bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Downregulation by lipopolysaccharide of Notch signaling, via nitric oxide
Authors: Kim Mi-Yeon , Park Ji-Hye , Mo Jung-Soon , Ann Eun-Jung , Han Seung-Ok , Baek Sang-Hyun , Kim Kyoung-Jin , Im Suhn-Young , Park Jeen-Woo , Choi Eui-Ju , Park Hee-Sae
Published: April 2008

The Notch signaling pathway appears to perform an important function in inflammation. Here, we present evidence to suggest that lipopolysaccharide (LPS) suppresses Notch signaling via the direct modification of Notch by the nitration of tyrosine residues in macrophages. In the RAW264.7 macrophage cell line and in rat primary alveolar macrophages, LPS was found to inhibit Notch1 intracellular domain (Notch1-IC) transcription activity, which could then be rescued by treatment with N(G)-nitro-l-arginine, a nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitor. Nitric oxide (NO), which was produced in cells that stably express endothelial NOS (eNOS) and brain NOS (bNOS), also induced the inhibition of Notch1 signaling. The NO-induced inhibition of Notch1 signaling remained unchanged after treatment with 1H-[1,2,4]oxadiazolo[4,3-alpha]quinoxalin-1-one (ODQ), a guanylyl-cyclase inhibitor, and was not found to be mimicked by 8-bromo-cyclic GMP in the primary alveolar macrophages. With regards to the control of Notch signaling, NO appears to have a significant negative influence, via the nitration of Notch1-IC, on the binding that occurs between Notch1-IC and RBP-Jk, both in vitro and in vivo. By intrinsic fluorescence, we also determined that nitration could mediate conformational changes of Notch1-IC. The substitution of phenylalanine for tyrosine at residue 1905 in Notch1-IC abolished the nitration of Notch1-IC by LPS. Overall, our data suggest that an important relationship exists between LPS-mediated inflammation and the Notch1 signaling pathway, and that this relationship intimately involves the nitration of Notch1-IC tyrosine residues.
Binding of ATP to UAP56 is necessary for mRNA export
Authors: Kota Krishna P. , Wagner Stefan R. , Huerta Elvira , Underwood Jean M. , Nickerson Jeffrey A.
Published: April 2008

The major-histocompatibility-complex protein UAP56 (BAT1) is a DEAD-box helicase that is deposited on mRNA during splicing. UAP56 is retained on spliced mRNA in an exon junction complex (EJC) or, alternatively, with the TREX complex at the 5′ end, where it might facilitate the export of the spliced mRNA to the cytoplasm. Using confocal microscopy, UAP56 was found to be concentrated in RNA-splicing speckled domains of nuclei but was also enriched in adjacent nuclear regions, sites at which most mRNA transcription and splicing occur. At speckled domains, UAP56 was in complexes with the RNA-splicing and -export protein SRm160, and, as measured by FRAP, was in a dynamic binding equilibrium. The application of an in vitro FRAP assay, in which fluorescent nuclear proteins are photobleached in digitonin-extracted cells, revealed that the equilibrium binding of UAP56 in complexes at speckled domains was directly regulated by ATP binding. This was confirmed using a point mutant of UAP56 that did not bind ATP. Point mutation of UAP56 to eliminate ATP binding did not affect RNA splicing, but strongly inhibited the export of mRNA to the cytoplasm.
A new role for kinesin-directed transport of Bik1p (CLIP-170) in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Caudron Fabrice , Andrieux Annie , Job Didier , Boscheron Cécile
Published: April 2008

Bik1p is the budding yeast counterpart of the CLIP-170 family of microtubule plus-end tracking proteins, which are required for dynein localization at plus ends and dynein-dependent spindle positioning. CLIP-170 proteins make up a CAP-Gly microtubule-binding domain, which sustains their microtubule plus-end tracking behaviour. However, in yeast, Bik1p travels towards plus ends as a cargo of the plus-end-directed kinesin Kip2p. Additionally, Kip2p behaves as a plus-end-tracking protein; hence, it has been proposed that Bik1p might track plus ends principally as a cargo of Kip2p. Here, we examined Bik1p localization in yeast strains expressing mutant tubulin lacking the C-terminal amino acid (Glu tubulin; lacking Phe), the interaction of which with Bik1p is severely impaired compared with wild type. In Glu-tubulin strains, despite the presence of robust Kip2p comets at microtubule plus ends, Bik1p failed to track plus ends. Despite Bik1p depletion at plus ends, dynein positioning at the same plus ends was unperturbed. Video microscopy and genetic evidence indicated that dynein was transported at plus ends in a Kip2p-Bik1p-dependent manner, and was then capable of tracking Bik1p-depleted plus ends. These results indicate that Bik1p interactions with tubulin are important for Bik1p plus-end tracking, and suggest alternative pathways for Bik1p-Kip2p-dependent dynein localization at plus ends.
SNX18 is an SNX9 paralog that acts as a membrane tubulator in AP-1-positive endosomal trafficking
Authors: Håberg Karin , Lundmark Richard , Carlsson Sven R.
Published: April 2008

