bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Associations of resistin with inflammatory and fibrinolytic markers, insulin resistance, and metabolic syndrome in middle-aged and older Chinese
Authors: Qi Qibin , Wang Jing , Li Huaixing , Yu Zhijie , Ye Xingwang , Hu Frank B , Franco Oscar H , Pan An , Liu Yong , Lin Xu 
Published: August 2008

ObjectiveResistin increases insulin resistance (IR) in mice. However, the role of resistin in human disease remains controversial. We aimed to assess plasma resistin levels and their associations with inflammatory and fibrinolytic markers, IR and metabolic syndrome (MetS) among Chinese.Design and methodsPlasma resistin was measured in a population-based cross-sectional survey of 3193 Chinese aged from 50 to 70 years in Beijing and Shanghai.ResultsThe median resistin concentration was 8.60 ng/ml (interquartile range, 5.78–14.00) among all participants, and it was higher in women than in men (P=0.008). Resistin was correlated weakly with body mass index, waist circumference, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (negatively), homeostatic model assessment of IR and tumor necrosis factor-α receptor 2 (TNFR2; r=0.04, 0.07, –0.09 and 0.06 respectively, all P<0.05), and more highly with C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin (IL)6 and plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI)1 (r=0.12, 0.12 and 0.21 respectively, all P<0.001), but only HDL cholesterol, CRP, IL6, TNFR2, and PAI1 remained significantly associated with resistin in multiple regression analysis (all P<0.05). Furthermore, elevated resistin levels were associated with the higher prevalence of IR and MetS. However, the significant relationships disappeared after adjustment for inflammatory and fibrinolytic markers especially PAI1.ConclusionsThis study suggests that resistin is more strongly associated with inflammatory and fibrinolytic markers than with obesity or IR status. The associations of resistin with IR and MetS could largely be explained by inflammatory and fibrinolytic markers especially PAI1 levels.
Collaboration Breeds Success in the Khurais Mega-Project in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Al-Ghamdi Ali , Tello Roberto , Al-Bani Fahad , Swadi Mohammad 
Published: August 2008

Abstract
The Khurais project, located in the central part of Saudi Arabia near Riyadh, is the largest project in Saudi Arabia. Comprising drilling and completion of 168 horizontal producer wells at 12,000 ft measured depth (MD) each, one of the success measures of this project revolves around its expeditious completion. With the focus on this objective, a collaborative effort was implemented to analyze and assess the drilling challenges, how best to address them, and to apply the lessons learned throughout the duration of the project. This collaboration included service companies, drilling engineers and rig foremen coupled with an on-site bit design engineer. As a result of this teamwork, improvements were achieved in a short period of time, providing the confidence that the objective will be met. One of the primary objectives was to produce a drill bit that would provide the highest rate of penetration (ROP) possible without compromising steerability. The 12¼-in. hole section of the wells is particularly demanding, with a build section from 0° to 87° through interbedded formations. Achieving a desired buildup rate with good ROP can be negated by a bit that may be too aggressive and that has poor directional control.
Through the group effort, the team was able to develop an optimized 12¼-in. polycrystalline diamond compact (PDC) bit that resulted in a ROP increase by over 40% since the project’s onset, in only three months. With the ultimate goal of increasing ROP more than 50%, the new bit design is proving to be a definitive solution. The authors will describe the process and design analyses that were used to develop the PDC bit design for the application, from the collaboration to the use of post-design/parameter analysis after the run. They will also illustrate the importance of post-action reviews of lessons learned to apply the correct operating practices, the desired bottom-hole assembly (BHA), and bit design in the achievement of record ROPs.
Improved Wellbore Clean Up - Successful Case Histories in Saudi Arabia from Development to Field Implementation
Authors: Bustin Baron , Phillips James , Al-Otabi Msalli , Moqbil Khalid Bin , Zeid Saleh Abou , Christian Chad F. , Torres Cristina , White Craig 
Published: August 2008

