bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Digital Transmission of Well Logs by Radio and Telephone
Authors: Eaton F.M. , Decker G.J. 
Published: February 2009

Abstract
A new telemetry system enables remote point recording of electrical welllogs. Simultaneously with logging operations on offshore Louisiana wells, filmrecords are being produced in a New Orleans office more than 100 miles away. The system, using microwave as a data link, was installed to reduce costlyshut-down time caused by delays in transporting logs to the office, and toextend well coverage by key personnel.
At the well site, simultaneously with the recording of an optical log, aportable quantizer converts log data to digital signals suitable fortransmission over microwave and/or telephone facilities. At the receiving endthe transmitted data are decoded into analog signals and recorded on film in astandard optical recorder. The film recording at the receiver is synchronizedwith the offshore logging operation and the log is available at the office assoon as at the well.
An alternate procedure is to record the digital output on magnetic tape forsubsequent transmission. This procedure is used when microwave facilities arenot immediately available on the well platform. The tape may then be taken tothe nearest microwave station or telephone for transmission.
The system is applicable to the transmission of most types of electricalwell logs. Induction-electrical surveys and Sonic logs have been successfullytransmitted.

Introduction
A new era in logging is opened by the recently developed DART system fortransmitting well logs by radio and/or telephone lines. Using a designprototype of this new system, well logs are now recorded simultaneously atoffshore platforms and at a New Orleans office over 100 miles away. In thisparticular application, a microwave system supplies the necessary link betweenwell site and receiving office. However, the equipment has worked equally wellover telephone lines, and has been tested using FM radio facilities.
The rapid conveyance of logs from well site to a decision-making level hasalways been important - particularly on offshore wells where rig costs arehigh. In such operations, airplanes and speedboats are often used to deliverlogs so that time lost waiting on orders can be reduced to a minimum. In manyinstances, key personnel go to the well site.
However, with the DART system, logs are available in the office at the sametime as at the remote well. Thus, a team of experts in the office can monitorlogging operations, study the logs and issue instructions - all with a minimumof lost time. Records and files on adjacent wells that might be too bulky totake to a location are readily available in the office. Furthermore, with thelogs transmitted to the office, a team of experts can, in effect, be availableon several offshore locations in a single day. The DART system thus offersappreciable savings of time - savings not only of expensive rig time, but alsothe time of key personnel who make important decisions.
Fracture Initiation From Inclined Wellbores in Anisotropic Formations
Authors: Ong See Hong , Roegiers Jean-Claude 
Published: February 2009

Summary
This paper presents a wellbore stability design code that can be used to optimally drill, complete and stimulate inclined wells. The design code was developed for the most general case where the borehole, in-situ stress, and rock property coordinate frames are totally independent of each other. It essentially consists of a three-dimensional linear elastic stress analysis in anisotropic formations. Although this particular paper is only limited to tensile failure, based on the minimum normal stress theory, the numerical model is also able to consider shear failure by involving a generalized three-dimensional anisotropic yield criterion. The design code enables the selection of the most optimum borehole orientation and wellbore fluid gradient to avoid fracture initiation. It is also useful in conducting sensitivity studies, particularly when the data is scanty. A remarkable finding by exercising such code was that fracture initiation is strongly dependent on the formation an isotropy; a contradiction to the current industry thinking.

Introduction
Sedimentary rocks, because of their depositional environments, have a laminated structure with directional properties which are best described as transversely isotropic. Rahn showed that the moduli of elasticity of a foliatedrock can vary by about 50%, if measured normally and parallel to the beddingplane. Shale, a common sedimentary rock which accounts for 75% of the drilled sections in the world and causes 90% of the wellbore stability problems, is a transversely isotropic material. Coal, another sedimentary r6ck commonly encountered during drilling of shallow formations, is an orthotropic material which has also been known to cause considerable borehole instability problems.
Fracture initiation occurs when the stress at the borehole wall, or its vicinity, goes into tension and exceeds the rock's tensile strength. This usually happens when there is an excessive wellbore pressurization such as during hydraulic fracturing stimulations or during highly overbalanced drilling operations. Traditionally, fracturing due to tensile splitting of the rock was predicated using the linear elastic stress distribution around a wellbore in homogenous and isotropic media. However, in view of the inadequacy of simple isotropic models to describe the behavior of real rocks, a more complex model describing more realistically the rock response, needed to be developed.
A Fast, Highly Accurate Means of Modeling Transient Flow in Gas Pipeline Systems by Variational Methods
Authors: Rachford H.H. , Dupont Todd 
Published: February 2009

