bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fourier transform infrared spectroscopic analysis of normal and torn rotator-cuff tendons
Authors: Chaudhury S. , Dicko C. , Burgess M. , Vollrath F. , Carr A. J.
Published: March 2011

We have used Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) to characterise the chemical and structural composition of the tendons of the rotator cuff and to identify structural differences among anatomically distinct tears. Such information may help to identify biomarkers of tears and to provide insight into the rates of healing of different sizes of tear. The infrared spectra of 81 partial, small, medium, large and massive tears were measured using FTIR and compared with 11 uninjured control tendons. All the spectra were classified using standard techniques of multivariate analysis.

FTIR readily differentiates between normal and torn tendons, and different sizes of tear. We identified the key discriminating molecules and spectra altered in torn tendons to be carbohydrates/phospholipids (1030 cm−1to 1200 cm−1), collagen (1300 cm−1to 1700 cm−1and 3000 cm−1to 3350 cm−1) and lipids (2800 cm−1to 3000 cm−1).

Our study has shown that FTIR spectroscopy can identify tears of the rotator cuff of varying size based upon distinguishable chemical and structural features. The onset of a tear is mainly associated with altered structural arrangements of collagen, with changes in lipids and carbohydrates. The approach described is rapid and has the potential to be used peri-operatively to determine the quality of the tendon and the extent of the disease, thus guiding surgical repair.
Retrieval analysis of 240 metal-on-metal hip components, comparing modular total hip replacement with hip resurfacing
Authors: Matthies A. , Underwood R. , Cann P. , Ilo K. , Nawaz Z. , Skinner J. , Hart A. J.
Published: March 2011

This study compared component wear rates and pre-revision blood metal ions levels in two groups of failed metal-on-metal hip arthroplasties: hip resurfacing and modular total hip replacement (THR).

There was no significant difference in the median rate of linear wear between the groups for both acetabular (p = 0.4633) and femoral (p = 0.0872) components. There was also no significant difference in the median linear wear rates when failed hip resurfacing and modular THR hips of the same type (ASR and Birmingham hip resurfacing (BHR)) were compared.

Unlike other studies of well-functioning hips, there was no significant difference in pre-revision blood metal ion levels between hip resurfacing and modular THR.

Edge loading was common in both groups, but more common in the resurfacing group (67%) than in the modular group (57%). However, this was not significant (p = 0.3479). We attribute this difference to retention of the neck in resurfacing of the hip, leading to impingement-type edge loading. This was supported by visual evidence of impingement on the femur.

These findings show that failed metal-on-metal hip resurfacing and modular THRs have similar component wear rates and are both associated with raised pre-revision blood levels of metal ions.
Cartilage from the edge of a debrided articular defect is inferior to that from a standard donor site when used for autologous chondrocyte cultivation
Authors: Maličev E. , Barlič A. , Kregar-Velikonja N. , Stražar K. , Drobnič M.
Published: March 2011

The aim of this study was to evaluate the cultivation potential of cartilage taken from the debrided edge of a chronic lesion of the articular surface. A total of 14 patients underwent arthroscopy of the knee for a chronic lesion on the femoral condyles or trochlea. In addition to the routine cartilage biopsy, a second biopsy of cartilage was taken from the edge of the lesion. The cells isolated from both sources underwent parallel cultivation as monolayer and three-dimensional (3D) alginate culture. The cell yield, viability, capacity for proliferation, morphology and the expressions of typical cartilage genes (collagen I, COL1; collagen II, COL2; aggrecan, AGR; and versican, VER) were assessed. The cartilage differentiation indices (COL2/COL1, AGR/VER) were calculated. The control biopsies revealed a higher mean cell yield (1346 cells/mg vs 341 cells/mg), but similar cell proliferation, viability and morphology compared with the cells from the edge of the lesion. The cartilage differentiation indices were superior in control cells: COL2/COL1 (threefold in biopsies (non-significant)); sixfold in monolayer cultures (p = 0.012), and 7.5-fold in hydrogels (non-significant), AGR/VER (sevenfold in biopsies (p = 0.04), threefold (p = 0.003) in primary cultures and 3.5-fold in hydrogels (non-significant)).

Our results suggest that the cultivation of chondrocytes solely from the edges of the lesion cannot be recommended for use in autologous chondrocyte implantation.
Subcutaneous anthrax in three intravenous drug users
Authors: Knox D. , Murray G. , Millar M. , Hamilton D. , Connor M. , Ferdinand R. D. , Jones G. A.
Published: March 2011

Anthrax is extremely rare in the western world but is endemic to areas of south and central Asia. In early 2010 an outbreak was identified in heroin-injecting intravenous drug users in the United Kingdom and Europe. Afghanistan is currently the principal source of heroin which reaches the United Kingdom. When anthrax occurs, cutaneous disease accounts for over 95% of cases. At least 47 cases with 13 deaths have been confirmed so far. We present three cases presenting during this time with marked swelling, one resulting in compartment syndrome but all with an absence of the expected cutaneous appearances.

