bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Influence of ablative margin on local tumor progression and survival in patients with HCC ≤4 cm after laser ablation
Authors: Francica Giampiero , Petrolati Alesssandra , Di Stasio Enrico , Pacella Sara , Stasi Roberto , Pacella Claudio Maurizio 
Published: March 2012

Background Ablation of the normal hepatic parenchyma surrounding the tumor (ablative margin [AM]) is necessary to prevent local tumor progression. Purpose To assess the prognostic value of the ablative margin in patients with HCC ≤4 cm treated with US-guided laser ablation. Material and Methods A cohort of 116 patients (53 women and 63 men, age range 42–82 years) with 132 HCC nodules ≤4 cm completely ablated by US-guided laser ablation was retrospectively analyzed. Rates of local tumor progression were compared using different ablative margin cut-offs (≥2.5, 5.0, 7.5, and 10.0 mm). Survival probability curves were obtained with the Kaplan-Meier method. Results The mean period of follow-up was 42 months (range 3–114 months). Local tumor progression was identified in 24 out of 132 lesions (18%), with an average time to progression of 24 months (range 6–36 months). A significant difference in local tumor progression was observed only if the ablative margin was ≥7.5 mm (7% vs. 23%, P = 0.020). Survival curves of patients with or without an ablative margin ≥7.5 mm were not different ( P = 0.665; mean survival time 43.8 ± 3.1 and 46.8 ± 6.1 for an AM < or ≥7.5 mm, respectively). Conclusion An ablative margin ≥7.5 mm turned out to be useful in preventing local tumor progression but did not affect long-term survival in patients with HCC ≤4 cm treated with laser ablation.
1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3 and extracellular inorganic phosphate activate mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway through fibroblast growth factor 23 contributing to hypertrophy and mineralization in osteoarthritic chondrocytes
Authors: Orfanidou Timoklia , Malizos Konstantinos N , Varitimidis Sokratis , Tsezou Aspasia 
Published: March 2012

Hypertrophy and impaired mineralization are two processes closely associated with osteoarthritis (OA). 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1a,25(OH)2D3) and inorganic phosphate (Pi) are two important factors that are implicated in calcium and phosphate homeostasis of bone metabolism and both can be regulated by the circulating phosphaturic factor fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23). The objective of this study was to investigate the role of 1a,25(OH)2D3 and Pi and the molecular mechanism through which they contribute to hypertrophy and mineralization in human osteoarthritic chondrocytes. For this purpose, primary human chondrocytes were obtained from articular cartilage which was collected after total knee replacement surgery in OA patients. FGF23, fibroblast growth factor receptor 1c (FGFR1c), vitamin D3 receptor (VDR), and phosphate inorganic transporter-1 and -2 (PiT-1 and PiT-2) expression levels were evaluated and found to be significantly higher in OA chondrocytes compared with normal. In addition, we observed that the binding of FGF23 to FGFR1c was stronger in OA chondrocytes compared with normal. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assay revealed, for the first time, the presence of two vitamin D response elements (VDREs) in the FGF23 promoter. Treatment of normal chondrocytes with 1a,25(OH)2D3 or Pi resulted in significant up-regulation of VDR, FGF23, PiT-1, PiT-2 mRNA and protein levels, extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1/2 (ERK1/2) phosphorylation and induction of hypertrophy markers collagen type X (COL10A1), osteopontin (OPN), osteocalcin (OC), catabolic markers metalloproteinase-13 (MMP-13) and the apoptotic marker caspase-9. Furthermore, VDR silencing in OA chondrocytes negatively regulated FGF23, COL10A1, OPN, OC, MMP-13 and caspase-9 expressions and ERK1/2 phosphorylation. Finally, combined VDR silencing and PiT-1, PiT-2 inhibition in OA chondrocytes resulted in additive down-regulation of FGF23 expression, ERK1/2 activation and COL10A1, OPN, OC, MMP-13 and caspase-9 expression levels. We propose that 1a,25(OH)2D3 and Pi act synergistically through FGF23 signaling and ERK1/2 phosphorylation contributing to late hypertrophic events and impaired mineralization in osteoarthritic chondrocytes.
The cadaveric anatomy of the distal radius: implications for the use of volar plates
Authors: McCann PA , Clarke D , Amirfeyz R , Bhatia R 
Published: March 2012

