bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of Motor Milestones in Twins
Authors: Langendonk Jacqueline M. , van Beijsterveldt C. E. M. , Brouwer Silvia I. , Stroet Therese , Hudziak James J. , Boomsma Dorret I.
Published: January 2008

The aim of this study was to investigate the reliability of obtaining through mailed surveys maternal reports of specific major motor milestones achievement. To accomplish this aim we compared and contrasted mailed survey data and telephone interview data on a series of questions about age at which motor milestones were achieved. We used monthly telephone interviews with mothers of 238 twin pairs, beginning at age 6 months, which ascertained the age at which each specific milestone was met. The contrasting ‘through the mail’ survey was sent after the second birthday of an independent group of children, and included 463 twin pairs. All twins were born between March 2003 and March 2004. Comparisons were made for the following 5 milestones: sitting without support, hands and knees crawling, turning from back to belly, standing without support, and walking without support. There was no difference between the concurrent telephone interviews and the retrospective through the mail survey on any of the landmarks, except ‘standing without support’. From this work we conclude that data on achieving milestones can be reliably obtained through the mail using retrospective surveys when the children are 2 years of age.
An Investigation of a Measure of Twins' Equal Environments
Authors: Mitchell Karen S. , Mazzeo Suzanne E. , Bulik Cynthia M. , Aggen Steven H. , Kendler Kenneth S. , Neale Michael C.
Published: January 2008

The equal environments assumption, which holds that trait-relevant environments are equally correlated among monozygotic (MZ) and dizygotic (DZ) twin pairs, is essential to twin designs. Violations of this assumption could lead to biased parameter estimates in twin models. A variety of methods and measures have been used to test this assumption. No studies to date have evaluated the measurement invariance of such items or examined the distribution of the underlying equal environments trait. The current study was an investigation of the psychometric properties of a self-report measure of twins' equal environments. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis results indicated that items loaded onto ‘child’ and ‘teen’ equal environments factors. Factor loadings and factor variances and their covariance were invariant for MZ and DZ twins; however, DZ twins had significantly lower factor means than MZ twins. Further, these items demonstrated adequate test–retest reliability. Lastly, the child and teen factors may be bimodally distributed, particularly for MZ twin pairs. Measurement invariance issues, as well as distributions of equal environments traits, should be considered when evaluating the equal environments assumption, in order to produce accurate parameter estimates in twin models.
Genetic and Environmental Covariation Between Autistic Traits and Behavioral Problems
Authors: Hoekstra Rosa A. , Bartels Meike , Hudziak James J. , Van Beijsterveldt Toos C. E. M. , Boomsma Dorret I.
Published: January 2008

Our objective was to examine the overlap between autistic traits and other behavioral problems in a general population sample, and explore the extent to which this overlap is due to genetic or environmental factors. Youth Self Report (YSR) data were collected in a general population sample of 424 twin pairs at 18 years of age, and their nontwin siblings. In 197 of these twin families, self-report ratings on the Autism-spectrum Quotient (AQ) were collected. Stepwise backward regression analyses revealed that of all 8 YSR syndrome scales, the Withdrawn Behavior (WB) and Social Problems (SOC) scale were the most important predictors of AQ scores, and together with sex, explained 23% of the variance in AQ scores. Genetic structural equation modeling showed that the overlap between AQ and WB and SOC was mainly due to genetic effects. About half of the genetic variance in AQ scores was specific to the AQ, with the remaining half shared with genetic variance in WB and SOC. Endorsement of autistic traits in a general population sample is associated with social and withdrawn behavioral problems and these problems partly share a common genetic etiology with autistic traits. However, most of the variance in AQ scores remains unexplained by YSR scores, and half of the genetic variance in AQ is unshared with WB and SOC. These results indicate that autistic traits have specific characteristics that are substantially genetically independent from other common but related behavioral domains such as social problems and withdrawn behavior.
The Influence of an Untoward Public Act on Conceptions of Self1
Authors: Davis Sharon Kantorowski
Published: January 2008

This study focuses on the process of making sense of the experience of being exposed to. It looks at audience interpretations of the experience of having viewed a stranger's genitals in a public place and the effects on viewer self concepts. The study is based on in‐depth interviews with 25 adult women. Findings indicate that women typically incorporate their definitions of the experience into their self‐images which, as a result, are impuned and discredited. Women often saw the self as having played a role in the production of the event. Although women generally were critical in their assessment of themselves and their management of the situation they used vocabularies of non‐responsibility when recounting the experience thereby reducing the likelihood of criticism by others.
Taking License with Medical Work: Notes on the Resolution of Risk and Uncertainty in a Gynecological Self‐Help Clinic
Authors: Peterson Karen J.
Published: January 2008

Occupational case studies provide comparative data for studying the structure of work. In the case presented here, an occupational grouping which staked out its own jurisdiction provides a limiting case for the study of collective solutions to risk and uncertainty encountered in work. How a gynecological self‐help clinic organized work to protect individual workers from risk and its consequences shows that relationships among work, uncertainty, and risk are indeed flexible.
A Synthesis Of Two Social Psychologies*
Authors: Quin Cecilia O. , Robinson Ira E. , Balkwell James W.
Published: January 2008

