bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison of the effects of vitamin D products in a psoriasis plaque test and a murine psoriasis xenograft model
Authors: Kvist Peter H , Svensson Lars , Hagberg Oskar , Hoffmann Vibeke , Kemp Kaare , Røpke Mads A 
Published: December 2009

AbstractThe aim of the present study was to compare the effects of Daivobet®and calcipotriol on clinical score and biomarker responses in a modified version of the Scholtz-Dumas psoriasis plaque assay. Furthermore, it was the aim to compare the effects of calcipotriol and betamethasone in the murine psoriasis xenograft model. Twenty four patients with psoriasis were treated topically once daily for three weeks, whereas the grafted mice were treated for four weeks. Clinical responses were scored twice weekly and biopsies were taken at the end of each study to analyse for skin biomarkers by histology and immunohistochemistry. The results clearly demonstrate effects on both clinical signs and biomarkers. In the patient study the total clinical score was reduced significantly with both Daivobet®and calcipotriol. Both treatments reduced epidermal thickness, Ki-67 and cytokeratin 16 expression. T cell infiltration was significantly reduced by Daivobet®but only marginally by calcipotriol. Both treatments showed strong effects on the epidermal psoriatic phenotype.Results from the xenograft model essentially showed the same results. However differences were observed when investigating subtypes of T cells.The study demonstrates the feasibility of obtaining robust biomarker data in the psoriasis plaque test that correlate well with those obtained in other clinical studies. Furthermore, the biomarker data from the plaque test correlate with biopsy data from the grafted mice.
Evaluation of population impact of candidate polymorphisms for coronary heart disease in the Framingham Heart Study Offspring Cohort
Authors: Yan Yu , Hu Yijuan , North Kari E , Franceschini Nora , Lin Danyu 
Published: December 2009

Abstract
In order to evaluate the population impact of putative causal genetic variants over the life course of disease, we extended the static estimation of population-attributable risk fraction and developed a novel tool to evaluate how the population impact changes over time using the Framingham Heart Study Offspring Cohort data provided to the Genetic Analysis Workshop 16, Problem 2. A set of population-attributable risk fractions based on survival functions were estimated under the proportional hazards models. The development of this novel measure of population impact creates a more comprehensive estimate of population impact over the life course of disease, which may help us to better understand genetic susceptibility at the population level.
Memory management in genome-wide association studies
Authors: Chen Xiang , Zhang Meizhuo , Wang Minghui , Zhu Wensheng , Cho Kelly , Zhang Heping 
Published: December 2009

Abstract
Genome-wide association is a powerful tool for the identification of genes that underlie common diseases. Genome-wide association studies generate billions of genotypes and pose significant computational challenges for most users including limited computer memory. We applied a recently developed memory management tool to two analyses of North American Rheumatoid Arthritis Consortium studies and measured the performance in terms of central processing unit and memory usage. We conclude that our memory management approach is simple, efficient, and effective for genome-wide association studies.
ERCC2, ERCC1 polymorphisms and haplotypes, cooking oil fume and lung adenocarcinoma risk in Chinese non-smoking females
Authors: Yin Zhihua , Su Meng , Li Xuelian , Li Mingchuan , Ma Rui , He Qincheng , Zhou Baosen 
Published: December 2009

Abstract

Background
Excision repair cross-complementing group 1 (ERCC1) and group 2 (ERCC2) proteins play important roles in the repair of DNA damage and adducts. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of DNA repair genes are suspected to influence the risk of lung cancer. This study aimed to investigate the association between the ERCC2 751, 312 and ERCC1 118 polymorphisms and the risk of lung adenocarcinoma in Chinese non-smoking females.

Methods
A hospital-based case-control study of 285 patients and 285 matched controls was conducted. Information concerning demographic and risk factors was obtained for each case and control by a trained interviewer. After informed consent was obtained, each person donated 10 ml blood for biomarker testing. Three polymorphisms were determined by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method.

Results
This study showed that the individuals with the combined ERCC2 751AC/CC genotypes were at an increased risk for lung adenocarcinoma compared with those carrying the AA genotype [adjusted odds ratios (OR) 1.64, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.06-2.52]. The stratified analysis suggested that increased risk associated with ERCC2 751 variant genotypes (AC/CC) was more pronounced in individuals without exposure to cooking oil fume (OR 1.98, 95%CI 1.18-3.32) and those without exposure to fuel smoke (OR 2.47, 95%CI 1.46-4.18). Haplotype analysis showed that the A-G-T and C-G-C haplotypes were associated with increased risk of lung adenocarcinoma among non-smoking females (ORs were 1.43 and 2.28, 95%CIs were 1.07-1.91 and 1.34-3.89, respectively).

