bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Testing the predictive capability of curvature analyses
Authors: Bergbauer S. 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
The curvature of geological surfaces has been used to predict areas of elevated strain, deformation and fracture density. The research presented here tests if and to what extent a geometric measure such as normal surface curvature can be used as a proxy for deformation by comparing field observations with geometric modelling results. This is achieved by first quantifying fracturing in outcrop and then by performing a curvature analysis of the deformed bedding surface. This research suggests that curvature analysis by itself does not allow for the prediction of deformation: fracture density in the Emigrant Gap anticline is unrelated to horizon curvature, and synfolding fractures are aligned with prefolding fractures instead of the directions of principal curvature.
Normal surface curvature by itself has only limited value in predicting strain or fracture density; however, surface curvature is a unique descriptor of shape. Describing the geometry of a horizon quantitatively is an essential first step when attempting to compare physical and numerical models with natural surfaces. The tools presented here allow for unique descriptions of three dimensional folded surfaces that are based on the normal surface curvature, and they provide the necessary mathematical rigour and flexibility to allow for descriptions of non-cylindrical folded surfaces.
Testing fault transmissibility predictions in a structurally dominated reservoir: Ringhorne field, Norway
Authors: Myers R. D. , Allgood A. , Hjellbakk A. , Vrolijk P. , Briedis N. 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
At Ringhorne field, in the North Sea, judicious well placement and high quality 3D seismic data allow good control over stratigraphic and structural frameworks. In particular, two near-horizontal producing wells about 150 m apart on both sides of a critical normal fault are key for deciphering the fault effects on flow. These elements make this field ideal for using production data to constrain a range of process-based fault permeability predictions in a siliciclastic reservoir. A high resolution (50 m×50 m×1.8 m) faulted geological model, constructed in Petrel™, was used as input to process-based fault permeability predictions. Subsequent multiphase simulation and testing identified critical stratigraphic connections across shale layers and structural connections along a faulted relay around an isolated fault block. The simulations were used systematically as a probe to investigate both these and other controls on production and determine the likely range for permeability of fault zone materials, which are inferred to include deformed shales, sands, and minor cements. This study leverages the most pertinent observations and best constrained interpretations in the field to attempt to extract accurate, quantitative information on fault properties. A range of predicted fault permeability cases, linked to particular fault movement timing scenarios, were tested. The middle case, from a fault timing perspective, was determined to provide the best overall flow simulation match to all actual production information, providing valuable feedback for our process-based fault property prediction approach. Establishing the link between predicted and actual flow, and pressure history in response to critical reservoir plumbing elements, is paramount for evaluating and improving fault permeability predictions.
Structural evolution of the Penguins Cluster, UK northern North Sea
Authors: Domínguez R. 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
The Penguins Cluster is a group of four oil and gas fields in the northern end of the East Shetland Basin. Its structural complexity is caused by the interaction between two or more fault trend populations, fault reactivation and the impact of faulting on the Brent reservoir architecture. This structural picture is further complicated by a NW–SE trending basement lineament interpreted as a Caledonian shear zone. The present day structural configuration is the result of two Mesozoic rifting episodes and their associated thermal subsidence phases. The Permo-Triassic rifting created a number of north–south-trending tilted fault blocks, and was followed by a period of tectonic quiescence until the Middle Jurassic, when a faulting episode coeval with the Brent Group deposition caused footwall rotation, uplift and erosion of the upper Rannoch Formation prior to the deposition of the Etive Formation across the area. The rifting climaxed in the late Jurassic, when the reactivation of pre-existing faults under oblique-slip conditions in the Penguin C Field created small-scale lozenge-shaped transpressional and transtensional fault blocks. The presence of reverse faults in the area is explained with a continuous kinematic model of structural evolution and oblique-slip fault reactivation rather than positive basin inversion.
Coupled geomechanics–flow modelling at and below a critical stress state used to investigate common statistical properties of field production data
Authors: Zhang X. , Koutsabeloulis N. C. , Heffer K. J. , Main I. G. , Li L. 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
An areal model of a fractured/faulted reservoir with 49 wells is developed that incorporates fully-coupled geo-mechanics and fluid flow. It is a generic example of a pattern waterflood although it is inspired by a parallel study of the Gullfaks reservoir in the North Sea, in which stress-related, fault-related and long-range correlations in rate fluctuations are observed. Based on this model, three scenarios are examined in terms of different initial stress states prior to production, each of which involves 36 months of production and injection in the presence of fracture sets and faults. The results support the concept that the long-range, stress-related and fault-related characteristics of correlations in rate fluctuations, observed not only in the Gullfaks data, but also in several other fields worldwide, are symptomatic of a system near a geomechanical critical point. These characteristics are not observed in models that are sub-critical. Short-range rate correlations are likely to exist where there are highly permeable zones between producers and injectors. Long-range rate correlations occur only within critically-stressed regions where there is active shearing or fault reactivation. The modelling results are consistent with field evidence suggesting that incipient shearing is an important mechanism coupled with reservoir flow behaviour.
Seismic anisotropy as an indicator of reservoir quality in siliciclastic rocks
Authors: Kendall J.-M. , Fisher Q. J. , Crump S. Covey , Maddock J. , Carter A. , Hall S. A. , Wookey J. , Valcke S. L. A. , Casey M. , Lloyd G. , Ismail W. Ben 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
Improving the accuracy of subsurface imaging is commonly the main incentive for including the effects of anisotropy in seismic processing. However, the anisotropy itself holds valuable information about rock properties and, as such, can be viewed as a seismic attribute. Here we summarize results from an integrated project that explored the potential to use observations of seismic anisotropy to interpret lithological and fluid properties (the SAIL project). Our approach links detailed petrofabric analyses of reservoir rocks, laboratory based measurements of ultrasonic velocities in core samples, and reservoir-scale seismic observations. We present results for the Clair field, a Carboniferous–Devonian reservoir offshore Scotland, west of the Shetland Islands. The reservoir rocks are sandstones that are variable in composition and exhibit anisotropy on three length-scales: the crystal, grain and fracture scale.
We have developed a methodology for assessing crystal-preferred-orientation (CPO) using a combination of electron back-scattered diffraction (EBSD), X-ray texture goniometry (XRTG) and image analysis. Modal proportions of individual minerals are measured using quantitative X-ray diffraction (QXRD). These measurements are used to calculate the intrinsic anisotropy due to CPO via Voigt-Reuss-Hill averaging of individual crystal elasticities and their orientations. The intrinsic anisotropy of the rock is controlled by the phyllosilicate content and to a lesser degree the orientation of quartz and feldspar; the latter can serve as a palaeoflow indicator. Our results show remarkable consistency in CPO throughout the reservoir and allow us to construct a mathematical model of reservoir anisotropy. A comparison of CPO-predicted velocities and those derived from laboratory measurements of ultrasonic signals allows the estimation of additional elastic compliance terms due to grain-boundary interactions. The results show that the CPO estimates are good proxies for the intrinsic anisotropy of the clean sandstones. The more micaceous rocks exhibit enhanced anisotropy due to interactions between the phyllosilicate grains. We then compare the lab-scale predictions with reservoir-scale measurements of seismic anisotropy, based on amplitude variation with offset and azimuth (AVOA) analysis and non-hyperbolic moveout. Our mathematical model provides a foundation for interpreting the reservoir-scale seismic data and improving the geological modelling of complex reservoirs. The observed increases in AVOA signal with depth can only be explained with an increase in fracturing beneath the major unit boundaries, rather than a change in intrinsic CPO properties. In general, the style and magnitude of anisotropy in the Clair field appears to be indicative of reservoir quality.
Pharmacokinetic and Tumor Distribution Characteristics of Temsirolimus in Patients with Recurrent Malignant Glioma
Authors: Kuhn John G. , Chang Susan M. , Wen Patrick Y. , Cloughesy Timothy F. , Greenberg Harry , Schiff David , Conrad Charles , Fink Karen L. , Robins H. Ian , Mehta Minesh , DeAngelis Lisa , Raizer Jeffrey , Hess Kenneth , Lamborn Kathleen R. , Dancey Janet , Prados Michael D. ,   for the North American Brain Tumor Consortium and the National Cancer Institute
Published: December 2007

