bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improved Calculation Method of Soil Bearing Capacity of Jack-Up Rig Based on Field Simulation Experiment
Authors: Yin Qishuai , Yang Jin , Hu Nanding , Shi Shanshan , Ma Yongqi , Wang Junxiang , Yang Yuming , Pang Da , Zhang Tianwei , Jiang Menglei
Published: March 2018

The spudcan penetration depth is directly determined by the soil bearing capacity which is the basis of punch-through analysis. Through the analysis of the SNAME method, it is found that it has great limitations: without considering lateral friction, preloading speed, soil backfill effect and group effect of spudcans. The predictive accuracy of soil bearing capacity increases by 40% through the improved calculation method based on field simulation experiment with the above four factors into consideration.

The field experiment was conducted in the Bohai shallow sea to simulate actual penetrating process. Firstly, there were 9 sampling positions and 10 soil samples per meter were obtained from each position. Secondly, the soil pressure sensors were inlaid into the spudcans at the bottom and side. Thirdly, the bearing capacity was studied by changing the preloading speed of 2t/h, 4t/h, 6t/h, 8t/h and 10t/h. Fourthly, the bearing capacity was researched by changing the soil backfill ratio of 0%, 10%, 20%, 30% and 40%. Fifthly, the group effect was observed when the three spudcans were ballasted one by one.

The vertical soil stress is obtained by the bottom sensors and the vertical soil bearing capacity is calculated. The radial soil stress is gained by the side sensors and the lateral friction is calculated. The field simulation experiment shows that the lateral friction makes up about 3% of the total bearing capacity. The larger the preloading speed is, the smaller the bearing capacity is. In addition, the excessive preloading speed may lead to punch-through. The larger the soil backfill ratio is, the smaller the bearing capacity is. The group effect is obvious when the three spudcans are ballasted one by one and the penetration depth of the third spudcan is the shallowest normally. This improved method has been effectively applied to EP oil field for HYSY941 and DF HTHP gas field for HYSY944. The EP and DF are typical layered soil in South China Sea. The case studies were carried out to verify the method, the results showed that the maximum relative errors of spudcan penetration depth were within 5% and the method successfully avoided several punch-through accidents.

The novelty of this paper is to introduce an improved method based on field simulation experiment. The predictive accuracy of spudcan penetration depth is higher and the punch-through accidents can be successfully avoided by the proposed method considering lateral friction, preloading speed, soil backfill effect and group effect of spudcans. The improved method is consistent with the actual engineering and satisfies the real need of field operations.
Subsea Compression: Reliable and Proven Solution to Increase Gas Fields Recovery
Authors: Yeaw Si Huai , Storstenvik Anders , Vesterkjaer Rune
Published: March 2018

After years of development, qualification and engineering, Subsea Compression Technology is now a proven solution for increased field recovery for offshore gas developments. The world's first subsea compression system was installed at the Aasgard field in the Norwegian Sea, and started up successfully on the 17th of September 2015. This represents an important milestone for the oil and gas industry, as it not only demonstrates the successful developments of new subsea processing technologies, but also proves itself as a viable alternative field development solution for oil and gas operators.

This paper will briefly review the development timeline of the technology up to the first application project, namely on the Aasgard field in the North Sea, then present the working principle of the subsea compression system. Highlights on the key features of the technologies will be provided, with specific focus on the benefits the technology brings to the market.

In addition, the paper will also describe the ongoing development activities to optimize the subsea compression system, with particular focus on the unit size and weight optimization without requiring any qualification activities of new technologies. This new generation of subsea compression system will extend the applicability of this technology to a much wider range of fields and offshore regions.
Membrane Compatibility and its Characterization to Determine the Potential Applicability for H2S Separation
Authors: Tamidi A. M. , Yasin N. H. , Halim M. H. M. , Isa M. A. , Mat T. M. U. T.
Published: March 2018

Development of new technology in the area of separation process is essential in order to deal with with product quality, environmental issues, energy efficiency, cost reduction and increasing safety. In membrane separation processes, membrane contactor has attained considerable attention due to the wide range of its applications. Since most of chemical separation processes are related to the contact of two different phases (liquid-liquid or gas/vapor-liquid), the operations such as gas absorption and stripping, liquid-liquid extraction, distillation, heterogeneous reactions, emulsification, demulsification, humidification and dehumidification can be conducted through a membrane contactor system (Drioli et al. 2005). Development of membrane contactor for acid gas removal is an emerging technology recently especially to overcme the disadvantages of commercial packed towers and bubble columns. Physical solvents such as DEPG (Selexol™ or Coastal AGR®), NMP or N-Methyl-2-Pyrrolidone (Purisol®), Methanol (Rectisol®), and Propylene Carbonate (Fluor Solvent™) are well known as commercial gas treating solvents, especially for acid gas removal. Physical solvents tend to be favored over chemical solvents when the concentration of acid gases or other impurities is very high (Burr and Lyddon 2008). Among the physical solvents, Selexol shows the highest H2S solubility. However, due to Selexol solvent is less hazard as compared to NMP, this compatibility study was conducted using Selexol as the solvent for H2S removal with various types of polymeric membrane material. The main objective of the study was to test the stability of potential porous membrane material with the selected physical absorbent for H2S removal. From the physical characterization consist of physical abservation, Fe-SEM, FTIR and contact angle that have been conducted on the membranes that have been immersed in the physical absorbent for 1 month, it is found that 3 membrane materials are most stable and compatible with the selected physical absorbent. The 3 shortlisted membrane material are PTFE, PP and PEEK membrane that could be further developed for H2S removal using membrane contactor technology.
High CO2 Blowdown During Emergency Depressurization EDP at Offshore Environment
Authors: Rahman Fadhli Hadana , Isa Faudzi Mat , Salihuddin Radin Suhaib , Jalani M Yazid Jay , Karim Fatimah , Hashim Wan Mahsuri Wan
Published: March 2018