Sociological social psychology (symbolic interactionism) and psychological social psychology (cognitive social psychology) both are rooted in German phenomenology, yet the two have proceeded in different directions. Sociological social psychology is largely an abstract and qualitative enterprise, while psychological social psychology is largely an empirical and quantitative body of work. The reluctance of either social psychology to span the full range of the abstract‐concrete continuum seems to be based on some epistemological difficulties that are no longer considered problems by many philosophers of science. Employing a model developed by Robinson (1968), the present paper shows how the apparent gaps between the abstract and concrete levels may be bridged by a system of propositional statements at the middle‐range level. The unity of the two social psychologies is thus made apparent. As a consequence of this bridging, the symbolic interactionists are provided with a large number of empirical studies that lend credence to their basic assumptions, and the psychologically oriented social psychologists receive a rich theoretical structure to organize and enhance their low‐level theories and the findings that have come from tests of these theories.
Biography Building To Insure The Future: Women's Negotiation Of Gender Relevancy In Medical School*
Authors: Hammond Judith M.
Published: January 2008

In this paper I focus on how women in their first year of medical school build biographies of fitness as a means of negotiating the status of peer in a male‐dominated group. Their goal is to negotiate a master status and primary identity as medical student. They do this by making gender, a key characteristic, both irrelevant and relevant. I also discuss the technique of using interview data to provide a particular perspective on the medical students' situation and their use of the interview as a vehicle for identity building. I conclude that women's apparent success in maintaining identities as successful people and in negotiating barriers to the collegia! status stem both from their numbers and from using situationally appropriate vocabularies of motives to build past and future biographies of fitness.
The CB Handle: An Announcement Of Adult Identity*
Authors: Smith H.W.
Published: January 2008

The CB handle is used as a means of exploring voluntary identity‐making among adult CBers. While only an exploratory study, gender appeared to be the most deeply embedded adult identification. Other, apparently less deeply embedded, identities were found in occupation (white‐ versus blue‐collar workers and truckers versus non‐truckers). Sexual identifications seemed to have increased in importance with time, with ethnic identifications decreasing in importance. Finally, Turner's (1976) distinction between impulse and institutional anchoring of the real self was used to suggest that white‐collar workers and new CBers had significantly more impulse‐based handles than blue‐collar workers and “old‐timer” CBers.
THE TRUE SELF METHOD FOR STUDYING THE SELF‐CONCEPTION*
Authors: Turner Ralph H. , Schutte Jerald
Published: January 2008

An open‐ended questionnaire technique for identifying the self‐conception which can be used in lieu of or in combination with the TST is described. Respondents are asked to relate experiences in which they felt that their true selves were expressed, and in which their true selves were misrepresented. It is assumed that investigators can make more refined inferences about the social anchorage of the self‐conception from accounts of experience than from single words and short phrases, and that understanding the circumstances which evoke vital feelings of true‐self and not‐self is more fundamental than knowing the self designations that people make on the basis of these experiences. Possible uses of the method are discussed. Preliminary findings from using the method to distinguish between self‐anchorage in impulse and in institution are briefly presented.
CONVERSATION WITH HERBERT BLUMER: I*
Authors: Morrione Thomas J. , Farberman Harvey A.
Published: January 2008

During the academic year 1977–1978, Professor Herbert Blumer sponsored Drs. Thomas J. Morrione and Harvey A. Farberman as Visiting Scholars in the sociology department of the University of California at Berkeley. In Fall Quarter of 1977, Morrione and Farberman attended Blumer's class and taped and transcribed six of the ten lecture/discussions. The transcripts were reviewed during Winter Quarter and questions, in writing, were prepared and delivered to Blumer for subsequent exploration. In Spring Quarter of 1978, Blumer, Morrione, and Farberman met four times (for a total of about 20 hours) to discuss these questions. A 232 page typescript was produced from recordings of these sessions.

A year later, in Spring Quarter of 1979, Blumer again gave his course in Symbolic Interaction (for the last time at Berkeley) and Farberman again taped them. In the Fall of 1979, prior to editing the 232 page typescript, Morrione and Farberman reviewed the tapes of Blumer's Fall 1977 and Spring 1979 classes and settled on an editorial strategy.

Initially, two strategies were considered: a fairly straight forward chronology or an analytical reconstruction. Both had advantages and disadvantages. The first captures the informal, spontaneous, dialogical quality of purposeful conversation; but, it contains an abundance of false starts, convoluted sentences, mixed metaphors, leaps of logic, off‐color remarks and, most especially—redundancy. The second offers a set of key notions adduced from the narrative that reflect, what the participants wish to focus on but clearly is an abridged version.

Following a series of conversations with Peter M. Hall (then) Editor of Symblic Interaction, it became clear that, publication of the material presupposed journal length segments of 25–30 pages. As a practical matter, the editorial strategy became analytic reconstruction.

