HOW TO EVALUATE A SHALE PLAY?
In the first part of “HOW TO EVALUATE A SHALE PLAY?" we've developed: Shale play features, Main properties to evaluate, Kerogen, Total Organic Content (TOC), Organic Matter Classification, Thermal Maturity Determination, Depositional environment, facies characterization and Mineralogical composition. Now we're going to develop:
Unconventional fields only produce hydrocarbons cost-effectively through stimulation treatments to large-scale, due to this, the determination of the mechanical properties of the formation and its variation along the same recover a greater importance in these "reservoirs" since these allow us to determine the degree of fracturability of the formation, select the optimal orientation of the wells and designing the fracture treatment.
Between the main properties to evaluate are found in situ stress, Young's modulus, Poisson's ratio, Brittleness and the degree of natural fracturing of the formation.
Mechanical properties are determined through laboratories testing in cores of the formation together with well logs sonic or sonic dipole which allows us to calculate the shear stress or rigidity module of the formation from which we can estimate the pore pressure and the net stress.
Figure 1: main stresses to which are subjected the rock.
In-situ stresses are constituted by overburden stress, the maximum horizontal stress and minimum horizontal stress which determine the direction in which will spread the fracture in the formation and together with the pore pressure and Poisson’s ratio allow to calculate the pressure required to initiate the fracture treatment.
The Brittleness index is obtained from the Young’s modulus and Poisson’s ratio using the next equation:
Eindex is the Young's modulus
νindex is the Poisson's ratio
The Brittleness index must be greater than 0.33 to ensure the success of the treatment and also high value of Young’s modulus and low Poisson’s ratio indicate brittle rock behavior.
Figure 2: Cross plot of Young's modulus and Poisson's ratio showing the brittleness index (Rickman et al. 2008).
To determine the orientation and density of the natural fractures is analyzed the information acquired through seismic, image logs, well cores and surface outcrops.
Once these have been determined are used to relate the tectonic events, in situ stress, anisotropy and mechanical properties of the rock with which is built the geomechanical model of the formation. This model allows to obtain an overall understanding of the mechanical behavior of the reservoir from which are determined the reservoir performance, the location and orientation of the wells and is designed the fracture treatment.
Figure 3: Multi-disciplinary fracture system characterization (www.taskfronterrageo.com).
The porosity and permeability determination are the tasks more difficult to perform in the shale characterization since these are formed by sediments of small grain sizes, resulting in a pore network extremely complex. To facilitate its understanding the porosity in the shale fields can be divided into three parts: porosity within the natural fractures and microfractures, intergranular porosity within the inorganic matrix and porosity inside the organic matter.
Its determination can be made in the laboratory using the dual FIB/SEM system, traditional methods and well logs.
The dual FIB/SEM (focused ion beam milling and scanning electron microscopy) is the most accurate method to determine the pore volume. To obtain it, is analyzed high resolution pictures taken from samples of cores from which are identified the pores and is calculated its volume. Then from images obtained from samples taken at different planes of the core is built a dimensional model 3D which allows to visualize, analyze and understand the connectivity between the pores.
Figure 4: pore determination in a shale with FIB/SEM (Slat & Brien et. Al 2013).
Among the traditional methods are found helium porosimetry, Mercury injection capillary pressure (MICP) and pycnometer. While these methods are faster and cheaper than the previous they are usually affected by pore access problems for the molecules of gases and liquids (due to the ultra low reservoir permeability), adsorption effects, volume changes in the natural fissures and microfractures (due to variations in pore pressure and confinement pressure during the test) so is recommended adjust their measurements with those obtained from the SEM.
The density log presents alterations in the porosity measurement due to the frequent changes in the shale mineralogy are translated into a significant variation of the rock density together with the presence of dense minerals such as iron carbonates and pyrite. In addition to determine the kerogen density is another challenge for the tool as it changes with the maturity of the same.
Neutronic log to infer the formation porosity through the hydrogens present in the formation it measure a greater porosity than the real because this is affected by the presence of the HO- in the crystalline structure of the clays kaolinita, chlorite, illite and smectite as well as the hydrogens that constitute the kerogen and bitumen being necessary its calibration with laboratory measurements.
The use of the resistivity log is strongly questioned in the shale, despite being used normally, due to the water salinity of the formation varies widely in small distances, in addition the presence of kerogen increases the formation resistivity and the presence of conductive solids in the form of clay minerals decrease it.
Figure 5: Schematic of a matrix where is shown the total and effective porosity. (Modified from Arnold & Bratovich, Baker Hughes 2014).
The NMR log is the tool more accurate to determine the total porosity in a shale because that is the least influenced by the presence of the organic matter and the peculiarities of this. Normally the porosity values obtained by NMR are close to the values obtained in the laboratory using crushed rock methods.
The permeability in the shale reservoirs is constituted by the matrix permeability and the system permeability. Matrix permeability is the permeability of the rock and due to the heterogeneity present in the shale this often varies in several orders of magnitude, being within the range of 10-4 to 10-8 mD.
For its determination in laboratories are made measurements with Crushed Rock Injection or Mercury/gas Injection Method (Pulse Decay Permeability method) in cores of the formation, it can be also estimated through NMR log.
Figure 6: Pulse decay equipment for permeability determination (Core Laboratories).
On the other hand the permeability of the system is constituted by the permeability of the matrix and the permeability of the open fractures. Its determination cannot be made using logs because these are unable to estimate the permeability of the fractures, so for its evaluation is used the pressure transient testing. In addition with this test we can assess the reservoir pressure, its conductivity and the effectiveness of the stimulation treatment.
Below is shown a pressure buildup test in a shale gas field where we can see that the effective permeability of the system is relatively high compared with the average values of the matrix.
Figure 7: Pressure derivative plot from pressure builup test performed on gas shale (Lewis, Ingraham, Pearcy et. Al 2004 Shclumberger).
It is important to highlight then that the permeability of the system as opposed to the conventional fields is a variable of the time, since this decreases to decrease the volume of hydrocarbons present in the reservoir. To better understand this phenomenon, we must analyze the shale production rates where the first stage of the curve is characterized by a strong and abrupt declination of the flow followed by a slight declination in the long term.
Figure 8: typical production curve of a shale play.
This is due to the fact that during the first stage the hydrocarbons produced come from the drainage of the fracture network where the dominant permeability is the system permeability (obtained with the pressure buildup test) but as time passes and the production is stabilized in low rates the hydrocarbons produced come mainly from the zone not stimulated of the reservoir, the matrix, where the permeability is the obtained from the cores in the laboratory (matrix permeability). This is why that should be implemented a weighting factor between one and zero in function of the time to use the system permeability to simulate a shale reservoir and analyze their productivity.
The water saturation in the shale is normally equal to the percentage of water irreducible of the formation because in them were generated the hydrocarbons, which were subsequently expelled from the same by moving a large part of the mobile water toward the adjoining formations.
Its determination by the resistivity log as in the porosity determination is highly disputed since as mentioned above this tool is affected by the clay minerals (conductive solids), solid kerogen and the variation in the water salinity; which have been reported have large variations over short vertical distances with no apparent relationship to organic content or any other petrophysical parameter (Sondergeld et al. 2010b). In other words we are in front of a reservoir that does not behave as a reservoir of Archie and although some authors have achieved an acceptable match between measurements of cores and the values obtained with the tool using an equation of Pseudo-Archie with exponents of cementation and saturation of 1.7. (Luffel et al. 1992) this tool should be used only under calibrations made from well cores.
A more accurate solution is to determine the water saturation with the NMR log since this doesn't need to measure the formation resistivity to obtain saturation values. In addition this tool can differentiate the percentage of free water and clay bound water thanks to the different times of relaxation (T2) that these have.
Figure 9: NMR log, interpretation of the different times of relaxation T2 (Taken from Crain www.spec2000.net).
Adsorbed gas evaluation (for shale gas play)
To calculate the gas volume present in a shale is necessary determine the volume of free gas in the pores and microfractures of the formation together with the gas adsorbed in the pores's walls inside the kerogen, which, in some shale has come to be the 85% of the gas stored in the reservoir (e.g. Faraj et to the. 2004). This explains because the ultimate recovery in reservoirs with significant amount of gas adsorbed (shale) has been reported be up to ten times greater than for other reservoirs with similar permeability and porosity (tight). (Economides & Wang 2010).
The volume of gas adsorbed is calculated by the Langmuir isotherm which is obtained from tests made in laboratories with cores of the formation. Although its use may not be the most accurate given that recent studies have shown that the gas adsorption in the pores's walls of the kerogen is multilayer its employment has become a standard in the industry.
Figure 10: Langmuir isotherm where we can see Langmuir volume and pressure (Modified from Boyer et al, Schlumberger Oilfield review 2007).
From the isotherm are obtained the Langmuir volume (volume of gas adsorbed at a infinite pressure), the Langmuir pressure (pressure to which is gets the half of the Langmuir volume) and the reservoir pressure; they are entered into the following equation to calculate the volume of gas adsorbed:
- Gs= gas storage capacity (scf/ton)
- p=reservoir pressure (psia)
- VL= Langmuir volume (scf/ton)
- PL= Langmuir pressure (psia)
To achieve a continuous estimation of the volume of gas adsorbed is used to establish relations between the curves of standard logs and the gas volume; being common the relationship between the volume of gas adsorbed and the variation in the concentration of organic matter in the formation.
Figure 11: Gas Storage Capacity vs. TOC weight fractions (Jarvie, 2007 AAPG SW Section meeting).
Once obtained the volume of gas adsorbed (AGIP) and the free gas in situ (free gas in-place (GIP)) these are combined to calculate the total volume of gas in the reservoir. In the next graphic are show the contribution of the free gas and the gas adsorbed to the total gas volume present in the formation in function of the reservoir pressure.