Natural gas produced from many major reservoirs can contain significant amounts of carbon dioxide (CO2) and must be treated to meet typical specifications for pipelines or liquefaction plant feed. The treatment process selected was low temperature CO2 distillation which involve high pressure operation and formation of highly concentrated CO2 streams. Pressure protection for high pressure, low temperature and high CO2 systems have been challenging to date because of potential solid CO2 formation during pressure let down and the consequent plugging.

Blowdown or depressuring of process equipment during an emergency or planned shutdown is a critical process safety operation. It may be necessary in the event of fire, leak, pipe rupture or other hazardous situations, as well as for planned shutdown. Devices such as blowdown valves, relief valves, restriction orifices, rupture disks, and safety valves transfer the potentially hazardous content of process equipment to a safe lower-pressure location or to the flare/vent system for controlled combustion or safe venting.

To ensure blowdown will be executed safety and effectively, a number of design concerns must be addressed such as low temperature solid CO2 identification and Minimum Design Metal Temperature (MDMT) for piping and equipment material selection. Rapid depressurizing and gas expansion can potentially put equipment at risk of brittle fracture if the temperature goes below its ductile-brittle transition temperature of the selected material and potential plugging due to solid CO2 formation. In addition, the entire pressure relief system including safety valves, relief orifices, flare piping and knockout drums, must be sufficiently sized to handle the flowrates that occur during blowdown, in addition to the piping and capacity of the flare/vent system.

Accurate prediction on the minimum vessel wall temperature during blowdown is important for selecting the appropriate construction material, for reducing overdesign and consequently lowering project cost. Similarly, having an accurate prediction of the maximum flow rate during blowdown reduces overdesign associated with the relief valve/network, without compromising on safety.

The paper will address the potential of solid CO2 formation based on proprietary software for blowdown and proposed some mitigation plan with respect to solid CO2 formation within the process piping and equipment.
Installation of the World's First Subsea Thermoplastic Composite Flowline for Hydrocarbon Service
Authors: Spruijt Wouter
Published: March 2018

The Thermoplastic Composite Pipe (TCP) has been established for a number of years as a viable alternative to steel and flexible pipe in subsea applications, with various intervention type of applications building track record in the field. After the successful installation of a Thermoplastic Composite Pipe for permanent methanol injection on Chevron's high-pressure Alder field in the North Sea in September 2016, Airborne Oil & Gas moved forward with the installation of a flowline for a full well stream application.

The selection of a TCP Flowline ensures a CAPEX reduction as it is manufactured in long continuous length up to 6000 meter and reeled on lightweight transport /installation reels. This allows for reel-lay or surface tow installation with a low-cost installation spread, contrary to steel pipeline requiring slow lay-barges. Furthermore, the TCP flowline can be terminated on the platform and pulled through the I or J tube without the end-fitting, allowing for small and light I or J tubes. The TCP Flowline can be installed in a single pass, optionally with a weight coating to achieve on-bottom-stability and immediate burial with for example a jet trencher if required. This single vessel installation results in the lowest material and installation cost for TCP Flowline compared to the alternatives.

Besides the CAPEX reduction, the selection of TCP flowlines ensures a significant OPEX reduction. Integrity management and corrosion prevention in particular have significant impact on operational cost. This is the case for new developments that more often see increasingly challenging environments with H2S, CO2, MIC etc, but also for existing operations that face unplanned shut-downs and repair cost caused by corrosion.

The fully bonded TCP Flowline has significant advantages. The TCP does not corrode, has a smooth bore featuring low pressure drop, is collapse resistant to large water depth and combines pressure and tensile strengths with spoolability. The unique and specific properties of TCP make it a cost effective choice for a variety of different applications, from shallow water flowlines, to flexible high pressure jumper spools and deepwater risers.
A Pragmatic Approach to Corrosion Inhibition of Offshore Pipelines Transporting Produced Hydrocarbons
Authors: Nuttall Robert Horan
Published: March 2018

The application of corrosion inhibitors to mitigate carbon dioxide corrosion in offshore oil and gas pipelines has been practiced for several tens of years. In many instances, the performance of the corrosion inhibitor has achieved the mitigation required and as such, the use of such products has become commonplace. However, the depletion of relatively easily accessible reserves has focused attention on deeper, hotter and frequently more corrosive fields.

