bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Weight Loss Pharmacotherapy: Brief Summary of the Clinical Literature
Authors: Egan Brent M. , White, PhD, MPH Kellee
Published: November 2015

 

 The disparity in obesity rates between White, Black, and Hispanic individuals, especially women, is striking. Moreover, at any given body mass index or abdominal girth, incident diabetes is greater in Black, Hispanic and other racial-ethnic minorities than Whites. In addition to the growing health burden, the total costs of obesity in 2030 could exceed $500 billion (USD). Weight loss of 5%–15% from baseline can be attained with anti-obesity pharmacother­apy approved for long-term use in com­bination with lifestyle change. Weight loss of ≥5% is associated with medical benefits including reduction of incident diabetes and cardiovascular risk. While medical weight loss after one year or more in the US popu­lation is better than previously seen in many clinical trials, >60% of adults fail to sustain a 5% weight loss. Drug therapies approved for long-term weight loss may permit even more subjects to sustain healthful weight reduction. Ethn Dis. 2015;25(4):511-514; doi:10.18865/ed.25.4.511
The Revival of Placemaking
Authors: Pascucci Mary Ann
Published: November 2015

Placemaking is both a philosophy and a process that brings the past alive in the present by using many disciplines to enhance the environment and meet the needs of the community, however defined by its citizens. A healthy environment is a necessary part of the process of placemaking, whether the place is a neighborhood, city, or nation. A mandate of urban designers should be to bring together many disciplines to engage in planning a healthy, inviting community. Community health nurses should be major players in this coalition. This article reviews the current thinking about placemaking and the role of the community health nurse.
Integrative Nursing Principles in Action: A Summary from the First International Integrative Nursing Symposium
Authors: Gunnarsdóttir þóra Jenný , Koithan Mary , Kristófersson Gísli Kort
Published: November 2015

The first International Integrative Nursing Symposium was held in May 2015 in Reykjavík, Iceland, to foster discourse about providing whole person/whole systems care that is relationship-based and person-centered. A discussant format was used to ensure that symposium participants could fully operationalize the principles of integrative nursing in practice, research, education, and policy development. Sessions varied widely to communicate the full spectrum of nursing scholarship with participants envisioning a future when all nursing care is integrative.
Neuropsychological and Physiological Outcomes Pre- and Post-EMDR Therapy for a Woman With PTSD: A Case Study
Authors: Aranda Benito Daniel Estrada , Ronquillo Nathalí Molina , Calvillo María Elena Navarro
Published: November 2015

This article provides a comprehensive review of the literature on the neurocognitive impact of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and reports on a quantitative single-case study, which investigated whether eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy would change the neuropsychological and physiological responses of an 18-year-old female client diagnosed with comorbid PTSD and major depressive disorder. Eleven 90-minute weekly sessions of EMDR therapy were provided. We used biofeedback equipment (ProComp5 Infiniti System) to obtain records of heart rate and conductance while the participant was in the desensitization and reprocessing phases of EMDR therapy. Results showed a heart rate decrease between baselines at the beginning and end of treatment. Neuropsychological evaluations of attention, memory, and brain executive functions showed pretreatment impairments in attentional processes, information processing speed, and working memory and posttreatment improvement of these cognitive functions, with significant differences on the Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test. We found a substantial posttreatment decrease in mean scores on the Beck Depression Inventory-II and the Dissociative Experiences Scale. Furthermore, the patient showed no signs of PTSD after the intervention, based on the Posttraumatic Stress Global Scale. At 1-year follow-up, the participant reported maintenance of treatment effects. We discuss how amelioration of PTSD symptoms was associated with improved neurocognitive outcomes.
Sand Control Screen Cyclic Thermal Testing for Life of SAGD Wells
Authors: Guobin Ma , Gordon Shaelyn M , Arshad Adil , Carriere Marc R , Olson Jamie L , Hamilton Kirk , Droessler Mark , Dessein Thomas
Published: November 2015

Wire Wrapped Screens (WWS) have received more attention from Steam assisted Gravity Drainage (SAGD) operators. A WWS is commonly fabricated with a wedge-shaped wire that is spiral-wound around a perforated base pipe to form a Wire wound Mesh (WWM). This produces a single, continuous, keystone-shaped helical slot with a large open flow area to enable for fluid flow while maintaining the structural rigidity of the base pipe and providing sand control to the wellbore.

The structural integrity of a WWS with dual ring Wrap-On-Pipe (WOP) WWM and gap opening and closing within the WWM during thermally-induced loading were assessed through a full-scale thermal test program and Finite Element Analysis (FEA), during which the WWS was subjected to thermal cycle loading between 20°C (68°F) (room temperature) and 280°C (536°F), simulating the target temperature of a relatively high-temperature SAGD project in northern Alberta. The loading condition selected as the worst-case scenario from a service limit state perspective for the testing and FEA was to enable the WWS specimens to freely expand during the initial heating phase and then axially constrain them for the subsequent thermal cycle loading. This loading condition was selected because it was the scenario most likely to cause gap width opening between the wire wraps to an extent where the WWS could no longer provide suitable sand exclusion.

