bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pro-death and pro-survival properties of ouabain in U937 lymphoma derived cells
Authors: Cuozzo Francesca , Raciti Marisa , Bertelli Laura , Parente Rosanna , Di Renzo Livia 
Published: November 2012

Abstract

Background
Epidemiological studies revealed significantly lower mortality rates in cancer patients receiving cardiac glycosides, which turned on interest in the anticancer properties of these drugs. However, cardiac glycosides have also been shown to stimulate cell growth in several cell types. In the present investigation we analyzed the pro-death and pro-survival properties of ouabain in the human lymphoma derived cell line U937.

Methods
ROS, intracellular Ca++, cell cycle were evaluated by loading the cells with fluorescent probes under cytofluorimetry. Cell counts and evaluation of trypan blue-excluding cells were performed under optic microscope. Protein detection was done by specific antibodies after protein separation from cellular lysates by SDS-PAGE and transfer blot.

Results
High doses of ouabain cause ROS generation, elevation of [Ca++]i and death of lymphoma derived U937 cells. Lower doses of OUA activate a survival pathway in which plays a role the Na+/Ca++-exchanger (NCX), active in the Ca++ influx mode rather than in the Ca++ efflux mode. Also p38 MAPK plays a pro-survival role. However, the activation of this MAPK does not appear to depend on NCX.

Conclusion
This investigation shows that the cardiac glycoside OUA is cytotoxic also for the lymphoma derived cell line U937 and that can activate a survival pathway in which are involved NCX and p38 MAPK. These molecules can represent potential targets of combined therapy.
Osteoprotegerin (OPG) protects ovarian cancer cells from TRAIL-induced apoptosis but does not contribute to malignant ascites-mediated attenuation of TRAIL-induced apoptosis
Authors: Lane Denis , Matte Isabelle , Rancourt Claudine , Piché Alain 
Published: November 2012

Abstract

Background
Resistance to apoptosis is a major problem in ovarian cancer and correlates with poor prognosis. Osteoprotegerin (OPG) is a secreted factor in malignant ascites and acts as a decoy receptor for receptor activator of NF-κB ligand (RANKL) and tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL). TRAIL promotes apoptosis in ovarian cancer cells. Ovarian cancer ascites attenuate TRAIL-induced apoptosis raising the possibility that OPG contained in ascites may abrogate the anti-tumor activity of TRAIL.

Methods
Determination of OPG levels in ascites was measured by ELISA. Effect of OPG on TRAIL-induced cell death was determined by XTT and colony forming assays in ovarian cancer cell lines and primary tumor cells. Apoptosis was assessed by ELISA.

Results
We found that recombinant OPG and malignant ascites attenuates TRAIL-induced cell death and apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner in ovarian cancer cell lines and primary ovarian tumor cells. OPG is present at high levels in the ascites of patients with ovarian cancer. We found a positive correlation between the levels of OPG in ascites and the ability of the ascites to attenuate TRAIL-induced cell death. The anti-apoptotic effect of ascites was not reversed by co-incubation with an OPG blocking antibody.

Conclusions
OPG and malignant ascites protect ovarian cancer cells from TRAIL-induced apoptosis. Although malignant ascites contain high levels of OPG, OPG is not a critical component that contributes to ascites-mediated attenuation of TRAIL-induced apoptosis.
Human Capital Investments and Employee Performance: An Analysis of IT Services Industry
Authors: Bapna Ravi , Langer Nishtha , Mehra Amit , Gopal Ram , Gupta Alok 
Published: November 2012