We suggest that rather than cutaneous anthrax, these patients represent a new subcutaneous presentation of anthrax.
Total knee replacement in patients with significant femoral bowing in the coronal plane
Authors: Huang T.-W. , Hsu W.-H. , Peng K.-T. , Hsu R. W.-W.
Published: March 2011

We conducted a retrospective study to investigate the effect of femoral bowing on the placement of components in total knee replacement (TKR), with regard to its effect on reestablishing the correct mechanical axis, as we hypothesised that computer-assisted total knee replacement (CAS-TKR) would produce more accurate alignment than conventional TKR. Between January 2006 and December 2009, 212 patients (306 knees) underwent TKR. The conventional TKR was compared with CAS-TKR for accuracy of placement of the components and post-operative alignment, as determined by five radiological measurements. There were significant differences in the reconstructed mechanical axes between the bowed and the non-bowed group after conventional TKR (176.2° (sd 3.4) vs 179.3° (sd 2.1), p < 0.001).

For patients with significant femoral bowing, the reconstructed mechanical axes were significantly closer to normal in the CAS group than in the conventional group (179.2° (sd 1.9) vs 176.2° (sd 3.4), p < 0.001). Femoral bowing resulted in inaccuracy when a conventional technique was used. CAS-TKR provides an effective method of restoring the mechanical axis in the presence of significant femoral bowing.
Effect of Sample Size on the Behavior of Granular Materials
Authors: Hu Wei , Dano Christophe , Hicher Pierre-Yves , Le Touzo Jean-Yves , Derkx François , Merliot Erick
Published: March 2011

Natural soils or coarse granular materials containing large particles such as rockfill or ballast are often an issue for geotechnical projects. However, since it is usually complicated or impossible to set up a big enough experimental apparatus to test these materials, their mechanical behavior remains poorly known. To circumvent this difficulty, we have developed a set of triaxial cells of various sizes to study the experimental behavior of granular soils containing particle sizes of up to 160 mm. This paper presents the first results of a two-part experimental study. The first part consists of triaxial tests on sand samples of different sizes in order to examine specimen scale effects. Pre-peak behavior is not affected by the specimen size, whereas post-peak behavior depends on the test conditions that control the development of strain localizations. In the second part, we present drained triaxial compression tests on large samples of calcareous rockfill materials that have parallel grain size distributions. The results show a nonstandard evolution of the friction angle in relationship to grain size if compared to similar studies on coarse granular materials. Although grain crushing occurs during compression, the strain-stress curves of the different materials with different grain sizes do remain close. We explain this phenomenon by the strength evolution of the individual grains with respect to their sizes.
Association of plasma aldosterone with the metabolic syndrome in two German populations
Authors: Hannemann Anke , Meisinger Christa , Bidlingmaier Martin , Döring Angela , Thorand Barbara , Heier Margit , Belcredi Petra , Ladwig Karl-Heinz , Wallaschofski Henri , Friedrich Nele , Schipf Sabine , Lüdemann Jan , Rettig Rainer , Peters Jörg , Völzke Henry , Seissler Jochen , Beuschlein Felix , Nauck Matthias , Reincke Martin
Published: March 2011

Objective

The aim of this study was to analyze the potential association of the plasma aldosterone concentration (PAC) with the metabolic syndrome (MetS) and its components in two German population-based studies.

Methods

We selected 2830 and 2901 participants (31–80 years) from the follow-ups of the Study of Health in Pomerania (SHIP)-1 and the Cooperative Health Research in the Region of Augsburg (KORA) F4 respectively. MetS was defined as the presence of at least three out of the following five criteria: waist circumference ≥94 cm (men (m)) and ≥80 cm (women (w)); high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol <1.0 mmol/l (m) and <1.3 mmol/l (w); blood pressure ≥130/85 mmHg or antihypertensive treatment; non-fasting glucose (SHIP-1) ≥8 mmol/l, fasting glucose (KORA F4) ≥5.55 mmol/l or antidiabetic treatment; non-fasting triglycerides (SHIP-1) ≥2.3 mmol/l, fasting triglycerides (KORA F4) ≥1.7 mmol/l, or lipid-lowering treatment. We calculated logistic regression models by comparing the highest study- and sex-specific PAC quintiles versus all lower quintiles.

Results

MetS was common with 48.1% (m) and 34.8% (w) in SHIP-1 and 42.7% (m) and 27.5% (w) in KORA F4. Our logistic regression models revealed associations of PAC with MetS, elevated triglycerides, and decreased HDL cholesterol in SHIP-1 and KORA F4.

Conclusions

Our findings add to the increasing evidence supporting a relation between aldosterone and MetS and suggest that aldosterone may be involved in the pathophysiology of MetS and lipid metabolism disorders.
Epidemiology of subtypes of hyperthyroidism in Denmark: a population-based study
Authors: Carlé Allan , Pedersen Inge Bülow , Knudsen Nils , Perrild Hans , Ovesen Lars , Rasmussen Lone Banke , Laurberg Peter
Published: March 2011

Objective

Few population-based studies have described the epidemiology of subtypes of hyperthyroidism.

Design

A prospective population-based study, monitoring two well-defined Danish cohorts in Aalborg with moderate iodine deficiency (n=311 102) and Copenhagen with only mild iodine deficiency (n=227 632).

Methods

A laboratory monitoring system identified subjects with thyroid function tests suggesting overt hyperthyroidism (low s-TSH combined with high s-thyroxine or s-triiodothyronine). For all subjects, we collected information on medical history, thyroid scintigraphy and thyroid hormone receptor antibody (TRAb) measurement. Information was used to disprove or verify primary overt hyperthyroidism and to subclassify hyperthyroidism into nosological disorders.