Abstract
The cost-effective design of real pipeline systems must consider thetransient response induced by equipment failure and sales rate changes. Hereare described methods developed over the past decade for simulating slowtransient response; these are followed by a presentation of a new variationalmethod. The latter is formulated to treat fast as well as slow transients, andgives results in excellent agreement with data for diverse cases.
The computer resources required are small enough that a 1,000-pipe networkcan be simulated in core on widely available computing facilities (CDC 6600).On the average, 1 hour of 1,000-pipe system operation can be simulated in 100seconds of CDC 6600 central processor time.

Introduction
To design and operate a gas transmission system cost-effectively requiresaccounting for its response under unsteady or transient conditions. Even thoughcare is given to the optimum design of a system to support steady loads, suchloads represent only a theoretical condition. Actua1 operations invariablyencounter transient states. The loss of a compressor, the addition or loss ofsupply or sale points, replacement of equipment, and customers who demandvariable sale rates are a few of the causes of line transients.
The design for cost-effective operation of a system should be completed beforeany capital is spent. For pipeline systems this should begin with optimizingthe required facilities to meet the projected sales rates. But engineering isnecessary beyond that to provide the pipe and compression for steady deliveryof gas. If some of the projected sales are time varying, a quantitative studyshould be made of the fraction of the varying demand that can be met by linepack and the fraction that must be satisfied by local peaking facilities. Onlyby approaching the cost optimum among feasible pipe sizes, compression levels, and peaking facility capabilities can cost-effective use be made of availablecapital.
Other facets of cost-effective design for operation are the sizing and locationof standby equipment, its relationship to the capacity of the transmissionsystems, and the cost of failure of the system to meet commitments. Anymechanical system is subject to failure. The allowable time for bringingstandby equipment on line so as to meet all commitments depends upon thecapacity of the standby equipment, the capacity and response rate of thetransmission system, and the amount and location of excess compression or othercapacities elsewhere in the system.
Exploring Drug Sourcing among Regular Prescription Opioid Users in Canada: Data from Toronto and Victoria
Authors: Fischer Benedikt , Anthony De Leo Joseph , Allard Christiane , Firestone-Cruz Michelle , Patra Jayadeep , Rehm Jürgen 
Published: February 2009

Recent North American data document increased prescription opioid (PO) misuse in general and street-drug-user populations. One aspect of this phenomenon – as distinct from illicit drug use – appears to be sourcing, since POs may be obtained through various forms of diversion from the medical system and other sources. However, the overall function of street-drug markets for POs remains unclear. Regular street users of POs in Toronto (N = 43) and Victoria (N = 39) were recruited by community-based methods and completed an interviewer-administered questionnaire exploring features of PO sourcing from street-drug markets. Respondents were PO- and non-opioid poly-drug users, with few holding their own prescription for POs. Regular sources for POs were more common in Toronto. Sizeable proportions of respondents in both sites reported exchanging and selling illicit drugs, involving both PO and non-PO drugs in Toronto, yet mainly restricted to the latter in Victoria. Respondents suggested a possible demarcation line between street market sources for POs and street market sources for illicit drugs. The availability of, demand for, and prices for PO-drugs was observed to have increased in recent years. Street-drug markets appear to be one key source feeding increasing levels of PO use among street users. Our data suggest that there may be distinct market patterns for POs, findings which are important for developing interventions and future research.
Long-term Survival in the Intensive Care Unit After Erythrocyte Blood Transfusion
Authors: Engoren Milo , Arslanian-Engoren Cynthia 
Published: February 2009

