bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of the Different Transcervical Approaches for Zenker Diverticulum
Authors: Mantsopoulos Konstantinos , Psychogios Georgios , Künzel Julian , Zenk Johannes , Iro Heinrich , Koch Michael 
Published: January 2012

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to evaluate the results of open surgical techniques in the treatment of Zenker diverticulum.Study DesignCase series with chart review.SettingAcademic tertiary referral center.Subjects and MethodsFifty‐four patients with Zenker diverticulum were treated using a transcervical approach. Three with a Brombart I diverticulum underwent a simple myotomy of the cricopharyngeal muscle. Myotomy was combined with a diverticulum inversion in 14 patients and myotomy with diverticulectomy was performed in 37 patients. The surgical procedures were compared with regard to mean anesthesia time, duration of hospitalization, overall complication rate and rate of serious complications, recurrence rate, and follow‐up results.ResultsHospitalization times were significantly shorter in the inversion group (P =. 024). No statistically significant differences were observed between the transcervical modalities for any of the other variables investigated.ConclusionsInversion is an effective modality and is by definition less traumatic than traditional diverticulectomy. Although the size of the diverticulum appeared to be a helpful criterion, careful intraoperative evaluation is the key element in deciding which transcervical procedure should be used. In the authors’ view, inversion always should be considered if the individual anatomy of the diverticulum sac (in terms of pharyngeal pouch size and intactness of the mucosa) allows it.
Prenatal Development of the Maxillary Sinus
Authors: Nuñez‐Castruita Alfredo , López‐Serna Norberto , Guzmán‐López Santos 
Published: January 2012

ObjectiveTo review the prenatal development of the maxillary sinus under the perspective of the sinus surgery.Study DesignCross‐sectional study.SettingBasic embryology laboratory.Subjects and MethodsMorphometry and morphology of the maxillary sinus and its ostium were studied under stereomicroscopy in 100 human fetuses from the 9th to the 37th week. Fetuses were obtained from the Fetal Collection of the School of Medicine of the Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León. Approval was granted by the Ethics Committee. Statistics were applied.ResultsThe maxillary sinus begins its development at the 10th week. On the 37th week, the anterior‐posterior diameter has a mean of 4.36 mm; ossification of the medial wall was absent, and the floor was located below the attachment of the inferior turbinate. Septa and recesses were temporarily observed. Some variations in shape were observed; however, only the oval shape persisted. Maxillary sinus hypoplasia was not found, although asymmetry was present in 30% of cases. The ostium was located at the anterior third of the ethmoid infundibulum; its final dimensions were 1.96 mm in length and 0.44 mm in width. The mean length between the ostium to the lamina papyracea and nasolacrimal duct was 1 mm. One case of double maxillary sinus was observed. Significant difference between the variables, in accordance with the age, was found (P =. 02).ConclusionKnowledge of prenatal development of the maxillary sinus improves the perspective of the sinus surgeon and helps the understanding of postnatal anatomy, especially in children.
A Multimethod Approach to Identifying Norms and Normative Expectations Within a Corporate Hierarchy: Evidence from the Financial Services Industry
Authors: Burks Stephen V. , Krupka Erin L. 
Published: January 2012

We use an incentive-compatible economic experiment and surveys in the field at a large financial services firm to identify the norms for on-the-job behavior among financial advisers and their leaders, and the normative expectations each group has of the other. We examine whistle-blowing on a peer, an incentive clash between serving the client and earning commissions, and a dilemma about fiduciary responsibility to a client. We find patterns of agreement among advisers, among leaders, and between the two groups, that are consistent with company guidelines identified ex ante. However, we also find measurable differences between what leaders expect and the actual norms of advisers. When there is such a mismatch we are able to distinguish miscommunication from ethical disagreement between leaders and advisers. Finally, we show that when advisers' personal ethical opinions do not match group norms, this mismatch is correlated with job dissatisfaction and lying for money in a second experiment. This paper was accepted by Brad Barber, Teck Ho, and Terrance Odean, special issue editors.
Allelic Ratios and the Mutational Landscape Reveal Biologically Significant Heterozygous SNVs
Authors: Chu Jeffrey S-C , Johnsen Robert C , Chua Shu Yi , Tu Domena , Dennison Mark , Marra Marco , Jones Steven J M , Baillie David L , Rose Ann M 
Published: January 2012

