bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Qualitative detection of the Marburg I alloenzyme of factor VII-activating protease by an immunoassay and its comparison to PCR testing
Authors: Schwarz Herbert , Stephan Sina , Sidelmann Johannes J. , Fischer Bodo , Althaus Harald , Hahn Martin , Kappel Andreas , Ehm Matthias , Vitzthum Frank 
Published: September 2010

Abstract

Background: The Marburg I (MRI) single nucleotide poly-morphism (SNP) of the factor VII-activating protease (FSAP) gene has been associated with thrombophilia, thromboembolism, atherosclerosis, and the incidence and progression of carotid stenosis. At present, MRI SNP testing is mainly performed using costly nucleic acid analysis. The ratio between FSAP activity and antigen concentrations in citrated plasma has been used to assess the FSAP genotype.

Methods: This article describes the development of a prototype ELISA for the detection of the MRI FSAP alloenzyme, and its correlation to FSAP genotypes to assess whether a positive MRI FSAP ELISA result may be used as a surrogate marker for the presence of the MRI SNP.

Results: ELISA results were correlated with FSAP genotypes from 523 blood donors measured using PCR. Diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of the assay for determina-tion of the genotype were 100% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 93.36–100) and 99.79% (95% CI: 98.80–99.96), respectively. Maximum run-to-run, within-run, and total coefficients of variation were 7.8%, 7.9%, and 9.9%, respectively. No cross-reactivities with homologues of the MRI FSAP alloenzyme were observed. Test performance was not affected by typical interfering compounds.

Conclusions: The data demonstrate that an immunoassay applying antibodies specific to the MRI FSAP alloenzyme can provide sufficiently accurate detection of the MRI SNP. This will significantly simplify MRI FSAP testing, particularly in large cohorts.
Clin Chem Lab Med 2010;48:1745–9.
Quantification of coagulation factor XIII activity by a thio-NADH based assay using factor XIII immuno-depleted plasma as a diluent for calibration
Authors: Kappel Andreas , Stephan Sina , Christ Gerlinde , Pechmann Lena , Duwe Christa , Fischer Bodo , Hahn Martin , Althaus Harald , Ehm Matthias , Schwarz Herbert , Vitzthum Frank 
Published: September 2010

Abstract

Background: Accurate determination of factor XIII (FXIII) activity is crucial for replacement therapy. FXIII activity is typically determined using a coupled enzymatic reaction that measures nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide hydride (NADH) consumption at 340 nm.

Methods: Here, we describe the development of a prototype for a novel FXIII activity assay for detection at 405 nm by replacing NADH with thio-NADH, and the application of FXIII immuno-depleted plasma as a diluent for calibration.

Results: Performance data show up to two-fold lower susceptibility of the prototype assay to interferences from hemolyzed, icteric, and lipemic samples when compared to a NADH assay format. In addition, the use of FXIII immuno-depleted plasma as diluent for calibration improved recovery almost two-fold in the lower measurement range. The novel prototype assay correlates well with a conventional assay (r=0.98, y=0.99·x+2.17% FXIII, n=173).

Conclusions: The described prototype assay has the potential to (a) increase trueness of measurement of low levels of FXIII, (b) improve robustness due to reduction from interferences, and (c) can be used on a broad range of coagulation instruments due to its detection at 405 nm.
Clin Chem Lab Med 2010;48:1739–43.
Two Tests for Supplier Selection Based on Process Yield
Authors: Pearn W. L. , Liao Mou-Yuan , Wu Chien-Wei , Chu Yao-Tsung 
Published: September 2010

Abstract
Market share is highly corrected with customer satisfaction and business success; many companies increase their outsourcing level to keep their core competition. Supplier selection problems have become an important issue of production management. Process yield is a standard criterion in the manufacturing industry as a common measure on process performance. The index SPK provides an exact measure on the process yield for normal processes. However, most studies considered the assessment of index SPK for just one single supplier; the testing procedure for suppliers selection has not been done at present. Hence, the principal purpose of this research is to determine the more capable process between two competing suppliers. Two tests are presented based on SPK, and four bootstrap methods are used for obtaining the test statistics. By Monte Carlo simulations, performance comparisons of these methods are performed in terms of empirical size and selection power. Finally, a case on the color filter manufacturing process is investigated to demonstrate the applicability of the proposed method.
Developing a New Foresight Model for Future Technology Evaluation in Electric Vehicle Industry
Authors: Shiue Yih-Chearng , Lin Chun-Yueh 
Published: September 2010