Background Erythrocyte blood transfusions are commonly used in intensive care units, yet little is known about their effects on long-term survival.
Objective To determine the effect of erythrocyte blood transfusion in intensive care units on long-term survival.
Methods Retrospective analysis of a prospectively collected database of 2213 patients admitted January 27, 2001, to April 30, 2002, to the cardiac, burn, neurological-neurosurgical, and combined medical-surgical intensive care units in a tertiary care, university-affiliated, urban medical center. Further analysis was done on a case-control subgroup (n = 556) formed by matching scores on the Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II and propensity scores.
Results Although transfusion was univariably associated with increased risk of death at all 3 times (0–30, 31–180, and &gt;180 days after admission to the unit), multivariable adjustment with Cox modeling showed that transfusion had no association with mortality for the first 2 intervals (0–30 and 31–180 days), but was associated with a 25% lower risk of death (hazard ratio, 0.75; 95% confidence interval, 0.57–0.99; P = .04) in patients who survived at least 180 days after admission to the unit. In the case-control patients, after correction for APACHE II risk of death and propensity to receive a transfusion, transfusion had no association with mortality for the first 2 intervals, but was associated with 29% lowered risk of death (hazard ratio, 0.71; 95% confidence interval, 0.50–0.99; P=.046).
Conclusion Blood transfusion was associated with a decreased risk of late (&gt;180 days) death in intensive care patients.
Intensive Care Units, Communication Between Nurses and Physicians, and Patients’ Outcomes
Authors: Manojlovich Milisa , Antonakos Cathy L. , Ronis David L. 
Published: February 2009

Background Various factors in hospitals can adversely affect patients’ outcomes, including faulty communication between nurses and physicians. Whether specific communication elements (timeliness, accuracy, openness, understanding) can influence adverse outcomes is unknown.
Objectives To determine the relationships between patients’ outcomes and (1) nurses’ perceptions of elements of communication between nurses and physicians and (2) characteristics of the practice environment.
Methods A cross-sectional survey design was used. Information on ventilator-associated pneumonia, bloodstream infection associated with a central catheter, and pressure ulcers was collected from 25 intensive care units in southeastern Michigan. Simultaneously, 462 nurses in those units (response rate, 53.3%) were anonymously surveyed. The Conditions for Work Effectiveness Questionnaire-II and the Practice Environment Scale of the Nursing Work Index were used to measure characteristics of the practice environment. The Intensive Care Unit Nurse-Physician Questionnaire was used to measure communication between nurses and physicians. Statistical tests included correlation and multiple regression. Analyses were conducted at the unit level.
Results Unit response rates varied from 6% to 100%. Together, variability in understanding communication and capacity utilization were predictive of 27% of the variance in ventilator-associated pneumonia. Timeliness of communication was inversely related to pressure ulcers (r= −0.38; P=.06), and workplace empowerment and scores on the Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation III were positive predictors of ventilator-associated pneumonia (R2=0.36; P=.005).
Conclusions Not all elements of communication were related to the selected adverse outcomes. The connection between characteristics of the practice environment at the unit level and adverse outcomes remains elusive.
Transparent Film Dressing vs Pressure Dressing After Percutaneous Transluminal Coronary Angiography
Authors: McIe Stacie , Petitte Trisha , Pride Lori , Leeper Donna , Ostrow C. Lynne 
Published: February 2009