Results

From 1997 to 2000 (2 027 208 person-years of observation), we verified 1682 new cases of overt hyperthyroidism. The overall standardized incidence rate (SIR) per 100 000 person-years was 81.6, and was higher in Aalborg compared with Copenhagen (96.7 vs 60.0,P<0.001), giving an SIR ratio (SIRR (95% confidence interval (CI))) between moderate versus mild iodine-deficient areas of 1.6 (1.4–1.8). Nosological types of hyperthyroidism (percentage/SIRR (95% CI)): multinodular toxic goitre (MNTG) 44.1%/1.9 (1.6–2.2), Graves' disease (GD) 37.6%/1.2 (0.99–1.4), solitary toxic adenoma (STA) 5.7%/2.4 (1.3–3.5), ‘mixed type’ hyperthyroidism (TRAb-positive, scintigraphicly multinodular) 5.4%/6.0 (3.0–12), subacute thyroiditis 2.3%/0.9 (0.4–1.4),postpartumthyroid dysfunction 2.2%/1.6 (0.8–3.0), amiodarone-associated hyperthyroidism 0.8%/7.1 (1.1–65), hyperthyroidism after thyroid radiation 0.7%/12.3 (0.8–50), lithium-associated hyperthyroidism 0.7%/0.97 (0.4–4.8) and hyperthyroidism caused by various other factors 0.7%. Lifetime risk for overt hyperthyroidism was 10.5%/6.5%/2.4% (females/all/males).

Conclusion

Hyperthyroidism was common in Denmark with MNTG and GD as dominating entities. The higher incidence of hyperthyroidism in the most iodine-deficient region was caused by higher frequency of MNTG, ‘mixed-type’, STA and amiodarone-associated hyperthyroidism.
GDNF and protection of adult central catecholaminergic neurons
Authors: Pascual Alberto , Hidalgo-Figueroa María , Gómez-Díaz Raquel , López-Barneo José
Published: March 2011

Neurotrophic factors are small proteins necessary for neuron survival and maintenance of phenotype. They are considered as promising therapeutic tools for neurodegenerative diseases. The glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) protects catecholaminergic cells from toxic insults; thus, its potential therapeutic applicability in Parkinson's disease has been intensely investigated. In recent years, there have been major advances in the analysis of GDNF signaling pathways in peripheral neurons and embryonic dopamine mesencephalic cells. However, the actual physiological role of GDNF in maintaining catecholaminergic central neurons during adulthood is only starting to be unraveled, and the mechanisms whereby GDNF protects central brain neurons are poorly known. In this study, we review the current knowledge of GDNF expression, signaling, and function in adult brain, with special emphasis on the genetic animal models with deficiency in the GDNF-dependent pathways.
Coexistence of Sleep and Feeding Disturbances in Young Children
Authors: Tauman Riva , Levine Arie , Avni Hadas , Nehama Haim , Greenfeld Michal , Sivan Yakov
Published: March 2011

OBJECTIVE:

Behavioral insomnia and feeding difficulties are 2 prevalent conditions in healthy young children. Despite similarities in nature, etiology, prevalence, and age distribution, the association between these 2 common disorders in young children has not been examined thus far.

PATIENTS AND METHODS:

Children aged 6 to 36 months with either behavioral insomnia or feeding disorders were recruited. Children aged 6 to 36 months who attended the well-care clinics were recruited and served as controls. Sleep and feeding were evaluated by using a parental questionnaire.

RESULTS:

Six hundred eighty-one children were recruited. Fifty-eight had behavioral insomnia, 76 had feeding disorders, and 547 were controls. The mean age was 17.0 ± 7.6 months. Parents of children with feeding disorders considered their child's sleep problematic significantly more frequently compared with controls (37% vs 16%, P = .0001 [effect size (ES): 0.66]). They reported shorter nocturnal sleep duration and delayed sleep time compared with controls (536 ± 87 vs 578 ± 88 minutes, P = .0001) and 9:13 ± 0.55 pm vs 8:26 ± 1.31 pm, P = .003). Parents of children with behavioral insomnia described their child's feeding as “a problem” more frequently compared with controls (26% vs 9%, P = .001 [ES: 0.69]). They reported being more concerned about their child's growth (2.85 ± 1.1 vs 2.5 ± 1.0, P = .03) and reported higher scores of food refusal compared with controls (3.38 ± 0.54 vs 3.23 ± 0.44, P = .04).

