bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A New Fracture Model that includes Load History, Temperature and Poissons Effects
Authors: Aadnoy Bernt S. , Belayneh Mesfin
Published: August 2008

The fracture equation used in the oil industry is derived from the Kirsch equation for the hoop stress. Due to its simplicity it is almost exclusively used for prediction of fracture initiation pressures. However, it is not useful for analysis of load history.

An analytic study was undertaken to model load history leading to fracturing of the borehole. To use the model initial conditions must be established, given by the virgin in-situ stress state and the pore pressure, followed by the load history and the temperature history. Imposing a volumetric strain balance a new fracturing equation is developed. Because the borehole is loaded in the radial direction, causing tension in the tangential direction, a Poissons effect arises. In addition, the general solution includes effects of temperature history.

Example cases will show the improvement with the new model. The first case compares the new load-history fracture model with the Kirsch solution. The Poissons scaling factor in the new solution leads to a higher fracture pressure than the conventional solution. This may explain some of the discrepancy between models and field data. The second case investigates the thermal effects by comparing the fracture pressure for the drilling phase with a hot production phase and a cold water injection phase.

It is believed that by including the pressure and temperature load history, a better assessment of the fracture strength is obtained, leading to better predictions.
Pinch Point Awareness: An Application of Hearts and Minds in Rig Site of Middle East Desert
Authors: Nengkoda Ardian , Walsh John , Nasution Ihsan , Klymovets Alexander
Published: August 2008

Safety is a top foundation of world-class drilling and well operations performance. Working safely is a condition of employment for everyone who works in specific rig both offshore and onshore. Every year, workers suffer approximately 150,000 caught or crushed by injuries that occur when body parts get caught between two objects or entangled with machinery. These hazards are also referred to as "pinch points." The physical forces applied to a body part caught in a pinch point can vary and cause injuries ranging from bruises, cuts, and scalping to mangled and amputated body parts, and even death. The best way to get people motivated is to let them do what they want to do, and in a true HSE culture you will have achieved this goal. The core of "Hearts and Minds" is having everyone interested in success, not just one or two individuals with their own private agenda. Too many initiatives have failed because the "Hearts and Minds" had not been won, no matter how worthy the original proposal may have been.
How Much Lucrative Drilling A Level 5 Multilateral Well Can Be In A Gas Condensate Reservoir From Offshore Platforms?
Authors: Khosravani M. J. , Saeedi F.
Published: August 2008

Multilateral well technology has been deployed in different parts of the world. The main motivations for drilling multilateral wells are, to increase drainage area which improves hydrocarbon recovery and then to minimize the cost by sharing the motherbore.

South Pars gas field is located in Persian Gulf and is known as the largest gas field in the world; this field is extended into the Qatar territorial water where it is called the North Field. The reservoir in South Pars field includes four producing layers, K1, K2, K3 and K4; the ordinary trajectory of wells in this field is a 42 degree slant path that touches all of these layers and it culminates in a commingled production after all. But problem arises here, on the flanks, where the level of WGC is too high that K3 and K4 are inundated with water and there is no enough production from two other layers then it calls for finding another way to extend the production period. In this case the role of multilateral wells becomes highlighted and those conventional wells can be substituted by their novel multilateral forms.

In this study, a bi-lateral well was designed using offset well data and related software. The design includes different drilling and completion options. In the next step the cost of this well was estimated. A full field reservoir simulation model was implemented in order to investigate the gas production improvement of the proposed well.

Finally it turned out that, though the drilling cost of the bi-lateral well was increased by 37% in comparison with the original monobore well, the total gas production will be improved by 40%.
Lost Circulation Material Selection, Particle Size Distribution and Fracture Modeling with Fracture Simulation Software
Authors: Whitfill Don
Published: August 2008

Lost circulation costs operators millions of dollars annually. Generally speaking, the drilling industry handles lost circulation much as it did 40 years ago. A significant effort has taken place to understand the mechanics behind lost circulation, what new tools can be developed to help locate the thief zone and what new steps can be taken to minimize or eliminate this problem.

Controlling circulation loss during well construction is more than just selecting the proper type of lost circulation material (LCM). A fully engineered approach is recommended. This approach incorporates borehole stability analysis, equivalent circulating density (ECD) modeling, leak-off flow-path geometry considerations, drilling fluid and LCM material selection to help minimize effects on ECD, on-site monitoring using pressure while drilling (PWD), connection flow monitoring techniques, and timely application of LCM and treatments. In many cases, the success or failure of LCM will be largely dependent on the decisions taken and methods employed when using the LCM.

A major service company has engineered solutions designed to reduce drilling non-productive time (NPT) due to lost circulation. A multi-disciplinary menu of services and tools is available to support the planning and application stages. Specialty software is used during the planning stage leading to the application of unique products and systems during the delivery stage. A feasibility study by technology specialists may include a wide range of tools during the planning stage to support data acquisition, modeling and design of the application stage.