The rapid pace of technological innovation necessitates that information technology (IT) services firms continually invest in replenishing the skills of their key asset base, the human capital. We examine whether human capital investments directed toward employee training are effective in improving employee performance. Our rich employee level panel data set affords us the opportunity to link formal training with performance at the individual employee level. Using a dynamic panel model, we identify a significant positive impact of training on employee performance. A unit increase in training is linked to a 2.14% increase in an employee's performance. Interestingly, we find that in the IT sector, skills atrophy and consequently high-experience employees reap higher returns from training, which highlights the uniquely dynamic nature of IT knowledge and skills. We also find that general training that an employee can utilize outside the focal firm improves employee performance. However, specific training pertinent to the focal firm is not positively linked to performance. On the other hand, although domain and technical training both enhance employee performance individually, the interaction between the two suggests a substitutive relationship. Thus, our findings suggest that the value of training is conditional on a focused curricular approach that emphasizes a structured competency development program. Our findings have both theoretical and practical significance. Most important, they justify increased human capital investments to fuel future growth in this important component of the global economy. This paper was accepted by Lorin Hitt, information systems.
Price Dispersion and Loss-Leader Pricing: Evidence from the Online Book Industry
Authors: Li Xinxin , Gu Bin , Liu Hongju 
Published: November 2012

In this paper, we develop a theoretical model to analyze the pricing strategies of competing retailers with asymmetric cross-selling capabilities when product demand changes. Our results suggest that retailers with better opportunities for cross-selling have higher incentives to adopt loss-leader pricing on high-demand products than retailers with low cross-selling capabilities. As a result, price dispersion of a product across retailers rises when its demand increases. The predictions of our model are consistent with the empirical evidence from the online book retailing industry. Using product breadth as a proxy for cross-selling capability, we find that retailers with high cross-selling capabilities reduce prices on best sellers more aggressively than retailers with low cross-selling capabilities. As a result, price dispersion increases when a book makes it to the best-seller list, and the increase is mainly driven by the difference in pricing behavior between retailers with different cross-selling capabilities. Our empirical results are robust against a number of alternative explanations. This paper was accepted by Sandra Slaughter, information systems.
Scandium triflate-catalyzed one-pot multi-component synthesis of 2-amino-6-thiopyridine-3,5-dicarbonitriles
Authors: Kottawar Shrinivas S. , Siddiqui Shapi A. , Bhusare Sudhakar R. 
Published: November 2012

Abstract
Scandium triflate efficiently promotes a one-pot, three-component condensation of aldehydes, malononitrile, and thiophenols to produce highly substituted pyridines in good yields. This reaction does not involve any hazardous organic solvent and toxic catalyst.
Using the HIV Surveillance System to Monitor the National HIV/AIDS Strategy
Authors: Mahle Gray Kristen , Tang Tian , Shouse Luke , Li Jianmin , Mermin Jonathan , Hall H. Irene 
Published: November 2012

Objectives. To report on indicators of the National HIV/AIDS Strategy, we analyzed data collected through the national HIV surveillance system. Methods. We analyzed data from adults and adolescents aged 13 years or older diagnosed with HIV in 13 US jurisdictions that have laboratory reporting of CD4+ T-lymphocyte (CD4) and viral load (VL) test results and enter CD4 and VL test results into the national surveillance system. Results. Of 4899 people diagnosed in 2009, 81.7% had at least 1 CD4 or VL test performed within 3 months of diagnosis. A higher proportion of Whites (86.2%) than Blacks (78.4%) and Hispanics (82.6%) had a CD4 or VL test. Of 53 642 people diagnosed through 2008 and living with HIV at the end of 2009 who had a VL test, 69.4% had a most recent VL of 200 copies per milliliter or less. The proportion of people with suppressed VLs differed among Blacks (60.2%), Hispanics (70.3%), and Whites (77.4%) and among people aged 13 to 24 years (44.3%) compared with people aged 65 years or older (84.2%). Of men who have sex with men, 74.2% had a suppressed VL. Conclusions. The findings highlight disparities in access to and success of care.
Individual and Network Factors Associated With Prevalent Hepatitis C Infection Among Rural Appalachian Injection Drug Users
Authors: Havens Jennifer R. , Lofwall Michelle R. , Frost Simon D. W. , Oser Carrie B. , Leukefeld Carl G. , Crosby Richard A. 
Published: November 2012