AbstractThe issue of heterozygosity continues to be a challenge in the analysis of genome sequences. In this article, we describe the use of allele ratios to distinguish biologically significant single-nucleotide variants from background noise. An application of this approach is the identification of lethal mutations in Caenorhabditis elegans essential genes, which must be maintained by the presence of a wild-type allele on a balancer. The h448 allele of let-504 is rescued by the duplication balancer sDp2. We readily identified the extent of the duplication when the percentage of read support for the lesion was between 70 and 80%. Examination of the EMS-induced changes throughout the genome revealed that these mutations exist in contiguous blocks. During early embryonic division in self-fertilizing C. elegans, alkylated guanines pair with thymines. As a result, EMS-induced changes become fixed as either G→A or C→T changes along the length of the chromosome. Thus, examination of the distribution of EMS-induced changes revealed the mutational and recombinational history of the chromosome, even generations later. We identified the mutational change responsible for the h448 mutation and sequenced PCR products for an additional four alleles, correlating let-504 with the DNA-coding region for an ortholog of a NFκB-activating protein, NKAP. Our results confirm that whole-genome sequencing is an efficient and inexpensive way of identifying nucleotide alterations responsible for lethal phenotypes and can be applied on a large scale to identify the molecular basis of essential genes.
The Abundance of Deleterious Polymorphisms in Humans
Authors: Subramanian Sankar 
Published: January 2012

AbstractHere I show a gradual decline in the proportion of deleterious nonsynonymous SNPs (nSNPs) from tip to root of the human population tree. This study reveals that up to 48% of nSNPs specific to a single genome are deleterious in nature, which underscores the abundance of deleterious polymorphisms in humans.
High-Resolution Genome-Wide Analysis of Irradiated (UV and γ-Rays) Diploid Yeast Cells Reveals a High Frequency of Genomic Loss of Heterozygosity (LOH) Events
Authors: St. Charles Jordan , Hazkani-Covo Einat , Yin Yi , Andersen Sabrina L , Dietrich Fred S , Greenwell Patricia W , Malc Ewa , Mieczkowski Piotr , Petes Thomas D 
Published: January 2012

AbstractIn diploid eukaryotes, repair of double-stranded DNA breaks by homologous recombination often leads to loss of heterozygosity (LOH). Most previous studies of mitotic recombination in Saccharomyces cerevisiae have focused on a single chromosome or a single region of one chromosome at which LOH events can be selected. In this study, we used two techniques (single-nucleotide polymorphism microarrays and high-throughput DNA sequencing) to examine genome-wide LOH in a diploid yeast strain at a resolution averaging 1 kb. We examined both selected LOH events on chromosome V and unselected events throughout the genome in untreated cells and in cells treated with either γ-radiation or ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Our analysis shows the following: (1) spontaneous and damage-induced mitotic gene conversion tracts are more than three times larger than meiotic conversion tracts, and conversion tracts associated with crossovers are usually longer and more complex than those unassociated with crossovers; (2) most of the crossovers and conversions reflect the repair of two sister chromatids broken at the same position; and (3) both UV and γ-radiation efficiently induce LOH at doses of radiation that cause no significant loss of viability. Using high-throughput DNA sequencing, we also detected new mutations induced by γ-rays and UV. To our knowledge, our study represents the first high-resolution genome-wide analysis of DNA damage-induced LOH events performed in any eukaryote.
Characterization of ypa1 and ypa2, the Schizosaccharomyces pombe Orthologs of the Peptidyl Proyl Isomerases That Activate PP2A, Reveals a Role for Ypa2p in the Regulation of Cytokinesis
Authors: Goyal Anupama , Simanis Viesturs 
Published: January 2012