Abstract
An effective and efficient means to remove the filter cake and remediate the internal near wellbore damage associated with synthetic or oil-based mud (S/OBM) filtrate is required in reservoirs drilled with oil-based mud (OBM) drill-in fluid (DIF). Often traditional chemical methods using inorganic acids, organic solvents, and mutual solvents used to clean-up filter cake deposits and remove skin damage are ineffective, even with multiple treatments.
Collaborative laboratory research between the operator and a service company resulted in a treatment for removing much of the damage associated with OBM drill-in fluid. A fluid was developed to fluidize and reverse the wettability of the OBM filter cake solids, acidizing soluble particles and remediating the near wellbore skin damage caused by the drill-in fluid.
Invert emulsion drill-in fluids are commonly used to drill the dune sandstone reservoirs in Saudi Arabia because of their performance and the minimized risk of formation damage due to swelling of in-situ clays. The wells were drilled with sized calcium carbonate weighted OBM; and were open-hole completed with stand-alone screens. Well diagnostics indicated that the productivity impairment on these wells was potentially related to near wellbore damage and/or severe screen plugging, either while running the screens to bottom in solids free OBM, or induced by a mixture of formation sand and OBM filter cake adhering to the screen during draw down. After spotting the treatment in the reservoir and soaking, collected fluid samples and well production measurements indicated removal of the plugging solids from the screens and wellbore, yielding significant production improvements.
Field results and complimentary traditional laboratory methods, including return permeability data show that the effectual use of this technology will remediate skin damage and plugged screens associated with the OBM DIF, water-wet the solids, acidize the majority of acid soluble particles, and improve well productivity.
Accuracy Analysis of Water Saturation Models in Clean and Shaly Layers
Authors: Hamada G. M. 
Published: August 2008

Abstract
An accurate determination of oil reserve either in virgin or in developed reservoirs represents the main task of petrophysicist and reservoir engineer. Input parameters of Archie's water saturation model in clean formation or suitable shaly water saturation model must be determined as accurately as possible. Archie's parameters a, m and n are the most important parameters to be estimated affecting determination of water saturation, in addition to the empirical constants required for selected empirical shaly water saturation model in case of shaly formations.
This paper presents a new technique to determine Archie's parameters called 3-D Technique. This technique is based on the three dimension plot of three parameters; formation water resistivity, water saturation and formation porosity. A comparison study with conventional technique and CAPE technique is conducted to outline the accuracy level of each technique defining Archie's parameters a, m and n. Two field examples are given to show the applicability of three techniques and also to demonstrate the impact the uncertainty of Archie's parameters values on the accuracy of calculated water values using Archie's model or shaly water saturation model.
First High Pressure and High Temperature Digital Electric Intellitite Welded Permanent Down Hole Monitoring System for Gas Wells
Authors: Shafiq Muhammad , Al-Faraj Omar , Al-Kanaan Adnan A. , Al-Malki Bandar H. 
Published: August 2008

Abstract
This paper describes an innovative and reliable first High Pressure High Temperature digital electric permanent monitoring solution with state-of-the-art intellitite welded system that allows bottom hole pressure and temperature in real time in JFYN-01 gas well.
Permanent down hole system provide bottom hole pressures and temperatures during the producing life of the well both in flowing and shut in conditions which allows to optimize production and flow above dew point in deep high pressure and high temperature wells where intervention is very expensive. The down hole gauge system is connected from wellsite to gas plant through SCADA which allows to monitor well performance in real time. This data are used for history matching, deliverability and transit testing.
Included in the paper are equipment selection, design, development details, installation procedures, and "lessons learned" after installation of the fully welded digital permanent down hole monitoring system.
Using HPHT permanent system will increase recovery factor and allows producing the well at optimum rate; i.e., above dew point pressure. Ultimately, PDHMS will limit the future interventions.
Visualization of Steam Zone Advancement During Heavy Oil Recovery
Authors: Alajmi Abdullah F. , Grader Abraham , Halleck Phillip 
Published: August 2008