SNX9, SNX18 and SNX30 constitute a separate subfamily of PX-BAR-containing sorting nexin (SNX) proteins. We show here that most tissues express all three paralogs, and immunoprecipitation and immunofluorescence experiments demonstrated that the SNX9-family proteins act as individual entities in cells. Their SH3 domains displayed a high selectivity for dynamin 2, and the PX-BAR units had the capacity to tubulate membranes when expressed in HeLa cells. As previously described for the PX-BAR domain of SNX9 (SNX9-PX-BAR), purified SNX18-PX-BAR caused liposome tubulation in vitro and had a binding preference for PtdIns(4,5)P2. However, contrary to SNX9, which primarily acts in clathrin-mediated endocytosis at the plasma membrane, endogenous SNX18 localized to AP-1- and PACS1-positive endosomal structures, which were devoid of clathrin and resistant to Brefeldin A. Moreover, a γ-adaptin recognition motif was defined in a low-complexity region of SNX18, and a complex of endogenous SNX18 and AP-1 could be immunoprecipitated after Brefeldin A treatment. Overexpression of SNX18 sequestered AP-1 from peripheral endosomes and resulted in the formation of short SNX18-decorated tubes with distinct dynamin puncta. The results indicate that SNX9-family members make up discrete membrane-scission units together with dynamin, and suggest that SNX18 mediates budding of carriers for AP-1-positive endosomal trafficking.
Does Antitrust Need to be Modernized?
Authors: Carlton Dennis W
Published: April 2008

Economics has had an enormous positive effect on the evolution of antitrust policy over the last 30 years or so. However, the evolving forces of technology and globalization, together with experience gained over time, suggest that further modernization is in order. This paper addresses a number of controversial antitrust doctrines that need fixing, or at least some modernizing. Specifically, I analyze market definition; the interaction of intellectual property and antitrust law; certain types of exclusionary conduct (tying and bundling discounts); and procedural issues involving economic matters such as damage multiples, the right to sue, and laws of contribution. I am currently Deputy Assistant Attorney General for Economic Analysis in the Antitrust Division of the U.S. Department of Justice and have served as a Commissioner on the Congress-appointed Antitrust Modernization Commission (AMC). While I've drawn on these experiences in forming my opinions, the views expressed here are my own and do not necessarily reflect those of the AMC or those of the Department of Justice.
Natural Disasters, Economic Development, and Humanitarian Aid
Authors: Strömberg David
Published: April 2008

Natural disasters are one of the major problems facing humankind. Between 1980 and 2004, two million people were reported killed and five billion people cumulatively affected by around 7,000 natural disasters, according to the dataset maintained by the Centre for Research on the Epidemiology of Disasters (CRED) at University of Louvain (Belgium). The economic costs are considerable and rising. The direct economic damage from natural disasters between 1980–2004 is estimated at around $1 trillion. This paper starts by describing the incidence of natural disasters, where they strike, and their development over time. It then discusses how societal factors act to protect people from or expose them to natural hazards. The final section discusses the determinants and targets of international aid to disaster victims.
Producing Organ Donors
Authors: Howard David H
Published: April 2008

Organ transplantation is one of the greatest technological achievements of modern medicine, but the ability of patients to benefit from transplantation is limited by shortages of transplantable organs. The median waiting time for patients placed on the kidney transplant waiting list is over three years. Median waiting times for hearts and livers are seven months and two years, respectively. From 1995 to 2005, the number of patients placed on the waiting list for organ transplants grew at an annualized rate of 4 percent per year. As a result of the growth in the demand for organs, many observers have questioned whether the current system is capable of providing enough transplantable organs. Transplant physicians and policymakers are seriously debating proposals to pay donors and their families and to change the legal regime governing the process of obtaining consent to donation. This paper provides an overview of the rules and practices that govern the organ procurement system and reviews proposals to increase donation rates, with a focus on deceased donors.
Evaluation of Long-term Treatment of Children With Congenital Lactic Acidosis With Dichloroacetate
Authors: Stacpoole Peter W. , Gilbert Lesa R. , Neiberger Richard E. , Carney Paul R. , Valenstein Edward , Theriaque Douglas W. , Shuster Jonathan J.
Published: April 2008

OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this research was to report results on long-term administration of dichloroacetate in 36 children with congenital lactic acidosis who participated previously in a controlled trial of this drug.

PATIENTS AND METHODS. We conducted a randomized control trial, followed by an open-label study. Data were analyzed for each patient from the time they began treatment through May 2005.

RESULTS.Subject exposure to dichloroacetate totaled 110.42 years. Median height and weight increased over time, but the standardized values declined slightly and remained below the first percentile. There were no significant changes in biochemical metabolic indices, except for a 2% rise in total protein and a 22% increase in 24-hour urinary oxalate. Both the basal and carbohydrate meal-induced rises in lactate were blunted by dichloroacetate. The median cerebrospinal fluid lactate also decreased over time. Conduction velocity decreased and distal latency increased in peroneal nerves. Mean 3-year survival for all of the subjects was 79%.

