bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The prediction of outcome in somatised patients undergoing elective lumbar surgery
Authors: Okoro T. , Sell P. 
Published: March 2009

We compared a group of 46 somatised patients with a control group of 41 non-somatised patients who had undergone elective surgery to the lumbar spine in an attempt to identify pre-operative factors which could predict the outcome. In a prospective single-centre study, the Distress and Risk Assessment method consisting of a modified somatic perception questionnaire and modified Zung depression index was used pre-operatively to identify somatised patients. The type and number of consultations were correlated with functional indicators of outcome, such as the Oswestry disability index and a visual analogue score for pain in the leg after follow-up for six and 12 months. Similar improvements in the Oswestry disability index were found in the somatised and non-somatised groups. Somatised patients who had a good outcome on the Oswestry disability index had an increased number of orthopaedic consultations (50 of 83 patients (60%) vs 29 of 73 patients (39.7%); p = 0.16) and waited less time for their surgery (5.5 months) (sd 5.26) vs 10.1 months (sd 6.29); p = 0.026). No other identifiable factors were found. A shorter wait for surgery appeared to predict a good outcome. Early review by a spinal surgeon and a reduced waiting time to surgery appear to be of particular benefit to somatised patients.
Targeted Disruption of the CXCL12/CXCR4 Axis Inhibits Osteolysis in a Murine Model of Myeloma-Associated Bone Loss
Authors: Diamond Peter , Labrinidis Agatha , Martin Sally K , Farrugia Amanda N , Gronthos Stan , To L Bik , Fujii Nobutaka , O'Loughlin Peter D , Evdokiou Andreas , Zannettino Andrew CW 
Published: March 2009

Abstract
The plasma cell (PC) malignancy, multiple myeloma (MM), is unique among hematological malignancies in its capacity to cause osteoclast (OC)-mediated skeletal destruction. We have previously shown that elevated plasma levels of PC-derived CXCL12 are associated with presence of X-ray detectable osteolytic lesions in MM patients. To further investigate this relationship, plasma levels of CXCL12 and βCrossLaps, a marker of bone loss, were measured. A strong correlation between levels of CXCL12 and OC-mediated bone resorption was identified. To confirm the OC-activating potential of MM PC-derived CXCL12 in vivo, we established a model of MM-mediated focal osteolysis, wherein MM PC lines, such as RPMI-8226, were injected into the tibias of nude mice. Implanting RPMI-8226 gave rise to osteolytic lesions proximal to the tumor, resulting in a 5% decrease in bone volume (BV) compared with vehicle control. Importantly, bone loss was significantly inhibited with systemic administration of the CXCL12/CXCR4 antagonist T140. Furthermore, implanting CXCL12-overexpressing RPMI-8226 cells resulted in a 13% decrease in BV and was associated with increased OC recruitment proximal to the tumor, increased serum matrix metalloproteinase activity, and increased levels of collagen I degradation products. These findings confirm our hypothesis that MM PC-derived CXCL12 stimulates the recruitment and activity of OC, thereby contributing to the formation of MM osteolytic lesions.
Childhood Fractures Do Not Predict Future Fractures: Results From the European Prospective Osteoporosis Study
Authors: Pye Stephen R , Tobias Jon , Silman Alan J , Reeve Jonathan , O'Neill Terence W 
Published: March 2009