Abstract
The global demand of crude oil is increasing over time. The expansion of industries and increase of population have caused petroleum production to lag behind demand. Oil producing countries thus face a daunting challenge in continuing to meet this demand requiring development of unconventional reservoirs. One such resource is contained in heavy oil reservoirs. Producing this high viscosity oil is complex and challenging usually requiring thermal recovery techniques in which heat is introduced into the reservoir to lower the oil viscosity. However, the details of the process are poorly understood, making efficient engineering of these projects difficult. In this work, heavy oil recovery by steam flood is evaluated experimentally using X-ray computed tomography (CT). The effect of heat loss on steam zone advancement and its impact on heavy oil recovery is investigated.
The X-ray CT was used to visualize and observe experimentally the heavy oil fluid flow displacement in unconsolidated core sample. Prior to steam flood, the heavy oil saturation in the core sample was 72% and irreducible water saturation was 28%. The detail of the experimental steps were monitored and quantified by the X-ray CT facilities.
The performance of heavy oil recovery by steam flood was analyzed. Heavy oil recovery was 37.7% at breakthrough. The steam zone advancement over time was quantified. The steam condensed to hot water at the interface with heavy oil during the displacement. The steam zone, hot water bank, and heavy oil movement were monitored. Maps and profiles of oil saturation over pore volume injected were generated. The heat loss to the surrounding medium and to the displaced fluid (heavy oil) controls the steam zone advancement.
The use of microcalorimetry to compare the biological activity of a CAS and a MBR sludge—application to pharmaceutical active compounds
Authors: Bouju H. , Buttiglieri G. , Malpei F. 
Published: August 2008

Micropollutants removal, such as pharmaceutical substances, during wastewater treatment processes is becoming a greater issue everyday. In order to optimize it, their biodegradation processes have to be better understood. So far, microcalorimetry has been used worldwide to investigate chemical reactions. For few years now it has also been developed to model and control biological processes. In the case of micropollutants, respirometry is, most of the time, not precise enough to determine biodegradation. That is why, microcalorimetric experiments have been set up. For this purpose, a 2 L Bio-RC1 (Mettler-Toledo) has been modified to reach a resolution of 5–10 mW.L−1.
In this study, the biodegradation rate of standard substrates (Ethanol and Ammonia) by an activated sludge from a full-scale CAS and one from a MBR pilot plant operating in parallel have been compared by means of microcalorimetry. Then few trials to determine the biodegradation of selected pharmaceutical substances, as well as the eventual inhibition induced by them have been made. The first results did not exhibit any biological activity. However, they have displayed inhibition for both studied substances.
Discrete Element Method Simulation of Effect of Aggregate Shape on Fragmentation of Particle Composite
Authors: Khanal M. , Raghuramakrishnan R. , Tomas J. 
Published: August 2008

AbstractHow primary particles affect the fragmentation of particle composites using discrete element method simulation is described. Disk‐shaped composite particles consisting of large aggregate particles embedded in a matrix of smaller sand particles have been impacted against a solid surface at range of collision velocities. The results have been analyzed to determine whether the shapes of the aggregates in the mixture have an influence on the fragmentation of particle composites. It has been identified that the fracture depends on the aggregate shapes of the particle composites. Liberation degrees and particle size distributions have also been found to be controlled by the shape of the primary particles. Particle shapes have a remarkable influence on the fragmentation behavior of the specimen, especially at lower velocities.
Modeling of Two‐Phase Flashing Flow of Multicomponent Mixtures in Large Diameter Pipes
Authors: Qin Y. , Han X. , Wang H.‐X. , Fang Z.‐L. , Cui X.‐T. , Li X.‐G. 
Published: August 2008

AbstractA two‐phase flashing flow model is developed to predict the distributions of pressure, temperature, velocity and evaporation rate in a transfer line, which is a typical example of a two‐phase flow pipe in the petrochemical industry. The model is proposed based on the pressure drop model and the multi‐stage flash model. The results indicate that pressure drop, temperature drop, and change of evaporation rate mainly occur in the transition section and the junction site of the transfer line. The predictions of the model have been tested with reliable field data and the good agreement obtained may lead to a better understanding of the two‐phase flashing flow phenomenon, as well as demonstrating the feasibility of applying the model into the design and optimization of pipelines.
Char and Coke Formation as Unwanted Side Reaction of the Hydrothermal Biomass Gasification
Authors: Karayıldırım T. , Sınağ A. , Kruse A. 
Published: August 2008