The concept that the injection of a corrosion inhibitor demonstrated to achieve a corrosion rate of less than 0.1 mm/y on a representative piece of carbon steel in a static or rotating autoclave is a panacea for aqueous carbon dioxide corrosion is becoming less evident in upstream operations. Considerations regarding the impact of the active inhibitor molecules preferentially partitioning into either the water phase or the liquid hydrocarbon phase and the availability of the inhibitor molecules at top of line locations appear less frequent and the requirement to conduct corrosion inhibitor testing in representative conditions using representative fluids and representative materials is seen as a nuisance rather than a fundamental. Typical test requirements for the assessment of a carbon dioxide corrosion inhibitor, for application in a subsea pipeline, and user expectations are identified and discussed together with some general considerations relating to the production of more aggressive fluids.
The Use of Computational Fluid Dynamics Techniques in 3D Gas Detector Coverage Studies
Authors: Cunningham Shona , Wu Kejia , Green Johnathan , Sivandran Subajan
Published: March 2018

Fire and Gas detectors are used on Oil and Gas facilities to trigger an alarm and potentially initiate automatic safety measures in response to hazardous leaks. The effectiveness of the Fire and Gas system strongly depends on the layout and coverage of the detectors implemented. Prescriptive approaches using industry guidelines (e.g. SHELL DEP 32.30.20.11-Gen or BP GP 30-85) outline a target gas cloud size for detection for enclosed, semi-enclosed, and open areas. The objective of this study was to assess the conservatism inherent in prescriptive approaches in comparison to a Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) approach. The employment of a CFD approach to model the dispersion of flammable gas from the potential loss of containment was used to determine whether the prescriptive approaches are overly or under conservative for flammable gas detection. The analysis found for the same assessment parameters such as zone volume and a 90% single detector coverage criterion, geographic coverage (prescriptive approach) requires a significant increase in gas detectors to meet the criterion, an extra 13 detectors. Further to this analysis, the method of using the volume of a sphere to calculate the equivalent diameter was assessed. It was found by modelling the characteristics of a flammable gas release and using the volume of a cone to calculate the equivalent diameter, a more accurate and realistic method was obtained. The study also introduces a 3D frequency plot which is a novel tool for positioning the detectors in the most effective areas irrespective of equivalent diameter. Incorporating the proposed CFD method with the prescriptive approaches raises a number of questions in the area of Fire and Gas Mapping. Whilst the future for this industry may be the use of scenario based coverage, more research is required in order to develop the most effective method.
Yetagun Field Development ERD- Drilling Performance Improvement Case Study
Authors: Atemin Azizul , Jainuddin M. Nor Rafie , Ong Chongyew
Published: March 2018

This paper presented the extended reach well construction results to date of 3 infill wells: YA-01, YA- 05ST1, and YA-12ST1 during the Phase VI development drilling campaign in Yetagun gas field, offshore Myanmar which had delivered top-quartile drilling performance throughout every phase of well delivery.

The significant changes in drilling practices had led to the overall time and cost savings. Systematic approach to benchmarking drilling performance had been incorporated into the efficiency of the operation based on the Key Performance Indicators. Every phase of drilling, evaluating, and completing high angle wells was analyzed. The main technical hurdles contributed to the success of these wells were drilling practices, mud selection and directional control technique. Section-by-section was being described in the paper taking into account the factors that contributed to a top-quartile drilling performance including wellpath design, hydraulic, bottom-hole assembly design, drillstring design and torque and drag reduction methods. A few offset wells were selected and analyzed in order to act as a benchmark of expected performance, but up-front effort was established by proposing the significant key performance indicators (KPIs) which required specialized resources.

Value was generated through performance improvement. Engineering team of the drilling campaign dramatically achieved all the KPIs in the top quartile with zero LTI and successfully secured the reservoir target with the maximum drainage contacts as well as meet the gas volume target. Every aspects of the well design and construction was discussed, challenged and where possible, optimized for further study. The dramatic outcome of the drilling performance always came from the combination of some small incremental improvements and step-change innovations. Statistically analyzing of the KPIs covering the central tendencies and convergence link to the consideration of benchmarks. YA- 05ST1 successfully achieved Best in Class for WCPF and DCPF whereas the DDPTF of all the 3 wells were categorized in Quartile 1 performance. Among the significant changes in drilling practices that contributed to the time saving were the waiving of pilot hole, utilization of casing drive system, installation of tubing isolation Valve-Flapper for completion and implementation of drill to limit approach. Moreover, both the techniques and lesson learnt throughout the campaign were continuously revised, improved and distributed with the aim that the information can be built upon and lead to further improvements in the next extended reach well delivery.

