bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cerebrospinal fluid lactate concentration to distinguish bacterial from aseptic meningitis: a systemic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Huy Nguyen T , Thao Nguyen TH , Diep Doan TN , Kikuchi Mihoko , Zamora Javier , Hirayama Kenji 
Published: February 2011

Abstract
Introduction
Making a differential diagnosis between bacterial meningitis and aseptic meningitis is a critical clinical problem. The utility of a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) lactate assay for this purpose has been debated and is not yet routinely clinically performed. To adequately evaluate this assay, a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies of the CSF lactate concentration as a marker for both bacterial meningitis and aseptic meningitis was performed.

Methods
Electronic searches in PubMed, Scopus, the MEDION database and the Cochrane Library were conducted to identify relevant articles published before March 2009. A manual search of reference lists from selected articles was also conducted. Two reviewers independently selected relevant articles and extracted data on study characteristics, quality and accuracy.

Results
Twenty-five articles were identified that met the eligibility criteria. Diagnostic odds ratios were considerably homogenous (Chi-square P = 0.1009, I
2
= 27.6%), and the homogeneity was further confirmed by a Galbraith plot and meta-regression analysis using several covariates. The symmetrical summary receiver-operator characteristic curve (SROC), fitted using the Moses-Shapiro-Littenberg method, was positioned near the upper left corner of the SROC curve. The Q value and area under the curve were 0.9451 and 0.9840, respectively, indicating excellent accuracy. The diagnostic accuracy of the CSF lactate concentration was higher than those of other four conventional markers (CSF glucose, CSF/plasma glucose quotient, CSF protein, and CSF total number of leukocytes) using a head to head meta-analysis of the 25 included studies.

Conclusions
To distinguish bacterial meningitis from aseptic meningitis, CSF lactate is a good single indicator and a better marker compared to other conventional markers.
Variants in the Toll-interacting protein gene are associated with susceptibility to sepsis in the Chinese Han population
Authors: Song Zhenju , Yin Jun , Yao Chenling , Sun Zhan , Shao Mian , Zhang Yaping , Tao Zhengang , Huang Peizhi , Tong Chaoyang 
Published: February 2011

Abstract
Introduction
Deregulated or excessive host immune responses contribute to the pathogenesis of sepsis. Toll-like receptor (TLR) signaling pathways and their negative regulators play a pivotal role in the modulation of host immune responses and the development of sepsis. The objective of this study was to investigate the association of variants in the TLR signaling pathway genes and their negative regulator genes with susceptibility to sepsis in the Chinese Han population.

Methods
Patients with severe sepsis (n = 378) and healthy control subjects (n = 390) were enrolled. Five genes, namely TLR2, TLR4, TLR9, MyD88 and TOLLIP, were investigated for their association with sepsis susceptibility by a tag single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) strategy. Twelve tag SNPs were selected based on the data of Chinese Han in Beijing from the HapMap project and genotyped by direct sequencing. The mRNA expression levels of TOLLIP were determined using real-time quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) assays, and concentrations of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

Results
Our results showed that the minor C-allele of rs5743867 in TOLLIP was significantly associated with the decreased risk of sepsis (P
adj
= 0.00062, odds ratio (OR)
adj
= 0.71, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.59 to 0.86) after adjustment for covariates in multiple logistic regression analysis. A 3-SNP haplotype block harboring the associated SNP rs5743867 also displayed strong association with omnibus test P value of 0.00049. Haplotype GTC showed a protective role against sepsis (P
adj
= 0.0012), while haplotype GCT showed an increased risk for sepsis (P
adj
= 0.00092). After exposure to lipopolysaccharide (LPS), TOLLIP mRNA expression levels in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from homozygotes for the rs5743867C allele were significantly higher than in heterozygotes and homozygotes for the rs5743867T allele (P = 0.013 and P = 0.01, respectively). Moreover, the concentrations of TNF-α and IL-6 in culture supernatants were significantly lower in the subjects of rs5743867CC genotype than in CT and TT genotype subjects (P = 0.016 and P = 0.003 for TNF-α; P = 0.01 and P = 0.002 for IL-6, respectively).

