) for chemical and spectroscopic analysis. Sodium hydroxide–EDTA extracted a relatively consistent proportion (17 to 37%; average 25%) of the total organic P content determined by the ignition–H2SO4 extraction technique. Orthophosphate monoesters were the dominant form of organic P detected by solution 31P NMR spectroscopy of the NaOH–EDTA extracts, the majority of which appeared to be present in large ‘humic’ molecules, based on the predominance of a broad peak in the NMR spectra; some smaller signals due to glycerophosphate, inositol phosphates, and RNA‐derived mononucleotides were also evident. The composition of organic P in the topsoil layer was very similar to that in the subsoil layer. Strong correlations were found between soil organic carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) and extractable organic P, which suggests that processes regulating the cycling of organic C and N are closely related to that for organic P in these Vertisols.
Gremlins in My Head: Predicting Stage Fright in Elite Actors
Authors: Goodman Gordon , Kaufman James C.
Published: September 2014

The presence of others can create a social phobia often called “stage fright,” yet surprisingly few studies have examined stage fright at its literal, namesake level—acting—and why even professional actors sometimes experience inhibiting anxiety in front of audiences. In this study, 151 “Pro-c” (i.e., elite professional) actors were given a brief measure of the Big Five personality factors as well as measures for locus of control and self-efficacy. In addition, the performance anxiety index was adapted to focus specifically on acting and therefore serve as a measure of stage fright. Using a stepwise regression, three significant predictive variables for stage fright emerged: emotional stability, gender, and locus of control. Although stage fright is an issue a majority of actors experience, female actors with low emotional stability and an external locus of control would seem to be the most at risk. Controllability rather than efficacy may be a variable to pursue in future anxiety research.
Impact of Islet Autoimmunity on the Progressive β-Cell Functional Decline in Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Brooks-Worrell Barbara M. , Boyko Edward J. , Palmer Jerry P.
Published: September 2014

OBJECTIVE

Cross-sectional studies have suggested that islet autoimmunity may be more prevalent in type 2 diabetes (T2D) than previously appreciated and may contribute to the progressive decline in β-cell function. In this study, we longitudinally evaluated the effect of islet autoimmune development on the progressive β-cell dysfunction in T2D patients.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Twenty-three T2D patients negative for islet autoantibodies (GAD antibody and insulinoma-associated protein 2) and islet-specific T cells were evaluated prospectively for up to 36 months. We investigated the percentage of patients who developed islet autoantibodies (Ab+) and/or islet-reactive T cells (T+) and the effect of the islet autoimmunity on fasting and glucagon-stimulated C-peptide responses. We defined positive islet autoimmunity as Ab+ and/or T+ for at least two study visits.

RESULTS

Of the 23 patients, 6 (26%) remained negative for islet autoimmunity (Ab−T−), 14 (61%) developed Ab+ and/or T+, and 3 (13%) were unclassifiable because they developed islet autoimmunity at only one study visit. Islet Ab+ was observed to be less stable than islet-specific T-cell responses. Development of islet autoimmunity was significantly associated with a more rapid decline in fasting (P < 0.0001) and glucagon-stimulated (P < 0.05) C-peptide responses.

CONCLUSIONS

These pilot data suggest that the development of islet autoimmunity in T2D is associated with a significantly more rapid β-cell functional decline.
Analysis of an M|G|1|R queue with batch arrivals and two hysteretic overload control policies
Authors: Gaidamaka Yuliya , Pechinkin Alexander , Razumchik Rostislav , Samouylov Konstantin , Sopin Eduard
Published: September 2014

Hysteretic control of arrivals is one of the most easy-to-implement and effective solutions of overload problems occurring in SIP-servers. A mathematical model of an SIP server based on the queueing system M[X]|G|1(L,H)|(H,R) with batch arrivals and two hysteretic loops is being analyzed. This paper proposes two analytical methods for studying performance characteristics related to the number of customers in the system. Two control policies defined by instants when it is decided to change the system’s mode are considered. The expression for an important performance characteristic of each policy (the mean time between changes in the system mode) is presented. Numerical examples that allow comparison of the efficiency of both policies are given
Modeling acquaintance networks based on balance theory
Authors: Vukašinović Vida , Šilc Jurij , Škrekovski Risth
Published: September 2014

An acquaintance network is a social structure made up of a set of actors and the ties between them. These ties change dynamically as a consequence of incessant interactions between the actors. In this paper we introduce a social network model called the Interaction-Based (IB) model that involves well-known sociological principles. The connections between the actors and the strength of the connections are influenced by the continuous positive and negative interactions between the actors and, vice versa, the future interactions are more likely to happen between the actors that are connected with stronger ties. The model is also inspired by the social behavior of animal species, particularly that of ants in their colony. A model evaluation showed that the IB model turned out to be sparse. The model has a small diameter and an average path length that grows in proportion to the logarithm of the number of vertices. The clustering coefficient is relatively high, and its value stabilizes in larger networks. The degree distributions are slightly right-skewed. In the mature phase of the IB model, i.e., when the number of edges does not change significantly, most of the network properties do not change significantly either. The IB model was found to be the best of all the compared models in simulating the e-mail URV (University Rovira i Virgili of Tarragona) network because the properties of the IB model more closely matched those of the e-mail URV network than the other models
A RED modified weighted moving average for soft real-time application
Authors: Domanśka Joanna , Domański Adam , Augustyn Dariusz R. , Klamka Jerzy
Published: September 2014

