bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Relationship between DNA-Transfection Efficiency and Chemical Structures of Aromatic Cationic Lipids
Authors: Mochizuki Shinichi , Kamikawa Yumi , Nishina Koichi , Fujii Shota , Hamada Emi , Kusuki Shota , Matsuo Takuma , Sakurai Kazuo 
Published: March 2012

Abstract
Gene therapy by introducing a foreign DNA into a cell with defective gene has been expected to treat various incurable diseases such as cancers, inherited diseases, and cardiovascular disease. Cationic lipids have been used as a carrier of therapeutic DNAs because they can form a complex with DNA and such a complex can be incorporated into cells and transport the bound DNA to cytosol. This complex is called lipoplex and categorized as a nonviral vector. We synthesized various kinds of cationic lipids with aromatic ring attached different hydrophilic groups, alkyl chain length and position of alkyl chains and evaluated their transfection efficiency. The lipids with primary amine and ethylenediamine-attached C12 at meta–meta position showed the highest transfection efficiencies, which reaches the same level as commercially available transfection reagent. The order of transfection efficiency in terms of alkyl chain length is follows: C12 C9 ≈ C18. The lipids with a primary amine showed better transfection efficiency than that with a quaternary ammonium salt. These results show that these cationic lipids with amine group attached aromatic structure can be used for novel transfection reagents.
Assessment of cardiovascular risk factors prior to NHS Health Checks in an urban setting: cross-sectional study
Authors: Artac Macide , Dalton Andrew R H , Majeed Azeem , Huckvale Kit , Car Josip , Graley Clare , Millett Christopher 
Published: March 2012

Summary Objectives To assess the completeness of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factor recording and levels of risk factors in patients eligible for the NHS Health Check. Design Cross-sectional study. Setting Twenty-eight general practices located in Hammersmith and Fulham, London, UK. Participants 42,306 patients aged 40 to 74 years without existing cardiovascular disease or diabetes. Main Outcome Measures Measurement and level of CVD risk factors: blood pressure, cholesterol, body mass index (BMI), blood glucose and smoking status. Results There was a high recording of smoking status (86.1%) and blood pressure (82.5%); whilst BMI, cholesterol and glucose recording was lower. There was large variation in BMI, cholesterol, glucose recording between practices (29.7-91.5% for BMI). Women had significantly better risk factor recording than men (AOR = 1.70 [1.61-1.80] for blood pressure). All risk factors were better recorded in the least deprived patient group (AOR = 0.79 [0.73-0.85] for blood pressure) and patients with diagnosed hypertension (AOR = 7.24 [6.67-7.86] for cholesterol). Risk factor recording varied considerably between practices but was more strongly associated with patient than practice level characteristics. Age-adjusted levels of cholesterol and BMI were not significantly different between men and women. More men had raised blood glucose, blood pressure and BMI than women (29.7% [29.1-30.4] compared to 19.8% [19.3-20.3] for blood pressure). Conclusions Before the NHS Health Check, CVD risk factor recording varied considerably by practice and patient characteristics. We identified significant elevated levels of raised CVD risk factors in the population eligible for a Health Check, which will require considerable work to manage.
Levels of C-peptide, body mass index and age, and their usefulness in classification of diabetes in relation to autoimmunity, in adults with newly diagnosed diabetes in Kronoberg, Sweden
Authors: Thunander Maria , Törn Carina , Petersson Christer , Ossiansson Birger , Fornander Jan , Landin-Olsson Mona 
Published: March 2012