Figure 12: Combining Free and Adsorbed gas for Total Gas In-Place (EIA 2013).
Determination of the formation's volume
The volume of a shale is calculated in the same way as in the conventional reservoirs where is resorted to cross-sections and thickness maps obtained through seismic and to stratigraphic correlations made from logs in exploratory wells. All the information obtained are entered in the simulator where is built the geological model of the formation and is obtained its volume.
Figure 15: shale formation modeling in a simulation through information acquired with seismic and well logs.
As in the conventional field is used cut-off values to determine the net thickness of the reservoir. Given that the shale plays only produce hydrocarbons through the use of hydraulic fracturing the concept of cut-off in these reservoirs is a little different to that of the conventional fields, being linked to the properties that allow to assure the presence of hydrocarbons in the same and the feasibility of the fracture treatment. In function of them we can divide the cut-off in two groups:
Properties that ensure the hydrocarbon content and its storage:
- organic matter content
- thermal maturity
Properties that ensure the fracture treatment:
- clay volume
- fracture gradient
In the following table is shown the cut-off values commonly used in the industry:
Table 1: cut-off values commonly used in the industry for shale plays.
From which we can evaluate and determine qualitatively the risk in the development of a shale as is shown synthetically in the following flowchart made by M. Ahmad for a shale gas.
Figure 16: Shale gas reservoir selection criteria base on geological, geochemical and mineralogical characteristics (Maqsood Ahmad 2014).
The Sweet Spots are the parts of reservoir where is concentrated the best properties of the formation and they indicate to us the places by where we must start the development of the same to minimize investment risks and to recoup the capital invested in a minor lapse of time.
The sweet spots in a shale is characterized by:
- large thickness
- high content of organic matter and adequate thermal maturity.
- high porosity
- high brittleness
- high number of natural fractures
- low clay content
- low fracture initiation pressure
- low water saturation
Estimating Shale Oil In-Place
Once determined and analyzed the properties of the reservoir and obtained the net volume of the formation is proceed to calculate the oil in-place (OIP) and the ultimate recovery (UR) using the volumetric method:
- N=OIP= initial oil in place (stb, stock-tank barrels)
- A= area, in acres (with the conversion factors of 7,758 barrels per acre foot).
- h= net shale thickness, in feet.
- Φ= porosity (dimensionless fraction).
- So= the fraction of the porosity filled by oil or also can be used (1-Sw) instead So.
- Boi= initial oil formation volume factor (reservoir bbl/stb). Oil and dissolved gas volume at reservoir conditions divided by oil volume at standard conditions.
To estimate the reserve is multiplied the initial oil in place obtained by the recovery factor. The EIA assigns a recovery efficiency factor in function of the mineralogy, reservoir properties and geological complexity as is shown below.
Favorable Oil Recovery. A 6% recovery efficiency factor of the oil in-place is used for shale oil basins and formations that have low clay content, low to moderate geologic complexity and favorable reservoir properties such as an over-pressured shale formation and high oil-filled porosity.
Average Oil Recovery. A 4% to 5% recovery efficiency factor of the oil in-place is used for shale gas basins and formations that have a medium clay content, moderate geologic complexity and average reservoir pressure and other properties.
Less Favorable Gas Recovery. A 3% recovery efficiency factor of the oil in-place is used for shale gas basins and formations that have medium to high clay content, moderate to high geologic complexity and below average reservoir pressure and other properties.
Once the recovery factor was determined is used the next equation:
UR= OIP * RF
- UR = Ultimate Recovery, STB
- OIP = Original oil in place, STB
- RF = Recovery factor or Recovery Efficiency, %.
Estimating Total Gas In-Place
To determine the Total Gas In-Place should be added the Free Gas In-Place with the Gas Adsorbed In-Place.
Free gas in-place:
- GIP= initial gas in place (scf)
- A= area, in acres (with the conversion factors of 43,560 square feet per acre
- and 640 acres per square mile).
- h= net shale thickness, in feet.
- Φ= porosity
- Sg= the fraction of the porosity filled by gas or also can be used (1-Sw) instead Sg.
- Bg= initial gas formation volume factor (ft3/scf)
- P= reservoir pressure, in psi.
- T= temperature, in degrees Rankin (the factor 460oF is added to the reservoir temperature in the equation).
Adsorbed Gas In-Place:
- AGIP= adsorbed gas in place (scf)
- Gs= gas-storage capacity (scf/ton)
- p=reservoir pressure (psia)
- VL= Langmuir volume (scf/ton)
- PL= Langmuir pressure (psia)
- ρ= shale density (ton/cft)
Total Gas In-Place:
- TGIP is the total gas in place
- GIP: free gas in place
- AGIP: adsorbed gas in place
To estimate the reserve is multiplied the initial gas in place obtained by the recovery factor. The EIA assigns a recovery efficiency factor in function of the mineralogy, reservoir properties and geological complexity as is shown below:
Favorable Gas Recovery. A 25% recovery efficiency factor of the gas in-place is used for shale gas basins and formations that have low clay content, low to moderate geologic complexity and favorable reservoir properties such as an overpressured shale formation and high gas-filled porosity.
Average Gas Recovery. A 20% recovery efficiency factor of the gas in-place is used for shale gas basins and formations that have a medium clay content, moderate geologic complexity and average reservoir pressure and properties.
Less Favorable Gas Recovery. A 15% recovery efficiency factor of the gas in-place is used for shale gas basins and formations that have medium to high clay content, moderate to high geologic complexity and below average reservoir properties.
Once the recovery factor was determined is used the next equation:
UR= TGIP * RF
- UR = Ultimate Recovery, SCF
- TGIP = Total Gas In-Place, SCF
- RF = Recovery factor or Recovery Efficiency, %.
- To determine the volume of hydrocarbons in situ are used conventional procedures with some modifications in its valuation and measurement to adjust them to the characteristics of these new reservoirs. In addition the great heterogeneity of the shale along with the difficulty in the measurements of some of its properties forces the reservoir engineers to work with a higher level of uncertainty than the accustomed.
- Also have appeared new factors to evaluate such as the percentage of organic matter and its thermal maturity together with the change of importance in some of the classic properties as the mineralogy and mechanical properties of the formation transforming them in decisive factors to determine the viability in the shale development.
- The conventional logs must be used under calibrations made from well cores of the formation because the variable mineralogy in the shale along with the presence of radioactive metals, conductive solids, dense minerals and kerogen in the same produce distortions in their measures. The NMR and geochemical logs have been transformed into two indispensable tools at the time of characterize a shale since these are the less affected by their particularities and they allow to evaluate the porosity, formation mineralogy, water saturation and kerogen volume.
- In addition becomes evident the need to standardize the laboratory procedures for the measurement of the reservoir properties since several of the practices used in conventional fields are not adjusted to the new features of the shale. In this way will decrease the gap found between the values reported by different laboratories in the determination of the same properties in the same formation.
- On the other hand special attention should be given to not add in the total porosity the volume occupied by the "water" of clays (structural hydroxyl, OH-) because do this is not technically correct since these are not empty spaces water-filled if not they are part of the molecular structure of the matrix components.
- We have also found the need to add a weighting coefficient in function of time for when we use the system permeability in the determination of the reservoir productivity and carry out its simulation.
- Finally we can say that the cut-off values in the shale plays follow new patterns that are in accordance with the change of production philosophy of the same and as well as the technique of hydraulic fracturing continue to evolve and its costs decreasing the evaluation of the reservoir properties are going to reduce simply to that the rock contains hydrocarbons and it can be fractured.
Author: Emanuel Omar Martin, Petroleum Engineer
Written by the author:
- BARNETT TECHNICAL INFORMATION
- Eagle Ford Geological Review
- WHAT IS HYDRAULIC FRACTURING?
- WHERE IS THE GAS STORED?
- HOW TO EVALUATE A SHALE PLAY?
- FLOW MECHANICS IN SHALE GAS
- EXCEL WORKSHEET TO CALCULATE THE PERMEABILITY IN SHALE GAS FIELDS
- BEHAVIOR OF ARPS EQUATION IN SHALE PLAYS
- U.S. Dry Shale Gas Production
- U.S. Tight Oil Production
- Argentina Shale Production
- Luffel, D.L., Guidry, F.K. & Curtis, J.B. 1992. Evaluation of Devonian shale with new core and log analysis methods. Journal of Petroleum Technology, 44, 1192–1197.
- Faraj, B., Williams, H., Addison, G. & McKinstry, B. 2004. Gas potential of selected shale formations in the Western Canadian sedimentary basin. GasTIPS, 10, (1), 21–25.
- Economides, M.J. & Wang, X. 2010. Differences and similarities in the stimulation and production of shale gas reservoirs and other tight formations. Paper CSUG/SPE 137718, Society of Petroleum Engineers, Richardson, Texas.
- Sondergeld, C.H., Newsham, K.E., Comisky, J.T., Rice, M.C. & Rai, C.S. 2010b. Petrophysical considerations in evaluating and producing shale Gas. Paper SPE 131768, Society of Petroleum Engineers, Richardson, Texas.
- DETERMINATION OF TOTAL CARBON, TOTAL ORGANIC CARBON AND INORGANIC CARBON IN SEDIMENTS, Bernie B. Bernard, Heather Bernard, and James M. Brooks TDI-Brooks International/B&B Laboratories Inc. College Station, Texas 77845.
- UNCONVENTIONAL TIGHT OIL RESERVOIRS: A CALL FOR NEW STANDARDIZED CORE ANALYSIS WORKFLOWS AND RESEARCH. Gary A. Simpson and Neil S. Fishman, Hess Corporation, 2015.
- Geological characteristics and ‘‘sweet area’’ evaluation for tight Oil. Cai-Neng Zou, Song-Tao Wu, Zhi Yang, Sen-Hu Lin, Lian-Hua Hou, Qiu-Lin Guo, Ru-Kai Zhu, Jing-Wei Cui, Deng-Hua Li, She-Jiao Wang. 14 October 2015.
- AN INTEGRATED PETROPHYSICAL APPROACH FOR SHALE GAS RESERVOIR. Richard Arnold & Matt Bratovich, 2014, BAKER HUGHES.
- Evaluating Shale Gas Plays using the Barnett Shale Model. Dan Jarvie, Dallas SIPES Meeting Oct 18, 2005.
- Formation Evaluation in Shale Prospects Experience in Argentina Vaca Muerta Formation, Martin Paris, Posted March 30, 2015.
- Technically Recoverable Shale Oil and Shale Gas Resources: An Assessment of 137 Shale Formations in 41 Countries Outside the United States,Energy Information Administration (EIA), 2013.
- New Evaluation Techniques for Gas Shale Reservoirs, Rick Lewis, David Ingraham, Marc Pearcy: Oklahoma City, Jeron Williamson, Walt Sawyer, Joe Frantz: Pittsburgh. 2004.
- DETERMINATION OF FORMATION ORGANIC CARBON CONTENT USING A NEW NEUTRON-INDUCED GAMMA RAY SPECTROSCOPY SERVICE THAT DIRECTLY MEASURES CARBON, Jorge Gonzalez, Richard Lewis, James Hemingway, Jim Grau, Erik Rylander and Ryan Schmitt, Schlumberger 2013.
- From Oil-Prone Source Rock to Gas-Producing Shale Reservoir–Geologic and Petrophysical Characterization of Unconventional Shale-Gas Reservoirs. Q. R. Passey, K. M. Bohacs, W. L. Esch, R. Klimentidis, and S. Sinha, ExxonMobil Upstream Research Co. 2010.