Abstract
The Schizosaccharomyces pombe septation initiation network (SIN) regulates cytokinesis. Cdc7p is the first kinase in the core SIN; we have screened genetically for SIN regulators by isolating cold-sensitive suppressors of cdc7-24. Our screen yielded a mutant in SPAC1782.05, one of the two fission yeast orthologs of mammalian phosphotyrosyl phosphatase activator. We have characterized this gene and its ortholog SPAC4F10.04, which we have named ypa2 and ypa1, respectively. We find that Ypa2p is the major form of protein phosphatase type 2A activator in S. pombe. A double ypa1–Δ ypa2–Δ null mutant is inviable, indicating that the two gene products have at least one essential overlapping function. Individually, the ypa1 and ypa2 genes are essential for survival only at low temperatures. The ypa2–Δ mutant divides at a reduced cell size and displays aberrant cell morphology and cytokinesis. Genetic analysis implicates Ypa2p as an inhibitor of the septation initiation network. We also isolated a cold-sensitive allele of ppa2, the major protein phosphatase type 2A catalytic subunit, implicating this enzyme as a regulator of the septation initiation network.
Formation Evaluation Enhancement and Approach in High Overpressure and Deep Reservoir
Authors: Gibrata Muhammad A , Ali Arfan , Somerville Jim M 
Published: January 2012

Abstract
Formation evaluation in overpressured reservoirs is very challenging due to abnormally high pressures, relatively high reservoir temperatures, uncertainty in the determination of reservoir rock properties and in fluid types and contacts. Accurate determination of these parameters is a key in obtaining a reliable hydrocarbon volume assessment which would otherwise lead to an uncertainty of hydrocarbon accumulation in these reservoirs and subsequently impose a risk in developing such reservoirs.
In this paper, we present an integrated approach for improved formation evaluation in overpressured reservoir rocks. The data used in this paper comes from two gas fields in Eastern Baram delta provincewhich is a sandstone reservoir separated by a fault. The approach makes use of various types of data including petrophysical, geological, reservoir, extracted core samples, downhole logs, in-situ fluid sampling, spill points, and saturation height data which provide key pieces of information in the evaluation of these reservoirs.
One of the key conclusions is that the porosity and permeability of cores in overpressure reservoirs have better quality preservation compared to normal/under pressure reservoir intervals. Also a unique trend of QV vs porosity was seen for overpressure and normal/under pressure reservoir rocks. There is an uncertainty in fluid contacts determination in the studied fields. The formation pressure andlog data have been utilized to identify fluid contacts in a few reservoirs. However there are still some contacts which can not be identified where no water zones have been penetrated. In such reservoirs, free water levels are determined using gas/oil down to (G/ODT) and spill point data.
Planning and Well Design for Kuwait Oil Company’s first North Kuwait Jurassic Horizontal Well - Case History
Authors: Al-Saeedi M. J. , Al-Fayez F. A. , Al-Enezi D.. , Mahesh V. S. , Saxena A. K. , Chimirala V.. , Mckinnell D. C. 
Published: January 2012

Abstract
Recent drilling activities in the State of Kuwait have focused on the search for high quality oil from the Jurassic formations. The wells drilled to these prospects are very challenging because of HPHT conditions, presence of high levels H2S and CO2, and narrow pore/fracture pressure windows.
The targeted Jurassic formations are the Najmah-Sargelu and Middle Marrat, which are located belowthe Gotnia salt/anhydrite. These reservoirs consist of layered shales and limestones, which can be highly fractured. One of the main challenges in the effective development of these reservoirs is the ability of the wells to access a permeable interconnected vertical fracture network. Horizontal well profiles increase the probability of crossing multiple fractures or fracture swams, resulting in high productivity and reserve recovery per well.
A ‘Conceptual Project’ was set up with the objective to design the first horizontal well to be drilled through the Najmah reservoir, in the North Kuwait fields. The challenges included;the establishment of an optimum well trajectory, drilling through the mobile salt section of the Gotnia at well inclinations above 60º, planning a pilot hole in the reservoir section to facilitate positioning of the lateral, identifying suitable water base mud system to improve image log quality, planning a high DLS openhole sidetrack just below 10 3/4" casing shoe and introducing a casing string (just above lateral) to address borehole stability concerns.
To address these challenges a team based approach was established between operator and contractors, to develop the well design, detailed engineering and operational procedures. This paper will describe the methodology adopted during this well design process and the technical challenges faced and overcome.
Paving the Road for the First Hydraulic Fracturing in Tight Gas Reservoirs in Offshore Abu Dhabi
Authors: Alzarouni Asim , Ghedan Shawket G 
Published: January 2012

