bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
When is adult hippocampal neurogenesis necessary for learning? Evidence from animal research
Authors: Castilla-Ortega Estela , Pedraza Carmen , Estivill-Torrús Guillermo , Santín Luis J. 
Published: May 2011

Abstract
The hippocampus is a key brain structure involved in the short- and long-term processing of declarative memory. Since adult hippocampal neurogenesis was first found, numerous studies have tried to establish the contribution of newborn neurons to hippocampus-dependent cognitive functions. However, this large amount of research has generated contradictory results. In this paper, we review the body of evidence investigating the relationship between hippocampal neurogenesis and learning to conclude the functional role of adult-born hippocampal neurons. First, factors that could explain discrepancies among experiments are taken into account. Then, in addition to methodological differences, we emphasize the importance of the age of the newborn neurons studied, as to how their maturation influences both their properties and potential functionality. Next, we discuss which declarative memory components could require involvement of adult hippocampal neurogenesis, taking into consideration the representational demands of the task, its difficulty and the level of performance reached by the subject. Finally, other factors that could modulate neurogenesis and memory, such as stress levels or previous experience of the animal, should also be taken into consideration in interpreting experiments focused on neurogenesis. In conclusion, our analysis of published studies suggests that new adult-born neurons, under certain circumstances, have a crucial and irreplaceable role in hippocampal learning.
Current perspectives on potential role of albumin in neuroprotection
Authors: Prajapati Kanaiyalal D. , Sharma Shyam S. , Roy Nilanjan 
Published: May 2011

Abstract
Albumin is the most abundant plasma protein synthesised mainly in the liver. It is also a major component of extracellular fluids including cerebrospinal fluid, interstitial fluid and lymph. Albumin has several biochemical properties including regulation of colloid osmotic pressure of plasma, transportation of hormones, fatty acids, drugs and metabolites across plasma, regulation of microvascular permeability, antioxidant activity, anti-thrombotic activity and anti-inflammatory activity. This multifunctional protein has been implicated in many neurological diseases owing to its ability to regulate hemodynamic properties of the brain circulation as well as the direct neuroprotective actions on neuronal and glial cells. In this review, we summarise various neuroprotective actions of the albumin in the brain. In experimental ischemic stroke, exogenous human serum albumin administration has been found to be neuroprotective via reducing brain swelling, prevention of post-ischemic thrombosis, anti-oxidant activity, hemodilution and increasing the perfusion to the ischemic tissue. Also, human serum albumin administration is currently under clinical trials for treatment of cerebral ischemia. In the experimental models of Alzheimer’s disease, albumin has been implicated in neuroprotection by inhibiting polymerisation and enhancing the clearance of amyloid β. The direct neuroprotective actions on neuronal and glial cells are mediated via endogenously produced albumin or cellular uptake of blood derived albumin. These neuroprotective effects of albumin are partly attributed to anti-oxidant property and modulation of intracellular signalling of neuronal or glial cells. The recent finding of de novo synthesis of albumin in microglial cells directs us to explore newer roles of this endogenously produced multifunctional protein in normal as well as pathological conditions of the brain.
Social Smoking Among Young Adults: Investigation of Intentions and Attempts to Quit
Authors: Song Anna V. , Ling Pamela M. 
Published: May 2011

Objectives. We compared the association between 3 different definitions of social smoking—a common pattern of smoking among young adults—and cessation indicators. Methods. We used a Web-enabled, cross-sectional national survey of 1528 young adults (aged 18–25 years) from a panel (recruited by random-digit dialing) maintained by the research group Knowledge Networks. Results. Among 455 smokers, 62% self-identified or behaved as social smokers. Compared with established smokers, self-identified social smokers were less likely to have cessation intentions (odds ratio [OR] = 0.83; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.70, 0.98) and cessation attempts lasting 1 month or longer (OR = 0.54; 95% CI = 0.45, 0.66). Behavioral social smokers (mainly or only smoking with others) were more likely than were self-identified social smokers (those who did not report these behavior patterns) to have cessation intentions (mainly ORmainly = 1.66; 95% CI = 1.05, 2.63; and ORonly = 2.02; 95% CI = 1.02, 3.97) and cessation attempts (ORmainly = 4.33; 95% CI = 2.68, 7.00; and ORonly = 6.82; 95% CI = 3.29, 14.15). Conclusions. Self-identified social smokers may be considered a high-risk group with particular challenges for cessation. Behavioral social smokers may represent a group primed for cessation. Public health efforts should address these differences when developing smoking cessation strategies.
The Unique Authority of State and Local Health Departments to Address Obesity
Authors: Pomeranz Jennifer L. 
Published: May 2011