The FEA was used to determine the peak plastic strains within the base pipe and the effect that the residual stresses, introduced by the welding process, have on the structural integrity of the WWS. The frictional conditions between the spiral-wound wire and base pipe were found to have a significant impact on limiting axial movement between the WWM and base pipe, and the axial strains developed in the screen. In addition, an analytical model is presented that estimates the gap opening of the WWM because of thermal strains, which compared well to the results obtained through FEA.

The testing was conducted to assess the structural capacity of the WWS design and monitor change in gap widths during thermal cycling at key structural locations of the WWS design. The strain monitoring results from the full-scale test program were found to be consistent with the predicted strains from the FEA assessment.

This paper presents testing and FEA results for a WWS with WOP WWM, and investigates the potential of a WWS to provide long-term and reliable sand control for SAGD wells.
Using Prepack Sand-Retention Tests (SRT's) to Narrow Down Liner/Screen Sizing in SAGD Wells
Authors: Devere-Bennett N.
Published: November 2015

Due to the unconsolidated nature of the Athabasca Oil Sands in the Western Canadian Sedimentary Basin, it is common practice to complete Steam Assisted Gravity Drainage (SAGD) well pairs with the use of standalone screens (SaS's). The sizing of the liner/screen types are commonly determined by: first, getting a particle size distribution (PSD) by dry-sieve analysis and/or Laser Particle Sand Analysis (LPSA); and second, running a number of prepack Sand-Retention Tests (SRT's).

In this Nexen Long Lake study, five batches of unconsolidated McMurray Formation sand were collected from six different cored wells. Using these batches of sand, more than twenty SRT's were run with a variety of fine-tuned modifications to the traditional test protocols to best duplicate fluid production conditions as observed in the field. Some of these modifications included: altering the injected fluid/gas rate and reconfiguring the order in which the fluids / gas were injected.

The SRT results were then plotted to identify if they passed the general criteria for a successful sand control device design. Unexpectedly, many of the SRT results did not meet the pass criteria for solids production and therefore, altered the direction in which future tests were run. However, when reviewing the solids production with the cumulative fluids / gas injected, the outcome commonly reverted to being favourable.

Understanding the laboratory derived test results, and how they applied to the field, was instrumental in the lab testing process. By redefining the tests results and pass/fail criteria, based upon observed in-situ production conditions, it was possible to make both qualitative as well as quantitative analysis and therefore, more confidently decide on the optimal reservoir completion type.

The study discusses an alternative approach to interpretation of conventional SRT results relative to observed field production conditions and how ultimately, this analysis influenced the choice of liner/screen sizing selected for implementation in future Long Lake field development projects.
Downsizing Steam Injection Insulated Tubing through the Use of Superior Thermal Performance
Authors: Damour J. , Brown T.
Published: November 2015

In steam injection processes such as steam flooding, SAGD, or huff & puff, the selection of the injection tubing is an important factor that determines the steam quality downhole. For example, insulated tubing will decrease the heat loss in the well. The tubing dimensions also have an impact on the process. The objective of this study is to evaluate how the combination of superior thermal performance and down-sized injection tubing can improve the steam quality downhole.

A detailed analysis of steam flows was performed for a project in the Middle East to quantify the effect of thermal performance and tubing size on steam quality downhole. Using a steam flow analysis model, different tubing size and thermal insulation performance combinations were compared for the same well. The thermal performance (Overall Heat Transfer Coefficient) of different types of insulated tubing was confirmed with a field trial by the operator prior to use as input into the model. The output of the model is the quality, temperature, and pressure of the steam as a function of position in the well, including the downhole conditions.

Unsurprisingly, the results of the study show that to get the highest steam quality downhole, the best thermal performance is required. It was also found that, with the best thermal performance, downsizing the tubing can have a positive effect on the economics of the system. Conversely, it was found that, using tubing with relatively poorer thermal performance, downsizing the tubing was not practical. The results were used by the operator to select the type and size of tubing for its new injector wells.

With the analysis now complete, the steam wells in the studied field are being modified according to the study recommendations. Vacuum-Insulated tubing is being replaced with a design with improved thermal performance and the tubing size is being reduced. The result is a system with decreased, overall costs and increased downhole steam quality.
Casing Integrity: Strain-Based Fatigue Life Estimation Coupled with Numerical Thermal-Flow Simulation and Multistring Stress Analysis
Authors: Liu Zhengchun , Samuel Robello , Gonzales Adolfo , Kang Yongfeng
Published: November 2015

Casing and tubing strings are generally considered to be exposed to static or quasistatic loads. Usually, this assumption is correct; however, in some cases (e.g., huff-and-puff heavy oil production, geothermal wells, deepwater high-pressure/high-temperature wells), changes in temperature or internal pressure can lead to variable loads and thus fatigue failure. This paper presents an integrated solution for fatigue life estimation and fatigue failure analysis during the tubular design of thermal wells.

