bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact of Reference Pricing on Cost and Quality in Total Joint Arthroplasty
Authors: Brodke Dane J. , Guo Chaoran , Aouad Marion , Brown Timothy T. , Bozic Kevin J. 
Published: October 2019

Background:
Prices for total joint arthroplasty vary widely. Insurers have experimented with reference-based benefit designs (reference pricing) to control costs by setting a contribution limit that covers lower-priced facilities but necessitates higher out-of-pocket payments at higher-priced facilities. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of reference pricing on the cost and quality of care for total joint arthroplasty.

Methods:
The California Public Employees’ Retirement System (CalPERS) implemented reference pricing for total joint arthroplasty in January 2011. We obtained data on 2,023 CalPERS patients who underwent total joint arthroplasty from January 2009 to December 2013 and comparison group data on 8,024 non-CalPERS patients from the same time period. Trends in 9 cost and quality-related metrics were compared between the CalPERS group and the comparison group: patient choice of a lower-priced hospital, insurer payment, consumer payment, 90-day complication rate, 90-day readmission rate, annual surgical volume of the chosen hospital, length of stay, travel distance, and rate of discharge to home. The impact of reference pricing was estimated with difference-in-differences multivariable regressions, adjusting for covariates.

Results:
An increase of 19 percentage points (95% confidence interval [CI], 13.0 to 25.6 percentage points; p < 0.01) in the selection of lower-priced hospitals was attributable to reference pricing, with a concurrent mean savings for the insurer of $5,067 (95% CI, $2,315 to $7,819; p < 0.01) and an increase in the mean patient out-of-pocket payment of $1,991 (95% CI, $1,053 to $2,929; p < 0.01). No significant change in any quality indicator was attributable to reference pricing, with the exception of an 8% reduction (95% CI, 3.3% to 12.7% reduction; p < 0.01) in the length of stay for hip replacement.

Conclusions:
Reference pricing motivates patients to choose lower-priced hospitals for total joint arthroplasty, with no measurable adverse impact on quality. Reference pricing represents a viable strategy in the shift toward value-based care.
Irrigation Fluids Used for the Prevention and Treatment of Orthopaedic Infections
Authors: Kavolus Joseph J. , Schwarzkopf Ran , Rajaee Sean S. , Chen Antonia F. 
Published: October 2019

➤ Intrawound irrigation is a mainstay in the prevention and treatment of surgical site infections.➤ There are 3 components of irrigation: delivery method, volume, and type of solution (with and without additives).➤ A low-pressure delivery system for a 1 to 9-L volume of solution should be used to irrigate wounds, with a greater volume indicated in the setting of contaminated or infected wounds.➤ Operative irrigation solutions are frequently supplemented with the addition of surfactants, antibiotics, or antiseptics.➤ There is limited evidence with regard to the optimal antiseptic or whether antiseptics confer any advantage. Current literature suggests that surfactants and antibiotics should be avoided.➤ To date, most studies on irrigation solutions in orthopaedics are retrospective, necessitating the organization of prospective randomized controlled trials to guide future evidence-based decisions.
Percutaneous Pinning of Pediatric Proximal Humeral Fractures
Authors: Swarup Ishaan , Hughes Michael S. , Bram Joshua T. , Horn B. David , Ganley Theodore J. 
Published: October 2019

Background:
Proximal humeral fractures are relatively common in pediatric patients. These injuries are usually treated nonoperatively in younger children or children with minimally displaced fractures. However, closed reduction or open reduction followed by percutaneous pinning is recommended for older children with displaced fractures. Percutaneous pinning has several advantages, but there are limited reports of a safe and reliable surgical technique in the literature.

Description:
Patients are positioned in a modified beach-chair position to allow orthogonal imaging. The injured extremity is draped free from the remainder of the body. Closed reduction, which comprises a combination of traction, abduction, and rotation, is attempted. Internal or external rotation may be required, depending on the fracture line and deforming forces. If an anatomic closed reduction cannot be obtained, a block to reduction should be suspected and open reduction should be performed via a deltopectoral approach. Once the fracture is reduced, two 2.5-mm threaded Kirschner wires from the small external fixator set are used to percutaneously fix the fracture. Any small external fixator set can be used, and if not available, individual threaded wires of similar size can be used. Alternatively, Kirschner wires can be advanced to the fracture site prior to reduction and then advanced into the humeral epiphysis once the fracture is reduced. Care is taken to avoid the axillary nerve, which is reliably within 6 cm of the anterolateral aspect of the acromion, and wires are placed distal to this site. Once pin position has been confirmed radiographically, the construct is secured with pin-to-pin clamps to improve rigidity and further decrease the risk of pin migration. A soft dressing and shoulder immobilizer are placed postoperatively. Patients are followed with biweekly radiographs, and pins are removed in the outpatient office or under conscious sedation at 4 weeks. Leaving pins for a longer period may increase the risk of skin irritation and potentially infection.