AbstractThe hydrothermal biomass gasification is a promising technology to produce hydrogen and/or methane from wet biomass with a water content of ≥ 80 % (g/g). In the process, the coke formation usually is very low, but already low amounts may cause problems like, e.g., fouling in the heat exchanger. To learn more about the product formation, the results of the hydrothermal treatment (at 400, 500, 600 °C and 1 h) of different biomass feedstocks (artichoke stalk, pinecone, sawdust, and cellulose as model biomass) in a microreactor are compared. The gas composition and the total organic carbon content of the aqueous phase were determined after reaction. The gas formation rises with increasing temperature. The formation of carbon deposits and their characterization has been investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The variation of the solid morphology during the hydrothermal conversion is discussed based on chemical pathways occurring during hydrothermal biomass degradation.
Connexin43 is involved in the effect of endothelin‐1 on astrocyte proliferation and glucose uptake
Authors: Herrero‐González Sandra , Valle‐Casuso José Carlos , Sánchez‐Alvarez Rosa , Giaume Christian , Medina José M. , Tabernero Arantxa 
Published: August 2008

AbstractIn previous studies, we showed that endothelin‐1 increased astrocyte proliferation and glucose uptake. These effects were similar to those observed with other gap junction inhibitors, such as carbenoxolone (CBX). Because 24‐h treatment with endothelin‐1 or CBX downregulates the expression of connexin43, the main protein forming astrocytic gap junctions, which can also be involved in proliferation, in this study, we addressed the possible role of connexin43 in the effects of endothelin‐1. To do so, connexin43 was silenced in astrocytes by siRNA. The knock down of connexin43 increased the rate of glucose uptake, characterized by the upregulation of GLUT‐1 and type I hexokinase. Neither endothelin‐1 nor CBX were able to further increase the rate of glucose uptake in connexin43‐silenced astrocytes. In agreement, no effects of endothelin‐1 and CBX on GLUT‐1 and type I hexokinase were observed in connexin‐43 silenced astrocytes or in astrocytes from connexin43 knock‐out (KO) mice. Our previous studies suggested a close relationship between glucose uptake and astrocyte proliferation. Consistent with this, connexin43‐silenced astrocytes exhibited an increase in Ki‐67, a marker of proliferation. The effects of ET‐1 on retinoblastoma phosphorylation on Ser780 and on the upregulation of cyclins D1 and D3 were affected by the levels of connexin43. In conclusion, our results indicate that connexin43 participates in the effects of endothelin‐1 on glucose uptake and proliferation in astrocytes. Interestingly, although the rate of growth in connexin43 KO astrocytes has been reported to be reduced, we observed that an acute reduction in connexin43 by siRNA increased proliferation and glucose uptake. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Protective role of withaferin‐A on 7,12‐dimethylbenz(a)anthracene‐induced genotoxicity in bone marrow of Syrian golden hamsters
Authors: Panjamurthy K. , Manoharan S. , Menon Venugopal P. , Nirmal Madhavan R. , Senthil N. 
Published: August 2008

AbstractThe present study has investigated the antigenotoxic effect of withaferin‐A, a steroidal lactone obtained from the roots and leaves of Withania somnifera, in 7,12‐dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA)‐induced genotoxicity. Measurement of the frequency of micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes (MnPCEs) and chromosomal aberrations is used as cytogenetic endpoints. A single intraperitoneal injection of DMBA (30 mg/kg b.w.) to golden Syrian hamsters resulted in marked elevation in the frequency of MnPCEs and aberrations in the chromosomal structure. Hamsters pretreated with withaferin‐A intraperitonealy 2 h before the injection of DMBA, significantly reduced the frequency of MnPCEs and chromosomal aberrations such as chromosomal break, gap, minute, and fragment. Our results thus demonstrated the antigenotoxic effect of withaferin‐A in DMBA‐induced genotoxicity in the bone marrow of golden Syrian hamsters. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 22:251–258, 2008; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/jbt.20235
A combined process of biocatalysis and cell activity regeneration for the asymmetric reduction of 3‐oxo ester with immobilized baker's yeast
Authors: Ni Hong‐Liang , Guan Yi‐Xin , Yao Shan‐Jing 
Published: August 2008