Planning services include hydraulics and fracture characterization modeling to assess expected ECD and their effect on potential lost circulation intervals. The fracture characterization modeling for borehole stress treatments uses a module added to a hydraulics modeling software package that estimates both the expected fracture width and the particle size distribution (PSD) required to plug the induced fracture and prevent propagation. Application services may include delivery of specialized lost circulation materials and systems in either a preventive (pretreatment and/or borehole stress treatments to strengthen the wellbore) or corrective mode (mitigating lost circulation and, where possible, providing additional wellbore strength).
Drilling to the Extreme: The Micro-Coring Bit Concept
Authors: Deschamps B. , Desmette S. , Delwiche R. , Birch R. , Azhar J. , Naegel M. , Essel P.
Published: August 2008

The growing interest in deeply buried reservoirs increasingly leads operators into extreme drilling conditions characterized by high hydrostatic pressure (over 20.000 psi) and high temperatures (over 300 °F), combined with hard formations (high CCS– 40,000+ psi). Drilling in such environments requires specific adaptations of well design and in equipment selection. Additionally, these wells present multiple issues in well control, drilling and completion operations, and make the entire operation technically more complex and financially more risky.

Referencing the specific example of drilling operations, the great depths and increased formation compaction leads to very low rates of penetration (ROP) and considerably extended operation time.

These low ROPs equate to low depth of cut, and as a direct consequence the typical size of the drilled cuttings recovered at the shakers is extremely low (0.020 to 0.20 mm). This makes the cuttings irrelevant for the purpose of geological identification of the formations. This situation occurs with both impregnated diamond and PDC drill bits in these applications at low ROPs.

If the downhole conditions (HPHT) exceed the MWD or LWD specifications, accessing critical geological information will necessarily require a challenging coring job, dramatically increasing the operation time and thus the cost of the well.

In order to solve these problems, TOTAL S.A. and Diamant Drilling Services (DDS) developed a specific drill bit which generates micro-cores of formations during conventional drilling operations (from 10 to 40mm diameter depending upon application).

This paper presents the different steps of the Micro-Coring Bit (MCB) development, starting with a description of the intial design concept.

The experimental results of the drilling tests are presented. These tests validated the theoretical approach and led to the development of the first generation prototypes.

Finally the first case histories (6″ PDC bit application for Total Indonesia, Tunu DX32 well – 8 ½″ Impreg bit application in exploratory environment) are reported, demonstrating the feasibility of the concept and highlighting the real benefits in terms of ROP improvement and cuttings quality.
Potential of Ultra High—Speed Drill String Telemetry in Future Improvements of the Drilling Process Control
Authors: Hovda Sigve , Wolter Henrik , Kaasa Glenn-Ole , Ølberg Tor Stein
Published: August 2008

Drill string telemetry technology allowing reliable data transmission at speeds up to 57,600 bits per second has recently been utilized on two separate offshore locations in the Norwegian North Sea. The results from these deployments prove that a reliable technology exists for high-bandwidth, bi-directional communication between the downhole sensors and surface. This technology overcomes the existing industry challenge related to low bandwidth and time lag associated with mud pulse telemetry.

The drilling industry is facing substantial challenges as the remaining petroleum reserves are found in more and more complex environments. Slow overall drilling progress and considerable time and costs related to unproductive time are often seen in the challenging wells needed to tap these reserves. The traditional way of controlling the drilling process seems to have reached its limits.

The high-speed telemetry drill pipe technology gives access to large amounts of high-resolution data in real-time. The data can be divided into two main groups drilling process data and formation evaluation data.

This paper will primarily focus on the drilling process data and how downhole data can be used in real-time to improve the drilling process. Further, the paper will discuss several drilling operations which can be significantly improved by using high-resolution data in real-time. Short- and medium-term potential benefits will be considered. Required further development of the technology will be discussed together with its practical applications. The paper will also focus on how drill string telemetry technology will be a key enabler for future coupling between downhole sensors and surface control systems. This will open up for more automation of the different drilling processes and a real step change in drilling process control.
Achieving Long-Term Zonal Isolation in Heavy-Oil Steam Injection Wells: A Case History
Authors: Kulakofsky David S. , McMillon Mike
Published: August 2008

The world's ever increasing demand for energy has forced operators to go after more difficult reservoirs. These challenging reservoirs place a greater demand on the cement sheath's ability to maintain a long term seal. To form an initially successful annular cement seal, effective mud removal is required. If effective mud removal can be achieved, the resultant cement sheath should be elastic and resilient enough to survive future downhole thermal stresses. Cyclic steam injection presents some of the harshest conditions under which a cement sheath's resilience and elasticity can be put to the test.

