bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Strategies for Improving Sweep Efficiency and Waterflood Recovery in a Complex Reservoir in the Greater Burgan Field; Learning from a Pilot Water Injection Project and Evaluation Using Sector Model Simulation
Authors: Rajan S.. , Al-Naqi M.. , Ameen A. A. , Al-Hashash H. H. , Madhavan S.. , Al-Qattan A.. , Al-Enizi N.. , Al-Qattan M. N. , Brooks A. D. , Beer A.. 
Published: October 2013

Abstract
The Greater Burgan Field, operated by Kuwait Oil Company (KOC), is the largest clastic and overall the second largest oilfield in the world. First discovered in 1938, with production from 1946, production to date has relied on primary recovery methods. In recent years secondary and enhanced recovery techniques have been investigated with water flood now at an advanced state of implementation. The first such water flood project is in the Upper Cretaceous (Cenomanian) Wara Formation, one of the main producing reservoirs within the Greater Burgan complex where production has been accompanied by falling reservoir pressure.
The Wara Formation comprises multiple sandstone units deposited in a fluvial-tidal coastal system. The reservoir exhibits a considerable degree of permeability heterogeneity, which poses significant challenges to the implementation of waterflood. The highly complex nature of the reservoir necessitate for implementation of suitable strategies from an early stage of waterflood to ensure better volumetric sweep and ultimate recovery. Several initiatives/studies, including sector model simulation, were undertaken to formulate strategies and evaluate the waterflood performance in this multilayered reservoir.
This paper summarizes results of the studies and strategies: Issues related to vertical sweep and lessons from pilot study.Strategies for improving vertical sweep.Evaluation of strategies by using sector model simulation to improve recovery.Well completionstrategies and candidate selection criteria.
Understanding True Unconventional Reservoir Properties Using Nanoscale Technology
Authors: Hu Dandan , Yang Vincent , Li Gang , Chen Cheng , Matzar Luis 
Published: October 2013

Abstract
Research on shale using focused ion beam/scanning electron microscopy (FIB/SEM) technology has become commercially important. However, the traditional method used in the industry tends to misinterpret reservoir properties. With the improved method discussed in this paper, results are free of perspective distortion and shading effects, and it is possible to preserve the true pore throat shape and three-dimensional (3D) volume information. Accurate pore throat information assures the most reliable calculation of porosity and permeability and benefits the prediction of shale gas/oil recovery. Furthermore, this work is not limited to shale gas/oil studies—other tight gas systems can also be investigated using this method. The same technology can also be applied to coal beds to study cleats' patterns and impurities (clays and sulfides) in coal samples.
"Chlorine Dioxide for the Treatment of Microbiological Growth and Elimination of Under Deposit Corrosion in Refinery and Oilfield Source Water Systems"
Authors: Barron Keiron 
Published: October 2013

Abstract
The control of microbiological fouling in industrial cooling water for ‘open-recirculating’ and ‘once-through’ systems is important for reducing corrosion as well as increasing process efficiency and equipment longevity. Microbial biofilms insulate well and cause significant loss of heat transfer efficiency. In addition, they promote ‘under-deposit corrosion’ by multiple microbial induced corrosion (MIC) mechanisms. Furthermore, in ‘once-through’ seawater-cooled water systems where there is potential for colonization by various species, mussels create additional problems.
Historically, microbiological growth is controlled through a continuous chlorine feed, either as gaseous chlorine or sodium hypochlorite form. Gaseous chlorine has been largely eliminated because of safety concerns involving handling. Sodium hypochlorite is frequently used, but has significant problems involving storage, onsite generation and its usage in high concentrations leading to corrosion. In addition, recent environmental regulations limit the amount of these oxidants and their reaction by-products, such as tri-halomethanes, which can be discharged into waterways.
Chlorine dioxide an alternative that is a highly effective and safe microbiological control program. It is superior in offers a performance to all other chemistries with none of the environmental disadvantages. It is capable of maintaining excellent control of microbiological growth in cooling water systems and hence removing potential for MIC. This paper discusses how chlorine dioxide is generated, highlights its effectiveness against microbiological bacteria and presents the results of applications under various operating conditions, including those encountered in the Middle East.
The author recognizes SPE copyright
Digital Oilfield Technologies Enhance Production in ESP Wells
Authors: Al-Mutawa S. A. , Saleem E.. , Anthony E.. , Moricca G.. , Kain J.. , Saputelli L.. 
Published: October 2013