Conclusions
Our findings indicated that the variants in TOLLIP were significantly associated with sepsis susceptibility in the Chinese Han population.
A statistical framework for modeling gene expression using chromatin features and application to modENCODE datasets
Authors: Cheng Chao , Yan Koon-Kiu , Yip Kevin Y , Rozowsky Joel , Alexander Roger , Shou Chong , Gerstein Mark 
Published: February 2011

AbstractWe develop a statistical framework to study the relationship between chromatin features and gene expression. This can be used to predict gene expression of protein coding genes, as well as microRNAs. We demonstrate the prediction in a variety of contexts, focusing particularly on the modENCODE worm datasets. Moreover, our framework reveals the positional contribution around genes (upstream or downstream) of distinct chromatin features to the overall prediction of expression levels.
Vitamin D Deficiency Is Associated with Depletion of Circulating Endothelial Progenitor Cells and Endothelial Dysfunction in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Yiu Yuen-Fung , Chan Yap-Hang , Yiu Kai-Hang , Siu Chung-Wah , Li Sheung-Wai , Wong Lai-Yung , Lee Stephen W. L. , Tam Sidney , Wong Eric W. K. , Cheung Bernard M. Y. , Tse Hung-Fat 
Published: February 2011

Context:
Vitamin D (Vit-D) deficiency is associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) and endothelial dysfunction. The relationship of Vit-D deficiency with circulating endothelial progenitor cells and endothelial dysfunction in type 2 DM patients nonetheless remains unclear.

Objective:
We aimed to investigate the cross-sectional association of Vit-D status with brachial flow-mediated dilation (FMD) and circulating endothelial progenitor cell (EPC) numbers in type 2 DM patients.

Design, Setting, and Participants:
We conducted a cross-sectional study of 280 patients (59% male, aged 68 ± 10 yr) with type 2 DM recruited in outpatient clinics during the winter period.

Main Outcome Measure:
We measured serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] by an ELISA kit, circulating CD34+/kinase insert domain-containing receptor (KDR)+ and CD133+/KDR+ EPCs by flow cytometry and brachial artery FMD by vascular ultrasound, respectively.

Results:
The mean serum 25(OH)D concentration was 25.00 ± 9.17 ng/ml, and 34.3% of patients had Vit-D deficiency [25(OH)D &lt; 20 ng/ml]. Serum 25(OH)D concentration had a significant correlation with hemoglobin A1c level [B = −0.018, 95% confidence interval (CI) −0.035 to −0.002, P = 0.032]. Patients with Vit-D deficiency status had significantly lower brachial FMD (mean difference −1.43%, 95% CI −2.31 to −0.55, P = 0.001) and CD133+/KDR+EPC counts (mean difference −0.12%, 95% CI −0.21 to −0.019, P = 0.022) than those with sufficient Vit-D status after adjustment for age, sex, and cardiovascular risk factors, including hemoglobin A1c levels.

Conclusions:
Our results demonstrate that serum 25(OH)D status was significantly associated with brachial artery FMD and circulating CD133+/KDR+EPCs. This suggests that Vit-D deficiency might contribute to depletion of EPCs and endothelial dysfunction in patients with type 2 DM.
Indium Chloride‐induced Micronuclei in In Vivo and In Vitro Experimental Systems
Authors: Takagi Ryo , Suzuki Yuji , Seki Yoshiko , Ikehata Masateru , Kajihara Chieko , Shimizu Hidesuke , Yanagisawa Hiroyuki 
Published: February 2011