Background Pressure dressings have been used as the standard following sheath removal after percutaneous transluminal angioplasty in many institutions. Patients complain about discomfort while the dressing is in place, pain when the dressing is removed after discharge, and skin complications afterward. Many patients have experienced skin irritation where tape has been applied. Nurses have also described difficulty assessing the sheath insertion site in the groin when a pressure dressing is in place.
Objectives To compare 3 different dressings with respect to effect on bleeding, discomfort voiced by patients, and ease of groin assessment in patients after percutaneous transluminal coronary angiography.
Methods A total of 100 patients were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 groups: pressure dressing, transparent film dressing, or adhesive bandage. Outcome variables were bleeding, patient discomfort, and nurse-reported ease of observation of the groin site.
Results No bleeding occurred in patients with transparent film dressings or adhesive bandages. Patients rated these dressings significantly higher than they rated the pressure dressing. Because two-thirds of the sample had previously undergone percutaneous transluminal coronary angiography, they could compare their experience with the new dressing with previous experiences with pressure dressings. Nurses rated the ease of assessing the groin significantly higher for the transparent film and adhesive bandage dressings than for pressure dressings.
Conclusions As a result of this study, a practice change was made hospital-wide: rather than a standard opaque pressure dressing, a transparent film dressing is used for all patients after removal of a femoral sheath.
Silicone Foley's catheter: A useful splint in ear surgeries
Authors: Karanth Siddharth K. , Mokal Nitin J. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractMaintenance of ear projection and post auricular sulcus in staged ear reconstruction in microtia is a trying problem. So also is the maintenance of the patency of the external auditory meatus following recanalization and meatoplasty. Numerous splints and dressing techniques have been described for the above situations. Some of the problems encountered include the availability of the materials, cost, expertise in fabrication and compliance. Aims: To devise a simple, reliable, inexpensive and readily available splint for the maintenance of post auricular sulcus and external auditory meatus opening. Settings and Design: A silicone catheter is made out of a soft and inert material that doesn't cause tissue necrosis or any loss of skin graft. The basic design is that of a simple, selfretaining type of splint that doesn't dislodge and can be prepared within minutes on the operating table. Materials and Methods: This splint has been used in four cases of microtia reconstruction and one case of congenital external auditory meatus stenosis between June 2006 and August 2007. A 14 or 16 Fr silicone Foley's catheter was used. The proximal end of a catheter of required length was retained and the distal part was cut off. The catheter was looped into a circle around the base of the reconstructed ear and secured in position with a suture. A similar construct was used in cases of external auditory meatus reconstruction or recanalization. The funnel-shaped distal drainage end was sutured to the circular frame near the region of the tragus. This funnel was inserted into the external auditory canal. Results: The catheter was found to sit snugly in the newly created sulcus, thereby maintaining the sulcus and ear projection. It aided in maintaining the meatal opening of a satisfactory diameter in the case of external auditory canal recanalization. It was never found to slip or get dislodged in any of the cases. There was no skin graft loss or tissue necrosis due to the use of the splint. Conclusions: The silicone Foley's catheter is found to be a simple, readily available, inexpensive and reliable self-retaining splint following ear elevation in microtia and external auditory meatus recanalization. The catheter is easily constructed and applied intraoperatively. The results following its usage have been uniformly good in all cases without causing any adverse events at the operated site or discomfort to the patient ensuring good compliance.
Radial, renal and craniofacial anomalies: Baller-Gerold syndrome
Authors: Murthy Jyotsna , Babu Ramesh , Ramanan Padmasani Venkat 
Published: February 2009

AbstractThe Baller-Gerold syndrome is a rare syndrome with very few cases published in literature. Craniosynostosis and radial aplasia are striking features, easy to diagnose. However, there are many differential diagnoses. Often, the question raised is whether the Baller-Gerald syndrome is a distinct entity. We report a patient with findings of craniosynostosis and radial aplasia consistent with the diagnosis of the Baller-Gerold syndrome. Genotypic heterogeneity could possibly underlie the phenotypic variability exhibited by these cases.
Choroidal melanoma: B-scan spectrum
Authors: Aironi V. D. , Chougule S. R. , Singh Jitendra 
Published: February 2009

AbstractMalignant melanoma of the choroid is the commonest primary intra-ocular tumor in the adults, 85% arising from the choroid and 15% from the ciliary body. We present two cases of intraocular choroidal melanoma with varied manifestations. One in a fifty two year old man and another in a forty-two years old woman presenting with gradual loss of vision in one eye. A bilobed mushroom shaped (figure of eight shape) intraocular lesion was seen to arise from choroid protruding into the vitreous and revealing a "waist " in it′s midportion in the right eye of fifty two year old man. B-Scan of right eye in the forty-two years old woman revealed a large intraocular mass with mid level echos and lobulated contours filling nearly the whole posterior segment.
The role of combining MR cholangiopancreatography and T1W imaging in detecting common bile duct micro-stones
Authors: Xindao Yin , Liping Wang , Lingquan Lu , Taisheng Zhang , Qianzhi Wu , Jianping Gu 
Published: February 2009