The varying casing temperatures and temperature-dependent casing loads were obtained through numerical simulations of cyclic operations such as steam injection, soaking, and production. All these simulations were accomplished using commercial software, including a thermal flow simulator and a stress analyzer. The previously simulated casing loads were then used to calculate localized stress amplitude, strain amplitude, and mean stress. Finally the localized strain and stress values were used as input parameters of a strain-based fatigue model to estimate the lifetime (cycles) of the peak-load casing section. This fatigue model was implemented in a computer program and integrated with the aforementioned software.

A field case of a steam injection well was studied with the integrated thermal fatigue simulation. The casing fatigue life was predicted using four different fatigue life models. The results were compared with each other and with actual field data. The statistical fatigue life model exhibits best performance. The casing failure locations were analyzed and explained in terms of multistring stress analysis including casing-cement-soil interactions. It seems that the fatigue failure at the previous casing shoe or perforation is related to the axial load peaks at these places during the thermal cycles.
Heat Transfer Modeling of Wellbore with Vacuum-Insulated-Tubing (VIT)
Authors: Kang Yongfeng , Samuel Robello , Gonzales Adolfo , Liu Zhengchun
Published: November 2015

Wellbore heat transfer induces wellbore temperature redistribution and can impact wellbore integrity and the ability of the well to perform its required functions effectively as the design intended. Vacuum-insulated-tubing (VIT) is purposed to reduce wellbore tubing fluid heat loss to protect the tubing fluid or the outside components. Accurate prediction of the wellbore operating temperature during the design phase is essential especially for a VIT well because of its natural difference from the regular pipe.

VIT pipe consists of a vacuum section and connector section. The vacuum section has a much better insulation effect than that of the connector, inducing "nonuniform" heat transfer. This generates significant annulus temperature spikes along the axial direction; up to 50°F in half VIT unit length, 20 ft in field observation (Gosch et al. 2004). Conventionally, axial temperature gradient is ignored with regular pipe because it is negligible compared with radial temperature gradient. This is no longer applicable for VIT because these temperature spikes enhance free convection significantly. This paper presents a novel wellbore heat transfer model to provide accurate temperature prediction for a VIT well.

Operators use a higher averaged overall thermal conductivity values over VIT because it yields acceptable conservative incremental pressure in annular pressure buildup (APB) calculation, which matches their field observations. There is still uncertainty about modeling with different thermal conductivity values for the VIT vacuum section and connector in conventional commercial simulators that produce high-temperature spikes and relative unreasonable low incremental pressure. Field case study results with this new model show that compared with conventional simulator results the wellbore average temperature increases and the spikes amplitude in the temperature distribution decreases. In addition, whether the connection is insulated or non-insulated plays a critical role in the overall VIT performance. Good connection insulation will increase the overall insulation effect significantly.

Literature surveys show few studies on modeling wellbore heat transfer with the enhanced free convection effect inherent to VIT. A conventional wellbore temperature simulator ignores this effect and underestimates the overall wellbore temperature. This paper provides a novel solution model for VIT wellbore temperature prediction, which will be integrated into a commercial advanced casing and tubing design software platform.
Assessing Subcool Control Issues in SAGD Producers and Methods for Mitigation
Authors: Taubner S. P. , Subramanian V. , Kaiser T. M.
Published: November 2015

Industry experience indicates the vast majority of well failures in SAGD wells occur in the liner, and most of these appear to be related to a loss of subcool control. This paper presents an example of how two factors, well trajectory and reservoir performance, can combine to produce problems with subcool control that are difficult to discern under normal operation and likely to lead to a steam breakthrough event. Simulation of steam trap conformance is an important tool for optimizing SAGD efficiency, but it can also be instrumental for diagnosing, avoiding, and resolving subcool control issues. To be effective, the simulator must account for the parameters that govern conformance, which include reservoir performance, well geometry, reservoir properties, completion details, and operational controls. This example employs a rigorous simulation basis that captures the contributions of both injection well hydraulics and production well hydraulics to steam trap conformance, or the lack thereof. The example demonstrates how enhanced monitoring systems and procedures can be used to diagnose subcool control problems before a failure results. Furthermore, various mitigation strategies are explored to alleviate the subcool control problem and facilitate more efficient SAGD operation. The mitigation strategies include changes to the initial well design, such as customized injector or producer liners. The simulation basis enables the mitigation strategies to be assessed based on the uniformity and stability of the liquid level above the production well. The simulation results reveal different levels of effectiveness between the various mitigation options. This paper provides new insight into how factors like well trajectory and reservoir performance can compromise subcool control and explores creative solutions for improving SAGD performance.
Thermosetting Polymer Based Flexible Synthetic Cement for Successful Zonal Isolation in Thermal Wells – A New Approach
Authors: Shanbhag R. , Melrose Z. , Nutt S. , Cleveland M. , Keese R.
Published: November 2015