CONCLUSIONS. Oral dichloroacetate is generally well tolerated in young children with congenital lactic acidosis. Although continued dichloroacetate exposure is associated with evidence of peripheral neuropathy, it cannot be determined whether this is attributable mainly to the drug or to progression of underlying disease.
Phylogenetics, systematics, paleoecology, and evolution of the trilobite generaPaladinandKaskiafrom the United States
Authors: Brezinski David K.
Published: April 2008

Late Mississippian and earliest Pennsylvanian trilobite faunas of North America are dominated by thePaladinandKaskiaclades. Phylogenetic analysis of middle Carboniferous species of these clades demonstrates the close ancestral relationship between these groups. TheKaskiaclade consists of eight species:K. chesterensisWeller, 1936,K. osagensis(Cisne, 1967),K. longispina(Strong, 1872),K. wilsoni(Walter, 1924),K. genevievensis(Walter, 1924),K. rosei(Cisne, 1967),K. gersnain. sp., andK. rollinsin. sp.KaskiaWeller, 1936 ranges from late Osagean to middle Chesterian (early Visean-early Serpukhovian) and is restricted to cyclothemic shelf and nearshore deposits. Species ofKaskiaappear to have evolved in areas of shallow water and high environmental stress. ThePaladinclade consists of 12 species including previously named speciesP. morrowensis(Mather, 1915),P. girtyianusHahn and Hahn, 1970,P. rarusWhittington, 1954,P. helmsensisWhittington, 1954, andP. moorei(Branson, 1937). New species belonging to this clade arePaladin moorefieldensisn. sp.,P. pleisiomorphusn. sp.,P. imoensisn. sp.,P. mangerin. sp., andP. wapanukaensisn. sp. This group ranges from the early Chesterian to early Morrowan (late Viseanlate Bashkirian). Species ofPaladinappear to be confined to outer shelf shelf-edge and off-shelf facies where presumably deeper water environments existed. This is manifested in their paleogeographic distribution, which is paleoenvironmentally controlled.
Pennsylvanian sponges from the Graford Formation, Wise County, Texas
Authors: Rigby J. Keith , McKinzie Mark G. , Britt Brooks B.
Published: April 2008

A variety of Pennsylvanian sponges have been recovered from exposures along the shore of Lake Bridgeport and in nearby areas in Wise County, north-central Texas. Calcareous and hexactinellid sponges have locally weathered out of the Jasper Creek Shale (= upper Lake Bridgeport Shale) and the overlying Devil's Den Limestone of the Graford Formation, of Late Pennsylvanian Missourian age.

The Demospongea protomonaxonidsHeliospongia excavataKing, 1933, andCoelocladia spinosaGirty, 1908 are represented in the studied collections by several specimens, as is the new genus and speciesLuterospongia texana.Agelasid ceractinomorph demosponges are represented by the fissispongiidFissispongia jacksboroensisKing, 1938, the maeandrostiidMaeandrostia kansasensisGirty, 1908, and the girtycoeliid,Girtycoelia typicaKing, 1933. Sponges of the Class Hexactinellida and the amphidiscophorid Family Stiodermatidae are represented by an extensive suite of specimens of the new genus and speciesDermosphaeroidalis irregularis.Representatives of the hexactinellid reticulosid sponges include some unusually large specimens of the vase-shapedEndoplegma calathusFinks, 1960, of the Family Docodermatidae, and fragmental specimens of?Stereodictyum orthoplectumFinks, 1960, of the Family Stereodictyidae. One unclassified root tuft fragment is also described and illustrated.

Much of this diverse sponge fauna was endemic to the western embayment of Pangaea.
Lampropeltastes, a new name for the genus Lampropeltis Öpik, 1967 (Trilobita: Plethopeltidae) preoccupied by Lampropeltis Cope, 1860 (Serpentes: Colubridae)
Authors: Dengler Alyce A.
Published: April 2008

An australian paleontologist would not be expected to be familiar with the genera of recent snakes in the Western Hemisphere. Thus, when A. A. Öpik erected the genus Lampropeltis to receive certain Middle Cambrian trilobites from the Mindyallan of Queensland (Öpik 1967, p. 182), he was appropriately unaware that the name had already been coined for a genus of smooth-scaled colubrids, the kingsnakes (Cope, 1860; Blanchard, 1921).
A Total Quality Approach to Improved Driver Training
Authors: Nugent Troy , Bennett Joe
Published: April 2008

