bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
From Birth to Maturity: Midline Tessier 0–14 Craniofacial Cleft Patients who have Completed Protocol Management at a Single Craniofacial Unit
Authors: Pidgeon Thomas E. , Flapper Walter J. , David David J. , Anderson Peter J. 
Published: September 2013

Introduction The rare craniofacial clefts form an important component of craniofacial pathology, but little has been written regarding the definitive management of affected patients. This report describes the presentation, management, and outcomes in a group of patients who have completed their protocol management for treatment of midline Tessier 0–14 clefts. Methods A retrospective review of the clinical, photographic, and radiographic records of all midline cleft patients treated at a single center was performed. Data describing each patient's presenting features, surgical management, and final outcomes are presented. Results Four patients were identified as having completed protocol management for Tessier 0–14 midline clefting at the unit. The age range at the most recent follow-up was 19.3 to 36.3 years. Three patients had entered protocol management during infancy, and the remaining patient presented to the unit at 13.8 years of age. The surgical management regimen is described in detail. Outcomes for development, hearing, speech, and vision at maturity were all acceptable. Three patients attained a respectable educational and social status. With respect to facial aesthetics scores, the only significant difference after management was a significant worsening of deformity in the region of the orbits. The Whitaker grade for repeat surgery improved after management (3.25 before to 2.63 postmanagement), but this improvement was not statistically significant. Conclusion Presented are the results of the first cohort of midline Tessier 0–14 cleft patients to have completed protocol management at a single craniofacial unit. As more patients complete their management in the future, further refinements to the protocol could be made.
Iron Sulfide Scale Dissolvers: How Effective Are They?
Authors: Wang Qiwei , Ajwad Hassan , Shafai Tawfiq , Lynn Jack D. 
Published: September 2013

Abstract
Many Khuff reservoir gas wells in Saudi Aramco fields are classified as sour producers with H2S levels as much as 8 mol% and CO2 contents as much as 5 mol%. Despite being completed with carbon steel tubular, corrosion failure has not been a major issue even after more than 20 years of service. On the other hand, most wells are experiencing scale buildup in production strings, causing an estimated production loss of up to 7 MMscfd for some wells. Besides, scale deposits are limiting well access for downhole surveillance and intervention.
Significant efforts have been taken to understand the scale formation mechanisms. Extensive scale samples have been collected and characterized over the years. Although the exact chemical compositions change from well to well and also vary with depth in a given well, the scale deposits are usually mixtures of many compounds and often dominated with iron sulfide minerals. These iron sulfides include pyrrhotite, troilite, mackinawite, greigite, pyrite and marcasite. Other iron containing compounds, such as iron oxide and iron carbonate, are also found in significant amounts in most cases. Additionally, mineral scales, such as calcium carbonate and barium, strontium and calcium sulfate, are often present.
Both mechanical and chemical methods have been applied for scale removal. Chemical dissolvers based on concentrated hydrochloric acid have been the most effective solvents. This types of dissolvers are very corrosive to well completion metallurgy at elevated temperatures, and the spent acids can cause severe formation damage due to re-precipitation of iron sulfides, if entering the near wellbore area. The rapid generation of large amounts of H2S gas creates a potentially lethal health hazard. This paper presents an effort to identify alternative dissolvers with high dissolving power and low corrosivity to carbon steel.
Upgrading Multistage Fracturing Strategies Drives Double Success after Success in the Unusual Saudi Gas Reserves
Authors: Al-Ghazal Mohammed , Al-Driweesh Saad , Al-Ghurairi Fadel 
Published: September 2013

Abstract
Open hole multistage fracturing (MSF) technologies have been deployed in Saudi Arabia’s tight gas fields with the objective of maximizing reservoir contact through inducing independent multiple fractures and increasing matrix contribution in both carbonate and sandstone formations.
Full achievement of this objective has not been straightforward or quick. While good well productivity was seen from the early wells completed with MSF technologies, several technical issues had to be investigated and resolved when the technology was initially introduced. These issues included mechanical and differential sticking during the technology deployment phase as well as not attaining clear fracture signatures for the subsequent fracture stages after fracturing the first stage during the well treatment operations due to potential hydraulic communication between the fracture stages in carbonate formations.
Accordingly, improvement strategies were implemented to mitigate these limitations and realize the full advantage of using MSF technologies in developing tight gas reserves. This paper discusses these strategies and show how they have been successfully utilized to further improve the application of multistage fracturing.
Furthermore, the paper addresses a scheme for increasing the success rate for the secondary (contingency) coiled tubing (CT) ball seat milling operations for MSF systems.
Also, the paper analyzes the production results for wells completed with MSF technologies and compares them with that of wells completed using other techniques. Additionally, the paper takes a holistic approach integrating the various technical displinces involved in ensuring optimum results are obtained.
A Novel Approach to Drilling 8 3/8-in. Medium-Radius Curve Section in Deep Gas Drilling in Saudi Arabia: Successful Introduction of High Build Rate Rotary Steerable System
Authors: Thomas Shaji P. , Mukherjee Tushar S. , Ezi Peter C. , Briceno Luani A. , Verma Jaywant K. , Ganda Sukesh , Fuenmayor Luis , Al-Hajji Nawaf 
Published: September 2013