Objectives. We determined the factors associated with hepatitis C (HCV) infection among rural Appalachian drug users. Methods. This study included 394 injection drug users (IDUs) participating in a study of social networks and infectious disease risk in Appalachian Kentucky. Trained staff conducted HCV, HIV, and herpes simplex-2 virus (HSV-2) testing, and an interviewer-administered questionnaire measured self-reported risk behaviors and sociometric network characteristics. Results. The prevalence of HCV infection was 54.6% among rural IDUs. Lifetime factors independently associated with HCV infection included HSV-2, injecting for 5 or more years, posttraumatic stress disorder, injection of cocaine, and injection of prescription opioids. Recent (past-6-month) correlates of HCV infection included sharing of syringes (adjusted odds ratio = 2.24; 95% confidence interval = 1.32, 3.82) and greater levels of eigenvector centrality in the drug network. Conclusions. One factor emerged that was potentially unique to rural IDUs: the association between injection of prescription opioids and HCV infection. Therefore, preventing transition to injection, especially among prescription opioid users, may curb transmission, as will increased access to opioid maintenance treatment, novel treatments for cocaine dependence, and syringe exchange.
Using Science to Improve Communications About Suicide Among Military and Veteran Populations: Looking for a Few Good Messages
Authors: Langford Linda , Litts David , Pearson Jane L. 
Published: November 2012

Concern about suicide in US military and veteran populations has prompted efforts to identify more effective prevention measures. Recent expert panel reports have recommended public communications as one component of a comprehensive effort. Messaging about military and veteran suicide originates from many sources and often does not support suicide prevention goals or adhere to principles for developing effective communications. There is an urgent need for strategic, science-based, consistent messaging guidance in this area. Although literature on the effectiveness of suicide prevention communications for these populations is lacking, this article summarizes key findings from several bodies of research that offer lessons for creating safe and effective messages that support and enhance military and veteran suicide prevention efforts.
Adjudicating Outcomes: Fundamentals
Authors: Vannabouathong Christopher , Saccone Michel , Sprague Sheila , Schemitsch Emil H. , Bhandari Mohit 
Published: November 2012

Abstract:
The adjudication of outcomes has rarely been reported in the orthopaedic literature, although this process is commonly used and reported in clinical trials of other medical disciplines. Adjudication of outcomes provides more reliable and valid outcome assessment, especially when the outcome is subjective as in the case of fracture-healing. The successful implementation of adjudication in a clinical trial is an important and complex process. The process requires a substantial infrastructure of research personnel to oversee data collection at the clinical sites. The development of an adjudication charter specific to the study is a critical aspect of adjudication as it outlines the adjudication committee membership as well as their roles and responsibilities and defines the adjudication process and the decision rules. Web-based adjudication has facilitated the process as it allows rapid, efficient, and timely adjudication. This article provides an overview of the adjudication process, along with details on the common pearls and pitfalls associated with this method of outcomes assessment.
Overcoming the Funding Challenge: The Cost of Randomized Controlled Trials in the Next Decade
Authors: Shore Benjamin J. , Nasreddine Adam Y. , Kocher Mininder S. 
Published: November 2012

Abstract:
Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) represent the gold standard of evidence-based medicine. However, over the last several decades, the cost associated with conducting RCTs has increased dramatically. Several factors contribute to higher costs associated with clinical trials. This paper describes important barriers to conducting surgical RCTs, identifies funding sources available to finance RCTs, and suggests strategies to maintain cost-efficient study practices as we move into the next decade.
Orthopaedic Trial Networks
Authors: Rangan Amar , Brealey Stephen , Carr Andrew 
Published: November 2012