INTRODUCTION Fractures of the distal radius are common upper limb injuries, representing a substantial proportion of the trauma workload in orthopaedic units. With ever increasing advancements in implant technology, operative intervention is becoming more frequent. As growing numbers of surgeons are performing operative fixation of distal radial fractures, an accurate understanding of the relevant surgical anatomy is paramount. The flexor carpi radialis (FCR) tendon forms the cornerstone of the Henry approach to the volar cortex of the distal radius. A number of key neurovascular structures around the wrist are potentially at risk during this approach, especially when the FCR is mobilised and placed under retractors. METHODS In order to clarify the safe margins of the FCR approach, ten fresh frozen human cadaver limbs were dissected. The location of the radial artery, the median nerve, the palmar cutaneous branch of the median nerve and the superficial branch nerve were measured with respect to the FCR tendon. Measurements were taken on a centre-to-centre basis in the coronal plane at the watershed level. In addition, the distances between the tendons of brachioradialis, abductor pollicis longus and flexor pollicis longus, and the radial artery and median nerve were measured to create a complete picture of the anatomy of the FCR approach to the distal radius. RESULTS The structure most at risk was the palmar cutaneous branch of the median nerve. It was located on average 3.4mm from the FCR tendon. The radial artery and the main trunk of the median nerve were located 7.8mm and 8.9mm from the tendon. The superficial branch of the radial nerve was 24.4mm from the FCR tendon and 11.1mm from the brachioradialis tendon. CONCLUSIONS Operative intervention is not without complication. We believe a more accurate understanding of the surgical anatomy is key to the prevention of neurovascular damage arising from the surgical management of distal radial fractures.
Arterial injuries at the elbow carry a high risk of muscle necrosis and warrant urgent revascularisation
Authors: Lowrie AG , Berry MG , Kirkpatrick JJR , Lees VC , McGrouther DA 
Published: March 2012

INTRODUCTION Revascularisation following axial arterial system injury is effective in upper limb salvage but necrosis of muscle, the tissue most sensitive to ischaemia, may still occur. We examined the frequency of necrosis, its related factors and its functional significance. METHODS The clinical findings and operative management of 13 patients with injuries at the elbow referred to 2 plastic surgical hand surgery units over a 30-month period were reviewed. Good outcome was defined as minimal impairment with return to previous occupation, intermediate outcome as moderate impairment with change in occupation and poor outcome as major functional loss preventing work. RESULTS Seven patients injured the brachial and six injured both the radial and ulnar arteries. Concomitant injuries were severe with nerve injuries in 11 and muscle damage in 12 patients. Functional outcome was good in four cases, intermediate in four and poor in five. Muscle necrosis developed in four brachial artery injuries. In all four cases, initial successful revascularisation failed post-operatively. Case review revealed delayed recognition in three cases where pain heralded ischaemia but distal skin circulation and pulses were adequate. Of patients with necrosis, three had a poor outcome and one had an intermediate outcome. CONCLUSIONS The risk of muscle necrosis must be considered when managing these injuries, particularly if initial revascularisation is unsuccessful. Every effort should be made to optimise repair technique and post-operative monitoring. Limb salvage is no longer enough. Fully viable muscle is necessary to restore function and livelihoods.
The effect of alcohol on surgical skills
Authors: Kirby G , Kapoor K , Das-Purkayastha P , Harries M 
Published: March 2012

INTRODUCTION The General Medical Council states ‘a surgeon must not work when their health state is adversely influenced by fatigue, disease, drugs or alcohol’. However, there are no defined criteria for acceptable blood alcohol levels when operating. The aim of this study was to measure the effect of varying amounts of alcohol on surgical dexterity, cognitive abilities and the social interactions required to ensure patient safety during a routine ear, nose and throat (ENT) operation. METHODS ENT surgeons were asked to perform a microlaryngoscopy with excision of a predetermined glottic lesion on a validated laryngeal model. The procedure was repeated four times over a period of four hours with varying doses of alcohol (no alcohol control, one glass, three glasses and six glasses of wine). The parameters recorded included theatre etiquette, surgical time, operative skills and patient safety. Scores were adjudicated by two independent observers. RESULTS The more glasses of wine consumed, the more detrimental the effect was on the surgical performance of all participants. There was a global reduction in ability of 7.25% after three glasses and 19.25% after six glasses of alcohol. No domain showed an improvement following sequential increase in blood alcohol concentration. CONCLUSIONS This study suggests that there are no deleterious effects on surgical performance following the consumption of one glass of wine 45 minutes prior to microlaryngoscopy among ENT surgeons of varying experience. However, there is clear evidence that with three or more glasses of wine there is an adverse effect on performance, with decreased surgical dexterity, cognition functions and professionalism.
Accuracy of prediction equations for calculating resting energy expenditure in morbidly obese patients
Authors: Ullah S , Arsalani-Zadeh R , MacFie J 
Published: March 2012

