bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison between upper and lower limb lengthening in patients with achondroplasia
Authors: Kim S-J. , Agashe M. V. , Song S-H. , Choi H-J. , Lee H. , Song H-R. 
Published: January 2012

Lengthening of the humerus is now an established technique. We compared the complications of humeral lengthening with those of femoral lengthening and investigated whether or not the callus formation in the humerus proceeds at a higher rate than that in the femur. A total of 24 humeral and 24 femoral lengthenings were performed on 12 patients with achondroplasia. We measured the pixel value ratio (PVR) of the lengthened area on radiographs and each radiograph was analysed for the shape, type and density of the callus. The quality of life (QOL) of the patients after humeral lengthening was compared with that prior to surgery. The complication rate per segment of humerus and femur was 0.87% and 1.37%, respectively. In the humerus the PVR was significantly higher than that of the femur. Lower limbs were associated with an increased incidence of concave, lateral and central callus shapes. Humeral lengthening had a lower complication rate than lower-limb lengthening, and QOL increased significantly after humeral lengthening. Callus formation in the humerus during the distraction period proceeded at a significantly higher rate than that in the femur. These findings indicate that humeral lengthening has an important role in the management of patients with achondroplasia.
Belatacept: A New Biologic and Its Role in Kidney Transplantation
Authors: Su Victoria CH , Harrison Jennifer , Rogers Christin , Ensom Mary HH 
Published: January 2012

OBJECTIVE: To review the pharmacology, efficacy, safety, and role of belatacept in maintenance immunosuppression in adult kidney transplant recipients (KTR). DATA SOURCES: PubMed, EMBASE, International Pharmaceutical Abstracts, Web of Knowledge (1990-November 2011), and Google were searched using the terms belatacept, kidney or renal, and transplant. STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION: Relevant articles (English language and human subjects) were reviewed. Selected studies included 3 Phase 2 and 2 Phase 3 trials. Data were compared with Food and Drug Administration (FDA) briefing documents and belatacept full prescribing information. DATA SYNTHESIS: Belatacept, a cytotoxic T-lymphocyte–associated antigen 4-immunoglobulin, is the first marketed intravenous maintenance immunosuppressant. It is approved for use in combination with basiliximab induction, mycophenolate mofetil, and corticosteroids to prevent rejection in adult KTR. Belatacept exhibits linear pharmacokinetics and first-order elimination. The less intensive regimen used in Phase 3 trials is approved by the FDA. In low-moderate immunologic risk KTR, short-term patient and allograft survival appear comparable with that seen with cyclosporine, with improved renal function despite more frequent and severe early acute rejection. Preliminary data from Phase 2 corticosteroid-avoidance and conversion trials suggest that better renal function, acceptable rejection rates, and comparable patient and allograft survival may be achieved with belatacept compared with calcineurin inhibitors (CNIs). Common adverse effects of belatacept include anemia, neutropenia, urinary tract infection, headache, and peripheral edema. While a more favorable cardiovascular and metabolic profile and lack of requirement for therapeutic drug monitoring are attractive, a higher frequency of posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorder is concerning. Belatacept drug costs are significantly higher than those of standard CNI- or sirolimus-based regimens. CONCLUSIONS: Belatacept provides a new option for maintenance immunosuppression in adult KTR. Further research is needed to compare its efficacy and safety with standard tacrolimus-based regimens, to evaluate whether increased drug costs are offset by long-term improvements in patient and allograft survival, and to establish its role in the immunosuppression armamentarium.
A mosaic de novo duplication of 17q21–25 is associated with GH insensitivity, disturbed in vitro CD28-mediated signaling, and decreased STAT5B, PI3K, and NF-κB activation
Authors: Mul D , Wu S , de Paus R A , Oostdijk W , Lankester A C , Duyvenvoorde H A van , Ruivenkamp C A L , Losekoot M , Tol M J D van , De Luca F , van de Vosse E , Wit J M 
Published: January 2012

