bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Genome wide expression analysis of CBS domain containing proteins in Arabidopsis thaliana (L.) Heynh and Oryza sativa L. reveals their developmental and stress regulation
Authors: Kushwaha Hemant R , Singh Anil K , Sopory Sudhir K , Singla-Pareek Sneh L , Pareek Ashwani 
Published: June 2009

Abstract

Background
In Arabidopsis thaliana (L.) Heynh and Oryza sativa L., a large number of genes encode proteins of unknown functions, whose characterization still remains one of the major challenges. With an aim to characterize these unknown proteins having defined features (PDFs) in plants, we have chosen to work on proteins having a cystathionine β-synthase (CBS) domain. CBS domain as such has no defined function(s) but plays a regulatory role for many enzymes and thus helps in maintaining the intracellular redox balance. Its function as sensor of cellular energy has also been widely suggested.

Results
Our analysis has identified 34 CBS domain containing proteins (CDCPs) in Arabidopsis and 59 in Oryza. In most of these proteins, CBS domain coexists with other functional domain(s), which may indicate towards their probable functions. In order to investigate the role(s) of these CDCPs, we have carried out their detailed analysis in whole genomes of Arabidopsis and Oryza, including their classification, nomenclature, sequence analysis, domain analysis, chromosomal locations, phylogenetic relationships and their expression patterns using public databases (MPSS database and microarray data). We have found that the transcript levels of some members of this family are altered in response to various stresses such as salinity, drought, cold, high temperature, UV, wounding and genotoxic stress, in both root and shoot tissues. This data would be helpful in exploring the so far obscure functions of CBS domain and CBS domain-containing proteins in plant stress responses.

Conclusion
We have identified, classified and suggested the nomenclature of CDCPs in Arabidopsis and Oryza. A comprehensive analysis of expression patterns for CDCPs using the already existing transcriptome profiles and MPSS database reveals that a few CDCPs may have an important role in stress response/tolerance and development in plants, which needs to be validated further through functional genomics.
Role of potassium and calcium channels in sevoflurane-mediated vasodilation in the foeto-placental circulation
Authors: Jarman James , Maharaj Chrisen H , Higgins Brendan D , Farragher Rachel F , Laffey Christopher D , Flynn Noel M , Laffey John G 
Published: June 2009

AbstractBackgroundSevoflurane has been demonstrated to vasodilate the foeto-placental vasculature. We aimed to determine the contribution of modulation of potassium and calcium channel function to the vasodilatory effect of sevoflurane in isolated human chorionic plate arterial rings.MethodsQuadruplicateex vivohuman chorionic plate arterial rings were used in all studies.Series 1 and 2examined the role of the K+channel in sevoflurane-mediated vasodilation. Separate experiments examined whether tetraethylammonium, which blocks large conductance calcium activated K+(KCa++) channels (Series 1A+B) or glibenclamide, which blocks the ATP sensitive K+(KATP) channel (Series 2), modulated sevoflurane-mediated vasodilation.Series 3 – 5examined the role of the Ca++channel in sevoflurane induced vasodilation. Separate experiments examined whether verapamil, which blocks the sarcolemmal voltage-operated Ca++channel (Series 3), SK&F 96365 an inhibitor of sarcolemmal voltage-independent Ca++channels (Series 4A+B), or ryanodine an inhibitor of the sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca++channel (Series 5A+B), modulated sevoflurane-mediated vasodilation.ResultsSevoflurane produced dose dependent vasodilatation of chorionic plate arterial rings in all studies. Prior blockade of the KCa++and KATPchannels augmented the vasodilator effects of sevoflurane. Furthermore, exposure of rings to sevoflurane in advance of TEA occluded the effects of TEA. Taken together, these findings suggest that sevoflurane blocks K+channels. Blockade of the voltage-operated Ca++channels inhibited the vasodilator effects of sevoflurane. In contrast, blockade of the voltage-independent and sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca++channels did not alter sevoflurane vasodilation.ConclusionSevoflurane appears to block chorionic arterial KCa++and KATPchannels. Sevoflurane also blocks voltage-operated calcium channels, and exerts a net vasodilatory effect in thein vitrofoeto-placental circulation.
Delayed formation of pulmonary artery stump thrombus: a case report and review of the literature
Authors: Joshi Monika , Farooq Umar , Mehrok Sandeep , Srouji Nadine 
Published: June 2009