CONCLUSIONS:

Problematic sleep and feeding behaviors tend to coexist in early childhood. Increased awareness of clinicians to this coexistence may allow early intervention and improve outcome.
Postnatal Glucose Homeostasis in Late-Preterm and Term Infants
Authors: Adamkin David H. ,   Committee on Fetus and Newborn
Published: March 2011

This report provides a practical guide and algorithm for the screening and subsequent management of neonatal hypoglycemia. Current evidence does not support a specific concentration of glucose that can discriminate normal from abnormal or can potentially result in acute or chronic irreversible neurologic damage. Early identification of the at-risk infant and institution of prophylactic measures to prevent neonatal hypoglycemia are recommended as a pragmatic approach despite the absence of a consistent definition of hypoglycemia in the literature.
Degradation of doxycycline in aged pig manure
Authors: Szatmári István , Laczay Péter , Borbély Zsuzsa
Published: March 2011

Two types of studies were carried out to characterise the degradation rate of doxycycline in manure. In the laboratory experiment, pig manure containing doxycycline was stored in biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) bottles in a thermoregulated room at a temperature of 20 ± 3.5 °C to maintain the humid and anaerobic incubation conditions, and the relevant temperature. In the field study, the traditional manure composting process used by small farms and household plots was demonstrated, in which the manure heap containing doxycycline was exposed to the regular environmental conditions. In the laboratory experiment more than 30% and in the field study about 10% of the initial doxycycline amount could be detected in manure samples after 16 and 12 weeks of manure ageing period, respectively. Based on the results obtained from the studies performed under laboratory and field conditions, the half-life of doxycycline in manure was calculated to be 52.5 and 25.7 days, respectively.
Culture system and long-term storage of culture media in the in vitro production of bovine embryos
Authors: Varga Santiago , Diez Carmen , Fernández Lina , Álvarez Jenny , Katchicualula Adelino , Hidalgo Carlos , Tamargo Carolina , Carbajo Maite
Published: March 2011

The optimum culture system for in vitro matured and fertilised oocytes still remains to be clarified. Culture media (CM) for mammalian embryos are routinely prepared fresh for use and preserved under refrigeration during one or two weeks. The purposes of this work were (1) to compare the efficiency of a synthetic oviduct fluid (SOF) with two different bovine serum albumin (BSA) concentrations (3 and 8 g/L) for the in vitro production of bovine blastocysts, (2) to test the effect of timing on adding fetal calf serum (FCS) to the SOF, and (3) to evaluate the effects on bovine embryo development of freezing and lyophilisation as procedures for preserving the SOF. Supplementation of SOF with 3 g/L BSA increased Day-7 blastocyst expansion rates (18.3 ± 1.6 vs. 14.4 ± 0.7; P < 0.05), although no differences in hatching rates were found. Addition of FCS to SOFaa (SOF with amino acids) medium supplemented with sodium citrate (SOFaaci) at 48 and at 72 h post-insemination (PI) allowed obtaining higher Day-6 embryo development rates than when FCS was added at 18 or 96 h PI (Day-6 morulae + blastocyst rate: 30.0 ± 1.1, 40.8 ± 1.1, 43.9 ± 2.3 and 39.3 ± 0.5 for FCS addition at 18, 48, 72 and 96 h, respectively). Hatching rates were significantly improved when serum was added at 72 h PI. Finally, both refrigeration and lyophilisation appeared as useful cryopreservation procedures for SOFaaci, although a significant loss of its ability to support embryo development, compared to the control fresh culture medium, was observed.
Expression of claudin-5 in canine pancreatic acinar cell carcinoma — An immunohistochemical study
Authors: Jakab Csaba , Rusvai Miklós , Gálfi Péter , Halász Judit , Kulka Janina
Published: March 2011

Claudin-5 is an endothelium-specific tight junction protein. The aim of the present study was to detect the expression pattern of this molecule in intact pancreatic tissues and in well-differentiated and poorly differentiated pancreatic acinar cell carcinomas from dogs by the use of cross-reactive humanised anticlaudin-5 antibody. The necropsy samples taken from dogs included 10 nonneoplastic pancreatic tissues, 10 well-differentiated pancreatic acinar cell carcinomas, 10 poorly differentiated pancreatic acinar cell carcinomas, 5 intrahepatic metastases of well-differentiated and 5 intrahepatic metastases of poorly differentiated acinar cell carcinomas. A strong lateral membrane claudin-5 positivity was detected in exocrine cells in all intact pancreas samples. The endocrine cells of the islets of Langerhans and the epithelial cells of the ducts were negative for claudin-5. The endothelial cells of vessels and lymphatic channels in the stroma of the intact pancreas showed strong membrane positivity for this claudin. All well-differentiated exocrine pancreas carcinomas and all poorly-differentiated pancreatic acinar cell carcinoma samples showed a diffuse loss of claudin-5 expression. The claudin-5-positive peritumoural vessels and lymphatic channels facilitated the detection of vascular invasion of the claudin-5-negative cancer cells. In liver metastasis samples, the pancreatic carcinomas were negative for claudin-5. It seems that the loss of expression of claudin-5 may lead to carcinogenesis in canine exocrine pancreatic cells.
Symptoms and diagnostics of lung neuroendocrine tumors
Authors: Tamási Lilla , Müller Veronika
Published: March 2011

Pulmonary neuroendocrine tumors comprise 20% of all lung cancers. They are separated into 4 subgroups: typical carcinoid tumor, atypical carcinoid tumor, large-cell neuroendocrine carcinoma, and small-cell lung carcinoma. The major symptoms present in 60% of patients are cough, hemoptysis, and obstructive pneumonia. They may also exhibit hormonally related symptoms e.g. carcinoid syndrome. Small cell lung cancer is the most common subgroup, with rapid progression, aggressive metastatic potential and the worst prognosis. Large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma is rare but also has a poor prognosis. Typical carcinoid may be accompanied with hormone related symptoms and has the best prognosis; atypical one on the contrary may cause lymph node and distant metastases in half of the cases. Elevated plasma levels of chromogranin-A are present in majority of pulmonary neuroendocrine tumors and act as tumor marker. The mainstay of treatment is radical surgery if possible. In locally advanced or metastatic disease combination chemotherapy and somatostatin-analogues may have beneficial effect. This review focuses on the general features, and current diagnostic options of pulmonary neuroendocrine tumors. Orv. Hetil., 2011, 152, 366–370.
Symptoms and diagnosis of neuroendocrine tumors of the digestive system
Authors: Gyökeres Tibor
Published: March 2011