When your company's safe driving performance does not reflect the improvement expected from previous training investments, how do you turn it around? This question was posed to the top 100 managers of a global oilfield service company accompanied by a challenge to deliver recommendations for improved vehicle and driver safety performance. The company then leveraged an existing Total Quality Management (TQM) culture to formulate an improved approach to driver training. Content of the process will be presented and includes a review of the shifts in front line management and driver attitudes toward safe driving performance. Lessons learned from the design process will be shared, including integrating HSE into the business while using TQM methods.
Problems and Challenges for Implementation of Safety and HSE Management Rules in Aged Iranian Refineries and Petrochemical
Authors: Abdolhamidzadeh B. , Hashemi V. , Rashtchian D.
Published: April 2008

Nowadays "as everywhere in the world", so much attention is drawn to performing safety and HSE management rules in Iran. Considering the long life of oil and it's relevant industries in Iran (since 1908, first oil well in Middle East, Masjid Soleyman), many units with more than 50 years old are still in operation. This situation posed special problems in performing safety and HSE regulations that some of them are communal among these units. This paper reveals the result of industrial projects, collecting numerous technical checklists in such units and author's experiences in recent years in Iran, which is aimed to announce some of these major problems and also present solutions for them.
Reliability Parallels Between the U.S. Army and the Petroleum Industry
Authors: Stephenson Stan , Looper David
Published: April 2008

The reliability of products and processes helps minimize risk to people and the environment. There is a strong parallel between the U.S. Army's recent "ultra reliability" program and reliability requirements in the petroleum industry. This paper explains what the U.S. Army has recommended and how many of their recommendations are already being implemented in our industry. Some of the primary concepts in the U.S. Army's "ultra reliability" program indicate: Legacy systems are not adequate.High reliability is not obtained through reliability "predictions."Computer aided engineering (CAE) tools are the most important reliability tools.Perception that high reliability is "unaffordable" must be changed.Lower-level testing of critical subassemblies is essential.High reliability is the direct result of: –A strong engineering effort.–Smart testing.–Management focus.
Medical Emergency Response Management in a Third World Setting
Authors: Okorocha Uche
Published: April 2008

Medical Emergency Response is usually effective if standard guidelines and protocols are followed. However, in a third-world setting with numerous challenges, effective response to medical emergencies demands more than standard guidelines and protocols. This paper outlines the peculiar challenges for effective medical emergency response (MER) and the approach an oilfield service company has adopted in one less-developed setting, Nigeria, for MER planning and execution.

Through risk prevention and minimization strategies, our company has appreciably reduced the likelihood of medical emergencies. A dynamic and flexibly managed MER plan has proved to be effective in utilizing the best of what is available to achieve appropriate response to medical emergencies. The result has been a 6-year period of zero fatality and many successfully executed medical emergency responses and evacuations.
The Effect of Hypertension and Other Risk Factors to the Development of Sensorineural Hearing Loss to Workers Who are Exposed to Noise and Chemical Hazards in Oil Company A
Authors: Waskito Heru
Published: April 2008

Introduction

Health Law no 23 of 1992 states that health means physical, mental and social health that makes everyone able to live productively in terms of social and economical aspects. To be healthy is the right of every worker.

The effect of noise and chemical hazards to the development of hearing loss are well known, but the effect of chronic hypertension to the development of sensorineural hearing loss has not been adequately studied.

General objectives: Study the relationship between hypertension history and development of sensorineural hearing loss.

Special objectives: –Identify proportional distribution of sensorineural hearing loss and hypertension among the workers who are exposed to noise and chemical hazards in Company A. Identify the effect of hypertension and other risk factors to the development of sensorineural hearing loss.

Research location: Oil Company A in East Kalimantan, Indonesia.

Research subject: Workers exposed to noise and chemical hazards.

Method

Case Control Study on independent variables of Hypertension History and other independent variables, such as body mass index, smoking habit, and total blood cholesterol content in the blood. The study data is secondary data which is environmental measurement data and dosimetry of noise and chemical hazards, and annual medical checkup data. Hearing loss is based on 2003 annual medical check up data and based on the retrospective history on the hypertension and other risk factors history.

Results

The result of noise dosimetry measurement is 87.12 dBA (150.98%) on average which is TWA 12 hours. The environmental measurement and BTX dosimetry data is still below threshold limit of ACGIH 2005. Sensorineural hearing loss was found on 30 subjects (18.8%) from 160 research subjects. Based on multivariate analysis, the sensorineural hearing loss has been affected by hypertension, length of service > 20 years, smoking habit, total cholesterol content in blood > 200 mg %.

Conclusion

Sensorineural hearing loss was found on 30 subjects (18.8%), hearing loss with hypertension on 10 subjects (33.33%). Hypertension affects is linked with development of sensorineural hearing loss.

