bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Two Corpora Lutea Seen at 6–13 Weeks' Gestation Infers Dizygosity Among Spontaneous Same-Sexed Dichorionic Twins
Authors: Woo Jean , Tong Stephen , Campbell Megan J. , Wallace Leanne , Meagher Simon , Montgomery Grant W. , Chao Fay , Chan Weng , Vollenhoven Beverley 
Published: March 2009

AbstractCurrent ultrasound techniques can accurately determine the chorionicity of twins, but not zygosity. We previously proposed that the zygosity of spontaneously conceived twins can be determined at early ultrasound, where 2 corpora lutea infers dizygosity, and 1 implies monozygosity. Here we did a case series, comparing zygosity predicted using this method with definitive DNA genotyping of twins after birth. We retrospectively identified 14 ultrasound reports of spontaneous twin pregnancies at 6(+0 days) to 13+6 weeks' gestation, where both ovaries were seen and the number of corpora lutea documented. We visited all twin pairs, obtained buccal smears, and determined zygosity by genotyping 9 independent microsatellite markers. All 8 cases where 2 corpora lutea were seen were dizygotic pregnancies. One further case where 3 corpora lutea were seen was also dizygotic. All 3 sets of monozygotic twins had 1 corpus luteum. There were 2 cases incorrectly assigned, where 1 corpus luteum was seen in dizygotic pregnancies. We conclude if 2 corpora lutea are seen at a first trimester ultrasound of spontaneously conceived dichorionic twins, they appear to be almost certainly dizygotic. However, if 1 corpus luteum is seen in dichorionic twins, zygosity cannot be determined with certainty since it is either monozygotic, or dizygotic where a second corpus luteum has been missed.
The Silkworm Z Chromosome Is Enriched in Testis-Specific Genes
Authors: Arunkumar K P , Mita Kazuei , Nagaraju J 
Published: March 2009

Abstract
The role of sex chromosomes in sex determination has been well studied in diverse groups of organisms. However, the role of the genes on the sex chromosomes in conferring sexual dimorphism is still being experimentally evaluated. An unequal complement of sex chromosomes between two sexes makes them amenable to sex-specific evolutionary forces. Sex-linked genes preferentially expressed in one sex over the other offer a potential means of addressing the role of sex chromosomes in sexual dimorphism. We examined the testis transcriptome of the silkworm, Bombyx mori, which has a ZW chromosome constitution in the female and ZZ in the male, and show that the Z chromosome harbors a significantly higher number of genes expressed preferentially in testis compared to the autosomes. We hypothesize that sexual antagonism and absence of dosage compensation have possibly led to the accumulation of many male-specific genes on the Z chromosome. Further, our analysis of testis-specific paralogous genes suggests that the accumulation on the Z chromosome of genes advantageous to males has occurred primarily by translocation or tandem duplication.
Tethering Recombination Initiation Proteins inSaccharomyces cerevisiaePromotes Double Strand Break Formation
Authors: Koehn Demelza R , Haring Stuart J , Williams Jaime M , Malone Robert E 
Published: March 2009

AbstractMeiotic recombination in Saccharomyces cerevisiae is initiated by the creation of DNA double strand breaks (DSBs), an event requiring 10 recombination initiation proteins. Published data indicate that these 10 proteins form three main interaction subgroups [(Spo11-Rec102-Rec104-Ski8), (Rec114-Rec107-Mei4), and (Mre11-Rad50-Xrs2)], but certain components from each subgroup may also interact. Although several of the protein–protein interactions have been defined, the mechanism for DSB formation has been challenging to define. Using a variation of the approach pioneered by others, we have tethered 8 of the 10 initiation proteins to a recombination coldspot and discovered that in addition to Spo11, 6 others (Rec102, Rec104, Ski8, Rec114, Rec107, and Mei4) promote DSB formation at the coldspot, albeit with different frequencies. Of the 8 proteins tested, only Mre11 was unable to cause DSBs even though it binds to UASGAL at GAL2. Our results suggest there may be several ways that the recombination initiation proteins can associate to form a functional initiation complex that can create DSBs.
Expression Analysis of Selected Immune-Relevant Genes in Channel Catfish during Edwardsiella ictaluri Infection
Authors: Elibol-Flemming Banu , Waldbieser Geoffrey C. , Wolters William R. , Boyle Carolyn R. , Hanson Larry A. 
Published: March 2009