Abstract
Childhood fractures are common. Their clinical relevance to osteoporosis and fractures in later life is unclear. The aim of this study was to determine the predictive risk of childhood fracture on the risk of fracture in later life. Men and women ≥50 yr of age were recruited from population registers for participation in the European Prospective Osteoporosis Study (EPOS). Subjects completed an interviewer administered questionnaire that included questions about previous fractures and the age at which the first of these fractures occurred. Lateral spine radiographs were performed to ascertain prevalent vertebral deformities. Subjects were followed prospectively by postal questionnaire to determine the occurrence of clinical fractures. A subsample of subjects had BMD measurements performed. Cox proportional hazards model was used to determine the predictive risk of childhood fracture between the ages of 8 and 18 yr on the risk of future limb fracture and logistic regression was used to determine the association between reported childhood fractures and prevalent vertebral deformity. A total of 6451 men (mean age, 63.8 yr) and 6936 women (mean age, 63.1 yr) were included in the analysis. Mean follow-up time was 3 yr. Of these, 574 (8.9%) men and 313 (4.5%) women reported a first fracture (any site) between the ages of 8 and 18 yr. A recalled history of any childhood fracture or forearm fracture was not associated with an increased risk of future limb fracture or prevalent vertebral deformity in either men or women. Among the 4807 subjects who had DXA measurements, there was no difference in bone mass among those subjects who had reported a childhood fracture and those who did not. Our data suggest that self-reported previous childhood fracture is not associated with an increased risk of future fracture in men or women.
Mistaken Identity: Results and Repercussions / Twin Research Reviews: Ovarian Transplants; Kidney Donation; False Beliefs and Emotion Understanding / In the News: Surfing Twins; Driving Twins / Tribute: Daniel G. Freedman
Authors: Segal Nancy L. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractMistaken identity does not just affect identical twins, it can also affect the lives of unrelated individuals. The present article reviews several compelling cases in which confusion by others significantly altered the life circumstances of twins and non-twins. Next, current research on ovarian transplants, kidney donation, false beliefs and emotion understanding are reviewed. The concluding sections survey some unusual twin pairs — and pay tribute to the late Dr. Daniel G. Freedman, known for his landmark studies of fear of strangers in infant twins.
3D structure of a binary ROP-PRONE complex: the final intermediate for a complete set of molecular snapshots of the RopGEF reaction
Authors: Thomas Christoph , Fricke Inka , Weyand Michael , Berken Antje 
Published: March 2009

Abstract
Guanine nucleotide exchange factors (GEFs) catalyze the activation of GTP-binding proteins (G proteins) in a multi-step reaction comprising intermediary complexes with and without nucleotide. Rho proteins of plants (ROPs) are activated by novel RopGEFs with a catalytic PRONE domain. We have previously characterized structures of GDP-bound ROP and a ternary complex between plant-specific ROP nucleotide exchanger (PRONE) and ROP including loosely bound GDP. Now, we complete the molecular snapshots of the RopGEF reaction with the nucleotide-free ROP-PRONE structure at 2.9 Å. The binary complex surprisingly closely resembles the preceding ternary intermediate including an unusually intact P-loop in the G protein. A striking difference is the prominent contact of the invariant P-loop lysine to a conserved switch II glutamate in ROP, favoring a key role of this interaction in driving out the nucleotide. The nucleotide-free state is supported by additional interactions involving the essential WW-motif in PRONE. We propose that this GEF region stabilizes the intact P-loop conformation, which facilitates re-association with a new nucleotide and further promotes the overall exchange reaction. With our novel structure, we provide further insights into the nucleotide exchange mechanism and present a first example of the complete GEF reaction at a molecular level.
A History of Fire Testing: Past, Present, and Future
Authors: Lawson James Randall 
Published: March 2009

Abstract
This paper discusses the breakthroughs in science and engineering that have brought fire testing technology to its current state of maturity and provides insight into the possibilities for future fire test development by highlighting some areas where advancements are needed. The quest for understanding the properties of fire has been a part of the human experience since the first primitive human viewed the glow of a flame potentially 2.5 million years ago, during the Paleolithic Period. Since these early observations, humankind slowly developed the knowledge to use and understand fire. However, the initial revolution in fire testing did not begin until recently, in the 19th century, when the basic tools were developed that allowed for remote measurement of temperatures and heat flow. Discoveries such as the “thermoelectric effect” and the development of the First Law of Thermodynamics led to the creation of tools for calorimetry providing for the measurement of temperatures and heat flux. The second revolution in measuring and understanding fire occurred in the early 20th century with worldwide recognition that scientifically based fire standards were needed to protect life and property. At the same time, engineering innovation developed electromechanical equipment that could automatically record data measured from fire experiments. This advancement in data recording allowed for the detailed study of measured fire behavior. The third revolution in fire testing (measurement technology) occurred in the last half of the 20th century with the development of affordable digital data logging equipment and computers that enhanced data analysis and the development of scientifically based predictive models. Widespread use of technology and computational methods have opened the theoretical world which provides insight into the subtle features of fire dynamics and provides a means for developing a greater understanding of fire test method performance. Fire measurement technology now has the scientific and computational tools to make significant advancements in the development of fire safety standards. Use of these tools has directed attention to improvements needed in testing for structural fire endurance to enhance fire resistant structural designs. This would include, but not be limited to, advancements in testing of structural components, assemblies, and systems under realistic simulations of fire and load conditions. The objective for these new tests would be to enhance structural performance so that uncontrolled building fires result in burnout without partial or total collapse. Additionally, these fire measurement technologies would also lead to improvements in ignition resistant materials, surface flammability, fire growth, smoke, and toxic gas production that will save lives and reduce the high cost of unwanted fires.
How resource competition shapes individual life history for nonplastic growth: ungulates in seasonal food environments
Authors: De Roos André M. , Galic Nika , Heesterbeek Hans 
Published: March 2009