Abstract
Two common challenges to sustain production in North Kuwait (NK) include (1) management of artificial lift equipment run life and (2) reduction of production decline through pressure maintenance by water injection. Standard electric submersible pump (ESP) management guidelines promote practices to protect ESP run life while sacrificing well production rates. However, using operating rates that are not always safe can permit optimum reservoir recovery. Better management of well production targets is required to maintain safe ESP operation ranges while pushing the limits to increase production.
A methodology has been developed to continuously optimize the well production potential without surpassing its safe operating envelope, keeping pump intake pressure (PIP) above the bubble point, ensuring optimum delivery at the surface, and minimizing pump downtime. This workflow was developed to assist the engineers in expediting data analysis and interpretation.
This paper describes the developed production optimization methodology, which enables short- and long-term production enhancement while honoring reservoir, ESP, and surface constraints. The process involves historical and real-time data collection and production test interpretation. From this analysis, the best estimations of short- and long-term well production potentials are identified, and the correspondent action plans are determined.
The developed workflow and the result of such an iterative production optimization process are illustrated. To date, as a result of this effort, an average of 8% in production gains has been certified in a number of wells in Sabriyah, NK.
Mallard duck (Anas platyrhynchos) as a potential link in the epidemiological chain mycoses originating from water reservoirs
Authors: Dynowska Maria , Meissner Włodzimierz , Pacyńska Justyna 
Published: October 2013

Abstract
Swabs sampled from beaks and cloaca of 123 live Mallard ducks (also referred to as wild ducks) were subjected to routine mycological diagnostics. Out of 246 samples analysed, positive results were noted in 210 (85.4%) cases. The taxonomic analysis revealed 30 species of yeast and yeast-like fungi and 24 species of mould fungi, included 35 classified to BSL categories. The most frequently isolated species were: Candida albicans, C. guilliermondii, C. krusei, Cryptococcus neoformans, Cr. laurentii, Rhodotorula rubra, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Aspergillus fumigatus, A. flavus, A. niger, and Fusarium solani. The results demonstrated that wild duck breeding in the proximate vicinity of man constitutes a rich reservoir of potentially-pathogenic fungi and a significant link in epidemiology of many mycotic diseases.
Selected acute phase proteins, oxidative stress biomarkers, and antioxidants in aborting and non-aborting goats infected with Border disease virus
Authors: Balikci Engin , Yildiz Atilla , Gurdogan Fuat 
Published: October 2013

Abstract
Goats were grouped into three health categories based on the clinically and serologically proven cases: infected nonaborting (group A) (n = 10), infected aborting (group B) (n = 10), and non-infected (group C) (n = 10). In all groups, blood samples were collected and analysed for malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitric oxide (NO) levels in plasma, haptoglobin (Hp) and amyloid A (SAA) in serum, and superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activities in erythrocytes. A statistically significant decrease in GSH-Px and SOD activities and increase in MDA, NO, Hp, and SAA levels were observed in groups A and B compared to group C. Additionally, MDA, NO, Hp, and SAA levels of the aborting goats were significantly higher, whereas SOD levels were lower than those of the non-aborting groups.
Toll-like receptor-4, but not toll-like receptor-2 mediates secretion of tumour necrosis factor α and interleukin-8 in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated mouse mammary epithelial cells
Authors: He Chang-Liang , Yi Qiong , Li Yuan-Fang , Yang Hang , Wang Lu 
Published: October 2013