Abstract
Pulmonary artery stump thrombosis is a recognized complication after pneumonectomy. However, to our knowledge, there is only one case report of delayed development of this complication. We report the case of a 68 year-old man who presented with chest pain nearly ten years after undergoing a right pneumonectomy for lung cancer. Workup identified a pulmonary artery stump thrombosis. Due to the acute onset of his symptoms, the patient was anticoagulated, and his chest pain resolved. While the literature suggests that anticoagulation is not generally required for stump thromboses, we highlight features of this case that may indicate an increased risk of clinically important sequelae. Taking previous reports into account, we argue that a specific subset of patients with stump thrombosis may benefit from systemic anticoagulation.
Anti-C1q antibodies antedate patent active glomerulonephritis in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Meyer Olivier C , Nicaise-Roland Pascale , Cadoudal Nolwenn , Grootenboer-Mignot Sabine , Palazzo Elisabeth , Hayem Gilles , Dieudé Philippe , Chollet-Martin Sylvie 
Published: June 2009

Abstract
Introduction
Autoantibodies against C1q correlate with lupus nephritis. We compared titers of anti-C1q and anti-dsDNA in 70 systemic lupus erythematosus patients with (n = 15) or without (n = 55) subsequent biopsy-proven lupus nephritis.

Methods
The 15 patients with subsequent lupus nephritis had anti-C1q assays during clinical flares (mean Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI), 10.0 ± 4.7; range, 3 to 22) before the diagnosis of lupus nephritis (median, 24 months; range 3 to 192). Among the 55 others, 33 patients had active lupus (mean SLEDAI, 10.3 ± 6.2; range, 4 to 30) without renal disease during follow-up (median 13 years; range 2 to 17 years) and 22 had inactive lupus (mean SLEDAI, 0; range, 0 to 3).

Results
Anti-C1q titers were elevated in 15/15 (100%) patients who subsequently developed nephritis (class IV, n = 14; class V, n = 1) and in 15/33 (45%) patients without renal disease (P < 0.001). The median anti-C1q titer differed significantly between the groups (P = 0.003). Anti-C1q titers were persistently positive at the time of glomerulonephritis diagnosis in 70% (7/10) of patients, with no difference in titers compared with pre-nephritis values (median, 147 U/ml; interquartile range (IQR), 69 to 213 versus 116 U/ml; 50 to 284, respectively). Titers decreased after 6 months' treatment with immunosuppressive drugs and corticosteroids (median, 76 U/ml; IQR, 33 to 106) but remained above normal in 6/8 (75%) patients. Anti-dsDNA antibodies were increased in 14/15 (93.3%) patients with subsequent nephritis and 24/33 (72.7%) patients without nephritis (P = ns). Anti-C1q did not correlate with anti-dsDNA or the SLEDAI in either group.

Conclusions
Anti-C1q elevation had 50% positive predictive value (15/30) and 100% (18/18) negative predictive value for subsequent class IV or V lupus nephritis.
Species-Wide Genetic Variation and Demographic History of Drosophila sechellia, a Species Lacking Population Structure
Authors: Legrand Delphine , Tenaillon Maud I , Matyot Pat , Gerlach Justin , Lachaise Daniel , Cariou Marie-Louise 
Published: June 2009

