bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Indeterminate test results of T-SPOTTM.TBperformed under routine field conditions
Authors: Beffa P. , Zellweger A. , Janssens J-P. , Wrighton-Smith P. , Zellweger J-P. 
Published: December 2007

Interferon-γ release assays for the diagnosis of tuberculosis (TB) can give indeterminate results. The prevalence of indeterminate test results (ITRs) among T-SPOTTM.TBtests was assessed.A retrospective analysis of samples processed in 2005 was performed. ITRs were assessed by age, sex, immunosuppression, distance to the laboratory and season. A subgroup of tests performed for specific indications (contact tracing, migrants with positive tuberculin skin test, TB suspects and immunosuppression) were analysed separately.Of a total of 1,429 tests, 49 (3.4%) were indeterminate. ITRs were significantly associated with old age (>75versus5–75 yrs; odds ratio (OR) 7.97, 95% confidence interval (CI) 3.968–15.438) and the season during which samples were transported (autumn and winterversusspring and summer; OR 3.47, 95% CI 1.753–7.514). The incidence of ITR was 302 (2.0%) among TB contacts, 75 (1.6%) among immigrants, 156 (3.0%) in TB suspects and 32 (3.0%) among immunosuppressed patients. Sex, young age and distance to the laboratory were not associated with the rate of ITR. Of the 13 tests with ITR that were repeated, 10 gave a clear positive or negative result.Indeterminate test results with T-SPOTTM.TBunder routine conditions were infrequent and more common in individuals aged >75 yrs than in children and younger adults. The incidence of indeterminate test results was low and similar among healthy tuberculosis contacts, immigrants with a positive tuberculin skin test, tuberculosis suspects and the immunosuppressed. The conditions of transportation may influence the incidence of indeterminate test results.
Effect of increasing doses of mannitol on mucus clearance in patients with bronchiectasis
Authors: Daviskas E. , Anderson S. D. , Eberl S. , Young I. H. 
Published: December 2007

Bronchiectasis is characterised by hypersecretion and impaired clearance of mucus. A 400-mg dose of inhaled mannitol improves mucus clearance however, the effect of other doses is unknown.A total of 14 patients, aged 63.3±5.7 yrs, were studied on five visits. Mucus clearance at baseline and with mannitol (160, 320 and 480 mg) was measured using technetium-99m-sulphur colloid and imaging with a gamma camera over 45 min, followed by a further 30 min involving 100 voluntary coughs. A control study assessed the effect of cough provoked by mannitol during the intervention.Whole right lung clearance over 45 min was 4.7±1.2 and 10.6±2.6% on baseline and control days, respectively, and increased to 16.7±4.2, 22.8±4.2 and 31±4.7% with 160, 320 and 480 mg mannitol, respectively. Clearance over 45 min with 480 mg mannitol was greater than clearance with 320 and 160 mg. Total clearance over 75 min, after mannitol administration and voluntary coughs, was 36.1±5.5, 40.9±5.6 and 46.0±5.2% with 160, 320 and 480 mg mannitol, respectively, all significantly different from baseline (24.1±6.0%) and control (13.1±3.0%). Total clearance over 75 min with 480 mg mannitol was greater compared with 160 mg.In conclusion, mucus clearance increases with increasing doses of mannitol and can be further increased by cough in patients with bronchiectasis.
Designing an energy-saving pneumatic vacuum pad using computational fluid dynamics for automated manufacturing system
Authors: Renn J-C , Jan D-Y 
Published: December 2007

The current paper is concerned with the development of a new energy-saving vacuum pad using computational fluid dynamics (CFD)-technique. CFD which is a powerful tool to provide an effective insight into the flow field numerically. Nowadays, application of pneumatic vacuum pads may be found in many different real industries, especially in the field of automated manufacturing system, like the automatic conveyer system, automatic assembly line, semiconductor industry as well as wafer factory, etc. Traditional vacuum pads generally utilize nozzles to create the effect of vacuum. In the current paper, however, a new idea to generate the effect of vacuum is proposed by designing a structure similar to that of an aerostatic bearing. In details, the air is guided to flow through a well-designed restrictor inside the vacuum pad and flow out through the outlet between the vacuum pad and the sucked workpiece. Therefore, according to Bernoulli's equation, the air pressure near the centre-line of the vacuum pad decreases because of the increased airflow velocity. Consequently, the effect of vacuum is generated. To achieve two preset requirements, that is, large suction-force output and low air consumption, the commercial CFD-RC software is utilized to simulate the airflow field and design the optimal geometry inside the vacuum pad. Experimental results further prove that the new vacuum pad with two significant features is successfully developed and implemented in the current study.
Flow friction theorem of Pelton turbine hydraulics
Authors: Zhang Zh 
Published: December 2007