Abstract
Mammary epithelial cells (MECs) from Kunming mice were isolated and stimulated in vitro with 10 μg/mL of Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS). The release of tumour necrosis factor α (TNF-α) and interleukin-8 (IL-8) into culture supernatants was measured by ELISA. Furthermore, blocking experiments with Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) and TLR4 antibodies were performed to verify whether cytokine secretion depended on LPS-induced activation of TLR2 or TLR4. The results revealed that LPS-stimulated mouse MECs significantly secreted TNF-α and IL-8. Blocking of the TLR4 pathway inhibited the secretion of TNF-α and IL-8, while inhibition of LPS-induced TNF-α and IL-8 production was not observed when TLR2 was blocked. Thus, TLR4 can mediate the LPS-induced expression of cytokines such as TNF-α and IL-8 in mouse MECs.
Expression of p16 (INK4a), cytokeratin 19, and Ki-67 in canine laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Kandefer-Gola Małgorzata , Ciaputa Rafał , Nowak Marcin , Madej Janusz A. 
Published: October 2013

Abstract
The study aimed at morphological and immunohistochemical characteristics of laryngeal squamous cell carcinomas and their metastases in canine lymph nodes and lungs. Tissue sections were stained using classical technique with haematoxylin and eosin. In addition, immunohistochemical studies were performed with p16, cytokeratin, and Ki-67 antibodies. An expression of all examined antigens was detected in laryngeal tumours, while in tumour metastases only expression of p16 protein and cytokeratin was demonstrated. The results pointed to higher proliferative potential of the primary tumour than of their metastases.
Effect of feeding genetically modified maize and soybean meal to sows on their reproductive traits, haematological indices and offspring performance
Authors: Świątkiewicz Małgorzata , Bednarek Dariusz , Markowski Jan , Hanczakowska Ewa , Kwiate Krzysztof 
Published: October 2013

Abstract
The effect of Roundup Ready MON-40-3-2 soybean meal and Bt maize MON810 on sows performance and haematological indices, including parameters of erythrocytes, leukocytes, and trombocytes, as well as the piglets rearing indices were evaluated in the experiment carried out on 24 sows and their progeny. After mating sows were divided into groups: I - control, conventional soybean meal and conventional maize; II - genetically modified (GM) soybean meal and conventional maize; III - conventional soybean meal and GM maize; IV - GM soybean meal and GM maize. All used feed mixtures were isonitrogenous and isoenergetic, however differed in presence or absence of genetically modified maize MON810 (5% for pregnant and 8% for lactating sows) and/or soybean meal MON-40-3-2 (4% for pregnant and 14% for lactating sows). Born piglets were allotted to the same group as their mothers. The study showed that feeding pregnant and lactating sows with mixtures containing genetically modified RR soybean or/and meal Bt maize did not significantly affect their reproductive characteristics and offspring performance. There was no effect of dietary treatment on haematological indices. Transfer of transgenic DNA from GM feed to blood was not confirmed.
Effectiveness of obstetric procedures in miniature dogs
Authors: Max Andrzej , Jurka Piotr 
Published: October 2013

Abstract
The aim of the study was to evaluate the course of labour, incidence, and causes of dystocia and effectiveness of obstetric aid for minimising the neonatal loss in bitches that belong to miniature breeds. Fifty parturitions proceeded under obstetric supervision from the first to last puppy born. Most of the bitches (n = 34) belonged to the Chihuahua breed. Others included Yorkshire terrier (n = 14), Shih Tzu (n = 1), and Miniature Schnauzer (n = 1). Obstetric procedures consisted of conservative aid in the form of medication, manual manipulations and combination of both, or caesarean section. The litter size was 3.58 on average. Dystocia occurred in 68% of cases, mostly caused by foetomaternal disproportion. The condition took place less frequently in multiparas than in primiparas. A caesarean section was performed in 20 cases (40%), while remaining 30 bitches delivered puppies through genital tract using manual assistance, oxytocin injections or both procedures simultaneously. The shortening of expulsive stage using conservative aid or timely performed caesarean section resulted in low stillbirth rate (5.59%). The kind of obstetric aid used in the study was related to the specificity of miniature dogs enabling successful conservative treatment. However, conservative obstetric procedures require skills, clinical experience, and are time-consuming. These may be the reasons for a frequent overuse of caesarean section. It was concluded that both surgical and conservative treatment methods, if chosen appropriately, are effective at the same level.
The EU Battlegroups (EUBGs) – a successful story or a paper tiger?
Authors: Šmaguc Beatrica 
Published: October 2013