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We synthesized a range of PQS (Pseudomonas quinolone signal; 2-heptyl-3-hydroxy-4(1H)-quinolone) analogues and tested them for their ability to stimulate MvfR-dependent pqsA transcription, MvfR-independent pyoverdine production, and membrane vesicle production. The structure-activity profile of the PQS analogues was different for each of these phenotypes. Certain inactive PQS analogues were also found to strongly synergize PQS-dependent pyoverdine production.
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a major cause of chronic infections, especially among individuals with cystic fibrosis (CF) (12, 14). Virulence factor and biofilm production by P. aeruginosa is controlled by quorum sensing (QS). The QS system of P. aeruginosa involves the following two distinct types of signaling molecules: N-acylated homoserine lactones (AHLs) (23) and the Pseudomonas quinolone signal (PQS; a 4-alkyl-quinolone) (18). The biosynthetic precursor of PQS, 2-heptyl-4(1H)-quinolone (HHQ), has also been demonstrated to function as a signaling agent in P. aeruginosa (24). AHL-dependent signaling is widespread among Gram-negative bacteria (19). However, 2-alkyl-4-quinolone (AHQ) signaling is more restricted and has so far been detected only in P. aeruginosa and certain Burkholderia and Alteromonas spp. (7, 21). PQS has been reported in the sputa of CF patients (estimated minimal concentration of ca. 2 μM) (3), indicating that it may be an important factor in the establishment of chronic infections.
PQS has been shown to control production of multiple virulence determinants, including elastase, pyocyanin, rhamnolipids, and the siderophore pyoverdine (5, 9, 11, 18). PQS is extremely hydrophobic and is trafficked between cells in membrane vesicles (MVs) (17). MV formation is also stimulated by PQS, which has been shown to interact with the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) layer of the outer membrane (16). PQS biosynthesis is directed in 2 steps. The PqsABCD proteins catalyze the condensation of β-keto fatty acids with anthranilate to yield AHQs, prominent among which is 2-heptyl-4(1H)-quinolone (HHQ) (2, 6, 18). HHQ is a diffusible molecule that can be produced in one cell and then converted to PQS in another through the action of an unlinked monooxygenase, PqsH (6, 8). Synthesis of PQS is primarily under the control of the AHL-dependent QS system (22), although it can also be produced independently of it (9, 25). LasR stimulates transcription of pqsH and mvfR (a LysR-type regulator, also known as PqsR) (5, 9, 11, 24). MvfR activates transcription of pqsABCDE. PQS is not the only alkyl-quinolone made by P. aeruginosa (6, 18). Others include HHQ, 2-nonyl-4-quinolone (NHQ), and 2-heptyl-4-quinolone N-oxide (HHQNO). The signaling function(s), if any, of NHQ and HHQNO is not clear.
In spite of the important role(s) played by PQS in virulence, it has not yet been the subject of a systematic structure-activity relationship (SAR) analysis. Previous structural modifications of 4-alkyl quinolones have focused mostly on assessing the activity of alkyl chain congeners in stimulating transcription from the pqsA and lecA promoters (10) and MV production (15). In the current work, we generated a more diverse range of PQS analogues and tested them for their ability to stimulate (i) MvfR-dependent transcription of pqsA, (ii) MvfR-independent production of pyoverdine, and (iii) membrane vesicle formation. The analogues we made are shown in Fig. Fig.1.1. The synthesis of these analogues will be described elsewhere (J. Hodgkinson, M. Welch, and D. R. Spring, unpublished data).
The ability of the analogues to stimulate MvfR-dependent transcription from the pqsA promoter was assessed as previously described (4) in Escherichia coli strain DH5α containing pEAL08-2. This plasmid encodes MvfR (under the control of the tac promoter) and carries lacZ under the control of the pqsA promoter. Each analogue (or, as a control, dimethyl sulfoxide [DMSO]) was added at the start of the growth curve, and the β-galactosidase activity of the cells was measured after 8 h, as described previously (4). The results are shown in Fig. Fig.2.2. In this heterologous E. coli-based reporter system, the concentration of PQS required to stimulate PqsR-dependent pqsA transcription was ~1,000-fold lower (nM versus μM) than the concentration of PQS reported by Fletcher et al. (10) to do the same in P. aeruginosa. This suggests that in P. aeruginosa, additional factors (e.g., PQS efflux) may influence the measured response and that the E. coli-based system represents a more direct assay of PqsR activity. There was a strong alkyl chain length dependency on agonism; analogue 1, which carries only a short “stub” of an alkyl chain, was essentially inactive, while analogues 2 and 3 (containing alkyl chains with 5 and 6 carbon atoms, respectively) displayed progressively greater stimulatory activity. Analogues with alkyl chains longer than 7 carbon atoms retained substantial agonist activity, indicating that the PQS-binding pocket of MvfR can accommodate these variants. These data are consistent with those of Fletcher et al. (10), who noted similar alkyl chain length dependency using a pqsA::lux reporter system in a P. aeruginosa PAO1 background. However, the alkyl chain binding pocket of MvfR was apparently intolerant of nonalkyl substituents, since replacement of the PQS heptyl side chain with phenyl groups (Fig. (Fig.2,2, analogues 7 and 8) greatly reduced or abolished agonist activity. Introduction of chlorine atoms at each of the four available positions on the anthranilate ring (Fig. (Fig.2,2, analogues 9 to 12) led to a rather uniform diminution in agonist activity, whereas introduction of a fluorine atom at position 5 had no effect (cf. analogues 9 and 14). This may be due to steric effects of the substituents (F has a smaller van der Waals radius than Cl), although the introduction of electron donating −OH or −OMe groups at position 6 (Fig. (Fig.2,2, analogues 13 and 16) or 7 (analogue 15) led to a large reduction in activity, suggesting that the electron density of the aromatic ring may also play a part.
PQS can stimulate pyoverdine production in a MvfR-independent manner (1, 8). Since PQS is also an iron chelator, presumably due to the presence of the 3-hydroxy-pyridin-4-one moiety, this has led to the suggestion that PQS stimulates pyoverdine production indirectly by depleting the culture of utilizable iron (1, 8, 26). However, the dependence of pyoverdine production on PQS structure has not so far been systematically studied. Pyoverdine production was measured in P. aeruginosa strain DH125 (a PA14-derived pqsB::TnphoA strain) (4). Due to the disruption of pqsB, this strain is unable to generate endogenous alkyl quinolones. Dose-response curves showed that addition of 20 to 30 μM exogenous PQS stimulated a sharp increase in pyoverdine production by DH125, which saturated at around 60 μM PQS (data not shown). Therefore, we tested the PQS analogues at 30, 60, and 90 μM concentrations (Fig. (Fig.3).3). Since all our analogues contain the 3-hydroxy-pyridin-4-one moiety, we expected to see relatively little difference in their abilities to stimulate pyoverdine production. However, this was not the case. At 30 μM, only analogues PQS, 4, and 6 (and to a lesser extent, analogue 3) stimulated pyoverdine production to significant levels. Also, and unlike MvfR-dependent pqsA transcription, there was an abrupt abolition of pyoverdine-stimulatory activity when the alkyl chain exceeded 8 carbon atoms in length (Fig. (Fig.3,3, cf. analogues 4 and 5). Notably, introduction of an unsaturated bond at the end of the alkyl chain (Fig. (Fig.3,3, analogue 6) increased pyoverdine production compared with that of the saturated equivalog (analogue 4) and PQS. Substitution of the alkyl chain with a phenyl moiety (Fig. (Fig.3,3, analogues 7 and 8) essentially abolished activity. In contrast to the MvfR-dependent activity profile, introduction of a fluorine atom at anthranilate ring position 5 resulted in lower agonist activity, while chlorine atom substitutions at positions 5 to 8 displayed the following activity profile: position 5 > position 6 > position 7 > position 8. Modifications that introduced electron-donating groups (Fig. (Fig.3,3, analogues 13, 15, and 16) were inactive at all concentrations tested. We conclude that the stimulation of pyoverdine production shows a strong dependence on several aspects of PQS structure unrelated to the 3-hydroxy-pyridin-4-one moiety per se. In this regard, we note that analogue 1, which has been experimentally demonstrated to bind Fe3+ with high affinity (log β3 = 36.2) (8), was unable to induce pyoverdine production at any of the concentrations tested.
To further investigate the interplay between iron availability and AHQs, we examined whether iron deprivation or iron supplementation affected the pyoverdine-inducing activity of a selection of analogues (PQS and compounds 5, 6, and 8, all at a concentration of 90 μM). As shown in Fig. Fig.4,4, in the presence of excess iron in the medium (Fig. (Fig.4A),4A), pyoverdine production was low and unaffected by the addition of the AHQs. In LB alone (Fig. (Fig.4B),4B), the same pattern of induction as that shown in Fig. Fig.33 was observed. In deferrated medium (Fig. (Fig.4C),4C), pyoverdine production was uniformly high and unaffected by the AHQs. These data show that when iron is either limiting or in excess, it overrides the effect(s) of AHQs on pyoverdine production.
We wondered whether any of the “inactive” or partially active analogues might antagonize pyoverdine production. DH125 was grown in the presence of 25 μM PQS and 75 μM selected analogues (1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 15, and 16), and pyoverdine was assayed. The results are shown in Fig. Fig.5.5. No antagonism was observed. Instead, we noted that some of the compounds strongly synergized the activity of PQS. Of particular note, analogues 2 and 5, which were themselves completely inactive at stimulating pyoverdine, and analogue 12, which very poorly stimulated siderophore production, yielded substantial induction ratios (Fig. (Fig.5).5). Compounds 15 and 16, which were also completely inactive (Fig. (Fig.3),3), displayed partial PQS synergism. Only compounds 1, 7, and 8 did not display synergism. These data raise the possibility that the nominally “nonactive” endogenous PQS analogues such as NHQ may function to “fine-tune” the activity of PQS itself. Speculatively, the molecular basis for the observed synergism might be through facilitation of PQS uptake or trafficking, perhaps linked to the ability of synergizing compounds to specifically interact with the cell envelope.
We next investigated whether the PQS analogues influenced membrane vesicle (MV) formation by P. aeruginosa. The results are shown in Fig. Fig.6.6. Consistent with previous reports (15, 17), we found that wild-type cultures produced more MVs than the PQS null mutant. However, in our hands, most of the compounds tested (including PQS itself) were able only to slightly stimulate MV production (<2-fold) when present at a 50 μM concentration. This contrasts with the findings of earlier works that reported nearly complete restoration of MV production at this concentration of PQS (Fig. (Fig.6,6, wild type [WT]) (17) and may reflect the different approaches used to quantify the MVs (total protein content measured in the previous work versus phospholipid content measured in the current work). This notwithstanding, compounds 9, 10, and 11 were able to restore MV production to much higher levels than PQS, indicating that the introduction of chlorine atoms at positions 5, 6, and 7 (respectively) of the anthranilate ring increases MV-stimulatory activity. Other modifications on the anthranilate ring (Fig. (Fig.6,6, compounds 12 to 16) did not substantially enhance the MV-stimulatory activity of the molecules.
Previous works have shown that most of the PQS made by P. aeruginosa is packaged into MVs (13, 17), raising the possibility that specific structural features of the molecule might affect interaction with the cell envelope by affecting its lipophilicity. A chemical informatics approach (www.molinspiration.com/cgi-bin/properties) was therefore used to calculate the octanol-water partition coefficient (logP value) for each analogue. In parallel, we also measured the solubility of each analogue in water. There was a good correlation between these parameters (Table (Table1).1). Notably, the least active compounds (1, 7, and 8) showed the greatest water solubility, consistent with there being a minimum lipophilicity required for PQS. However, lipophilicity alone does not account for the dramatic functional impact of subtle structural variations. For example, extension of the alkyl chain from 8 to 9 carbon atoms (Table (Table1,1, cf. analogues 4 and 5) increases the logP value but abolishes pyoverdine stimulation.
Overall, the correlation between MvfR binding and pyoverdine stimulation was moderate. When the induction ratios for each assay are plotted against one another, two distinct clusters are observed (Fig. (Fig.7).7). Compounds 4, 6, 9, 10, 11, 14, and PQS all showed good inducing activity in both assays (cluster I), indicating that these modifications to PQS are in structurally tolerant positions. Interestingly, some members of cluster I were also better at stimulating MV production than the compounds in cluster II. The latter were less active, indicating that if (i) the alkyl chain is too short (analogues 1 to 3) or too long (analogue 5), (ii) the alkyl group is substituted by a phenyl moiety (analogues 7 and 8), (iii) the anthranilate ring carries electron-donating groups (analogues 13, 15, and 16), or (iv) position 8 in the anthranilate ring carries an electronegative atom (analogue 12), the specific signaling or MV-promoting activity of the molecule becomes compromised. Therefore, almost every part of the PQS molecule contributes in some way toward its function as a signaling molecule. Alternatively, these specific structural factors may diminish the bioavailability of the molecules. We also note that, with the exception of the water-soluble analogues (1, 7, and 8), all members of cluster II retained PQS-synergistic activity, indicating that this function of the molecule is more dependent on its general properties (e.g., lipophilicity) rather than specific chemical groups.
Our results further support the notion that the structure of PQS is constrained through interaction with multiple factors (currently known to include LPS, MvfR, and iron). Furthermore, it is possible that additional PQS receptors remain to be identified. In this regard, both Burkholderia thailandensis and Burkholderia pseudomallei contain functional pqsABCDE homologues (7, 21), but neither of their genomes encodes a convincing MvfR homologue.
Research done in the laboratory of M.W. is generously supported by the BBSRC and MRC. Research done in the laboratory of D.R.S. is supported by the EPSRC, BBSRC, MRC, and the Wellcome and Newman Trusts. S.D.B. is a BBSRC-funded postdoctoral fellow. J.H. was supported by an MRC-funded Ph.D. studentship.
Published ahead of print on 21 May 2010.