The United States has 51 state health departments and thousands of local health agencies. Their size, structure, and authority differ, but they all possess unique abilities to address obesity. Because they are responsible for public health, they can take various steps themselves and can coordinate efforts with other agencies to further health in all policy domains. I describe the value of health agencies' rule-making authority and clarify this process through 2 case studies involving menu-labeling regulations. I detail rule-making procedures and examine the legal and practical limitations on agency activity. Health departments have many options to effect change in the incidence of obesity but need the support of other government entities and officials.
Effect of Health Care System Distrust on Breast and Cervical Cancer Screening in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Authors: Yang Tse-Chuan , Matthews Stephen A. , Hillemeier Marianne M. 
Published: May 2011

Objectives. We investigated whether health care system distrust is a barrier to breast and cervical cancer screening and whether different dimensions of distrust—values and competence—have different impacts on cancer screening. Methods. We utilized data on 5268 women aged 18 years and older living in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and analyzed their use of screening services via logistic and multinomial logistic regression. Results. High levels of health care system distrust were associated with lower utilization of breast and cervical cancer screening services. The associations differed by dimensions of distrust. Specifically, a high level of competence distrust was associated with a reduced likelihood of having Papanicolaou tests, and women with high levels of values distrust were less likely to have breast examinations within the recommended time period. Independent of other covariates, individual health care resources and health status were associated with utilization of cancer screening. Conclusions. Health care system distrust is a barrier to breast and cervical cancer screening even after control for demographic and socioeconomic determinants. Rebuilding confidence in the health care system may improve personal and public health by increasing the utilization of preventive health services.
Impact of a Malaria-Control Project in Benin That Included the Integrated Management of Childhood Illness Strategy
Authors: Rowe Alexander K. , Onikpo Faustin , Lama Marcel , Osterholt Dawn M. , Deming Michael S. 
Published: May 2011

Objectives. To estimate the impact of the Integrated Management of Childhood Illness (IMCI) strategy on early-childhood mortality, we evaluated a malaria-control project in Benin that implemented IMCI and promoted insecticide-treated nets (ITNs). Methods. We conducted a before-and-after intervention study that included a nonrandomized comparison group. We used the preceding birth technique to measure early-childhood mortality (risk of dying before age 30 months), and we used health facility surveys and household surveys to measure process indicators. Results. Most process indicators improved in the area covered by the intervention. Notably, because ITNs were also promoted in the comparison area children's ITN use increased by about 20 percentage points in both areas. Regarding early-childhood mortality, the trend from baseline (1999–2001) to follow-up (2002–2004) for the intervention area (13.0% decrease; P < .001) was 14.1% (P < .001) lower than was the trend for the comparison area (1.3% increase; P = .46). Conclusions. Mortality decreased in the intervention area after IMCI and ITN promotion. ITN use increased similarly in both study areas, so the mortality impact of ITNs in the 2 areas might have canceled each other out. Thus, the mortality reduction could have been primarily attributable to IMCI's effect on health care quality and care-seeking.
Contribution of Water Pollution From Inadequate Sanitation and Housing Quality to Diarrheal Disease in Low-Cost Housing Settlements of Cape Town, South Africa
Authors: Govender Thashlin , Barnes Jo M. , Pieper Clarissa H. 
Published: May 2011