Abstract
After decades of reliance upon NATO in security matters, the EU ought to develop security assets of its own in order to protect its interests and citizens. The Common Foreign and Security Policy as an expression of EU readiness and willingness to play a more significant role in security matters on the international stage led to the creation of the European Security and Defence Policy, thus putting at the EU’s disposal civilian and military capabilities for dealing with the crisis spots around the world. The EUBG concept originated with the first member states’ pledges in November 2004 which gave added value to the EU in the security and defence area, at least on paper, while so far no EUBG has been deployed in the theatre of operations.
Social Investment as a New Paradigm of Social Policy
Authors: Dudová Iveta 
Published: October 2013

Abstract
The objective of this paper is to evaluate the importance and potential benefits of social investment, particularly during times of economic imbalance. Social investment represents a new paradigm of social policy and a new approach to the economic challenges we are currently facing. The investigation concludes that this concept is based mainly on modernizing Europe’s social protection systems to ensure their sustainability, while enabling them to respond to new social needs. In times of crisis, the concept of social investment allows it to be seen in a new context as a new opportunity, because the crisis puts pressure on European countries to change their social models. In terms of long-term social policy, there must be a collective investment strategy that shapes the ability of individuals and families so that they can cope with new social risks and new economic conditions. A social investment pact should promote a positive path for the development of public policies in a situation where European states are facing budget deficits and a debt crisis. The modernizing of social policy requires that decisions on funding are led by results ex ante and systematically address the role of social policies in the various stages of an individual’s life.
Impact of CD133 positive stem cell proportion on survival in patients with glioblastoma multiforme
Authors: Kase Marju , Minajeva Ave , Niinepuu Kristi , Kase Sandra , Vardja Markus , Asser Toomas , Jaal Jana 
Published: October 2013

AbstractBackground. The aim of the study was to assess the impact of CD133-positive (CD133+) cancer stem cell proportions on treatment results of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) patients.Patients and methods. Patients with GBM (n = 42) received postoperative radiotherapy (± chemotherapy). Surgically excised GBM tissue sections were immunohistochemically examined for CD133 expression. The proportions of CD133+ GBM cells were determined (%). The proportion of CD133+ GBM stem cells was established by 2 independent researchers whose results were in good accordance (R = 0.8, p < 0.01). Additionally, CD133 expression levels were correlated with patients overall survival.Results. The proportion of CD133+ cells varied between patients, being from 0.5% to 82%. Mean and median proportions of CD133+ cells of the entire study group were 33% ± 24% (mean ± SD) and 28%, respectively. Clinical data do not support the association between higher proportion of stem cells and the aggressiveness of GBM. Median survival time of the study group was 10.0 months (95% CI 9.0-11.0). The survival time clearly depended on the proportion of CD133+ cells (log rank test, p = 0.02). Median survival times for patients with low (< median) and high (≥ median) proportion of CD133+ cells were 9.0 months (95% CI 7.6-10.5) and 12.0 months (95% CI 9.3-14.7), respectively. In multivariate analysis, the proportion of CD133+ cells emerged as a significant independent predictor for longer overall survival (HR 2.0, 95% CI 1.0-3.8, p = 0.04).Conclusions. In patients with higher stem cell proportion, significantly longer survival times after postoperative radiotherapy were achieved. Underlying reasons and possible higher sensitivity of GBM stem cells to fractionated radiotherapy should be clarified in further studies.
Effect of ionizing radiation on human skeletal muscle precursor cells
Authors: Jurdana Mihaela , Cemazar Maja , Pegan Katarina , Mars Tomaz 
Published: October 2013