domain: chemistry


Norwegian stoner rock band El Rodeo unveil their new single »Borders«
Norwegian stoner rock band El Rodeo unveil the second single »Borders« taken from their forthcoming album, which will be released in autumn 2021 via Regent Street Records.
»Borders« is available now on all major streaming platforms.
El Rodeo has uncompromisingly performed rock-hard stoner music for more than two decades. The year 2021 is of course no exception. It’s tough, rough, melodic and heavy. It’s El Rodeo. Well, this history is a truth with some modifications. The band was dead as in the grave for some years, before the guitarist decided to take the microphone. In 2019, El Rodeo was invited to a festival deep in the woods of Mid-Norway, on the condition that the old rock heads got Christian back on vocals as a kind of reunion rodeo. They did it, the band got reunited, oozes of creativity and is eager like never to get back on the road. Live they are a pure energy bomb, where dark energy meets melodic hard core stoner rock. And it’s no doubt that the crazy Norwegians have found their old musical friendship. You can see and hear it from the first deep riff and graspy vocals and feel it deep in your bones long after the gig is done.
About »Borders« the band says: “A sadistic mixture of Norwegian folk music/waltz and old school black metal. How annoying is that? Well, it’s quite catchy in fact. Border-breaking is also the theme of the lyrics. Have you experienced the feeling that everything is falling apart? When you are no longer able to sort out what’s good or bad? When the border that separate reality and fantasy is fading?”
El Rodeo is:
Ståle Sundal – Drums
André Krokstad – Guitar
Alf Øistein Østerås – Bass
Christian Klykken – Vocals
Bojan Bidovc // music enthusiast, promoter, misanthrop and sometimes a journalist as well


For the more serious photographer or anyone looking to step up their game in the DSLR/photography world, the CanonEF 16-35mm f/4L IS USM lens is the perfect addition to your collection! This lens ranges from 16mm wide-angle to 35mm portrait-length telephoto; now that is what I call versatility! The lens is ultra-wide angle and water resistant! This lens also utilizes Canon's ring-type USM which gives you a silent but fast operation, giving you the best picture and video quality possible. SpecificationsFocal Length & Maximum Aperture 16-35mm 1:4:0.Lens Construction 16 elements in 12 groups. Diagonal Angle of View 10810' - 63.Focus Adjustment Inner focus system. Closest Focusing Distance 0.92 ft. / 0.28m.Filter Size 77mm diameter. Max. Diameter x Length, Weight 3.3 x 4.4 in, 21.7 oz. / 82.6 x 112.8mm, 615g.


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domain: painting


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domain: hobby


Hombre Muerto West (HMW) is a lithium brine project located in Argentina. The project is the flagship property of ASX-listed Galan Lithium.
In December 2020, the company announced positive results of the Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA) of the HMW project. An updated PEA study for the HNW project was announced in December 2021.
The results of Phase I Definitive Feasibility Study (DFS) were published in July 2023. According to the study, the first phase will deliver 5.4 kilo tonnes of lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE) annually for a period of 40 years.
Galan Lithium received full Phase I construction permits in August 2023 from the Catamarca Ministro – Ministerio de Mineria (Mines Department Minister).
Construction works began in the same month, with lithium chloride production is expected to start in the first half of 2025.
Hombre Muerto West Location Details
The Hombre Muerto West Project is located within a salt flat called Hombre Muerto basin in the Argentinean Puna plateau region of the high Andes at around 4,000m above sea level.
It is situated in the geological province of Puna, around 90km north of the town of Antofagasta de la Sierra, province of Catamarca in Argentina. The site is approximately 1,400km northwest of the capital of Buenos Aires.
The project lies near lithium projects owned by Galaxy Resources.
Initially, the HMW Project included six exploration permits- Rana de Sal (I,II and III), Pata Pila, Catalina, and Deceo III (Figure 2) encompassing an area of around 9,493hectares (ha).
The project also includes the Santa Barbara suite of concessions.
Galan Lithium also bought the Del Condor and Pucara lithium brine salar projects totalling an area of 2,104ha.
Geology and Reserves
Mineral resource at the property hosts geologically well-defined zones of high-grade lithium mineralisation.
Sections of alluvial fans located on the western shore of the Hombre Muerto salar proper come under Del Condor, Pucara, Pata Pila/Deceo III and Rana De Sal licence areas.
The salar contains the lithium brine deposit.
The lithium, concentrated in brines hosted within basin-fill alluvial sediments and evaporites, is procured locally from weathered and altered felsic ignimbrites.
In May 2023, an updated mineral resource estimate for Hombre Muerto West was announced. According to the report, the project’s JORC estimate is 6.6Mt of contained LCE at 880 mg/L Li.
Mining and Processing at Hombre Muerto West
The Hombre Muerto West project will employ brine extraction methodology.
The brine extraction will be conducted through seven production wells, with raw brine being pumped to the first pond of the evaporation ponds system.
The recovery process defined for the HMW project involves conventional evaporation ponds and a lithium carbonate plant.
After obtaining brine from wells in the Rana de Sal and Pata Pila areas, it will be pumped to the pre-concentration ponds.
The water from the brine will be allowed to evaporate through solar radiation and wind. The evaporation will generate a change in the equilibrium point of this liquid precipitating salts and the concentration of lithium present in this brine.
Some reagents will be introduced to facilitate the precipitation of impurities. However, this will have no impact on the lithium present in the brine.
Subsequently, the brine will feed into the last pre-concentration ponds and will be put into the concentration ponds for more lithium concentration.
After the brine achieves a lithium concentration that can be treated in the lithium carbonate plant, it will be stored in reservoir ponds.
At an appropriate time, the Li2CO3 plant will treat the brine. This will include removing all remaining contaminants and conducting lithium precipitation.
The product is purified through bi-carbonation and crystallisation to achieve battery grade Li2CO3.
The battery grade lithium carbonate is then dried, reduced in size and packed, and stored in the warehouse before it is shipped to the final client.
According to the DFS, the HMW Phase 1 will deliver an annual production rate of 5,367 recoverable tonnes of LCE. The production plan is for 40 years.
The mineral resource estimation for Hombre Muerto West project was undertaken by SRK Consulting (Australasia), while Worley Chile reviewed the recovery method.
Galan awarded a multidisciplinary management, engineering and development consultancy Hatch to undertake Definitive Feasibility Study (DFS) for the project.
Galan engaged Quantec Geosciences to undertake a comprehensive geophysical survey technique known as transient electromagnetics (TEM) at all the HMW tenements.
WSP was engaged to provide support and design work, including production wells, for different aspects related to the hydrogeology of the HMW tenements.