ObjectiveThe established causes of GH insensitivity include defects of the GH receptor and STAT5B. The latter condition is also characterized by severe immunodeficiency. A recent case with short stature, GH resistance, and immunodeficiency due to an IκB mutation suggests that the NF-κB pathway may interact with STAT5B signaling.DesignHere, we present a case of a short child with several congenital anomalies as well as GH insensitivity and mild immunodeficiency associated with a mosaic de novo duplication of chromosome 17q21–25, suggesting that overexpression of one of the duplicated genes may be implicated in GH resistance.Methods and resultsIn vitro studies on blood lymphocytes showed disturbed signaling of the CD28 pathway, involving NF-κB and related proteins. Functional studies on cultured skin fibroblasts revealed that NF-κB activation, PI3K activity, and STAT5 phosphorylation in response to GH were suppressed, while the sensitivity to GH in terms of MAPK phosphorylation was increased. An in silico analysis of the duplicated genes showed that MAP3K3 and PRKCA are associated with the NF-κB pathway. Baseline MAP3K3 expression in T-cell blasts (TCBs) was normal, but PRKCA expression in TCBs and fibroblasts was significantly higher than that in control cells.ConclusionsWe conclude that the 17q21–25 duplication is associated with GH insensitivity and disturbed STAT5B, PI3K, and NF-κB signaling, possibly due to PRKCA mRNA overexpression.
On the Pleiotropic Structure of the Genotype–Phenotype Map and the Evolvability of Complex Organisms
Authors: Hill William G , Zhang Xu-Sheng 
Published: January 2012

AbstractAnalyses of effects of mutants on many traits have enabled estimates to be obtained of the magnitude of pleiotropy, and in reviews of such data others have concluded that the degree of pleiotropy is highly restricted, with implications on the evolvability of complex organisms. We show that these conclusions are highly dependent on statistical assumptions, for example significance levels. We analyze models with pleiotropic effects on all traits at all loci but by variable amounts, considering distributions of numbers of traits declared significant, overall pleiotropic effects, and extent of apparent modularity of effects. We demonstrate that these highly pleiotropic models can give results similar to those obtained in analyses of experimental data and that conclusions on limits to evolvability through pleiotropy are not robust.
“Calling Cards” for DNA-Binding Proteins in Mammalian Cells
Authors: Wang Haoyi , Mayhew David , Chen Xuhua , Johnston Mark , Mitra Robi David 
Published: January 2012

Abstract
The ability to chronicle transcription-factor binding events throughout the development of an organism would facilitate mapping of transcriptional networks that control cell-fate decisions. We describe a method for permanently recording protein–DNA interactions in mammalian cells. We endow transcription factors with the ability to deposit a transposon into the genome near to where they bind. The transposon becomes a “calling card” that the transcription factor leaves behind to record its visit to the genome. The locations of the calling cards can be determined by massively parallel DNA sequencing. We show that the transcription factor SP1 fused to the piggyBac transposase directs insertion of the piggyBac transposon near SP1 binding sites. The locations of transposon insertions are highly reproducible and agree with sites of SP1-binding determined by ChIP-seq. Genes bound by SP1 are more likely to be expressed in the HCT116 cell line we used, and SP1-bound CpG islands show a strong preference to be unmethylated. This method has the potential to trace transcription-factor binding throughout cellular and organismal development in a way that has heretofore not been possible.
Methodology for Quality Map Generation to Assist with the Selection and Refinement of Production Strategies
Authors: de A. Cavalcante Filho J. S. 
Published: January 2012