We analyze an age‐, size‐ and sex‐structured model to investigate how the interplay between individual‐level energy budget dynamics and the feedback of population grazing on resources shapes the individual life history and the dynamics of ungulate populations, living in a predator‐free, seasonal resource environment. We formulate a dynamic energy budget model for individual energetics, which accounts for energy requirements for maintenance and growth, and possibly pregnancy and lactation. Growth in structural mass is assumed prescribed. Dynamics of energy reserves are the resultant of energy acquisition through grazing and suckling of milk and the aforementioned energy‐consuming processes. The dynamic energy budget model is used as the core for an individual‐based population model, which captures general features of ungulate life history and population dynamics, although it is parameterized for a particular system.Model predictions reveal a characteristic dynamic pattern, in which years with low death tolls (<10% of the population dying) alternate with a single year of high death toll (up to 40% of the population dies). In these “collapse” years almost all individuals younger than 2 years die, creating holes in the population age distribution. The die‐off of these age classes is shown to be caused by the energy requirements for growth that these individuals face. Individuals between 1 and 2 years of age are more at risk than foals, because they are burdened with the legacy of a poor body condition developed throughout their first winter. The characteristic dynamic pattern is more pronounced at high levels of resource productivity. In contrast, neither a period of snow cover, during which all foraging stops, nor a dependence of fecundity on female body condition change dynamics significantly.
Influence of sediment metal spiking procedures on copper bioavailability and toxicity in the estuarine bivalveIndoaustriella lamprelli
Authors: Hutchins Colin M. , Teasdale Peter R. , Lee Shing Y. , Simpson Stuart L. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractThe effect of three methods for spiking sediments with Cu on the reburial behavior, mortality, and tissue Cu accumulation of a lucinid bivalve (Indoaustriella lamprelli) and the influence of the bivalve on the sediment geochemistry were investigated. Methods used to create Cu concentration gradients were direct spiking with and without pH adjustment to pH 7 and also dilution of sediment, previously spiked with Cu and adjusted to pH 7, using a low-Cu sediment (known to produce the lowest pore-water Cu concentrations). The presence of the bivalve within Cu-spiked sediment increased the flux of Cu and Mn to overlying waters at high Cu concentrations (550 μg/g). Bivalve behavioral response, metal accumulation, and mortality varied with the method by which Cu was spiked. In direct Cu-spiked sediment, the bivalves were inactive at concentrations of 550 and 1,100 μg/g, with mortality induced in sediment spiked with 1,100 μg/g (pH 6.5-7.1). Complete bivalve inactivity was observed only at 1,100 μg/g in direct Cu-spiked sediment with pH adjustment, whereas percentage reburial was reduced to 30% at 1,100 μg/g for sediment prepared by the dilution method. Relative reburial rates in the three spiked sediment types (direct « direct pH-7 &lt; dilution) were proportional to dissolved Cu concentrations in the overlying water. Bivalve reburial, in addition to the method of Cu addition, affected tissue Cu accumulation. Inhibition of bivalve reburial decreased the amount of accumulated Cu, confounding relationships between tissue Cu and pore water, overlying water, or extractable metal fractions.
Association Between Vitamin D Receptor Gene Polymorphisms and Severe Chronic Periodontitis in a Chinese Population
Authors: Wang Chunxian , Zhao Hongyu , Xiao Limin , Xie Chengjie , Fan Weihua , Sun Shuyu , Xie Baoyi , Zhang Jincai 
Published: March 2009