Conventional Portland cements present significant challenges in thermal wells due to a high degree of brittleness, low strength, and inconsistent strength development following set. These challenges are further compounded by progressive degradation of the material with repeated thermo-mechanical loading. A new, highly flexible synthetic cement based on a thermosetting polymer, that overcomes many of these challenges, is presented. The material exhibits significantly higher strength and lower modulus (thus, a higher elastic strain to failure) than conventional cements and also shows a very high degree of resilience to thermal as well as mechanical fatigue. Further, the material exhibits right angle set and immediate strength development following set.

The material was tested for various mechanical properties in tension as well as in compression. Rheological testing was conducted and the effect of variability in BHCT as well as in initiator concentrations on cure kinetics was determined. A yard test was conducted using conventional oilfield equipment to assess suitability of large-scale deployment of the cement.

Typical compressive strength, tensile strength and compressive modulus values are greater than 8,000 psi, greater than 1,500 psi, and less than 500 ksi, respectively. The density of the material can be modified in the 10.0 to 17.0 pounds/gallon range. In this paper, the 12.0 and 14.5 pound/gallon variations were tested. Poisson's ratio of the material was determined to be 0.27 at 77°F and increases at higher temperatures, showing a very high degree of flexibility. The material exhibits a right angle set at a range of temperatures with little variation in set times due to variations in bottom hole circulating temperature and initiator concentration. Further, the strength development is immediate following set in each case. The system also exhibits zero shrinkage upon cure, an important attribute in preventing vent flow.

The high strength and flexibility, high temperature performance, as well as the "set on demand", zero shrink and "right angle set" properties of the material render it ideal for placement in thermal wells where wellbore integrity is of concern. Further, use of conventional oilfield equipment in placement allows for an easy deployment of this new solution that may solve a number of problems associated with thermal wells.
Use Of Thermal-Hydraulic Computer Program To Help Predict What Happens In The Wellbore During A Subcool Event In Which Live Steam Enters A Production Liner
Authors: Carlson M. R.
Published: November 2015

The author recently attended the 2015 CHOA/SPE conference "Slugging It Out". There was a very good presentation made by Devon outlining risk analysis for jetting events in the liner. The root cause was identified as a subcool event in the wellbore. A subcool event is known to lead to sand entrainment in production, which eventually affects wellbore and then wellhead integrity.

The presentation will outline what happens when live steam enters a segment of the wellbore and the predicted response. The analysis was conducted with WAHA, which is specialty thermal hydraulics program. The program differs from most SAGD well calculation packages that are based on steady state pressure drops. The program uses a 6 equation formulation.

Liners are affected by thermal expansion due to heating which can have different effects depending on the degree and timing of collapse of the formation around the pipe. The burst and collapse strength of the pipe can be considerably changed. Slots are engineered to keep sand production out. Above the slots the sand grains form a matrix of interconnected grains that bridge across the slot. This is normally determined from a particles size distribution.

Understanding how subcool leads to jetting is critical to determining the root cause of significant liner and tubing damage, expensive workovers and potentially loss of well integrity. Appropriate response depends on understanding the cause.
Management of Steam Flashing in SAGD Completion Design via the Implementation of Flow Control Devices
Authors: Banerjee Sudiptya , Hascakir Berna
Published: November 2015

The integrity of Steam-Assisted Gravity Drainage (SAGD) wells are often threatened by the very steam that provides the process its name. High rate steam production, or the adiabatic flashing of steam condensate to a vapor state, often creates an environment of "flashing erosion", erosive damage created by the water-cutting effect of high velocity wet steam or the corrosive elements (e.g., carbonic acid) that can be associated with low temperature condensate. Condensate flashing to steam also carries additional risk from "cavitation erosion", erosion of completion equipment that occurs from the sudden shock wave impacts caused by the implosion of small liquid-free zones with the condensate, similar to the well- understood water hammer effect. Conventionally, to prevent the production of live steam or the flashing of steam condensate, operators have relied upon choking production rates based upon monitored temperature differences between injected and produced fluids. However, this methodology based on subcool carries its own risks and undermines the economic viability of SAGD projects. Another approach is to improve conformance of steam injection and fluid production by installing inflow/injection control devices (ICDs) in either, or both, the SAGD injector and producer. If properly designed, these devices in the producer can equalize heel-to-toe influx of bitumen emulsion, provide greater control of the sub-cool, and behave as an autonomous (or self-regulating) valve. This presentation will focus upon this last design objective. By coupling published performance equations for various ICD designs with steam behavior equations, competing designs will be evaluated for their likelihood of steam flashing within a SAGD completion and their respective ability to control flashed steam prior to the steam creating damage in the completion. Further, the discussion will examine possible future avenues of research, such as ICD designs with a steam throttle effect driven through a velocity-sensitive choking of steam production.
Comparison of Direct-Wrap and Slip-On Wire Wrap Screens for Thermal Well Applications
Authors: Van Vliet J. , Hughes M. J.
Published: November 2015