Derived from the industry's latest innovative science in sheath durability, a third generation cement design has been developed for a California heavy oil field. The paper will discuss the evolution from the initial wells to the improvements made for the second generation and the extensive testing and qualification process that went into the third generation slurry design. Best practices and lessons learned are covered.
Gas-Tight Rotary-Shouldered Connection Riser Simplifies Intervention
Authors: Griffin Richard , Plessis Guillaume , Chin David , Dale James
Published: August 2008

This paper presents the development of a completion and workover riser that incorporates a modified second-generation rotary-shouldered connection (RSC). This double-shouldered connection features a high-pressure, gas tight, metal-to-metal radial seal, a secondary back-up resilient sealing barrier and additional modifications to cope with subsea conditions. The comprehensive effort to design, test and qualify the completion and workover riser for offshore conditions in Australia and Africa is detailed. Results from extensive finite element analysis, laboratory tests, manufacturing processes and field results are presented.

The results of a 15-month project are the design, testing, manufacture and deployment of a performance validated, RSC completion and workover riser system. The riser was successfully placed into service and utilized on the Enfield and Chinguetti oil, gas and water injection wells located offshore Western Australia and West Africa.

The purpose of developing the RSC completion and workover riser was to create a cost effective and efficient riser system to meet the requirements of the innovative well completion system used on the Enfield and Chinguetti wells. The gas-tight, metal-to-metal seal RSC riser is robust, easy to handle, light weight and has a smaller deck footprint than conventional dual-bore risers.
Extended Reach Drilling ERD Design in Deepwater Application
Authors: Rudi Rubiandini Ing. R. S.
Published: August 2008

Characteristic difference between Extended Reach Drilling (ERD) well and conventional directional well often cause problem in drilling an ERD well. Drag, torque, and hook load force that occur in an ERD well is higher than conventional well, because of long Horizontal Displacement and near 90° lateral inclination angle which are characteristics of an ERD well. Three critical parameters are affected by that characters, those parameters are: drill string design, casing design, and hydraulic design.

Drill string design optimization in ERD well is analyzed based on four basic parameters, those are: neutral point, torque force, hook load force, and axial force. Casing design optimization is analyzed from hook load force that occurs when picking up and slacking off. For casing design, there are three alternative methods: conventional method, casing floatation or negative weight method, and partial floatation method. Hydraulic design optimization is analyzed base on cutting concentration, mud weight, and drill string rotary speed.

Rig specification in drilling an ERD well is based on minimum requirement for rig hookload, rig drawwork, and pump power. Software with 3D trajectory visualization feature has been developed to calculate tubular and hydraulic design sensitivity regarding to friction force and pipe composition. In a study case, ERD method will be applied for deep water drilling process to extent the cluster system range. By using the developed software, calculation result gives information about ERD design optimization for similar case.
Dynamic Killing Parameters Design in Underground Blowout Well
Authors: Rudi Rubiandini Ing. R.S.
Published: August 2008

It can't be denied that oil and gas industry is very interesting business with very high risk, especially drilling both exploration and exploitation well drilling. Blowout occurred at middle of 2006 that is now still cannot be handled. It's known as Mud Eruption from X-1 well. This made a longer historical of blowout well accident in Indonesia.

Basic difference about this eruption is the blowout fluids made from hot-brine-water mixed with shale and appear in surface as hot mud. Problem to handling mud at surface and poor condition of X-1 well had causing the operation to control the blowout directly going to relief well. Relief well technology is drill new well to shut uncontrolled blowout well, which is cannot be handled just by ordinary killing and pressure control operation.

Killing blowout well through relief well, called Dynamic Killing, is to inject fluid from relief well to the blowout well, commonly water or high dense fluid, in order to make pressure at blowout well exceed formation pressure, so fluid flow will be stopped.

Blowout case in X-1 classified as underground blowout with mud as erupted fluid, then killing operation done with higher density mud. This paper will discuss about optimization and design killing operation parameters such as kill mud density, kill rate, point of injection also pipe sizing by considering pressure losses, pump capacity and killing time.
Measuring Drill Pipe Buckling Using Continuous Gyro Challenges Existing Theories
Authors: Weltzin Tore , Aas Bjarne , Andreassen Espen , Lindland Martin
Published: August 2008

Drill pipe buckling affects the industry in many operational aspects, like motor sliding problems, liner running, or weigh transfer for downhole equipment activation.

The authors believed the existing non rotating buckling theories applied in drilling software needed challenging, by physically measuring buckling in a realistic setup of well geometry and drill string sizes, and comparing the results with the buckling theories.

The tests were performed in a 2020 mMD research well, with a build-up and 60° tangent geometry. Various configurations of a tapered string with 5" and 3 1/2" drill pipe, as well as drill collars were used.

A novel approach was using a high accuracy continuous gyro to measure the string geometry changes (i.e. buckling), and both downhole and topside tension devices were applied to measure weight transfer.

Several datasets recording buckling and weight transfer were obtained; the gyro measurements of drill pipe geometry changes clearly demonstrated the onset and type of drill pipe buckling.

Weight transfer was also measured under different buckling states and demonstrated that lockup occurs before reaching a helically buckled state. This might alter operational practice regarding design of running strings.

The results have been compared with predictions from buckling models, and necessary model enhancements suggested.