Alternatives:
Alternatives to closed reduction or open reduction and percutaneous pinning include nonoperative management and elastic intramedullary nailing. Nonoperative treatment is a reliable option for most patients. However, it is not suitable for older children with severely displaced fractures because of diminished remodeling potential. Elastic intramedullary nailing is a good option for distal fractures. However, it is not suitable for proximal fractures, and it has been associated with longer operative times and more blood loss than percutaneous pinning. It also requires a second procedure.

Rationale:
This procedure allows for anatomic fixation of proximal humeral fractures and provides a rigid construct to maintain reduction. It is not technically challenging, requires limited postoperative immobilization, and decreases the risk of a second general anesthetic.
Pengujian Mutu Benih Cabai (Capsicum annuum) Dengan Metode Uji Pemunculan Radikula [Seed Quality Test in Pepper (Capsicum annuum) Seeds Using Radicle Emergence]
Authors: Kusumawardana Aditya , Pujiasmanto Bambang , Pardono NFN 
Published: October 2019

<p>Kecepatan berkecambah yang rendah merupakan indikator kemunduran benih. Pengujian vigor dengan metode uji pemunculan akar pada benih cabai dilakukan untuk menduga pertumbuhan tanaman di lapangan. Makin tinggi nilai uji pemunculan akar maka vigor benih makin tinggi. Jika laju pemunculan radikula pada benih berjalan lambat, vigor benih tersebut dinyatakan rendah. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah membandingkan jumlah kemunculan radikula pada empat lot benih cabai pada suhu berganti 2030°C selama 168 jam. Penelitian ini menggunakan rancangan acak lengkap dengan satu faktor, yaitu lot benih berupa empat varietas cabai (Sret, Laskar, Serambi, dan Madun) dengan delapan ulangan. Perhitungan koefisien korelasi dilakukan untuk mengetahui keeratan hubungan antara nilai uji pemunculan radikula dengan tolok ukur pengujian yang lain. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa kemunculan radikula tertinggi terjadi pada 120 jam. Jumlah pemunculan radikula berkorelasi positif dengan daya berkecambah (r=0,907), indeks vigor (r=0,864), kecepatan tumbuh (r=0,727), dan daya tumbuh (r=0,935). Dari penelitian ini diperoleh kesimpulan bahwa uji vigor pemunculan radikula benih cabai yang dilakukan pada suhu 2030°C selama 120 jam (5 hari) dapat digunakan untuk menilai mutu benih cabai.</p><p><strong>Keywords</strong></p><p>Benih cabai; Daya tumbuh; Mutu benih; Pemunculan radikula</p><p><strong>Abstract</strong></p><p>Low germination is an indicator of seed deterioration. Vigour testing using radicle emergence on pepper seeds was done to predict plant growth in field. The higher radicle emergence found, the higher the seed vigour occurred. If the rate of radicle was slow, the seed vigour was also low. The objective of this study was to compare the number of radicles emergence on four pepper seed lots at 2030°C for 168 hours. This study used a completely randomized design with one factor, seed lot four variety of pepper (Sret, Laskar, Serambi, and Madun) with eight replication. Calculation of coefficients correlation was done to calculate the relationship between radicle emergence and on other testing. The highest of radicles emergence occurred at 120 hours. The number of radicle emergence had positive correlation with germination (r = 0.907), vigour index (r = 0.864), speed of growth (r = 0.727), and field emergence (r = 0.935). From this research, it can be concluded that the vigour test in pepper seeds using radicle emergence was performed at 2030°C for 120 hours (5 days).</p>
Controlling Factors of Shale Gas Production: What can Artificial Intelligence Tell Us?
Authors: He Qin , Bruno Jonathan , Zhong Zhi 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Application of horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing technique has made development of shale gas reservoir successful in the United States during the past decade. Chasing its operational success, researchers have been studying to understand the fundamentals of shale gas production, which will provide valuable information to assist in optimization of shale reservoir development. Unfortunately, the mechanism of shale gas production has not been fully revealed so far, and most reservoir simulation models are adopting the mechanism of coalbed methane production to forecast shale gas development process, which might not be the real case.
In this paper, instead of using numerical simulation model, artificial intelligence and data mining techniques are implemented to study the controlling factors of shale gas production and understand the impacts of reservoir, completion and stimulation parameters in a dynamic manner only according to the field data. A database of Marcellus shale reservoir is generated by integrating information such as well locations, well trajectories, reservoir characteristics, completion, hydraulic fracturing, and production parameters, etc. Neural network models are trained to learn the key performance impacting factors on shale gas production in a dynamic manner, which could assist reservoir management decisions.
Modeling and Optimization of Gas-Assisted Plunger Lift GAPL by a Transient Simulator: A Case Study of a Permian Shale Well