Abstract
Purpose: To characterize the pharmacokinetics of temsirolimus and its major metabolite, sirolimus, in patients receiving enzyme-inducing antiepileptic drugs (EIAED) compared with patients receiving non-EIAEDs. An additional objective was to determine whether concentrations of temsirolimus or sirolimus were achieved in brain tumor tissue.
Experimental Design: Patients with recurrent malignant gliomas not receiving EIAEDs initially received temsirolimus weekly at a dose of 250 mg i.v. The dose was subsequently reduced to 170 mg due to intolerable side effects. For patients taking EIAEDs, the starting dose of temsirolimus was 250 mg with standard dose escalation until the maximal tolerated dose was established. Ten whole blood samples were obtained over a period of 24 h after administration of temsirolimus for pharmacokinetic assessments. Patients eligible for cytoreductive surgery received temsirolimus before tumor resection. Whole blood and tumor tissue were obtained for analysis.
Results: Significant differences in the pharmacokinetic variables for temsirolimus and sirolimus were observed between the two patient groups at a comparable dose level of 250 mg. For patients receiving EIAEDs, the systemic exposure to temsirolimus was lower by 1.5-fold. Likewise, peak concentrations and exposure to sirolimus were lower by 2-fold. Measurable concentrations of temsirolimus and sirolimus were observed in brain tumor specimens. The average tissue to whole blood ratio for temsirolimus was 1.43 and 0.84 for sirolimus.
Conclusions: Drugs that induce cytochrome P450 3A4, such as EIAEDs, significantly affect the pharmacokinetics of temsirolimus and its active metabolite, sirolimus. Total exposure to temsirolimus and sirolimus was lower in the EIAED group at the maximum tolerated dose of 250 mg compared with the non-EIAED group at the maximum tolerated dose of 170 mg. However, brain tumor tissue concentrations of temsirolimus and sirolimus were relatively comparable in both groups of patients at their respective dose levels. Correlative analyses of the tissue for the inhibition of the key regulators (p70S6 kinase and 4E-binding protein 1) of mammalian target of rapamycin are necessary to define the therapeutic significance of the altered exposure to temsirolimus.
Fractionated versus Standard Continuous Light Delivery in Interstitial Photodynamic Therapy of Dunning Prostate Carcinomas
Authors: Xiao Zhengwen , Halls Steve , Dickey Dwayne , Tulip John , Moore Ronald B. 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
Purpose: The study aims to compare the standard/continuous light delivery with fractionated light delivery for interstitial photodynamic therapy (PDT) of prostate cancer.
Experimental Design: Dunning R3327 prostate tumor models were established in male syngeneic rats. When tumors reached ∼3,000 mm3, animals were randomized to various treatment groups. Three hours after QLT0074 injection, tumors were illuminated by 690-nm light delivered by a computer-controlled switch, which sequentially directed light to one of the seven optical fibers in cycles. For comparison, tumors were treated with continuous illumination. Tumors treated with light-only served as control. Dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging was used to monitor tumor perfusion changes before and after PDT.
Results: Tumor response (animal survival) to PDT with fractionated light delivery was PDT dose dependent in both tumor models. Rats bearing anaplastic tumor treated by fractionated light (PDT dose: 1.5 mg/kg QLT0074, 900 J light) had a median survival of 51 days with 25% tumor cures compared with that of 26 days with no tumor cure by continuous illumination (P = 0.015) and 14 days by light-only (P = 0.0001). Rats bearing well-differentiated tumor treated by fractionated light had a median survival of 82 days compared with 65 days by continuous illumination (P = 0.001) and 37 days by light-only. PDT with fractionated light generated a perfusion reduction of 80% compared with 52% for continuous illumination in well-differentiated tumors.
Conclusions: Fractionated light delivery is more effective than continuous light delivery in PDT of prostate cancer (solid tumors). These results warrant further investigation in clinical trials.
Serglycin proteoglycan deletion induces defects in platelet aggregation and thrombus formation in mice
Authors: Woulfe Donna S. , Lilliendahl Joanne Klimas , August Shelley , Rauova Lubica , Kowalska M. Anna , Åbrink Magnus , Pejler Gunnar , White James G. , Schick Barbara P. 
Published: December 2007