In conclusion, the key differences in drilling practices throughout the campaign were proven to be practicable and in fact play an important role in time saving. Since the ERD has become an ever-more important enabling technique to exploit hydrocarbons nowadays, the replication of the best practices and lesson learnt should be shared for future extensive ERD wells planning and executions.
Axial Rock Berm-Pipeline-Seabed Interactions
Authors: Rodriguez Antonio Borges , Klinkvort Rasmus Tofte , Worren Aleksander
Published: March 2018

Rock berms installed over discrete sections of high temperature, high pressure (HTHP) subsea pipelines may be used to provide axial restraint with a view to minimising the end expansions or to improve the later-life buckle performance. For such applications, the paramount consideration for an efficient rock berm design is the interaction of the rock berms with the pipeline and simultaneously, of the pipeline with the seabed during operation.

This paper re-introduces the mechanism of stress re-distribution in the berm or ‘arching’ occurring during pipeline operation-driven cyclic embedment. The development of cyclic pipeline embedment due to shearing and re-consolidation of the soils around the pipeline is quantified at different times during the pipeline operational life. This is assessed analytically by consideration of the generated pore pressures during episodic shearing and intervening consolidation in a framework described herein.

Further, the results from Finite Element (FE) analyses that correlate the pipeline embedment and the effective rock berm-pipeline contact stress, are combined with predictions of the cyclic pipeline embedment from the analytical framework presented here. This allows to form-find the rock berm cross-profile and screen the rock volume requirements in a reliable manner.
A New Insight on the Geometry of Hydrocarbon Reservoir Bodies Based on Multi-Source Sediment Supply Model from the Deep Water Fields Northwest Sabah Basin
Authors: Khair Abul , Zakaria H. , Ali A. , R. Y. Som , Ali A. , Hady H. , Baharuddin S. , Goodman A.
Published: March 2018

Big attention was directed towards the deepwater fields offshore Sabah area after the discovery of commercial hydrocarbons Sabah in 2002. Hundreds of wells were drilled in up-faulted structural traps within North East trending thrust ridges which some of it are dry. The interpretation of these reservoirs was established as a series of four turbidite fans from Upper Miocene to Pleistocene. Yet, no correlation was found between the same fan in different locations with regards to geometry, thickness and mineral composition. This research studied over 50,000 sqkm of 3D seismic surveys, over 100 wells with different sets of logs including image logs, cores from two wells and bathymetric images. Normal seismic structural interpretation was conducted and seismic attribute of the turbidite fans were analysed. Seabed morphology was examined using bathymetry surveys and 3D seismic. The deepwater sediments type and depositional environment were investigated using core and log data.

The geometry of the oil prone sand reservoir bodies and heterolithic sand bodies within the deepwater fields was found to be of three types: North East trending narrow sand channels and turbiditic channel levees in the Southwest area of deepwater offshore Sabah,North East trending confined turbidite sand bodies bounded by elevated structural ridges south and south east of type 1,Deepwater fan system composed of channel sand, levee turbidites and local and regional MTD to the North East of type 1

This new understanding of the source and sediment supply of the deepwater fields Northwest (NW) Sabah explains the geometry, distribution and lack of correlation within the Miocene sediments. Thus, this study will direct the future exploration in the deepwater reservoirs.
Explanation of Low Reservoir Quality Wells by Re-Understanding the Environmental Deposition of Lower Safa "A" Unit within Khattatba Formation in JG Field, Abu Gharadig Basin, North Western Desert, Egypt, Case Study
Authors: Shafik Sherif A. , Saudi Ahmed T.
Published: March 2018

The JG field is an oil & gas producing field located in Abu Gharadig Basin. The Lower Safa Member is the main reservoir representing the lower member of Khattatba Formation and it is subdivided into two reservoir units "A and C" separated by non-reservoir unit "B". During the next development phase of Lower Safa "A" by it is necessary to avoid drilling dry holes or wells with low reservoir quality, and so, it was essential to understand the reason behind drilling 6 wells with low reservoir quality and the re-evaluation of the available data used to re-identify geometry was of high importance.

Lower Safa "A" had been cored in three wells with total length of about 46m. The sedimentological description of these cores highlighted several features pointing to a tidal dominated estuarine environment of deposition as abundance of carbonaceous material, channel erosion surfaces and paleosols, rapid changes of lateral and vertical facies, and mix of terrestrial and marine micro fossils.

The previous development strategy of JG field was to drill wells on crestal position along the main bounding fault which extended about 8 km in the East-West direction, assuming extension of estuarine system in the North-South direction.

Based on this study after re-evaluating available data estuarine system subdivisions clearly reflected in Lower Safa "A" unit and delineated from log characters and core features, it was proven that this unit was deposited in tidal dominated estuarine environment but extended in the East-West direction parallel to the fault, and the wells which encountered low reservoir quality were drilled in the low energy central zone and marches of estuary.