Conclusion

ERCC2 751 polymorphism may be a genetic risk modifier for lung adenocarcinoma in non-smoking females in China.
Generalized tetanus in a 4-year old boy presenting with dysphagia and trismus: a case report
Authors: de Jong Petrus Rudolf , de Heer-Groen Thea , Schröder Cornelis Hendrik , Jansen Nicolaas Johannes Georgius 
Published: December 2009

Abstract

Introduction
The low incidence of tetanus in developed countries has resulted in a decreased vigilance of this disease. This raises concern, as the prodromal stadium of a generalized tetanus infection may lack the characteristic paroxysmal muscle spasms. Tetanus can rapidly progress into life-threatening muscle spasms accompanied by respiratory insufficiency and/or autonomic dysfunction. This emphasizes the need for early diagnosis and treatment.

Case presentation
A 4-year-old Caucasian boy presented with a one-week history of general malaise, mild fever, indolence and anorexia. He subsequently developed dysphagia, sialorrhoea, difficulties opening the mouth and eventually dehydration. Due to parental concerns about the boy's refusal of fluids, a pediatrician was consulted. At that time of presentation he showed signs of trismus and muscle rigidity. Together with the lack of immunization and a toe nail infection, this lead to the suspicion of a generalized tetanus infection. After sedation, endotracheal intubation and ventilation, passive immunization and initiation of antimicrobial treatment, he was immediately transferred to a pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) for further treatment. The frequency and severity of paroxysmal muscle spasms increased progressively during his PICU stay, despite high doses of sedatives. Not before two weeks after admittance, extubation and careful weaning off sedatives was achieved.

Conclusion
Tetanus infection remains a rare but potentially lethal disease in developed countries. As the full scope of classical symptoms may be absent at first presentation, tetanus should always be considered in non-immunized patients with an acute onset of dysphagia and trismus.
Weed Eradication—An Economic Perspective
Authors: Panetta F. Dane 
Published: December 2009

AbstractThere has been recent interest in determining the upper limits to the feasibility of weed eradication. Although a number of disparate factors determine the success of an eradication program, ultimately eradication feasibility must be viewed in the context of the amount of investment that can be made. The latter should reflect the hazard posed by an invasion, with greater investment justified by greater threats. In simplest terms, the effort (and hence investment) to achieve weed eradication comprises the detection effort required to delimit an invasion plus the search and control effort required to prevent reproduction until extirpation occurs over the entire infested area. The difficulty of estimating the required investment at the commencement of a weed eradication program (as well as during periodic reviews) is a serious problem. Bioeconomics show promise in determining the optimal approach to managing weed invasions, notwithstanding ongoing difficulties in estimating the costs and benefits of eradication and alternative invasion management strategies. A flexible approach to the management of weed invasions is needed, allowing for the adoption of another strategy when it becomes clear that the probability of eradication is low, owing to resourcing or intractable technical issues. Whether the considerable progress that has been achieved towards eradication of the once massive witchweed invasion can be duplicated for other weeds of agricultural systems will depend to a large extent upon investment (> $250 million over 50 yr in this instance). Weeds of natural ecosystems seem destined to remain more difficult eradication targets for a variety of reasons, including higher impedance to eradication, more difficulty in valuing the benefits arising from eradication, and possibly less willingness to pay from society at large.
Nonchemical Methods for Managing Japanese Stiltgrass (Microstegium vimineum)
Authors: Flory S. Luke , Lewis Jason 
Published: December 2009

AbstractChemical, mechanical, and biological methods are used to manage invasive plants, but their effectiveness at removing specific plant invaders while preserving native communities varies widely. Chemical methods are used most extensively but the nontarget effects of some herbicides can have lasting effects on native plants. Nonchemical methods are needed for sites containing rare or threatened native species and where the cost of herbicides is prohibitive. Here we evaluate multiple nonchemical methods for removing Japanese stiltgrass, a nonnative annual grass that is rapidly invading eastern U.S. forests. We applied mowing, hand weeding, and spring and fall fire treatments to replicated plots at three forested sites in southern Indiana and compared the response of Japanese stiltgrass and native plants to untreated reference plots. Mowing and fall fires applied just before seed set were the most effective methods for removing Japanese stiltgrass. Mowing decreased invader cover by 70% and biomass by 95%, whereas fall fires reduced cover by 79% and biomass by 90% compared to reference plots. Spring fire reduced Japanese stiltgrass cover, but not biomass, and hand weeding did not significantly reduce invader cover or biomass compared to untreated plots. There were no significant differences in the response of the overall native plant community or of specific native plant functional groups to the removal treatments. In summary, mowing and properly timed fall fires may be effective nonchemical methods for managing Japanese stiltgrass invasions and restoring native communities. Future research should focus on evaluating the responses of Japanese stiltgrass, native species, and other plant invaders to removal treatments conducted over successive growing seasons across a range of invaded habitats.
Chinese Privet (Ligustrum sinense) Removal and its Effect on Native Plant Communities of Riparian Forests
Authors: Hanula James L. , Horn Scott , Taylor John W. 
Published: December 2009