Objectives. We investigated the effects of failing sanitation, poor housing conditions, and fecal pollution in runoff water on the health—particularly the incidence of diarrheal disease—of residents of low-cost housing settlements in Cape Town, South Africa. Methods. In November 2009, we conducted a cross-sectional survey with structured interviews in 4 communities (n = 336 dwellings; 1080 persons). We used Colilert defined-substrate technology to determine Escherichia coli levels in runoff water samples taken from the study communities. Results. Almost 15% of households disposed of soiled products in storm water drains and 6% disposed of soiled products in the street. In only 26% of the dwellings were toilets washed daily. Approximately 59% of dwellings lacked a tap near the toilet for hand washing, and 14% of respondents suffered 1 or more attacks of diarrhea in the 2 weeks preceding their interview. E.coli counts of runoff environmental water samples ranged from 750 to 1 580 000 000 per 100 milliliters. Conclusions. A holistic and integrated approach is needed to improve housing quality and sanitation among Cape Town's low-income citizens.
Description and Evaluation of the 2009–2010 Pennsylvania Influenza Sentinel School Monitoring System
Authors: Short Vanessa L. , Marriott Chandra K. , Ostroff Stephen , Waller Kirsten 
Published: May 2011

Objectives. We described and evaluated the 2009–2010 Pennsylvania Influenza Sentinel School Monitoring System, a voluntary sentinel network of schools that report data on school absenteeism and visits to the school nurse for influenza-like illness (ILI). Methods. Participating schools provided daily absenteeism and ILI data on a weekly basis through an online survey. We used participation and weekly response rates to determine acceptability, timeliness, and simplicity. We assessed representativeness by comparing participating schools with nonparticipating schools. We compared monitoring system data with statewide reports of laboratory-confirmed influenza. Results. Of the 3244 Pennsylvania public schools, 367 (11%) enrolled in the system. On average, 79% of enrolled schools completed the survey each week. Although the peak week of elevated absenteeism coincided with the peak of statewide laboratory-confirmed influenza cases, the correlation between absenteeism and state data was nonsignificant (correlation coefficient = 0.10; P = .56). Trends in ILI correlated significantly with state data (correlation coefficient = 0.67; P < .001). Conclusions. The school-based sentinel system is a simple, acceptable, reliable device for tracking absenteeism and ILI in schools. Further analyses are necessary to determine the comparative value of this system and other influenza surveillance systems.
Quit Attempts and Quit Rates Among Menthol and Nonmenthol Smokers in the United States
Authors: Levy David T. , Blackman Kenneth , Tauras John , Chaloupka Frank J. , Villanti Andrea C. , Niaura Raymond S. , Vallone Donna M. , Abrams David B. 
Published: May 2011

Objectives. We compared quit attempts and quit rates among menthol and nonmenthol cigarette smokers in the United States. Methods. We used data from the 2003 and 2006–2007 waves of the large, nationally representative Tobacco Use Supplement to the Current Population Survey with control for state-level tobacco control spending, prices, and smoke-free air laws. We estimated mean prevalence, quit rates, and multivariate logistic regression equations by using self-respondent weights for menthol and nonmenthol smokers. Results. In 2003 and 2007, 70% of smokers smoked nonmenthol cigarettes, 26% smoked menthol cigarettes, and 4% had no preference. Quit attempts were 4.3% higher in 2003 and 8.8% higher in 2007 among menthol than nonmenthol smokers. The likelihood of quitting was 3.5% lower for quitting in the past year and 6% lower for quitting in the past 5 years in menthol compared with nonmenthol smokers. Quit success in the past 5 years was further eroded among menthol-smoking Blacks and young adults. Conclusions. Menthol smokers are more likely to make quit attempts, but are less successful at staying quit. The creation of menthol preference through marketing may reduce quit success.
Managed-Pressure Drilling: Using Model Predictive Control To Improve Pressure Control During Dual-Gradient Drilling
Authors: Breyholtz Øyvind , Nygaard Gerhard , Nikolaou Michael 
Published: May 2011