The flow friction in the rotating buckets of a Pelton turbine influences the system efficiency in both the direct and indirect ways. The direct influence is determined by the friction, which directly drives or retards the bucket motion and thus determines the power output. The indirect way is determined by the changes of relative flow and the pressure distribution in the bucket. The flow friction theorem derived in the current paper points out that the total reduction of the system efficiency is equal to the total efficiency reductions by two different ways. In the total efficiency reduction, the effect from the indirect way dominates. In addition, frictions in the bucket, whether at the bucket entrance or at the exit, always cause a reduction in the system efficiency. The efficiency drop resulting from the flow frictions represents the greatest part in the total loss in the system efficiency of a Pelton turbine and should in no case be neglected.
Energy and carbon audit of an offshore wave energy converter
Authors: Parker R. P M. , Harrison G. P. , Chick J. P. 
Published: December 2007

The world's first commercial wave farm will feature the ‘Pelamis’ wave energy converter developed by Ocean Power Delivery. With potential for the manufacture of significant numbers of such devices, there is a need to assess their environmental impact and, in particular, their life cycle energy and carbon dioxide (CO2) performance. The current paper presents an analysis of the life cycle energy use and CO2 emissions associated with the first generation of Pelamis converters. With relatively conservative assumptions, the study shows that at 293 kJ/kWh and 22.8 gCO2/kWh the respective energy and carbon intensities are comparable with large wind turbines and very low relative to fossil-fuelled generation. The energy payback period is approximately 20 months and the CO2 payback is around 13 months. Material use is identified as the primary contributor to the embodied energy and carbon with shipping (including maintenance) accounting for 42 per cent. Improving the Pelamis' environmental performance could be achieved by increasing structural efficiency, partial replacement of the steel structure with alternative materials, particularly concrete, and the use of fuel-efficient shipping.
Adolescents’ Preferences for Substance Abuse Screening in Primary Care Practice
Authors: Knight John R. , Harris Sion K. , Sherritt Lon , Van Hook Shari , Lawrence Nohelani , Brooks Traci , Carey Peggy , Kossack Robert , Kulig John 
Published: December 2007

Objective To assess adolescents’ preferences for substance abuse screening in primary medical care settings. Design/Methods Twelve- to 18-year-old patients (N = 2133) arriving for routine care at a network of primary care sites completed an interview that included demographic items, the CRAFFT screen, and a questionnaire assessing preferences for screening method (paper questionnaire, computer, oral interview by nurse or doctor). A subgroup (n = 222) completed the CRAFFT directly on the computer. Results Across the entire sample, paper was the screening administration method most preferred (mean rank (MR) = 2.92, 95%CI 2.87–2.96) vs. computer (MR = 2.38, 2.33–2.43), nurse (MR = 2.43, 2.39–2.47), and doctor (MR = 2.30, 2.25–2.35). Among the participants who received the screening on the computer, however, computer (MR = 3.08, 95%CI 2.42–2.52) was statistically tied with paper (MR = 2.88, 2.75–3.02) and both were ranked significantly higher than nurse (MR = 2.06, 1.94–2.17) and doctor (MR = 1.98, 1.82–2.14). The findings were similar for participants’ reports of being “very likely” to be honest when answering substance abuse screening questions. Conclusions Adolescents should ideally be screened for substance abuse using paper or computer questionnaires.
Biomolecular approach to the design of potential drugs
Authors: Pandit Upendra K. 
Published: December 2007