The popularity of TCP/IP has resulted in an increase in usage of best-effort networks for real-time communication. Much effort has been spent to ensure quality of service for soft real-time traffic over IP networks. The Internet Engineering Task Force has proposed some architecture components, such as Active Queue Management (AQM). The paper investigates the influence of the weighted moving average on packet waiting time reduction for an AQM mechanism: the RED algorithm. The proposed method for computing the average queue length is based on a difference equation (a recursive equation). Depending on a particular optimality criterion, proper parameters of the modified weighted moving average function can be chosen. This change will allow reducing the number of violations of timing constraints and better use of this mechanism for soft real-time transmissions. The optimization problem is solved through simulations performed in OMNeT++ and later verified experimentally on a Linux implementation
Strategies to increase selectivity of analytical methods for As, Cr and Se speciation in biological samples: A review
Authors: Carvalho Dayene C. , Coelho Nívia M. M. , Melo Coelho Luciana , Borges Simone S. S. , Neri Thais S. , Alves Vanessa N.
Published: September 2014

This review provides an overview and discusses different analytical strategies that minimize or eliminate the preparation of samples for speciation of organic and inorganic species of As, Cr and Se in samples of biological interest. These metals are important for the human body and the presence of various chemical forms of metals determines its essentiality and toxicity, thus speciation comes as an important tool for the study of biological samples. However, speciation requires a reduction in the steps of sample preparation, allowing a sample investigation in its most native form in order to reduce the changes in chemical species. The strategies proposed for speciation of these metals include: solid phase extraction, point cloud extraction, suspension and direct analysis. Selected methods proposed for the speciation of organic and inorganic species of As, Cr and Se were reviewed including their main figures of merit, advantages and disadvantages
Evolving research on the evolution of male androphilia
Authors: Vasey Paul L. , VanderLaan Doug P.
Published: September 2014

Androphilia refers to sexual attraction and arousal to adult males, whereas gynephilia refers to sexual attraction and arousal to adult females. The manner in which male androphilia is expressed varies cross-culturally. Sex-gender congruent male androphiles occupy the gender role typical of their sex, behave in a relatively masculine manner, and identify as “men.” In contrast, transgendered male androphiles often behave in a highly effeminate manner and identify as neither “men,” nor “women.” Instead, they typically identify as members of a third gender. Despite exhibiting different gender role presentations and gender identities, both forms of male androphilia share numerous biodemographic and developmental correlates, indicating that they have a common etiological basis. Male androphilia represents an evolutionary paradox because it appears to have a genetic component, yet it compromises reproduction. At the same time archaeological and cross-cultural evidence suggest that it has persisted for millennia. The ancestral form of male androphilia was likely the transgendered form. To date, only one population of transgendered male androphiles has been considered when testing hypotheses pertaining to the evolution of male androphilia: the fa'afafine of Samoa. Research indicates that the mothers, paternal grandmothers and maternal grandmothers of fa'afafine produce more offspring than those of male gynephiles, which is consistent with the Sexually Antagonistic Gene Hypothesis. However, definitive support for this hypothesis, in the form of elevated offspring production by the aunts of fa'afafine is lacking at present. Research also indicates that fa'afafine exhibit elevated avuncular tendencies and behaviour compared to women and gynephilic men, which is consistent with the Kin Selection Hypothesis. Also consistent with the Kin Selection Hypothesis is research indicating that the fa'afafine's avuncular cognition exhibits elements of adaptive design.
Jane Austen and “Banal Shakespeare”
Authors: Taylor Megan
Published: September 2014

While critics have long acknowledged Jane Austen’s literary debt to William Shakespeare, little attention has been paid to her infrequent use of direct quotations from his work. Perhaps because these instances of quotation are so rare, most critics who take note of them classify them as purely ironic: Austen quotes the Bard as a means by which to satirize the eighteenth-century vogue for Shakespeare epigrams, mocking other writers who ineptly or inaptly cite well-worn passages in a transparent bid for artistic legitimacy. While true to a certain extent, this conclusion does not do justice to Austen’s admiration of Shakespeare nor to the range of her sophisticated irony. Opening up such a critical standpoint in this article, I closely examine instances of direct quotations from Shakespeare in Austen’s novels and argue that Austen does not simply mock those writers who misuse Shakespeare; her quotations also reinvigorate his most clichéd aphorisms and demonstrate both their continuing relevance and her own keen understanding of their complex original contexts.
Wit at War: The Poetry of John Wilmot and the Trauma of War
Authors: Richards Cynthia
Published: September 2014