Summary
Managed-pressure drilling (MPD) offers unprecedented capabilities for precise pressure control in drilling operations. This capability, created by the availability of new hardware tools, creates the need for tight coordination of such tools, to ensure reliable and safe operation. The use of model predictive control (MPC) is proposed as a multivariable control framework that can coordinate multiple variables to offer both better performance and higher reliability and safety compared with current practice.
A case study on a dual-gradient drilling system is presented to demonstrate how MPC can simultaneously control bottomhole pressure and hook position during drillstring movement, by simultaneously manipulating the main-pump flow rate, seabed-pump flow rate, and drillstring velocity. Simulations focusing on the robustness to modeling errors and noise sensitivity will also be presented. Computer simulations show that the proposed approach results in much lower bottomhole-pressure (BHP) deviations during drillstring movement than manual control of hook position alone. The sensitivity to errors in the MPC model and noise are found to be low. The implications of this study as well as future directions for integration of additional variables and use of appropriate MPC variants are discussed.
Ready for Gas Injection: Asphaltene Risk Evaluation by Mathematical Modeling of Asphaltene-Precipitation Envelope (APE) With Integration of All Laboratory Deliverables
Authors: Yonebayashi Hideharu , Masuzawa Tsutomu , Dabbouk Chawki , Urasaki Daisuke 
Published: May 2011

Summary
An offshore carbonate oil field in the Arabian Gulf is exhibiting asphaltene deposition inside the tubing of production wells completed in one of two main producible limestone reservoirs. This problem significantly reduces well profitability because of production loss and frequent asphaltene-removal jobs (solvent soaking). Furthermore, future full-field enhanced-oil-recovery (EOR) development—namely gas injection—is now planned and might have a risk of enhancing the asphaltene problem. Therefore, comprehensive study has been carried out not only to establish a less-frequent and more-effective remedy than the current action but also to evaluate a future risk of gas injection.
The study was initiated with careful review of the fundamental measurements of asphaltene properties collected during the 20 years of production history—saturates, aromatics, resins, and asphaltenes (SARA); asphaltene contents; and asphaltene-onset-pressure (AOP). Subsequently, the mathematical modeling analysis using those properties was incorporated into the study for better understanding/predicting of asphaltene-precipitation behavior. This paper describes the integration/optimization of the asphaltene-precipitation-envelope (APE) modeling on the basis of all available laboratory data, and consequently suggests representative APE. The APE-model validity was evaluated by comparison with actual observation data in the problematic reservoir.
On the basis of the mathematical models established, several sensitivities (i.e., mixing with injection gas and blending oils produced from the two main producible reservoirs) were investigated to assess impacts of the future EOR on asphaltene risk from the subsurface and surface points of view. Several types of injection gas were examined, and their risks were compared and identified. Consequently, the surface-facility design was adequately modified and optimized in order to minimize asphaltene risk influenced by gas injection.
Design and Performance Evaluation of a Unique Deepwater Cement Slurry
Authors: Wang Chengwen , Wang Ruihe , Li Huazhou , Bu Yuhuan , Zhou Weidong 
Published: May 2011

Summary
The exploration and development of deepwater hydrocarbon resources necessitate the fast evolution of drilling and completion technologies for deepwater wells. To drill and complete deepwater wells successfully, sophisticated technologies need to be developed to solve various problems arising from low temperature, weak formations, shallow water/gas flow, environmental protection, and high deepwater rig rate.
It is a challenge to develop a good cement slurry that can be used successfully for deepwater wells under low-temperature environment. Such cement slurry should have several distinct properties, such as a short thickening time, a fast transition from liquid to solid, a rapid development of compressive strength, and environmental friendliness. It usually takes a long time for conventional cement slurry to set and only limited compressive strength can be achieved at low temperatures. In addition, most additives used for the conventional cement have adverse effects on the environment. Therefore, it is of upmost importance to design an environmentally friendly and low-density cement slurry that is appropriate for deepwater wells.
In this paper, a new deepwater cement [sulfur polymer cement (SP-C)] was designed and tested for the first time. This new deepwater cement combines the advantages of the sulfoaluminate cement and Class G oilwell cement. Green cement additives including cement dispersant, fluid-loss-control agent, and accelerator were also developed. Consequently, a unique low-density cement slurry was obtained for deepwater-well applications. Laboratory tests showed that the low-density slurry exhibited favorable properties including the nonexistence of free fluid, an excellent fluid-loss-control capability, a short waiting-on-cement time at low temperatures, and a shortened transition time of critical gel strength. This new cement slurry can be easily prepared and applied in deepwater wells without adverse impacts on the marine environment.
Scale-Inhibitor Application in Northern Alberta: A Case History of an Ultrahigh-Temperature Scale-Inhibition Solution in Fire-Tube Heater Treaters
Authors: Wylde Jonathan J. , McMahon Jeff , Mayner Steve 
Published: May 2011