Neuroendocrine tumors of the digestive system can cause very diverse clinical symptoms. Due to the secretion of biogenic amines, peptides and hormones secreted by the tumor cells, various paraneoplastic syndromes can evolve, on the other hand, the growth and spreading of hormonally inactive tumors can result in different local symptoms. Patients can be symptom-free for a long time or aspecific, often periodical symptoms can prevent recognition or lead to misdiagnosis for years. The symptomatology of hormonally active tumors, derived mainly from the pancreas is very characteristic. Carcinoid syndrome can be seen in 10-18% of patients with neuroendocrine tumors. In this review, the critical appreciation of laboratory and imaging modalities is discussed. Among the major new developments in this field, the introduction of serum chromogranin A assay and new small bowel examination methods should be mentioned. Capsule endoscopy and balloon enteroscopy can provide possibility of much more earlier diagnosis, as previously. The worldwide spreading of endoscopic ultrasound and fine needle biopsy allows the detection and clear localization of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors. Orv. Hetil., 2011, 152, 371–378.
Complete and sustained remission of neuroendocrine tumor-associated liver metastases during somatostatin analogue treatment
Authors: Raizer György , Igaz Péter , Pregun István , Dabasi Gabriella , Rácz Károly
Published: March 2011

Somatostatin analogues represent a major treatment modality in the therapy of neuroendocrine tumors. Their efficacy is well documented in the inhibition of hormone secretion; however, novel data seem to underline their effectiveness in tumor regression, as well. In this report authors present a case of type 1 neuroendocrine tumors of the stomach associated with liver metastases. Somatostatin analogue treatment resulted in a complete regression of the primary tumor and the metastases within two years. This case draws attention on the importance of somatostatin analogue treatment not only in the control of hormonal symptoms but also in the inhibition of tumor growth. Orv. Hetil., 2011, 152, 407–410.
A Technique for Constructing a New Maxillary Overdenture to a Nonretrievable Implant Connecting Bar
Authors: Uludag Bulent , Polat Serdar , Sahin Volkan , Goktug Gurkan
Published: March 2011

The most frequent mechanical complications of the bar-implant-retained overdentures are loosening of the bar screws and the need to reactivate the retentive clips. This article describes a technique to construct a new maxillary overdenture to a nonretrievable round-profile implant connecting bar with 2 distally placed attachments. The retainer round-profile bar was nonretrievable due to a worn retaining screw head. Attachment transfer analogs are used to transfer the position of the attachments to the master cast. The technique allows the clinician to construct new overdentures without the need for removal of the implant connecting bar. Reduced chairside time, reduced treatment cost, and increased patient satisfaction are the major advantages of the technique.
Clustering of ingredients with amino acid composition similar to the nutritional requirement of Nile tilapia
Authors: Bicudo Álvaro José de Almeida , Pinto Luis Fernando Batista , Cyrino José Eurico Possebon
Published: March 2011

The search for balanced diets, which may elicit improved growth of fish, requires appropriate selection of available protein sources. This study aims at clustering feedstuffs according to amino acid profile, determining which ones show essential amino acids (EAA) profiles closer to the ideal dietary amino acids requirements of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus), and studying the relationship among amino acids feedstuffs groups. Tabled data on EAA more cystine and tyrosine, in relation to lysine contents, of 40 feedstuffs ordinarily used to formulate fish diets were studied. Feedstuffs were grouped according to amino acids profile by cluster analysis of Euclidean distances. The principal components analysis was used to determine the relationship among amino acids in each feedstuff group. Three groups of ingredients were parted and two ingredients, low tannin sorghum and corn gluten meal 60%, did not go with any group. Dietary amino acids requirements of Nile tilapia were similar to the amino acid profile of 22 feedstuffs. The principal component analysis explained with three principal components more than 75% of total variance of amino acids in three feedstuff groups. Therefore, until additional, detailed information on amino acids availability of different ingredients is consolidated, total amino acids profiles will continue to be important information to select and use conventional or surrogate ingredients for formulating and processing feeds for tilapia.
Epithelioid Sarcoma and Unclassified Sarcoma with Epithelioid Features: Clinicopathological Variables, Molecular Markers, and a New Experimental Model
Authors: Sakharpe Aniket , Lahat Guy , Gulamhusein Taher , Liu Ping , Bolshakov Svetlana , Nguyen Theresa , Zhang Pingyu , Belousov Roman , Young Eric , Xie Xianbiao , Rao Priya , Hornick Jason L. , Lazar Alexander J. , Pollock Raphael E. , Lev Dina
Published: March 2011

Learning Objectives

After completing this course, the reader will be able to: Characterize and compare the clinical behavior and outcome of patients with epithelioid sarcoma and unclassified sarcoma with epithelioid features.Identify differentiation and other tumor-related molecular markers in human ES and USEF specimens described in this study.