After two passes at the material, Morrione and Farberman agreed to a scheme that seemed most effective in organizing and containing all the key material. This scheme breaks the material into two manuscripts, one dealing with the nature of “self‐indication,” the other with the “moral dimensions of action and the ethical dimension of investigation.”

To offset some of the pitfalls inherent in analytic reconstruction, Morrione and Farberman followed four rules: (1) each participant held a veto and nothing was finalized on any point under review, unless and until agreement was reached; (2) each segment (line, paragraph, or page), no matter where it appeared in the reconstruction, was identified by its page number in the original narrative; (3) each participant would retain a bound copy of the original unexpurgated transcripts and, where appropriate and with the others' permission, make it available for wider scholarly use; and (4) nothing would be published unless it was reviewed and approved by Herbert Blumer.
THEORY AND METHOD IN STATUS ATTAINMENT RESEARCH*
Authors: Haas David F. , Falk William W.
Published: January 2008

This paper analyzes a contradiction between theory and method in status attainment research. The authors argue that the Meadian social psychology adopted by the status attainment researchers is incompatible with causal modeling which they use as their principal analytic tool, because Mead's ideas are inconsistent with any method which assumes unidirectional causality. A symbolic interactionist interpretation of the process of status attainment is offered in place of the causal interpretation. The symbolic interactionist interpretation removes the contradiction between theory and method and is, in addition, shown to be compatible with current sociological knowledge of the process of education. Finally, it is argued that the symbolic interactionist interpretation is also compatible with American political language, while the causal interpretation is not, and that therefore the adoption of the symbolic interactionist interpretation would permit the findings of status attainment research to speak to the question of the degree of equality of opportunity in American society as that question is asked in American politics.
G.H. Mead's Contact Theory of Reality: The Manipulatory Phase of the Act in the Constitution of Mundane, Scientific, Aesthetic, and Evaluative Objects*
Authors: Lewis J. David
Published: January 2008

Mead's identification of ultimate reality with the experience of physical contact is rooted in his studies of animal perception. Many of his writings on the nature of science, aesthetic experience, and values can be viewed profitably as an attempt to generalize his theory of the act from an analysis of action toward mundane objects to include these other classes of perceptual objects.
George Herbert Mead and Karl Marx: Exploring Consciousness and Community*
Authors: Batiuk Mary Ellen , Sacks Howard L.
Published: January 2008

Current discussions within symbolic interaction point to a concern with (a) returning to Mead's original insights, (b) extending Meadian thought beyond the micro realm, and (c) linking Mead's ideas to constructive social action. These concerns complement an effort within contemporary Marxist literature to provide a systematic social psychology for understanding new forms of domination in capitalist society. In exploring the philosophical foundations of Mead and Marx, the authors identify fundamental similarities in their approaches to the relation between consciousness and community. The authors criticize the current attempts to synthesize Marx and Freud and call for a more thoroughly sociological approach. A Meadian reading of Marx, unlike the Marx‐Freud synthesis, is consistent with sociological assumptions and points to the practical possibility of transformative social change through the interpersonal act.
The Theoretical Frame of Symbolic Interactions: A Contextualist, Social Science*
Authors: Straus Roger A.
Published: January 2008

Symbolic interactionism is differentiated from conventional “natural science” approaches as an exemplification of pure “social science.” This alternative philosophy of science is described and contrasted with mechanistic natural science along lines set forth by Pepper and recently elaborated by Sarbin: it is a contextualist mode of science concerned with the qualitative analysis of human conduct in interpersonal situations. Validity is assessed by qualitative confirmation—does it fit? and is it useful?—not by reference to a causal theory of truth. Symbolic interactionism represents an acausal science independent of the categories and presumptions of mechanistic natural science, which is logically and practically adequate in its own right.
Conversation with Herbert Blumer: II*
Authors: Morrione Thomas J. , Farberman Harvey A.
Published: January 2008

During the academic year 1977–1978, Professor Herbert Blumer sponsored Drs. Thomas J. Morrione and Harvey A. Farberman as Visiting Scholars in the sociology department of the University of California at Berkeley. In Fall Quarter of 1977, Morrione and Farberman attended Blumer's class and taped and transcribed six of the ten lecture/discussions. The transcripts were reviewed during Winter Quarter and questions, in writing, were prepared and delivered to Blumer for subsequent exploration. In Spring Quarter of 1978, Blumer, Morrione, and Farberman met four times (for a total of about 20 hours) to discuss these questions. A 232 page typescript was produced from recordings of these sessions.

A year later, in Spring Quarter of 1979, Blumer again gave his course in Symbolic Interaction (for the last time at Berkeley) and Farberman again taped them. In the Fall of 1979, prior to editing the 232 page typescript, Morrione and Farberman reviewed the tapes of Blumer's Fall 1977 and Spring 1979 classes and settled on an editorial strategy.

Initially, two strategies were considered: a fairly straight forward chronology or an analytical reconstruction. Both had advantages and disadvantages. The first captures the informal, spontaneous, dialogical quality of purposeful conversation; but, it contains an abundance of false starts, convoluted sentences, mixed metaphors, leaps of logic, off‐color remarks and, most especially—redundancy. The second offers a set of key notions adduced from the narrative that reflect, what the participants wish to focus on but clearly is an abridged version.