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AN EYE FOR PHOTOGRAPHY
Tom Dunn Photography is an award-winning photographer specializing in commercial, business product branding, portraits, products, interior and exterior architecture, and images for websites, brochures, business cards, promotional marketing materials and social networking. Tom photographs both on-location and at his studio, located in the historic Lowertown Arts District of downtown St. Paul, MN.
Tom resides in Lowertown and his clients range from the Minneapolis and St. Paul metro area to western Wisconsin.
Tom is active in the community and is the past President of the St. Paul Art Collective. He also volunteers his photography services to Second Harvest Heartland, CCEFS, the Woodbury Community Foundation and Youth Service Bureau. Please call or email Tom if you have business photography or fine art needs and would like further information about his services.
Tom’s attention to detail is outstanding! His photos ar always crisp and clean and he makes it so easy to integrate into our websites!!
Tom Dunn did a fantastic job on our company photoshoot, headshots and pictures of our fireplace showroom. We also love the still shot of Stillwater he printed for us to hang above one of our fireplace displays. Thank you Tom for your talent and for making the process easy!
SEE WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING ABOUT TOM!
Please check back for upcoming Tom Dunn Photography events

domain: artistic


Niņa continued to weaken during April 2011 as the magnitude of the negative sea
surface temperature anomalies decreased further across much of the equatorial
Pacific Ocean (Fig.
T18, Table T2).
The latest monthly Niņo indices were -0.8°C for the Niņo
3.4 region and +0.2°C for the Niņo
1+2 region (Table T2,
Consistent with these conditions, the oceanic thermocline (measured by
the depth of the 20°C
isotherm) remained slightly deeper than average over the eastern equatorial
Pacific (Figs. T15 and
T16), with sub-surface temperatures
above average in this region (Fig. T17).
the atmospheric circulation patterns during April continued to show La Niņa
equatorial low-level easterly trade winds remained stronger than average over
the western and central Pacific (Table T1,
while convection remained enhanced over Indonesia and suppressed across the
western and central equatorial Pacific (Figs.
T25 and E3).
Collectively, these oceanic and atmospheric anomalies reflect a weakening La Niņa.
the latest status of the ENSO cycle see the ENSO Diagnostic Discussion at:


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Hey guys, I’m BACK!
So, I was given this LUSH Face Mask by my BFF and I have to say it’s pretty darn good! I even noticed a difference on my BFF face. Honestly, her face looked better than I’ve ever seen, because of this face mask! I wish she took photos because it honestly cleared her face up and it’s very noticeable! It even gave her a massive confidence boost which is AMAZING!
The mask smells so fresh and organic, it has this lemon, lime smell and a vibrant colour which makes it even more cooler! literally! It leaves my face feeling rejuvenated, fresh, as well as soft! I would recommend this product! a good 9.5/10
The face MASK is by LUSH COSMETICS.
Lush Cosmetics is a brand that sells products that is made from vegetarian and vegan recipes. The company also does not buy from companies that carry out, fund, or commission any animal testing, meaning they test their products on human volunteers before they are sold to the public. That’s pretty cool for a company to do.
Thanks for reading,
Peace out. xx

domain: beauty


Testing of a building for mold typically involves both air and surface sampling. Surface sampling involves collecting a sample of material suspected of harboring mold with a sterile swab or tape. This sample is then viewed under a microscope to determine if the sample contains mold, and if so, what type of mold. Air sampling involves collecting a known volume of air and determining the number and types of mold spores present. Indoor levels are then compared to outdoor [...]
Visible mold and/or a musty odor are two signs of a mold problem. Not all mold, though, is visible. Mold can grow in wall spaces, attics, cupboards, beneath carpet and under appliances. Hidden mold growth can release dangerous spores to the air. Any building that has suffered water damage or is unusually humid should be inspected for excessive mold growth by an experienced environmental consultant.
Mold requires a moist environment to grow. Any excess moisture in a home or office can lead to amplified mold growth. This moisture can come from water damage from flooding or leaking roofs and pipes. However, the moisture may not be from an obvious source. Improperly constructed building foundations can cause excess water vapor to seep through the floors of buildings. This can cause mold growth in carpets and in wall spaces where ventilation is poor.
Individuals with pre-existing allergies or respiratory conditions, are likely to be more sensitive to mold spores. Other individuals that may be sensitive include infants and young children, the elderly, and immune comprised patients (people with HIV, undergoing, chemotherapy, liver disease, etc.) Most people are exposed to mold daily with little or no reaction. Prolonged exposure, though, over a long period of time can make a person sensitive to molds when they previously did not have a reaction.
You won’t always be able to see it. You might not even know it’s there. You certainly won’t hear it, nor even smell it. Don’t be caught off guard when you find a patch of mold that has festered and started to grow. Call us immediately if you even suspect this silent nuisance is festering in your home.
When someone in your family is sick, it can be hard to enjoy the day. If your family members are prone to allergies, it can be crucially hard to enjoy the warm seasons, especially if you live in Tennessee. This summer, don’t be limited by what you can and cannot do because of you or your family’s health. Contact the Mold Doctors and be on your way to a worry-free summer!
This crazy cold weather in Knoxville, Tennessee has affected many homes and businesses in the past few weeks. If you are one of those that have experienced pipes bursting and damaging your property, hopefully you were fortunate enough to get the water damage taken care of promptly! The Danger of Bursting Pipes Unfortunately, many properties were not addressed in a timely manner due to a large amount of homes that experienced water damage. Once the weather went from being cold to [...]


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On a recent morning walk, I asked for Divine guidance as to what I should write for a newsletter column I was asked to do. There is so much I could say, and so much I didn’t want to say. And as I mentally weighed this decision it occurred to me – “Here I go again – living completely in my mind; over-thinking a simple matter such as writing an article; trying to gauge how it would be received. What if…yada…yada…yada…! Did I not ask for Divine guidance? So why not be still, turn off the mental chatter and allow Divine Mind to do Its thing.” So I did. By the end of the walk, as I sat by the lake to cool down and do my reading and journaling, I knew what I would say. I wanted to talk about the power of looking for and praising the good in all situations – even those that seem downright miserable! I received confirmation of my decision as I opened a book I was about to read prior to journaling, and a familiar quote just about jumped off the pages at me. It was William Shakespeare’s words, "Misery acquaints a man with strange bedfellows." And the significance of this, you might ask? Part of the message I received as I walked had to do with my assessment of events that have occurred in my life. I was reminded that even those experiences that seemed to cause me so much misery, had, in Truth, yielded wonderful lessons. So rather that tie myself mentally and emotionally to the perceived “misery”, I could praise the good that resulted. Yes, sometimes our consciousness draws some strange bedfellows, and even as we make the decision not to lie with them too long, we can look for the good and praise it. That good may be as simple as realizing that a particular experience is not for your highest good. Now that IS something to praise!! Today as you ponder your actions, know that your consciousness may attract and even invite in some “strange bedfellows”, and if you choose to lie with them for a time, at least be spiritually vigilant enough to look for the lesson and the blessings. It will be even better if you allow Divine Mind to guide your actions so that you won’t have to experience the misery that some bedfellows can bring. The choice is, of course, always yours. Live well! Live blessed!
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domain: philosophy


text:
If you have not heard of black seed yet, believe you are not the only one. Little is known about black seed, but lately its use is more common and, that is rightfully so.
For centuries black seed has been used in the traditional and alternative medicine, and lately is increasingly taking place in the conventional medicine. Recent research shows that black seeds can be used to treat multiple disorders for which are prescribed different medications.
Before more than 2,000 years, with a goal to treat or cure a variety of ailments from headaches to parasitic infections, small black seeds were used in various meals.The healing power is proven by the fact that this seed was found in the tomb of King Tutankhamun.
It is also known that Cleopatra used it for medical and cosmetic purposes. The Greek doctor Dioscorides used black seed to treat headaches, nasal congestion, toothache and intestinal parasites.
Hippocrates, the founder of today’s medicine, believed that black seed is a valuable medicine for disorders of the liver and digestive system.
It is considered to have positive effects in asthma, allergies, flu, joint pain and intestinal problems.
The black seed can help in reducing the high blood pressure
The black seed has a role of an antioxidant, acts as a diuretic and lowers the high blood pressure. One research in 2013 proved that eating 5 ml of black seed oil within 8 weeks, contributes a significant reduction in blood pressure without any side effects.
It is useful in the treatment of cancer
Studies say that the ingredient thymoquinone, which is found in black seeds, can cause death to cancer cells and reduce metastasis in breast cancer, melanoma, cancer of the uterus, bone cancer and leukemia. In addition, positive effects have been observed in pancreatic cancer and lung cancer.
It is assumed that black seed increases the sensitivity of cancer cells under the effect of chemotherapy. Considering that we are talking about invitro studies, more research is needed in order to confirm the anticancer properties of black seed.
It can help to stabilize blood sugar levels
The subject of one survey was the link of black seed and its properties to reduce blood sugar levels, with emphasis on women in menopause. It showed that 1 gram of black seed per day, which is consumed within 2 months, can significantly reduce the blood sugar levels.