Abstract
Generally, long-radius wells are kicked off in the base of the Jilh (BJD) formation in the Ghawar field, Saudi Arabia. The well profiles require 3° to 4°/100 ft dogleg severity (DLS). The two problematic formations encountered while drilling these curve sections are the BJD and the Sudair formation. Overpressure exists in the BJD, and drilling in this unstable formation often leads to kicks. The Sudair formation, which is plastic shale, has a tendency to microball the bit, leading to slower penetration rates. Higher inclination through Sudair formation generally means more contact and hence longer duration of slower rate of penetration (ROP).
Responding to domestic demand for natural gas growth, Saudi Aramco started to focus on reducing unit cost and maximizing reservoir production. After a feasibility analysis, drilling medium-radius curve wells with steerable motors was put forth as a solution; this would mean drilling vertically through problematic formations and target entry (TE) could be reached in 800 to 900 ft of vertical section which would result in increase in reservoir exposure and therefore production. Drilling a medium-curvature well with a conventional motor assembly required a minimum of five runs. Drilling with a steerable motor and rock bit combination resulted in extra bit trips, wiper trips to clean the hole, and multiple reaming trips before running the liner. In all, drilling efficiency was poor because of slow penetration rates and multiple bit trips.
After some modifications, a high build rate rotary steerable system (HRSS) was introduced in a well in a challenging deep gas environment. Deployment of the new technology allowed the kickoff point to be pushed deeper, reducing risk and cost. The section was drilled in a single run, saving 6.5 days and improving penetration rate 84% over conventional mud motor bottomhole assembly (BHA). The introduction of new technology, while significant, was not the only factor contributing to the step change in drilling performance; the success was realized by a thorough understanding of local drilling conditions, which informed bit, BHA, and well design decisions and led to superior execution.
Benchmarking RPMs Performance to Reduce Water-Oil Ratio of Produced Fluids from Carbonate Formations
Authors: Al-Nakhli Ayman R. , Al-Muntasheri Ghaithan A. , Al-Harith Abdullah M. , Balharth Salem A. 
Published: September 2013

Abstract
Excessive water production affects profitability of oil and gas. It reduces hydrocarbons production rates. In addition, it leads to corrosion, scale formation, and extra costs in constructing large water handling facilities. One of the key issues is to correctly identify the source of the excess water and develop the appropriate treatment.1 The targeted reservoir of this study is a naturally fractured carbonate reservoir that displays super K which are areas of extremely high permeability that can produce substantial volumes of both oil and water. Super K zones can significantly enhance recovery per well, however, these zones present significant challenges at the onset of water production because they can dominate the flow in the wellbore resulting in high water loading.
One chemical method to deal with the excessive water production problems is the use of Relative Permeability Modifiers (RPM). It reduces water cut of the produced fluids without significantly damaging hydrocarbon production. Unfortunately, most of the developed RPMs are suitable for Sandston reservoirs rather than carbonate ones. There have been no successful applications of materials that display a relative permeability modification in reservoirs of this type. It is estimated that carbonate reservoirs contain more than 60% of the world’s remaining oil reserves so the development of new technologies that enable these reserves to be tapped are extremely worthwhile.2
The development of novel materials which could tackle excess water production in carbonate wells would represent a radical, and much needed step-change technology for the extraction of the significant reserves trapped in reservoirs of this type. This paper describes a comprehensive review of different chemical methods for water control and reports on lab tests to examine the performance of several commercially available RPMs to reduce water-cut in carbonate cores. An advanced work to create and develop a relative permeability modifier (RPM) to control water production in naturally fractured carbonate fields with super K permeability is also described in this paper.
High Resolution Electrical Imaging While Drilling Enables Optimum Completion Design and Helps in Accurate Well Placement in Carbonate Reservoirs
Authors: Palmer Richard , Khan Kamran Ahmad , Glowig Thomas 
Published: September 2013