AbstractThe approach to drug design on the basis of molecular-level information on biological processes is being driven by the expanding knowledge of the details of molecular events in biological systems. We have directed attention to the design of potentially active compounds based on the aforementioned "biomolecular" concepts. Selected examples from our studies are discussed. This paper presents three case studies of approaches to the development of potential medicinal agents whose design has evolved from considerations ofmolecular mechanismsof processes in selected biological systems.
Fenton chemistry in biology and medicine
Authors: Prousek Josef 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
Various aspects of the participation of Fenton chemistry in biology and medicine are reviewed. Accumulated evidence shows that both hydroxyl radical and ferryl [Fe(IV)=O]2+ can be formed under a variety of Fenton and Fenton-like reactions. Some examples of metal-independent hydroxyl radical production are included. Extracellular Fenton reaction is illustrated by the white rot and brown rot wood-decaying fungi. The natural and practical utilization of catechol-driven Fenton reaction is also presented.
Diagnostische Möglichkeiten und Grenzen der Thrombelastographie/-metrie / Diagnostic potential and limitations of thrombelastography/-metry
Authors: Lang Thomas , von Depka Mario 
Published: December 2007

Zusammenfassung
Im Gegensatz zu den klassischen Gerinnungsparametern ermöglicht die Thrombelastographie/-metrie auch eine Beurteilung der Gerinnselfestigkeit und -stabilität. Durch die Verwendung von standardisierten Testansätzen ist in der Thrombelastometrie zudem sowohl eine Abschätzung des plasmatischen als auch des thrombozytären Anteils der Gerinnselfestigkeit möglich- mit entsprechenden therapeutischen Konsequenzen. Aufgrund der komplexen funktionellen Interaktion zwischen Thrombozyten und Fibrinogen (sowie des Einflusses von weiteren funktionellen Faktoren wie Faktor XIII, Dysfibrinogenämie u.ä.) ist eine Abschätzung der Gerinnselfestigkeit anhand der Thrombozytenzahl und der Fibrinogenkonzentration im Einzelfall nicht möglich. Ebenso wenig kann mittels der D-Dimer-Analyse in der perioperativen Situation eine Hyperfibrinolyse abgeleitet werden.
Nicht erfassen hingegen kann die Thrombelastographie/-metrie Störungen der primären Hämostase (z.B. von-Willebrand-Syndrom) und den Effekt von Thrombozytenaggregationshemmern (Ausnahme: „Thrombozytenmapping”). Demnach ist die Bedeutung der Thrombelastometrie/-grafie im präoperativen bzw. im, „internistischen” Bereich derzeit als eher untergeordnet zu betrachten.
Die Indikationen der Thrombelastometrie liegen in der Diagnostik der Hyperfibrinolyse und der Abklärung von unklaren intra- und postoperativen Blutungen. Zudem erlaubt die Thrombelastometrie ein gutes Monitoring einer Fibrinogensubstitution.
Mit der Rotationsthrombelastometrie (ROTEM®) steht ein System zur Verfügung welches auch als „Bedside-System” die Erstellung von validen thrombelastometrischen Kurven erlaubt.
Biomarker bei Sepsis und Entzündung / Biomarkers in Sepsis and Inflammation
Authors: Fraunberger Peter , Walli Autar K. 
Published: December 2007

Zusammenfassung
Schwere systemische Entzündungen wie die Sepsis und der septische Schock stellen die häufigste Todesursache auf der Intensivstation dar. Trotz der Entwicklung der modernen Intensivmedizin steigt die Inzidenz weiter an und die Mortalität liegt seit vielen Jahren bei 30–60%. Ursache hierfür ist unter anderem das Fehlen diagnostischer Marker der Sepsis zur Früherkennung, Risikobeurteilung und Verlaufsbeobachtung. Aus diesem Grund wurden in den vergangenen Jahren eine Vielzahl von Biomarkern untersucht, von denen allerdings nur einige Einzug in die klinische Routine gehalten haben. Zu den viel versprechenden Markern gehören Procalcitonin (PCT), einige Zytokine wie das Interleukin-6 und metabolische Marker. In der vorliegenden Übersicht sollen klinische Bedeutung zur Früherkennung und Therapiesteuerung von bereits etablierten und neueren Markern unter Berücksichtigung der Pathophysiologie dargestellt werden.
Traditionelle und innovative Methoden in der Diagnostik der hereditären Sphärozytose (Kugelzellanämie) / Hereditary spherocytosis: traditional and innovative diagnostic approaches
Authors: Krammer-Steiner Beate , Steiner Michael 
Published: December 2007