Background: Chronic periodontitis (CP) exhibits inflammation and alveolar bone loss, and severe forms of periodontitis are suggested to have a genetic basis. Vitamin D receptor (VDR) regulates bone metabolism and inflammation‐related genes, and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the VDR gene may affect the functional activity of the VDR protein in CP. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the association between VDR SNPs and severe CP in a Chinese population.Methods: DNA was obtained from 107 patients with severe CP and 121 control subjects. The BsmI, TaqI, ApaI, and FokI SNPs of VDR genes were investigated by restriction fragment length polymorphism of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) products. The digested PCR products were electrophoresed on an 8% polyacrylamide gel and developed by the DNA silver staining method.Results: The distribution of VDR TaqI genotypes and alleles between the two groups was significantly different (P = 0.019 and P = 0.039, respectively). The TT genotype and T allele seemed to increase the susceptibility of severe CP (odds ratio, 2.75; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.17 to 6.47; odds ratio, 2.28, 95% CI: 1.02 to 5.06, respectively) in Chinese populations. There was no significant difference in the genotype distribution or the allele frequencies of VDR BsmI, ApaI, or FokI between the two groups.Conclusion: TaqI SNP of VDR gene might be associated with severe CP in Chinese patients.
Assessment of Chromosome 19 for Genetic Association in Severe Chronic Periodontitis
Authors: Tabeta Koichi , Shimada Yasuko , Tai Hideaki , Ishihara Yuichi , Noguchi Toshihide , Soga Yoshihiko , Takashiba Shogo , Suzuki Genki , Kobayashi Terukazu , Oka Akira , Kobayashi Tetsuo , Yamazaki Kazuhisa , Inoko Hidetoshi , Yoshie Hiromasa 
Published: March 2009

Background:A genome‐association study is a powerful tool for analyzing small gene effects in complex diseases such as chronic periodontitis (CP), although the cost of analysis is prohibitive. We designed a study using the DNA pooling method, which could be a breakthrough in lowering such costs. This study was conducted to assess the genetic association in severe CP in a Japanese population.Methods:We adopted a DNA pooling method by genotyping 454 densely spaced microsatellite (MS) markers in chromosome 19 as a pilot study, with the possibility of future use in a whole‐genome study. This can reduce the high cost and technical burden, which is generally unavoidable in a genomic association study. Pooled DNA samples from 300 case subjects, 300 control subjects, and 200 systemically healthy subjects were screened by genotyping MS markers. The case‐control association in the candidate region was analyzed by individual typing of MS and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs).Results:The single MS marker allele 17 of 1902G31 was isolated in association with severe CP (P =0.0012 for 2 × 2;P <0.046 for 2 × m, where m refers to the number of polymorphic alleles observed in a population). No other SNP or MS polymorphism hypothesized to affect biologic functions in the critical region was found in the linkage disequilibrium block analysis.Conclusions:We efficiently isolated the susceptible locus for severe CP in chromosome 19 and identified a useful marker to evaluate the risk for disease. This approach can be applied to a whole‐genome study in severe CP.
First Regional Selective Packerless Acid Fracture Stimulation With Coiled Tubing: A Documented Case History From Saudi Arabia
Authors: Bustin Baron , Sierra Leopoldo 
Published: March 2009