Abstract
Background. Long term effects of different doses of ionizing radiation on human skeletal muscle myoblast proliferation, cytokine signalling and stress response capacity were studied in primary cell cultures.
Materials and methods. Human skeletal muscle myoblasts obtained from muscle biopsies were cultured and irradiated with a Darpac 2000 X-ray unit at doses of 4, 6 and 8 Gy. Acute effects of radiation were studied by interleukin - 6 (IL-6) release and stress response detected by the heat shock protein (HSP) level, while long term effects were followed by proliferation capacity and cell death.
Results. Compared with non-irradiated control and cells treated with inhibitor of cell proliferation Ara C, myoblast proliferation decreased 72 h post-irradiation, this effect was more pronounced with increasing doses. Post-irradiation myoblast survival determined by measurement of released LDH enzyme activity revealed increased activity after exposure to irradiation. The acute response of myoblasts to lower doses of irradiation (4 and 6 Gy) was decreased secretion of constitutive IL-6. Higher doses of irradiation triggered a stress response in myoblasts, determined by increased levels of stress markers (HSPs 27 and 70).
Conclusions. Our results show that myoblasts are sensitive to irradiation in terms of their proliferation capacity and capacity to secret IL-6. Since myoblast proliferation and differentiation are a key stage in muscle regeneration, this effect of irradiation needs to be taken in account, particularly in certain clinical conditions.
Gentrification on the Example of Suburban Parts of the Szczecin Urban Agglomeration
Authors: Foryś Iwona 
Published: October 2013

Abstract
Gentrification is a term first used by Ruth Glass in 1964 in reference to the process of taking over and revitalizing the degraded housing resources in the London Borough of Islington by their middle class owners. Ruth Glass discerned the impact of the improved living conditions in the gentrified area on ownership conditions, the appreciation of prices of land and houses, and changes in the social class structure. Nowadays, we can observe three types of changes taking place in gentrified parts of cities: economic, social and cultural ones.
The author of this article presents the evolution of gentrification and points out the advantages and threats brought about by this process, including its effect on urban space and real property prices. She identifies the gentrification processes in Poland and their social impact, and verifies the hypothesis that contemporary gentrification, apart from being a physical process, is above all, a social and cultural one. On the example of some parts of the Szczecin urban agglomeration, she shows that gentrification, extending into the suburbs and rural areas, results in irreversible changes in land use and social structure.
The free one-generated left distributive algebra: basics and a simplified proof of the division algorithm
Authors: Laver Richard , Miller Sheila 
Published: October 2013

AbstractThe left distributive law is the law a· (b· c) = (a·b) · (a· c). Left distributive algebras have been classically used in the study of knots and braids, and more recently free left distributive algebras have been studied in connection with large cardinal axioms in set theory. We provide a survey of results on the free left distributive algebra on one generator, A, and a new, simplified proof of the existence of a normal form for terms in A. Topics included are: the confluence of A, the linearity of the iterated left division ordering <L of A, the connections of A to the braid groups, and an extension P of A obtained by freely adding a composition operation. This is followed by a simplified proof of the division algorithm for P, which produces a normal form for terms in A and is a powerful tool in the study of A.
Torsion of a Wandering Spleen Presenting as a Painful Pelvic Mass Post Pregnancy: Imaging Diagnosis
Authors: Abbey Pooja , Aarushi A , Andley M , Anand R 
Published: October 2013

A ‘wandering’ spleen is an uncommon condition most often found in young women, and may be incidentally detected or present acutely with splenic torsion. We report the case of a young woman who noticed an abnormal suprapubic lump after her first pregnancy, and subsequently presented seven months later with acute pain and sudden increase in size of the mass due to torsion of a pelvic spleen. We highlight the typical ultrasound and CT (computed tomography) imaging findings which helped to make a confident pre-operative diagnosis. Splenectomy was performed and confirmed the development of splenic infarction. Nepalese Journal of Radiology / Vol.3 / No.1 / Issue 4 / Jan-June, 2013 / 84-88 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njr.v3i1.8819
L’état d’aventure
Authors: Pradeau Christophe 
Published: October 2013

Le roman nouveau, dont Rivière postule l’avènement dans Le Roman d’aventure, devra, pour réaliser la vocation du genre, être écrit « en état d’aventure ». L’expression virtualise l’aventure. Qu’elle soit conçue comme un état implique qu’elle s’intériorise : elle relève moins de l’action que de la réflexion. Son lieu propre est le labyrinthe de la mémoire. Les romans d’Alain-Fournier, de Proust et de Gide inventent, dans une relation complexe à l’essai de Rivière, un romanesque des possibles, en réactualisant la métaphore existentielle du chemin de la vie et, plus décisivement, en faisant de la créance un enjeu.