bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
“Cerebellar cognitive affective syndrome CCAS – a case report”
Authors: Starowicz-Filip Anna , Milczarek Olga , Kwiatkowski Stanisław , Bętkowska-Korpała Barbara , Prochwicz Katarzyna
Published: September 2013

Aim:The aim of the study was to describe a case of the patient with cerebellar cognitive affective syndrome CCAS,characterize the role of cerebellum in the regulation of cognitive functions and present the procedure of neuropsychological diagnosis useful in indicating the specific cognitive and emotional problems in patients with cerebellar damage.
Case report:A 41- year old man with an ischemic cerebellar stroke of its right hemisphere manifested the neuropsychological symptoms typical for the frontal damage: euphoric mood, disorganized behavior, lack of criticism and mental plasticity, tendency to shorten the personal distance, problems with mistake correction. In neuropsychological diagnosis we used following methods: Raven Progressive Matrices Test, Mini Mental Stage Examination (MMSE), Trail Making Test, Wisconsin Card Sorting Test, Stroop Interference Test, Word Fluency Test, Auditory Verbal Learning Test by Łuria, Benton Visual Retention Test, Digit Span.
Results:Analyzing the obtained results we observed the significant decrease of all executive functions: planning, abstract thinking, cognitive flexibility, adaptation to new situations as well as memory impairments and changes in emotional and behavioral state similar to frontal syndrome.The whole of impairments including the typical cerebellar symptoms (ataxia, dysarthria, dysmetria,hypotonia) create the cerebellar cognitive affective syndrome CCAS with leading role of dysexecutive syndrome.
Conclusions:The cerebellum takes part in the regulation of cognitive functions. The cerebellar damages can imitate the emotional- cognitive problems of patients after frontal damages what additionally stress the functional link between these two brain structures.
Patient’s with cerebellar damages should have neuropsychological and neuropsychiatric diagnosis and care.
PSYCHODYNAMIC GROUPS AS USED TO WORK THROUGH COLLECTIVE TRAUMA MEMORY
Authors: Bomba Jacek
Published: September 2013

Abstract

The Israeli-Polish Mental Health Association is a bi-national society of mental health professionals. Presentation of its twelve years experience in working through memories of traumatic past was rationale of the text. The traumatic past had been extermination of Jews, by Germans on Polish territory with witnessing Poles. Dynamic group technique had been employed in debate stimulated by theoretical lectures and research results presentations concerning background of anti-Semitism, hatred, Shoah, collective trauma consequences and intergenerational transmission of trauma. Obstacles in the process and suggested measures aiming to overcome these difficulties as described by participants were discussed. Author’s assessment of results of using therapeutic methods to solve mass trauma consequences in next generation of victims and witnesses conclude the essay.
Relationship between cerebellar impairments and lexicon retrieval in schizophrenia - preliminary study
Authors: Chrobak Adrian , Biela Michał , Siuda Katarzyna , Siwek Marcin , Dudek Dominika , Pilecki Maciej
Published: September 2013

Aim of the study

Investigation of relationship between cerebellar motor dysfunctions and language impairments connected with cerebellum during phonological and semantic fluency tasks and verb generation task in schizophrenic patients and healthy control group.

Subject or material and methods

14 schizophrenic patients on olanzapine, clozapine or quetiapine treatment and 13 healthy volunteers were examined. Motor signs were assessed by using the
International Co-operative Ataxia Rating Scale (ICARS). Phonological and semantic fluency tasks were performed. All of the words were recorded and counted.

Results

Patients with schizophrenia revealed significantly higher ICARS mean score (12.21) than control group (3.92), and lower number of proper generated words in semantic fluency and verb generation tasks. Strong negative correlation (rs(13) = -0.71, p<0.01) was found between ICARS total score and number of proper answers in verb generation task.

Discussion

Higher number of total ICARS score in schizophrenia patients in comparison to control group may suggest cerebellar impairments. There is disproportion between semantic and phonological fluency. Significant correlation between verb generation and cerebellar signs supports a hypothesis of cerebellum dysfunction during this task in schizophrenia patients.

Conclusions

Schizophrenic patients reveal impairments which may be connected with the cerebellum.
Neuromuscular electrostimulation via the common peroneal nerve promotes lower limb blood flow in a below-knee cast
Authors: Warwick D. J. , Shaikh A. , Gadola S. , Stokes M. , Worsley P. , Bain D. , Tucker A. T. , Gadola S. D.
Published: September 2013

Objectives

We aimed to examine the characteristics of deep venous flow in the leg in a cast and the effects of a wearable neuromuscular stimulator (geko; FirstKind Ltd) and also to explore the participants’ tolerance of the stimulator.

Methods

This is an open-label physiological study on ten healthy volunteers. Duplex ultrasonography of the superficial femoral vein measured normal flow and cross-sectional area in the standing and supine positions (with the lower limb initially horizontal and then elevated). Flow measurements were repeated during activation of the geko stimulator placed over the peroneal nerve. The process was repeated after the application of a below-knee cast. Participants evaluated discomfort using a questionnaire (verbal rating score) and a scoring index (visual analogue scale).