To read Rochester’s poetry as reflecting the trauma of war troubles the dominant narrative of his literary legacy. That the persona of those poems often presents a “fragmented self” and the world described is a chaotic, deeply disordered one are givens. To read these poems in the context of trauma studies can compromise two current truisms about his work: its honesty and its wit. For, if trauma narratives are largely significant for their “slippages,” for what they leave “unexpressed,” Rochester’s work, by contrast, is celebrated for its willingness to name what others refuse to. Rochester’s famed obscenity points to his courage to speak the unspeakable, to say what others can and will not. Rochester’s reliance on wit means his poetry operates according to principles of association rather than the troubling disassociation connected to trauma. Reading Rochester’s poetry as reflecting the trauma of war then complicates its status as poetry that critiques its culture—that names its excesses—rather than poetry which is so compromised by those atrocities as unwittingly to hide them.
Machines in Love: Bodies, Souls, and Sexes in the Age of La Mettrie
Authors: Gladfelder Hal
Published: September 2014

The writings of renegade philosophe Julien Offray de La Mettrie were denounced in his lifetime not only by political authorities but by his fellow philosophes, Denis Diderot and Paul-Henri Thiry, Baron d’Holbach. Yet his work broke with orthodox views of the body, eros, and human nature with such force as to provoke those thinkers, and such authors as John Cleland and Sade, to interrogate the limits of the human and the disruptive effects of desire. Focusing on his incendiary philosophical satire L’Homme machine and the erotic reverie La Volupté, this article examines La Mettrie’s theory of the imagination as a material function of the body-as-machine, which can unsettle distinctions between human and animal, female and male, self and other. For La Mettrie, as for Diderot, Cleland, and Sade, metamorphosis gives narrative articulation to the principle of the underlying unity of material substance, even as it embodies the lability and impermanence of all identities.
Survey of a Pelvic Health Physiotherapy Community of Practice: A Pilot Study to Gain Member Input to Help Sustain and Advance the Group
Authors: Boucher Jodi A. , MacIntyre Donna L.
Published: September 2014

Purpose: To gather input and perspectives from members of the Calgary Pelvic Health Physiotherapists' Community of Practice (PHPT CoP) to ensure common goals that help sustain and advance the group. Method: An online survey grounded in CoP theory was used to elicit feedback from 23 PHPTs. Descriptive statistics summarized survey results. Results: The response rate was 96%; all respondents worked in women's pelvic health. Respondents expressed interest in continuing regular face-to-face meetings, a speaker series, case studies, and connecting with other PHPTs. Conclusion: The findings suggest continuation of regular meetings, with a focus on clinical skill development, and an annual Alberta PHPT conference. Members of this community of practice seek a strategy to promote PHPT to the public and develop referral sources.
Early reperfusion and clinical outcomes in patients with M2 occlusion: pooled analysis of the PROACT II, IMS, and IMS II studies
Authors: Rahme Ralph , Yeatts Sharon D. , Abruzzo Todd A. , Jimenez Lincoln , Fan Liqiong , Tomsick Thomas A. , Ringer Andrew J. , Furlan Anthony J. , Broderick Joseph P. , Khatri Pooja
Published: September 2014

Object

The role of endovascular therapy in patients with acute ischemic stroke and a solitary M2 occlusion remains unclear. Through a pooled analysis of 3 interventional stroke trials, the authors sought to analyze the impact of successful early reperfusion of M2 occlusions on patient outcome.

Methods

Patients with a solitary M2 occlusion were identified from the Prolyse in Acute Cerebral Thromboembolism (PROACT) II, Interventional Management of Stroke (IMS), and IMS II trial databases and were divided into 2 groups: successful reperfusion (thrombolysis in cerebral infarction [TICI] 2–3) at 2 hours and failed reperfusion (TICI 0–1) at 2 hours. Baseline characteristics and clinical outcomes were compared.

Results

Sixty-three patients, 40 from PROACT II and 23 from IMS and IMS II, were identified. Successful early angiographic reperfusion (TICI 2–3) was observed in 31 patients (49.2%). No statistically significant difference in the rates of intracerebral hemorrhage (60.9% vs 47.6%, p = 0.55) or mortality (19.4% vs 15.6%, p = 0.75) was observed. However, there was a trend toward higher incidence of symptomatic hemorrhage in the TICI 2–3 group (17.4% vs 0%, p = 0.11). There was also a trend toward higher baseline glucose levels in this group (151.5 mg/dl vs 129.6 mg/ dl, p = 0.09). Despite these differences, the rate of functional independence (modified Rankin Scale Score 0–2) at 3 months was similar (TICI 2–3, 58.1% vs TICI 0–1, 53.1%; p = 0.80).

Conclusions

A positive correlation between successful early reperfusion and clinical outcome could not be demonstrated for patients with M2 occlusion. Irrespective of reperfusion status, such patients have better outcomes than those with more proximal occlusions, with more than 50% achieving functional independence at 3 months.