bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
First Horizontal Well Drilled with Underbalance (Nitrified Stable Foam), Downhole Deployment Valve & Extended Range EM-MWD Technologies in Middle East Region - Case Study and Lesson Learned
Authors: Hussain Sajjad , Saleem Saad , Sabir Shahid Majeed , Asrar Muhammad 
Published: November 2011

Abstract
The name "Sui" has become synonymous with natural gas in Pakistan. Located at a distance of about 650 kilometers (km) from Karachi in Balochistan Province, Sui is Pakistan Petroleum Limited’s (PPL) flagship gas field. The gas field was discovered in the late 1952 and the commercial exploitation of the field began in 1955.
Two major reservoirs of this field are Sui Main Limestone (SML) & Sui Upper Limestone (SUL); both have become highly depleted over the time. Conventional drilling technologies in these formations result in complete loss of drilling fluid, stuck pipe & severe formation damage.
Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PPL) planned drilling Sui93(M) as a horizontal well in Sui Main Limestone (SML) Formation. Drilling a horizontal well with conventional drilling technology in a depleted formation having 500 psi pore pressure at a depth of ~1400 m (TVD) was a real challenge. Underbalanced Drilling Technology (with DDV & ER-EM-MWD tools) was selected as an alternative drilling method. The main objectives of Underbalance Drilling Operation were to drill to target depth while eliminating fluid losses with associated problems and improve drilling performance.
A multidisciplinary team of Drilling Operations experts planned and executed this challenging project. Considering the reservoir pressure of formation, stable foam was selected as drilling fluid for UBD operations. Extended Range Electromagnetic MWD tool was used for directional control along with APWD (Annular Pressure while drilling) sensor for real time Bottom Hole Pressure monitoring. Open hole section (~600 meter) was drilled successfully in Sui Main Limestone (SML) Formation.
Integrated efforts of Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PPL) and associated service companies of various disciplines during planning and operation phases of the well led to this successful project.
This paper highlights key factors in the underbalanced drilling design phase, operational challenges faced during execution and results of the first well drilled in Middle East region using above mentioned integrated group of technologies. These applications have opened new ventures and opportunities for depleted field developments in the region and particularly in Sui Field of Pakistan.
Development of Low Permeability Carbonate Reservoir in Depleted Sand Producing Gas Field - A Case Study
Authors: Majeed Arshad , Khan Jadoon Mohammad Saeed , Jahangir Saleem , Andrabi Aftab Hussain , Ahmed Bashir 
Published: November 2011

ABSTRACT
Exploration and exploitation of low permeability gas reservoirs in mature developed field is a challenge. It involves re-evaluation and characterization of reservoir properties of the producing zones. As the field understudy is mature and needs to understand the different pressure regimes and available gas potential in depleted and un-depleted zones before embarking on the exploitation of these low permeability reservoir. In past, development of low permeability reservoir was considered uneconomical due to low flow rate and longer pay out time. However, present gas prices and existence of infrastructure of surface facilities on field shifts the negative economics of low gas flow rates to positive direction. Consequently, any gas flow rates are deemed to be economical and a source of extra revenue.
In this field, both carbonate and sandstone are producing reservoirs. Carbonates are of low permeability reservoir while sandstone is fragile and represent high permeability reservoir. Initially DSTs were conducted in both reservoirs while wells were completed in sand stone reservoir. Due to the fragile nature of the sandstone formation, gravel pack completion was used to avoid sand production. Initially, high permeability sand stone formation was produced. Volumetric and dynamic data was collected and analyzed to determine the undepleted part of the reservoir. The dynamic data indicated that low permeability reservoir has insignificant contribution and needs to be developed. Petrophysical properties of the carbonate reservoir were reviewed; new DST was conducted in the carbonate reservoir. During DST, longer build up was planned for reliable pressure data. After DST analysis, it was observed that it is low permeability reservoir with high skin value and need to be stimulated. Acid stimulation was carried out that have resulted in significant improvement and the well was put on production with sustainable production rate. In this paper, integrated approach of evaluation of geological and dynamic data that have resulted in successful recompletion of wells in low permeability carbonate reservoir will be discussed. The lesson learned from this successful evaluation and production of low permeability reservoir can be used for the exploitation of these reservoirs in the country.
Remedy of Severe Scale Build Up Issue in OMV (Pakistan) at Well 'X'
Authors: Hassan Syed Saadat , Ahmad Tofeeq , Farooqui Shoaib , Ali Haseeb Mazhar , Qamar Atif 
Published: November 2011