Following a series of conversations with Peter M. Hall (then) Editor of Symbolic Interaction, it became clear that, publication of the material presupposed journal length segments of 25–30 pages. As a practical matter, the editorial strategy became analytic reconstruction.

After two passes at the material, Morrione and Farberman agreed to a scheme that seemed most effective in organizing and containing all the key material. This scheme breaks the material into two manuscripts, one dealing with the nature of “self‐indication,” the other with the “moral dimensions of action and the ethical dimension of investigation.”

To offset some of the pitfalls inherent in analytic reconstruction, Morrione and Farberman followed four rules: (1) each participant held a veto and nothing was finalized on any point under review, unless and until agreement was reached; (2) each segment (line, paragraph, or page), no matter where it appeared in the reconstruction, was identified by its page number in the original narrative; (3) each participant would retain a bound copy of the original unexpurgated transcripts and, where appropriate and with the others' permission, make it available for wider scholarly use; and (4) nothing would be published unless it was reviewed and approved by Herbert Blumer.
Catholicism vs. Communism, Continued: The Catholic Church in Vietnam
Authors: Chu Lan T.
Published: January 2008

To what extent can the Catholic Church in Vietnam contribute to both social and political change? Traditionally, scholars have often focused on countries with large Catholic populations, such as Poland or the Philippines, to exemplify the Church's ability to promote political liberalization, while countries with smaller Catholic populations have been largely overlooked. By examining the confrontations and negotiations between the Catholic Church and the communist state in Vietnam, this article demonstrates that such an oversight precludes the recognition of key figures and initiatives that may bring about significant political change.
Factores salivales asociados a prevalencia e incremento de caries dental en escolares rurales
Authors: Cornejo Lila Susana , Brunotto Mabel , Hilas Elena
Published: January 2008

OBJETIVO: Evaluar la asociación de la saliva y la prevalencia de caries. MÉTODOS: Estudio longitudinal de dos años, en una población de niños escolares rural de Cruz del Eje, Córdoba-Argentina, entre los años 2000 y 2002. La población de estudio comprendió la totalidad de escolares asistentes (N=196) a ocho escuelas rurales de 5 a 14 años de edad, ambos sexos. Se estudiaron tres momentos (N=46): base, 12 y 24 meses. Se evaluaron los componentes salivales y los índices CPOD y ceod. Se crearon las variables nominales, "caries" y "caries nueva" para evaluar riesgo de caries en el estudio base y en los tiempos 12 y 24 meses, respectivamente. Se aplicó el análisis de componentes principales para seleccionar factores salivales relacionados con la presencia de caries que a posterior se categorizaron según valor de la mediana como punto de corte. RESULTADOS: Se observó alta prevalencia de caries (50%-90%) en los tres momentos de estudio. El incremento de caries fue significativamente mayor a los 12 meses (p=0.000), comparado con el observado a los 24 meses. En el estudio base se observó concentración baja y homogénea de los iones fosfato y calcio, y asociación significativa (p<0.050) entre calcio y fósforo y relación Ca/P con la presencia de caries. CONCLUSIONES: Las concentraciones de iones fosfato y de la relación molar calcio/fósforo podrían ser considerados como factores de riesgo para el desarrollo de caries en poblaciones con características particulares como la estudiada.
Factors associated with depression symptoms in high school students in São Paulo, Brazil
Authors: Zinn-Souza LC , Nagai R , Teixeira LR , Latorre MRDO , Roberts R , Cooper SP , Fischer FM
Published: January 2008

OBJECTIVE: To assess factors associated with depression symptoms in high school students. METHODS: A cross-sectional study involving high school students was conducted in the city of São Paulo, Brazil, 2001. A total of 724 students aged 14-18 years answered questionnaires on life and health conditions. Another questionnaire was applied to working (44.8%) and unemployed (22.9%) students to collect information on working conditions. Factors associated to depressive disorders were analyzed using multiple logistic regression controlled for occupational status. RESULTS: Overall prevalence rate of depression was 7.5%. Rates according to gender were 39 (10.3%) in females and 15 (4.3%) in males. The multiple logistic regression analysis showed that factors associated with depressive disorders were: poor self-perception of health (OR=5.78), being female (OR = 2.45), and alcohol consumption (OR=2.35). CONCLUSIONS: The study results showed that sociodemographic, lifestyle and health variables were associated with symptoms of depression in this population. These ndings suggest that it is important to have mental health professionals available in high schools for early detection of mental conditions and student counseling.
Exercício físico versus programa de exercício pela eletroestimulação com aparelhos de uso doméstico
Authors: Santos FM , Rodrigues RGS , Trindade-Filho EM
Published: January 2008

