bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A qualitative study of the experiences of mothers involved in street-based prostitution and problematic substance use
Authors: McClelland Gabrielle Tracy , Newell Robert 
Published: August 2008

Abstract This study aimed to enable a cohort of women to describe their personal experiences of motherhood in the context of problematic substance use and street-based prostitution. The study also aimed to describe the impact upon women of separation from their children. Findings that emerged from focus group data were organised into four over-arching themes: children and motherhood, personal accounts of drug use and street-based prostitution, risks to women and their children and supportive/unsupportive factors in the women’s lives. Each theme consisted of many categories that illustrated the impact of dependent drug use and involvement in prostitution on the lives of the women and their children. This article describes the theme of children and motherhood. Involvement in street-based prostitution is extremely risky, frequently characterised by calculated risk taking, with consequences for both the woman and her children. Parental responsibilities and lifestyle contribute to stress, which is typically compounded by problematic substance use. Risks are increased for both the woman and her children when timely and appropriate support is unavailable. Emphasis should be placed upon the proactive identification and implementation of positive supportive strategies. Ethical approval was obtained via the Local Research Ethics Committee to undertake this research study.
Conserved upstream open reading frames in higher plants
Authors: Tran Michael K , Schultz Carolyn J , Baumann Ute 
Published: August 2008

Abstract

Background
Upstream open reading frames (uORFs) can down-regulate the translation of the main open reading frame (mORF) through two broad mechanisms: ribosomal stalling and reducing reinitiation efficiency. In distantly related plants, such as rice and Arabidopsis, it has been found that conserved uORFs are rare in these transcriptomes with approximately 100 loci. It is unclear how prevalent conserved uORFs are in closely related plants.

Results
We used a homology-based approach to identify conserved uORFs in five cereals (monocots) that could potentially regulate translation. Our approach used a modified reciprocal best hit method to identify putative orthologous sequences that were then analysed by a comparative R-nomics program called uORFSCAN to find conserved uORFs.

Conclusion
This research identified new genes that may be controlled at the level of translation by conserved uORFs. We report that conserved uORFs are rare (<150 loci contain them) in cereal transcriptomes, are generally short (less than 100 nt), highly conserved (50% median amino acid sequence similarity), position independent in their 5'-UTRs, and their start codon context and the usage of rare codons for translation does not appear to be important.
Fungal cytochrome P450 database
Authors: Park Jongsun , Lee Seungmin , Choi Jaeyoung , Ahn Kyohun , Park Bongsoo , Park Jaejin , Kang Seogchan , Lee Yong-Hwan 
Published: August 2008

Abstract

Background
Cytochrome P450 enzymes play critical roles in fungal biology and ecology. To support studies on the roles and evolution of cytochrome P450 enzymes in fungi based on rapidly accumulating genome sequences from diverse fungal species, an efficient bioinformatics platform specialized for this super family of proteins is highly desirable.

Results
The Fungal Cytochrome P450 Database (FCPD) archives genes encoding P450s in the genomes of 66 fungal and 4 oomycete species (4,538 in total) and supports analyses of their sequences, chromosomal distribution pattern, and evolutionary histories and relationships. The archived P450s were classified into 16 classes based on InterPro terms and clustered into 141 groups using tribe-MCL. The proportion of P450s in the total proteome and class distribution in individual species exhibited certain taxon-specific characteristics.

Conclusion
The FCPD will facilitate systematic identification and multifaceted analyses of P450s at multiple taxon levels via the web. All data and functions are available at the web site http://p450.riceblast.snu.ac.kr/.
Multiplex Allele-Specific Fluorescent PCR for Haplotyping the IVS8 (TG)m(T)n Locus in the CFTR Gene
Authors: Costa Catherine , Costa Jean-Marc , Martin Josiane , Boissier Brigitte , Goossens Michel , Girodon Emmanuelle 
Published: August 2008