Results

The geko device was effective in significantly increasing venous blood flow in the lower limb both with a plaster cast (mean difference 11.5 cm/sec-1; p = 0.001 to 0.13) and without a plaster cast (mean difference 7.7 cm/sec-1; p = 0.001 to 0.75). Posture also had a significant effect on peak venous blood flow when the cast was on and the geko inactive (p = 0.003 to 0.69), although these differences were less pronounced than the effect of the geko (mean difference 3.1 cm/sec-1 (-6.5 to 10)). The geko device was well tolerated, with participants generally reporting only mild discomfort using the device.

Conclusion

The geko device increases venous blood flow in the lower limb, offering a potential mechanical thromboprolylaxis for patients in a cast. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2013;2:179–85.
Demon media: Horrific representations of the transformative global image
Authors: Cooper L. Andrew
Published: September 2013

Demons ([1985] 2007) and Demons 2 ([1987] 2007) offer self-referential commentaries on the power of media to shape audiences: demons literally step off the screens of the cinema (part one) and television (part two), turning everyone they bite or scratch into one of their exponentially growing number. The demonic contagion spreads through two vectors, first, violent media and then the violence those media engender, and the result is gruesome death, gruesome transformation, or both. These vectors transgress the boundaries of media, representation, nation, and ethnicity, and in doing so they erase them, creating a homogenous, murderous mass. The threat of lethal homogeneity the demons carry becomes a metaphor for the potential of converging global media to redesign their consumers into a mass of identical beings defined not by history or culture but solely by consumption. Since both media technologies and bodily contagion are the demons’ means of reproducing, the demons both use media and are media, and they are determined to spread until the world is pure media with nothing to mediate. The films’ portrayals of media are not entirely pessimistic, however: as demon media transform old ways of being, they open new possibilities.
Book Reviews
Authors: Young Anne , Dorman Andrew , McWilliam David
Published: September 2013

Portraiture and British Gothic Fiction: The Rise of Picture Identification, 1764–1835, Kamilla Elliott (2012) Baltimore: The Johns Hopkins University Press, 336 pp., ISBN: 1421407175, h/bk, $59.82

European Nightmares: Horror Cinema in Europe since 1945, Patricia Allmer, David Huxley and Emily Brick (eds) (2012) New York: Columbia University Press, 288 pp., ISBN: 978 0 231 162206 7, c/bk, £55.00, ISBN: 978 0 231 16209 8, p/bk, £18.00

TV Horror: Investigating the Dark Side of the Small Screen, Lorna Jowett and Stacey Abbott (2013) London and New York: I.B. Tauris, 270 pp., ISBN: 978-1-84885-617-2, h/bk, £59.50, ISBN: 978-1-84885-618-9, p/bk, £14.99
The effect of distance learning on acquisition of piano sight-reading skills
Authors: Pike Pamela D. , Shoemaker Kristin
Published: September 2013

The purpose of this research was to compare the acquisition of sight-reading skills between two groups of beginning piano students: the control group: students studying sight-reading through traditional face-to-face instruction (n=9); and, the experimental group: students studying sight-reading through live online video instruction (n=10). Online sessions employed digital pianos, Internet MIDI software, acoustic pianos and Skype video-conferencing technology. Analysis of the data revealed significant improvement in sight-reading scores as a result of the treatment, with no significant difference between the groups (t=1.17, df 10=1.81, p=0.05). The gain scores for the online group revealed less standard deviation and a higher mean increase (55.4 per cent) than the face-to-face group (33.7 per cent). Both groups benefited from improved rhythmic security and reported an increase in persistence, enthusiasm, motivation and confidence following treatments. Additional benefits of online delivery were identified suggesting that online sight-reading instruction may be a viable substitute for face-to-face sight-reading training or as a supplement to regular lessons.
Issues in instrumental design: The ontological problem (opportunity?) of ‘liveness’ for a laptop ensemble
Authors: Blain Martin
Published: September 2013

Through the recent work of Manchester Metropolitan University laptop ensemble (MMUle),1 this article will explore issues in new instrumental design for ‘live’ performance. For MMUle, the intimacy of the interaction between human and machine is exposed through ‘live’ performance and this has resulted in the relationship between musician and machine being in a process of constant negotiation. Subsequently, this article will consider some of the technical approaches and performance strategies MMUle has developed in an attempt to better interact with technology through the design of new instruments for musical performance. It will consider the relationship between the musician and the computer as musical instrument; it will consider the causal relationship between performative action and resulting sound, which has remained an issue for some spectators of music laptop performances and will explore this in light of MMUle’s approach to expand the affordance of the laptop computer in relation to its musical and performative potential; and some consideration will be given to the use of interface devices such as the computer program MaxMSP, the games controllers X-box and Wii, and the human body as MMUle attempt to interact with machines. The article will discuss some of the implications and applications of developing new software instruments for performance and this will be explored through two pathways to ‘liveness’: performance as a constructed ‘live’ event and ‘liveness’ considered as part of a creative strategy.
Teaching creative music technology in higher education: A phenomenological approach
Authors: Macedo Frederico
Published: September 2013

In this article I discuss how phenomenology can offer the philosophical foundation and practical insights for teaching creative music technology in higher education.