OBJETIVO: Avaliar os efeitos da eletroestimulação por aparelhos de uso doméstico sobre o condicionamento neuromuscular. MÉTODOS: A amostra foi composta por 20 mulheres voluntárias, sedentárias, destras, com idades entre 18 a 25 anos em Maceió, estado de Alagoas, em 2006. As mulheres foram divididas aleatoriamente em dois grupos: as do grupo A foram submetidas a eletroestimulação passiva com aparelhos comerciais e as do grupo B, a exercício físico com resistência. O programa de treinamento dos grupos totalizou 16 sessões em dois meses, com duas sessões semanais. As comparações do peso corporal, da cirtometria, fleximetria, e da força muscular antes e após os exercícios, foram utilizadas utilizando-se o teste T pareado. Nas comparações entre os grupos A e B, foi utilizado o teste t de Student. O nível de significância adotado foi de 5%. RESULTADOS: A comparação da força muscular medida de forma subjetiva antes e após cada um dos procedimentos, mostrou que ocorreu aumento da força em ambos os grupos. Foram observados aumentos significantes na massa e na força muscular apenas nos indivíduos que realizaram exercício voluntário. O exercício físico resistido de flexo-extensão dos joelhos foi efetivo em aumentar massa e força muscular, ao contrário das sessões de eletroestimulação com correntes de freqüência de pulsos de 87 Hz, que não tiveram o mesmo efeito. CONCLUSÕES: Os resultados encontrados mostraram que os aparelhos de eletroestimulação para ganho passivo de condicionamento físico comercializados são menos eficientes do que a prática de exercício físico voluntário.
Migración y ruralización del SIDA: relatos de vulnerabilidad en comunidades indígenas de México
Authors: Hernández-Rosete Daniel , Maya García Olivia , Bernal Enrique , Castañeda Xóchitl , Lemp George
Published: January 2008

OBJETIVO: Analizar la vulnerabilidad para ITS/VIH entre mujeres Purépechas y Zapotecas unidas en concubinato con varones que practican sexo sin protección. MÉTODOS: Estudio etnográfico realizado en febrero del 2004 y en diciembre del 2005 en localidades indígenas de Michoacán y Oaxaca, Mexico. Estos son entidades con niveles altos de expulsión migratoria, rezago comunitario y casos registrados de VIH/SIDA. Se entrevistaron en profundidad a 91 personas: migrantes temporales (24), mujeres indígenas (33), autoridades locales (20) y personal de salud (14). RESULTADOS: La ruralización del ITS/VIH puede relacionarse con las prácticas de iniciación sexual femeninas pero sobre todo con el miedo del migrante a que su concubina tenga relaciones extra-conyugales en su ausencia. El embarazo y la crianza son recursos masculinos de control de las esposas. CONCLUSIONES: La migración de retorno implica formas de vulnerabilidad para las mujeres indígenas en las localidades estudiadas, cuya sexualidad tiene un remarcado carácter reproductivo. Es necesario implementar políticas de prevención para ITS/VIH dirigidas a fortalecer derechos sexuales y reproductivos de las mujeres y que tomen en cuenta aspectos de identidad sexual masculina.
REGIONAL VARIATION IN HOME‐RANGE‐SCALE HABITAT MODELS FOR FISHER (MARTES PENNANTI) IN CALIFORNIA
Authors: Davis Frank W. , Seo Changwan , Zielinski William J.
Published: January 2008

We analyzed recent survey data and mapped environmental variables integrated over a home range scale of 10 km2 to model the distribution of fisher (Martes pennanti) habitat in California, USA. Our goal was to identify habitat factors associated with the current distribution of fishers in California, and to test whether those factors differ for widely disjunct northern and southern populations. Our analyses were designed to probe whether poor habitat quality can explain the current absence of fishers in the historically occupied central and northern Sierra Nevada region that separates these two populations. Fishers were detected at 64/433 (14.8%) sample units, including 35/111 (32%) of sample units in the Klamath/Shasta region and 28/88 (32%) of sample units in the southern Sierra Nevada. Generalized additive models (GAM) that included mean annual precipitation, topographic relief, forest structure, and a spatial autocovariate term best predicted fisher detections over the species' recent historical range in California. Models derived using forest structure data from ground plots were comparable to models derived from Landsat Thematic Mapper imagery. Models for the disjunct Klamath/Cascades and southern Sierra Nevada populations selected different environmental factors and showed low agreement in the spatial pattern of model predictions. Including a spatial autocovariate term significantly improved model fits for all models except the southern Sierra Nevada. We cannot rule out dispersal or habitat in explaining the absence of fishers in the northern and central Sierra Nevada, but mapped habitat quality is low over much of the region. Landscapes with good fisher habitat may exist in rugged forested canyons of the currently unoccupied northern Sierra Nevada, but these areas are fragmented and at least 60 km from the nearest recent fisher detections.
Research of Downhole Separation and Injection Technique for Rod Pumping Well
Authors: Li Xiaoming , Song Kaili , Cao Xuemei , Xu Wenqing , Zhu Yunjie
Published: January 2008