According to this study, it is recommended while developing Lower Safa "A" unit to drill within eastern and western areas i.e. the inner and outer parts of the estuarine system, which are characterized by good reservoir quality and to avoid drilling in the central part where the reservoir is low quality.
Stratigraphic Reservoir Characterisation Using Simultaneous Seismic Inversion in Bongkot Field, Gulf of Thailand
Authors: Promrak W. , Fongsuk P. , Uttareun R. , Sa-Nguanphon S. , Tubsrinuan N. , Matangkapong K. , Iamboon J. , Srisuriyon K. , Pabchanda S. , Sognnes H. I.
Published: March 2018

Combination and stratigraphic traps may contribute with significant gas reserves in Bongkot Field, Gulf of Thailand. However, such stratigraphic play cannot be easily defined as conventional seismic interpretation provides mainly structural information. To identify stratigraphic prospects in this area, a seismic pre-stack inversion and reservoir characterization study was carried out. The input dataset consisted of 365 km2 of 3D seismic, six wells, and interpreted time horizons. Following seismic pre-conditioning and rock physics analysis, wavelet extraction and well-ties were performed for each individual well, considering every input angle stack. Constrained by input time horizons, low frequency models were built based on well log and seismic stacking velocity. Inversion parameters were tested; subsequently, final inversion results were subjected to Bayesian classification to obtain a litho-facies volume. In addition, multi-linear regression was used to derive elastic-petrophysical relationships, to generate petrophysical property volumes. The final results included inverted elastic properties, classified litho-facies, computed effective porosity and Vshale volumes. By analyzing these results, several channel and deltaic/sand lobe features could be observed throughout the study area. Connected sand-filled channels with high porosity were mainly observed in the shallow section, as sand distribution appeared sparser and more isolated with increasing depth. Also, the predicted reservoirs in the deeper section were mostly filled with gas, while shallower sand bodies were mostly filled with brine. This observation implied that the high net-to-gross reservoir distribution in the shallow section can be a key factor that hinders effective trapping of hydrocarbons at this level. Since reservoir distribution plays a key role in hydrocarbon trapping mechanism, upside stratigraphic potential was identified from isolated gas-filled channels, mapped from seismic inversion products, to implement a more successful field development strategy in a mature field.
Integrated Real-Time Operation Centre: A Complete Solution towards Effective & Efficient Drilling Operation
Authors: Iskandar Farah Farhana , Abiddin Mohamad Sukor Zainal , Nazzeri Norbaiti , Aziz Amir Abd , Atemin Azizul
Published: March 2018

Back then, communication between rig-site and town was a huge challenge, even in Malaysia where the first offshore drilling started in the 1960s. During those days, offshore rigs and platform seems isolated and communication was only done via phone call and fax machine which has resulted in very delayed information, and at some point, causes difficult decision making.

However, as to date, real-time communication is no longer sounds alien to many people. In fact, it has become common terms that has been widely used in many other industries. With the emergence of sophisticated drilling software and a standard communication protocol, a real-time operation centre is typically occupied with multiple software with different function and capabilities to aid the drilling operation.

Having an integrated real-time operation centre equipped with high technology software and coupled with subject matter experts in one room has often leads to efficiency and consistency while drilling especially when encountering complex drilling environment. This set-up has enable high level of collaboration starting from planning phase, drilling execution and post job phase, knowing that all domain experts' works from a single data source, where all decisions & modifications made are agreed upon.

Pacing in this digital era, Oil and Gas operators and service providers now aims to embark on digital transformation to elevate their ability and agility to thrive in digital environment as an effort to be ahead of competitors. Having lots of data coming from various sources; leads this industry in this big data world. As technology is advancing at the speed of sound, the industry has now starting to talk about drilling automation, machine learning, artificial intelligence and big data analytics. To be able to do this, the people and the data itself must be ready for it, digitally and technically.

This paper will talk about where we are now in regards with digitalization, explaining in detail how an integrated real time centre solution being deployed in operator's office together with the services provided and how we are preparing ourselves for digitalization to catch up with the fast pace of digitalization era.
Managing Big Data of Offshore Project Lifecycle through Investment Information System
Authors: Panggabean Yan Bastian
Published: March 2018

Big Data is popular term in some recent years and become leverage for business trend around the world. Absolutely 100% agree, all the business uses Information Technology for expanding their business and even survive on the market. IT is not supporting business anymore, many start-up company build their business with IT platform as its core competencies. Oil & Gas Business has been transform and progressively using high tech capacity data. It starts with paper works to simple excel and now it is go online.

Since Pertamina seeks to grow, then it does invest in all the chains. Aggressive business growth according to the vision and mission as well as the Company's Long-Term Plan requires comprehensive and precise decision-making. Their errors can lead to miss opportunity that is in sight may be taken by competitors.

Investment Information System is comprehensive end to end application that covers end to end investment process. It starts with how Pertamina propose the project, how to monitor & evaluate execution of the project and evaluate post mortem of the projects. Portfolio module covers all the projects inside the funnel.