Abstract
The definition and optimization of production strategies involve many variables and a great number of possible scenarios and the problem complexity. Quality maps are important decision making tools capable of representing various reservoir properties, which influence field production and, therefore, are important for the process of defining and optimizing production strategies. These maps integrate geological and fluid variables, allowing for the identification of regions of greater or lower production potential, whether one is analyzing reservoirs in the development phase or mature fields. These maps were used by several authors yielding improvements in the reservoir productivity. The most commonly used method to generate a quality map uses reservoir numerical simulations considering a unique production well, operating for enough time to represent the oil potential of each position. The well position is changed in each simulation run in order to cover all the reservoir grid area. This could require long running times and high computational effort depending on the problem features, thus rendering the process unfeasible. The objective of this work is to speedup the process and to develop a reliable methodology. Therefore, several generation methods were developed in the present work and the best technique was selected after a thorough analysis. The kriging interpolation method was used for the skipped points in all cases. Three reservoir models are shown, two theoretical models, with homogeneous and heterogeneous properties, and one model derived from a real oil field. The results have shown that the method proposed in the present work, with fixed producers and injectors, is a reliable technique and yield good results, being also much faster than the methods presented in the literature.
Wellbore Stability and Trajectory Sensitivity Analyses Help Safe Drilling of the First Horizontal Well in Asl Formation, Gulf of Suez, Egypt
Authors: Dutta Dhruba J , Farouk Mohamed 
Published: January 2012

Abstract
Drilling in Gulf of Suez is difficult due to wellbore instability, lost circulation and time dependent shale stabilization related problems. Drilling troubles in this region generally originates from high earth stresses and abundant natural fractures and faults associated with this tectonically active region. Presence of salts and evaporates with depleting reservoir pressure of a mature field aggravate the problem. Operators in this region always experienced drilling difficulties which sometime leads to well abandonment and costs over-runs in millions of dollars. Planning for the present well was the first attempt to drill a horizontal section in the porous and oil bearing Asl sand. Therefore, the main objective of the current study was to assess the risk of wellbore instability which may occur while drilling and recommend the remedial action plan for any risk encountered.
Wellbore stability analysis has a major impact on the well design and planning the orientation of trajectory for safe and stable well and successful drilling operation. Traditional drilling practices based on pore-pressure of the reservoir and fracture gradient does not necessarily proved successful especially drilling horizontal wells. The failure criterion works in a completely different way for a horizontal well compared to a vertical well in the vicinity. Therefore, a safe vertical offset well inevitably never assures that the identical drilling design and practice will safely drill a horizontal well. The stress distribution and direction works differently for a vertical and a deviated or horizontal well. A rule of thumb is that the drilling gets more and more difficult with decreasing width of safe and stable mud window as the well becomes deviated and the situation worsen as the well turns horizontal. Adding to this complexity the direction of the trajectory with respect to in situ stress distribution and variation poses a major role in drilling a safe horizontal well.
The case history presents a geomechanical risk analysis for a planned horizontal dual lateral well. The study is based on stress regime and well failure with the significance of choosing proper mud weight and drilling parameters using a proper mechanical earth model from a nearby offset well. It includes an assessment of the major risks expected during drilling the horizontal section and also indicates magnitude of failure that can happen while drilling, based on the trajectory sensitivity analysis. The planned well was drilled without any wellbore stability related problem. The present study suggests the importance and benefits of a proper well stability study while drilling a horizontal well in a tectonically disturbed area.
Formation Evaluation Using Wireline Formation Tester (WFT): Case Study of an Exploratory Well in TAL Block Pakistan
Authors: Arshad Safwan , Ahmed Jawad , Mughal Muhammad Haroon 
Published: January 2012

ABSTRACT
An exploratory well was drilled in the North West part of TAL Exploration License which penetrated multiple potential formations. Open hole logs were acquired and in view of the open hole log interpretation, Wireline Formation Tester (WFT) was planned to be conducted. Main objectives were to determine vertical pressure profile across the prospective formations of fractured limestone and sandstone nature, to identify fluid/contacts present in different formations and collect representative fluid samples. Based on open hole logs analysis, 30 points/intervals were selected across multiple potential formations for recording pretests using Single probe module and Dual Packer module. During the course of recording WFT log, Real Time data transmission system was also utilized that helped in taking many critical decisions. During the execution of WFT, valuable data was acquired successfully which facilitated in meeting the pre-defined objectives. This paper confers the results & analysis on data congregated during WFT campaign and its part played in formation evaluation and reducing number of DSTs in the well. Transient testing techniques were also employed on data acquired from Dual packer module (Mini DST) for the estimation of flow regimes and reservoir parameters. This paper also presents the comparison of reservoir parameters estimated from WFT-Dual Packer (Mini DST) & CHDST and discusses the possible causes of some of the variations.
Improved Oil Recovery in Mature Oil and Gas Fields Using Twin-Screw Multiphase Pumps
Authors: Müller-Link Dietrich 
Published: January 2012