Steam Assisted Gravity Drainage (SAGD) is an extensively used recovery method to produce bitumen and heavy oil from the Western Canadian oil sands. Due to the nature of these unconsolidated, heterogeneous formations, preventing sand production prevention is a concern for operators. Many different control devices are being used to prevent the production of sand, most of which consist of a controlled aperture or matrix as part of a production liner.

Wire-wrap screen (WWS) liners have been used in conventional wells around the world for many years, but they are relatively new to thermal well applications. One area of uncertainty is the relative merits of direct-wrap and slip-on variants. Potential failure modes are identified and the relative performance of these two types of WWS is compared.

The most likely damage mechanisms during well construction are different in cased-hole than in open-hole. In the former, dogleg severity plus compressive and torque loads in the base pipe are generally the limiting factor. In the latter, the major concern is concentrated contact loads between the WWS screen and the formation. During thermal operations, structural stability of common ported base pipe configurations is not a significant concern. Sand control and inflow performance depend on maintaining a consistent wrap wire aperture over wide-ranging formation stress, strain localization, and thermal load paths. In many cases the relevant design considerations are shared by the two WWS variants, but differences are identified and discussed.
Contribution of Modern Steel Concepts and Manufacturing Processes to Optimized Properties of Seamless Steel Tubulars for Thermal Wells
Authors: Klarner J.
Published: November 2015

In the last decade, a lot of Research & Development has been dedicated to the improvement of seamless steel pipe properties. While geometrical properties, like tolerances on outside diameter or wall thickness, are mainly influenced by the parameter in the seamless pipe rolling process, material properties are impacted along the whole process route. Investigations into the impacts of tubular production on material properties and resulting field performance have to consider all of the steps between the raw steel production through to the final heat treatment stage including the hot straightening process. The resulting microstructure of the steel is the basis for all material properties of the final steel pipe.

This presentation will show the parameters influencing the material properties of the tubular products and how these parameters can be used to design tailor-made steel tubular products for applications in the oil and gas industry focusing on thermal wells. Topics discussed will include: How different strengthening mechanisms can be used to get optimized mechanical properties, like high strength combined with excellent toughness.How new steel concepts developed for other industry sectors and applications, like the ultra-high strength steels used in crane construction, can be transferred to the oil & gas industry. This provides that the mechanical response of the material has been suitably checked to meet the field conditions. For example the material behavior during the make-up process of tubular connections can affect the performance of the connection.How state-of-the-art micro alloying concepts can be used to resolve the contradiction between high strength and excellent corrosion resistance (e.g. against H2S).

This paper will illustrate how, in order to achieve optimized steel tubular properties for the oil and gas industry, alternative materials may be selected. The specific focus will be on steel tubular products used in thermal wells, e.g. looking at thermal related properties. However it is essential that proper consideration be given to the whole life time of these products: from the production process through to the conditions of the application.
Oil Sand Characterization for Standalone Screen Design and Large-Scale Laboratory Testing for Thermal Operations
Authors: Mahmoudi Mahdi , Fattahpour Vahidoddin , Nouri Alireza , Yao Ting , Baudet Beatrice Anne , Leitch Michael
Published: November 2015

Oil sand characterization tests are essential for the selection and evaluation of sand control devices. Current approaches for screen selection and evaluation usually rely on Particle Size Distribution (PSD) and neglect the effect of important parameters such as porosity, grain shape and frictional properties. One aim of this study is to characterize oil sand's mechanical, geometrical and size characteristics that should be considered in the completion design. Another objective is to determine if natural mixture of oil sand could be reasonably replicated with commercial sands for large-scale sand control evaluation tests.

In this paper we present the results of a comprehensive image analysis and laser sieve analysis on oil sand samples from the McMurray Formation to quantify geometrical grain characteristics (sphericity, aspect ratio, convexity and angularity) of the sand grains and establish the PSD of the samples. Direct shear tests were performed to assess the frictional characteristics of different oil sands around the liner under variable stress conditions during the SAGD well lifecycle.