Abstract
Scenario analysis (SA) is one of the methodologies utilized for forecasting issues within long-term events. Past researches have typically used SA to attain foresight into future issues that focus on a short-term time frame. Nevertheless, SA implies some weaknesses in that it is unable to define the transition between time states clearly and it cannot meaningfully explain how to forecast long-term uncertainty effectively and how to link present and future situations. Based on these weaknesses, we established a Markov SA (MASA) model that integrates the concept of vision, linking analysis planning, Markov chain, and SA so that we can improve the existing model for SA. The MASA model not only solves our insufficient information problem for a complete SA model but also classifies four categories for forecasting future events. The four categories that can confirm a future trend are (1) state of constancy, (2) state of disappearance, (3) state of change, and (4) state of uncertainty. This paper introduces the principles and application of the MASA model. A sample case study is given to explain how the MASA model can be applied.
Newborn TSH concentration and its association with cognitive development in healthy boys
Authors: Freire Carmen , Ramos Rosa , Amaya Esperanza , Fernández Mariana F , Santiago-Fernández Piedad , Lopez-Espinosa Maria-Jose , Arrebola Juan-Pedro , Olea Nicolas 
Published: September 2010

ObjectiveAn association between thyroid function during pregnancy or infancy and neurodevelopment in children has been demonstrated. We aimed to investigate whether newborn TSH concentrations are related to subsequent neurocognitive development.DesignWe conducted a longitudinal study on 178 children from a general population birth cohort in Granada (Spain) born in 2000–2002.MethodsTSH concentrations were measured in umbilical cord blood, and cognitive functions were assessed at 4 years of age using the McCarthy's scales of children's abilities (MSCA). Organochlorine (OC) compound concentrations and the combined oestrogenicity (total effective xeno-oestrogenic burden (TEXB)) were also determined in the placentae.ResultsMean newborn TSH was 3.55 mU/l (range=0.24–17 mU/l). In multivariate regression analyses, adjusting for maternal and child characteristics, higher newborn TSH concentrations showed a decrease of 3.51 and 3.15 points on the MSCA general cognitive and executive function scores respectively and were associated with a higher risk of scoring below the 20th percentile (P20) on the quantitative score (odds ratio (OR)=2.64). Children with TSH in the upper quartile (4.19–17.0 mU/l) were at higher risk of scoring <P20 on span memory (OR=5.73), whereas children with TSH in the second quartile (2.05–2.95 mU/l) were at lower risk of scoring <P20 on the verbal scale (OR=0.24). Neonatal TSH status was also associated with general cognitive and executive function outcomes when controlling for prenatal exposure to OCs or placental TEXB.ConclusionsNewborn thyroid hormone status expressed by TSH in cord blood may adversely affect later cognitive function. A more thorough screening for neonatal thyroid deficiency is warranted.
Effect of weight reduction on insulin sensitivity, sex hormone-binding globulin, sex hormones and gonadotrophins in obese children
Authors: Birkebæk N H , Lange A , Holland-Fischer P , Kristensen K , Rittig S , Vilstrup H , Handberg A , Gronbaek H 
Published: September 2010