I start discussing some of the challenges faced by lecturers and course designers working with music technology. Then, I summarize a few contributions of phenomenology for education, music studies and music education, followed by a short discussion about the relationship between music and technology in electroacoustic music and music production. To conclude, I discuss how this reflection can offer useful insights and suggestions to lecturers and courses designers working in the field at colleges and universities.
Height of exceptional collections and Hochschild cohomology of quasiphantom categories
Authors: Kuznetsov Alexander
Published: September 2013

We define the normal Hochschild cohomology of an admissible subcategory of the derived category
of coherent sheaves on a smooth projective variety X, a graded vector space
which controls the restriction morphism from the Hochschild cohomology of X
to the Hochschild cohomology of the orthogonal complement of this admissible subcategory.
When the subcategory is generated by an exceptional collection, we define a new invariant (the height)
and show that the orthogonal to an exceptional collection of height h in the derived category of a smooth
projective variety X has the same Hochschild cohomology as X in degrees up to h - 2.
We use this to describe the second Hochschild cohomology of quasiphantom categories
in the derived categories of some surfaces of general type. We also give necessary
and sufficient conditions for the fullness of an exceptional collection in terms of its
height and of its normal Hochschild cohomology.
Human carbonic anhydrase VII protects cells from oxidative damage
Authors: Del Giudice Rita , Monti Daria M. , Truppo Emanuela , Arciello Angela , Supuran Claudiu T. , De Simone Giuseppina , Monti Simona M.
Published: September 2013

Human carbonic anhydrase (hCA) VII is a cytosolic enzyme with high carbon dioxide hydration activity. Recently, S-glutathionylation of two cysteine residues from the enzyme was revealed, suggesting a new role as oxygen radical scavenger. We analyzed the effect of native and tetramutated hCA VII (all cysteines mutated into serines) in a eukaryotic system by stressing cells with an oxidant agent. Results clearly show that native hCA VII can protect cells from oxidative damage by preventing the apoptosis cascade and that cysteines play a leading role in this process. Our findings definitively confirm hCA VII protective role toward oxidative insult.
Are all granzymes cytotoxicin vivo?
Authors: Joeckel Lars T. , Bird Phillip I.
Published: September 2013

Granzymes are serine proteases mainly found in cytotoxic lymphocytes. The most-studied member of this group is granzyme B, which is a potent cytotoxin that has set the paradigm that all granzymes are cyototoxic. In the last 5 years, this paradigm has become controversial. On one hand, there is a plethora of sometimes contradictory publications showing mainly caspase-independent cytotoxic effects of granzyme A and the so-called orphan granzymesin vitro. On the other hand, there are increasing numbers of reports of granzymes failing to induce cell deathin vitrounless very high (potentially supra-physiological) concentrations are used. Furthermore, experiments with granzyme A or granzyme M knock-out mice reveal little or no deficit in their cytotoxic lymphocytes’ killing abilityex vivo, but indicate impairment in the inflammatory response. These findings of non-cytotoxic effects of granzymes challenge dogma, and thus require alternative or additional explanations to be developed of the role of granzymes in defeating pathogens. Here we review evidence for granzyme cytotoxicity, give an overview of their non-cytotoxic functions, and suggest technical improvements for future investigations.
PSS with SVC Damping Controllers Coordinated Design and Real-Time Implementation in Multi-Machine Power System Using Advanced Adaptive PSO
Authors: Narne Rajendraprasad , Panda P.C.
Published: September 2013

This article proposed coordinated tuning and real-time implementation of power system stabilizer (PSS) with static var compensator (SVC) in multi-machine power system. The design of proposed coordinated damping controller is formulated as an optimization problem, and the controller gains are optimized instantaneously using advanced adaptive particle swarm optimization. Here, PSS with SVC installed in multi-machine system is examined. The coordinated tuning among the damping controllers is performed on the non-linear power system dynamic model. Finally, the proposed coordinated controller performance is discussed with time-domain simulations. Different loading conditions are employed on the test system to test the robustness of proposed coordinate controller, and the simulation results are compared with four different control schemes. To validate the proposed controller, the test power system is also implemented on real-time (OPAL-RT) simulator, and acceptable results are reported for its verifications.
Increased FGF21 plasma levels in humans with sepsis and SIRS
Authors: Gariani Karim , Drifte Geneviève , Dunn-Siegrist Irène , Pugin Jérôme , Jornayvaz François R
Published: September 2013

Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) is a key regulator in glucose and lipid metabolism and its plasma levels have been shown to be increased not only in humans in different situations such as type 2 diabetes, obesity, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease but also in animal models of sepsis and pancreatitis. FGF21 is considered as a pharmacological candidate in conditions associated with insulin resistance. The aim of this study was to compare FGF21 plasma levels in patients with sepsis, in patients with systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS), and in healthy controls. We measured FGF21 plasma concentrations in 22 patients with established sepsis, in 11 with SIRS, and in 12 healthy volunteers. Here, we show that FGF21 levels were significantly higher in plasma obtained from patients with sepsis and SIRS in comparison with healthy controls. Also, FGF21 levels were significantly higher in patients with sepsis than in those with noninfectious SIRS. FGF21 plasma levels measured at study entry correlated positively with the APACHE II score, but not with procalcitonin levels, nor with C-reactive protein, classical markers of sepsis. Plasma concentrations of FGF21 peaked near the onset of shock and rapidly decreased with clinical improvement. Taken together, these results indicate that circulating levels of FGF21 are increased in patients presenting with sepsis and SIRS, and suggest a role for FGF21 in inflammation. Further studies are needed to explore the potential role of FGF21 in sepsis as a potential therapeutic target.
An acetylation rheostat for the control of muscle energy homeostasis
Authors: Menzies Keir , Auwerx Johan
Published: September 2013

In recent years, the role of acetylation has gained ground as an essential modulator of intermediary metabolism in skeletal muscle. Imbalance in energy homeostasis or chronic cellular stress, due to diet, aging, or disease, translate into alterations in the acetylation levels of key proteins which govern bioenergetics, cellular substrate use, and/or changes in mitochondrial content and function. For example, cellular stress induced by exercise or caloric restriction can alter the coordinated activity of acetyltransferases and deacetylases to increase mitochondrial biogenesis and function in order to adapt to low energetic levels. The natural duality of these enzymes, as metabolic sensors and effector proteins, has helped biologists to understand how the body can integrate seemingly distinct signaling pathways to control mitochondrial biogenesis, insulin sensitivity, glucose transport, reactive oxygen species handling, angiogenesis, and muscle satellite cell proliferation/differentiation. Our review will summarize the recent developments related to acetylation-dependent responses following metabolic stress in skeletal muscle.
Hydroxyurea Is Associated With Lower Costs of Care of Young Children With Sickle Cell Anemia
Authors: Wang Winfred C. , Oyeku Suzette O. , Luo Zhaoyu , Boulet Sheree L. , Miller Scott T. , Casella James F. , Fish Billie , Thompson Bruce W. , Grosse Scott D.
Published: September 2013

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:

In the BABY HUG trial, young children with sickle cell anemia randomized to receive hydroxyurea had fewer episodes of pain, hospitalization, and transfusions. With anticipated broader use of hydroxyurea in this population, we sought to estimate medical costs of care in treated versus untreated children.

METHODS:

The BABY HUG database was used to compare inpatient events in subjects receiving hydroxyurea with those receiving placebo. Unit costs were estimated from the 2009 MarketScan Multi-state Medicaid Database for children with sickle cell disease, aged 1 to 3 years. Inpatient costs were based on length of hospital stay, modified by the occurrence of acute chest syndrome, splenic sequestration, or transfusion. Outpatient expenses were based on the schedule required for BABY HUG and a “standard” schedule for 1- to 3-year-olds with sickle cell anemia.

RESULTS:

There were 232 hospitalizations in the subjects receiving hydroxyurea and 324 in those on placebo; length of hospital stay was similar in the 2 groups. Estimated outpatient expenses were greater in those receiving hydroxyurea, but these were overshadowed by inpatient costs. The total estimated annual cost for those on hydroxyurea ($11 072) was 21% less than the cost of those on placebo ($13 962; P = .038).

CONCLUSIONS:

Savings on inpatient care resulted in a significantly lower overall estimated medical care cost for young children with sickle cell anemia who were receiving hydroxyurea compared with those receiving placebo. Because cost savings are likely to increase with age, these data provide additional support for broad use of hydroxyurea treatment in this population.
Whole‐Blood Cultures From Patients With Chronic Periodontitis Respond Differently to Porphyromonas gingivalis but not Escherichia coli Lipopolysaccharide
Authors: Nogueira‐Filho Getulio , Rosa Bruno Trevisan , Santos Patricia Ferreira , Tunes Urbino Rocha , Freire Songeli Menezes , Meyer Roberto , Darveau Richard P.
Published: September 2013

Background: Porphyromonas gingivalis lipid A heterogeneity modulates cytokine expression in human cells. This study investigates the effects of two lipid A isoforms of P. gingivalis, lipopolysaccharide (LPS)1435/1449 and LPS1690, on the secretion of proinflammatory and regulatory cytokines in total blood cultures from patients with and without chronic periodontitis (CP).

Methods: A cross‐sectional study was conducted in 38 systemically healthy individuals divided in two groups: 1) the CP group (n = 19), in which patients were diagnosed with CP; and 2) the no periodontitis (NP) group (n = 19), which included control patients without CP. Blood samples were collected from all patients, and whole‐blood cell cultures (WBCCs) were stimulated for 48 hours with P. gingivalis LPS1435/1449 and LPS1690 and Escherichia coli LPS. Unstimulated WBCCs served as negative controls. The secretion of interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ), interleukin‐10 (IL‐10), and transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β) was detected in WBCC supernatants by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays.