Image analysis, PSD, and direct shear tests showed that natural mixture of oil sand could be successfully simulated with commercial sands in terms of size and shape of grains and mechanical properties. This conclusion is significant to those performing large-scale sand control evaluation tests that usually require large quantities of sands that are not readily available and require significant preparation.

This paper provides the first comprehensive investigation of the granular, and geomechanical characteristics of oil sand from the McMurray Formation. The paper discusses the missing parameters in the design of sand control device, and evaluates test methods that measure those parameters. The proposed testing program could be used as a benchmark for oil sand characterization in relation to the design and evaluation of sand control device.
Comprehensive Numerical Modeling of Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Water Resource Recovery Facilities
Authors: Kim Dongwook , Bowen James D. , Kinnear David
Published: November 2015

A numerical model was developed to comprehensively predict greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from water resource recovery facilities. An existing activated sludge model was extended to include a nitrifier‐denitrification process and carbon dioxide (CO2) as a state variable. The bioreactor model was coupled to a process‐based digester model and an empirical model of indirect CO2 emissions. Direct emissions were approximately 90% of total GHG emissions for a plantwide simulation using the Modified Ludzack–Ettinger process. Biogenic CO2, nitrous oxide (N2O), and methane (CH4) represented 10, 43, and 34% of total emissions. Simulating a dissolved oxygen controlled closed‐loop system reduced both sensitivity and uncertainty of GHG emissions. Nitrous oxide emissions were much more sensitive under different design and operating conditions compared to CH4 and CO2, indicating a significant mitigation potential. An uncertainty analysis found that the uncertainty in GHGs emissions estimates could be significant. Nitrous oxide emissions dominated in both magnitude and uncertainty.
Modeling Sulfides, pH and Hydrogen Sulfide Gas in the Sewers of San Francisco
Authors: Vollertsen Jes , Revilla Nohemy , Hvitved‐Jacobsen Thorkild , Nielsen Asbjørn Haaning
Published: November 2015

An extensive measuring campaign targeted on sewer odor problems was undertaken in San Francisco. It was assessed whether a conceptual sewer process model could reproduce the measured concentrations of total sulfide in the wastewater and H2S gas in the sewer atmosphere, and to which degree such simulations have potential for further improving odor and sulfide management. The campaign covered measurement of wastewater sulfide by grab sampling and diurnal sampling, and H2S gas in the sewer atmosphere was logged. The tested model was based on the Wastewater Aerobic/Anaerobic Transformations in Sewers (WATS) sewer process concept, which never had been calibrated to such an extensive dataset. The study showed that the model was capable of reproducing the general levels of wastewater sulfide, wastewater pH, and sewer H2S gas. It could also reproduce the general variability of these parameters, albeit with some uncertainty. It was concluded that the model could be applied for the purpose in mind.
CHIP-ing Away at Health Disparities: Has State-Provided Health Insurance Reduced Race- and Nativity-Based Differences in Health Care Utilization among US Children?
Authors: Graefe Deborah Roempke , Hasanali Stephanie Howe , De Jong Gordon F. , Galvan Chris
Published: November 2015

Although recent legal permanent residents and undocumented immigrants are generally barred from accessing public health insurance, some US states cover immigrant children through the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). In this study, we examine the contextual effect of US state health insurance eligibility policy, particularly with respect to immigrant children, on race/ethnic and nativity-based disparities in children’s routine health care. Utilizing our original data on state CHIP eligibility policies and child-level data from the Survey of Income and Program Participation, we find that a significant portion of between-state variation in children’s routine health care results from diversity in CHIP eligibility rules for poor and foreign-born children. Immigrant-specific disparities are reduced when states do not require five years of residency for CHIP participation.
The Political Economy of Health: A Research Agenda for Addressing Health Inequalities in Canada
Authors: Raphael Dennis
Published: November 2015

Public policy creates health inequalities among Canadians by inequitably distributing the social determinants of health (SDOH). Political decisions by authorities bring about these public policies, yet to date there has been little resistance to these decisions by the Canadian public. This article proposes a research agenda for investigating why this might be the case by considering a) Canada’s identification as a liberal welfare state; b) the relative power and influence of the corporate and business sector, labour, and civil society in shaping SDOH-related public policy-making; c) how population health researchers and public health practitioners understand health inequalities and their role in reducing them; and d) the public’s understanding of SDOH and public policy-making.
Clinical Practice of Epidural Puncture in Dogs and Cats Assisted by a Commercial Acoustic Puncture Assist Device–Epidural Locator: Preliminary Results
Authors: Ertelt Katrin , Turković Veljko , Moens Yves
Published: November 2015