ObjectiveObesity in men is associated with reduced insulin sensitivity and hypoandrogenism, while obesity in women is associated with reduced insulin sensitivity and hyperandrogenism. In children, the effect of obesity and weight reduction on the hypothalamo-pituitary–gonadal axis is rarely investigated. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of weight reduction in obese Caucasian children on insulin sensitivity, sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), DHEAS and the hypothalamo-pituitary–gonadal axis.MethodsOne hundred and sixteen (65 females) obese children with a median age of 12.3 (7–15) years were examined before and after a 10-week stay at a weight loss camp. Examination included anthropometry and fasting blood samples measuring plasma glucose, serum insulin, SHBG, DHEAS, testosterone, 17β-oestradiol, FSH and LH.ResultsBody mass index (BMI) decreased (P<0.01), insulin sensitivity and SHBG increased (P<0.01), independent of gender and puberty. The changes in insulin sensitivity and the changes in SHBG correlated significantly (P<0.01) independent of gender, puberty and the changes in BMI. Testosterone increased in boys (P<0.01) and tended to decrease in girls (P=0.05, in girls after menarche (P=0.03)). FSH increased in boys and girls. LH increased in boys and was unchanged in girls.ConclusionsDuring weight loss, insulin sensitivity and SHBG increased significantly in obese children, and the changes in insulin sensitivity and the changes in SHBG correlated significantly independent of gender, puberty and the changes in BMI. There was sexual dimorphism in the changes of testosterone, with the changes in boys towards increased virilisation and the changes in girls towards less virilisation.
Elevated Plasma Homocysteine Levels in Chronic Periodontitis: A Hospital‐Based Case‐Control Study
Authors: Joseph Rosamma , Nath Sameera G. , Joseraj M. G. 
Published: September 2010

Background: Plasma homocysteine (Hcy), a novel risk factor for cardiovascular disease, has been found to be increased in inflammatory diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis. Our study investigates the association between chronic periodontitis and plasma Hcy.Methods: This case‐control study involves 85 age‐ and sex‐matched subjects with chronic periodontitis and 91 healthy controls. Patients were grouped into moderate and severe periodontitis. Plaque index, calculus component of simplified oral hygiene index, and modified gingival index were recorded. Body mass index, fasting blood sugar, total cholesterol, triglycerides, high‐density lipoprotein, low‐density lipoprotein, very‐low‐density lipoprotein, and plasma Hcy were also assessed.Results: Case and control groups had similar levels of fasting blood sugar, lipid profile, and body mass index. The mean plasma Hcy was found to be 19.22 ± 8.27 and 10.27 ± 2.50 μmol/L for cases and controls, respectively. A significant elevation in plasma Hcy levels was observed in cases (P <0.05). No significant differences were observed in plasma Hcy levels between moderate and severe chronic periodontitis (P = 0.722).Conclusions: Elevated levels of plasma Hcy were observed in patients with chronic periodontitis. Future research should be directed on the effect of periodontal therapy on plasma Hcy levels.
Stability of Contour Augmentation and Esthetic Outcomes of Implant‐Supported Single Crowns in the Esthetic Zone: 3‐Year Results of a Prospective Study With Early Implant Placement Postextraction
Authors: Buser Daniel , Wittneben Julia , Bornstein Michael M. , Grütter Linda , Chappuis Vivianne , Belser Urs C. 
Published: September 2010

Background: Early implant placement is one of the treatment options after tooth extraction. Implant surgery is performed after a healing period of 4 to 8 weeks and combined with a simultaneous contour augmentation using the guided bone regeneration technique to rebuild stable esthetic facial hard‐ and soft‐tissue contours.Methods: In this prospective study, 20 patients were treated with an implant‐born single crown and followed for 3 years. Clinical, radiologic, and esthetic parameters were recorded to assess treatment outcomes.Results: At the 3‐year examination, all 20 implants were successfully integrated, demonstrating ankylotic stability and healthy peri‐implant soft tissues as documented by standard clinical parameters. Esthetic outcomes were assessed by the pink esthetic score (PES) and white esthetic score (WES) and confirmed pleasing results overall. WES values were slightly superior to PES values. Periapical radiographs showed minimal crestal bone loss around used bone‐level implants with a mean bone loss of 0.18 mm at 3 years. Only two implants revealed bone loss between 0.5 and 1.0 mm. One of these implants had minor mucosal recession <1.0 mm.Conclusions: This prospective study evaluates the concept of early implant placement and demonstrated successful tissue integration for all 20 implants and stable bone‐crest levels around implant–abutment interfaces according to the platform‐switching concept. The midterm 3‐year follow‐up revealed pleasing esthetic outcomes and stable facial soft tissues. The risk of mucosal recession was low, with only one patient showing minor recession of the facial mucosa. These encouraging results need to be confirmed with a 5‐year follow‐up examination.
An Experimental Investigation of Interactions Between Supercritical CO2, Aspheltenic Crude Oil, and Reservoir Brine in Carbonate Cores
Authors: Zekri Abdulrazag Y. , Shedid Shedid A. , Almehaideb Reyadh A. 
Published: September 2010