Zusammenfassung
Die hereditäre Sphärozytose (Kugelzellanämie) ist die häufigste angeborene hämolytische Anämie und zeigt deren typische labordiagnostische Befunde (Anämie, Retikulozytose, Hyperbilirubinämie, Haptoglobinverminderung, LDH-Erhöhung). Die Erythrozytenmorphologie stellt sich mit Mikrosphärozyten in der typischen Situation deutlich dar. Der Kugelzellnachweis sichert aber nicht die Diagnose einer hereditären Sphärozytose. Traditionell wird großer Wert auf die Untersuchung der osmotischen Resistenz bzw. Fragilität gelegt. Diese Untersuchung ist jedoch nicht standardisiert und vor allem in der Neonatologie nicht unproblematisch. Mit dem durchflusszytometrischen Nachweis der Kugelzellen gelingt anhand der reduzierten Bindung von Eosin-5-Maleimid (EMA) der sichere Nachweis der hereditären Sphärozytose. Mehrere Untersuchungen haben den Wert dieser einfachen Methode, die aufgrund des geringen Probenvolumens hervorragend für die Neonatologie und Pädiatrie geeignet ist, belegen können. Der EMA-Test wird als diagnostische Methode der Wahl empfohlen. Die molekulargenetische Abklärung des Verdachts einer hereditären Sphärozytose bleibt dagegen anspruchsvoll und speziellen sowie wissenschaftlichen Fragestellungen vorbehalten.
Insulin gene variable number of tandem repeats is not associated with weight from fetal life until infancy: the Generation R Study
Authors: Mook-Kanamori Dennis O , Miranda Geelhoed J J , Steegers Eric A P , Witteman Jacqueline C M , Hofman Albert , Moll Henriëtte A , van Duijn Cornelia M , Hokken-Koelega Anita C S , Jaddoe Vincent W V 
Published: December 2007

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to examine whether the insulin gene variable number of tandem repeats (INS VNTR) is associated with growth patterns in fetal life and infancy.Design and methodsThis study was embedded in the Generation R Study, a population-based prospective cohort study from fetal life until young adulthood. Fetal growth was assessed by ultrasounds in early, mid-, and late pregnancy. Anthropometry in infancy was assessed at birth and at the ages of 6 weeks, 6 months, and 14 months. DNA for genotyping of the INS VNTR promoter region was available in 859 children.ResultsThe genotype distribution was I/I 50.8%, I/III 40.0%, and III/III 9.2%. III/III individuals had a shorter gestational age (P<0.005 versus I/I) and a lower birth weight (P<0.05 versus I/I). There were no differences in birth weight after adjusting for gestational age. Class III homozygotes had a smaller abdominal circumference/head circumference (HC) ratio (P<0.005 versus I/I) in mid-pregnancy, but not in late pregnancy. Also, III/III subjects had a relative decrease in HC (SDS) from mid-pregnancy to the age of 14 months (P<0.05 versus I/I). No other differences in pre- and postnatal growth characteristics and patterns were found.ConclusionsClass III homozygotes were born at an earlier gestational age. No association was found between INS VNTR and birth weight adjusted for gestational age. Our data suggest that the III/III genotype may be associated with asymmetrical growth in mid-pregnancy, but not in late pregnancy.
Limitations of nocturnal salivary cortisol and urine free cortisol in the diagnosis of mild Cushing's syndrome
Authors: Kidambi Srividya , Raff Hershel , Findling James W 
Published: December 2007

ObjectiveCushing's syndrome (CS) is difficult to diagnose due to its nonspecific presentation. Diagnostic tests like 24-h urine free cortisol (UFC) and the overnight 1 mg dexamethasone suppression test (DST) lack sufficient sensitivity and specificity. Measurement of nocturnal salivary cortisol (NSC) is an accurate and reproducible test with a high sensitivity for CS. However, its performance in mild CS has not been reported. We present 11 cases of CS with normal or mildly elevated UFC in whom NSC was helpful in making a diagnosis.Design and methodsAll patients had at least one collection of 24-h UFC and NSC and eight had an overnight 1 mg DST. The number of NSC measurements per patient was determined by the clinical index of suspicion and the results of initial testing. Imaging studies included magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of pituitary or computer tomography scan of abdomen.ResultsOnly four out of eleven patients had elevations in UFC and none were >2 times the upper limit of normal. Seven out of eight had an abnormal DST. All patients had some elevated NSCs (14–100%). Out of eleven patients, six had an abnormality in the pituitary gland found by MRI and two out of eleven had adrenal masses. The remaining three had normal pituitary MRI but had inferior petrosal sinus (IPS) sampling indicating Cushing's disease. All patients had appropriate surgery, and histopathology of all except one was suggestive of either a cortisol-producing adrenal adenoma or an ACTH-secreting pituitary adenoma.ConclusionNeither a normal UFC nor a normal NSC excludes mild CS. Multiple samples (urine/saliva) and DST are needed to make the diagnosis of mild CS.
Production of Wet Natural Gas Containing Corrosive Components: Four Case Histories
Authors: Havlik Wolfgang , Thayer Karin , Oberndorfer Markus 
Published: December 2007