Results: E. coli LPS significantly increased the expression of all cytokines in WBCCs from both the NP and CP groups when compared to non‐stimulated cells (control treatment). P. gingivalis LPS preparations increased IFN‐γ levels in the CP group but not in the NP group when compared with controls (P <0.05). P. gingivalis LPS preparations also increased IL‐10 and TGF‐β levels in both CP and NP groups, but P. gingivalis LPS1690 showed a three‐fold increase on IL‐10 production in the NP group (P <0.05) when compared to P. gingivalis LPS1435/144.

Conclusions: These data demonstrate that WBCC cell populations obtained from healthy individuals and patients with CP may differ in the cytokine response to P. gingivalis but not E. coli LPS. This is consistent with the notion that CP alters the systemic WBCC response and that this can be detected by the different P. gingivalis LPS structures.
Allogeneic Stem Cells From Deciduous Teeth in Treatment for Periodontitis in Miniature Swine
Authors: Fu Xiaoru , Jin Luyuan , Ma Ping , Fan Zhipeng , Wang Songlin
Published: September 2013

Background: Regeneration of lost periodontium in periodontitis is a challenge in that alveolar bone, cementum, and periodontal ligament need to be restored to their original architecture. Stem cells from exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHEDs) appear to be an attractive candidate for periodontium tissue regeneration. Previously, the authors successfully regenerated periodontal defects using autologous and allogeneic periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs). The purpose of the present study is to investigate the ability of allogeneic SHEDs to regenerate lost periodontium in a swine periodontitis model.

Methods: Animal models of periodontitis were established in miniature pigs, and allogeneic stem cells were isolated from miniature pig deciduous teeth (SPDs). The animal models were treated with SPDs plus hydroxyapatite/tricalcium phosphate (HA/TCP). Allogeneic PDLSCs plus HA/TCP or HA/TCP alone were set as positive control or control, respectively. Clinical assessments, computed tomography (CT) scanning, and histologic examination were used to evaluate the outcome of tissue regeneration.

Results: Clinical indices including probing depth, gingival recession, and attachment loss showed significant restoration in the SPD and PDLSC treatment groups, compared to the HA/TCP group 12 weeks post‐transplantation. Meanwhile, CT scans showed that 75% of the samples had successful hard‐tissue regeneration in both PDLSC and SPD groups, compared to the HA/TCP group, where the success rate was only 25%. In addition, histologic examination demonstrated that SPD and PDLSC treatment brought about remarkable regeneration of periodontal tissues, whereas periodontal regeneration was rare in the HA/TCP group.

Conclusions: Allogeneic SPDs can effectively repair hard and soft tissue loss brought about by periodontitis in a swine model. Allogeneic SHEDs, which are easily accessible, may be applied to treat periodontitis in clinics in the future.
Insulation Monitoring Device for Subsea Industrial Applications
Authors: Arif Jawad , Golledge Nick
Published: September 2013

The development and qualification of the insulation monitoring device (IMD) for subsea industrial application is presented in this paper. This device can be employed with the required high integrity electrical/electronic components and manufacturing processes demanded of the subsea equipment domain. Further, in order to meet the challenges of improved operational reliability, the requirement to detect and diagnose electrical faults within this environment is of utmost importance with the improved safety and operational availability.

The insulation monitoring device measures insulation levels between a non-grounded single or three phase 50 or 60 Hz supply network and its protective earth, regardless of the actual networks state of operation; is live or non-live (standby). Insulation measurement is based on the principle of injecting a direct current (DC) voltage through a shunt into the alternate current (AC) line through a high impedance serial choke that "insulates" the AC from the internal DC voltage. The 16 bit analogue to digital converter (ADC) reads the voltage balanced over the shunt resistor and gets a raw value that follows logarithmically the earth fault resistance from measurement line to protective earth (PE). The device continuously measures the changes in insulation level and any insulation breakdown is anticipated by monitoring the trend data. Thus, it is an important tool for preventive maintenance and asset management strategies.

The IMD device is capable of communicating with the topside systems through the Modbus communication protocol and provides output in terms of 4–20mA and 0–10V instrumentation signals. The IMD complies with the low voltage directive, subsea standard ISO13628-6 and subsea relevant electromagnetic compatibility standard. Moreover, this device fulfils the criteria of IPC-A-610E class 3.

A nonlinear mathematical transfer function has been developed through the offline estimation technique in SIMULINK/ Matlab® to represent the behaviour of IMD card in terms of insulation resistance and 4 – 20 mA output current.
Managing Biodiversity and Ecosystem Service Issues in the Challenging Environment of the Alaskan North Slope
Authors: Marconi Michele , Vacas Francisco J. , Burgess Larry , Pedroni Paola Maria
Published: September 2013

eni, through its e&p Division, operates in a wide range of natural environments with different degrees of ecological sensitivities. The company is committed to the conservation of biodiversity, ecosystems and the services they provide in all areas of operations and all phases of a project’s lifecycle.

Over the past decade, eni e&p has been working in partnership with the international conservation NGO Fauna and Flora International to develop a distinctive approach for a timely and effective management of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Service (BES) issues within its operations worldwide.

eni e&p’s approach includes (i) global mapping and assessment of all operating sites against areas of high biodiversity value, (ii) implementation of site-specific BES assessments and action plans in priority existing sites, and (iii) incorporation of BES evaluations into ESHIAs in new sites and projects.