Abstract
Asphaltene precipitation and rock dissolution can significantly hinder the success of carbon dioxide flooding of asphaltenic crude in carbonate formation. It is essential during CO2 flooding when both processes exist to study separately the effect of each phenomenon on the flooding process.
Core flooding experiments under high pressure and temperature conditions (250 °F, and 4000 psia) were conducted to evaluate each phenomenon separately. Actual cores representing different areas of carbonate oil field and actual fluids (crude oil and brine) were used to evaluate the interaction between CO2, rock and fluids. Asphaltene content of the produced crude oil, water and mineralogical rock analysis, and pores micro-photos were performed to evaluate the effect of SC CO2 flood on the petrophysical characteristics of the limestone cores. Results indicate that the amount of damage depends on the fabric of the rocks, salinity of the brine, core permeability and damage is due to interaction between CO2 and rock. Fluids assessment should be conducted to different areas of the field.
16S rRNA: Genes Comparative Analysis of Microbial Communities in Oil Reservoir with Nutrients Injection by Terminal Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism Method
Authors: Haiying Cheng , Weidong Wang 
Published: September 2010

Abstract
A quantitative molecular method was developed for rapid analysis of microbial community structure in oil reservoir environments. For monitoring the dynamic of microbial community under simulated oil reservoir conditions, the effect of nutrients injection on the structure of oil reservoir microbial community was investigated by the analysis of the amplified 16S rRNA genes applying a cultivation- and clone-independent molecular method―terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism (T-RFLP). Using bacterial and archaeal primer pairs in which forward primers were fluorescently labeled at the 5’ end, 16S rRNA genes were amplified from total community DNA by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The PCR products was digested with restriction endonucleases RsaI plus MspI, the 5’ labeled terminal restriction fragments was then efficiently separated by capillary gel electrophoresis and sensitively detected by laser-induced fluorescence detector for determining the length and abundance of each unique T-RF. Results from T-RFLP pattern comparisons between samples with different incubation time showed that number and abundance of T-RFs were significantly increased after incubation and structures of microbial community were distinctly different. This indicated that species and abundances of microorganisms in oil reservoir were under a dynamic transition after nutrients injection. Totally, results demonstrated that T-RFLP is a powerful tool for assessing the diversity of oil reservoir microbial community, instantaneous monitoring and successively following the dynamic of microbial community in studies on EOR using indigenous microorganisms. In field test design, T-RFLP method could be used to optimize nutrient systems and to evaluate contribution of different microbial population to EOR.
Alteration of Sand Wettability by Corrosion Inhibitors and Its Effect on Formation of Sand Deposits
Authors: Gulbrandsen E. , Pedersen A. 
Published: September 2010

Abstract
The surface chemical properties of solids particles strongly influence their behavior in multiphase flow, e.g. their tendency to be transported by the oil or water phase, or stick to the oil-water interfaces, or their tendency to aggregate. The behavior of the solid particles may influence various phenomena such as emulsion stability, oil-water separation, sedimentation of solids in a pipeline, corrosion under deposits, and erosion. The present paper focuses on the behavior of quartz sand in a simple oil-water system in presence of a model corrosion inhibitor compound; cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB). Refined, low-aromatic oil was used in the tests. Zeta-potential measurements on crushed sand particles demonstrated that CTAB adsorbed onto the sand particles. Wettability of the sand surface was measured by capillary rise velocity of water and oil in sand columns. Adsorption of the model corrosion inhibitor changed the sand surface from preferentially water wetting to intermediate wetting. Flow behavior of the sand was studied in stirred beakers with brine, oil and sand. Addition of corrosion inhibitor caused the sand to stick to the oil-water interface. Furthermore, the sand grains aggregated to form sticky deposits that contained hydrocarbon phase. The results demonstrate the effect of surfactants on the formation of deposits, and shows that surface-active chemicals like corrosion inhibitor may significantly affect the behavior of sand in multiphase flow. These findings are important with respect to testing procedures where solids are involved. Such chemicals should thus be included in studies of solids behavior in multiphase flow. The results may furthermore contribute to improved understanding of under-deposit corrosion.
Well Construction on Wireline
Authors: Karlsen Ole Eddie , Lothe Guthorm , Aasland Stig 
Published: September 2010