ABSTRACT
With current demand for gas at historic peak, any decrease in production due to deposits of scale within tubing is the most troublesome for any E&P company. Statistically 28% of time it is the scale in well that hinders producing it at optimum rate. "Carbonate" and "Sulfate" scales are most common of mineral scales that form in wells. Carbonate scales are generally tackled by wellbore cleanout with acid or by using scale inhibitors to slowdown scale deposition process but none of these solutions solve the problem on permanent basis. Sulfates scales are generally very hard to remove through acid job and usually chemical chelants are used to control sulfate scales.
The major production enhancement challenge faced in well ‘X’ was to permanently mitigate severe scale build up issue in tubing for optimum production performance. This paper presents how these challenges were faced and overcome by using ClearWELL* unit, resulting in stable and continuous production.
A scale study was conducted by OMV laboratory in Vienna to identify the scale build up mechanism and solutions for its mitigation. The study confirmed that minor pressure decrease at formation temperature promoted water transfer into the gas phase, if water rate is low compared to gas rate, this can result in complete evaporation and formation of precipitate leading to scale build up (mainly calcite). To reinstate production, repeated wellbore cleanouts with coiled tubing using diluted HCl (7.50%) were thought to be the temporary solution in fighting CaCO3 scales.
ClearWELL unit was commissioned at well ‘X’ x-mas tree, which is currently under pilot testing. It is an electromagnetic device which continuously generates electronic dipole that induces a randomly varying high frequency electric field throughout the entire piping system. The electric field generated by device forces homogeneous crystal formation in suspension rather than on metal surfaces. Scale crystallizes in suspension and is carried away with gas water mixture.
During last 5 months of its pilot testing, results achieved so far are promising. Stable and no lost production added a reasonable value to the producing asset and saved huge revenue loss to the company.
Characteristic Properties of Lakhra Lignite to be used as Drilling Mud Additive
Authors: Yousif Muhammad , Khan Iftekhar Ali , Khan Abid Murtaza 
Published: November 2011

ABSTRACT
The Potwar region of Upper Indus Basin in Pakistan is well known for its complexities in drilling because of high pressure subsurface conditions at shallow depths and presence of loss circulation zones. Lignite mud system is applicable preferentially in such conditions because of its low cost, inhibitive properties and tolerance to high mud weights. A study has been undertaken to evaluate the characteristic properties of lignite from Lakhra Coal mines, district Jamshoro, Sindh Province as drilling mud additive. The rheological properties, filtration loss and tolerance to high mud weight were investigated using API standard procedures. The results were positive.
This paper presents the characteristic properties of lignite from Lakhra for use as drilling mud additive. The study has been carried out in Mud Engineering and Cementing laboratory of Petroleum Engineering Department at NED University of Engineering and Technology, Karachi.
The Relationship between Religious Attendance and Blood Pressure: The Hunt Study, Norway
Authors: Sørensen Torgeir , Danbolt Lars J. , Lien Lars , Koenig Harold G. , Holmen Jostein 
Published: November 2011