The objective of this study was to compare an Acoustic Puncture Assist Device–Epidural Locator (APAD-EL) with the “pop sensation” (POP) and “lack of resistance” (LOR) commonly used to confirm penetration of the ligamentum flavum and to ensure correct epidural placement in dogs and cats. We recruited 38 dogs and cats undergoing surgery and receiving epidural analgesia. Two anesthetists performed epidural puncture using the POP and LOR signs. Simultaneously, APAD-EL was used to collect visual and acoustic confirmation during advancement and placement of the needle tip for post hoc evaluation. A positive APAD-EL sign consists of a sudden pressure drop at the needle tip visible on a display and a concomitant pitch change of an acoustic signal. Failure to record a sudden pressure drop is considered a negative APAD sign. Descriptive statistics were used. In 32 patients with positive POP and LOR, the APAD was also positive. In one patient, POP was positive with a negative LOR and APAD result. Five patients had negative POP but positive LOR. Four patients had APAD positive and one (a dog) APAD negative. The study results showed that the APAD-EL information supports the subjective signs of correct needle placement suggested by positive POP and LOR experienced by trained anesthetists. The technique can be useful to assist difficult epidural puncture and as a training and teaching tool.
The Internet as Material Object in Social Practices: Recording and Analysis of Human-Internet Interactions
Authors: Carstensen Tanja
Published: November 2015

In the course of sociological research about the Internet, an accompanying range of new methodological approaches have been developed to investigate usage, communication, processes of appropriation, and the virtuality of the Internet. However, the exploration of the Internet as a technological and material object as well as the question of how it is involved in human practices are seen more rarely. This paper presents a methodology of software-based recording and an analysis of the interactions between humans and the Internet, which are visible on the screen. Adding methods of usability and market research to sociological Internet research, this enables us to “move closer” to the technology and to get a detailed view of human practices and Internet “actions” on the interface; therewith, it will be possible to investigate how social practices proceed when Internet technologies are involved, how users handle the Internet and to what extent it enables, facilitates, limits, or hinders practices.
Design Rhetoric: Studying the Effects of Designed Objects
Authors: Schneller Annina
Published: November 2015

Many of the ways in which artifacts appear to or actually do affect us—as elegant, dynamic, comfortable, authentic—are based on the fact that they are designed objects. Design is an effect-oriented process that resorts to design rules linking formal aspects of designed artifacts to specific design effects. Design rhetoric tries to capture these links between design techniques and resulting effects. This article presents design-rhetorical methods of identifying design rules of intersubjective validity. The new approach, developed at Bern University of the Arts, combines rhetorical design analysis with practice-oriented design research, based on the creation and empirical testing of design variants in accordance with effect hypotheses.
Modelling Eggshell Maculation
Authors: Pike Thomas W.
Published: November 2015

The eggshells of many avian species are characterised by distinctive patterns of maculation, consisting of speckles, spots, blotches or streaks, the spatial-statistical properties of which vary considerably between (and often within) species. Understanding the mechanisms underlying the production of eggshell maculation would enable us to explore the costs and constraints on the evolution of maculation patterns, but as yet this area is surprisingly understudied. Here I present a simple model of eggshell maculation, which is based on the known biology of pigment deposition, and which can produce a range of realistic maculation patterns. In particular, it provides an explanation for previous observations of maculation heterogeneity and diversity, and allows testable predictions to be made regarding maculation patterns, including a possible signalling role.
The Role of Pathogenic Autoantibodies in Autoimmunity
Authors: Rowley Merrill , Whittingham Senga
Published: November 2015

The serological presence of autoantibodies is diagnostic of autoimmunity, and these autoantibodies may be present for many years before the presentation of autoimmune disease (AID). Although a pathogenic role has been demonstrated for various autoantibodies reactive with cell surface and extracellular autoantigens, studies using monoclonal antibodies (mAb) show not all antibodies in the polyclonal response are pathogenic. Differences depend on Fab-mediated diversity in epitope specificity, Fc-mediated effects based on immunoglobulin (Ig) class and subclass, activation of complement, and the milieu in which the reaction occurs. These autoantibodies often occur in organ-specific AID and this review illustrates their pathogenic and highly specific effects. The role of autoantibodies associated with intracellular antigens is less clear. In vitro they may inhibit or adversely affect well-defined intracellular biochemical pathways, yet, in vivo they are separated from their autoantigens by multiple cellular barriers. Recent evidence that Ig can traverse cell membranes, interact with intracellular proteins, and induce apoptosis has provided new evidence for a pathogenic role for such autoantibodies. An understanding of how autoantibodies behave in the polyclonal response and their role in pathogenesis of AID may help identify populations of culprit B-cells and selection of treatments that suppress or eliminate them.
RNase P-Mediated Sequence-Specific Cleavage of RNA by Engineered External Guide Sequences
Authors: Derksen Merel , Mertens Vicky , Pruijn Ger
Published: November 2015