Abstract
Today’s increasing demand for energy calls for a number of different measures to be taken in oil and gas production. The past has seen a considerable number of wells having been shut-in due to poor delivery, if any at all, or failing a commercial scenario. However, these assets gain more and more adherence, but an attractive commercial solution is sought, nevertheless catering for the specific needs and challenges arising from the fields in question.
Mature (or brown) fields often suffer from low wellhead pressures, making them unable to flow to the required first stage separation plant. Moreover, as intermediate gathering stations may have been closed in and dismantled due to an overall decreased production, even longer flowlines will lead to a higher pressure demand. Increased water content renders additional challenges because of higher pressure losses. In addition manpower in the fields has been reduced, giving a high rank on availability for new equipment to be installed. Furthermore regional legal frameworks call for stringent environmentally friendly handling of hydrocarbons. Thus, where gas flaring was state-of-the art in the past it is no longer allowed today. Subsequently the past common production scenarios require adjustments to a considerable extent.
Multiphase pumps are particularly suited, to help overcoming the above-mentioned issues. Their ability to add energy to the untreated wellstream, while reducing the wellhead pressure creates an entirely different pressure regime in the production system. While downhole inflow performance is enhanced, differential pressure across downhole pumps is decreased and at the very system end the gas delivery pressure is increased.
Increasing the World's Gas Reserves by the Exploitation of Unconventional Tight Gas Reservoir
Authors: Khlaifat Abdelaziz , Qutob Hani , Barakat Naiem 
Published: January 2012

Abstract
With the increased global demands on oil and gas, operators strive to maximize production by conducting more advanced drilling operations, such as extended reach, horizontal and high-pressure/high-temperature (HP-HT) drilling and are expanding globally into drilling unconventional resources. Unconventional gas resources offer significant gas production growth potential in the coming years, currently accounting for 43% of the US gas production. Tight Gas Sands (TGS) represents approximately 70% of the unconventional production and significant reserves are yet to be developed.
However, economical production of TGS is very challenging as it exists in reservoirs with micro-Darcy range permeability and low porosity but has a huge potential for production in the future. Poor permeability results in lower gas production rates from TGS reservoirs. In order to economically develop TGS resources an advanced technology has to be developed and implemented. Most of the TGS reservoirs are characterized by being thick (hundreds to thousands of feet thick) and multilayered where their gas production rates can be enhanced by hydraulic fracturing. Although service companies have large capabilities for conventional/unconventional reservoirs but the used technology to drill, complete and stimulate tight gas reservoir is quite complex and the results are often unexpected and unforeseen. The appropriate completion methods and stimulation techniques in these reservoirs are dependent on many parameters and variables, such as depth, pressure, temperature, capillary and overburden pressures and the number of sand layers.
This paper provides a technical overview of the state of the art technology used to develop those reservoirs. This work takes a multidisciplinary approach to better understand how gas can be produced from tight gas sand reservoirs. Two real case histories will be presented and discussed; Travis Peak formation in eastern Texas, USA; and Risha gas field in eastern Jordan.
Implementation of Surface Operating Conditions in Subsurface Reservoir Simulation Model by using Eclipse Simulator - A Case Study of Mari Gas Field (A Success Story), Pakistan
Authors: Shahid Muhammad , Altaf Basit , Tanvir Muhammad Zubair , Memon Aftab Ali 
Published: January 2012