Abstract
Channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus were intraperitoneally challenged with the bacterium Edwardsiella ictaluri (the causative agent of enteric septicemia of catfish), and the expression of genes presumed to function in the inducible innate defense was evaluated. End-binding protein 1 (EB1), β1-integrin, natural-resistance-associated macrophage protein (Nramp), heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70), serum amyloid P (SAP), and transferrin gene expression profiles were determined using quantitative reverse-transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction on liver, anterior kidney, spleen, and gut. Fish were subsampled at 0, 24, 48, 72, and 96 h after bacterial or phosphate-buffered-saline injection. Posterior kidney sampling demonstrated increasing bacterial counts at 24–48 h postinjection (hpi), followed by a plateau to 96 hpi. The transferrin and SAP transcripts were liver specific. The other genes were expressed in all four tissues. In bacterially infected fish, expression of EB1 (anterior kidney, spleen, and liver), Hsp70 (anterior kidney and spleen), and Nramp (spleen and gut) significantly increased by 48 hpi. Transferrin was strongly up-regulated and SAP was down-regulated by 72 hpi, indicating positive and negative acute-phase reactants, respectively. The data indicate a substantial response of innate immunity effector cells by 48 hpi, followed by suppression of bacterial growth and induction of the acute-phase response. This suggests that the 48–72-hpi time frame is critical in our model for evaluating the effectiveness of innate defenses.
Relationship of Metabolic Syndrome to Chronic Periodontitis
Authors: Li Peng , He Lu , Sha Yue‐qin , Luan Qing‐xian 
Published: March 2009

Background: Many studies have suggested that periodontal disease is related to metabolic disorders. Few studies have investigated metabolic syndrome (MS), as defined by the International Diabetes Federation in 2005, in the Chinese population. The aim of this study was to assess the association of periodontitis with MS.Methods: In this case‐control study, 152 patients with MS and 56 generally healthy adults received a comprehensive clinical dental examination. Attachment loss, probing depth, bleeding index, and plaque index were examined at two sites per tooth (mesio‐buccal and disto‐lingual). The number of missing teeth was noted in each subject.Results: The male patients with MS were significantly younger and their periodontal parameters were significantly higher than those of the healthy group. The female patients with MS were significantly older, and all periodontal parameters were higher than those in the healthy group; only plaque index was statistically significantly different (P = 0.001). After adjustment for gender, age, and smoking, the corresponding adjusted odds ratios for MS were 6.9 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.07 to 44.77), 9.9 (95% CI: 1.50 to 65.24), and 15.6 (95% CI: 2.20 to 110.43) for subjects with attachment loss ≥3 mm in >0% to 33% of sites, >33% to 67% of sites, and >67% of sites, respectively. Most periodontal parameters were highest in patients with four components of MS, but these differences were not statistically significant.Conclusion: Patients with MS had poor periodontal conditions, and periodontal disease was associated with MS, independent of other risk factors.
Improvement of Periodontal Parameters in Untreated Quadrants After Surgical Periodontal Therapy at Adjacent Quadrants
Authors: Radvar Mehrdad , Mardani Nima , Mellati Ehsan , Habibi Mehdi 
Published: March 2009

Background: Once full‐mouth surgery is planned following the non‐surgical phase for a patient with chronic periodontitis, it often does not undergo revision during the surgical period. The aim of this study was to find out whether surgical treatments performed on each quadrant would have any influence on the periodontal status of the untreated quadrants.Methods: Twenty patients with chronic periodontitis were selected and received full‐mouth scaling and root planing. After 8 weeks, quadrant‐wise surgery was performed during four consecutive sessions at 2‐week intervals for sites with probing depth (PD) ≥5 mm and bleeding on probing (BOP). Clinical parameters, including PD, BOP, and clinical attachment level, were recorded at baseline, at each session prior to surgery, and 8 weeks after the last surgical visit.Results: Only the data recorded for the last‐treated quadrant are presented in this article. Marked differences were found in the clinical measurements of the last‐treated quadrant among all visits. A significant improvement in the clinical parameters of the last‐treated quadrant between sessions two and five were mostly related to the treatment of the other three quadrants.Conclusion: The treatment plan made at the time of reassessment of the initial phase of therapy should be considered provisional, and it should be open to revision prior to each surgical visit to reconfirm or modify the treatment plan previously devised for the remaining quadrant(s).
N‐Acetylcysteine, a Thiol Antioxidant, Decreases Alveolar Bone Loss in Experimental Periodontitis in Rats
Authors: Toker Hulya , Ozdemir Hakan , Eren Kaya , Ozer Hatice , Sahın Gonul 
Published: March 2009