Abstract:
Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are considered the most robust design for evaluating health care interventions. However, it is difficult to acquire funding for RCTs, and they are complex to set up. Threats to their successful conduct and impact on clinical practice, particularly in surgical trials, include problems with recruitment, notably in terms of clinical equipoise and patient acceptability. Historically, RCTs are less common in surgical specialties, and their contribution to the orthopaedic literature remains small. Orthopaedic networks, such as orthopaedic associations, specialist societies, travel fellowships, and clinical research networks, provide an opportunity to meet the challenges of promoting RCTs in orthopaedic clinical practice. This can include identifying important research questions to help prioritize funding; educating and training surgeons in the design and practice of RCTs; helping to promote and coordinate RCTs; and disseminating the findings of RCTs. Orthopaedic trial networks should be encouraged to promote a research culture in which RCTs are feasible and to ensure that scarce resources utilized to support their funding are used most efficiently and to best effect. In particular, the use of networks is encouraged to support the conduct of RCTs in achieving patient recruitment, which is crucial in providing the evidence base to inform orthopaedic practice. Furthermore, to improve generalizability, acceptance of study findings and communication between orthopaedic surgeons, as well as international collaboration in trials, should be part of the strategy for the future.
Optimized Drilling by Improved Well Control Using MPD in Narrow Pressure Window
Authors: Mathew Sangeeth , Nasr G. G. 
Published: November 2012

Abstract
Towards the later part of the 20thcentury, the oil industry has been looking for more safer and beneficial drilling methods, especially in deep waters. The high well/field costs pushed the need for attractive technologies which would optimize drilling. Also ever since the catastrophic events of April 2010 in the Gulf of Mexico, the oil industry has been constantly scrutinized for the health and safety standards or rather the lack of it. The consequences of the blowout highlighted the need for improved kick detection and well control. In deepwater wells, there exists a narrow window between the fracture pressure and the pore pressure. This narrow margin poses a safety hazard both for the well and the crew operating on it. Drilling in these sort of fields require distinctive methodologies to achieve both objectives of safe and optimized drilling.
Thus one such method which would optimize drilling and improve well control is Managed Pressure Drilling (MPD). This has been defined as "an adaptive drilling process to accurately control the annular pressure profile throughout the well". This technique would create a pressure profile in the well to be within tolerance and close to the boundaries or limits controlled by the pore and fracture pressure.
For the understanding of kick detection, well control and circulation when MPD is being employed, a hypothetical well data with a narrow pressure window is selected and a kick is simulated to be controlled using MPD. The pump rate & mud density is studied and kick detection, well control and circulation is analyzed and interpreted. Obviously with the usage of the MPD tools and equipments during drilling, there would be a difference from conventional kick detection, which could probably be enhanced well control. MPD would thus, be able to properly manage any influxes from the formations thereby protecting the system and structure above and have a telling effect on the Non Productive Time (NPT).
This paper aim to differentiate the conventional and MPD method of kick circulation based on simulations of lost time and lost circulation. By obtaining the desired result, we can justify the usage of MPD in a narrow pressure window field/reservoir for improved kick detection, control and circulation and thus drilling optimization.
Integrating Reservoir Modelling, High-Precision Temperature Logging and Spectral Noise Logging for Waterflood Analysis
Authors: Al Marzouqi A. R. , Keshka A. , Bahamaish J. N. , Aslanyan A. , Aslanyan I. , Filenev M. , Barghouti J. , Sudakov V. , Andreev A. 
Published: November 2012

Abstract
Today, geological and hydrodynamic models are widely used for efficient development and monitoring of oil and gas fields. These models are designed to handle a wide range of tasks. Their reliability directly affects the quality of results and any uncertainties should, therefore, be minimised. The use of additional techniques can enhance the reliability and predictive ability of the models and minimise risks. This paper describes how integrating accurate description of flow geometry with reservoir properties and reservoir models to achieve this objective and, to generate a more reliable picture of the reservoir performance. The study included running HPT-PLT-SNL high precision logging tools, and covered a pilot area with five wells in a Cretaceous carbonate reservoir. The wells were completed in the lower and tighter Sub-reservoirs units F1 and F2 and the objective of this pilot is to identify the flow geometry in wells’ neighborhood, particularly identify channeling, fracture flows or other types of communication. The objective of the associated simulations and study is to correlate the acquired and interpreted data with those suggested by simulations and come up with consistent description of reservoir flow geometry within the pilot pattern.
The most challenging point of this flooding campaign is the complexity of the reservoir in this area. The flooding pilot sets the targets for tight Sub-reservoir carbonates Unit F1 and Unit F2. It's important to know if the flow ensues exactly within these units and does not communicate with other reservoirs with better permeability.
First Trial in the UAE for Proving Hydrocarbon Productivity Potential of Unconventional Source Rocks in Abu Dhabi: a Case Study
Authors: Al Ameri Fahed , Al-Kaabi Musabbeh , Al Zarouni Asim , Al Shateri Abdulla , Al-Zaabi Mohammed , Mahmoud Gehad 
Published: November 2012