domain: biology


text: Kitama is located in Mtwara city, Tanzania at the -10.7167, 39.7333 coordinates. Distance from Kitama to other cities. are listed below, click on the city name to find distance between. Distance from Kitama to Newala Kisimani 56 km, to Masasi 102 km, to Lukuledi 103 km. The green marker indicates the location of Kitama.

domain: travel


The calculator on this page provides a means of calculating:-
- The saturated vapour pressure (hPa) of ambient air at a known temperature.
- The vapour pressure of ambient air at a known %RH.
- The dew point temperature (, ) of the air at this %RH.
- The vapour pressure and dew point of air following compression.
- Whether the water is all in the vapour phase or if liquid water is present.
Graphical Summary of the Calculator
This graph provides an indication of the relationship between the pressure dew point temperature and the amount of compression the ambient air has been subjected to. The graph shows this relationship for four value of ambient %RH, (50,60,70 and 80%). It can be clearly seen that even when mildly humid air is lightly compressed liquid water is produced.
Looking at the curves more closely it is also possible to postulate as to why, under some high-usage conditions, that water is can be liberated in such large quantities downstream of the receiver – near the tools and processes for which the air is used. In some high-use conditons, where the temperature of the air at the reciever has built up to temperatures above the pressure dew point, no water will be liberated for the water vapour leaden air. It is only further down the system, where the air has had time to cool further, that the majority of the water will be liberated. This is proably the reason why, on some humid days, the water traps and drains on a system seems to overflow and exhaust very quickly.
It should be obvious that ambient air with a higher realtive humidity would make this effect more likely. Also in general there would be much more water vapour available which could be turned into liquid water.
The situation is slightly improved if instead of operating at 25 the temperature of the ambient air is higher. The graph below gives some indication of this temperature relationship.
This graph shows the effect of a higher ambient air temperature. Pressure dew point temperatures are further elevated leading to more water being liberated in the parts of the compressed air system closer to the compressor, i.e. the receiver. However, with a higher input temperature the ambient air is capable of holding a significantly larger amount of water vapour. The water is all contained within the system and without suitable control it can manifest as liquid water and present problems throughout the system.


text:
There a very few places like The Crown Inn in Chiddingfold. Once a 14th Century Alehouse, it has a long and fascinating history and even a short trip transports you back in time and away from stressful modern day life. It is recorded that King Edward VI accompanied by many of his high officials of state, the Duke of Suffolk, the Earls of Cobham and Warwick and some four thousand men camped on the Green outside the Crown on July 21st 1552, and it is also alleged that Elizabeth I took refreshment here in 1591 while passing through Chiddingfold on her way from Loseley to Cowdray. Many hundreds of years later, it was a thriving business during the world wars and was particularly popular with soldiers billeted here.
Since 1982, The Crown has been owned by the well respected ‘Searcy Group’. The Searcy catering, hospitality and restaurant group was privately owned by Richard & Nigel Goodhew and had interests in many top restaurants. It worked with Michelin starred chef Richard Corrigan, and won prestigious catering contracts at top London venues such as the Royal Opera House and the National Portrait Gallery. They sold Searcy in 2007 but have retained their ownership of The Crown.
For many, it is a treasured local pub with its low oak beams and regional ales, and the place positively hums with the chatter of country folk, accompanied by their dogs and children (in that order!). You’ll spot the odd London couple on a romantic break too-the clever ones who’ve been give insider information by word of mouth that this place is a special gem.
We had dinner in the stunning wood panelled dining room, which has the most beautiful ornate plaster ceiling, a grand Tudor Fireplace and rustic wooden tables. Traditional favourites like breaded whitebait and honey and mustard sausages were just the ticket, and we feasted on juicy Chateaubriand with roasted flat mushrooms and vine tomatoes. Staff were friendly and attentive, and made you feel welcome and pampered.
We stayed in the magnificent ‘Tudor Parlour’ , with it’s impressive antique four poster bed, and spacious bathroom with luxurious freestanding bath. You couldn’t hope for a more characterful and charming bedroom. I slept like a log, and awoke feeling refreshed and Kingly the next morning.
To book your special stay at the historic Crown, visit: http://www.thecrownchiddingfold.com or call 01428 682 255.


New guitar! Just in time to finish writing the EP!
New guitar day! Fully custom @s7g_usa 7 string Cobra! Big thanks to Jim, Aaron, and Chris at S7G! Since I know you guys might ask, here's the specs: Ash body Mahogany neck 26 fret ebony fingerboard Stainless steel frets Lumilay dots on the neck Volume/tone controls with mini toggle for coil tap Seymour Duncan JB (with outer coil tapped) Sperzel locking tuners Hipshot bridge Strings through the body String gauge 10-13-17-26-36-46-60 WRITING FOR THE EP ALMOST FINISHED! I WILL BE POSTING A TEASER FOLLOWING THE UPCOMING CROWBAR US TOUR!


You may have seen this …glob.. mostly on water lines. I believe the pod is called a Bryozoan colonies. You might say the coral of fresh water. We have a picture of a colony attached to my dock..they filter the water so ..don;t be too aggressive cleaning them off.
Though they are not closely related to corals, bryozoans are superficially similar in that they are tiny colonial aquatic creatures that effectively filter particles from the water. The large gelatinous species is native to North America and often grows on docks and other submerged wood. Check of this simplified Ask A Naturalist web site..if you want more detail simply search the word. Click the site link to read the rest of the article.
Under Water Picture of our dock side


text:
Easy Amigurumi Croissant Free Pattern Ideas – Need a quick and easy crochet project? Here is favorite quick and easy amigurumi patterns that work up in just a few hours or maybe just few minutes, so you can whip up a few in no time at all!
1. Amigurumi Croissant Crochet Pattern By ChiWei
This amigurumi croissant crochet pattern by ChiWei. It will allow you to make your very own croissant! These crochet toy patterns are great for anyone who enjoys amigurumi or would like to try it.
2. Croissant By Emily
Crochet croissant pattern by Emily. Pattern includes detailed step by step instructions and all materials you need to know to crochet these croissants.
3. How to crochet a Croissant By World Of Amigurumi
Easy Amigurumi Croissant – Follow this step-by-step tutorial and learn how to make these awesome little amigurumi croissants.

domain: design


text:
How to search D C B Bank branches in Visakhapatnam?
You are in Visakhapatnam page of D C B Bank. D C B Bank has 4 branches in Visakhapatnam district of Andhra Pradesh.
To view details for any branch in Visakhapatnam, select the branch from dropdown list or click on the branch name from the list of D C B Bank branches in Visakhapatnam district below IFSC tool.
Click on "Reset Districts" icon in IFSC Tool and go back to state page to view D C B Bank branches in Andhra Pradesh.

domain: finance


Invacare Orion 8 mph mobility scooter.
The Invacare Orion is a large 8mph scooter, good for driving long range. This scooter is approved used comes fully serviced. Included in the price: Engineer Delivery & Set Up 1 Year Insurance. 1 Year Warrantee. (Price Displayed VAT Exempt)
Invacare Orion, is a mid-sized 8 mph scooter. This design of 8 mph scooter is relatively compact, which makes the scooter easy to store. The Orion also has a long range of 26 miles, making it go further than most mid-range scooters. One of the other features that this scooter has, is suspension and large pneumatic wheels giving the user a smooth drive. Comfort is also catered for with a high-back padded seat. The Invacare Orion is brilliant for someone who wants a reliable compact mid-sized type of 8 mph scooter. This scooter is used approved and has been fully serviced.
Maximum speed 8 mph
User Weight 21 Stone
Mile Range 26 miles
Batteries 50 Ah
Length 129 cm
Width 62.5 cm
Lighting system with indicators


Can anybody explain how to work with thread priorities in OpenBSD?
Information about this question in MAN pages is poor, it does not give clear understanding. In particular:
sched_get_priority_min/max gives range. I have OpenBSD 6.3 amd64, and range is
If i see default priority policy/level of first created thread of process, i see:
(SCHED_OTHER, 0). If
0 is lowest, how can i specify idle thread? Or priority below normal? Can i only increase priority? Which priority have system threads? By idea, default priority level has to be
pthread_setschedparam() says: "The scheduling policy for a thread can either be
SCHED_FIFO (first in, first out) or
SCHED_RR (round-robin)". Why not
SCHED_OTHER? First default thread has this policy.
Are these priorities for real-time or are they normal?
Can anybody make it clear?
In Windows i can set
idle priority, and i see that this thread is scheduled only when there is no other work in a system. I can set
time_critical, and this thread has almost all processor time.
How to resolve these tasks in OpenBSD? What are analogues of Windows priorities:
How to make choice between policies?
RR? Are these policies equal in granting processing time when priority level is the same?
A lot of questions without answers in MAN pages.


text:
When Metro opens its subway for weeknight and Saturday service late in September, midnight will really strike at 11:46 p.m. in Silver Spring.
General Manager Theodore C. Lutz told the Metro board yesterday that the best combined subway and bus schedule his staff could arrange would have subway service from downtown outward until midnight.
However, trains from all four operating directions will be scheduled to meet at Metro Center at 12:04 a.m., where they will be held until everybody has made the necessary transfers.
For all trains to arrive at Metro Center at 12:04 means, however, that the last train from Silver Spring must leave there at 11:46; the last train from National Airport must leave at 11:47 p.m. and the last train from Stadium-Armory must leave at 11:49 p.m. The last train from Dupont Circle will leave on the stroke of midnight.
Board member Franis Francois worried that "people will think midnight means just that, and will arrive at the station 14 minutes after the last train left."
Board member Joseph Alexander conceded that was possible, but said, "We'll have to let people know when the last train runs. We can put up some signs. They don't have to be all bronze and everything. Just signs."
The subway has run only on weekdays between 6 a.m. and 8 p.m. since it opened in 1976. On Monday, Sept. 25, weeknight operations will be extended to midnight. Saturday service will begin for the first time, from 8 a.m. to midnight. The board is studying the possibility of starting Sunday service later in the year.
Trains will operate at 10-minute intervals until 10 p.m., when they will switch to 15-minute intervals.
Bus schedules are being revised so there will be little parallel bus and subway service during the expanded subway operating hours.