The methodology for BES assessment and action plan has been field-tested in a wide range of operational, environmental and social conditions. The Nikaitchuq site, operated by the subsidiary eni US Operating Company in the Alaskan North Slope, was part of these pilots. The experience was key to building our capacity on how to approach and manage BES issues in the challenging Arctic environment.

The Nikaitchuq site is a flagship operation for the company. The high profile of oil activities in the area, stringent environmental compliance requirements, scrutiny from local communities and NGOs and need to perform as a sectoral leader are all critical for maintaining the license to operate and to ensure future access to resources in the Arctic.

The Nikaitchuq assessment identified BES risks and opportunities associated with this operational, ecological and social context and produced a targeted action plan. This paper illustrates the methodological approach developed to address and manage reliance and potential impacts of Nikaitchuq operations on BES with a focus on the actions implemented on birds and polar bears.
Drillers’ Situation Awareness
Authors: Roberts R. C. , Flin R. , Cleland J.
Published: September 2013

The cognitive skill of knowing what is going on around you and using that information to predict future events is vital for drilling for oil and gas on offshore installations. This skill is known as Situation Awareness (SA), influencing subsequent decision making and performance. Failures of SA have been identified in a number of high profile well control disasters, most recently with Deep Water Horizon in the Gulf of Mexico. Despite SA being researched in other high risk, high reliability industries, such as aviation and nuclear power, very little research has investigated SA within the offshore drilling environment. Accurate SA is vital for safe and efficient performance on the drill deck with drillers being required to have high SA of the working environment and of their fellow crew members.

This research study uses cognitive task analysis techniques of observation and critical incident interviews to investigate drillers’ SA when working within a state of the art drilling simulator, with the goal of producing a framework of the required cognitive skills. As this is a new study, preliminary results will be discussed at the conference.
BP North Sea Miscible Gas Injection Projects Review
Authors: Zhang Pinggang , Brodie James , Daae Victoria , Erbas Demet , Duncan Euan
Published: September 2013

BP has been operating miscible gas injection projects in a variety of challenging environments throughout the world for over three decades. Numerous innovative techniques have been used to optimize oil recovery and the results have been reported in a series of publications.

The focus of this paper is the North Sea, where BP operates offshore miscible gas floods in Magnus and Ula. Tertiary miscible WAG in Magnus began in 2002 and its impact on reservoir performance is significant and well understood. More than 175 Bscf of gas have been injected, yielding 18 mmstb of oil at a very high net efficiency of 3.5 mscf/stb. The contribution of EOR to total field production has increased to 40% by 2012. In Ula, tertiary miscible WAG started in 1998 and has played a key role in arresting production decline. More than 26 mmstb of oil has been recovered by gas injection by 2012. In 2013, close to 100% of the total field oil production is attributed to WAG. Key to the success of both projects has been securing a source of miscible gas and pursuing an active surveillance and reservoir management programme to monitor and optimize the flood.

The success of the North Sea projects is partly based on the experience of operating the world’s largest miscible gas flood at Prudhoe Bay (Alaska), where conventional and unconventional techniques have been successfully applied in a variety of different settings. The knowledge acquired in Prudhoe Bay has been shared with other assets, including North Sea, through a series of managed moves and master classes.

Miscible gas injection has generated considerable benefits for BP over the past three decades and will continue to do so in future. The potential availability of large sources of CO2 in the future, through carbon capture, could help maintain a leading role for miscible gas injection for years to come.
Managing Mature Gas Fields in the Netherlands - Future Outlook
Authors: Yavuz Ferhat , Kreft Eric , Gijbels Ricardo
Published: September 2013

Over the last two years detailed analysis has been carried out on the future production performance of all Dutch gas fields. This paper focuses on the analysis of Dutch mature gas field management up to 2030. The E&P industry has been active and successful in the Netherlands since the early sixties. Annual production of approximately 80 Bcm has been achieved since the early seventies and currently 30 Bcm of annual gas production is being targeted by EBN. Approximately 75% of gas fields, both onshore and offshore, are mature or in the tail end production phase. Declining reservoir pressures and production rates and bring several challenges in the operation of these assets. Liquid loading and salt precipitation are the major issues which have been observed during the last five years.

Dutch operators have applied a number of techniques in order to overcome these production challenges. Velocity strings, foam injection and fresh water washes have been most commonly used since late nineties. These techniques do not only have an effect on recoverable reserves, they also have a pronounced effect on platform life extension. The application of production enhancement techniques may add between 15–20 Bcm to Dutch offshore reserves, using currently available technology and assuming current market conditions. The authors are of the opinion that an additional 20 Bcm (excluding Groningen field) could also be recovered if similar techniques are applied onshore. The extra recovery would enable the operation of assets for an extra five years. In other words, the recovery factor may increase from 80% to as much as 95% in some cases with the associated extension of infrastructure life.
Qualification of InLine DeWatering Technology
Authors: Westra R. W. , Knudsen B. L. , Bjartnes H. , Ibouhouten B.
Published: September 2013