INTRODUCTION The accuracy of prediction equations for estimating resting energy expenditure (REE) in morbidly obese patients is unclear. The aim of this study was to compare the REE measured using bedside indirect calorimetry with commonly used prediction equations. METHODS A total of 31 morbidly obese patients were studied. Pre-operative REE was measured with indirect calorimetry and compared with estimated REE using the Harris–Benedict and Schofield equations. All patients subsequently underwent a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and measurements were repeated at six weeks and three months following surgery. RESULTS The mean age of the patients was 47 years. The mean pre-operative body mass index was 46kg/m2. The mean REE measured using indirect calorimetry was 1,980kcal/day. The estimated REE using the Harris–Benedict and Schofield formulae was 2,195 and 2,129kcal/day respectively. The equations overestimated REE by 10% and 7%. Body weight and body mass index reduced significantly following Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. There was no significant change in measured REE over the three-month period. After weight loss the difference between the estimated and measured REE reduced to 1–3%. CONCLUSIONS Prediction equations overestimate REE in morbidly obese patients. Their accuracy improved after surgery induced weight loss, confirming their validity for the normal weight population. Indirect calorimetry should be used in morbid obesity.
The role of H2O in controlling bond topology:I. The[6]Mg(SO4)(H2O)n(n= 0–11) structures
Authors: Hawthorne Frank C. , Sokolova Elena 
Published: March 2012

AbstractHere, we examine the role of (H2O) in controlling polymerization of structural units in simple hydrated oxysalt compounds of the form Mg(SO4)(H2O)n. As the number of (H2O) groups in the structure increases, the number ofM—M(M= Mg) linkages decreases in a 1 : 1 ratio with the (increasing) number of (H2O) groups until noM—Mlinkages are left, and then the number ofM—T(T= S) linkages decreases with the (increasing) number of (H2O) groups until noM—Tlinkages are left (atn= 6). The change in bond topology is monotonic as a function of (H2O) content except forn= 5 where, instead of replacing anM—Tlinkage, the fifth (H2O) group is held in the structure by hydrogen bonds only. The valence-sum rule of bond-valence theory constrains the anion-coordination numbers to [2], [3] and [4] in these structures. The handshaking lemma of graph theory allows us to derive an equation relating the coordination numbers of the cations (Mg = [6], S6+= [4], H = [2]) to the coordination numbers of the anions. There are four integer solutions to this equation, and the Mg(SO4)(H2O)nstructures correspond to two of these solutions. Structures are known forn= 0–2.5, 4–7, 11; considering the variations in connectivity and coordination number as a function ofn, a possible structural arrangement is proposed for Mg(SO4)(H2O)3.
Tasting the Brutality of Qaddafi's Regime
Authors: cheslow daniella 
Published: March 2012

Israeli-Tunisian artist Rafram Chaddad traveled to Libya in March 2010 to photograph the synagogues and cemeteries of Libya's vanished 2,500-year-old Jewish community. Libyan secret police arrested him and accused him of spying for Israel. Chaddad withstood electrocution, ten days with no sleep, and savage beatings with a lead pipe before spending months alone in a tiny cell. He was released five months later through back-channel negotiations. Today, what he remembers most is every dish his wardens served him, from cinnamon-stewed camel to stuffed tripe served over turmeric-saturated rice. His prison term sheds light on the brutality and curious generosity of jail under the deposed Muammar Qaddafi.
Chaddad's survival strategy revolved around food. Three times a day Chaddad would ask the prison guards for cooking advice as they delivered hot-foil meal trays to his cell. He marked time with tinfoil squares he ripped off the wrapping of grilled chicken. And he rejoiced in the small details of the food, such as dill on macaroni or dried mint in sorba, a tomato, meat, and lentil stew. In Chaddad's case, being a bon vivant was the best defense when all he had was a rotting gray mattress in a tiny room.
Novel Regulators of Planar Cell Polarity: A Genetic Analysis in Drosophila
Authors: Weber Ursula , Gault William J , Olguin Patricio , Serysheva Ekaterina , Mlodzik Marek 
Published: March 2012