Background: The purpose of this study was to analyze the morphometric and histopathologic changes associated with experimental periodontitis in rats in response to systemic administration of N‐acetylcysteine (NAC).Methods: Forty‐three Wistar rats were divided into five experimental groups: non‐ligated (NL) group (n = 10), ligature only (LO) group (n = 10), and groups that were administered NAC systemically (7, 35, or 70 mg/kg body weight per day [NAC7, NAC35, and NAC70 groups, respectively]; n = 8, 9, and 6). Silk ligatures were placed at the gingival margin of the lower first molars in a mandibular quadrant. The study duration was 11 days, and the animals were sacrificed at the end of this period. Changes in alveolar bone levels were measured clinically and tissues were histopathologically examined to assess the differences among the study groups.Results: At the end of 11 days, the alveolar bone loss was significantly higher in the LO group compared to NL, NAC7, NAC35, and NAC70 groups (P <0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in the osteoclast numbers among the study groups (P >0.05), whereas the effect of NAC was dose‐dependent.Conclusion: NAC prevented alveolar bone loss in the rat model, in a dose‐dependent manner, when administered systemically.
Tumor Necrosis Factor‐Alpha Levels After Surgical Anti‐Infective Mechanical Therapy for Peri‐Implantitis: A 12‐Month Follow‐Up
Authors: de Mendonça Adriana Cutrim , Santos Vanessa Renata , César‐Neto João Batista , Duarte Poliana Mendes 
Published: March 2009

Background: The aim of the present case series was to evaluate the effects of a surgical anti‐infective mechanical therapy for peri‐implantitis on clinical parameters and tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α) levels at 12 months post‐therapy.Methods: Ten patients with peri‐implantitis were treated with open surgical debridement, abrasive sodium carbonate air‐powder, and resin curets. Clinical parameters were recorded before and 3 and 12 months after therapy. At these time points, the total amounts of TNF‐α in the peri‐implant crevicular fluid were measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.Results: At 3 and 12 months, the anti‐infective therapy resulted in significant improvements in all clinical parameters (P <0.05). Moreover, the total amount of TNF‐α was significantly reduced at 3 and 12 months after therapy compared to baseline (P <0.05), paralleling the changes in mean probing depth and bleeding on probing.Conclusion: The anti‐infective mechanical therapy reduced the crevicular levels of TNF‐α in sites affected by peri‐implantitis over a period of 12 months, and this phenomenon was associated with improvements in clinical parameters.
Root Coverage Esthetic Score: A System to Evaluate the Esthetic Outcome of the Treatment of Gingival Recession Through Evaluation of Clinical Cases
Authors: Cairo Francesco , Rotundo Roberto , Miller Preston D. , Pini Prato Giovan Paolo 
Published: March 2009

Background: Generally, esthetic outcomes following root‐coverage procedures are not assessed. This article proposes a score for evaluating the esthetic outcome following root‐coverage surgery.Methods: Thirty‐one patients with Miller Class I and II recession defects treated with root‐coverage procedures were evaluated. Esthetic outcomes were assessed using the root coverage esthetic score (RES) 6 months after surgery. This score evaluates five variables: level of the gingival margin, marginal tissue contour, soft tissue texture, mucogingival junction alignment, and gingival color. Because complete root coverage was the primary treatment goal, and the other variables were considered secondary, the value assigned for root coverage was 60% of the total score, whereas 40% was assigned to the other four variables. With regard to assessment of the final position of the gingival margin, 3 points were given for partial root coverage, and 6 points were given for complete root coverage; 0 points were assigned when the final position of the gingival margin was equal or apical to the previous recession. One point was assigned for each of the other four variables. Thus, 10 points was a perfect score.Results: Of the 31 treated recession defects, 24 (77%) exhibited complete root coverage at 6 months. The mean amount of root coverage was 89.4% (range, 0% to 100%). The mean RES was 7.8. Five of 24 cases of complete root coverage achieved a perfect score (RES = 10). In one case, RES = 0.Conclusion: The RES system may be a useful tool to assess the esthetic outcome following root‐coverage procedures.
Effect of External Mechanical Damage on the Fatigue Life of Coiled Tubing Exposed to Sour Environments: Criteria for CT100 Grade
Authors: Padron Tomas , Datahan Gerardo 
Published: March 2009