Other risk factors affecting development of hearing loss are length of service > 20 years, smoking habit, total cholesterol content in blood > 200 mg %.
Coral Transplantation, an Innovative Measure in the Frame of Environmental Impact Mitigation
Authors: Hirst Robert , Sutton Catherine , Chaîneau Claude-Henri
Published: April 2008

The paper commences by describing Yemen LNG's approach to the control of impacts on marine biodiversity, which mirrors its general 3-tier approach to managing social and environmental impacts. The paper recognises that some minor physical damages to corals may occur during the construction of a new LNG terminal in a sensitive coastal environment, in which detailed surveys have found the coral and fish populations to be particularly sensitive and diverse. The paper then discusses a unique and innovative approach which Yemen LNG has adopted to mitigate impacts to corals. Yemen LNG is working with internationally recognised coral transplantation experts to transplant sensitive corals away from the areas of construction activities, to new areas nearby, to promote new populations and new growth on natural substrata. The scale of this exercise is larger than has ever been attempted and the corals which have been transplanted represent particularly sensitive and diverse species. The largest coral transplanted so far has been recorded at 4000kg, believed to be the largest coral ever transplanted successfully. It is believed that this is the largest and most successful exercise in coral transplantation ever attempted by an energy company. The paper describes the positive results from this innovative transplantation project in which transplanted coral colonies of differing sensitive genus are regularly monitored and found to be healthy and repopulating on natural substrate. The paper also records the positive effect on fish populations whereby demersal species are seen to relocate to the new coral areas thus creating new and sustainable biomass. The conclusion is reached that coral transplantation, on a larger scale than has ever before been attempted, can be a successful mitigation measure when dealing with potential construction impacts. This offers a positive way forward when constructing installations in sensitive coastal marine environments.
Enhancing Environmental Performance through Common Process-From 20 EMS's to One
Authors: Taylor Erica , Burry Cheryl G.
Published: April 2008

BP Group requires all major operating sites to be verified to the ISO14001 international standard. In 2001 BP Exploration and Production North Sea operations had 20 sites with individual Environmental Management Systems (EMSs) certified by different verifiers with different approaches. There was little consistency or knowledge sharing. Following a series of reorganisations and rationalisation, by 2003 there were seven verified EMSs across the UK, Norway and Netherlands. Restructuring of assets rendered this arrangement unsustainable therefore in 2005 the project to consolidate the assets’ EMSs began in earnest.

The BP organisation philosophy is for the business to utilise common processes. This project evaluated the EMS structures within the UK, Norway and Netherlands with the objective to identify and implement the most effective way to deliver consistency and further continuous environmental improvement.

The project followed a BP internal project process, engaged key individuals, including Norway and the Netherlands and sought input from BP Group, regulators and other operators.

The decision was taken to move to country specific EMSs as this was the simplest option to implement and maintain, given language, legislation and contractor capability. The implementation began on completion of a management of change exercise.

At this point the major focus of the project was to transform the existing EMSs operating in the UK into one and find a suitable verifier: The requirement was that they should have existing organisational capability for the range and location of BP UK assets with personnel qualified for both onshore and offshore activities and be experienced in using a risk based approach. Several companies tendered and following evaluation a verifier was selected for their alternative approach.

At the same time work was ongoing to simplify and rationalise the EMS documentation and improve its accessibility, resulting in a high level framework with limited site specific requirements.

Following a period of intensive internal and external auditing the UK North Sea EMS was certified to ISO14001 in November 2006.
Driving Monitors—The Ultimate Behavior Based Safety Tool?
Authors: O'Connell Sean
Published: April 2008

Driving and motor vehicle safety has proven to be a consistent area of importance for all companies in the Exploration and Production (E&P) industry, particularly because it is often an unsupervised task and drivers are left to their own devices. In an effort to reduce driving incidents, driving monitors have been used by several companies to monitor driver behavior and performance. They have proven so successful in reducing the number of undesirable driving behaviors and vehicular incidents that the International Association for Oil and Gas Producers (OGP) has recommended their use as a ‘best practice’ for achieving safer driving behavior in the workplace.

A large number of companies have started introducing Behavior Based Safety (BBS) programs into their workplaces in an effort to identify ‘at risk’ behaviors through ‘observations’ and to intervene before an incident occurs. What is not widely recognized is that driving monitors operate with a similar intent, but have the capability to provide immediate information regarding specified key behaviors at all times while driving, rather than ‘one-off’ brief observations provided for in a BBS program. This paper will review a driving monitor case study to describe how significant individual and site level behavioral changes have occurred and been sustained after driving monitors are installed and managed correctly.

This paper will compare the operating model for driving monitors to contemporary BBS observation models. The similarities and differences in application of both systems will be identified to determine respective strengths and weaknesses. Lessons learned from the implementation of a driving monitor program will also be discussed as a possible model for the successful integration of driving monitors into a BBS program in an organization.

Driving monitors and BBS programs have both proven to be very effective systems for achieving rapid behavioral change in our most challenging operating environments. This paper will highlight the significant lessons to be learned from the application of driving monitors and propose methods for how they can be used as another form of observation data in a wider BBS program. The linking of driving monitor data into an organizational BBS program can readily complement the program and assist in achieving a new level of true behavior based safety in the industry's most dangerous activity - driving.
Engineered Wetland Design for On-Site Bioremediation of Petroleum Hydrocarbon-Contaminated Groundwater and Wastewater
Authors: Wallace Scott , Davis Brian
Published: April 2008

Engineered wetlands are an emerging technology for the on-site bioremediation of petroleum hydrocarbon-contaminated water. The engineering optimization of natural treatment processes shows that engineered wetlands are a viable alternative to mechanical remediation systems.