Abstract
Planar cell polarity (PCP) is a common feature of many epithelia and epithelial organs. Although progress has been made in the dissection of molecular mechanisms regulating PCP, many questions remain. Here we describe a screen to identify novel PCP regulators in Drosophila. We employed mild gain-of-function (GOF) phenotypes of two cytoplasmic Frizzled (Fz)/PCP core components, Diego (Dgo) and Prickle (Pk), and screened these against the DrosDel genome-wide deficiency collection for dominant modifiers. Positive genomic regions were rescreened and narrowed down with smaller overlapping deficiencies from the Exelixis collection and RNAi-mediated knockdown applied to individual genes. This approach isolated new regulators of PCP, which were confirmed with loss-of-function analyses displaying PCP defects in the eye and/or wing. Furthermore, knockdown of a subset was also sensitive to dgo dosage or dominantly modified a dishevelled (dsh) GOF phenotype, supporting a role in Fz/PCP-mediated polarity establishment. Among the new “PCP” genes we identified several kinases, enzymes required for lipid modification, scaffolding proteins, and genes involved in substrate modification and/or degradation. Interestingly, one of them is a member of the Meckel-Gruber syndrome factors, associated with human ciliopathies, suggesting an important role for cell polarity in nonciliated cells.
Self-Assembly of Graphene Nanoribbons with Unsaturated Edges
Authors: Pang Andrew L. J. , Sorkin Viacheslav , Zhang Yong-Wei 
Published: March 2012

ABSTRACTWe studied the self-assembly mechanisms of Graphene Nanoribbon (GNR) with unsaturated edges and demonstrated the ability of GNR to self-assemble into novel stable structures. We proposed three mechanisms which dictate the self-assembly evolution of GNR with unsaturated edges. Using the Adaptive Intermolecular Reactive Empirical Bond-Order (AIREBO) potential, we performed molecular dynamics simulations on initially-planar GNRs with unsaturated edges. The simulation results showed that the self-assembly mechanisms and final conformations of the GNRs correlate well with the proposed GNR self-assembly mechanisms. Furthermore, the simulations also showed the ability of a narrow GNR to self-assemble into various nanostructures, such as tapered graphene nano-rings and graphene nanoscrolls with an embedded nanotube.
Nanoscale Heat Transport through Epitaxial Ultrathin Hetero Films: Bi(111)/Si(001) and Bi(111)/Si(111)
Authors: Hanisch-Blicharski Anja , Wall Simone , Kalus Annika , Frigge Tim , Horn- von Hoegen Michael 
Published: March 2012

ABSTRACTThe cooling process of ultrathin hetero films upon excitation with short laser pulses was studied for epitaxial Bi(111) films on Si(001) and Si(111) substrates by means of the Debye-Waller effect with ultrafast electron diffraction. From the exponential decay of the temperature, a cooling time constant was determined as a function of thickness for both substrates. For Bi/Si(111), a linear dependence between the decay constant and thickness was observed, even for 2.8 nm thin films , as predicted from the diffuse mismatch model (DMM) and the acoustic mismatch model (AMM). However, with Bi/Si(001), a significant deviation from this linear dependence was observed for film thicknesses below 5 nm.
Relationship Between Normal Serum Creatinine Concentration and Periodontal Disease in Japanese Middle‐Aged Males
Authors: Shimazaki Yoshihiro , Kushiyama Mitoshi , Murakami Masatoshi , Yamashita Yoshihisa 
Published: March 2012