Abstract
Subject paper discusses the success story of Gas Reservoir Simulation Model having more than 85 wells spread over the reservoir area within Gas-Water Contact (GWC) around 200,000 acres, built in Eclipse™ Simulator. The gas field has production history of over 40 years. The pipeline network of different sizes around 250 Km managing the whole system and successfully deliver the committed volume to different customers. Production Forecast cases need to be run which cater the network impact by implementation of surface operating conditions with subsurface Reservoir Simulation Modeling.
New Perspectives on Vogel Type IPR Models for Gas Condensate and Solution-Gas Drive Systems
Authors: Archer R. A. , Del Castillo Y. , Blasingame T. A. 
Published: January 2012

Abstract
In this work we propose two new Vogel-type Inflow performance Relations (or IPR ) correlations for gas condensate reservoir systems. One correlation predicts gas production the other predicts condensate production. These correlations link reservoir rock and fluid properties (dewpoint, temperature, and endpoint relative permeabilities) to the flowrate-pressure per-formance for the system.
The proposed IPR relationships for compositional reservoir systems are based on data from over 3000 compositional re-servoir simulation runs with various fluid properties and rela-tive permeability curves. The resulting IPR curves for gas condensate systems are quadratic in nature like the Vogel IPR trends (the Vogel profile generally presumed for the case of a solution gas-drive reservoir system). However in the gas con-densate case the coefficients in the quadratic relationship vary significantly depending on the richness of the condensate and the relative permeability. A model to predict these coeffi-cients was developed using an alternating conditional expecta-tion approach (optimal non-parametric regression).
This work also includes a discussion of the Vogel IPR for solution-gas drive systems. The original work proposed by Vogel is based on an empirical correlation of numerical simulations for a solution-gas-drive system. Our work provides a critical validation and extension of the Vogel work by esta-blishing a rigorous, yet simple formulation for flowrate-pres-sure performance in terms of effective permeabilities and pres-sure-dependent fluid properties. The direct application of this work is to predict the IPR for a given system directly from rock-fluid properties and fluid pro-perties. This formulation provides a new mechanism that can be used to couple flowrate and pressure behavior for solution-gas-drive systems and it may be possible to extend the concept to gas condensate reservoir systems.
Long-term results of surgery for atresia ani with or without anogenital malformations in puppies and a kitten: 12 cases (1983–2010)
Authors: Ellison Gary W. , Papazoglou Lysimachos G. 
Published: January 2012

Abstract
Objective—To evaluate signalment, clinical findings, surgical treatment, and long-term outcomes in puppies and kittens after surgical repair of various types of atresia ani (AA) with or without concomitant anogenital or rectogenital malformations.
Design—Retrospective case series.
Animals—11 puppies and 1 kitten.
Procedures—Medical records of 2 veterinary teaching hospitals were reviewed for puppies and kittens that underwent surgical treatment for AA. Information regarding signalment, diagnosis, surgical procedures, follow-up time, and outcome was recorded. A previously described classification scheme was used to classify AA as type I, II, III, or IV. Follow-up times and outcomes were evaluated.
Results—AA was classified as type I in 3 animals, type II in 6, and type III in 3. Nine of 12 patients had anogenital or rectogenital malformations; 8 of these had rectovaginal fistulas. Eleven animals underwent in situ anoplasty, and 1 underwent surgery in which the rectovaginal fistula was used for anal reconstruction. Six also underwent balloon dilation for treatment of anal stenosis, and revision anoplasty was performed in 5. All patients with type I or II AA survived ≥ 1 year. Two puppies with type III AA were euthanized 3 and 40 days after surgery. Follow-up time for the remaining 10 patients ranged from 12 to 92 months, and 3 had fecal incontinence.
Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Surgical repair of type I or II AA resulted in long-term survival and fecal continence in most cases. Although numbers were small, patients with type III AA had poorer outcomes than did those with type I or II AA.