The new technique of down-hole oil-water separation and injection in oilproduction is gaining wide popularity around the world, which can used to solvethe problems with high fluid production and thus large amount of separatingwork in development of high watercut field. It can also used to reduce theheavy investments and energy losses due to water injection. Therefor it is agood prospective technique. This technique was proposed and owned by ProductionTechnique Institute of Shengli Petroleum Administration Bureau. Since 1997, thestudying and manufacture of down-hole separation equipment have been finishedsuch as separate pumping pump and rod pumping production string of down-holeoil-water separation and injection etc. The factors influencing the effect ofthe oil-water separation and its efficiency have been found preliminarilythrough laboratory experiments. The field tests show that the technique willreduce the water production rate and expense, and increase oil productionapparently under appropriate conditions. Although there is obscure points ofthis technique, it is worth being researched and developed further.
Novel Technology Provides Cost-Effective Answers for Revival of a Mature Oilfield
Authors: Johnston Warren , Kosasih Kosim , Maulana Ermawan , Joshi Sameer , Kyaw Htun Aung , El Araby Ahmed
Published: January 2008

This paper describes the field application of a novel wireline conveyed cased-hole formation dynamics tester designed to drill a hole in casing, measure formation pressure and permeability, identify and retrieve downhole fluid samples and seal the hole with a bi-directional plug. Until recently the only way of obtaining such information in cased hole was either by performing a DST or using a modified open-hole tester (needing explosives and squeeze cementing).

The Sembakung field, N.E. Kalimantan was discovered in 1975 and has produced over 37 MMBO. The main producing interval is the Upper Middle Miocene Tabul formation. Over 35 separate sands have been identified in this highly stratified reservoir and producing wells have multiple commingled zones. The reservoir and crude quality is good (ϕ=15–30%, K=200–2000 mD, 37 API, low-sulphur low-wax).

Equatorial Energy acquired an 80% stake in the TAC in 1998 and commenced an aggressive program of infill drilling, as well as acquired a 3-D seismic survey in 2001. 3D seismic uncovered the presence of a significant southward structural extension with additional exploration potential. It also revealed the existence of new untapped reservoirs and structural compartmentalization within the field. Declining pressures and signs of inter-well communication indicated the urgency of field pressure maintenance.

Drillstem testing was not feasible as a large number of potential zones needed to be tested. This novel tool proved useful in managing the challenge. The tool was run successfully in 7 wells where it drilled and tested 71 holes in casing and recovered fluid samples. Formation pressures were measured, permeabilities estimated and fluids identified using downhole pumpout with optical spectroscopy. The performance conclusively demonstrated the applicability and cost-effectiveness of this novel technique in revival of this oilfield.
Interpretation of Multiple Hydraulically Fractured Horizontal Wells in Closed Systems
Authors: Zerzar Aissa , Bettam Youcef
Published: January 2008

The fracturing of horizontal wells has recently gained wide acceptance as a viable completion option to maximize the return on investment. This is especially true in the case of tight formations.

This paper presents an analytical model for fractured horizontal wells in anisotropic closed or semi-infinite, homogenous or naturally fractured systems. Uniform flux, infinite conductivity and finite conductivity models are considered. The fractures may be of different properties and unequally spaced along the horizontal wellbore. This model is validated using a numerical simulator. It provides us with methods and ideas for designing, interpreting well tests and prediction of the long time performance of the system under study.

A log-log plot of pressure and pressure derivative versus test time may reveal the presence of several straight lines corresponding to different flow regimes: bilinear, first linear, biradial, radial, pseudoradial, second linear and pseudo steady state.

New equations have been developed describing the unique characteristics of these flow regimes. These equations allow us to calculate: the number of active fractures, equivalent fracture conductivity and total system conductivity, equivalent half-fracture length, reservoir directional permabilities, equivalent skin, the total skin, reservoir width for semi-infinite systems and drainage area for closed systems.

Simulated examples have been performed to show the applicability of the proposed technique.
A Review on Recent Advances in the Numerical Simulation for Coalbed-Methane-Recovery Process
Authors: Wei X. R. , Wang G. X. , Massarotto P. , Golding S. D. , Rudolph V.
Published: January 2008

The recent advances in numerical simulation for primary coalbed methane (CBM) recovery and enhanced coalbed-methane recovery (ECBMR) processes are reviewed, primarily focusing on the progress that has occurred since the late 1980s. Two major issues regarding the numerical modeling will be discussed in this review: first, multicomponent gas transport in in-situ bulk coal and, second, changes of coal properties during methane (CH4) production. For the former issues, a detailed review of more recent advances in modeling gas and water transport within a coal matrix is presented. Further, various factors influencing gas diffusion through the coal matrix will be highlighted as well, such as pore structure, concentration and pressure, and water effects. An ongoing bottleneck for evaluating total mass transport rate is developing a reasonable representation of multiscale pore space that considers coal type and rank. Moreover, few efforts have been concerned with modeling water-flow behavior in the coal matrix and its effects on CH4 production and on the exchange of carbon dioxide (CO2) and CH4. As for the second issue, theoretical coupled fluid-flow and geomechanical models have been proposed to describe the evolution of pore structure during CH4 production, instead of traditional empirical equations. However, there is currently no effective coupled model for engineering applications. Finally, perspectives on developing suitable simulation models for CBM production and for predicting CO2-sequestration ECBMR are suggested.
The Fracture Characterization and Fracture Modeling of a Tight Carbonate Reservoir—The Najmah-Sargelu of West Kuwait
Authors: Fonta Olivier , Al-Ajmi Hamad , Verma Naveen K. , Matar Saad , Divry Vincent Eric , Al-Qallaf Hanadi
Published: January 2008

This paper presents an innovative and promising, multidisciplinary approach that includes geology (borehole images, cores, and wireline logs); geophysics (seismic facies analysis), and reservoir engineering data (production data, PLT, and well test) that were combined to identify the main types of fractures, to predict their occurrence in the reservoir, and to determine the hydraulic properties of the different fractures sets.