Web based application can support management for evaluate all the projects and give the best perspective of company. More over it can support management and shareholder for take good decision making. Back end of this application is also integrated with SAP and support project monitoring for physical and financial for each project and create earned value management for oil & gas project prediction.
Examining the Biosynthesis and Xenoantigenicity of Class II Swine Leukocyte Antigen Proteins
Authors: Ladowski Joseph M. , Martens Gregory R. , Reyes Luz M. , Wang Zheng-Yu , Eckhoff Devin E. , Hauptfeld-Dolejsek Vera , Tector Matt , Tector A. Joseph
Published: March 2018

Genetically engineered pig organs could provide transplants to all patients with end-stage organ failure, but Ab-mediated rejection remains an issue. This study examines the class II swine leukocyte Ag (SLA) as a target of epitope-restricted Ab binding. Transfection of individual α- and β-chains into human embryonic kidney cells resulted in both traditional and hybrid class II SLA molecules. Sera from individuals on the solid organ transplant waiting list were tested for Ab binding and cytotoxicity to this panel of class II SLA single-Ag cells. A series of elution studies from an SLA-DQ cell line were performed. Our results indicate that human sera contain Abs specific for and cytotoxic against class II SLA. Our elution studies revealed that sera bind the SLA-DQ molecule in an epitope-restricted pattern. Site-specific mutation of one of these epitopes resulted in statistically decreased Ab binding. Humans possess preformed, specific, and cytotoxic Abs to class II SLA that bind in an epitope-restricted fashion. Site-specific epitope mutagenesis may decrease the Ab binding of highly sensitized individuals to pig cells.
Quality of Life and Speech Perception in Two Late Deafened Adults with Cochlear Implants
Authors: Abdrabbou Marwa F. , Tucker Denise A. , Compton Mary V. , Mankoff Lyn
Published: March 2018

The aim was to demonstrate the need for a quality of life assessment in biopsychosocial aural rehabilitation (AR) practices with late deafened adults (LDAs) with cochlear implants (CIs). We present a case report of a medical records review of two LDAs enrolled in a biopsychosocial group AR program. A speech perception test Contrasts for Auditory and Speech Training (CAST) and a quality of life (QoL) assessment the Nijmegen Cochlear Implant Questionnaire (NCIQ) were given prior to AR therapy. CAST scores indicated both patients had excellent basic speech perception. However, NCIQ results revealed patients’ difficulties in basic and advanced listening settings. NCIQ highlighted patients’ self-perceived poor self-esteem and ongoing challenges to their QoL. Speech perception testing results alone are not enough to document the daily challenges of QoL needs of LDAs with CIs. The inclusion of a QoL measure such as the NCIQ is vital in evaluating outcomes of cochlear implantation in LDAs.
Vitamin B12 determination in milk, whey and different by-products of ricotta cheese production by ultra performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Repossi Adele , Zironi Elisa , Gazzotti Teresa , Serraino Andrea , Pagliuca Giampiero
Published: March 2018

Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) is a metal complex composed of a central cobalt ion bonded to six ligands. It is essential for major biological functions such as protein, fat and carbohydrate metabolism, the maintenance of the central nervous system, and the formation of red blood cells. Since mammals cannot synthesize cobalamin, dietary intake represents the only natural source for humans. Dairy products can provide significant levels of cobalamin; moreover, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) panel has set the recommended intake at 4 μg/day for adults. Vitamin B12 content was determined in milk and several matrices related to the process of transformation of the residual whey from Parmigiano Reggiano cheese-making to obtain ricotta cheese. In addition, vitamin B12 degradation during ricotta cheese shelf-life was studied. The analyses were performed using an ultra performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method. Results show that vitamin B12 amount in ricotta from dairy and experimental cheese-making brings respectively 1/8 to 1/4 of the adequate intake in adults established by EFSA. In addition, shelf-life experiment shows that cobalamine is fairly rapidly degraded in ricotta: light effect seems to be significant, even if the light exposure is short. The use of photoprotective packaging material increases B12 shelf-life in the early stage of storage.
Microbiological, chemical-physical and sensory characteristics of Fabriano salami from pigs fed Oregano vulgaris extract
Authors: Miraglia Dino , Ranucci David , Trabalza-Marinucci Massimo , Acuti Gabriele , Forte Claudio , Codini Michela , Roila Rossana , Branciari Raffaella
Published: March 2018

This study aimed at evaluating the effect of Oregano vulgaris extract supplementation of heavy pig diet on the microbiological, chemical-physical and sensory characteristics of Fabriano salami. Fabriano salamis were produced processing meat derived from pigs belonging to two dietary groups of 16 pigs each: CTRL group fed a commercial pelleted feed, and OR group fed the CTRL diet integrated with 0.2% of oregano extract. Ten salamis per group were collected at 0, 7, 20 and 45 days of ripening and analysed for total viable count, enumeration of Enterobacteriaceae, Enterococcus spp, coagulase negative and positive staphylococci, Lactobacillus spp., Lactococcus spp., presence of Salmonella spp. and Listeria monocytogens, pH, water activity (aw) and colour (CIE L*a*b* colour system). At the end of the ripening (day 45) chemical composition (AOAC, 1990), total antioxidant capacity (ORACFL), thiobarbituric reactive substances (TBARS), total phenolic content (TPC) (Folin-Ciocalteu method) and consumer tests were performed. The integration of oregano extract in pig diets did not interfere with the microbial evolution, chemical composition, pH and aw. After 20 days of ripening the OR salami were redder then CTRL samples, which were also yellower at the end of ripening. Furthermore, the diet has significantly improved the oxidative status, the polyphenolic content and antioxidant power in OR salami. The consumers gave a higher score to OR salami in informed condition.
Indicators of protein spoilage in fresh and defrosted crustaceans and cephalopods stored in domestic condition
Authors: Altissimi Serena , Mercuri Maria Lucia , Framboas Marisa , Tommasino Mauro , Pelli Stefania , Benedetti Ferdinando , Di Bella Sara , Haouet Naceur
Published: March 2018