Abstract
A review of stimulation methods previously used in the Hanifa formation (primarily diesel emulsified acid/visco- elastic diverting systems) performed during the first two quarters of 2005, revealed that while initial post-stimulation vertical or deviated well performance was typically improved, it was also short-lived. All the wells exhibited a gradual loss in productivity after the stimulation treatments. Furthermore, in horizontal wells, the problem was aggravated as there is not enough control of acid placement over long open hole carbonate intervals where permeability or damage contrast exists; requiring a deeper matrix stimulation.
Exploring improved methods for stimulation, a multidisciplinary team composed of Saudi Aramco and service company representatives were brought together to review various stimulation methods. After looking at conventional hydraulic fracturing as a method of deeper formation stimulation than matrix acidizing, it was concluded that over the long open wellbore intervals, there would not be sufficient control of fracture placement, fracture growth and propagation, and interaction with the natural fracturing present in the Hanifa. Additionally, the typical Hanifa completion strings have completion size restrictions which limit the options for rigless stimulations.
After the review of several options, including coiled tubing (CT) proppant fracs, and stimulation using multiple discrete mechanically isolation devices like plug or packers, the team selected the Packer-Less Selective Acid Fracture (PLSAF) stimulation using CT as the stimulation method most desirable for the limitations intrinsic to the Hanifa formation for the following reasons: PLSAF with CT offers control of fracture placement in an open hole environment,PLSAF can achieve multiple treatments without mechanical isolation,PLSAF can provide moderately deep, controlled fractures with reduced risk to connect the generated fracture with the water sources.
PLSAF was applied successfully in one well during the third quarter of 2005 where 10 selective acid fractures were placed along the open hole section. This paper presents the long-term evaluation and benefits of the first regional application of the PLSAF in Saudi Arabia.
Comparison of Computational Fluid Dynamics of Erosion in Coiled Tubing on Reel-to-Injector Flow Area
Authors: Bailey M. , Blanco I. L. , Rosine R. S. 
Published: March 2009

Abstract
Coiled tubing (CT) is a well-intervention service used as a cost-effective means of servicing oil and gas wells. In the last few years, more has been learned about the actual flow through the CT. Some of the knowledge has been gained by actual full- scale testing and job conditions. In recent years, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) is being used to gain further knowledge while saving the costs of capital and resource investment for testing. CFD can also generate flow patterns, fluid-flow velocity profiles, secondary-flow regimes, and erosion. This information is extremely difficult to obtain during normal testing. Understanding these different parameters can help in tubing management.
This paper discusses the results of CFD modeling of erosion with actual field data, particularly around the tubing-guide area during pumping. It will compare the actual data to the CFD-generated solution. Once the data has been validated, the CFD solution can be used to enhance a CT predicting model.
Spoolable Connector for Large-OD Coiled Tubing
Authors: Ehtesham Asif , Lucas Bryan , Zhong Allan 
Published: March 2009

AbstractThis paper documents continuation of developments previously reported in SPE 113037 (Ehtesham et al. 2008). After comprehensive testing and the successful development of the first prototype of 1.75-in. outside diameter (OD) coiled tubing (CT), spoolable connectors have been developed with OD sizes ranging from 1.5 in. to 2.875 in., and in different wall thicknesses. An adjustable-height, hydraulic installation stand has also been developed. This paper discusses the details of the installation stand, associated installation tooling, such as the weld-seam removal tool and the hydraulic roll-on tool, and design and testing of the spoolable connector.The simultaneous development of spoolable connectors in CT sizes of 1.50 in, 1.75 in., 2.0 in., 2.375 in. and 2.875 in. provided a better understanding of the fatigue behavior of spoolable connectors and their parent tubing. One of the challenges encountered was the ability to pass tools, such as chemical cutters. Finite Element Analysis (FEA) has been used to allow quick design changes and verification to permit custom applications, such as larger inside diameter (ID). Physical tests, such as the fatigue machine test with pressure and the tensile and torque test, will be discussed along with virtual studies of BOP shear-ram functionality on spoolable connectors and flow properties through ID restriction.The installation stand for field usage of spoolable connectors is designed to overcome obstacles, such as reverse bending and straightening of pipe. The stand can be raised 16 ft to accommodate a variety of spooling-drum heights. The stand also offers two independent hydraulic clamps on each end to grab the pipe more securely during installation. A hydraulic winch is provided on the stand to grab the ends of both the donor and receiver spools. The stand offers flexibility for multiple installation configurations, such as bottom-to-bottom, top-to-top, and application to tapered OD strings, without much intervention needed from rig cranes. The stand is hydraulically operated and does not require a hot work permit.