The Najmah-Sargelu of west Kuwait is an oil-bearing reservoir made of tight carbonates where porosity and permeability are provided mainly by the fracture network. In this paper, we first introduce the method used to identify and predict the two main scales of fractures: joints and large-scale fractures (faults and fracture swarms). The shale content (Vshale) and mechanical-beds thickness were found to be the two main geological drivers on joints occurrence. The thickness of individual beds was recorded from borehole acoustic images, which enabled us to measure a fracture spacing/bed thickness (S/T) ratio for each fracture set and for different shaliness. Second, we used an innovative solution to deliver an accurate map of the location of large-scale fractures. This approach concurrently uses a set of relevant attributes per selected fracture in a multivariable statistical process called seismic facies analysis (SFA).

A 3D-stochastic fracture model was then generated, incorporating the two scales of fractures and this model was constrained by the shaliness of the reservoir, the S/T ratio, and the seismic facies map. In this approach, the two scales of fractures are modeled independently. The model of large-scale fractures is conditioned by the picking of lineaments on the SFA map and validated at wells, whereas small-scale fractures are modelled according to geological driven statistics on fracture density and fracture orientation. The calibration of the hydraulic properties of the fractures was achieved through the second innovation presented in this paper: the simulation of a synthetic well test using the 3D-fracture model and matched with the real data. This resulted in the calibration of effective hydraulic conductivity for each fracture type. These values were combined with the 3D-stochastic fracture model to produce 3D-fracture-properties models (porosity, permeability, and block size) for the Najmah-Sargelu.
How Reliable Is Fluid Gradient in Gas/Condensate Reservoirs?
Authors: Kabir C. S. , Pop J. J.
Published: January 2008

Collection and analysis of gas/condensate-fluid samples presents considerable challenges. This is because downhole sampling of a gas/condensate fluid—unlike its oil counterpart—does not guarantee the retrieval of a single-phase fluid. The same is true for surface sampling because of incomplete surface and/or downhole separation. Given this reality, the pressure/volume/temperature (PVT) analysis of any fluid sample with an equation-of-state (EOS) model demands that the results are verified with independent measurements.

Our analyses of many samples show that a good correspondence exists between the PVT-derived gradient and that obtained from wellbore-flow modeling of production-test data. Older-generation formation testers (those from before 1990), although yielding comparable results, had larger error bars because of system limitations in repeatability of both pressure and depth measurements.

We developed a yield/temperature correlation to fill in the information void for reservoirs that fall within the bounds of measured data over a large geographic area. Correlating CO2 with formation temperature was a stepping stone to the yield/temperature relationship. This approach is applicable for the analysis of both single-reservoir and multireservoir samples, which is particularly useful when rapid assessment is needed over large regions.
Comparison of morphological and enzyme characteristics of anaerobic fungi isolated from Cervus dama
Authors: Atanasova-Pancevska Natalija , Kungulovski Dzoko
Published: January 2008

Seven anaerobic fungal isolates from Cervus dama (domesticated and free living) were grown on carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and avicel, and monitored over a five day period for substrate utilization and cellulase activities. All fungal isolates showed monocentric growth patterns; four of them had polyflagellated zoospores and morphologically resembled members of the genus Neocallimastix; the other three had monoflagellated zoospores and resembled members of the genus Piromyces. All of the isolates degraded CMC and avicel, and exhibited cellulolytic activities (carboxymethyl cellulase-(CMC-ase) and avicelase).
The parameters of grain filling and yield components in common wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and durum wheat (Triticum turgidum L. var. durum)
Authors: Brdar Milka , Kraljević-Balalić Marija , Kobiljski Borislav
Published: January 2008

Final grain dry weight, a component of yield in wheat, is dependent on the duration and the rate of grain filling. The purpose of the study was to compare the grain filling patterns between common wheat, (Triticum aestivum L.), and durum wheat, (Triticum turgidum L. var. durum), and investigate relationships among grain filling parameters, yield components and the yield itself. The most important variables in differentiating among grain filling curves were final grain dry weight (W) for common wheat genotypes and grain filling rate (R) for durum wheat genotypes; however, in all cases the sets of variables important in differentiating among grain filling curves were extended to either two or all three parameters. Furthermore, in one out of three environmental conditions and for both groups of genotypes, the most important parameter in the set was grain filling duration (T). It indicates significant impact of environmental conditions on dry matter accumulation and the mutual effect of grain filling duration and its rate on the final grain dry weight. The medium early anthesis date could be associated with further grain weight and yield improvements in wheat. Grain filling of earlier genotypes occurs in more temperate environments, which provides enough time for gradual grain fill and avoids the extremes of temperature and the stress of dry conditions.
Complications after Ankle Fracture in Elderly Patients
Authors: Koval Kenneth J. , Zhou Weiping , Sparks Michael J. , Cantu Robert V. , Hecht Paul , Lurie Jon
Published: January 2008