Background: Periodontitis has been shown to be closely related to diabetes, which was recently found to be associated with lower serum creatinine. Conversely, several studies have suggested a positive relationship between periodontitis and abnormally high concentrations of serum creatinine associated with renal dysfunction, seemingly contradicting the above. This study evaluates periodontal status and serum levels of creatinine within the normal range to resolve this apparent contradiction.Methods: A comprehensive health examination of 907 Japanese males, 49 to 59 years old, was performed from 2000 to 2002. A blood sample was collected from the antecubital vein after an overnight fast. The periodontal parameters were periodontal probing depth (PD) and clinical attachment loss (AL). We examined the association between serum creatinine concentration within the normal range and periodontal parameters.Results: Serum creatinine concentration within the normal range was inversely correlated with mean PD and mean AL. In multivariate linear regression analyses, every 0.1‐mg/dL increment in serum creatinine concentration was associated with a 0.064‐mm decrease in both mean PD and mean AL (P <0.05) after adjusting for confounding variables.Conclusion: This study finds a significant inverse association between normal serum creatinine concentration and periodontal disease.
An Early Warning System for Identifying Drilling Problems: An Example From a Problematic Drill-Out Cement Operation in the North-Sea
Authors: Cayeux Eric , Daireaux Benoît , Dvergsnes Erik Wolden , Sælevik Gunnstein , Zidan Mohamed 
Published: March 2012

Abstract
We describe the validation of a software solution that automatically detects changes in downhole drilling conditions. Based on early warnings provided by the system, the drilling team can take pre-emptive action when conditions start to deteriorate. However, we have found that the decision maker takes time to build confidence that the reported symptoms, if ignored, will lead to a drilling incident.
To illustrate this problem, a particular BHA run, where the system has been used, is analyzed in detail. A leak-off test should have been performed after drilling out a 300m long cement plug. While drilling the cement, the system gave several warnings that the cuttings transport was poor. Nevertheless the decision was made to continue drilling. Close to the end of the plug, the hole started to pack off and shortly after, mud losses were experienced compromising the planned leak-off test. While pulling out of hole, the system triggered new warnings because of the possible presence of a cuttings bed. The decision was made to clean the hole thoroughly and at the second attempt, the subsequent trip out of hole was uneventful.
The principle of the system is to compare results from calibrated physical models of the well with surface and downhole measurements. The system analyses the following indicators continuously: sliding and rotational friction, downhole and pump pressure, free rotating weight deviations and pit volume variations. Experience has shown that using multiple symptoms to detect abnormal drilling conditions is essential because similar problems do not always present the same pattern of indicators.
The system has regularly shown its ability to provide early warning signs of changing downhole conditions well before an eventual incident. This consistency has helped build confidence amongst the decision makers who are then ready to take prompt actions in response to warnings.
Manufacturing Wells: Myth or Magic
Authors: de Wardt John P 
Published: March 2012

Abstract

Description
Manufacturing wells has been proffered as an opportunity to reduce the cost and increase the speed of construction for hydrocarbon production. There are a number of key caveats that must be addressed in order to progress this application of manufacturing techniques to well construction. This paper describes these caveats and the means to address them.

Application
The application of manufacturing techniques has been discussed in the industry for some years under the heading of factory style drilling. The progressive rise of drilling costs against low gas prices, the increase in pad drilling of horizontal wells for shale gas and liquids, the rising uptake of lump sum outsourced project managed wells primarily from NOC’s is creating an environment where the uptake of faster, lower cost well construction can accelerate.
The application described in this paper takes factory style drilling to the next level whereby the best attributes of manufacturing are applied through the full cycle of the well including the well components (not just the drilling process).

Results, Observations, Conclusions
Lean Manufacturing techniques have resulted in significant gains in the manufacturing industry: 50% time reduction and 25% improved quality. Similar results are being emulated in other industries that are adopting these techniques. Lean Drilling™ has set benchmarks in drilling and completion performance across the globe (ref SPE27476, SPE 59203, SPE87117). The rewards are immense and can significantly offset the rising cost of accessing hydrocarbons thus enabling greater exploitation of oil and gas reserves.
Correctly applied methods of Lean Manufacturing yield improved safety, functionality, quality, speed of construction and lowered costs. These methods also open the door to the application of automation throughout the supply chain thus gaining additional leverage on performance and cost.

Significance of Subject Matter
This paper will describe the history of Lean Manufacturing and under what circumstances it can be applied to wells construction. It will build on the differences between project type and various ongoing business type of wells as introduced in SPE 128716. It will lay out the opportunities and the barriers to this large opportunity for value generation. It will describe where it cannot, and should not be applied. A future outlook will address the industry shift to ever increasing factory style drilling and manufactured wells.