The work has potential to improve buckling and weight transfer models. The potential outcome will be more accurate prediction for sinusoidal and helical buckling, and their effects on weight transfer. Ultimately, this will lead to better decision making and understanding in drilling and completion operations.
An Alternative Process for Butanol Production: Continuous Flash Fermentation
Authors: Mariano Adriano Pinto , de Angelis Dejanira de Franceschi , Maugeri Filho Francisco , Atala Daniel Ibraim Pires , Wolf Maciel Maria Regina , Maciel Filho Rubens
Published: August 2008

The objective of this work is to introduce and demonstrate the technical feasibility of the continuous flash fermentation for the production of butanol. The evaluation was carried out through mathematical modeling and computer simulation which is a good approach in such a process development stage. The process consists of three interconnected units, as follows: the fermentor, the cell retention system (tangential microfiltration) and the vacuum flash vessel (responsible for the continuous recovery of butanol from the broth). The efficiency of this process was experimentally validated for the ethanol fermentation, whose main results are also shown. With the proposed design the concentration of butanol in the fermentor was lowered from 11.3 to 7.8 g/l, which represented a significant reduction in the inhibitory effect. As a result, the final concentration of butanol was 28.2 g/l for a broth with 140 g/l of glucose. Solvents productivity and yield were, respectively, 11.7 g/l.h and 33.5 % for a sugar conversion of 95.6 %. Positive aspects about the flash fermentation process are the solvents productivity, the use of concentrated sugar solution and the final butanol concentration. The last two features can be responsible for a meaningful reduction in the distillation costs and result in environmental benefits due to lower quantities of wastewater generated by the process.
Kinetics and Correlation Analysis of Reactivity in the Oxidation of Aromatic Aldehydes by Butyltriphenylphosphonium Dichromate
Authors: Pandey Dinesh , Kothari Seema
Published: August 2008

The oxidation of a number of para-, meta- and ortho-substituted benzaldehydes by butyltriphenylphosphonium dichromate (BTPPD), in dimethyl sulphoxide, leads to the formation of the corresponding benzoic acid. The reaction is first-order with respect to BTPPD. Michaelis-Menten type kinetics were observed with respect to the aldehyde. The formation constants of the aldehyde-BTPPD complexes and the rates of their decomposition were determined at different temperatures. The reactions are catalysed by hydrogen ions and the dependence is of the second order. The oxidation of [2H] benzaldehyde (PhCDO) exhibited the presence of a substantial kinetic isotope effect. The rates of oxidation of meta- and para-substituted benzaldehydes were correlated in terms of Charton's triparametric LDR equation, whereas the oxidation of ortho-substituted benzaldehydes were correlated with tetraparametric LDRS equation. The oxidation of para- and ortho-substituted benzaldehydes are more susceptible to the delocalization effect than is the oxidation of meta-substituted compounds, which display a greater dependence on the field effect. The positive value of η suggests the presence of an electron-deficient reaction centre in the rate-determining step. The reaction is subjected to steric hindrance by the ortho-substituents. The rates of oxidation of benzaldehyde were determined in nineteen organic solvents. An analysis of the solvent effect by multiparametric equations indicated the greater importance of the cation-solvating power of the solvents. Suitable mechanisms have been discussed.
Entropy of Mixing and the Glass Transition of Amorphous Mixtures
Authors: Pinal Rodolfo
Published: August 2008

Different equations have been proposed for estimating the glass transition temperature of amorphous mixtures. All such expressions lack a term to account for the effect of the entropy of mixing on the glass transition. An entropy based analysis for the glass transition of amorphous mixtures is presented. The treatment yields an explicit mixing term in the expression for the glass transition temperature of a mixture. The obtained expression reduces to the Couchman-Karasz equation in the limiting case where the contribution of the entropy of mixing approaches zero. Equivalent expressions are obtained for the glass transition temperature of a mixture of two glass formers as for the effect of a plasticizing liquid diluent on the glass transition temperature of an amorphous material.
Molecular phylogeny and adaptive radiation of the endemic Hawaiian Plantago species (Plantaginaceae)
Authors: Dunbar‐Co Stephanie , Wieczorek Ania M. , Morden Clifford W.
Published: August 2008

Insular oceanic islands provide excellent opportunities for the study of evolutionary processes and adaptive radiation. The Hawaiian Plantago radiation comprises six endemic taxa showing considerable inter‐ and intraspecific morphological and ecological diversity. The rDNA internal (ITS) and external (ETS) transcribed spacers and two recently described chloroplast spacers, ndhF‐rpl32 and rpl32‐trnL, were sequenced to study phylogenetic relationships within this morphologically complex group. Phylogenetic analysis provided strong evidence for the monophyly of Hawaiian Plantago, suggesting that the lineage arose from a single long‐distance dispersal event. Inconsistencies between nuclear and chloroplast phylogenies suggest a history of hybridization. The basal, unresolved dichotomy of the combined phylogeny is consistent with rapid phenotypic diversification of the major lineages early in the history of this group. Speciation has largely occurred allopatrically, with divergence a result of intraisland ecological shifts between bog and woodland habitats and interisland dispersal events. Most interisland colonizations were from older to younger islands with initial colonization of Kaua‘i. In our analysis, P. pachyphylla is paraphyletic and taxonomic separation of the distinct morphotypes of this species appears justified. Furthermore, the apparent hybrid ancestry and unique morphology and habitat of the endangered P. princeps var. longibracteata support its recognition at the specific rank.
KDEL‐tailed cysteine endopeptidases involved in programmed cell death, intercalation of new cells, and dismantling of extensin scaffolds
Authors: Helm Michael , Schmid Markus , Hierl Georg , Terneus Kimberly , Tan Li , Lottspeich Friedrich , Kieliszewski Marcia J. , Gietl Christine
Published: August 2008