ObjectiveC-peptide is a main outcome measure in treatment trials of diabetes. C-peptide also has a role in the classification of diabetes, which is often difficult in adults and this is also increasingly recognised in adolescents and elders.AimWe aimed to describe the levels of C-peptide in relation to age and body mass index (BMI) in a large population-based cohort of adults with newly diagnosed diabetes and compare the capabilities of C-peptide, age and BMI to discriminate between autoimmune and non-autoimmune diabetes.Subjects and methodsBlood samples from 1180 patients were analysed regarding islet cell antibody, glutamic acid decarboxylase antibody and fasting C-peptide (FCP). Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curves were analysed to check the ability of age, BMI and C-peptide to discriminate between autoantibody-positive (Ab+) and -negative (Ab−) diabetes.ResultsMean FCP was 0.73±0.5 (range 0.13–1.80) nmol/l in the Ab+ and 1.42±0.9 (range 0.13–8.30) nmol/l in the Ab−. FCP was 0.02 nmol/l higher per year increase in age at diagnosis of diabetes. Mean BMI was 26.0±4.8 (range 18.0–39.0) kg/m2 in the Ab+ and 28.9±5.3 (range 15.5–62.6) kg/m2 in the Ab−. FCP increased with age also within each BMI group. The highest area under the curve (AUC) in the ROC analysis was found for C-peptide, followed by age and BMI (0.78, 0.68 and 0.66 respectively).ConclusionsAt diagnosis of diabetes, C-peptide was superior to age and BMI in discriminating between autoimmune and non-autoimmune diabetes. C-peptide increased significantly with BMI and age, latter also within each BMI group. Most of the adults had normal or high levels of C-peptide at presentation of diabetes among the autoimmune patients.
Socioeconomic parameters and mortality in Turner syndrome
Authors: Stochholm Kirstine , Hjerrild Britta , Mortensen Kristian Havmand , Juul Svend , Frydenberg Morten , Gravholt Claus Højbjerg 
Published: March 2012

BackgroundTurner syndrome (TS) is characterized by hypogonadism, short adult height, increased morbidity and mortality, contrasted by self-reported normal quality of life and perception of health. Small studies have indicated a similar level of education compared with the background population.AimTo study the socioeconomic profile in TS and the impact of these factors on mortality.Materials and methodsRegister study using Danish nationwide registries. Nine hundred and seventy-nine TS females and 94 850 controls were included. Information concerning cohabitation, motherhoods, level of education (bachelor degree), income, retirement, and death were obtained. One hundred and three TS and 5989 controls died during the study period. For the socioeconomic parameters, median age at first relevant episode was calculated. Income was analyzed using conditional logistic regression and the other parameters using Cox regression.ResultsIn comparison with controls, TS had significantly fewer partnerships (hazard ratio (HR): 0.45), fewer motherhoods (HR: 0.18), and retired earlier (HR: 1.8). After the diagnosis of TS, the risk of retiring was increased. Educational attainment (HR: 1.0) as well as risk of unemployment was similar. Before the age of 30, low income was significantly more frequent; hereafter, it was similar to controls. Mortality was significantly increased (HR: 2.9) and slightly lower after adjustment for cohabitation and education (HR: 2.7).ConclusionsA divergent socioeconomic profile is apparent, with a reduced proportion of TS persons finding a partner and becoming mothers. The educational level was similar to controls. The increased mortality in TS was not materially affected after adjustment for cohabitation and education.
Land Use, Landscapes, and Biological Invasions
Authors: Decker Karie L. , Allen Craig R. , Acosta Leonardo , Hellman Michelle L. , Jorgensen Christopher F. , Stutzman Ryan J. , Unstad Kody M. , Williams Amy , Yans Matthew 
Published: March 2012

AbstractThe negative effect of invasive species on native species, communities, and ecosystems is widely recognized, and the economic effects in the United States are estimated to be billions of dollars annually. Studies often examine traits of nonnative species or examine what makes a particular habitat invasible. To better understand the factors governing invasions, we used the flora of Nebraska to characterize and compare native and nonnative plant occurrences throughout the state. In addition, we assessed four critical landscape predictors of nonnative plant richness: human population size and three land cover attributes that included percentage of grassland, percentage of agriculture, and percentage of public lands. Results indicated that individual plant species richness has increased by about 35% through invasions (primarily of annuals from the family Poaceae). In addition, human population density, percentage of agriculture, and percentage of public lands all show a positive association with nonnative plant richness. Successful plant invasions may change the composition of species communities, basic ecological functions, and the delivery of ecosystem services. Thus, identifying the factors that influence such variation in distribution patterns can be fundamental to recognizing the present and potential future extent of nonnative plant infestations and, in turn, developing appropriate management programs.
Dual Horizontal Well Air Injection Process
Authors: Rahnema H. , Barrufet M. A. , Martinez J. A. , Mamora D. 
Published: March 2012