Abstract
A further evolution of wireline intervention technique has emerged allowing mechanical manipulation in horizontal wells using a combination of Wireline Stroker and field proven Wireline Tractor technology - best described as Well Construction on wireline in a highly deviated well.
This technology represents a cost-efficient method for setting and retrieving of specific downhole hardware (i.e. plugs and straddles) as a resource-efficient alternative to existing technologies.
This paper will present the following case history and the benefits of the operation, particularly in deviated wells, where tractor technology in combination with the Wireline Stroker exemplify the advantages of this technology.
In a well offshore Norway, producing since 1995, completed with 2 Sliding Side Doors (SSD) to control zone production, attempts had been made to close both SSD's in October 2003, but only the upper SSD was possible to close. A two-piece straddle was sat above the lower SSD, which however showed no change in production. PLT results showed an internal leakage in straddle and tubing; straddle was therefore retrieved in February 2006 and the well temporarily plugged.
Later in 2006, it was decided to perform a new intervention in order to remedy the situation and a Tractor/Stroker combination was considered optimal for performing the operation, as an alternative to a Coiled Tubing operation.
Challenges in Work Over Jobs During In-Situ Combustion Process in India—A Field Experience
Authors: Bhattacharya R. N. , Chattopadhyay S. K. 
Published: September 2010

Abstract
This paper describes the problems encountered during the different types of work over jobs viz. removal of artificial lift, optimization of the perforation interval suited to the process, cement squeeze jobs in the gas out wells, servicing of SRP, repair of gravel pack etc and their remedial solutions. Work over job is also required during planned conversion of injectors from dry phase to wet phase.
It has been observed that the time interval between the dry and wet phase is very crucial. The optimization of the time interval for conversion of the phases (Dry to Wet) is very much essential to avoid the high corrosion in tubing's, thermocouple wire clamps and burner assembly which results a long fishing job during work over operations, cost and time over run. The experiences gained in these jobs form the basis of this paper.
Rigless Abrasive Perforating and Fracturing in Horizontal Tight Gas Wells
Authors: Schnaidler G. , Naegel M. , Marozzini D. , Liberatore F. , Valdivia M. 
Published: September 2010

Abstract
This particular field is a mature gas field. It produces gas and condensates. The reservoir consists of low permeability sandstones deposited in a fluvio-tidal to littoral environment. The last one can be classified as "Tight Gas" reservoir, which requires fracture stimulation treatments.
The reservoir characteristics led to think about non-conventional designs of the wells and their completions. The approach of completing a ca 1700 m TVD / 3000 m MD cemented horizontal well was the challenge.
As a result of this process, new technologies were applied for the first time in the region. Among others, abrasive perforating using state of the art coiled tubing tools; multiple zones stimulation, creating orthogonal fractures in the horizontal section; the use of composite frac plugs and special sand bridge plugs for zonal isolation. On the other hand, the analysis and the inherent operational learning curve led to important logistic and economic benefits, ie a rig-less completion operation.
One of the final steps of this process, the completion of the first well, was carried out on December 2009. Six frac stages were successfully performed using sand jetting perforating technology, composite bridge plugs, enhanced proppant bridge plugs and ultra light weight proppant, among others.
This paper summarizes the process of selecting the best options for completion sizes for an optimized production, CT tools and strings, the design, operational planning and results of the application of the above described completion techniques.