Abstract
Background: Precise genotyping of the intron 8 poly(TG) and poly(T) tracts of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene is of clinical relevance in CFTR pathology. The (TG)m locus influences the penetrance of the (T)5 allele, which may be associated with male infertility by congenital bilateral absence of the vas deferens (CBAVD) or other CFTR-related disorders (CFTR-RD), in particular in the context of (TG)12 and (TG)13. Simple and accurate genotyping of both loci should thus be routinely offered in laboratories.
Methods: We designed a new single test method relying on multiplex allele-specific fluorescent PCR: (T)5-, (T)7-, and (T)9-specific primers, labeled with different fluorophores, in combination with a common primer. Each fluorescent PCR product was identified on a capillary sequencer by its fluorescence color, specific for (T)n, and size, indicative of the (TG) length. We first validated the assay in 2 different laboratories on 52 DNA samples with already known genotypes. We then evaluated the method prospectively, compared with sequencing, on 62 samples from healthy individuals and 108 samples from patients with CBAVD or other CFTR-RDs.
Results: We observed a 100% match in both validation steps. Results found in CBAVD and CFTR-RD patients are in keeping with data in the literature.
Conclusions: The assay proved to be simple, rapid, and accurate for single-test (TG)m(T)n genotyping and suited for analysis in clinical laboratories.
Functional and non-functional spindle formation affecting mitosis and cytokinesis in Fucus distichus zygotes: the role of the centrosome
Authors: Motomura Taizo , Nagasato Chikako 
Published: August 2008

Abstract
Functional (with centrioles) and non-functional (without centrioles) mitotic spindle formation was studied in Fucus distichus zygotes. In normally fertilized zygotes, a pair of centrioles derived from sperm existed at both mitotic poles. Both centrin and γ-tubulin were associated with centrioles. In multipolar spindles of fertilized multinucleate eggs, mitotic poles with centrioles were stained with an anti-γ-tubulin antibody, but the other poles were not, and cytokinesis proceeded abnormally. When karyogamy was blocked with colchicine, centrioles remained around the sperm nucleus. A monastral spindle or a bipolar, barrel-shaped spindle was formed on the egg nucleus; however, there were no centrioles at these mitotic poles. When cytoplasmic fragments containing only an egg or a sperm nucleus were separately prepared and cultured, the egg nucleus appeared to enter, but did not complete, mitosis. In cytoplasm containing only a sperm nucleus, mitosis and cytokinesis did not occur. We concluded that the egg nucleus has the potential to form a non-functional spindle without the sperm centrioles. However, this acentrosomal spindle was non-functional; mitosis remained at the stage of chromosome condensation and did not proceed to cytokinesis. Even though some cells proceeded to cytokinesis, they showed abnormal chromosome condensation.
Investigation of Polymer Adsorption on Rock Surface of High Saline Reservoirs
Authors: Amro Mohammed M. 
Published: August 2008

Abstract
Blocking or reducing water production from oil wells has to be considered as a serious problem in oil industry. In order to reduce the water relative permeability in the reservoir, there is the possibility of envisaging polymer flooding. Moreover and, owing to the phenomenon of adsorption of polymers on the rock surface, the existing heterogeneities within the reservoir can be reduced. In this study, two types of polymers namely; polyacrylamide (PAA) and polysaccharides (xanthan) have been investigated. The viscosity of both polymer solutions was first evaluated based on different salinities, shear rates and concentrations. The prepared solutions were then injected into core samples. Such process was aimed to examine the adsorption on rock surface by calculating the resistance factor as well as the residual resistance factor. Moreover, the effect of the injection rate of polymer solution has also been studied. As a result, it has been found that xanthan solution is tolerant of high salinity (20%), while PAA-solution is very sensitive to salt. Furthermore, such statement matches also the temperature which can reach till 60°C. It is also found that the lower the injection rate the higher is the adsorption on rock surface. Therefore, xanthan can be recommended to water shut off in high salinity and high temperature reservoirs.
A New Deep Azimuthal Resistivity LWD for Optimal Well Placement and Reservoir Exploitation; Successful Validation with Saudi Aramco
Authors: Palmer Richard , Silva Andre , Hajari A. A. , Bittar Michael , Shokeir Ramez , Lotfy Amr , Chemali Roland 
Published: August 2008