ABSTRACT
Logging While Drilling technologies and bore hole imaging techniques are increasingly necessary to exploit hydrocarbons in challenging geological scenarios. Selecting the correct technology for the application involves consideration of formation evaluation requirements, logging and borehole conditions, drilling optimization and safety. A particular challenge is in the optimal placement of laterals in 4-­-8 foot thick naturally fractured carbonate reservoir sandwiched between anhydrite formations. A high resolution electrical image while drilling was acquired to identify the faults and fractures to design effective intelligent inflow control devises (Equalizers).
A case study from a Middle Eastern onshore field is discussed where the use of a high resolution 4 ¾" electrical image-­-while-­-drilling technology allowed real-­-time fracture identification and reservoir navigation. Utilizing high resolution 360-­-degree electrical images in real-­-time and memory additionally provided the information necessary to determine fracture, fracture characterization, bed dips, rock fabric, drilling fluid loss zones, and aid in design and efficient placement of intelligent open hole completions.
Spectral Gamma Ray Complements Innovative Real Time Advanced Mud Logging Characterization While Drilling
Authors: Marsala Alberto F. , Kasprzykowski Pawel , Kimour Farouk 
Published: September 2013

Abstract
In the framework of a long-term research on Advanced Mud Logging (AML) we have further developed innovative AML methods and techniques to be deployed while drilling, for real time formation characterization on cuttings. AML can deliver integrated, comprehensive Petrophysical Information Logs (PILs) for well evaluation, facilitates improved monitoring and thus optimization of drilling operations, as well as supports formation evaluation. In the following paragraphs we describe an innovative Spectral Gamma Ray (GR) instrument developed with a NaI(Tl) scintillation crystal, geared especially towards well site cuttings measurements. Gamma ray on cuttings complements the well-established AML well site techniques, including direct measurements on cuttings such as grain density, porosity by Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray Fluorescence (XRF), etc. The spectral gamma ray measurements on cuttings allow resolving the ambiguity on cuttings depth shift, by comparison with conventional gamma ray logging tool, reducing the uncertainty and giving significance on the subsequent AML characterization on cuttings.
As part of the development process, extensive laboratory tests were performed to validate and compare results of different types of instruments. A typical spectral gamma ray measurement on cuttings takes about 15 minutes and gives total gamma ray activity in API units, and the normal Uranium (U), Thorium (Th), and Potassium (K) spectral components. Laboratory tests proved a good signal to noise ratio (SNR) and a match with measurements done on large rock pieces with conventional lab tools, in terms of relative value of the GR readings. Next, results from laboratory test done with real cuttings collected from a well in Saudi Arabia and a conventional (non-spectral) GR showed a good correlation. Finally, actual field tests with the spectral gamma ray instrument on cuttings in the AML unit have shown a good match with wireline log results.
Grain Yield Potential Strategies in an Elite Wheat Double‐Haploid Population Grown in Contrasting Environments
Authors: García Guillermo A. , Hasan Ahmed K. , Puhl Laura E. , Reynolds Matthew P. , Calderini Daniel F. , Miralles Daniel J. 
Published: September 2013

ABSTRACTThe understanding of ecophysiological basis of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) grain yield potential provides a useful framework to complement conventional breeding aimed at achieving genetic gains. This study analyzed the ecophysiological performance of an elite wheat mapping population (105 double‐haploid lines derived from two modern cultivars, Bacanora and Weebil, with similar phenology but different and stable combinations of grain number per area unit (GN) and grain weight (GW) resulting in high grain yield) grown in four contrasting high‐yielding environments, to determine the most successful strategies to increase grain yield potential. Main effect of environment on grain yield was significant (p < 0.0001) but the genotypic component was larger than genotype × environment interaction (30%). A robust and positive relationship between grain yield and biomass production was observed across all environments (r2 > 0.82, p < 0.0001), and relatively high harvest indexes were expressed (0.39–0.51). While GN was clearly the dominant numerical component in terms of association with grain yield (r2 > 0.51, p < 0.0001), a wide range in both components (i.e., GN and GW) was observed across all environments. This population represents a valuable resource for prebreeding studies, as the transgressive segregation in physiological and numerical yield components in combination with favorable expression of all agronomic traits could allow a fine phenotyping and mapping to identify key traits and quantitative trait loci linked with grain yield.
CKD–Mineral and Bone Disorder and Risk of Death and Cardiovascular Hospitalization in Patients on Hemodialysis
Authors: Block Geoffrey A. , Kilpatrick Ryan D. , Lowe Kimberly A. , Wang Wenli , Danese Mark D. 
Published: September 2013

Summary

Background and objectives
Parathyroid hormone, calcium, and phosphate have been independently associated with cardiovascular event risk. Because these parameters may be on the same causal pathway and have been proposed as quality measures, an integrated approach to estimating event risks is needed.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements
Prevalent dialysis patients were followed from August 31, 2005 to December 31, 2006. A two-stage modeling approach was used. First, the 16-month probabilities of death and composite end point of death or cardiovascular hospitalization were estimated and adjusted for potential confounders. Second, patients were categorized into 1 of 36 possible phenotypes using average parathyroid hormone, calcium, and phosphate values over a 4-month baseline period. Associations among phenotypes and outcomes were estimated and adjusted for the underlying event risk estimated from the first model stage.