Indium Chloride‐induced Micronuclei in In Vivo and In Vitro Experimental Systems: Ryo Takagi, et al. Department of Public Health and Environmental Medicine, Jikei University School of Medicine—ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to investigate the genotoxic effects of indium trichloride (InCl3·4H 2O; InCl3) using the in vivo bone marrow micronucleus test and the in vitro CHL/IU cell micronucleus test.MethodBALB/c mice were administered a single intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of InCl 3 at a dose 0.625, 1.25, 2.5, 5, or 10 mg/kg b.w. The frequency of micronuclei, the ratio of polychromatic erythrocytes to normochromatic erythrocytes (P/N ratio) and body weight gain were determined 24 h after administration of the InCl In the in vitro micronucleus test, CHL/IU cells were treated continuously for 24, 48, or 72 h in the absence of S9mix (the continuous treatment method) and/or for 6 h with or without S9 mix followed by an 18, 42 or 66 h recovery time (the short time treatment method). The frequency of micronuclei was determined at the end of each culture period.ResultsThe frequency of micronuclei induced by InCl3 increased in the in vivo erythroblast‐erythrocyte micronucleus test using BALB/c mice at doses of 2.5 and 5 mg/kg b.w. The P/N ratio, a marker of bone marrow toxicity, decreased significantly following the injection of InCl3. Body weight gain was also inhibited by InCl3. InCl 3 induced micronuclei in the CHL/IU cell micronucleus test in both the continuous treatment method and the short time treatment method, both with and without S9mix.ConclusionsThese results suggest that InCl3 has a genotoxic effect on mammalian cells both in vivo and in vitro.
Fracture Orientation and Proppant Selection for Optimizing Production in Horizontal Wells
Authors: Shah Subhash N. , Vincent M. C. , Rodriquez Robert , Palisch Terry 
Published: February 2011

Abstract
In recent years, oil and gas well operators have frequently specified highly-deviated or horizontal wells to improve reservoir contact. Although some reservoirs can be efficiently developed with unstimulated horizontal laterals, in most formations hydraulic fracturing will further improve production rates, ultimate hydrocarbon recovery, and overall field economics.
The Bombay offshore basin is the largest oil reservoir in India, and has been successfully developed with both vertical and horizontal wellbores. Despite the success of current horizontal drilling techniques, significant improvements are possible in the stimulation of these horizontal wells. Although many considerations for stimulating horizontal wells are similar to stimulation of vertical wells, there are some special challenges for horizontal well stimulation that must be addressed.
In this paper, two of these issues, fracture orientation and proppant selection, are discussed in detail. Related topics including wellbore orientation, reservoir contact, flow convergence, perforation strategies, and realistic proppant conductivity are addressed. Field examples demonstrate that hydrocarbon production can be improved with careful treatment design. It is found that the fracture orientation, proppant type, and proppant size have significant effect on ultimate production results. Experience gained from hydraulically fractured horizontal wells in North America, Siberia, and the North Sea is described.
With this rich experience through horizontal well technology, it is possible to improve hydrocarbon recovery in the Bombay offshore basin with more effectively stimulated horizontal wells.
Non-Uniform Slotted Liner Completion, a New Approach to Obtain Uniform Production Profile along Horizontal Wells
Authors: Mohammadsalehi M. , Goodarzian S. , Assef M. R. 
Published: February 2011

Abstract
Slotted liner is commonly used for well completion to maintain borehole integrity and control production of sand, both in land and offshore. Due to length of horizontal wells, there is a pressure drop within producing wellbore, as a result of friction and turbulent flow. Additionally, radius of damaged zone caused by drilling fluid invasion is not constant along the horizontal well. Significant amount wellbore pressure drop and/or near well formation damage leads to non-uniform production profile along horizontal well. Consequently, unbalanced depletion of reservoir and problem of gas or water coning will occur.
This paper represents an approach to eliminate occurrence of water or gas coning into producing horizontal wells which is based on precise manipulations and design of slotted liner parameters in such a way that the effect of wellbore pressure drop is compensated. Therefore, instead of running slotted liner with constant design parameters, they will vary deliberately along the well. Calculations performed by simulation software, developed based on theoretical concepts, which have been elaborately explained in this paper, comparisons between calculated data and measured field data have been made.
When the modified parameters applied, total pressure drop along horizontal well approaches to an identical value. Additionally, this procedure of design can be used directly offset the effect of invaded zone around well. As the significant outcomes, with the help of this design method, production along the wellbore will be balanced and uniform. Additionally, if coning occurs, it will occur at tip of the well rather than happening at heel of horizontal well.
Rapid Estimation of Carbon Dioxide Compressibility Factor Using Simple Predictive Tool
Authors: Bahadori A. , Vuthaluru H. B. 
Published: February 2011