Abstract
This paper summarizes experimental results of air injection process using dual horizontal well pattern. Experiments were conducted using a three dimensional laboratory model. Canadian heavy oil sample was used to conduct the experiments at 180 psia. The combustion cell was fitted with 48 thermocouples to measure the temperatures in the model and to monitor the combustion front propagation. Laboratory results were analyzed to study the feasibility of combustion assisted gravity drainage (CAGD) process and determine the key parameters. In this technique, horizontal injector was placed at the top Layer of sand pack and used for injection of enriched air. Mobilized oil and flue gases were produced through horizontal production well at the bottom of the cell.
An important feature of CAGD process is the properly oriented dual horizontal wells that assist in development of combustion chamber and stabilized growth of the combustion front in the reservoir. Temperature profile showed that combustion chamber first developed near injection side of the model and then propagated in forward direction during the experiment. Peak temperature of about 530 °C was recorded. Post experiment sand pack analysis confirmed that coke deposition resulted in formation of gas seal barrier between injector and producer which enhances the circulation of the injected air in the combustion chamber. Ultimate oil recovery estimated about 72% OOIP and thermal upgrading was near 3 °API enhancement in produced oil density.
Automatic Estimation of Fracture Properties in Multi-Stage Fractured Shale Gas Horizontal Wells for Reservoir Modeling
Authors: Ghods Parham , Zhang Dongxiao 
Published: March 2012

Abstract
Owing to low productivity of vertical wells in shale gas formations, operators have started to drill horizontal wells in these ultra-tight gas formations. Wells that are drilled in shale formations have undergone massive hydraulic fracturing treatments to improve the productivity. Since the introduction of horizontal drilling in shale formations, wells have been hydraulically fractured at several stages. Each stage is located a few hundred feet away from the other stages. Multi-Stage fracturing of horizontal drilling in shale gas wells increases the production significantly.
Integration of detailed fracture network mapping in numerical simulation of these reservoirs is impractical because of high resolution time-space seismic data required to map the fracture surfaces, which in most wells are not acquired because of economic considerations. Multi-million cell numerical models are required for each individual well due to massive refining of gridblocks around the fractures. Conditioning the refined reservoir models to performance data adds to the complexity of the problem, since any adjustments made to the fracture properties can change the gridding of the model. Hence, automatic history matching tools are not well suited for application in grid-refined, detailed geological models representing shale gas reservoirs and wells.
In this study, we propose a new multi-stage compartmentalized numerical modeling technique for shale gas reservoirs, which is an extension to dual porosity modeling. The methodology is simplistic, is not built using detailed high resolution fracture maps, and requires less CPU time. Ensemble Kalman Filter (EnKF), a minimum mean square error estimation tool, is used for estimating the reservoir properties.
Combined EnKF/compartmentalized modeling technique is implemented in this paper to automatically estimate the fracture properties of the fracturing stages of a horizontal well. The algorithm only requires well’s performance data, such as gas production rates, flow back volumes, bottom-hole pressures, and tracer concentrations. Numerical models that are conditioned to observations are shown to accurately estimate the production rates and are useful for reserves booking and field development.
Reservoir Characterization of an Unconventional Reservoir by Integrating Microseismic, Seismic, and Well Log Data
Authors: Maity D , Aminzadeh F 
Published: March 2012