AbstractSerglycin (SG), the hematopoietic cell secretory granule proteoglycan, is crucial for storage of specific secretory proteins in mast cells, neutrophils, and cytotoxic T lymphocytes. We addressed the role of SG in platelets using SG−/− mice. Wild-type (WT) but not SG−/− platelets contained chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans. Electron microscopy revealed normal α-granule structure in SG−/− platelets. However, SG−/− platelets and megakaryocytes contained unusual scroll-like membranous inclusions, and SG−/− megakaryocytes showed extensive emperipolesis of neutrophils. SG−/− platelets had reduced ability to aggregate in response to low concentrations of collagen or PAR4 thrombin receptor agonist AYPGKF, and reduced fibrinogen binding after AYPGKF, but aggregated normally to ADP. 3H-serotonin and ATP secretion were greatly reduced in SG−/− platelets. The α-granule proteins platelet factor 4, β-thromboglobulin, and platelet-derived growth factor were profoundly reduced in SG−/− platelets. Exposure of P-selectin and αIIb after thrombin treatment was similar in WT and SG−/− platelets. SG−/− mice exhibited reduced carotid artery thrombus formation after exposure to FeCl3. This study demonstrates that SG is crucial for platelet function and thrombus formation. We propose that SG−/− platelet function deficiencies are related to inadequate packaging and secretion of selected α-granule proteins and reduced secretion of dense granule contents critical for platelet activation.
Maintenance of transposon-free regions throughout vertebrate evolution
Authors: Simons Cas , Makunin Igor V , Pheasant Michael , Mattick John S 
Published: December 2007