Abstract
In this work, a simple predictive tool which is easier than existing approaches involving a fewer number of parameters, requiring less complicated and shorter computations, is presented to accurately predict carbon dioxide compressibility factor as a function of reduced temperature and reduced pressure. The proposed predictive tool shows consistently accurate results across the proposed pressure and temperature ranges. Predictions show an average absolute deviation of 0.55 % compared to existing Peng-Robinson (PR) and Soave-Redlich–Kwong (SRK) SRK equations of state which show an average absolute deviations of 0.58% and 2.30% respectively. This simple-to-use predictive tool can be of significant practical value for the engineers and scientists to have a quick check on carbon dioxide compressibility factor for temperatures up to 1000°C and pressures up to 50,000 kPa without the necessity of any experimental measurements. This is expected to benefit and making design decisions leading to informed decisions for rapid and accurate prediction carob dioxide compressibility factor in any process industry.
Efficient Hydraulic Fracturing Treatments Using Produced Formation Water in Western Siberia
Authors: Fedorov Andrey Vladimirovich , Fedorov A. , Fu D-K. , Mullen K. , Kochmar L. , Lungwitz B. , Dessinges M. 
Published: February 2011

Abstract
An appropriate fracturing fluid is one of the key elements for success of hydraulic fracturing treatments. In western Siberia, borate crosslinked polymer fluid has been widely used because of the high viscosity required for placement of large-size proppants. The first step to obtain the viscosity is to hydrate or dissolve a dry form of polymer and prepare a linear gel. This operation requires a minimum temperature of 25°C. Because the average temperature is below 20°C all year and as low as – 40°C in the winter (Fig. 1), this temperature requirement, coupled with the lack of freshwater sources in some locations, presents both logistical and operational challenges.Figure 1Average temperature in Tyumen Region, W. Siberia
Water produced from the Cenoman formation is readily available in many locations in western Siberia (Blackbourn Report 2010). With temperatures ranging from 35 to 50°C, Cenoman water could be an ideal source for preparing fracturing fluids. However, the water contains boron and a high level of magnesium and calcium that cause undesirable instant crosslinking of linear gel and shear and thermal instability. To eliminate the impacts of those elements, we introduced a chelating additive to the water to sequester the cations species and optimized the initial fluid pH to improve thermal stability. The concentration of chelating agent is further adjustable to ensure consistency in crosslinking delay time and to provide shear insensitivity.
Using Cenoman water and equipment for continuous mixing of fracturing fluid has greatly improved the operational efficiency and service quality of fracturing treatments in western Siberia. The time to complete a single fracturing treatment was reduced from 2 days to less than 1 day. In some cases, two treatments were performed in 1 day. As of December 2008, more than 500 fracturing treatments had been performed using Cenoman water with an average of over 94% proppant-placement rate.
Successful Re-entry in a Challenging Drilling Environment: A Case Study
Authors: Ghulam Nabi Agha , Ahmad Qureshi Saeed , Usman Arif Muhammad , Salmoon Ilyas Muhammad 
Published: February 2011