In relation to consumer demand, crustaceans and cephalopods are sold as both fresh and defrosted. It is well known that total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB-N) and volatile amine values, especially, biogenic amines and biogenic amine index, are expression of freshness of fish products, but there is a lack of knowledge of their acceptability limits, for crustaceans and cephalopods. In order to assess these limits, real-time shelf life tests were carried out, relating the results of TVB-N, biogenic amines and BAI to the sensory evaluation of crustaceans and cuttlefishes, both fresh and defrosted. TVB-N and biogenic amines have been analysed in many shrimp species and cuttlefishes purchased in Perugia (Central Italy), and BAI was calculated as the ratio between different biogenic amines. The results show levels of TVB-N and spermine different between shrimp and cuttlefish (TVB-N: 37 vs. 14 mg/100 g; spermine: 4 vs. 14 mg/kg, respectively) while the other biogenic amines and BAI are close to zero in both. Among biogenic amines, cadaverine and even more putrescine significantly affect BAI values and seem to be the most effective in assessing limits of acceptability during storage.
Preliminary study on the inactivation of anisakid larvae in baccalà prepared according to traditional methods
Authors: Smaldone Giorgio , Marrone Raffaele , Palma Giuseppe , Sarnelli Paolo , Anastasio Aniello
Published: March 2018

The European Food Safety Authority stated that many traditional marinating and cold smoking methods are not sufficient to kill A. simplex and asked to evaluate alternative treatments for killing viable parasites in fishery. Baccalà is a well-liked traditional product. The aim of study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the salting process on the inactivation of nematodes of the genus Anisakis in naturally infected Baccalà fillets. N. 19 fillets, subjected to a dual salting process (brine and dry salting) were analyzed. Visual inspection and chloropeptic digestion were performed. Larvae viability was evaluated, and parameters such as NaCl (%), moisture (%), WPS and aw were determined. In n. 17 samples parasites were found 123 parasites with a mean intensity of 7.23±4.78 and an mean abundance of 6.47±5.05. Visual examination has revealed 109 parasites. 61.8% of larvae were found in the ventral portions. The results show that salting process with a salt concentration of 18.6%, aw values of 0.7514 and 24.15% WPS in all parts of baccalà fillets, devitalise Anisakidae larvae in a 15-day period.
Analysis of a poultry slaughter process: Influence of process stages on the microbiological contamination of broiler carcasses
Authors: Althaus Denise , Zweifel Claudio , Stephan Roger
Published: March 2018

In a large-scale Swiss poultry abattoir, a microbiological process analysis of broiler carcasses was performed. At each selected process stage (scalding, plucking, evisceration, washing, and chilling), 90 carcasses from 30 flocks were sampled and examined for Campylobacter, Salmonella, Escherichia coli, Enterobacteriaceae, and extended-spectrum b-lactamases-producing Enterobacteriaceae. With regard to Campylobacter counts on carcasses, plucking tended to slightly increase the results (on average by 0.4 log CFU/g), whereas mean counts from plucked and chilled carcasses were comparable (3.1 log CFU/g after plucking, 3.0 log CFU/g in the chiller). The Campylobacter results of chilled carcasses are thereby likely to comply with the newly defined requirements of the European Union (process hygiene criterion for Campylobacter). With regard to Escherichia coli and Enterobacteriaceae counts on carcasses, plucking clearly reduced the results (on average by 0.8 and 0.9 log CFU/g), whereas mean counts from plucked and chilled carcasses were comparable (3.4 and 3.5 log CFU/g after plucking, 3.4 log CFU/g in the chiller). In contrast, Salmonella spp. were not detected on broiler carcasses and extended-spectrum b-lactamases- producing Enterobacteriaceae only rarely (1.8%). Such abattoir-specific data are of central importance for assessment of slaughter process performance and if necessary for the implementation of effective measures in the slaughter process.
The role of postoperative radiation and coordination of care in patients with metastatic bone disease of the appendicular skeleton
Authors: Summers Andrew R. , Philipp Travis , Mikula Jacob D. , Gundle Kenneth R.
Published: March 2018

Metastatic bone disease affects approximately 300,000 people in the United States, and the burden is rising. These patients experience significant morbidity and decreased survival. The management of these patients requires coordinated care among a multidisciplinary team of physicians, including orthopaedic surgeons. This article reviews the role of radiation therapy after orthopaedic stabilization of impending or realized pathologic extremity fractures. Orthopaedic surgeons have an opportunity to benefit patients with metastatic bone disease by referring them for consideration of post-operative radiation therapy. Further research into rates of referral and the effect on clinical outcomes in this population is needed.
Extra-articular deformities in arthritic knees-a grueling challenge for arthroplasty surgeons: An evidence-based update
Authors: Khanna Vishesh , Sambandam Senthil N. , Ashraf Munis , Mounasamy Varatharaj
Published: March 2018