Abstract
Optimal well placement seeks to achieve two seemingly contradictory objectives. For the short term, the well needs to establish the longest possible contact with the productive zone in order to enhance early production. For the long term production strategy of the field, the challenge is to maximize the total volume of hydrocarbon produced during the life of the field.
The first objective can be readily achieved by staying away from all reservoir boundaries at all times; this includes the oil-water contact and the cap rock for an oil reservoir. The second objective requires, depending on the situation, that the well be placed immediately below the cap rock, immediately above the oil-water contact, or at some predefined distance away. Precise well placement and proactive geosteering are required to achieve both objectives simultaneously.
A new azimuthal deep resistivity LWD device was recently evaluated and field tested in a field in Saudi Arabia. The stated objective of the run was to measure resistivity azimuthally and to assess the electrical anisotropy in the reservoir. In addition to anisotropy and resistivity determination, memory data was acquired in the process and later used to simulate situations in the field where real time geosteering decisions were required.
The up-down phase propagation logs gave a visual indication of the approaching boundaries, showing whether to expect it from below or above the well. The additional deep Geosignal measurement provided an early warning of the approaching boundaries long before the actual intersection was confirmed by borehole imaging. Multiple images at three depths of investigation showed progressively a bed of interest entering sequentially into the fields of investigation of the various measurements. Quantitative distance-to-bed boundary also helped derive the rate of approach of the boundary. Combined with images at different depths of investigation and with up-down resistivity, the information enabled informed real time decision-making for evasive action and proactive geosteering in future deployments.
Comprehensive Reservoir Characterization with Multiphase Production Logging
Authors: Al-Muthana Ahmed S. , Ma S. M. , Zeybek M. , Malik Shauket 
Published: August 2008

Abstract
Currently, many of the producers are horizontal wells and a considerable number of them are equipped with smart complex completions. Evaluating the performance of these horizontal producers is critically important for improved reservoir management. Conventional production logging tools cannot meet the challenges of logging horizontal wells, especially in multiphase flow. A new logging tool has been specifically designed to better characterize fluid flow in horizontal wells. Advanced sensors provide better resolution among gas, oil, and water and cover more cross sectional areas of a wellbore for enhanced characterization of multiphase flow regimes. The new tool is also more compact to pass through intervals that have high dog legs.
In this paper we will briefly review the new technologies available today for production logging, with examples of evaluating horizontal wells with barefoot smart completions, diagnosing water entries, flow profiles and fluid break-through. Production flow profiles are also used for identifying geological features such as super permeable zones or fractures. Well performance evaluation shows that the integration of the flow profiles, well performances and all other reservoir data provided improved reservoir characterization and better well production strategies.
Economical Modeling of CO2 Capturing and Storage Projects
Authors: Algharaib M. , Al-Soof N. Abu 
Published: August 2008

Abstract
Recently, there is a rising global attention to reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from fossil fuels burning due to environmental considerations. Conversely, there is a growing interest in oil industry to utilize CO2 in Enhanced Oil Recovery methods (EOR) to cope with the high oil demands in main consuming countries. Synchronization between these two sides is promising through the applications of CO2-EOR projects. Generally, there are five economical constituents of most CO2-EOR projects: CO2 capturing cost, CO2 compression cost, CO2 transportation cost, CO2 storage cost, and revenue enhancement through increasing oil production. Economical evaluation of CO2-EOR projects is a crucial measure in order to insure project’s viability.
In this study, an efficient and fast model was developed to predict the economics involved in CO2-EOR projects. The developed model consists of five modules that predict the major economical constituents of CO2-EOR projects.
The model was used to predict the economics involved in capturing and storing CO2 in a Middle Eastern reservoir which is recommended for miscible CO2 flooding. The results showed that due to the level of the immature development of the reservoir, CO2 storage activities, such as drilling new wells and preparing the field for injection, constituted most of the expenditures. Moreover, the model was subjected to sensitivity analyses to evaluate the effects of several parameters on the various cost components encountered in CO2-EOR projects and the net present value. The results indicated that the investigated parameters can be divided into five different groups according to their influence. The results also showed that recycling the produced CO2 has a significant impact on the economics of CO2-EOR projects. Finally, the effect of capturing CO2 from different types of power plants on the capturing cost was investigated.
Multidisciplinary Challenge for Microbial Enhanced Oil Recovery (MEOR)
Authors: Amro Mohammed M. 
Published: August 2008