Abstract

Background
We recently reported the existence of large numbers of regions up to 80 kb long that lack transposon insertions in the human, mouse and opossum genomes. These regions are significantly associated with loci involved in developmental and transcriptional regulation.

Results
Here we report that transposon-free regions (TFRs) are prominent genomic features of amphibian and fish lineages, and that many have been maintained throughout vertebrate evolution, although most transposon-derived sequences have entered these lineages after their divergence. The zebrafish genome contains 470 TFRs over 10 kb and a further 3,951 TFRs over 5 kb, which is comparable to the number identified in mammals. Two thirds of zebrafish TFRs over 10 kb are orthologous to TFRs in at least one mammal, and many have orthologous TFRs in all three mammalian genomes as well as in the genome of Xenopus tropicalis. This indicates that the mechanism responsible for the maintenance of TFRs has been active at these loci for over 450 million years. However, the majority of TFR bases cannot be aligned between distantly related species, demonstrating that TFRs are not the by-product of strong primary sequence conservation. Syntenically conserved TFRs are also more enriched for regulatory genes compared to lineage-specific TFRs.

Conclusion
We suggest that TFRs contain extended regulatory sequences that contribute to the precise expression of genes central to early vertebrate development, and can be used as predictors of important regulatory regions.
Association between the -455T>C promoter polymorphism of the APOC3gene and the metabolic syndrome in a multi-ethnic sample
Authors: Pollex Rebecca L , Ban Matthew R , Young T Kue , Bjerregaard Peter , Anand Sonia S , Yusuf Salim , Zinman Bernard , Harris Stewart B , Hanley Anthony JG , Connelly Philip W , Huff Murray W , Hegele Robert A 
Published: December 2007

Abstract

Background
Common polymorphisms in the promoter of the APOC3 gene have been associated with hypertriglyceridemia and may impact on phenotypic expression of the metabolic syndrome (MetS). The rs7566605 marker, located near the INSIG2 gene, has been found to be associated with obesity, making it also a potential genetic determinant for MetS. The objective of this study is to examine the APOC3 -455T>C and the INSIG2 rs7566605 polymorphisms as potential genetic determinants for MetS in a multi-ethnic sample.

Methods
Subjects were genotyped for both the APOC3 -455T>C and INSIG2 rs7566605 polymorphisms, and classified for the presence or absence of MetS (NCEP ATP III and IDF definitions). The total study population included 2675 subjects (≥18 years of age) from six different geographical ancestries.