The RNA cleavage activity of RNase P can be employed to decrease the levels of specific RNAs and to study their function or even to eradicate pathogens. Two different technologies have been developed to use RNase P as a tool for RNA knockdown. In one of these, an external guide sequence, which mimics a tRNA precursor, a well-known natural RNase P substrate, is used to target an RNA molecule for cleavage by endogenous RNase P. Alternatively, a guide sequence can be attached to M1 RNA, the (catalytic) RNase P RNA subunit of Escherichia coli. The guide sequence is specific for an RNA target, which is subsequently cleaved by the bacterial M1 RNA moiety. These approaches are applicable in both bacteria and eukaryotes. In this review, we will discuss the two technologies in which RNase P is used to reduce RNA expression levels.
Quantum Game Beats Classical Odds—Thermodynamics Implications
Authors: Levy George
Published: November 2015

A quantum game is described making use of coins embodied as entangled Fermions in a potential energy well. It is shown that the odds are affected by the Pauli Exclusion Principle. They depend on the elevation in the energy well where the coins are selected, ranging from being a certainty of winning at the bottom of the well to being near classical at the top. These odds differ markedly from those in a classical game in which they are independent of elevation. The thermodynamics counterpart of the quantum game is discussed. It is shown that the temperature of a Maxwellian gas column in a potential energy gradient is independent of elevation. However, the temperature of a Fermion gas is shown to drop with elevation. The game and the gas column utilize the same components. When Fermions are used, a shifting of odds is produced in the game and a shifting of kinetic energy is produced in the thermodynamic experiment, leading to a spontaneous temperature gradient.
Two-Year Survival of Gremmeniella abietina Conidia Collected on Branches Left on the Ground after Pine Harvesting
Authors: Laflamme Gaston , Rioux Danny
Published: November 2015

In 1972, it was reported that viable ascospores and conidia of Gremmeniella abietina, North American race, were present on dead branches up to 10 months after they were killed. In Sweden, the survival period of conidia of G. abietina, European race, was reported to be over 18 months. We investigated the viability of conidia produced by G. abietina, European race, over a 2-year period in eastern Canada. Infected branches with pycnidia were left on the ground in June 2006. Branches were sampled every month during three growing seasons. Conidia germination was tested monthly and showed a very high rate of germination (76%–98%) from July 2006 to August 2007. Very few pycnidia were detected in the fall of 2007 and in May 2008. In June and July 2008, no pycnidia could be observed, the shoots being in an advanced stage of decomposition. In light of these observations, it is recommended to delay pine plantation until after two growing seasons following harvesting of diseased pine trees.
The Concept of Missing Incidents in Persons with Dementia
Authors: Rowe Meredeth , Houston Amy , Molinari Victor , Bulat Tatjana , Bowen Mary , Spring Heather , Mutolo Sandra , McKenzie Barbara
Published: November 2015

Behavioral symptoms of dementia often present the greatest challenge for informal caregivers. One behavior, that is a constant concern for caregivers, is the person with dementia leaving a designated area such that their whereabouts become unknown to the caregiver or a missing incident. Based on an extensive literature review and published findings of their own research, members of the International Consortium on Wandering and Missing Incidents constructed a preliminary missing incidents model. Examining the evidence base, specific factors within each category of the model were further described, reviewed and modified until consensus was reached regarding the final model. The model begins to explain in particular the variety of antecedents that are related to missing incidents. The model presented in this paper is designed to be heuristic and may be used to stimulate discussion and the development of effective preventative and response strategies for missing incidents among persons with dementia.
Associations between Carotid Artery Plaque Score, Carotid Hemodynamics and Coronary Heart Disease
Authors: Zhang Huiping , Liu Mengxue , Ren Tiantian , Wang Xiangqian , Liu Dandan , Xu Mingliang , Han LingFei , Wu Zewei , Li Haibo , Zhu Yu , Wen Yufeng , Sun Wenjie
Published: November 2015

Background: The carotid artery plaque score (PS) is an independent predictor of Coronary Heart Disease (CHD). This study aims to evaluate the combination of PS and carotid hemodynamics to predict CHD. Methods: A total of 476 patients who underwent carotid ultrasonography and coronary angiography were divided into two groups depending on the presence of CHD. PS, carotid intima-media thickness, and carotid blood flow were measured. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was performed to establish the best prediction model for CHD presence. Results: Age, sex, carotid intima-media thickness of internal carotid artery and carotid bifurcation, PS, peak systolic velocity (PSA) of right internal carotid artery (RICA), and most resistance index data were significantly related with the presence of CHD. The area under the curve for a collective model, which included factors of the PS, carotid hemodynamics and age, was significantly higher than the other model. Age, PS, and PSA of RICA were significant contributors for predicting CHD presence. Conclusions: The model of PS and PSA of RICA has greater predictive value for CHD than PS alone. Adding age to PS and PSA of RICA further improves predictive value over PS alone.