An engineered wetland incorporates a horizontal subsurface flow gravel bed reactor, lined with an impermeable liner and equipped with a forced bed aeration system to enhance oxygen delivery. Design parameters include biodegradation rate coefficients for petroleum hydrocarbons such as benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylenes (BTEX), flowrate, hydraulic residence time, and influent and required effluent concentrations.

Three field-scale applications of this technology in North America are presented. The first application is at a pipeline terminal with contact wastewater containing BTEX and ammonia. A horizontal subsurface flow engineered wetland with forced bed aeration and a design flowrate of 1.5 m3/d treats BTEX and ammonia to non-detect concentrations at 40% and 80% of the gravel bed length, respectively. The second application is at a former refinery where a cascade aerator and surface flow wetland (for iron removal) and horizontal subsurface flow engineered wetland with forced bed aeration was constructed in 2003 to treat 6,000 m3/d of BTEX-contaminated extracted groundwater. This system reduces benzene concentrations from 300 μg/L (influent) to <10 μg/L (effluent), and is incorporated into a Robert Trent Jones-designed golf course. The third application is at a former refinery where high ferrous iron concentrations (40 mg/L) favor an alternative design. This system, currently under construction, will treat 1,060 m3/d of iron and BTEX-contaminated extracted groundwater using a cascade aerator, sedimentation pond, surface flow wetlands, and vertical flow limestone drains. Engineered wetlands are achieving performance goals in field-scale applications, and are a robust and sustainable alternative to mechanical remediation systems.
Developing Rigorous GHG Forecasts for E&P Operations: GHG Forecast Tool
Authors: Edwards John , Watson Andrew , Guinee Mike
Published: April 2008

The paper describes the development and application of an innovative tool to produce accurate GHG forecasts in E&P operations.

BP has made a number of long term external commitments on climate change and GHG reduction. However monitoring progress towards meeting these commitments, and judging what interventions are necessary, relies on being able to produce accurate forecasts of future GHG emissions from both existing operations and new projects in development.

To support facilities make accurate annual forecasts in a consistent manner, BP worked with consultant partners to jointly develop a tool to provide these forecasts.

The tool can also be used to model and aggregate different operational scenarios e.g. varying flow profiles within a year, ambient temperature variation, part operation on diesel as well as fuel gas, use of spinning reserve generation etc.

The tool combines generic and equipment specific modules to produce a model of the facility. By entering the flow profiles of the major fluids handled by the facility, e.g. gas exported, it is possible to proceed from flowrates to equipment loading, efficiency and power requirement from a motor or turbine and then on to fuel gas requirement and GHG emissions, all quickly and effectively at the click of a button.

This paper discusses the initial development and validation of the tool's ability to provide accurate GHG forecasts to the realisation that it could be developed to provide many other benefits. Examples of its use are for optimising new facility design, and evaluating the financial implications of different operating scenarios such as changing gas turbine model or the number of compression trains. Results indicate that substantial savings in GHG emissions can be realised in a manner not available previously with such ease.

All of these sensitivities for existing operations and new developments shall be examined in its deployment across BP's E&P operations to provide accurate 5 year GHG forecasts and so provide sustainable excellence.
The Provision and Use of Flame Retardent Clothing During Ancillary Tasks Such as Asbestos Removal Operations on Offshore Oil and Gas Installations
Authors: Stear D. , Smallman H. , Vaughan N. , Mogridge R.
Published: April 2008

In the offshore oil and gas industry, the processing of hydrocarbons presents an increased risk of fire during normal operations, consequently flame retardant (FR) clothing is worn during normal operations. During the inspection of an asbestos removal operation on a production platform it was noted that disposable non-FR coveralls were being worn whilst working in a hazardous area. There is a risk that trades such as asbestos removal and others wearing this type of coverall would not be protected in the event of an incident. The need for coveralls with FR properties did not appear to have been addressed. A project was initiated with the Health and Safety Laboratory to assess the effect of adding a disposable coverall over the top of a FR coverall with respect to flame spread. The reports main findings were: Disposable FR coveralls do not appear to adversely affect the protection offered by a non-disposable FR coverall when worn over the top.Any other combination of FR and non-FR coveralls does not appear to offer adequate protection, whether disposable or not.A disposable FR coverall on its own does not continue to burn, but it also does not offer any protection to the user. Use in this way would also contravene the manufacturer's instructions.