Summary
This paper reports a challenging and unique scale-forming environment in northern Alberta, Canada. Calcite was forming on the fire tubes in a series of treaters. Bulk fluid temperature was 110°C, but skin temperature of the fire tubes was in excess of 450°C. This created an extremely high scaling potential.
The paper provides background on the field case history with a detailed description of the process and the scale-forming environment. An in-depth scale-modeling study characterizing the scaling up to 200°C is provided.
Further laboratory studies are reported, including performance testing on candidate scale inhibitors and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) to determine their molecular stability. The testing looked at scale inhibitors and investigated the direct inhibition properties, as well as any dispersion properties to prevent surface adsorption of scale on the fire tubes.
The testing found that the incumbent scale inhibitor (phospho- nate based) was a good product for the bulk scale inhibition but was not stable at the temperature of the fire tubes. The most thermally stable scale inhibitors tested were polymaleic acid copolymers and polymeric acrylic acids of low-to-medium molecular weight. No scale inhibitors were tested to be fully stable up to 450°C, but it was found in field application that the best product identified through laboratory testing was sufficient to delay the scale formation on the fire tubes. It is hypothesized that the product was stable at high temperature for the residence time of fluid in the treaters or imparted some degree of scale inhibition even after thermal molecular scission.
The paper concludes with data of the fire-tube change-out history highlighting the step change in performance when applying the polymeric inhibitor quantified by change-out frequency and presence of hot spots.
Sour-Gas-Reservoir Exploitation in Croatia
Authors: Hrncevic L.. , Simon K.. , Kristafor Z.. , Malnar M.. 
Published: May 2011

Summary
Because fossil fuels are still dominant sources of energy supply, the petroleum industry is called upon not only to provide an effective management of oil and gas reserves in order to meet rising energy demand, but also to do that in a safe and efficient manner, with as small an ecological footprint as practically possible. Consequently, also taking into account the fact that conventional oil and gas reserves are declining, petroleum companies are forced to develop and adopt new technologies to increase oil and gas recovery and to expand their upstream activities to still unexploited areas, which often implies development of deep-buried oil and natural-gas reservoirs characterized by unfavorable reservoir conditions such as high temperature and pressure and even a certain amount of impurities.
Croatian experience with natural-gas production from deep-buried reservoirs is based on the development of several gas fields in the northwestern part of Croatia. The development of the largest natural-gas fields in Croatia—Molve, Stari Gradac, and Kalinovac gas fields—began at the beginning of the 1980s. The main characteristic of all the mentioned fields are extremely unfavorable reservoir conditions, with reservoir depth of more than 3000 m, high initial reservoir pressures (more than 450 bar), high temperature (180°C), and a significant share of CO2 (10 to 54%), H2S (800 ppm), and some other nonhydrocarbon compounds such as mercaptans (30 mg/m3) and mercury (1000 to 1500 μg/m3). Several other gas fields with similar reservoir conditions were discovered and developed in the last 25 years in the same region. Today, the petroleum industry in Croatia has almost 30 years of experience in processing sour natural gas with a well-established methodology of auditing processing-plant outlet-gas influences on the environment. These experiences and future plans regarding this subject will be presented in this paper.