KDEL‐tailed cysteine endopeptidases are a group of papain‐type peptidases found in senescing tissue undergoing programmed cell death (PCD). Their genes have so far been cloned and analyzed in 12 angiosperms. They are synthesized as proenzymes with a C‐terminal KDEL endoplasmatic reticulum retention signal, which is removed with the prosequence to activate enzyme activity. We previously identified three genes for KDEL‐tailed cysteine endopeptidases (AtCEP1, AtCEP2, AtCEP3) in Arabidopsis thaliana. Transgenic plants of A. thaliana expressing β‐glucuronidase (GUS) under the control of the promoters for the three genes were produced and analyzed histochemically. GUS activity was promoter‐ and tissue‐specific GUS activity during seedling, flower, and root development, especially in tissues that collapse during final stages of PCD, and in the course of lateral root formation. KDEL‐tailed cysteine endopeptidases are unique in being able to digest the extensins that form the basic scaffold for cell wall formation. The broad substrate specificity is due to the structure of the active site cleft of the KDEL‐tailed cysteine endopeptidase that accepts a wide variety of amino acids, including proline and glycosylated hydroxyproline of the hydroxyproline rich glycoproteins of the cell wall.
The HealingJourney: Incorporating Psychological and Spiritual Dimensions into the Care of Cancer Patients
Authors: Cunningham A. J.
Published: August 2008

Research on the factors that promote healing of the body through mind and spirit is at a very early stage. Reliance on experimental designs seems premature; we need much more exploratory research to identify relevant variables and useful therapeutic approaches before applying to them the same methods used to evaluate drugs. The Healing Journey is a program that has been in operation since 1982 at the Princess Margaret Hospital, Toronto, Ontario. Observational data collection, followed by qualitative analysis has demonstrated benefits for many cancer patients.
The Soul’s Wisdom: Stories of Living and Dying
Authors: Vachon M. L. S.
Published: August 2008

Cancer can lead to spiritual transformation, which can be seen as a form of alchemy. During this process, patients, family members, and even professional caregivers can find themselves having spiritual experiences that go beyond any they had previously encountered. This paper provides qualitative descriptions of the “Field” or “Soul Wisdom” experienced by patients and caregivers.
Research and Regulatory Issues for Integrative Oncology
Authors: Sagar S. M. , Wong R. K. W.
Published: August 2008

Many oncology patients are empowering themselves to self-treat with herbs, nutritional supplements, and mind–body techniques. Other practitioners, such as acupuncturists, are becoming involved in the supportive care of cancer patients. Government research agencies are supporting studies that evaluate complementary therapies. This educational article provides an overview of the challenges in designing appropriate studies of complementary and alternative therapies, evaluating the results, and regulating implementation of useful therapies.
An Integrated Support and Information Centre in a Large U.K. Cancer Centre Established in 1993 and Replicated in More Than 60 Units Across the United Kingdom and Australia
Authors: Maher E.J.
Published: August 2008

Established in 1993 after a 2-year consultation between professionals and cancer patients, the Lynda Jackson Macmillan Centre (ljmc) has been a catalyst for change in the United Kingdom. The Centre began with a small core staff in a purpose-built building next to a cancer centre, networking with outreach workers in 12 surrounding hospitals, with a mission to improve information, communication, and support for cancer patients. Since 1996, the ljmc model has been adopted and developed by the charity Macmillan Cancer Support and has been spread to more than 60 units across the United Kingdom and Australia.
How to Put Wellness on the Prescription Pad: Recommendations
Authors: Fortin P. R.
Published: August 2008

The Integrating Wellness into Cancer Care conference was held at the University of Toronto, October 4–5, 2007, and was dedicated to the memory of the late Dr. Véronique Benk. This article summarizes the workshops at that conference. The notion of wellness and an integrated approach should be introduced from the outset as part of the cancer patient’s management. Having wellness as part of the treatment sets a standard for taking care of the patient’s emotional, spiritual, physical, and nutritional needs, and for providing information on complementary therapies. A focus on holistic supportive care during treatment and survivorship is important. The whole medical team should support an integrative program. Referral to an education program and one-to-one assessments by a point person such as an advanced nurse practitioner, a social worker, or a psychological counsellor with appropriate special training should be mandatory. The concept of a pathfinder or cancer guide was discussed.
Patient Decision-Making about Complementary and Alternative Medicine in Cancer Management: Context and Process
Authors: Balneaves L. G. , Weeks L. , Seely D.
Published: August 2008