Summary
In petroleum production, the problem of corrosive media attacking metallic structures is almost ubiquitous. Particularly severe environments are encountered in the production and transport of wet natural gas containing corrosive components, such as hydrogen sulphide and carbon dioxide. When exploring new gas fields, it is therefore a prerequisite to take into account the corrosivity of the respective fluids in all stages of the field development, material selection, field layout, and facilities design. In preparation of the subsequent production phase, reliable corrosion monitoring programs have to be selected, established, and implemented as necessary. Furthermore, the financial aspects always play an important role, thus posing a real challenge for the engineer forced to seek a compromise between economics and design.
This paper gives a comprehensive overview of these considerations regarding four different OMV gas fields, two in Austria and two in Pakistan, which were successfully developed and brought onstream between 1967 and 2003. These fields not only vary in their geographical position, but also in their gas compositions, production start, and the location of gas dehydration units.
One major aspect dealt with in each of these cases was material selection, including metallic as well as nonmetallic and composite materials. Where the initial decision was made in favor of carbon steel, different methods of corrosion protection, the application of corrosion inhibitors, corrosion monitoring, and intelligent pigging are discussed in the paper.
A comparison of the various methods of resolution worked out for all four case histories, as well as the experience gained in more than three decades of production and transportation of wet, corrosive natural gas is presented.
Furthermore, results of the ongoing corrosion monitoring measurements in operation in the mature gas fields are discussed under the aspect of the remaining facility lifetimes.
Operational Control of Hydrocyclones During Variable Produced Water Flow Rates—Frøy Case Study
Authors: Husveg Trygve , Johansen Oddgeir , Bilstad Torleiv 
Published: December 2007

Summary
International regulations of produced water discharges to sea are enforced, thereby enhancing focus on optimizing produced water treatment. De-oiling hydrocyclones are prioritized technology for produced water treatment on offshore oil-producing platforms. Oil/water separation happens within a few seconds in hydrocyclones and preciseness in operational control is essential. Surging flow may cause severe problems to hydrocyclones. A case study at TOTAL E&P NORGE AS's Frøy field demonstrated how the implementation of a holistic process control structure effectively optimized hydrocyclone performance by reducing oil in produced water by 50%. This paper emphasizes how operational interaction between separators and hydrocyclones, alternative routing of hydrocyclone oil streams, capable control systems, and establishing hydrocyclone performance indicators are all elements in optimization programs for de-oiling hydrocyclones.
Development and Testing of a Pseudo-Three-Dimensional Model of Hydraulic Fracture Geometry
Authors: Settari Antoníh , Cleary Michael P. 
Published: December 2007

SummaryA pseudo-three-dimensional (P3DH) model has been developed to describe realistically the evolution of geometry of a 3D hydraulic fracture produced by fluid injection into a reservoir. The present model bypasses the task of a fully 3D crack geometry calculation, which is at present prohibitively complex in the context of a complete practical fracturing simulator. The P3DH model presented formulates the problem in terms of equations for lateral fluid flow and crack opening for the main body of the fracture, coupled with a very efficient scheme for describing vertical fracture growth at each cross section. The equations for lateral flow are solved by finite differences, and the vertical propagation problem is solved by numerical implementation of a singular integral equation on a suitable set of Chebyshev points.The testing of P3DH components shows both an excellent agreement of the lateral propagation model with various analytical solutions (Ref. 1) and a strong sensitivity of vertical propagation to confining stress and stiffness contrast of adjacent strata and to fluid rheology. The sample simulations show that the model produces realistic fracture growth under a wide range of conditions, is extremely sensitive to the dominant containment parameters, and therefore can be used to study the effect of relevant design parameters on fracture shapes and pressures in stimulation treatments.The P3DH model is highly efficient and suitable for incorporation in a general 3D fracturing simulator. The computational effort for calculation of fracture geometry with P3DH is generally comparable to that required for the simulation of the fluid flow in the surrounding reservoir.