AbstractThe paper contributes to the ongoing efforts of Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) to improve gas production and supply in view of increasing demand and diminishing conventional gas reservoirs in the region. The conditions of unconventional gas reservoirs with potentially economical volumes of gas in Abu Dhabi are tight abrasive deep sand reservoirs at high temperature. Thus it inevitably tests the limit of both conventional thinking and technology.Accurate prediction of well performance is a major challenge that arises during planning phase. The paper aims to simulate first hydraulic fracture in tight reservoirs of Abu Dhabi. The formation studied in this paper is characterized by quartizitic sandstone layers and variably colored shale and siltstones with thin layers of anhydrites from late Permian to carboniferous age and constitutes a reservoir rock at the lower permeability range less than 1 milli Darci.When fractured, the expected well flow rates of the offshore deep gas wells could reach levels similar to production flow rates in tight gas reservoirs encountered elsewhere in the region. Flow is described as transient initially with high production rates and rapidly declining towards pseudo-steady production at lower but economical rates.The unknown tectonics in a new area represents the higheset uncertainty. In fact hydraulic fracture is a test of the tectonics if all others factors are known. An earth model was built and tested based on data and core plug samples from two offset wells. The reservoir and core analysis indicated some contrast over the structure which may add complexity in different locations of same field but nevertheless it is possible to design selective treatment with good fracture containment and therefore acceptable simulation results. A strategy that is flexible at this stage is of highest value whereby concrete measurable steps are taken to confirm technology is implemented safely and efficiently in order to pave the road towards a clean energy resource in the future.
Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor, Adiponectin, and Proinflammatory Markers in Various Subtypes of Depression in Young Men
Authors: Su Sheng-Chiang , Sun Ming-Tsung , Wen Min-Jie , Lin Chin-Jung , Chen Yi-Chyan , Hung Yi-Jen 
Published: January 2012

Objectives: We aimed to investigate levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), adiponectin, and proinflammatory cytokines in various subtypes of depression in a cohort of young men. Methods: Sixty-two men 18–30 years of age were recruited for the study. Forty-two were newly diagnosed with depression according to DSM-IV criteria and were divided into three subtypes: reactive depression ( n = 13), major depression ( n = 18), and bipolar depression ( n = 10). Controls included 21 young men without significant clinical morbidity. Serum levels of BDNF, adiponectin, high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were measured. Results: Serum BDNF was significantly lower and TNF-α significantly higher than controls for all subtypes of depression. No statistically significant differences between subtypes were found for BDNF, adiponectin, hsCRP, TNF-α, or IL-6. Although established diagnosis of depression and level of TNF-α were found to independently affect BDNF level in depressed subjects, they executed inverse effects. No associations were found between BDNF and adiponectin, hsCRP, TNF-α, or IL-6 in any depressed subject, showing that decreased BDNF in depression is influenced by multiple factors and complex mechanisms, including environmental and genetic concerns. No influence of age on BDNF level was found in any depressive subtype. Conclusions: Our results lend support to the cytokine and neurotrophic hypotheses of depression by demonstrating significantly lower levels of BDNF in all subtypes of depression. The mechanism underlying this phenomenon is uncertain and assumed to be multifactorial. Development of novel antidepressant treatments will require a multidisciplinary approach.
When Breast Cancer Survivors Report Cognitive Problems at Work
Authors: Todd Briana L. , Feuerstein Erica L. , Feuerstein Michael 
Published: January 2012