The study concluded that dual layers of coveralls (disposable worn over non-disposable) should not be worn in areas where flame retardant clothing is required unless BOTH coveralls are flame retardant; disposable FR coveralls should not be worn as the only means of protection and the manufacturer's instructions on how coveralls should be deployed should be followed at all times. Additionally, consideration needs to be given to decontamination/disposal of the FR coveralls in asbestos abatement situations.
Microhabitat Protection during Geophysical Exploration in High Diversity Tropical Rainforest
Authors: Thurber Mark William , Valdivieso Sebastian , Noboa Gabriel , Silva Francisco
Published: April 2008

Areas of petroleum exploration in the upper Amazon basin of Ecuador have a high diversity of fauna, which is attracted to and depends on dispersed microhabitats such as clay licks (geophagy), nesting areas, animal dens, watering and bathing holes, fruiting trees and leave-cutter ant and termite nests for feeding, watering, and reproduction. Environmental control of geophysical acquisition activities in and near these sensitive microhabitats historically has not been effective. Seismic lines, heliports, camps and DZs have been inadvertently constructed within or near these microhabitats by survey and cutting crews resulting in partial destruction of the habitat, disturbance and consequent flight of fauna, and post-project hunting by locals. Andes Petroleum Ecuador Ltd., Walsh and biologists from Ecuadorian universities developed and executed a plan for offsets to protect these biologically sensitive areas (BSAs) in Yasuni National Park before and during the execution of a seismic campaign. Criteria was developed by biologists to define these BSAs in the field based on size of BSA, number and abundance of fauna species using the BSA, and functional importance to each species. No human entry buffers were established for each BSA. Procedures were established for early identification of BSAs so that biologists working with the survey crews could direct line cutting and other clearing activities outside the buffer areas prior to intervention. Ecuador biologists were effectively incorporated into decision-making process in the field. The seismic biological team identified and protected 49 BSAs (primarily clay licks and bathing areas) during a seismic campaign in 165 km2 of mature rainforest in 2006. The baseline information on location and characteristics of BSAs is providing an important resource for university research. Technical staff and contractors from the petroleum company along with biologists from universities and foundations were brought together in making important real time design decisionsin the field. This participatory biodiversity management system is a model for protection of BSAs in other high sensitivity rainforest.
Implementing Tuberculosis Screening Programs in Difficult to Access Worker Populations
Authors: Lawhorn E. G. , Dockins R. O.
Published: April 2008

For more than 90 years the best test available to identify people with TB infections has been the tuberculin skin test (TST). This test requires intra-dermal injection of purified protein derivative (PPD) derived from the TB bacteria followed by observation of the injection site by a trained skin test reader between 48 and 72 hours after injection. Two clinical visits are required in a 72 hour period and for many petroleum workers in remote locations (precisely those areas where TB prevalence is highest) this is impractical. As a result, many workers who have skin tests are advised on how to "self-read" the results – a practice without any proven reliability or validity. Self-assessments of tuberculin test results, if accurate, could enhance tuberculosis screening efforts by reducing the need for follow-up visits for skin test reading (1). The TST also has other limitations, including false positive test results in individuals who were vaccinated with BCG and in individuals who have infections not related to Mycobacterium tuberculosis (2), digit preference by TST readers, and false negative results in people with immune systems disorders like HIV, diabetes, and those on treatment with systemic steroid medications.

In 2001 the QuantiFERON – GOLD test (QFT-G) [manufactured by Cellestis Limited, Carnegie, Victoria, Australia] was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as an aid in detecting latent Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection (3) and the current QFT-G test (using ESAT-6 and CFP-10) was approved in May 2005. In addition, the U.S. Centers for Disease control recommended the QFT-G be used in all circumstances where the TST is currently used (4). This test uses two specific highly antigenic proteins derived from the TB bacteria (as opposed to the hundreds of antigens in PPD preparations) to stimulate white cells in people infected with TB to produce interferon gamma (IFN-γ). This test requires only a single clinic visit, does not have the same problems with false positive and negative tests and can much more easily be implemented as a TB screening test in worker populations for which limited clinical access is possible.

This paper reports on the experience with TB screening in a population of business travelers, offshore workers and workers in remote locations and compares the validity of results between the workers screened using TST and the QFT-G test.
Making HSE Management Systems Real
Authors: Hinton J. Jack
Published: April 2008

Having an HSE Management System is a globally accepted requirement. Unfortunately many exist in paper or electronic form only. Some are used only as marketing or promotional tools, with little real use in the workplace. Thus, the real power of an HSE Management system is rarely realized. Internal HSE Audits, the expectation of customers, clients and regulatory authorities anticipate the Management System to be real and active. The INTEQ Division of Baker Hughes used a creative approach to turn the ideals and expectations of the enterprise's HSE Management System into simple workable applications that effectively identify and have produced top performance in standard HSE Performance Metrics. Where the application has been applied, operations undergoing HSE Audits have met all corporate HSE management and application expectations and received the highest ranking in audit results. The application tools are described which turn the expectations of the HSE Management System into practical, value-added activities.
EPRA—A Tool for Integrated HSE/ISR Risk Management in Early Project Phases
Authors: Kinn Sigurd Juel , Thomassen Odd , Kinsella Kevin , Roberts Gareth
Published: April 2008

This paper describes a method and tool, EPRA (Early Phase Risk Assessment) developed by StatoilHydro, to identify and evaluate key Health, Safety, Security, Environmental (HSE) Risks, together with Business Integrity and Social Responsibility (ISR) Risks relevant to prospective Business Opportunities. The main objective is to identify the major risks, understand these and control them through Management involvement. The tool enables risks to be assessed by a multi-disciplinary team in a consistent and auditable way and the results communicated in a clear and consistent format to Management as part of the normal business decision making process.