Authors: Kannan Subash K , Boyer Matthew , Yuan Ge , Lu Haidan , Fai-Yengo Ghislain 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Gas-assisted plunger lift (GAPL) could be an effective and economically favorable artificial lift (AL) method to be considered during the AL life cycle for North American shale wells. The main advantage of GAPL is that it improves the well production by reducing liquid fallback and boosts the plunger efficiency through gas injection and increases the gas lift efficiency by assisting in delivering the slugs to the surface. The objective of this study is to capture the GAPL dynamic behavior through a transient multiphase flow simulator. The entire GAPL production cycle was modeled, including plunger fall, gas injection, pressure buildup, and production. First, the GAPL well production history was analyzed to evaluate the well operating condition. Then, a transient simulator was used to model the well flow behavior and production performance with GAPL. The study demonstrated the GAPL impact on flowing bottomhole pressure and the improvement in the well productivity.
A Delaware Basin well case study demonstrates the benefits of dynamic modeling and provides a comprehensive comparison between dynamic simulation results and field data. The simulation work provides insights into the fluid flow, GAPL behavior, and pressure and rate transients of a GAPL well.
The modeling results were validated against field data. A commercially available transient multiphase flow simulator was used and produced outcomes that were in alignment with field data collected. The dynamic plunger cycles were reproduced in the simulation, and the results showed the benefits of GAPL in a typical shale oil well. This could extend the gas lift life by delaying the transition to rod pumps or potentially act as an end-of-life AL solution. In the long term, this reduces the overall AL life cycle cost. The use of transient simulation helps validate AL design concepts, especially for unconventional wells where the flow behavior is very dynamic. This study encourages the use of this analysis in the AL selection workflow to help optimize the overall AL life cycle cost and maximize the net present value (NPV).
Comprehensive Review of Artificial Lift System Applications in Tight Formations
Authors: Kolawole Oladoyin , Gamadi Talal , Bullard Denny 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
The artificial lift system (AL) is the most efficient production technique in optimizing production from unconventional horizontal oil and gas wells. Nonetheless, due to declining reservoir pressure during the production life of a well, artificial lifting of oil and gas remains a critical issue. Notwithstanding the attempt by several studies in the past few decades to understand and develop cutting-edge technologies to optimize the application of artificial lift in tight formations, there remains differing assessments of the best approach, AL type, optimum time and conditions to install artificial lift during the life of a well. This report presents a comprehensive review of artificial lift systems application with specific focus on tight oil and gas formations across the world. The review focuses on thirty-three (33) successful and unsuccessful field-tests in unconventional horizontal wells over the past few decades. The purpose is to apprise the industry and academic researchers on the various AL optimization approaches that have been used and suggest AL optimization areas where new technologies can be developed.
New OCTG Developments to Overcome Challenges in Unconventional Plays
Authors: Blanc Carlos , Lewis Josh , Ichim Adonis , Mutis David , Zestran Alexandru , Lucca Carlos Ignaccio , Perello Leandro 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Research and development drives success in shale plays throughout the world, enabling operators to deploy new drilling, completions, and production technologies to reach more reservoir area and extend the life of production wells. This work demonstrates the development, validation, and deployment of an extreme torque casing connection addressing technical challenges of tubulars in unconventionals.
Throughout the well lifetime, Oil Country Tubular Goods (OCTG) experience various loads during the installation, stimulation, and production phases. Some of the challenges experienced during the stimulation and production phases relate to internal and external pressure resistance, sealability, corrosion and cracking, erosion, and wear. Furthermore, with the increase in lateral length and the more demanding well geometries, the OCTG capabilities related to high cycle fatigue, connection runability, and torque limits become more important to safely and efficiently reach the total depth of the well and ensure integrity throughout well life. Another scenario in which the torque limit of an OCTG connection is important is rotating while cementing, a practice undertaken to mitigate sustained casing pressure, improve well integrity, and completion efficiency.
We present the key elements in the development of a casing connection that overcomes these challenges and the decision process leading to a prototype. To prove the design concept, a fit-for-purpose testing protocol was adopted to validate its performance, replicating the installation, stimulation, and production phases under the expected loads. Once validated, a pilot involving casing installation, rotation while cementing and stimulation was completed in two wells, and its outcomes will be discussed in this work.
This novel casing extreme torque connection, designed to overcome the application challenges, enables the installation of casing in longer laterals, together with the improvement of well integrity through rotation while cementing.
The performance of the product, tested through a special procedure while ensuring reliability, was confirmed by the case study from the Niobrara shale. A new connection considering the challenges of wells in unconventional plays must account for several aspects from design to installation. We show the process, from the design stage and validation, leading to successful field deployment.
Refined Drill Bit Technology for Underbalanced Drilling in the Northeast United States