Abstract
Long-term persistence of species characterized by a reduced effective population size is still a matter of debate that would benefit from the description of new relevant biological models. The island endemic specialist Drosophila sechellia has received considerable attention in evolutionary genetic studies. On the basis of the analysis of a limited number of strains, a handful of studies have reported a strikingly depleted level of genetic variation but little is known about its demographic history. We extended analyses of nucleotide polymorphism in D. sechellia to a species-wide level using 10 nuclear genes sequenced in 10 populations. We confirmed that D. sechellia exhibits little nucleotide-sequence variation. It is characterized by a low effective population size, &gt;10-fold lower than that of D. simulans, which ranks D. sechellia as the least genetically diverse Drosophila species. No obvious population subdivision was detected despite its fragmented geographic distribution on different islands. We used approximate Bayesian computation (ABC) to test for demographic scenarios compatible with the geological history of the Seychelles and the ecology of D. sechellia. We found that while bottlenecks cannot account for the pattern of molecular evolution observed in this species, scenarios close to the null hypothesis of a constant population size are well supported. We discuss these findings with regard to adaptive features specific to D. sechellia and its life-history strategy.
Efficient Approximate Bayesian Computation Coupled With Markov Chain Monte Carlo Without Likelihood
Authors: Wegmann Daniel , Leuenberger Christoph , Excoffier Laurent 
Published: June 2009

AbstractApproximate Bayesian computation (ABC) techniques permit inferences in complex demographic models, but are computationally inefficient. A Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) approach has been proposed (Marjoram et al. 2003), but it suffers from computational problems and poor mixing. We propose several methodological developments to overcome the shortcomings of this MCMC approach and hence realize substantial computational advances over standard ABC. The principal idea is to relax the tolerance within MCMC to permit good mixing, but retain a good approximation to the posterior by a combination of subsampling the output and regression adjustment. We also propose to use a partial least-squares (PLS) transformation to choose informative statistics. The accuracy of our approach is examined in the case of the divergence of two populations with and without migration. In that case, our ABC–MCMC approach needs considerably lower computation time to reach the same accuracy than conventional ABC. We then apply our method to a more complex case with the estimation of divergence times and migration rates between three African populations.
Evolutionary History of GS3, a Gene Conferring Grain Length in Rice
Authors: Takano-Kai Noriko , Jiang Hui , Kubo Takahiko , Sweeney Megan , Matsumoto Takashi , Kanamori Hiroyuki , Padhukasahasram Badri , Bustamante Carlos , Yoshimura Atsushi , Doi Kazuyuki , McCouch Susan 
Published: June 2009

Abstract
Unlike maize and wheat, where artificial selection is associated with an almost uniform increase in seed or grain size, domesticated rice exhibits dramatic phenotypic diversity for grain size and shape. Here we clone and characterize GS3, an evolutionarily important gene controlling grain size in rice. We show that GS3 is highly expressed in young panicles in both short- and long-grained varieties but is not expressed in leaves or panicles after flowering, and we use genetic transformation to demonstrate that the dominant allele for short grain complements the long-grain phenotype. An association study revealed that a C to A mutation in the second exon of GS3 (A allele) was associated with enhanced grain length in Oryza sativa but was absent from other Oryza species. Linkage disequilibrium (LD) was elevated and there was a 95.7% reduction in nucleotide diversity (θπ) across the gene in accessions carrying the A allele, suggesting positive selection for long grain. Haplotype analysis traced the origin of the long-grain allele to a Japonica-like ancestor and demonstrated introgression into the Indica gene pool. This study indicates a critical role for GS3 in defining the seed morphologies of modern subpopulations of O. sativa and enhances the potential for genetic manipulation of grain size in rice.
Invigorating an Honest Giant: How Integrated Studies Reduced UTCs and Improved Profitability in the Amin Field, South Oman
Authors: McKim N.B. , Jones B.H. , Ghammary A. , Al-Mufarji S. , Ormerod M.D. , Kuilman L.W. 
Published: June 2009