The development of EPRA involved a multidisciplinary team from StatoilHydro together with international consultants, ERM. Through several workshops, a common terminology and methodology for risk assessment was agreed across the disciplines. Based on these specifications, a prototype tool was developed and successfully tested on a series of fictitious and real project opportunities. As the tool has been developed with extensive involvement of all disciplines within the company, the organization is taking ownership to the tool and the process has thus strengthend the relations between the disciplines.

Following the initial testing the prototype tool was modified and is now being rolled out for use within StatoilHydro. It has been implemented as a web based solution, but with a portable version of the tool provided for use in locations where internet access may not be available.

Besides the multi-disciplinary approach, some of the main features of EPRA are that: both risks and opportunities are included;it can be used to address both planned and accidental events;it is very flexible and can be tailormade to support a variety of decisions; andit is developed as a communicative tool to inform management.

The EPRA methodology constitutes a multidisciplinary working process supported by a tool and includes a ‘light’ version for rapid screening of risks and opportunities. A specialized module for ‘brownfield’ assessments (for existing facilities) is currently being developed.

This paper describes the main steps in the EPRA methodology and the process followed in performing an assessment using EPRA in a workshop environment. It is the authors’ understanding that tools which consider such a broad range of project risks, are at an early stage of development and few have been presented in public before. A key benefit of the EPRA tool is that it ‘integrates’ a wide range of disciplines (HSE and ISR) into a holistic risk assessment process and ensures that technical risk information is communicated as soon as possible in a clear, efficient and consistent way.
Technology and Innovations Contribute to Safety and Efficiency in Storm Disaster Recovery
Authors: Mailey J. F.
Published: April 2008

Chevron's Gulf of Mexico Business Unit faced unprecedented challenges following Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Storm surge and high winds toppled 13 platforms and 11 caissons as well as damaging six other platforms to the point of condemnation. Associated pipelines totaling 73 miles were also impacted. In addition, 132 active and inactive wells associated with the toppled platforms and caissons needed to be plugged and abandoned. None of the wells were in their customary upright condition. Traditional abandonment practices in such a situation would be extremely diver intensive and extremely hazardous.

Safety and completing the work incident free was a priority. Extensive planning efforts were undertaken to minimize diver exposure. Unique challenges were posed by the toppled structures, and their associated debris fields, as the mechanical configuration of the structure, as well as the nature and extent of the debris field, was needed to develop an effective removal plan. Another problem was potential energy stored in bent or deformed structural members and pipes.

Therefore, innovative approaches were developed and new technology applied to reduce the safety exposure and improve efficiency in removing toppled structures and debris. 3-D modeling technology was used to aid in site assessment and work planning, new hydraulic shear technology was developed for cutting structural members and conductors, high pressure abrasive cutting technology was adapted from the North Sea, and a pipeline "strong back" was developed to control stored energy in pipelines. The tools were designed to be placed in position by a diver but operated from the surface, keeping the diver "out of the line of fire."

The tools and practices developed contributed to a relatively low on the job injury rate. An additional benefit was that many of the tools and practices can be used in routine abandonment operations to reduce diver exposure and improve efficiency.
The Integration of High Performance Work Systems and Workplace Safety in the Oil and Gas Industry
Authors: Barling J. , Dupré K. E. , Kavanagh J. M. , Kenny S. , Khan F. , Veitch B.
Published: April 2008

The oil and gas industry is a high risk environment. Despite advancements in technology and safety management practices, major disasters do occur and relatively minor safety related incidents occur fairly frequently. When managing safety, placing an emphasis on engineering technologies, the most proximal factor in the chain of events, or safety management practices themselves, in isolation from the complex interaction between technology, human factors and organizational structures, is insufficient and can be misleading. This paper addresses the development and integration of a high performance work systems (HPWS) approach with conventional engineering and management practices to improve safety in the offshore oil and gas industry. A safety-related HPWS approach emphasizes the role of integrating practical related engineering management and human resource management practices to produce positive outcomes and to promote a safe working environment. The integration of technical engineering practice with management systems will promote the development of an effective framework to improve workplace safety in the offshore oil and gas industry. Towards this, authors are developing an integrated approach of workplace safety management by linking predtive accident models with HPWS. This has the potential to reduce risk, enhance safety and provide a greater return on investment for this industry.