Objective: In this paper, we set out to describe the personal and social contexts of treatment decisions made by cancer patients concerning complementary and alternative medicine (cam) and also the process through which cancer patients reach cam decisions throughout the cancer trajectory. Methods: We selected and reviewed a variety of cam decision-making models published in the past 10 years within the Canadian health literature. Results: The cam decision-making process is influenced by a variety of sociodemographic, disease-related, psychological, and social factors. We reviewed four main phases of the cam decision-making process:(1) Taking stock of treatment options; (2) Gathering and evaluating cam information; (3) Making cam decisions; (4) Revisiting the cam decision. Immediately following diagnosis, cancer patients become interested in taking stock of the full spectrum of conventional and cam treatment options that may enhance the effectiveness of their treatment and mediate potential side effects. Information about cam is then gathered from numerous information sources that vary in terms of credibility and scientific legitimacy, and is evaluated. When making a decision regarding cam options, patients attempt to make sense of the diverse information obtained, while acknowledging their beliefs and values. The cam decision is often revisited at key milestones, such as the end of conventional treatment and when additional information about disease, prognosis, and treatment is obtained. Conclusions: The cam decision-making process is a dynamic and iterative process that is influenced by a complex array of personal and social factors. Oncology health professionals need to be prepared to offer decision support related to cam throughout the cancer trajectory.
Impact and Outcomes of an Iyengar Yoga Program in a Cancer Centre
Authors: Duncan M. D. , Leis A. , Taylor–Brown J. W.
Published: August 2008

Background: Individuals have increasingly sought complementary therapies to enhance health and well-being during cancer, although little evidence of their effect is available. Objectives: We investigated (1) how an Iyengar yoga program affects the self-identified worst symptom in a group of participants. (2) whether quality of life, spiritual well-being, and mood disturbance change over the Iyengar yoga program and at 6 weeks after the program. (3) how, from a participant’s perspective, the Iyengar yoga program complements conventional cancer treatment. Patients and Methods: This pre–post instrumental collective case study used a mixed methods design and was conducted at a private Iyengar yoga studio. The sample consisted of 24 volunteers (23 women, 1 man; 88% Caucasian; mean age: 49 years) who were currently on treatment or who had been treated for cancer within the previous 6 months, and who participated in ten 90-minute weekly Iyengar yoga classes. The main outcome measures were most-bothersome symptom (Measure Your Medical Outcome Profile 2 instrument), quality of life and spiritual well-being (Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy–General subscale and Spiritual subscale), and mood disturbance (Profile of Mood States–Short Form). Participant perspectives were obtained in qualitative interviews. Results: Statistically significant improvements were reported in most-bothersome symptom (t(23) = 5.242; p < 0.001), quality of life (F(2,46) = 14.5; p < 0.001), spiritual well-being (F(2,46) = 14.4; p < 0.001), and mood disturbance (F(2,46) = 10.8; p < 0.001) during the program. At follow-up, quality of life (t(21) = −3.7; p = 0.001) and mood disturbance (t(21) = 2.4; p = 0.025) significantly improved over time. Categorical aggregation of the interview data showed that participants felt the program provided them with various benefits not included on the outcomes questionnaires. Conclusions: Over the course of the Iyengar Yoga for Cancer program, participants reported an improvement in overall well-being. The program was also found to present participants with a holistic approach to care and to provide tools to effectively manage the demands of living with cancer and its treatment.
Contemporary Management of Stage I Testicular Seminoma: A Survey of Canadian Radiation Oncologists
Authors: Samant R. , Alomary I. , Genest P. , Eapen L.
Published: August 2008

Recently published studies clearly indicate that there are now several acceptable options for managing stage I testicular seminoma patients after orchiectomy. We therefore decided to survey Canadian radiation oncologists to determine how they currently manage such patients and to compare the results with previous surveys. Our results demonstrate that adjuvant single-agent chemotherapy is being considered as an option by an increasing proportion of radiation oncologists (although it is not considered the preferred option), the routine use of radiotherapy is declining, and surveillance is becoming increasingly popular and is recommended most often.
Are Matrix Metalloproteinases Relevant Therapeutic Targets for Prostate Cancer Bone Metastasis?
Authors: Bonfil R.D. , Fridman R. , Mobashery S. , Cher M.L.
Published: August 2008

After basal and squamous cell skin cancers, prostate cancer is the most frequent cancer in men in the United States, with 186,320 men estimated to be diagnosed with the disease and 28,660 expected to die from it in 2008 1. [...]
Sternal Resection for Recurrent Breast Cancer: A Cautionary Tale
Authors: Lee L. , Keller A. , Clemons M.
Published: August 2008