Abstract
The Amin Field is a large (120 km2) structure that contains 181MM m3STOIIP with an ultimate recovery of 18.4 MM m3. The field produces under strong bottom water drive, has dense and viscous crude and thin oil columns. Owing to the relatively poor production behaviour (rates from horizontal wells vary from &lt;10m3/d to 200m3/d)this field retained unit technical costs which made it uneconomic to develop. However, owing to its large STOIIP, appraisal drilling coupled with integrated studies of this strategic asset have been undertaken in order to improve its development economics. Organic geochemical analysis of well head samples showed the field to contain crudes with a markedly different degree of biodegradation, related to the timing of charge and proximity to the oil water contact. These data, combined with petrographic analyses of cores and side wall samplesdemonstrated a link between diagenesis, reservoir quality and hydrocarboncharge history. Seismic backstripping of the Amin Field highlighted areas of early closure that correspond to areas of good reservoir quality and high productivity wells. In other areas, where oil fill occurred later, enhanced diagenetic alteration of the sandstones resulted in the formation of smectitic clays that have severely reduced the reservoir quality and consequently well productivity. Collation of oil quality data has shown the field to be density/viscosity stratified, and oil quality maps, combined with reservoir quality maps from seismic backstripping, have been produced to allow the most profitable areas to be targetted. By a combination of appraisal drilling and integrated study work, UTCs of the Amin Field have been reduced by 50%, and full development of this major asset is now ongoing.
Employee Assistance Programs: A Global Behavioral Health Initiative and Business Strategy
Authors: Burgess Kenneth M. , von Vietinghoff-Scheel Konstantin 
Published: June 2009

Abstract
With the global expansion of U.S. companies, employee assistance programs (EAPs) are becoming increasingly recognized as effective in moving troubled workers to seek help. Many of these programs began as support services for U.S. expatriates and families, but rapid expansion to the national workforce is occurring in Canada, the United Kingdom, Continental Europe, Australia, South Africa, Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, Venezuela, Chile, the Caribbean, and Asia. The common denominator appears to be the recognition that workers in all cultures experience personal problems at quite similar rates, and that EAP is an effective business strategy for managing many types of personnel problems. Occupational physicians have played a significant role in the introduction and expansion of these services and many EAPs today are offered through their company's Medical Division.
The EAP movement began in North America. The name employee assistance program was coined by occupational alcoholism counselors hoping to decrease the stigma associated with their services (1972). Today's EAPs, though, are by no means a North American phenomenon. In fact, while the United States is credited with their origin, some of the most successful (best practice) EAPs are now found in other areas of the world.
This presentation will bring attendees up-to-date on developments in EAP and behavioral healthcare around the world, the cultural significance of this movement, as well as the health and business reasons behind it. Your authors will present a proven model for program implementation. This model takes cultural differences into consideration, yet provides a general template for those interested in implementing a program at their work site. A number of "best practice" approaches to employee assistance programming have been identified.
Effect of Oil Sand on the Growth of Corn
Authors: Yunshi Xiong 
Published: June 2009

Abstract
The oil sand is a byproduct in the exploitation of oil fields and how to make rational use of the oil sand is of great importance for the environmental protection because at present time a lot of oil sand exists in oil fields and remains useless.
A new method has been found to reuse the oil sand in this work. A series of comparison experiments have been done in sandy soil fields different amounts of oil sand were sprayed into cultivation soil and well-distributed by ploughing, then corn was planted. In the blank experiment corn was planted in the field of sandy soil without addition of oil sand.
The germination rate of corn increases with the increase of oil sand and is about twice as much as that of the blank experiment when the adding dose is less than 5 tons and the oil concentration in soil is less than 148.9 mg/kg. Then the germination rate of corn shows a decrease tendency with further addition of oil sand when its concentration is more than 148.9 mg/kg.
The growth height and yield of corn in small zone with suitable addition of oil sand (less than 3.33 tons per mu) achieved 1.4 times as much as that of the blank. Meanwhile, the growth height and yield of corn is only about 50–70% in contrast with the blank when adding dose is greater than 3.33 tons per mu.
The above-mentioned experimental results show that the growth of corn is accelerated by suitable addition of soil sand and inhibited by the existence of too much of oil sand. These results suggests that the oil sand can be reused effectively as an additive for the growth of corn.
Field Test of a Unique Phosphonate Scale Inhibitor for Extended-Life Squeeze Treatment in Sandstone
Authors: Przybylinski J. L. , Nguyen R. H. , Ruggeri J. W. 
Published: June 2009