Abstract
Varied data types including geophysical data as well as well logs have been used frequently in the past to characterize reservoirs. However, the use of microseismic data as a potential source of useful information and its integration with conventional seismic data for reservoir characterization is an area of opportunity where properties predicted from the microseismic data can be used as a vital source of information which can then be tied with the overall characterization scheme in a seamless manner.
In this paper we discuss the characterization scheme followed for an unconventional reservoir associated with a promising geothermal prospect. The field involves microseismic data acquisition being done continually as part of the field monitoring operations and extensive well control due to the presence of large number of injection and production wells and finally a 3D conventional seismic survey done to try and better define the reservoir. We have applied an integrated approach with these data sources in order to better characterize the reservoir in question using novel data analysis schemes where necessary to get optimum results.
The approach shared in this paper can be applied to any type of reservoir setting with microseismic, seismic and well log data being available. What we present is a workflow to integrate these data types to generate useful property predictions including important rock property estimates with the aim of obtaining useable reservoir property maps to aid in reservoir development. This approach shows how a modest data acquisition program can still lead to useful characterization of reservoirs particularly with the inclusion of microseismic data in the workflow. We have used novel methods as part of our workflow including multi-attribute analysis, geostatistical techniques and soft computing techniques such as ANN1 based property prediction and mapping which are discussed in brief.
A New Understanding of an Old EOR Concept for In Situ Combustion Processes
Authors: Alamatsaz A. , Moore R. G. , Mehta S. A. , Ursenbach M. G. 
Published: March 2012

Abstract
The practice of in situ combustion has traditionally been based on the concept that extinction of the process occurs when the air flux falls below the level where bond scission reactions can no longer sustain the advance of the combustion front at the temperatures required for effective mobilization of the oil. Very important economic parameters such as sweep efficiency and design parameters such as air injection rate and spacing between the injection and the production wells are directly dependent on the level of the air flux at exhaustion. The most common method for estimating the minimum air flux is based on the work of Nelson and McNeil who proposed that for a radial burn the minimum combustion front velocity is 0.038 m per day (0.125 feet per day). Based on this minimum velocity and assuming air requirements falling in the 100 to 350 sm3/m3 range, the minimum air flux would be expected to fall in the range from 0.1 to 0.6 sm3/m2·h. This range of minimum air flux has a significant level of uncertainty in terms of both combustion front velocity and air requirement parameter. In an attempt to address this uncertainty, a conical combustion cell was constructed with the goal of directly determining the minimum flux for specific oils under conditions which are representative of a field scale operation. To date, tests involving core from a typical Athabasca Oil Sands reservoir have operated at air fluxes (based on the air injection rate and area at the downstream front location) of under 1 sm3/m2·h. This paper describes the nature of the combustion zone under this low air flux condition and it provides important information on the nature of reactions and the physics of the process which must be considered when attempting to predict combustion front exhaustion using a numerical simulator.
Health-Related Quality of Life and its Determinants in the Urban Russian Population with Major Depressive Disorder: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Winter Yaroslav , Epifanova-Bertschi Natalia , Sankowski Roman , Zhukova Tatyana V. , Oertel Wolfgang H. , Dodel Richard , Korchounov Alexei 
Published: March 2012

Objective: Depressive disorders pose a major challenge to healthcare in the countries of the former Soviet Union. The objective of the current study was to evaluate health-related quality of life (HrQoL) and its determinants in outpatients with major depressive disorder in an urban Russian population. Methods: We consecutively recruited 100 urban Russian outpatients with major depression and 100 non-depressed controls who were matched for age and sex. The severity of their depression was assessed using the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS). HrQoL was evaluated using the EuroQol (the EQ-5D and the visual analogue scale, EQ VAS). Independent determinants of HrQoL were identified using multiple regression analysis. Results: The mean EQ VAS score was 43.0 + 27.4 in patients with depression compared to 81.4 + 14.7 in the controls ( p < 0.01). Out of the domains of the EQ-5D, “anxiety/depression,” “usual activities,” and “self-care” were the most impaired. Independent determinants of reduced HrQoL were: severity of depression according to the HDRS; violent suicide attempts; suicide attempts in the past; and drug addiction. Conclusions: HrQoL is considerably reduced in Russians with major depression. The disease-specific patterns of HrQoL impairment and the independent determinants of HrQoL identified in our study could be addressed in focused healthcare programs and clinical trials. Comorbid drug addiction as a determinant of HrQoL should receive greater attention in the management of depressive disorders in urban Russian populations.
A review of sample preparation methods for the pesticide residue analysis in foods
Authors: Zhang Lijin , Liu Shaowen , Cui Xinyi , Pan Canping , Zhang Ailin , Chen Fang 
Published: March 2012