This article is available for continuing medical education credit at CME.TheOncologist.com

Background.

Epithelioid sarcoma (ES) and unclassified sarcoma with epithelioid features (USEF) are clinically and therapeutically unresolved. We compared ES and USEF patients' clinical behavior, treatment, outcome, and molecular marker expression. Furthermore, preclinical ES study models were developed to enable comprehensive benchside investigations.

Patients and Methods.

A database of ES and USEF patients (n = 116) treated since 1992 was created. A clinically annotated ES–USEF tissue microarray (TMA) was assayed for tumor-related markers. Newly established human and commercially available ES cell lines were characterized and tested in vivo.

Results.

ES and USEF patients presenting with localized disease exhibited 22% and 25% local recurrence rates, 35% and 19% nodal metastasis rates, and 41% and 53% distant metastasis rates (median follow-up, 54 months and 39 months, respectively). The 5- and 10-year disease-specific survival rates were 88% and 43% and 52% and 42% (ES and USEF, respectively). TMA immunohistochemistry identified integrase interactor (INI)-1 loss, cancer antigen 125, and p53 nuclear expression as significantly more common in ES than USEF cases. Both cell lines preserved ES morphological and biochemical characteristics in vitro and in vivo; loss of INI-1 was shown to occur in both lines.

Conclusions.

Enhanced knowledge of ES and USEF clinical behavior, marker expression, and molecular determinants, extended via experimental models, will hopefully accelerate development of urgently needed effective targeted therapies for ES and USEF.
High‐resolution carbon mapping on the million‐hectare Island of Hawaii
Authors: Asner Gregory P , Hughes R Flint , Mascaro Joseph , Uowolo Amanda L , Knapp David E , Jacobson James , Kennedy-Bowdoin Ty , Clark John K
Published: March 2011

Current markets and international agreements for reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation (REDD) rely on carbon (C) monitoring techniques. Combining field measurements, airborne light detection and ranging (LiDAR)‐based observations, and satellite‐based imagery, we developed a 30‐meter‐resolution map of aboveground C density spanning 40 vegetation types found on the million‐hectare Island of Hawaii. We estimate a total of 28.3 teragrams of C sequestered in aboveground woody vegetation on the island, which is 56% lower than Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change estimates that do not resolve C variation at fine spatial scales. The approach reveals fundamental ecological controls over C storage, including climate, introduced species, and land‐use change, and provides a fourfold decrease in regional costs of C measurement over field sampling alone.
EFFECTS OF ESCALATING AND DESCENDING SCHEDULES OF INCENTIVES ON CIGARETTE SMOKING IN SMOKERS WITHOUT PLANS TO QUIT
Authors: Romanowich Paul , Lamb R. J.
Published: March 2011

Contingent incentives can reduce substance abuse. Escalating payment schedules, which begin with a small incentive magnitude and progressively increase with meeting the contingency, increase smoking abstinence. Likewise, descending payment schedules can increase cocaine abstinence. The current experiment enrolled smokers without plans to quit in the next 6 months and compared escalating and descending payments schedules over 15 visits. In the larger incentive condition (LI, n = 39), the largest possible incentive was $100, and in the smaller incentive condition (SI, n = 18), the largest possible incentive was $32. In both conditions, more participants in the descending groups initiated abstinence. A higher proportion of participants in both the escalating and descending groups initiated abstinence in the LI than in the SI. Although participants in the descending groups had more abstinent visits during the first five contingent visits than those in the escalating groups, these differences were not maintained.
DETERMINING PRESCHOOLERS' PREFERENCES FOR CHOICE‐MAKING OPPORTUNITIES: CHOICE OF TASK VERSUS CHOICE OF CONSEQUENCE
Authors: Fenerty Katherine A. , Tiger Jeffrey H.
Published: March 2011

Individuals may prefer contexts with the option to choose between 2 reinforcing stimuli or between 2 tasks relative to contexts in which others select the same events. We evaluated children's preferences for conditions characterized by (a) the opportunity to choose between tasks and (b) the opportunity to choose between putative reinforcers delivered following the completion of a task relative to no‐choice and no‐reinforcement control conditions. Three of 4 participants preferred the consequence‐choice condition; the task‐choice condition was no more preferred than the no‐choice condition in any case.
A BEHAVIORAL INTERVENTION FOR TEACHING TACKLING SKILLS TO HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL ATHLETES
Authors: Stokes John V. , Luiselli James K. , Reed Derek D.
Published: March 2011

We evaluated an intervention that combined task analysis and differential reinforcement for teaching tackling skills to 2 high school football athletes. As a result of intervention, both players tackled more proficiently in practice drills and maintained proficient tackling during games.
AN EVALUATION OF THE VALUE OF CHOICE‐MAKING OPPORTUNITIES IN SINGLE‐OPERANT ARRANGEMENTS: SIMPLE FIXED‐ AND PROGRESSIVE‐RATIO SCHEDULES
Authors: Tiger Jeffrey H. , Toussaint Karen A. , Roath Christopher T.
Published: March 2011

The current study compared the effects of choice and no‐choice reinforcement conditions on the task responding of 3 children with autism across 2 single‐operant paradigm reinforcer assessments. The first assessment employed simple fixed‐ratio (FR) schedules; the second used progressive‐ratio (PR) schedules. The latter assessment identified the differential strength of choice‐making conditions in promoting task responding relative to no‐choice conditions for 2 participants; no differential findings were obtained during the FR assessment.
Wellbore Positioning Practices and Challenges in Africa
Authors: Skinner Gary
Published: March 2011

Understanding the subsurface geometric position of a wellpath is critical as this data is relied upon by different functional groups throughout the entire life of the field. This paper will highlight challenges that exist in while-drilling wellbore surveying techniques and collision management, with focus on their application in Africa.