The occurrence of a solitary sternal metastasis from breast cancer is relatively uncommon, and its treatment is controversial. Most case reports on the role of sternal resection in what is termed a “solitary sternal metastasis” tend to present a rather optimistic outcome. Here, we report the case of a premenopausal woman with axillary lymph node–positive, triple-negative breast cancer treated with mastectomy followed by adjuvant chemotherapy and radiation therapy. She developed a radiologically isolated sternal recurrence 3 years later, which was treated with partial sternectomy. The present case report reviews the use of sternectomy for breast cancer recurrence and highlights the need for thorough clinical and radiologic evaluation to ensure the absence of other systemic disease before extensive surgery is undertaken.
The Economic Impact on Families When a Child Is Diagnosed with Cancer
Authors: Miedema B. , Easley J. , Fortin P. , Hamilton R. , Mathews M.
Published: August 2008

Objective: In a study conducted in New Brunswick and Newfoundland and Labrador, we examined the economic impact on families caring for a child with cancer. Methods: We undertook semi-structured interviews with 28 French and English families with a child diagnosed with cancer in the last 10 years. Results: Families who care for a child with cancer incur considerable costs during the diagnostic, treatment, and follow-up care phases of the disease. Four major themes emerged from this qualitative study as contributing factors for these expenses: necessary travel; loss of income because of a reduction or termination of parental employment; out-of-pocket treatment expenses; and inability to draw on assistance programs to supplement or replace lost income. In addition, many of the decisions with regard to the primary caregiver were gendered. Typically, the mother is the one who terminated or reduced work hours, which affected the entire family’s financial well-being. Conclusions: For families with children diagnosed with cancer, financial issues emerged as a significant concern at a time when these families were already consumed with other challenges. This economic burden can have long-term effects on the financial security, quality of life, and future well-being of the entire family, including the siblings of the affected child, but in particular the mother. Financial assistance programs for families of seriously ill children need to be revisited and expanded.
Integrative Cancer Care in a US Academic Cancer Centre: The Memorial Sloan–Kettering Experience
Authors: Deng G.
Published: August 2008

Various surveys show that interest in complementary and alternative medicine (cam) is high among cancer patients. Patients want to explore all options that may help their treatment. Many cam modalities offer patients an active role in their self-care, and the resulting sense of empowerment is very appealing. On the other hand, many unscrupulous marketeers promote alternative cancer “cures,” targeting cancer patients who are particularly vulnerable. Some alternative therapies can hurt patients by delaying effective treatment or by causing adverse effects or detrimental interactions with other medications. It is not in the best interest of cancer patients if they cannot get appropriate guidance on the use of cam from the health care professionals who are part of their cancer care team. The Integrative Medicine Service at Memorial Sloan–Kettering Cancer Center in New York was established in 1999 to address patient interest in cam, to incorporate helpful complementary therapies into each patient’s overall treatment management, to guide patients in avoiding harmful alternative therapies, and to develop prospective research to evaluate the efficacy of cam modalities.
Healing and Survivorship: What Makes a Difference?
Authors: Braude H.D. , Macdonald N. , Chasen M.
Published: August 2008

Literature demonstrating the importance of social relationships for cancer survivorship is accumulating. Building on that literature, the term “Healing Ties” refers to the scientific and popular factors supporting the idea that relationships and community are essential for healing. However, difficulties arise in assessing the effect of social support for survivorship. The current paper reviews the role in survivorship of social support, with respect to the explanatory model provided by neuro-oncology and psycho-neuro-immunology. Taking cognizance of the importance of social relationships, the model of cancer rehabilitation aims, through its interdisciplinary framework, to restore a sense of well-being and to facilitate healing by optimizing the capability for full social relationships and engagement with the world.
Eyewitness confidence and latency: Indices of memory processes not just markers of accuracy
Authors: Brewer Neil , Weber Nathan
Published: August 2008

Despite the well‐documented fallibility of eyewitness memories, they influence a variety of judgments and decisions by police, lawyers and the courts. Accordingly, psychologists have tried to identify variables that may help ‘corroborate’ the accuracy of witnesses' testimony. Variables considered by memory researchers to be reliable markers of memory (e.g. confidence and decision latency) have been examined, occasionally endorsed, but more commonly rejected as useful indices of the integrity of witnesses' memories. We examine the history of these attempts to isolate reliable eyewitness memory markers, and why it is that researchers interested in exactly the same issues have reached quite different conclusions about the utility of these memorial markers. We argue that, perhaps in their continuing attempts to find decisive practical solutions, researchers and legal practitioners may have focused too much on techniques or solutions that suggest unreasonable expectations of human memory systems, and too little on refining, and then exploiting, the faithful markers of memory. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Theory, logic and data: Paths to a more coherent eyewitness science
Authors: Wells Gary L.
Published: August 2008