Abstract
Microbial enhanced oil recovery (MEOR) is one of the recent techniques suggested to stimulate oil production. This technique is based on in situ growth and metabolism of selected microorganism in the reservoir rock with certain nutrients. The microorganisms produce gases and/or chemicals in the formation such as polymer, acids, gases and surfactants. Production of these chemicals in the formation changes fluid and rock properties of the reservoir and improves the sweep efficiency. This change respectively increases the oil production from the reservoir.
This paper presents the methods to find out about suitable bacteria, the assessment of their oil mobilizing abilities and the determination of the responsible mechanisms for oil mobilization. In addition, the effect of different reservoir parameters on the growth of microorganisms was investigated. Flooding experiments were carried out under reservoir conditions, in order to verify the ability of bacteria strains to mobilize residual oil in place and to detect the oil mobilizing mechanisms.
Important mechanisms leading to oil recovery by microorganisms are found. Moreover, the most important screening criteria for the application of Microbial Enhanced Oil Recovery (MEOR) in any field are included. Achievements of this project have been found also and strongly on the involvement of other disciplines. Among those branches are; microbiology, chemistry and of course petroleum engineers. This interdisciplinary challenge has been set up for better result improvements.
New Hydrogen-Resistant Optical Fibre for Harsh Environments
Authors: Hawthorne W. D. , Ramos R. T. 
Published: August 2008

Abstract
Distributed temperature sensing (DTS) has now become an established method for collecting permanent real-time temperature logs of wells. The applications include real-time production-allocation, heavy oil thermal recovery (e.g., steam-assisted gravity drainage, SAGD) and steam-well management, and well-integrity monitoring. One issue that has been limiting the lifetime of such systems is degradation of the optical fibres that are used as the sensing element. The main mechanism of long-term deterioration is the increase in optical losses due to attack of the optical-fibre glass by hydrogen. The presence of hydrogen within the core of both single- and multimode optical fibres can cause significant problems, specifically high attenuation across a broad wavelength span, and this can reduce the efficiency of an optical fibre to transmit data or be used as a sensor. Depending upon the ambient temperature, this attenuation can be permanent.
This article discusses the testing of a new type of optical fibre that is much less susceptible to hydrogen-induced failure. The performance of this fibre in high-temperature hydrogen tests is presented and this fibre is shown to be at least an order-of-magnitude more resistant to hydrogen deterioration than other commercially available optical fibres under controlled laboratory conditions. Field-test results in harsh conditions are in agreement with the experimental observations.
This is a significant technological advance that will increase the reliability of DTS systems. The much-improved performance at high temperatures will also increase the range of applications in the oil and gas industry, including steam-flood recovery in extreme environments; high-pressure, high-temperature permanent monitoring; and other related thermal methods.
I-Field Capabilities Enable Optimizing Water Injection Strategies in Saudi Arabian Newly Developed Oil Fields
Authors: Al-Malki Said , Buraikan Meshal M. , Abdulmohsin Rami A. , Ahyed Rabea , Al-Hamzani Housam 
Published: August 2008

Abstract
This paper demonstrates how I-Field capabilities were used to monitor in real time pre-injection performance of eight reservoirs across the three AFK fields. Focus will be on illustrating one I-Field workflow used to monitor injection from real time data gathering, validation, and mapping using Permanent Downhole Monitoring Systems (PDHMS), and integrated surface & subsurface modeling and data mapping packages. Additionally, the paper will address how integrated real time data and modeling results are used to optimize injection strategy for the three fields for more efficient real time reservoir management.
Optimal Fiscal Policy When Migration Is Feasible
Authors: Occhino Filippo 
Published: August 2008