Abstract
BJ Services has successfully used grades 70 and 80 coiled tubing (CT) in sour environments. Recent laboratory studies have shown the feasibility (with some restrictions) of using high-strength CT grades (i.e. 90 and 100) in sour wells (SPE 107014). However, in normal operations, CT can be subjected to mechanical damage on its outer surface that adversely affects its fatigue life, so it is important to know the performance of these CT grades in sour environments when external mechanical damage is present.
In a previous paper (SPE 113149) it was concluded that for grade 90 the presence of external mechanical damage with a transverse orientation and depth equivalent or higher than 10% of the nominal wall thickness should not be acceptable for sour service. This conclusion was based on the observation that for these damage characteristics the "damage effect" overshadowed the effect of hydrogen embrittlement (i.e. H2S effect) on the fatigue life reduction. On the other hand, this type of behaviour was not observed when the damage was longitudinal with depths up to 10% of the nominal wall thickness or transverse with depths up to 5%, so these limits were proposed as potential criteria regarding mechanical damage in CT90 grade intended for sour service. However, additional testing was needed in order to propose a set of criteria for CT100 grade.
The present paper summarizes the results from the fatigue testing of CT100 samples with artificial external mechanical damage of different orientations and depths and compares their performance with that for CT90 and CT80 grade samples, in order to define a set of criteria regarding mechanical damage and sour service for CT100 grade.
First North Sea Application of Pinpoint-Stimulation Technology to Perform a Rig-Based Acid Fracture Treatment Through CT
Authors: Barclay David , Trodden Lain , Allam Robbie , Chisholm Alastair 
Published: March 2009

Abstract
This paper presents the prejob engineering process and executional summary of the first North Sea application of a novel tubing-conveyed fracturing technique. The logistical challenges that were overcome during the completion of the project will also be discussed. This fracturing technique was implemented successfully to perform a large multistage acid treatment from a semisubmersible rig. Historically, wells in this field have been treated using dedicated stimulation vessels. Acid-fracture treatments have typically been pumped at high rates (50+ bbl/min), treating multiple intervals simultaneously using various methods for fluid diversion, including ball-sealer technology and limited-entry perforating, to ensure every target zone is contacted and adequately stimulated (Alastair et al. 1999). At present, the demand for stimulation vessels is extremely high because of the level of new well-development and general stimulation activity in the North Sea sector. This demand, coupled with a reduction in the number of available stimulation vessels operating in the area, led to the requirement for an alternative method of completing this well.
The overall success of this project demonstrates that there is a viable commercial and technical alternative to the traditional stimulation methodology associated with wells of this type. With further development to improve efficiency, these methods could become competitive with conventional vessel-based techniques.
Annular Isolation of Horizontal Slotted Liners With Chemical External Casing Packers
Authors: Chow J. H. , Blount C. G. , Hilleary N. 
Published: March 2009