Building a better scientific literature on eyewitness reliability is a continuous process. The articles in this special issue of Applied Cognitive Psychology are timely and well‐reasoned reflections on the need to learn from the history of the area, recognize the unique ways in which the legal system operates, and develop better theory. The current article comments on these articles and embellishes on some of these points. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Efficient Synthesis of Substituted Selenophenes Based on the First Palladium(0)‐Catalyzed Cross‐Coupling Reactions of Tetrabromoselenophene
Authors: Tùng Đǎng Thanh , Villinger Alexander , Langer Peter
Published: August 2008

Regioselective Suzuki cross‐coupling reactions of tetrabromoselenophene allow a convenient synthesis of aryl‐substituted selenophenes. High yields were obtained using a novel biaryl‐monophosphine ligand. The first tetra(1‐alkynyl)selenophene was prepared in one step by a Sonogashira reaction of tetrabromoselenophene.
An algorithm for the use of surrogate models in modular flowsheet optimization
Authors: Caballero José A. , Grossmann Ignacio E.
Published: August 2008

In this work a methodology is presented for the rigorous optimization of nonlinear programming problems in which the objective function and (or) some constraints are represented by noisy implicit black box functions. The special application considered is the optimization of modular process simulators in which the derivatives are not available and some unit operations introduce noise preventing the calculation of accurate derivatives. The black box modules are substituted by metamodels based on a kriging interpolation that assumes that the errors are not independent but a function of the independent variables. A Kriging metamodel uses non‐Euclidean measure of distance to avoid sensitivity to the units of measure. It includes adjustable parameters that weigh the importance of each variable for obtaining a good model representation, and it allows calculating errors that can be used to establish stopping criteria and provide a solid base to deal with “possible infeasibility” due to inaccuracies in the metamodel representation of objective function and constraints. The algorithm continues with a refining stage and successive bound contraction in the domain of independent variables with or without kriging recalibration until an acceptable accuracy in the metamodel is obtained. The procedure is illustrated with several examples. © 2008 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2008
Decontamination of sulfur mustard and sarin on titania nanotubes
Authors: Prasad G. K. , Mahato T. H. , Singh Beer , Ganesan K. , Srivastava Anchal. R. , Kaushik M. P. , Vijayraghavan R.
Published: August 2008

Decontamination reactions of sulfur mustard and sarin were studied on the surface of titania nanotubes and the data were compared with that of bulk titania. Before the reaction studies, titania nanotube samples were made by using hydrothermal method and were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, N2 BET, X‐ray diffractometry, and thermogravimetry. Soon after that, titania nanotube samples were exposed to sulfur mustard and sarin separately at room temperature (30°C) and the reactions were monitored by gas chromatography, whereas the reaction products were characterized by GC‐MS. The data explore the role of hydrolysis reactions and surface reactions for the decontamination of both sulfur mustard and sarin. © 2008 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2008
Teen workers' exposures to occupational hazards and use of personal protective equipment
Authors: Runyan Carol W. , Vladutiu Catherine J. , Rauscher Kimberly J. , Schulman Michael
Published: August 2008

Background

Prior research indicates that working adolescents seek care for the toxic effects of on‐the‐job chemical and environmental hazard exposures.

Methods

This cross‐sectional survey of a nationally representative sample of 866 adolescent workers in the retail and service sector examines their exposures, personal protective equipment (PPE) use, and training.

Results

Two‐thirds of respondents were exposed to continuous, very loud noise, 55% to thermal hazards and 54% to chemical hazards. Few teens reported using any PPE, though those who had been trained reported somewhat higher usage.

Conclusions

Teens working in the retail and service sectors experience a variety of chemical, thermal, biologic and noise exposures. Efforts to eradicate such exposures need to be complemented by increased provision of PPE and appropriate training in their use by employers. Am. J. Ind. Med. 51:735–740, 2008. Published 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The impact of hearing conservation programs on incidence of noise‐Induced hearing loss in Canadian workers
Authors: Davies Hugh , Marion Steve , Teschke Kay
Published: August 2008

Background

Noise exposure remains one of the most ubiquitous of occupational hazards. Hearing conservation program legislation and the programs themselves were designed to lower risk of resulting occupational noise‐induced hearing loss, but there has been no broad‐based effort to assess the effectiveness of this policy.

Methods

The incidence of a 10‐dB standard threshold shift was examined in a group of Canadian lumber mill workers, using annual audiogram series obtained from the Workers' Compensation Board of British Columbia for the period 1979–1996 and using Cox proportional hazard models.

Results

Mean cumulative noise exposure was 98.1 dB‐years. The audiograms from 22,376 individuals, among whom there were 2,839 threshold shifts of 10 dB or greater (i.e., a “standard threshold shift”), were retained in multivariable analyses. After adjusting for potential confounders, continuous use of hearing protection, and initial hearing tests later in the study period, the risk for standard threshold shift was reduced by 30%. Risk increased sixfold, however, in those with the highest noise exposure.

Conclusions

Hearing conservation programs may be effective in reducing overall incidence of hearing loss. In the absence of noise control at source, however, highly exposed workers remain at unnecessary risk. Am. J. Ind. Med. 51:923–931, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.