Background: Controversy exists regarding the risks and benefits of ankle fracture treatment in elderly patients. The purpose of this study was to use the United States Medicare database to determine the complication rate for ankle fractures in elderly patients treated operatively and to compare it to fractures treated nonoperatively. Methods: We used the National Medicare Claims History System to study all enrollees who sustained ankle fractures between 1998 and 2001. A total of 33,704 patients were identified and their outcomes at numerous time points were evaluated. These outcomes included mortality, rate of repeat hospitalization, rate of medical and operative complications, and the rate of additional surgery. The predictor variables were either nonoperative or operative intervention. Covariates included patient age, gender, race, medical comorbidity status, and fracture type. Results: Patients treated nonoperatively had significantly higher mortality ( p < 0.05) than those treated operatively at all time periods except for 30 days. However, patients treated operatively had significantly higher rehospitalization rates ( p < 0.05) at all time periods studied. The medical and operative complication rates at all time periods were less than or equal to 2% for patients who had either operative or nonoperative treatment. In the group that had operative management, a relatively small number of patients had additional procedures. Eleven percent had removal of hardware. Less than 1% of all patients had revision of the internal fixation, arthroplasty, arthrodesis, or amputation. Conclusion: In properly selected cases, the complication rates of both operatively and nonoperatively treated elderly patients are low.
Veterinary Practice Management: Teaching Needs as Viewed by Consultants and Teachers
Authors: Lloyd James W. , Larsen Eric R.
Published: January 2008

A study was conducted to assess veterinary practice management (VPM) educational and research needs from the perspective of consultants and teachers. An online focus group discussion was designed, involving two separate groups (consultants and teachers). One week was allocated to each group, with five to eight questions posed per day. Pseudonyms were used to provide confidentiality. Teachers were selected by inviting the primary VPM course coordinator at each AAVMC school. Consultants required at least two recommendations and were selected in a stratified, non-random manner to achieve both geographic and disciplinary diversity. Participation was stronger within the consultant group: 98 pages of data were generated by the consultants and 35 pages by teachers. Participants agreed that the sub optimal economic conditions that characterize the veterinary profession are reflective of relatively low level management skills. This situation establishes the need to strengthen VPM educational and research programs. Many specific suggestions were provided. It was recommended that a cooperative effort between academia and the private sector be employed. However, participants recognized that successful DVM education programs in VPM will be difficult to achieve and sustain without strong support from college administrators and faculties.
Using the World Wide Web to Enhance the Problem-Solving Skills of Third-Year Veterinary Students
Authors: Forrester S. Dru , Inzana Karen D. , Leib Michael S. , Purswell Beverly J.
Published: January 2008

A Web site was created for the small animal problem-solving elective at Virginia Tech. In addition to signalment, history, physical examination findings, and results of routine laboratory tests, students were able to view images of cytologic and histologic specimens, radiographs, and endoscopic findings and hear examples of breath and cardiac sounds. Students commented that the availability of Web-based case materials allowed them increased opportunities to practice problem-solving skills.
Outcomes Assessment of the Center for Government and Corporate Veterinary Medicine at the Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine
Authors: Black Leslie S. , Thatcher Craig D. , Hueston William D.
Published: January 2008

Introduction – The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness and usefulness of the Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine’s Center for Government and Corporate Veterinary Medicine (CGCVM or Center) as a national resource.

Methodology – Questionnaires were mailed to graduates of the Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine (VMRCVM) from the classes of 1993 through 1997, as well as to graduates of other veterinary schools in the United States and Canada in the classes of 1994 through 1997 who had completed externships with the Center. Agencies and corporations that had hosted student clerkships in the 1997/1998 academic year and Deans of each veterinary school that has utilized the Center for student clerkships were also surveyed by mail.

Conclusion – The results indicate that the Center for Government and Corporate Veterinary Medicine is a valuable national resource for veterinary students interested in public practice veterinary medicine and for veterinarians already in the work force seeking career advancement and/or career redirection.
Client Donation Program for Acquiring Dogs and Cats to Teach Veterinary Gross Anatomy
Authors: Kumar Amarendhra M. , Murtaugh Robert , Brown Donald , Ballas True , Clancy Elizabeth , Patronek Gary
Published: January 2008

A donor program for procuring dogs and cats to meet the needs of anatomical instruction was initiated six years ago at Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine. The program was initiated in order to comply with state regulations that preclude the use of shelter animals and to satisfy ethical objections of students and faculty. The donor program has successfully met the animal needs for teaching gross anatomy and, in addition, provides opportunities to integrate clinical perspectives and ethics beginning from the first year of veterinary education.