AbstractBACKGROUND: A process combining biocatalytic reaction and cell activity regeneration was designed for the asymmetric reduction of 3‐oxo ester. By immobilizing resting baker's yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) in calcium alginate beads, the high yield and long catalyst life were achieved in the aqueous phase in this process with methyl acetoacetate (MAA) as the model substrate.RESULTS: Two combined fixed‐bed reactors were able to work steadily for at least 16 days. The activity of immobilized baker's yeast could be retained by re‐culture with culture medium regularly. The re‐culture time for bead reactivation was optimized to be 30 h. High yield (about 80%) and high enantiomeric excess (>95%) were maintained after 12 batches of asymmetric reduction. The immobilized beads retained their original shapes even after a long reaction time in the fixed‐bed reactor, while the beads broke after reaction of five batches in a flask.CONCLUSION: The combined process of biocatalysis and cell activity regeneration was successfully achieved in the asymmetric reduction and decreased the breakage of beads as well as increased the efficiency of catalyst. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry
What contribution can insights from the complexity sciences make to the theory and practice of development management?
Authors: Mowles Chris , Stacey Ralph , Griffin Douglas 
Published: August 2008

AbstractThis paper offers a critique of existing ways of understanding management practice in International Non‐Government Organisations (INGOs) and compares and contrasts these with insights drawn from the complexity sciences. The authors put forward a more radical interpretation of complexity theory as it might be taken up in organisations rather than suggesting that it can be accommodated with existing theories based in systems thinking. They suggest that understanding the process of organising as contingent, paradoxical and experiential could profoundly refocus the attention of managers and practitioners alike and lead to an intensifying of practice as more consciously political. In being more open to others, including their partners and beneficiaries, staff in INGOs may be more ready to change themselves and their ideas. At the same time, the authors point out the existing dynamics of current practice and the way it perpetuates itself, no matter how problematic. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Studies on Taxol® biosynthesis. Preparation and tritium labeling of biosynthetic intermediates by deoxygenation of a taxadiene tetra‐acetate obtained from Japanese yew
Authors: Horiguchi Tohru , Rithner Christopher D. , Croteau Rodney , Williams Robert M. 
Published: August 2008

AbstractTaxa‐4(20),11(12)‐diene‐5α‐acetate 5 and taxa‐4(20),11(12)‐diene‐5α‐acetate, 10β‐ol 6, have been identified as early stage intermediates involved in the biosynthesis of Taxol® (paclitaxel). Tritium‐labeled 5 and 6 were successfully prepared by Barton deoxygenation using tri‐n‐butyltintritiide of the C‐14‐hydroxyl group of a taxoid obtained from Japanese yew. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Labelling of small biomolecules using novel technetium‐99m cores: IAEA Technical Report Series 459 Book Review and important research outputs of a coordinated research project
Authors: Pillai M.R.A. , Duatti A. 
Published: August 2008

AbstractThe International Atomic Energy Agency conducted a Coordinated Research Project on ‘Labelling of Small Biomolecules Using Novel Technetium‐99m Cores’ during 2003–2006. Thirteen research groups from Asia, Europe, North and South America participated in this program. The objective of the CRP was to generate know‐how and expertise to develop high specific activity 99mTc labelled biomolecules using the relatively new chemistries introduced in the recent past. The Technical Report Series 459, a fully edited publication of the IAEA, describes the work done by the different participating laboratories. This paper is a review of the publication, highlighting the important outputs from the CRP.The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Technical Report Series 459 on ‘Labelling of Small Biomolecules Using Novel Technetium‐99m Cores’ is the outcome of an IAEA Coordinated Research Project (CRP) held during 2003–2006. 1 The CRP is a mechanism in which scientists from different member states (MS) come together to conduct research activity in a well‐defined area. Through the CRP IAEA aims at effectively transferring the technologies from developed MS to developing MS. Thirteen research groups actively engaged in the development of 99mTc radiopharmaceuticals participated in the above CRP (Table 1).The publication describes the work done by the different participating laboratories. Part I of the book, which is corporate authored, gives the background, objectives and important research outputs arising out of this CRP. Subsequent chapters describe the accomplishments in each participating laboratories. These chapters are written in the form of research papers as per the IAEA format. Following sections give the information about the CRP and the work reported in the book. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.