Several fields on the Norwegian Continental Shelf are in the decline phase with an increasing production of water and gas, often in combination with reduction in production pressure. The available area for installation of new equipment on the platforms is often limited, and it is important to minimize both the operational and capital costs. Compact, inline separation technology could be a key technology for mature fields, and also for subsea fields at large water depths where the weight is critical. Statoil has identified inline separation as an important technology to increase the oil recovery at brown fields. Due to low foot print and low operation cost the technology could be suitable to increase and prolong water production from the reservoir. The technology would also make it easier for tie-in of new fields at existing installations. To utilize the technology there is a need for both inline gas/liquid and inline oil/water separation (dewatering). Statoil has been carrying out a qualification program to develop inline equipment for dewatering. The project has been a co-operation between Statoil and FMC Separation Systems, and has been carried out in the period 2008 – 2012. The technology is based on cyclonic separation devices with low or moderate pressure drops. An extensive development program has been performed with different geometries for the inline separators, including Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) study and testing activities both in laboratory flow loops and at the Gullfaks field. A full scale DeWaterer with 20 liners has been tested to investigate the effect of gas present. The operational window of the inline technology has been established, and the results show that gas and water can be efficiently separated from the well stream. The results will be presented in the paper. The conclusion from the work is that inline technology has a large potential to replace or reduce the size of conventional gravity separators topside, and also to be utilised for subsea separation at large water depths. The qualification work demonstrated that the dewatering technology for the Gullfaks application could separate water with a water quality of less than 500 ppm Oil-in-Water at low pressure drop (1 bar). Based on the qualification work the technology is considered ready for deployment in Statoil.
E-Case - Managing Expectations
Authors: Tissen Jos , Buchan Ian
Published: September 2013

In this paper, we will report on the development of an environmental case approach for GDF SUEZ E&P UK.

As one of the now adopted recommendations of the Maitland report following the Deepwater Horizon disaster, OGUK is taking forward its Environmental Assurance Plan concept. In support of this, GDF SUEZ E&P UK commissioned Xodus to develop a number of environmental management plans for its Cygnus Field Development that could reduce the administrative burden, ensure compliance and enhance internal and external dialogue about the management of environmental issues.

The resulting E-cases are central to the company’s environmental management system, bridge the gap between operational objectives and stakeholder expectations and provide an audit trail between these high level objectives and individual tasks and responsibilities as depicted in the figure below.

The E-cases mirror the intent of Lord Cullen’s Safety Case approach in that they offer a way to maximise the benefits of both prescriptive and goal setting regulation. They do this by creating a platform for open dialogue about these important issues, and achieve full integration of environmental management into the operation and maintenance of offshore E&P operations. The E-cases are fully aligned with the international standard on environmental management systems ISO14001.
Flow-Induced Vibrations of Subsea Piping: A Screening Approach Based on Numerical Simulation
Authors: Pontaza J. P. , Abuali B. , Brown G. W. , Smith F. J.
Published: September 2013

As more satellite wells are tied into existing subsea infrastructure, fluid flow velocities in subsea piping can be significantly higher than was anticipated during design. These higher velocities may lead to increased flow-induced vibration (FIV) as well as erosion due to sand transport. FIV is caused by flow-induced turbulence and associated pressure fluctuations, typically generated at piping geometry, such as bends or tees. These flow-induced fluctuating forces pose structural integrity concerns for subsea piping in terms of cyclic stressing and, over time, a threat of fatigue failure.

Currently, a high-level screening approach for FIV exists as part of the Energy Institute (EI) Guidelines on the Avoidance of Vibration Induced Fatigue Failure (AVIFF). However, the EI AVIFF guideline does not provide a framework for the direct estimation of vibration levels, stress levels, or fatigue life. To address this gap, we have developed a comprehensive screening procedure for FIV in subsea piping. Assets which fail a screening based on published guidelines (e.g., EI AVIFF guidelines), may undergo a more detailed screening based on numerical simulation. The paper gives an overview of such a screening, based on computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and structural finite element analysis (FEA).

CFD is a specialized field requiring specific expertise and a significant amount of computational resources. The CFD calculates the unsteady signature of flow-induced forcing on the piping for a given flow condition (i.e., multiphase flow). This forcing is then applied to a structural Finite Element (FE) model of the piping, with the output being displacement, acceleration, stress (among possible others) and ultimately a fatigue life estimate.

FIV and erosion measurements are much more costly subsea than they are on topsides. Hence, advanced simulation techniques are valuable tools in determining the integrity status as well as the safe operating limits of subsea piping.
Degradation of Fumigant Pesticides: 1,3‐Dichloropropene, Methyl Isothiocyanate, Chloropicrin, and Methyl Bromide
Authors: Dungan Robert S. , Yates Scott R.
Published: September 2013