domain: news


text:
(MENAFN- Gulf Times)
Qatari twins Sarah and Hajar Abdel Rahman stormed the field of body language analysis, and they now analyse the movements and suggestions made by celebrities and actors on social media, as well as publishing books, local Arabic daily 'Arrayah' reported. The publications, such as 'Theater of Feelings,' 'Your Eyes Speak to Me,' 'The World of Body Language,' and 'The Body Language Expert' and 'A Double Standard', are among the bestsellers in all Gulf countries, and they are also available in some Arab countries such as Egypt and Iraq.
'The World of Body Language,' has been translated into English, followed by 'The Body Language Expert.' The twins describe art as an awesome means of expression for those who present it and a source of inspiration for the audience. 'In a television series, there is a belief that what the actor does is a reflection of a realistic feeling that represents a large number of people. We also analyse the singer's body language when he reaches the depth of his feelings while singing, as in the case of Abdel Halim Hafez while he sings 'The Cup Reader'. We have interpreted his feelings in the clip and it has gone viral.'
Legal Disclaimer: MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.

domain: topicality


text:
British beer expert blind tastes American macro lager | The Craft Beer Channel
This week we’re blind again as Jonny dives into a terrible care package from the States, loaded with 13 regional and national American macrolagers. Which one will win this blind lager taste test and how do they compare to the previous episodes?!
Support us on Patreon (get cool merch):
Buy our favourite craft beer gear!
Our first book, Beer School:
Our second book, The London Craft Beer Guide:
Best bottle opener ever:
Best lens ever:
Our second fav lens:
Best shotgun mic ever:
Lapel mic for your phone (!):
Twitter – @beerchannel
Instagram – @craftbeerchannel @jonnygarrett @mrbradevans
Remember to drink responsibly(ish) and not be that guy…


Martin Lewis and new presenter Angellica Bell present a one-hour live special of the programme dedicated to saving you money.
Martin has helped save the nation millions with his money-saving tips, and is back to help consumers save even more in the run-up to Christmas with some more canny offers and deals. With credit card lending, energy prices and inflation all on the up, the nation’s favourite financial guru is on hand to get more cash back in your wallet.
The programme travels across the country to answer viewers’ burning questions about all things finance-related live on air and to find out what the most pressing concerns are for UK consumers. As well as offering valuable tips for people to improve their financial health, the show also features Martin’s festive forecast and Black Friday rundown, as he explains where and when to buy the cheapest gifts, gadgets and goodies – unmissable advice for viewers about to begin their Christmas shopping.
The Martin Lewis Money Show airs Tuesday 21 November 2017 at 8.00pm on ITV.


text:
Get Truthdig's headlines in your inbox!
Apple, Facebook, Google Missing From Tech Lineup Against TPP
An Exclusive Excerpt From 'Trade Is War'
VIDEO: Scheer and Hedges on Surveillance, Corporatism and the National Security State (Part 3/7)
Saudi Arabia Seeking to Head the U.N. Human Rights Council (Yes, Really)
Chasing Miracles in Iraq
by Amy Goodman, David Goodman $5.58
By Michael Dirda
Anti-government demonstrations in Pakistan were thwarted by police Thursday, as opposition leaders were arrested and protesters were stopped after the government claimed that such public gatherings could be sites for terrorist attacks.
View the most popular tags overall?
Posted on May 22, 2015
A Progressive Journal of News and Opinion
Publisher Zuade Kaufman | Editor Robert Scheer
© 2015 Truthdig, LLC. All rights reserved.
Website development by Hop Studios


The Johnson Magnetic Torpedo Laser Level 40-0915 uses a rotating head laser to project a laser point as wells as horizontal and vertical laser lines. You can use this laser along with the 3 manual bubble vials to find level, plumb, and cross check. This 7-inch tool has a magnetic edge, leveling base, and hard molded plastic construction. It also has a working range of up to 100 feet and an accuracy of -/+3/8 inches within 50 feet.
Hands-Free Operation for Multitasking
Johnson’s magnetic laser level securely attaches to ferrous metal surfaces, letting you work hands-free. This feature is ideal for multitasking or when working in tight or awkward spaces.
Tough and Durable
The molded construction of this Johnson laser level is weather and impact-resistant. It maintains accuracy and good calibration even if it is dropped or gets wet.
Easy to Use
This Johnson level has a head that generates a laser that pinpoints a spot wherever you aim it. Simply rotate the head to project a vertical or horizontal line. Adjust the feet to ensure accuracy on uneven surfaces.
This torpedo laser level from Johnson runs on 2 AAA batteries and provides up to 70 hours of continuous use. It also includes a user manual, and a 3 year limited warranty.


text:
Troubling with hair loss…?
Everybody wants to become a supermodel or a center of attraction. Technology grows to modernize man from top to bottom, from hair to toe. Most of the youngsters face loss of hair and due to this they lack self confidence. There are a lot of reasons behind the loss of hair, like pollution, food habit, sleeping habit, chemicals applying in hair and so on. But to become a stylish one most of the people adapt hair fixing as a remedy. Before adapting this method one must aware about the technology and all aspects of hair fixing. Nowadays, we may find a handful of companies who advertise and demands best hair fixing methods. But before you choose one among them please consult your doctor and take advises. Most of the people have these doubts, is hair fixing safe? Is this altering the tissue system? By knowing all about hair fixing you may relaxed by these unwanted questions
Take a look at the steps ….
1. Be ready
Ready for the surgery mentally and physically. Hair follicles from the back of the head will be collected and relocated to the bald areas. Mostly, hair follicles of back of the head is reluctant to bald.
2. Donor area trimmed
The donor area or hair follicles from back of the head trimmed.
3. Preparation for surgery
Local anesthesia is given to the donor area
4. Collecting tissue
Bald resistant hair follicles are collected and the donor area is saturated
5. Hair combed over sutures
By combing hair, the sutures of the surgery may invisible and this sutures may disappear within a week.
6. Role of surgical technicians
The collected hair follicles may review and dissected by surgical technicians and they make follicular units.
7. Bald area
After giving local anesthesia, the bald area become ready and no need of trimming and shaving.
8. Making incisions
Tiny incisions are made in a irregular pattern and follicular units grafts will then be placed in the incisions.
9. Placing method
The front of hairline may cover by the smallest hair grafts and it follows by three and four hair grafts.
10. Closing of the surgery
The tiny incision marks are invisible naturally.
The transplanted hair may behave like the natural hair. So don’t worry about the looks. This surgery costs low and it will increase your confidence and you can back home the same day as it was not a big deal.
Hope you got some ideas about hair transplantation and your doubts are cleared. For more information you can visit the Colorado Surgical & Hair Institute website. They are an internationally reputed center for hair transplantation and restoration.

domain: medical


Polarized Retroreflective Photoelectric Sensor
- LED indicator for beam alignment
- tamper switch
- anti-fog/dew/rain cover
- comes with mounting accessories
- application: entrance detection for shops, warehouses, offices, parking lots ..
- spare front cover: PEMH
Report a problem
Suggest a product
- cover: PMMA (Polymethyl methacrylate)
- housing : ABS (Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene )
- IP-rating: 66
- input voltage: 12 - 250V AC or DC
- transmitter: infrared LED, wavelength 750nm
- range: up to 32 ft.
- beam spreading angle: 1.5°
- contact capacity: 0.5A / 120VAC (1A / 30VDC)
- response time: 10ms
- delay time of relay: 100ms
- operating temperature: -13 ~ 140°F
- storage temperature: -31 ~ 176°F
- transmitter: 4.8" (H) x 2.36" (W) x 2.44" (T)
- reflector: Ø3.5" x 0.28"
- weight: ±7 oz.


Norwegian extreme metal trio KEEP OF KALESSIN and Belgian hardcore quartet OATHBREAKER are the latest additions to Damnation Festival.
The duo will join a diverse cast at Leeds University Union on Saturday, November 7, which already consists of At The Gates, High on Fire, Mono, Amenra, Asphyx, Solstafir, Altar of Plagues, The Ocean, 40 Watt Sun, Vreid and The Wounded Kings.
Keep of Kalessin released their most recent album, Epistemology, earlier this year to rave reviews. Meanwhile, Oathbreaker have been building a name for themselves on the live circuit for their blistering shows.
Tickets are on sale now priced £36 and in response to fans’ feedback, capacity will be reduced to allow better movement between the four stages.