A factor encountered in onshore drilling in Africa is survey cost as a percentage of drilling budget. This is especially common in vertical hole sections where inclination-only single-shot surveying is standard practice. The paper will explain the benefits of more thorough directional surveying, illustrated by improved knowledge of geology, allowing wells to be drilled more safely with closer spacing.

Offshore West and North Africa, more comprehensive surveying practices are generally employed, but further improvement opportunities exist through application of advanced algorithms to enhance wellbore positioning accuracy. Some operators, especially in deepwater Angola, for example, drill wells that would be geometrically undrillable without the application of advanced wellbore placement services. Even in situations where the need is not so extreme, use of advanced practices can reduce operational risk and further improve understanding of complex geological structures for little additional cost.

East Africa's oil fields are largely unexplored. Through the use of advanced wellbore placement services from the start, it should be possible to build and maintain improved geological models of this area to maximise development potential.

The large technology and budget differential between the North Africa land market and the deepwater activity off the west coast of Africa results in a 40-year spread of positioning techniques.

The paper will describe what can be learned from experience to date in all areas of Africa and to provide surveying techniques that maximize the full value of each wellbore drilled.
Drill Pipe Cutting at Ultra High Pressure: A Proven Capability for Stuck Pipe Hazards
Authors: Segura John JW
Published: March 2011

From conceptual development to laboratory data this paper will describe the need, development, testing, and results of ultra-high pressure Jet Cutters and Severing Tools for use in environments up to 30ksi for today's deepwater, ultradeep well market. Designing and building of a new, first of its kind test vessel allowed for actual separation of drill string components, at bottom hole pressures, with zero tension applied.

Efficient separation of stuck drill strings with proven results is a must for deepwater wells where depths can reach 35,000 ft and daily rates often exceed USD 1,000,000. Operators want proven results instead of theoretical calculations or critical path experimentation during a stuck pipe hazard event. Historical pipe cutting or severing has been hindered by high bottom hole pressures and internal diameter restrictions for decades. Chemical cutters and Radial Cutting Torches being foremost affected by the effect of hydrostatic pressure on their method of pipe separation, while jet cutters and severing tools explosive charges could overcome more bottom hole pressure. After leaping the 20ksi hurdle we were still limited to 25ksi or less and had unproven products, until now.

Improvements in the initiation timing of explosive cutters and severing tools along with adequate quantities of components in conjunction with laboratory testing proved that jet cutting and severing drill string tubular components, including drill pipe and heavyweight drill pipe, is achievable at pressures up to 30ksi.

Substantial cost and critical path time savings for deep well and deepwater operators can be realized during stuck pipe incidents by utilizing tested technology proven to separate drill string components at bottom hole pressures up to 30ksi. Improved safety features provides for more confident field assembly with reduced risk involved.
Casing Burst Stresses in Particulate-Filled Annuli: Where's the Cement?
Authors: Kalil Issa A. , McSpadden Albert R.
Published: March 2011

For burst design, engineers routinely assume the casing annular space is filled by a fluid equivalent. This assumption ignores mechanical resistance provided by solid cement. Some studies addressed this shortcoming by modeling the cement sheath as a solid with elastic failure criteria. Prior work used cement elastic modulus and Poisson ratio to classify cement as ‘ductile’ (soft) or ‘brittle’ (hard).

In the current study, numerical results from finite element analysis (FEA) indicate that casing burst resistance is increased by the presence of the cement sheath. This study focuses solely on improvement offered by the cement sheath to casing burst resistance and ignores consequences of cement failure on overall well integrity.

Comparisons are provided for casing burst resistance assuming various backup profiles. These include fluid hydrostatics, solid cement matrix (both elastic and plastic response) and cement as ‘loose’ particles. The fluid hydrostatics include: a) mud weight in hole; b) cement slurry density; c) mixed-water density; d) normal pressure (salt-water column); and e) actual pore pressure. Calculations show that these fluid profiles are conservative when used as burst-resistance backup. Original cement slurry density is least conservative.

Since well designers are familiar with fluid profile backup assumptions in casing burst design, recommendations are provided to approximate cement behavior as particles with a fluid profile. This allows ease of calculation and is consistent with current practice. Guidelines are provided to explicitly calculate the enhanced casing burst resistance due to the particulate cement.
Condition Based Maintenance: A New Early Leak Detection System for Mud Pumps
Authors: Kyllingstad Age , Nessjøen Pål Jacob
Published: March 2011

This paper presents a new and patent applied method for detecting and localizing valve leaks in reciprocating mud pumps. The detection method is based on the observed fact that a leak flow through a closed defective valve generates strong and high frequency vibrations in the fluid module housing the valve. These vibrations are picked up by accelerometers and continuously processed and monitored by a computer. A timer signal is used for constructing phase based windows that selectively pick the acceleration signal during the valve closing phases. The vibration strength is then calculated for each valve closing phase and normalized through division by the median value. A leak alarm is triggered if one or more valves have an excessive value.