Fumigant pesticides are frequently used in intensive agriculture to control nematodes, fungi, and weeds. Currently, four registered fumigants are available: 1,3‐dichloropropene (1,3‐D), methyl isothiocyanate (MITC), chloropicrin (CP), and methyl bromide (MeBr). The use of 1,3‐D, MITC, and CP can be expected to increase after MeBr is completely phased out of production in the USA in 2005. In soil, the degradation of 1,3‐D, MITC, CP, and MeBr occurs through both chemical and biological mechanisms. Repeated applications of the fumigants MITC and 1,3‐D are known to enhance their biodegradation as a result of adapted microorganisms. Preliminary evidence suggests that the microorganisms responsible for enhanced degradation of MITC specifically target the isothiocyanate functional group. In the case of 1,3‐D, a number of bacteria have been isolated that are capable of degrading 1,3‐D and also using it as a sole C and energy source. Of the two isomers of 1,3‐D, degradation of trans‐1,3‐D was found to be greater than that of cis‐1,3‐D in enhanced soil. Methyl bromide is mainly degraded chemically in soil by hydrolysis and methylation of nucleophilic sites on soil organic matter. Both degradation reactions occur via S2N nucleophilic substitution. Methanotrophic and ammonia‐oxidizing bacteria can co‐oxidize MeBr during the oxidation of methane and ammonia, respectively. The microbiological degradation of MeBr is apparently catalyzed by methane and ammonia monooxygenase. Chloropicrin can be dehalogenated by Pseudomonas spp., with the major metabolic pathway occurring through three successive reductive dehalogenations to nitromethane.
A Tensorial Connectivity–Tortuosity Concept to Describe the Unsaturated Hydraulic Properties of Anisotropic Soils
Authors: Zhang Z. Fred , Ward Andy L. , Gee Glendon W.
Published: September 2013

The anisotropy in unsaturated hydraulic conductivity is saturation dependent. Yet, there are few options for modeling this phenomenon in natural soils. A tensorial connectivity–tortuosity (TCT) concept is proposed to describe the unsaturated soil hydraulic conductivity. The TCT concept assumes that soil pore connectivity and/or tortuosity are anisotropic and can be described using a tensor. Saturation‐dependent anisotropy can be easily invoked in common models of relative permeability by incorporating the connectivity tensor. Synthetic Miller‐similar soils having hypothetical anisotropy are defined by allowing the saturated hydraulic conductivity to have different correlation range for different directions of flow. The TCT concept was tested using the synthetic soils with four levels of heterogeneity and four levels of anisotropy. The results show that the soil water retention curves were independent of flow direction but dependent on soil heterogeneity, while the connectivity–tortuosity coefficient is a function of both soil heterogeneity and anisotropy. The TCT model can accurately describe the unsaturated hydraulic functions of anisotropic soils and can be easily combined with commonly used relative permeability functions for use in numerical solutions of the flow equation.
Moisture Characteristics of Hanford Gravels: Bulk, Grain‐Surface, and Intragranular Components
Authors: Tokunaga Tetsu K. , Olson Keith R. , Wan Jiamin
Published: September 2013

Although gravels comprise large portions of some vadose zones, their unsaturated hydraulic properties have received relatively little attention. This study examines moisture retention relations in the 2‐ and 6‐mm size fractions of gravels from the Hanford formation vadose zone (Washington State). Understanding flow and transport within this formation is important because parts of it have become contaminated by leakage of radioactive wastes at the Hanford Site. Moisture retention relations were obtained for a very wide energy range, with attention to water retained in intragranular pores and along grain surfaces. External surfaces of these gravels have root mean‐squared roughnesses (rmsr) in the micrometer range, with sparsely distributed deep (hundreds of micrometers) pits. Water films on these external surfaces are volumetrically insignificant at matric potentials less than about −2 kPa. Residual water in these gravels occurs in intragranular pores, accounts for about 10% of the total porosity, and is effectively hydraulically immobile. The intragranular domain in Hanford gravels also has a large specific surface area of about 11 m2 g−1 Thus, exchanges of solutes (including contaminants) between the intragranular domain of Hanford gravels and their immediate surrounding are significant and diffusion limited.
Reevaluation of the Multistep Outflow Method for Determining Unsaturated Hydraulic Conductivity
Authors: Fujimaki Haruyuki , Inoue Mitsuhiro
Published: September 2013

The multistep outflow (MSO) method is widely used for determining the unsaturated hydraulic conductivity, which is essential for accurate prediction of water flow in soils. However, the reliability of this method has yet to be adequately verified through comparisons with independently measured conductivities of soils having different textures and structures. We conducted MSO experiments with three soils of different textures to test the reliability of the conventional MSO. Three methods were used to determine the hydraulic conductivities, K(θ), from identical experiments: an optimization method with readings of a tensiometer (OM), a direct method using one tensiometer (DM1), and a direct method using two tensiometers (DM2). Outflow data were also used in the three methods. Additionally, steady‐state downward flow experiments using two tensiometers were performed for comparison. For two of the three soils, OM and DM1 clearly underestimated K(θ) determined by SDFM. On the other hand, DM2 gave good agreement with the SDFM data. These results and the discrepancies between the fitted and observed tensiometer readings near the bottom imply the existence of a hydraulic resistance at the soil–porous plate interface. The hydraulic resistance might be caused by pore plugging with fine particles (colloids) transported to the ceramic plate after stepwise changes in pressure. We suggest that an additional tensiometer be installed near the bottom of the sample and be used for checking the optimized K(θ) with the direct method (DM2).