Results
For the overall study population, the prevalence of MetS was 22.6% (NCEP ATP III definition). Carriers of ≥1 copy of APOC3 -455C were more likely to have MetS (NCEP ATP III definition) than noncarriers (carrier odds ratio 1.73, 95% CI 1.40 to 2.14, adjusting for age and study group). The basis of the association was related not only to a higher proportion of -455C carriers meeting the triglyceride and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol criteria, but also the blood pressure criteria compared with wild-type homozygotes. Plasma apo C-III concentrations were not associated with APOC3 -455T>C genotype. The INSIG2 rs7566605 polymorphism was not associated with MetS or measures of obesity.

Conclusion
Meta-analysis of the sample of multiple geographic ancestries indicated that the functional -455T>C promoter polymorphism in APOC3 was associated with an approximately 2-fold increased risk of MetS, whereas the INSIG2 rs7566605 polymorphism was not associated with MetS.
Ginger inhibits cell growth and modulates angiogenic factors in ovarian cancer cells
Authors: Rhode Jennifer , Fogoros Sarah , Zick Suzanna , Wahl Heather , Griffith Kent A , Huang Jennifer , Liu J Rebecca 
Published: December 2007

AbstractBackgroundGinger (Zingiber officinaleRosc) is a natural dietary component with antioxidant and anticarcinogenic properties. The ginger component [6]-gingerol has been shown to exert anti-inflammatory effects through mediation of NF-κB. NF-κB can be constitutively activated in epithelial ovarian cancer cells and may contribute towards increased transcription and translation of angiogenic factors. In the present study, we investigated the effect of ginger on tumor cell growth and modulation of angiogenic factors in ovarian cancer cellsin vitro.MethodsThe effect of ginger and the major ginger components on cell growth was determined in a panel of epithelial ovarian cancer cell lines. Activation of NF-κB and and production of VEGF and IL-8 was determined in the presence or absence of ginger.ResultsGinger treatment of cultured ovarian cancer cells induced profound growth inhibition in all cell lines tested. We found thatin vitro, 6-shogaol is the most active of the individual ginger components tested. Ginger treatment resulted in inhibition of NF-kB activation as well as diminished secretion of VEGF and IL-8.ConclusionGinger inhibits growth and modulates secretion of angiogenic factors in ovarian cancer cells. The use of dietary agents such as ginger may have potential in the treatment and prevention of ovarian cancer.
Zero as a Special Price: The True Value of Free Products
Authors: Shampanier Kristina , Mazar Nina , Ariely Dan 
Published: December 2007

When faced with a choice of selecting one of several available products (or possibly buying nothing), according to standard theoretical perspectives, people will choose the option with the highest cost–benefit difference. However, we propose that decisions about free (zero price) products differ, in that people do not simply subtract costs from benefits but instead they perceive the benefits associated with free products as higher.We test this proposal by contrasting demand for two products across conditions that maintain the price difference between the goods, but vary the prices such that the cheaper good in the set is priced at either a low positive or zero price. In contrast with a standard cost–benefit perspective, in the zero-price condition, dramatically more participants choose the cheaper option, whereas dramatically fewer participants choose the more expensive option. Thus, people appear to act as if zero pricing of a good not only decreases its cost, but also adds to its benefits. After documenting this basic effect, we propose and test several psychological antecedents of the effect, including social norms, mapping difficulty, and affect. Affect emerges as the most likely account for the effect.
Optimal Strategies for Sports Betting Pools
Authors: Clair Bryan , Letscher David 
Published: December 2007

Every fall, millions of Americans enter betting pools to pick winners of the weekly NFL football games. In the spring, NCAA tournament basketball pools are even more popular. In both cases, teams that are popularly perceived as “favorites” gain a disproportionate share of entries. In large pools there can be a significant advantage to picking upsets that differentiate your picks from the crowd. In this paper, we present a model of betting pools that incorporates pool participant behavior. We use the model to derive strategies that maximize the expected return on a bet in both football pools and tournament-style pools. These strategies significantly outperform strategies based on maximizing score or number of correct picks—often by orders of magnitude.