Critical to the success of a total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is the anatomical alignment. This may appear as a challenge in an extra-articular deformity (EAD) that may be inherent in certain people or result from fracture malunion, congenital disorders, nutritional, metabolic and infective causes. This appraisal aimed at providing the reader with an up-todate overview of the research carried out on, and existent evidence of EAD correction while planning a TKA. We reviewed the current English literature on TKA in extra-articular knee deformities. Among the published data, a common initial approach of mandatory clinical and radiological assessment emerges as an obligatory step while handling cases with EAD. While several methods of managing the deformity and arthritis have been described, a broad division into intra-articular and extra-articular means can be deciphered. The relatively old-school, yet reliable thought process of extra-articular correction allows an all-inclusive restoration of alignment with the inherent complications related to the necessary osteotomy. A cohort of younger and more venturesome surgeons seem inclined towards performing navigated, intra-articular correction for mild to moderate and sometimes, severe deformities. The crux of the matter lies is obtaining a well-balanced knee without violating the all-important cruciates. Restoring the patient’s ambulatory status seems sooner with the intra-articular methods which are also more precise in determining the axes and while removing minimum bone. Greatest satisfaction is accomplished in those with less grotesque, rotationallyaligned knees while meticulously balancing soft-tissues and encouraging earlier weightbearing.
Asian Migrants and Religious Experience
Authors: Brown Bernardo , Yeoh Brenda , Beverly Asor Bubbles , Longkumer Arkotong , Hoskins Janet , Dean Kenneth , Vignato Silvia , Gallo Ester , Horstmann Alexander , Pathirage Jagath , Lucia Amanda , Huang Weishan
Published: March 2018

Typically, scholars approach migrants’ religions as a safeguard of cultural identity, something that connects migrants to their communities of origin. This ethnographic anthology challenges that position by reframing the religious experiences of migrants as a transformative force capable of refashioning narratives of displacement into journeys of spiritual awakening and missionary calling. These essays explore migrants’ motivations in support of an argument that to travel inspires a search for new meaning in religion.
Pope Eugenius III (1145-1153)
Authors: Fonnesberg-Schmidt Iben , Jotischky  , Duggan Anne , Bolton Brenda , Montaubin Pascal , Egger Christoph , Morgan Stuart , Oglesby Clare , Jamroziak Emilia , Phillips Jonathan , Smith Damian
Published: March 2018

Elected pope in the wake of a rebellion, Eugenius III came to power as a relative unknown during a time of crisis. This book examines the controversial developments in papal justice and theological debate during his pontificate, his treatment of Cistercian monasteries, his relationships with France, Spain, and Rome, his work in the papal states, and the crusades. It offers a new view of an under-appreciated pope and the place of the church in a rapidly changing European society.
Evaluation of OH and HO2 concentrations and their budgets during
photo-oxidation of 2-methyl-3-butene-2-ol (MBO) in the atmospheric
simulation chamber SAPHIR
Authors: Novelli Anna , Kaminsky Martin , Rolletter Michael , Acir Ismail-Hakki , Bohn Birger , Dorn Hans-Peter , Li Xin , Lutz Anna , Nehr Sascha , Rohrer Franz , Tillmann Ralf , Wegener Robert , Holland Frank , Hofzumahaus Andreas , Kiendler-Scharr Astrid , Wahner Andreas , Fuchs Hendrik
Published: March 2018

Abstract. Several field studies reported unexpected large concentrations of hydroxyl and hydroperoxyl radicals (OH and HO2, respectively) in forested environments that could not be explained by the traditional oxidation mechanisms which largely underestimated the observations. These environments were characterized by large concentrations of biogenic volatile organic compounds (BVOC) and low nitrogen oxide concentration. In isoprene-dominated environments, models developed to simulate atmospheric photochemistry generally underestimated the observed OH radical concentrations. In contrast, HO2 radical concentration showed large discrepancies with model simulations mainly in non-isoprene dominated forested environments. An abundant BVOC emitted by lodgepole and ponderosa pines is 2-methyl-3-butene-2-ol (MBO), observed in large concentrations for studies where the HO2 concentration was poorly described by model simulations. In this work, the photooxidation of MBO by OH was investigated for NO concentrations lower than 200 pptv in the atmospheric simulation chamber SAPHIR at Forschungszentrum Jülich. Measurements of OH and HO2 radicals, OH reactivity (kOH), MBO, OH precursors and organic products (acetone and formaldehyde) were used to test our current understanding of the OH-oxidation mechanisms for MBO by comparing measurements with model calculations. All the measured trace gases agree well with the model results (within 15 %) indicating a well understood mechanism for the MBO oxidation by OH. Therefore, the oxidation of MBO cannot contribute to reconcile the unexplained high OH and HO2 radical concentrations found in previous field studies.