Results
Of 26,221 patients, 98.5% of patients were in 22 groups with at least 100 patients and 20% of patients were in the reference group defined using guideline-based reference ranges for parathyroid hormone, calcium, and phosphate. Within the 22 most common phenotypes, 20% of patients were in groups with significantly (P<0.05) higher risk of death and 54% of patients were in groups with significantly higher risk of the composite end point relative to the in-target reference group. Increased risks ranged from 15% to 47% for death and from 8% to 55% for the composite. More than 40% of all patients were in the three largest groups with elevated composite end point risk (high parathyroid hormone, target calcium, and high phosphate; target high parathyroid hormone, target calcium, and high phosphate; and target high parathyroid hormone, target calcium, and target phosphate).

Conclusion
After adjusting for baseline risk, phenotypes defined by categories of parathyroid hormone, calcium, and phosphate identify patients at higher risk of death and cardiovascular hospitalization. Identifying common high-risk phenotypes may inform clinical interventions and policies related to quality of care.
A Survey of Web Ontology Languages and Semantic Web Services
Authors: Sireteanu Alexandru Napoleon 
Published: September 2013

Abstract
In the beginning World Wide Web was syntactic and the content itself was only readable by humans. The modern web combines existing web technologies with knowledge representation formalisms. In this sense, the Semantic Web proposes the mark-up of content on the web using formal ontology that structure essential data for the purpose of comprehensive machine understanding. On the syntactical level, standardization is an important topic. Many standards which can be used to integrate different information sources have evolved. Beside the classical database interfaces like ODBC, web-oriented standard languages like HTML, XML, RDF and OWL increase in importance. As the World Wide Web offers the greatest potential for sharing information, we will base our paper on these evolving standards.
Relationship Between Learning, Knowledge Creation and Organisational Performance
Authors: Dermol Valerij 
Published: September 2013

Abstract
In the paper we suggest a model of organisational learning (OL) consisting of four connected constructs related to the processes of learning and knowledge creation, and organisational performance. With the use of structural equation modelling we confirm strong positive relationships between constructs of information acquisition, knowledge creation and cognitive and behavioural changes, all together leading to changes in organisational performance. We also recognise information interpretation as a process positively related to knowledge creation but on the other hand related neither to cognitive and behavioural changes nor organisational performance. The findings explain OL from the viewpoints of single and double loop learning and emphasise the importance of introducing both of them in the organisation.
The Impact of Government Expenditures upon Economic Growth in Post-Communist Countries
Authors: Dincă Marius Sorin , Dincă Gheorghița 
Published: September 2013

Abstract
This paper examines the relationship between the structure and share of government expenditure into Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and the real GDP per capita. Our study uses a micro panel data for a sample made of ten countries from Central and East European, for the period 2002-2012. The empirical results of the linear regression show that the GDP/capita is positively correlated with public order and safety expenditures as well as with economic actions, while national defense and general public services are negatively correlated. The results obtained largely correspond with the ones reached by other researchers approaching the topic of the relationship between economic growth and composition of the government expenditures. The health and education expenses, though instrumental for the long-term development of any society, did not show any significant impact upon the evolution of the GDP/capita, probably as a result of the short-term available data.
Alternative Approach to Economic Restructuring to Benefit the Poor – Sam Multipliers Analysis as Alternative Approach
Authors: Acharya Sanjaya , Signorelli Marcello , Vojinovic Borut , Oplotnik Žan Jan 
Published: September 2013

Abstract
Many economic reforms in developing economies are, in fact, price deregulation in the product markets and trade liberalisation, concerning whether the growth of exports accelerates. This paper, however, attempts to offer a new flavour in the policy reforms using fixed price model to study the growth impact of different sectoral investments and transfers to households. We used Social Accounting Matrix (SAM) multipliers to analyse the flow structure and distributional effects of sectoral investments and transfers in a typical developing economy. Using the case of Nepal we simulate the effects of additional demand creations to sectors and transfer earning growth to households and measure their effects and conclude that in the given flow structure, the additional sector demand and transfer growth in the economy benefit the middle income groups more; whereas the benefit to the poorest is only modest. We examine the effects of potential pro-poor economic restructuring measures especially with regard to the improvements of efficiency parameters and redirection of factor endowments. Consequently, poor households transfer towards those activities which have higher multiplier effects of additional demand and transfer earning. Furthermore, redirection of factor endowments requires undergoing with the skill upgrade of poor labour to be conducive with higher economic growth.