Abstract
Objective: To assess the role of adding T1W images to MR cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) in detecting common bile duct (CBD) micro-stones. Subjects and Methods: From January 2005 to December 2006, a total of 104 patients with CBD stones were preoperatively studied by routine MRI and MRCP. Micro-stones, measuring less than 5 mm, were proven at surgery or ERCP following the MRI scans, within one to five days in 56/104 patients. Routine MRI scans included RF-FAST axial T1W images (TR/TE 155 ms/3.4 ms) and EXPRESS axial T2W (15000 ms/81 ms) as well as coronal T2W (15000 ms/81 ms) images. Features of CBD micro-calculi on T1W and MRCP images and the sensitivities of T1W images and MRCP for the diagnosis of CBD micro-stones were analyzed. Results: Among these 56 patients, gallbladder stones coexisted with choledocholithiasis in 30 patients and 7 patients had a past history of cholecystectomy for gallstones. The signal intensities of CBD micro-calculi on T1W images were high, relative to the low signal intensity of the bile in 47 patients. Filling defects on MRCP images were shown in 33 patients. Both T1W images alone and a combination of MRCP with T1W images had a higher sensitivity in detecting CBD micro-calculi than MRCP alone. Statistical analysis showed significant differences between the combination of MRCP with T1W images and MRCP alone in the ability to detect micro-stones (Fisher′s exact test, P < 0.01). Conclusion: For MRCP, adding a T1W sequence is helpful in increasing the sensitivity for diagnosing micro-calculi of the common bile ducts.
Case report: Mounier-Kuhn syndrome
Authors: Kachhawa Satish , Meena M , Jindal Gaurav , Jain Bharat 
Published: February 2009

AbstractTracheobronchomegaly or Mounier-Kuhn syndrome is a rare disorder characterized by marked dilatation of the trachea and main bronchi, bronchiectasis, and recurrent respiratory tract infections. The etiology of this disorder is uncertain and the clinical presentation is variable. The diagnosis is usually made on the basis of the characteristic CT scan findings. We report a case in a 21-year-old man presenting with recurrent lower respiratory tract infections.
Clinical applications of functional MRI in epilepsy
Authors: Kesavadas Chandrasekharan , Thomas Bejoy 
Published: February 2009

AbstractThe role of functional MRI (fMRI) in the presurgical evaluation of patients with intractable epilepsy is being increasingly recognized. Real-time fMRI is an easily performable diagnostic technique in the clinical setting. It has become a noninvasive alternative to intraoperative cortical stimulation and the Wada test for eloquent cortex mapping and language lateralization, respectively. Its role in predicting postsurgical memory outcome and in localizing the ictal activity is being recognized. This review article describes the biophysical basis of blood-oxygen-level-dependent (BOLD) fMRI and the methodology adopted, including the design, paradigms, the fMRI setup, and data analysis. Illustrative cases have been discussed, wherein the fMRI results influenced the seizure team′s decisions with regard to diagnosis and therapy. Finally, the special issues involved in fMRI of epilepsy patients and the various challenges of clinical fMRI are detailed.
Case report: Retroperitoneal biliary fluid collections secondary to common bile duct rupture - an unusual complication of choledocholithiasis in a child
Authors: Rastogi Rajul , Rastogi Vaibhav 
Published: February 2009

AbstractRupture of the common bile duct (CBD) in a child secondary to choledocholithiasis is a rare event. In this article, the authors describe a child who presented with an acute abdomen due to CBD rupture, with subsequent acute retroperitoneal fluid collections, all diagnosed preoperatively on CT scan. The aim of this article is to show the pathways that such collections can take in the retroperitoneum.