Authors: Goodman Aaron J. , Grimes Robert E. , Lane Christopher W. 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Underbalanced drilling via air drilling is deeply rooted in the Northeast United States due to its distinct geology, high rates of penetration (ROP) and drilling efficiency, and low cost of circulating material. The active drilling programs of several independent operators in the Marcellus and Utica Basins are well suited for air drilling down to the final kick off point by virtue of competent, stable formations, low static reservoir pressures, and manageable water ingress to the wells. Air drilling provides near-atmospheric pressure at the borehole bottom, since there is no fluid column with resulting hydrostatic pressure. The result is very high ROP with essentially 100% drilling efficiency, allowing the completion of intervals in one or two bit runs. A service company deployed a cross-functional product development team to optimize oilfield air bits for these applications over the last two years, resulting in decreased drilling costs through increased performance and reliability.
The oilfield air drilling environment places unique challenges on drill bit design due to the increased risk of downhole vibrations, corrosion, abrasive wear, heat generation, and seal infiltration of very fine cuttings. The application requirements have increased due to deeper intervals requiring passage through multiple high unconfined compressive strength formations, extended tangent angles, and rising input energy levels. Accordingly, enhancements to both the cutting structures and sealed bearing systems were vigorously pursued. Several cutting structure design iterations were evaluated in both laboratory and field tests. A new sealed bearing system was developed and implemented for increased life and reliability. Modifications to the bit body for stability were included, and the bit hydraulics were further optimized.
Through an understanding of the objectives and application challenges, unique solutions were developed for Northeast oilfield air drilling applications. The optimization process for the new air bit designs is described, and the resulting positive performance metrics are presented. Improvements were observed in distance drilled, ROP, seal effective rate, and dull condition. Lessons learned were also used to refine the recommended drilling parameters and practices through the challenging formations encountered in these tangent sections, which can span in excess of 7000 feet. These enhancements all contributed to reduced drilling cost and days per well, for increased rig productivity.
The natural gas fields throughout the Marcellus and Utica Basins in the Northeast U.S. continue to deliver rising total gas production for the U.S. and the world through increased capacities in pipelines and LNG trains. Improved drilling performance as documented in this paper are driving continuous improvement in the overall upstream drilling economics of the region.
Re-Fracturing the Appalachian Basin: An Economic Analysis
Authors: Kiselica Kade , Jennings Taylor 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
In the past ten years, hydraulic fracturing technology and strategies have made major improvements in the operational efficiency and economic performance of shale well completions. Much of this advancement was derived in the past three years as a response to the global downturn in oil and gas commodity pricing. Mature shale plays across the United States have a surplus inventory of horizontal wells employing highly inefficient completions styles. Amid the low oil pricing environment, operators in the Bakken and Eagle Ford were capable of revitalizing these prior generation wells with great success through re-fracturing programs. In many cases, production of these re-fractured wells rivaled the production of newly drilled and completed shale wells both in terms of initial production post re-fracture as well as extended interval cumulative production. These re-fracturing programs allowed producers to achieve tremendous gains in production while minimizing drilling activity. Although re-fracturing began as a highly economical method to improve production during a time of depressed oil pricing, it is still being used today to improve the production of additional wells recognized as top-tier candidates.
By developing a specific set of criteria to select wells for re-fracturing, these programs can be successfully employed in the Appalachian Basin to improve the economics of gas wells, mitigating the effects of highly discounted natural gas pricing. After the explanation of well candidacy, an economic sensitivity analysis was implemented to illustrate the impacts a strong re-fracturing program could make for operators in the Northeast through a comparison of public data showing production and total reserves for both in and out-of-basin re-fracturing programs. Additionally, while this paper focuses on re-fracturing as it relates to shale formations it also includes information as to how re-fracturing relates to conventional formations.
After looking at the incremental economics of re-fracturing programs implemented in shale plays across the United States and in-basin data, the impacts of gas well re-completion can be fully quantified and understood through the application of probabilistic modeling. Additionally, this modeling further delineates re-completion candidacy by identifying which wells pose higher risks in economic metrics.
Very little information has been published regarding the impacts a re-fracturing program could have in the Appalachian Basin. As the field matures, the topic of re-completions will become increasingly important, and this analysis will allow operators to have a greater understanding of the impacts of refracturing shale gas wells in the Northeast.