Objective: Research from the United States shows a possible relationship between religious attendance (RA) and blood pressure (BP). The religious context in the United States differs widely from Scandinavia. The aim was, therefore, to test whether the relationship between RA and BP is specific to the religious culture in the United States or whether a similar relationship exists between RA and BP in a Norwegian context. Design and Method: Data from the Nord-Trøndelag Health Study's third wave, HUNT 3 (2006–08), was used. The associations between RA and diastolic (DBP) and systolic (SBP) blood pressure in women ( n = 20,066) and men ( n = 15,898) were investigated in a cross-sectional study using multiple regression analyses. Results: Mean DBP for women/men was 71.0 mmHg/76.7 mmHg. Mean SBP was 128.5 mmHg/134.0 mmHg; 39.1%/42.8% of women/men never attended religious services, 3.8%/3.4% attended more than 3x/month. The bivariate associations were statistically significant between RA and SBP in both genders and women's DBP but not men's DBP. After adjustment, inverse associations between RA and DBP/SBP for both genders were found. The RA-DBP relationship ( p < 0.001) demonstrated a gradient in effect for both genders, with increasing RA associated with decreasing DBP, with 1.50/1.67 mmHg lower in women/men respectively in those attending more than 3x/month, 0.87/1.16 mmHg lower in those attending 1–3x/month, and 0.49/0.10 mmHg less in those attending 1–6x/6 months. Differences in RA-SBP ( p < 0.05) were 2.12/1.71 mmHg, 0.30/0.11 mmHg, and 0.58/0.63 mmHg, respectively. Conclusion: In a large population-based survey in Norway, RA was associated with lower DBP and SBP after adjusting for relevant variables.
Diet of nestling Barn Swallows Hirundo rustica in rural areas of Poland
Authors: Orłowski Grzegorz , Karg Jerzy 
Published: November 2011

Abstract
Analysis of faecal sacs of nestling Barn Swallows Hirundo rustica from 52 breeding colonies located within fifteen spatially-separated villages in Poland has revealed that the basic component of the diet was Coleoptera (56.1% of all identified prey items), followed by Hymenoptera (24.1%), Diptera (16.1%) and Hemiptera (3.3%). The average mass of all prey items with known weight amounted to 3.40 mg (95% CL, 3.16–3.63 mg; median=0.49 mg) dry weight. Coleopterans associated with dung and manure jointly made up 23.5% of the number and 24.3% of the total biomass of all representatives of the order. Statistically significant negative relationships between the average weight of prey and number of prey found in 52 analyzed breeding sites suggest a particular need for Barn Swallows to find larger-bodied prey rather than to exploit the local abundance of smaller prey. The high percentage of Coleoptera in the diet of nestling Barn Swallows probably results from extensive or traditional farm management based on rules of organic farming in agricultural areas of central Europe, mainly commonly used organic fertilizers, and suggests the importance of these insects as a more easily accessible and larger-bodied prey in comparison to some small Diptera or Hymenoptera. We believe that a large number of randomly collected faecal samples from tens of breeding sites allow us to precisely describe variation in the diet of the Barn Swallow. Our work has great importance for documenting of the food composition of the Barn Swallow in traditional European countrysides, i.e. under environmental and agricultural conditions which, as a result of transformations of the system of farming, ceased to exist in the western and northern part of this continent.
Population genetics: the next stop for microbial ecologists?
Authors: Logares Ramiro 
Published: November 2011

Abstract
Microbes play key roles in the functioning of the biosphere. Still, our knowledge about their total diversity is very limited. In particular, we lack a clear understanding of the evolutionary dynamics occurring within their populations (i.e. among members of the same biological species). Unlike animals and plants, microbes normally have huge population sizes, high reproductive rates and the potential for unrestricted dispersal. As a consequence, the knowledge of population genetics acquired from studying animals and plants cannot be applied without extensive testing to microbes. Next generation molecular tools, like High Throughput Sequencing (e.g. 454 and Illumina) coupled to Single Cell Genomics, now allow investigating microbial populations at a very fine scale. Such techniques have the potential to shed light on several ecological and evolutionary processes occurring within microbial populations that so far have remained hidden. Furthermore, they may facilitate the identification of microbial species. Eventually, we may find an answer to the question of whether microbes and multicellular organisms follow the same or different rules in their population diversification patterns.
Computer-assisted gait analysis of the dog: Comparison of two surgical techniques for the ruptured cranial cruciate ligament
Authors: Böddeker J. , Drüen S. , Meyer-Lindenberg A. , Fehr M. , Nolte I. , Wefstaedt P. 
Published: November 2011