Objective: Breast cancer survivors (BCS) who wish to stay actively employed following primary treatment of cancer may experience cognitive problems at work. Management of these cognitive problems may need to focus on associated symptoms. The current study determined whether fatigue and depressive symptoms, which can co-occur with one another, are independently and/or interactively related to cognitive limitations at work. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted. BCS ( n = 133) and a non-cancer comparison group (NCCG; n = 122) completed measures of work-related cognitive limitations, fatigue, and depression. Results: Three years post primary treatment, BCS reported higher levels of fatigue ( p = 0.001), depressive symptoms ( p = 0.001), and work related cognitive limitations ( p = 0.001) than the NCCG. Fatigue and depressive symptoms were each independently associated with cognitive limitations in both those with and without a history of cancer. Conclusions: When BCS report problems with cognitive abilities at work along with fatigue and depressive symptoms, it is important to recognize that these symptoms can be independently related to cognitive limitations. This study also suggests that management of symptoms of fatigue and depression may benefit from different approaches when improvement in cognitive function at work is a desired outcome.
Shared Care between Specialized Psychiatric Services and Primary Care: The Experiences and Expectations of Consultant Psychiatrists in Ireland
Authors: Agyapong Vincent I. O. , Conway Catherine , Guerandel Allys 
Published: January 2012

Background: Internationally, there has been a growing interest in the pursuit of collaborative forms of care for patients with enduring mental health difficulties. Objective: The study aims to explore the views of consultant psychiatrists in Ireland on shared care between specialized psychiatric services and primary care for patients with mental health difficulties. Method: A self-administered questionnaire was designed and posted to 470 consultant psychiatrists who are members of the College of Psychiatry of Ireland. Stamped self-addressed envelopes were included for the return of completed questionnaires. Results: Overall, 213 questionnaires were returned, giving a response rate of 45%. Of the respondents, 194 (91%) reported that they would support a general policy on shared care between primary care and specialized psychiatric services for patients who are stable on their treatment. However, 181 (85%) reported that they foresaw difficulties for patients in implementing such a policy including: increased financial burden on some patients (141, 66%); some patients may lack confidence in GP care (100, 47%); primary care is not adequately resourced with allied health professionals to support provision of psychiatric care (128, 60%); primary care providers are not adequately trained to provide psychiatric care (111, 52%); and lack of adequate cooperation between primary care and specialized mental health services (96, 45%). Conclusion: The Irish government and the Colleges of General Practitioners and Psychiatrists in Ireland need to work together to remove the bottlenecks that hinder the active involvement of primary care in the management of patients with enduring mental health difficulties. Also, the health care systems need to be organized along a shared care model to facilitate effective collaboration between primary and specialized psychiatric services.
A Spirituality Teaching Program for Depression: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Rickhi Badri , Moritz Sabine , Reesal Robin , Xu Tracy Jing , Paccagnan Patti , Urbanska Barbara , Liu Ming Fu , Ewing Helen , Toews John , Gordon James , Quan Hude 
Published: January 2012

Objective: This randomized controlled trial assessed the efficacy of a Spirituality Teaching Program to treat unipolar major depression. Method: A randomized controlled, assessor blinded trial design was used. A total of 84 individuals aged 18 years or older with unipolar major depression of mild to moderate severity were recruited in Calgary, Canada and randomized to two study arms: 1) Spirituality Teaching Program Group (8 week, home-based Spirituality Teaching Program); and 2) Waitlist Control Group (no intervention followed by Spirituality Teaching Program starting at week 9). Outcome measures (depression severity, response rate, remission rate) were assessed at baseline, 8, 16, and 24 weeks using the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D). Results: The two trial groups were similar in their demographic and disease characteristics at baseline. At the 8-week point, the change in depression severity was significantly different between the two groups (change in HAM-D score: 8.5 for the Spirituality Group and 2.3 for the Waitlist Control Group, p < 0.001). The Spirituality Teaching Program Group had significantly higher response (36% vs. 4.4%, p < 0.001) and remission rates (31% vs. 4.4%, p < 0.001) than the Waitlist Control Group. The benefits remained throughout the observation period for the Spirituality Teaching Program Group participants with response rates of 56.4% at 16 weeks and 58.9% at 24 weeks. Conclusion: The Spirituality Program significantly reduced depression severity and increased response and remission rates. This non-drug treatment program should be investigated further as a treatment option for depression.