Abstract
Producing hydrocarbon directly from the early mature source rock is becoming a subject of interest for Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) in recent years. The maturation modeling done in ADNOC for the Cenomanian Shilaif formation indicated the presence of early mature kitchens in the offshore and southern onshore synclines. Another maturation modeling showed that the Oxfordian Diyab Formation is also prospective mainly in the northwestern offshore area of Abu Dhabi.
Several conventional stimulation attempts were made in order to produce hydrocarbon from these source rock intervals encouraged by strong hydrocarbon shows while drilling and high hydrocarbon saturation from interpreted logs. Unfortunately, no successful results were obtained during all previous trials.
A volumetric calculation showed that the estimated volume of the hydrocarbon available in these new areas is significant and once a successful production method is implemented, an economical hydrocarbon recovery can be obtained.
In 2011, ADNOC drilled one well in the onshore area of Abu Dhabi. A secondary objective of the well was to test productivity of Diyab source rock and for the first time in Abu Dhabi a new approach was planned and implemented to produce these source rock intervals.
Due to logistical issues, the original testing design was not excuted, and a re-designed program was performed with the available equipments on site to prove the concept of producing hydrocarbon from such formations.
Promising results of gas and condensate were obtained and assuming much better results if the well is drilled in the optimum potential location in the most northwestern onshore area of Abu Dhabi.
In this paper, we will explain both the geological aspects of the potential Diyab source rocks in Abu Dhabi and the planned program, difficulties, executions and results of the new approached stimulation.
First Deep Slim Hole Design Well in Kuwait: Significant Achievement and Cost Optimization Drilling/Completing a 9.25-in Hole Section
Authors: Al-Kandari Ayad , Al-Baghli Waleed , Al-Khaldy Ali , Al-Mekhyal Abdullah Naser , Al Mutawa Faisal , Maliekkal Harish , Ghoneim Osama , Saleh Mustafa 
Published: November 2012

Abstract
Kuwait Oil Company (KOC) launched North Kuwait Gas Development Project in 2007 to fast track production of gas/light oil from deep HPHT Jurassic reservoirs in six fields. The exploratory wells require a large-hole casing design to isolate problematic formations and allow the operator to reach the deep HPHT target zones with maximum hole size.
One of the most difficult/problematic hole sections is Zubair to Hith, traditionally drilled with 16-in bits. The formations are interbedded and consist of abrasive/pyritic sandstone, reactive shale, limestone and anhydrites with UCS that varies between 5-30kpsi. Historically, to complete the 3900ft section required more than three PDC bits or a combination of 4-5 PDC/TCI.
To reduce costs, the drilling team developed the first slim hole well plan and casing string design to explore Cretaceous formations in Northern Kuwait. The objective would be to downsize the hole section from Zubair to Hith to 9¼-in and drill to section TD with three PDC bits. The production casing would then be run from surface to TD instead of the conventional liner tie-back and cementing process.
The section was completed using the latest motor/PDC technologies in two bit runs saving 55% drilling time and the expense of a third bit. The operation set a new Kuwaiti record for the single longest 7¾-in production casing string (13,625ft) and cementing back to surface. Cement log indicated a good bond over all three zones of interest. The downsizing strategy and change in casing string design saved the operator over $1 million USD compared to a large hole and liner-string design. Production testing in Zubair, Ratawi and Makhul was positive, indicating a significant new oil discovery. The entire operation was completed with zero HSE related complications.