Abstract
The pesticide residues in foods have received increasing attention as one of the most important food safety issues. Therefore, more strict regulations on the maximum residue limits (MRLs) for pesticides in foods have been established in many countries and health organizations, based on the sensitive and reliable analysis methods of pesticide residues. However, the analysis of pesticide residues is a continuing challenge mainly because of the small quantities of analytes as well as the large amounts of interfering substances which can be co-extracted with them, often leading to experimental errors and damage to the analytical instruments. Thus, extensive sample preparation is often required for the pesticide residue analysis for the effective extraction of the analytes and removal of the interferences. This paper focuses on reviewing the recent development in the sample preparation methods for the pesticide residue analysis in foods since 2006. The methods include: liquid-liquid extraction (LLE), supercritical-fluid extraction (SFE), pressurized-liquid extraction (PLE), microwave-assisted extraction (MAE), ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE), gel permeation chromatography (GPC), solid-phase extraction (SPE), molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs), matrix solid-phase dispersion (MSPD), solid-phase micro-extraction (SPME), QuEChERS, cloud point extraction (CPE) and liquid phase micro-extraction (LPME), etc. Particularly their advantages, disadvantages and future perspectives will be discussed.
Analysis of alkaloids from different chemical groups by different liquid chromatography methods
Authors: Petruczynik Anna 
Published: March 2012

Abstract
Alkaloids are biologically active compounds widely used as pharmaceuticals and synthesised as secondary methabolites in plants. Many of these compounds are strongly toxic. Therefore, they are often subject of scientific interests and analysis. Since alkaloids — basic compounds appear in aqueous solutions as ionized and unionized forms, they are difficult for chromatographic separation for peak tailing, poor systems efficiency, poor separation and poor column-to-column reproducibility. For this reason it is necessity searching of more suitable chromatographic systems for analysis of the compounds. In this article we present an overview on the separation of selected alkaloids from different chemical groups by liquid chromatography thus indicating the range of useful methods now available for alkaloid analysis. Different selectivity, system efficiency and peaks shape may be achieved in different LC methods separations by use of alternative stationary phases: silica, alumina, chemically bonded stationary phases, cation exchange phases, or by varying nonaqueous or aqueous mobile phase (containing different modifier, different buffers at different pH, ion-pairing or silanol blocker reagents). Developments in TLC (NP and RP systems), HPLC (NP, RP, HILIC, ion-exchange) are presented and the advantages of each method for alkaloids analysis are discussed.
Non-Markovianity and initial correlations for the generalized Lindblad master equation
Authors: Xiao-Li Huang , Hou Shao-Cheng , Wang Lin-Cheng , Yi Xue-Xi 
Published: March 2012

Abstract
Taking a two-level system interacting with a two-band environment as an example, we discuss the non-Markovianity and initial system-environment correlations for the generalized Lindblad master equation by using a recently introduced measure given by Breuer et al. Our results show that the initial states of the environment and initial system-environment correlations have strong effects on the non-Markovianity of the reduced system. Moreover, we also show that information and energy can flow in different directions, i.e., energy flows to the system while information flows from the system, which is quite different from previous results.
Numerical study of the effect of gas flow in low pressure inductively coupled Ar/N2 plasmas
Authors: Tong Lizhu 
Published: March 2012

Abstract
The effect of gas flow in low pressure inductively coupled Ar/N2 plasmas operating at the rf frequency of 13.56 MHz and the total gas pressure of 20 mTorr is studied at the gas flows of 5–700 sccm by coupling the plasma simulation with the calculation of flow dynamics. The gas temperature is 300 K and input power is 300 W. The Ar fractions are varied from 0% to 95%. The species taken into account include electrons, Ar atoms and their excited levels, N2 molecules and their seven different excited levels, N atoms, and Ar+, N+, N2
+, N4
+ ions. 51 chemical reactions are considered. It is found that the electron densities increase and electron temperatures decrease with a rise in gas flow rate for the different Ar fractions. The densities of all the plasma species for the different Ar fractions and gas flow rates are obtained. The collisional power losses in plasma discharges are presented and the effect of gas flow is investigated.