SummaryObjectives: To compare the improvement in degree of lameness following surgical repair of cranial cruciate ligament rupture in dogs using computer-assisted gait analysis.Methods: Two groups of 14 dogs were used. One group was treated by a capsular-fascial imbrication method, and the other group by tibial plateau levelling osteotomy (TPLO). All dogs underwent gait analysis prior to surgery, as well as at four days, four weeks, and four months after surgery. Symmetry indices of vertical ground reaction forces as well as vertical ground reaction forces in % body weight, joint angles and certain gait cycle parameters were evaluated.Results: Four months after surgery, the degree of lameness expressed as symmetry index for peak vertical force for the TPLO group (5.83%) was not significantly different to the capsular-fascial imbrication group (19.05%). Within the TPLO group, there was a significantly increased ability to extend the stifle joint four months after surgery. The stifle motion pattern of the capsular-fascial imbrication group as well as the range-of-motion in both groups showed very little change at the time of the last gait analysis. The complication rate was greater in the TPLO group than in the capsular-fascial group.Clinical significance: In conclusion the results suggest that the TPLO method leads to a faster recovery and improved limb function in comparison to the capsular-fascial imbrication method four months after surgery. Further analyses are needed to determine if the TPLO method is superior concerning long-term joint stability.Online supplementary material: A video of the three-dimensional kinematic model is available online at: http://www.vcot-online.com
Characterization of microsatellite loci in Festuca gautieri (Poaceae) and transferability to F. eskia and F. ×picoeuropeana
Authors: Segarra‐Moragues José Gabriel , Catalán Pilar 
Published: November 2011

• Premise of the study: Enriched genomic libraries were used to isolate and characterize microsatellite loci in Festuca gautieri, an important plant component of subalpine calcareous grasslands of the eastern Iberian Peninsula, the Pyrenees, and the Cantabrian Mountains. Microsatellites were required to investigate landscape genetics across its distribution range and at a narrower geographical scale within the Ordesa y Monte Perdido, Aigüestortes, and Picos de Europa Spanish national parks.• Methods and Results: Ten polymorphic microsatellite loci were characterized. They amplified a total of 116 alleles in a sample of 30 individuals of F. gautieri, showing high levels of genetic diversity (expected heterozygosity = 0.821). Cross‐species transferability to two other close congeners, F. eskia and F ×picoeuropeana, increased the total number of alleles to 137. These taxa showed lower numbers of alleles but similar levels of genetic diversity to F. gautieri.• Conclusions: These microsatellite primers will be useful in population and landscape genetics and in establishing conservation strategies for these characteristic elements of subalpine pastures.
Isolation and characterization of 52 polymorphic EST‐SSR markers for Callitris columellaris (Cupressaceae)
Authors: Sakaguchi Shota , Uchiyama Kentaro , Ueno Saneyoshi , Ujino‐Ihara Tokuko , Tsumura Yoshihiko , Prior Lynda D. , Bowman David M. J. S. , Crisp Michael D. , Isagi Yuji 
Published: November 2011

•Premise of the study: We developed simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers from expressed sequence tags (ESTs) for Callitris columellaris sensu lato (s.l.) to elucidate population genetic structure and detect outlier loci by genome scan.•Methods and Results: mRNA from an individual seedling was subjected to cDNA synthesis and then de novo pyrosequencing. Two hundred and nineteen primer pairs bordering sequence regions were designed from the obtained sequence data. In total, 52 showed polymorphism within 16 individuals representative of the species’ entire range, with the number of alleles per locus and expected heterozygosity ranging from two to 10 and 0.06 to 0.84, respectively.•Conclusions: The EST‐SSR markers developed in this study will be useful for evaluating the range‐wide genetic structure of C. columellaris s.l. and detecting outlier loci under selection, as well as providing useful markers to investigate the conservation genetics and reproductive ecology of the species.
Is Topography-guided Ablation Profile Centered on the Corneal Vertex Better Than Wavefront-guided Ablation Profile Centered on the Entrance Pupil?
Authors: Reinstein Dan Z. , Archer Timothy J. , Gobbe Marine 
Published: November 2011

PURPOSE:
To illustrate the hypothesis that corneal vertex centration is superior to entrance pupil centration when guiding an ablation by wavefront.

METHODS:
In one case example of therapeutic retreatment for treatment zone decentration after primary radial keratotomy (RK) centered on the entrance pupil (line of sight), both a whole-eye wavefront-guided ablation profile (WASCA data) and a topography-guided ablation profile (Atlas data) were generated using the CRS-Master (Carl Zeiss Meditec) and compared. The patient had a large vertical angle kappa. Corneal topography demonstrated that the zone of flattening was decentered superiorly with reference to the corneal vertex and the patient reported severe night vision disturbances.