Abstract
This paper investigates how the feasibility of migration affects governments' optimal fiscal policies. We assume that households migrate toward economies where their welfare is higher, governments choose taxes and public expenditures to maximize a weighted sum of the households' welfare, welfare is increasing in public expenditures, and only distortionary labor income taxes are available. In isolated economies, the optimal fiscal policy implies that some households are net fiscal contributors, while other households are net fiscal beneficiaries. When households can migrate, however, governments compete for the households which are net fiscal contributors, and modify the fiscal policy in their favor, lowering their taxes and net fiscal contribution, and increasing their welfare. The magnitude of the effect increases with the sensitivity of migration to welfare. In the limiting case of free mobility, all households are zero net fiscal contributors. As to the patterns of migration, the model predicts that, with high migration costs, all households migrate toward the same high-productivity countries, which benefits low-productivity households, whereas with low migration costs, households with different productivities migrate toward different countries, which benefits high-productivity households.
Serum transferrin receptor
Authors: Skikne Barry S. 
Published: August 2008

AbstractTransferrin receptors (TfRs) are the conventional pathway by which cells acquire iron for physiological requirements. Under iron‐deficient conditions there is an increased concentration of surface TfR, especially on bone marrow erythroid precursors, as a mechanism to sequester needed iron. TfRs are also present in the circulation, and the circulating serum TfR (sTfR) level reflects total body TfR concentration. Under normal conditions erythroid precursors are the main source of sTfR. Disorders of the bone marrow with reduced erythroid precursors are associated with low sTfR levels. The sTfR concentration begins to rise early in iron deficiency with the onset of iron‐deficient erythropoiesis, and continues to rise as iron‐deficient erythropoiesis progressively worsens, prior to the development of anemia. The sTfR level does not increase in anemia of chronic inflammation, but is increased when anemia of chronic inflammation is combined with iron deficiency. The sTfR level is also increased in patients with expanded erythropoiesis, including hemolytic anemias, myelodysplastic syndromes, and use of erythropoietic stimulating agents. The ratio of sTfR/ferritin can be used to quantify the entire spectrum of iron status from positive iron stores through negative iron balance, and is particularly useful in evaluating iron status in population studies. The sTfR/log ferritin ratio is valuable for distinguishing anemia of chronic inflammation from iron deficiency anemia, whether the latter occurs alone or in combination with anemia of chronic inflammation. Am. J. Hematol., 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A corner differentiation algorithm by a single sonar sensor for mobile robots
Authors: Chen Bo Chang , Chou Jung‐Hua 
Published: August 2008

AbstractUltrasonic sensors have been widely applied in mobile robots to obtain environmental information and avoid obstacles. In general, a typical domestic environment consists of planes, edges and corners. It is usually difficult to distinguish a plane from a corner directly with a single ultrasonic sensor. To overcome this difficulty, a corner differentiation algorithm for a single ultrasonic sensor is proposed in this paper. The algorithm is based on the features of all of the actual reflection points from the environment obtained by a reflection search algorithm from which the corners are realized by a corner differentiation algorithm. The experimental results show that the developed algorithm can successfully detect all planes and corners. Furthermore, an environmental map can be built based on the information obtained on planes and corners. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley and Sons Asia Pte Ltd and Chinese Automatic Control Society
Infinite dimensional observer for a flexible robot arm with a tip load
Authors: Nguyen Tu Duc , Egeland Olav 
Published: August 2008

AbstractThis note addresses observer design for a flexible robot arm with a tip load. The robot arm is modeled as an Euler–Bernoulli beam. The beam is clamped to a motor at one end and attached to a force actuator at the other. Based on boundary measurements, an exponentially stable observer is proposed. The existence, uniqueness, and stability of solutions of the observer are proven using semigroup theory. The results are illustrated by simulation. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley and Sons Asia Pte Ltd and Chinese Automatic Control Society