Abstract
Yaqut -1 well (Afiband) is located in Safedkoh Block of Dewan Petroleum Pvt Ltd at about 20km WSW of Taunsa City, district D.G. Khan- Pakistan. Well was originally drilled in 1986. Well was drilled to 2020m, tested and was declared as Dry.
Dewan Petroleum, on the basis of seismic data, Re-entered the existing borehole and deepen the same to explore the targets as Lower Cretaceous (Sand Bodies), Lower Cretaceous Sand and Jurassic Limestone. There were big challenges to face before making well usable for evaluation and testing purposes. These challenges included Installation of Wellhead, drilling of cement plugs and cement squeezing of 307m (Selective) perforations in total 792m zone against four different horizons, Drilling of 1356m of 6” hole, conducting wireline logs, running in 5” Liner and successfully cementing it against loss zones. Another challenge was of severe losses because of under-hydrostatic pore-pressure regime/ profile.
Detailed evaluation of cement slurry designs of offset wells, where there was poor cementation history; a long debate was opened between well services companies. Discussion included nine possible options, and on the basis of SWOT Analysis one with “Ultra- Light” cement slurry was selected.
This paper discusses in detail the strategy of Installing wellhead, Drilling cement plugs & squeezing-off long interval of perforations and their pressure test, along with strategy of overcoming drilling challenges, Centralization of Liner and landing the same successfully and discussion of different 5” Liner Cement Slurry design options. Furthermore it will show lab results, subsequent study results and will outline different steps used in carrying out the design, the execution and evaluation of the results of successful operations, which resulted in a restoration of high productivity.
Sophisticated ROP Prediction Technologies Based on Neural Network Delivers Accurate Drill Time Results
Authors: Moran David , Ibrahim Hani , Purwanto Arifin , Osmond Jerry 
Published: February 2011

Abstract
Accurately predicting the rate of penetration (ROP) is a prominent factor affecting economic and engineering decisions during well planning. However, ROP prediction based on simple algorithms applied to offset wells has historically yielded mixed results. To improve ROP predicting capabilities, the provider is applying an artificial neural network (ANN) to analyze offset drilling data. The system has significantly improved the ability to accurately predict drilling performance, despite expected changes in lithology, hole size, bit type and mud properties. The flexibility of the software package allows engineers to analyze a wide range of information and deliver high-quality ROP predictions based on previous experience and data from offset wells. The process includes detail scrutiny of the offset and training of the ANN system until the neural network is validated. The simulation is then run to solve expected ROP, using any changed drilling conditions as input.
In a recent case, an operator required a well that would have to be drilled deeper than offsets and with different borehole sizes. By applying the neural network capabilities, engineers were able to deliver analytical ROP predictions for the planned well, including quality result for different lithologies with a wide range of rock strength values. This paper will focus on the new ANN technologies being utilized for predicting drilling performance. It will also include a case study that documents its successful application.
Oil Recovery Increases by Low-Salinity Flooding: Minnelusa and Green River Formations
Authors: Robertson Eric P. 
Published: February 2011

Abstract
Waterflooding is by far the most widely used method in the world to increase oil recovery. Historically, little consideration has been given in reservoir engineering practice to the effect of injection brine composition on waterflood displacement efficiency or to the possibility of increased oil recovery through manipulation of the composition of the injected water. However, recent work has shown that oil recovery can be significantly increased by modifying the injection brine chemistry or by injecting diluted or low salinity brine.
This paper reports on laboratory work done to increase the understanding of improved oil recovery by waterflooding with low salinity injection water. Porous media used in the studies included outcrop Berea sandstone (Ohio, U.S.A.) and reservoir cores from the Green River formation of the Uinta basin (Utah, U.S.A.). Crude oils used in the experimental protocols were taken from the Minnelusa formation of the Powder River basin (Wyoming, U.S.A.) and from the Green River formation, Monument Butte field in the Uinta basin.
Laboratory corefloods using Berea sandstone, Minnelusa crude oil, and simulated Minnelusa formation water found that at lower aging temperatures, very little to no additional oil was recovered from low-salinity corefloods compared to full-strength reservoir brine floods; while higher aging temperatures resulted in significantly higher recoveries from low-salinity floods than from full-strength reservoir brine floods. Waterflood studies using reservoir cores and fluids from the Green River formation of the Monument Butte field also showed significantly higher oil recoveries from low salinity waterfloods with cores flooded with fresher water recovering 12.4% more oil on average than those flooded with undiluted formation brine.