RESULTS:
The wavefront-guided profile, centered on the line of sight, was symmetrical because the wavefront was dominated by spherical aberration induced by the primary RK treatment. On the other hand, the topography-guided profile, centered on the corneal vertex, was asymmetric with an inferior region of ablation, which would logically improve the topographic decentration. The topography-guided profile was chosen for photorefractive keratectomy using the MEL 80 excimer laser (Carl Zeiss). Ten months after the procedure, the treatment zone was topographically well centered on the corneal vertex. Whole-eye higher order root-mean-square (RMS) was reduced by 43% and corneal higher order RMS was reduced by 61%. The patient reported large subjective improvement in the quality of vision and marked reduction in night vision disturbances.

CONCLUSIONS:
This case provides evidence that wavefront data centered on the entrance pupil center may not represent the patient’s view and the treatment zone should preferably be centered on the corneal vertex rather than the entrance pupil center.
Loss of Immunological Tolerance in Gimap5-Deficient Mice Is Associated with Loss of Foxo in CD4+ T Cells
Authors: Aksoylar H. Ibrahim , Lampe Kristin , Barnes Michael J. , Plas David R. , Hoebe Kasper 
Published: November 2011

Abstract
Previously, we reported the abrogation of quiescence and reduced survival in lymphocytes from Gimap5sph/sph mice, an ENU germline mutant with a missense mutation in the GTPase of immunity-associated protein 5 (Gimap5). These mice showed a progressive loss of peripheral lymphocyte populations and developed spontaneous colitis, resulting in early mortality. In this study, we identify the molecular pathways that contribute to the onset of colitis in Gimap5sph/sph mice. We show that CD4+ T cells become Th1/Th17 polarized and are critically important for the development of colitis. Concomitantly, regulatory T cells become reduced in frequency in the peripheral tissues, and their immunosuppressive capacity becomes impaired. Most importantly, these progressive changes in CD4+ T cells are associated with the loss of Forkheadbox group O (Foxo)1, Foxo3, and Foxo4 expression. Our data establish a novel link between Gimap5 and Foxo expression and provide evidence for a regulatory mechanism that controls Foxo protein expression and may help to maintain immunological tolerance.
Prevalence of diabetes, obesity, and metabolic syndrome in subjects with and without schizophrenia (CURES-104)
Authors: Subashini R , Deepa M , Padmavati R , Thara R , Mohan V 
Published: November 2011

Background:
There are some reports that diabetes and metabolic syndrome (MS) are more prevalent among schizophrenia patients. However, there are very few studies in India which have estimated the prevalence of diabetes and MS in schizophrenia patients.

Aims:
The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of diabetes, obesity, and MS in subjects with and without schizophrenia.

Settings and Design:
This case control study comprised of "cases" i.e. subjects with schizophrenia recruited from a schizophrenia centre at Chennai and "controls" i.e. healthy age- and gender-matched subjects without psychiatric illness selected from an ongoing epidemiological study in Chennai in a 1:4 ratio of cases: Controls.

Materials and Methods:
Fasting plasma glucose and serum lipids were estimated for all subjects. Anthropometric measures including height, weight, and waist circumference were assessed. Diabetes and impaired fasting glucose (IFG) were defined using American Diabetes Association criteria.

Statistical analysis:
One-way ANOVA or student's "t" test was used to compare continuous variables and Chi-square test to compare proportion between two groups.

Results:
The study group comprised of 655 subjects, 131 with schizophrenia and a control group of 524 subjects without schizophrenia. The prevalence of the diabetes, IFG, abdominal obesity and MS were significantly higher among subjects with schizophrenia compared to those without schizophrenia-diabetes (15.3% vs. 7.3%, P=0.003), IFG (31.3% vs. 8.6%, P<0.001), abdominal obesity (59.2% vs. 44.7%, P<0.001), and MS (34.4% vs. 24%, P=0.014).

Conclusion:
In subjects with schizophrenia, the prevalence of diabetes, IFG, abdominal obesity, and MS is significantly higher than in those without schizophrenia.