Abstract
The Chevron field at Rangely Colorado is a mature field that is currently under water alternating gas (WAG) Carbon Dioxide flood. There is continuing concern that barium sulfate may form in the wells and calcite may form in surface facilities. Squeezing the wells to protect them from barium sulfate scale has been the best method of controlling the barium sulfate problem. Production is from sandstone, which makes it difficult to obtain optimal performance from scale squeeze treatments. For ten years these wells have been treated with good success using an acidic Diethylene Triamine PentaMethylene Phosponic Acid (DETPMP) type inhibitor. Likewise good squeeze results had been obtained in the North Sea sandstones for many years using DETPMP type inhibitors, but improved results were seen with PhosphonoMethylated PolyAmines (PMPA). Therefore it seemed logical to try the PMPA in this Colorado sandstone.
Four wells were squeezed with PMPA. Initial return curves were very promising. No large return spikes were seen, indicating that the inhibitor adsorbed very well. Within a few weeks residual levels fell to a very desirable level of 10 mg/l. Residuals then continued to fall to levels below the target level of about 5 ppm. However, there are no reports of scale in the well indicating that sufficient inhibitor is returning to control scale. By mass balance, 20 to 30% of the squeezed chemical returned after nine months. Most of that returned in the first few months after the squeeze. At current return levels, inhibitor could return for many years.
Innovative Method To Determine The Wax Content And The Wax Precipitation Temperature Simultaneously For Crude Oils At Pipeline Pressures
Authors: Davidsen S. , Hamouda A. A. 
Published: June 2009

Abstract
Wax content in oil and wax appearance temperature are important factors for simulation of the wax deposition profiles in pipelines. Standard acetone method (UOP method 46–64) or other slightly modified methods of this standard are traditionally used to determine the wax content in the oil. However, in order to determine the wax content at different temperatures, several runs have to be made. This is considered to be time consuming. This paper presents a new method / approach to determine the wax content of oil at different temperatures as well as the wax precipitation temperature from a single run. In this approach a correlation between the change in the density, due to the formation of the solid phase, and the weight fractions of different binary systems was made. For validation purpose of the developed method, a pure normal paraffin (&gt; 95) is prepared from different mixtures of the following components, n-C6, n-CIO, n-C20, n-C22, n-C24, n-C28, n-C32 andn-C36. A comparison between the standard method (UOP Method 46–64) and the developed method shows that the difference between the two methods is within 1–2 wt %. However, several runs are necessary for the standard method to quantify the wax content at different temperatures. While for the developed method the information is obtained from one run. From the same run, the wax precipitation temperature at the operation pressure can, also, be obtained. A good agreement (within 1–2°C) between predicted and measured WPT for defined binary systems above n-C17 is obtained. However, for crude oil systems, it was difficult to establish good correlation with the tested software and it was shown, in general not reported here, to be for most crude oils higher than that obtained by the viscometer.
Well Testing Technical Challenges in Deep Water Wells
Authors: Chassagne Alain , Louis Alain 
Published: June 2009

Abstract
After an encouraging exploration well discovery, there is an increasing trend to reduce the number of appraisal wells prior to development.
Simultaneously, management teams require early development studies, which call for a reliable set of reservoir and fluid data.
Service Companies offer today a vast catalogue of tools and techniques, allowing complete data acquisition, but tremendous drilling rig day rates and potential risks associated with dynamically positioned vessels, currently restrain operators from carrying out a thorough implementation of these testing techniques.
This paper discusses the challenge of data acquisition in deep water appraisal wells; it evidences the feasibility of an optimised program, by an early preparation (scenarios, equipment, modelling,..) and a multidisciplinary approach by the operator. A mutual understanding between the operator and the service companies, helps set the priorities of the well test as per its objectives, and stick to it in case of problem. There may not be another well to allow the access to this data, so let's get it right the first time !…
This paper is divided into three sections.
The first section is a review of the crucial data that must be acquired in order to enable preliminary studies, static and dynamic modelling, and to lead to production profile forecast. The related operating procedures, necessary to ensure good data quality are reviewed, and potential risks of any kind (to both data and safety) are highlighted.
The second section of the paper presents field examples from West Africa deep water wells, indicating the limits of the testing operations, as well as the high level of preparation required.
The last section is focused on the necessary technical innovations in well testing technology and procedures. In this particular area, the partnership with Service Companies, to meet operator's requirements and constraints, is discussed in detail.