The presented system, called the Leak Detection System, was originally developed for Hex pumps having six pistons driven by a rotating asymmetric cam. Later on the method was also tested on shaft driven piston pumps, such as triplex pumps and quintuplex pumps. These tests revealed that these pumps require a modified and slightly different method to reliably detecting and localizing valve leaks. The reason is that these pumps have a much higher vibration transfer from the leak source to another valve. This is especially true for quintuplex pumps having only one integrated valve block.

The Leak Detection System basically consists of a proximity sensor, accelerometers and suitable hardware and software for reading and analyzing the sensor signals. The main advantages of the new system are 1) high sensitivity and early leak detection, 2) reliable leak localization, 3) remote diagnosis with no human exposure to the hazardous environment near running pumps, 4) easy retrofit to existing pumps.

The paper includes examples from lab and field tests where the new system has been successfully tested.
Controlling Well Path Trajectory with Rate of Penetration Modulation
Authors: Farley S. R. , Maranuk C. A. , Hronek B. J. , Jasper C.
Published: March 2011

The majority of footage drilled directionally is achieved by using bent-housing, positive displacement motors. This established technology uses oriented drilling intervals to maintain well trajectory. These intervals can be difficult and time consuming in many drilling environments; however, the economic advantages of this system often preclude the use of more capable rotary steerable assemblies. Operators have long needed a system that fills the widening gap between the two technologies.

A new system of wellbore directional control has been developed that uses continuous string rotation above a positive displacement motor and bent sub. Path deviation is achieved by brief variations in the rate of penetration (ROP) that occur once during each rotation of the bent sub. Bit advance is increased during each rotation causing the bit to drill faster in the targeted direction. This directed variation in ROP allows manipulation of hole trajectory while the bent housing and drillstring are continuously rotating. Steering is accomplished by managing pressure fluctuations within the drillstring, creating slight oscillations in the flow rate through the mud motor. These controlled fluctuations in flow rate allow variations in drilling parameters to steer the well in any targeted azimuth.

The goal of this system is to eliminate all oriented drilling in applications up to 3 degree per 100 feet by employing a low risk, low cost method that maximizes ROP and hole cleaning. At the Gas Technology Institute (GTI) Catoosa Test Facility in Oklahoma, drilling tests yielded successful well trajectory manipulation, delivering up to 3 degree per 100 feet of controlled directional performance in both 6 ⅛" and 8 ½" hole diameters. Because a standard bent housing assembly was used, oriented drilling was always available as needed. This allowed a redundancy in directional control (oriented or rotary), widening the operational scope and technical capability of the system.
Drilling Highly Depleted Formations with Engineered Particle Non-Aqueous Fluids (EP-NAF): South China Sea
Authors: Niznik Michael R. , Lawrence Adela , Zeilinger Sabine
Published: March 2011

A new fluid system (EP-NAF) has been utilized in the Malay Basin of the South China Sea to drill through highly depleted sands with a non-aqueous fluid at elevated densities. The fluid contains sized particles to both bridge and prop open fractures as they occur during actual drilling operations. Formation integrity is gained immediately and does not require additional critical path rig time.

The design of the EP-NAF fluid commenced by first determining the formation integrity of the drawndown sands. The required fluid density plus equivalent circulating density (ECD) expected indicated a high potential for lost circulation as the fracture gradient was anticipated to be exceeded. A research team was engaged to determine the required fracture width to build 1.0 to 1.5 ppg of formation integrity in the sands; a particle size distribution was then engineered for the specific application.

The sized particles were procured and delivered to the site. Training was conducted in the office and at the rig to educate all parties in the concept and procedural requirements. The drawndown sands were successfully drilled to section total depth (TD) with EP-NAF on several wells.
Exploration Drilling Campaigns - Optimized Drilling Performance using Drilling Consortium Management
Authors: Ribesen Bjørn Thore , Horvei Kjell Arild , Magnussen Tove , Saasen Arild , Veiberg Tormod
Published: March 2011

Currently there are many smaller operators drilling on the Norwegian continental shelf. It is not an optimal use of resources to staff a complete drilling department in-house in all of these companies. For others, the drilling activity requires that wells are drilled in a discontinuous manner. Therefore, the drilling process can easily be costly and inefficient.

The current paper describes in detail, based on a three year field experience, how an operator, a well management company and an integrated service provider efficiently run a drilling campaign. During this campaign five different operators have used this management system to efficiently drill exploration wells. The drilling rig Bredford Dolphin was hired by a consortium of operators. All the planning of the drilling operations and the follow up during the entire operation were conducted by a well management team. The same provider of integrated services has been used throughout the whole campaign, giving the drilling operations a high priority.

Exploration drilling involves several work demanding processes including rig hire and management, well planning and reporting, operations, logistics and setup of emergency preparedness organisation. Use of an independent well management team handling such items continuously without removing the operators responsibility, was very efficient. This core team also included the integrated service provider to remove any logistical hindrances.

As will be shown in the paper, this combination of companies using a rig continuously throughout the campaign has produced several of the best exploration well drilling operations on the Norwegian continental shelf. This is illustrated by presentation of the Det norske's benchmarking data from these operations.