Abstract
Slotted liners are a simple and cost-effective method for completing horizontal wells that can provide sand control and wellbore stability. The uncemented annulus between the slotted liner and the openhole makes selective stimulation, isolation, and remediation challenging unless mechanical isolation devices such as external casing packers or swellable packers are added to the outside of the slotted liner at the time of the initial completion. For existing wells without these mechanical isolation devices, Chemical External Casing Packers (CECP) can be used to isolate the annulus while leaving an unobstructed flow path through the internal bore of the slotted liner.
In this study, the authors tested two CECP systems. The first was a highly-thixotropic cement slurry and the second was a Fiber-Reinforced Neutral-Density (FReND) cement. Testing consisted of an evaluation of the pumpability of the thixotropic slurry through coiled tubing and the ability of the two CECP systems to efficiently displace existing annular fluids and effectively isolate the annulus between a 4-1/2-in. slotted liner and an 8-in. openhole without significant fall back into the slotted liner.
The pumpability test showed that the thixotropic slurry could be pumped at a rate of 2.5 bbl/min with a treating pressure of less than 4000 psi through a 10,500 ft string of 2-in. OD coiled tubing. The testing showed that both CECPs were able to effectively displace existing annular fluids, and isolate the slotted liner annulus. An error in the testing procedure for the thixotropic blend resulted in no quantifiable measurement in percentage of cement fall-back into the liner. However, samples of the pumped thixotropic slurry were shown to have significant resistance to falling back into the liner once pumped into the liner annulus. The FReND system showed only minor fall back of cement into the slotted liner that still left an open flowpath through the liner.
With the ability to selectively isolate portions of the slotted liner annulus, the CECP's can target areas of water influx and shut them off while still allowing flow from below. Additionally, by straddling two separate CECP isolated areas, treatment fluids such as stimulation fluids, cements, or permeability modifiers can be accurately placed into the desired location of the well.
Many existing horizontal wells completed with slotted liners do not have swellable packers or external casing packers installed. The development of an effective and easily placeable CECP provides options for remedial operations in these wells that were not available before.
New Results From Electromagnetic and Ultrasonic Inspections of Coiled Tubulars
Authors: Stanley Roderic K. 
Published: March 2009

Abstract
We present new data for several inspection technologies as follows: electromagnetic inspections of coiled tubing strings, which indicate the device used can pass the quality requirements of a major oil company and those of draft API 5ST. Our latest research results for wall thickness assessments of tubing, both from the outside and from the inside are given. We have also produced technology for the measurement of internal coating thickness in coiled line pipe.
Additionally, we have used phased array ultrasonic technology for the inspection of seam and butt welds in coiled tubulars, and report the results. This technology appears to be able to replace older technologies, especially for inspecting critical strings offshore.
Finally, we report on progress with four API proposed documents.
Regulating NOx and SO2 Emissions in Atlanta
Authors: Muller Nicholas , Tong Daniel , Mendelsohn Robert 
Published: March 2009

Abstract
Through a series of experiments, we measure the marginal damage of emissions near Atlanta using a sophisticated integrated assessment model. The marginal damages of sulfur dioxide (SO2) are driven by proximity to downtown Atlanta; emissions produced closer to the city lead to higher exposures and therefore damages.The spatial pattern in damages from nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions are more complex because of the powerful role of atmospheric chemistry. NOx emissions from ground-level sources in downtown Atlanta reduce aggregate exposures to both the tropospheric ozone as well as small particulates. In contrast, NOx discharges in suburban or rural areas lead to higher exposures and damages from both pollutants. These findings raise questions about the current policy of treating all NOx and SOx emissions as though they are alike.
Adapting to Climate Change Mosaically: An Analysis of African Livestock Management by Agro-Ecological Zones
Authors: Seo S. Niggol , Mendelsohn Robert , Dinar Ariel , Kurukulasuriya Pradeep 
Published: March 2009

Abstract
This paper examines African livestock management across Agro-Ecological Zones (AEZs) to learn how they would adapt to climate change in the coming century. We analyze farm level decisions to own livestock and to choose a primary livestock species using logit models with and without country fixed effects or AEZ fixed effects. With a hot dry scenario, the results indicate that livestock ownership will increase slightly across all of Africa, but especially in West Africa and high elevation AEZs. Dairy cattle will decrease in semi-arid regions, sheep will increase in lowlands, and rearing chickens will increase at high elevations. On the other hand, if climate becomes wetter, livestock ownership will fall dramatically in lowlands and high elevation moist AEZs. Beef cattle will increase and sheep will fall in dry AEZs, dairy cattle will fall precipitously and goats will rise in moist AEZs, and chickens will increase at high elevations but fall at mid elevations. Therefore, adaptation measures should be tailored to a specific AEZ.