Information Number 1 on Tropical Cyclone Sandra issued by the
Vanuatu Meteorology and Geo-Hazards Department,
Port Vila at 6:44am VUT Friday 8 March 2013.
At 5:00am local time today, Tropical Cyclone Sandra (989 hPa)
was located at 14.6S 156.0E, outside the Vanuatu tropical
cyclone tracking map. That is about 1210 KM west of Luganville.
The system is moving east at 11 KM/HR and intensifying.
Currently the System does not pose any threat to any island of Vanuatu.
However heavy rainfall is expected over Northern Vanuatu. A severe Weather
warning is current for heavy rainfall over the northern islands.
A strong wind warning is current for all open waters of Vanuatu.


text:
Each day, I feel as if I’m just getting by
Without a direction, nor a purpose, just trying to comply.
With the endless demands of life that cannot be simplified,
I fight to stay on the ground and let out a cry.
In the midst of uncertainties, I’m still just getting by
Where was the old me who always chose to soar high?
It seems as if everyone around me is getting dissatisfied
Since I am lost, without a fighting spirit and a drive.
Reality is too cruel to beautify,
These are just bad moments passing by.
Perseverance and resilience are where it lies
For a person who is just getting by.
I refuse to just be getting by,
The fuel in me hasn’t run dry.
The pursuit of passion and success never dies.
Fly high, butterfly.
There are no limits in the sky.

domain: literature


text:
Editor's note: The Opioid Monthly is compiled by OptumLabs. The Daily Briefing is published by Advisory Board, a division of Optum, which also owns OptumLabs.
How Covid-19 is impacting the opioid crisis (and 5 ways providers can help)
Trends in opioid prescribing
A recent CDC study highlights variances between indication-specific prescribing patterns for opioid drugs and clinical recommendations. The study, published in JAMA Network Open in May, used OptumLabs data to examine prescribing rates, days' supply, and dose across 41 different clinical situations among 18,016,259 privately insured individuals, and separately used data from IBM Marketscan to examine a multistate Medicaid cohort including 11,453,392 people. Researchers studied indications that ranged from a wide set of acute and chronic conditions, surgical procedures, sickle cell disease (SCD), and cancer. The CDC research team—composed of researchers from the group that issued the agency's original 2016 opioid prescribing guidelines—found that indication-specific prescribing varied widely and was not always aligned with existing guidelines and recommendations. Fibromyalgia, chronic and acute back pain, musculoskeletal strains/sprains, and dental pain were conditions for which prescribing often exceeded current guidelines' recommendations of "no more than three to seven days of opioids when needed for acute pain."
Opioid prescribing rates for nonsurgical acute pain were lowest for acute migraines (at 4.6% among privately insured visits and 6.6% among Medicaid visits) and highest for rib fractures (at 44.8% among privately insured visits and 56.3% among Medicaid visits), with variable days' supply but similar daily dosage across most indications. Opioid prescribing for a given chronic pain indication varied depending on a patient's opioid use history. Days' supply for postoperative prescriptions was longest for combined spinal decompression and fusion (at 9.5 days among privately insured patients) or spinal fusion (at 9.1 days among Medicaid patients) and was shortest for vaginal delivery (at 4.1 days among privately insured patients versus 4.2 days among Medicaid patients).
The study's findings also raise different questions related to the adequacy of pain control and the use of opioids to treat cancer pain and sickle cell disease (SCD), and they suggest further research is needed on whether pain is being managed appropriately for those with metastatic cancer pain and SCD.
This important study offers strong signals in the many clinical areas where opioids are used and will be used to help develop and refine more indication-specific guidelines.
Individuals in the United States who weren't born in the country were significantly less likely to be prescribed opioids than U.S.-born individuals, particularly among those with chronic pain, according to a separate study published in JAMA Network Open in June. The study found that, among 48,162 individuals, 14.2% of U.S.-born and 7% of non-U.S.-born individuals received at least one opioid prescription within a 12-month period. For those diagnosed with chronic pain, 25.5% of U.S.-born individuals and 15.6% of non-U.S.-born individuals received at least one opioid prescription. Non-U.S. born patients also generally were treated for a substantially shorter period than U.S. born patients, at an average of 28.7 days compared with 53.1 days. White non-Hispanic individuals who weren't born in the United States had a significantly higher likelihood of receiving opioid prescriptions than did Hispanic or Asian individuals who weren't born in the United States. The reasons for these differences are unclear, and they warrant further research.
Covid-19 and opioid use disorder
The telemedicine boom that's occurred amid America's coronavirus epidemic has improved access to opioid use disorder (OUD) treatment, giving substance use disorder treatment providers unprecedented freedom to prescribe buprenorphine by telemedicine and evaluate patients over the phone. "We're seeing changes in the last six weeks that, in some cases, we've been advocating for a really long time, and in others, that we didn't even really think were possible," Samantha Arsenault, the VP of national treatment quality initiatives for Shatterproof, told STAT News in May.
Prior to the epidemic, organizations that provided home telehealth services for patients with OUD had to comply with many state and federal regulations, such as a required initial in-person visit. The flexibility to now treat OUD remotely means patients can avoid travel, which is especially important for individuals in rural communities where few clinicians are waiver-trained to prescribe buprenorphine.
On the payment side, Medicare and many state Medicaid programs have historically not paid for telehealth visits in the home. Earlier this year, CMS, which is by far the largest funder of U.S. substance use disorder treatment services, announced it would reimburse health providers not just for video telehealth visits, but also for audio-only visits.
Colleen LaBelle, director of Boston Medical Center's Office Based Addiction Treatment Program, in May told WBUR she thinks these changes have helped the field of substance use disorder treatment "We've basically started to treat substance use disorder like other diseases and normalize it somewhat. I hope this [epidemic] helps us look at substance use like any other disease."
Despite improved virtual access to treatment, suspected overdoses nationally jumped 18% in March, 29% in April, and 42% in May, according to the Washington Post. In some jurisdictions, such as Wisconsin's Milwaukee County, dispatch calls for overdoses have increased more than 50%. Emerging evidence suggests that continued isolation, economic devastation, and disruptions to the drug trade in recent months are fueling the surge.
Drug rehab facilities around the country also have been experiencing flare-ups of coronavirus or Covid-19-related financial difficulties that have forced them to close or limit operations. Of the facilities that have remained open, many have become hot spots for coronavirus cases, such as the Haymarket Center, a 380-bed treatment and sober-living facility in Chicago, which earlier this year reported an outbreak of 55 coronavirus cases among clients and staff members. To keep clients safe, some substance use disorder treatment centers have been following safety precautions similar to hospitals, such as testing all incoming patients for Covid-19. Amesh Adalja, a senior scholar at the Johns Hopkins University Center for Health Security, said in July told the Los Angeles Times that he hopes safety measures make people feel more comfortable about seeking substance use disorder care.
Disparities in OUD Treatment
Black non-Hispanic and Hispanic women with OUD were significantly less likely to receive any medication for OUD treatment and were less likely to receive buprenorphine during pregnancy when compared with white non-Hispanic women with OUD, according to another study published in JAMA Network Open in May. The study of a large population-level sample of women with OUD in Massachusetts found that 69.9%, or 3,181, white non-Hispanic women received any type of medication for OUD (MOUD) in the year before delivery, compared with 49.4%, or 228, Hispanic women and 46.2%, or 108, Black non-Hispanic women. Compared with white non-Hispanic women, Black non-Hispanic and Hispanic women also had a substantially lower likelihood of consistent use of MOUD and of receiving buprenorphine compared with methadone. Given that MOUD with buprenorphine or methadone combined with behavioral therapy is the recommended management for women with OUD during pregnancy, work is needed to ensure all women receive this standard of care.
The study's authors hypothesize that a confluence of current and historical factors may be associated with their findings (see references in paper). Increasingly punitive policy responses toward pregnant women who use drugs, which were implemented in response to the high rates of cocaine and crack use in the 1980s and 1990s, may make women of color distrustful about disclosing substance use during pregnancy and result in avoidance of treatment. Barrieres to the consistent use of medication for the treatment of OUD may include delayed identification of OUD, racial discrimination by clinicians, cultural barriers, perceived stigma, and minimal social supports, all factors associated with low substance use disorder treatment program completion among Hispanic and black non-Hispanic people. Persistent racial inequities in maternal morbidity and mortality, even after adjusting for other maternal comorbid conditions, suggest that structural racism may be associated with a lower standard of care and fewer treatment options for women of color.
Among commercially insured patients discharged from the ED for a nonfatal opioid overdose, only 16.6% obtained follow-up treatment in the 90 days following overdose, and Black patients were half as likely to obtain follow-up compared with non-Hispanic white patients. Follow-up treatment was defined as an outpatient visit, inpatient treatment, or filled prescriptions for a buprenorphine or naltrexone. Follow-up was more common among those who were receiving active substance use disorder treatment in the 90 days prior to the overdose, with 62.5% of this cohort obtaining follow-up compared with 11.1% of those who were not receiving treatment before the overdose. Patients with prescription opioid overdose were less likely to obtain follow-up when compared with those who experienced a heroin overdose.
This research identifies a racial disparity in follow-up treatment that hadn't previously been documented and highlights the need for designing systems that seek to improve engagement and equity in treatment. Read more in this study published in JAMA Network Open in May.
Online access to opioids
FDA in June launched a pilot program to crack down on the growing numbers of illegal opioids sold online. The 120-day pilot program, in partnership with the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), will notify three companies that manage and maintain registries of Internet domain names—Neustar, Verisign, and the Public Interest Registry—when FDA issues warning letters to sites illegally selling opioids. The NTIA will work with the companies to review FDA's letters and decide whether to take further action, including possibly suspending or blocking the domains. At the end of the pilot, the agencies will analyze its effectiveness as a potential solution to dealing with the illegal sale of unapproved opioids online. Read more on FDA's website.
Opioid use for chronic pain
A new infographic provides guidance for individuals taking opioids for chronic pain. The patient education infographic outlines steps those with chronic pain can take to reduce their risk while taking opioids, including proper storage, monitoring for side effects, and dose tapering if appropriate. An accompanying article published in JAMA Internal Medicine emphasizes that taking opioids should not be the first choice for chronic pain that is not caused by cancer. The article's authors also advise patients to talk to their provider if they develop cravings for opioids, which could be indicative of an OUD.

domain: health


text:
The cost per click is the amount that is charged when a person clicks on an ad developed via Google Ads. The hotel therefore pays in proportion to the number of visitors to the ad.
The cost per click is based on the actual cost per click, referred to as "actual CPC". This is the amount charged for each click on an ad.
In addition, the average cost per click will often be different (lower) than the maximum cost per click, called CPC max. The maximum cost per click is the maximum amount the advertiser is willing to pay for a click.
This maximum amount defines the bids against other hotels. A higher bid will favour a spread in a better position. If the ceiling is exceeded, then the ad will be removed.
Be careful however, for Google Hotel Ads (Ad that promotes the visibility of a hotel and the reservation), the average CPC can be higher than the CPC max: the CPC max is multiplied by the number of nights booked.

domain: economics