AbstractChinese privet is a major invasive shrub within riparian zones throughout the southeastern United States. We removed privet shrubs from four riparian forests in October 2005 with a Gyrotrac® mulching machine or by hand-felling with chainsaws and machetes to determine how well these treatments controlled privet and how they affected plant community recovery. One year after shrub removal a foliar application of 2% glyphosate was applied to privet remaining in the herbaceous layer. Three “desired-future-condition” plots were also measured to assess how well treatments shifted plant communities toward a desirable outcome. Both methods completely removed privet from the shrub layer without reducing nonprivet shrub cover and diversity below levels on the untreated control plots. Nonprivet plant cover on the mulched plots was > 60% by 2007, similar to the desired-future-condition plots and higher than the hand-felling plots. Both treatments resulted in higher nonprivet plant cover than the untreated controls. Ordination showed that after 2 yr privet removal plots were tightly grouped, suggesting that the two removal techniques resulted in the same plant communities, which were distinctly different from both the untreated controls and the desired-future-condition. Both treatments created open streamside forests usable for recreation and other human activities. However, much longer periods of time or active management of the understory plant communities, or both, will be required to change the forests to typical mature forest plant communities.
In Situ Stress Pattern and its Impact in Drilling High-Angle Wells in Gulf of Suez, Egypt
Authors: Dutta Dhruba J. , Fotoh Ahmed Abu El , Juandi Dedi 
Published: December 2009

Abstract
Borehole instability, in most of the cases, is a direct reflection of earth's in situ stress state. It is well known that the stress distribution around the wellbore induces deformation depending on many factors ranging from wellbore pressure history and rock strength to the trajectory orientation.
A stress direction map is generated for the GoS from observations of borehole breakout detected in multi-arm-caliper logs and other log data base, viz., electrical Images and sonic logs. In vertical wells, the maximum tangential stress around borehole can produce breakouts and their orientation indicates the direction of minimum in situ horizontal stress (Sh). In the case of deviated wells, a stress-tensor diagram defines Sh direction with reasonable accuracy, provided wells cover wide range of deviation angle and azimuth
The current study indicates that Sh in GoS is aligned along two major trends. The main NNE – SSW trend, with average orientation of N10degE, exists in most of the region. The second trend is aligned NE – SW and observed locally at the central eastern and south-western part of GoS, with an average orientation of N50degE. Most studies of the structural and tectonic history of the GoS have identified two age significant orientations for this extensional rift. The early to middle Miocene rifting, responded to a Sh direction of N55-60degE (rift-climax). The younger stress fields of the Late Miocene and Pliocene times rotated progressively counterclockwise to a N15–25degE direction that persisted into early-late Pleistocene time. The dominant in situ stress orientation trend, identified in this study, therefore, is mainly controlled by this younger stress field of the GoS rifting.
In situ stress directions have strong impact in drilling high angle wells in GoS. Proper placement of well trajectory with respect to in situ stress reduces instability in drilling. The paper exhibits example of directional sensitivity of well trajectory and successful drilling campaign based on the developed stress map.
A Novel Technology for Through Tubing Perforation in Highly Deviated Wells Where Electric Line Is Limited
Authors: Ifediora Emmanuel , Ibrahim Charles , Ekeke Davis , Nwaochei Francis , Ogugua Emeka , Ene Emeka C. , Orumwese Sylvester , Idedevbo Kingsley 
Published: December 2009

Abstract
Electric line remedial work such as through tubing perforation has been successfully carried out in most vertical/deviated wells. However, in high angle/horizontal wells it has become a major undertaking due to inability of the gravity-assisted, electric line to convey perforating guns to angles greater than 65°. With this electric line limitation, the options available for deploying the guns are limited to wireline tractor and e-coiled tubing since most through tubing perforation are done in real time. Apart from space constraint at the wellsite and cumbersome logistics, the main set back with the e-coil is its unavailability, while the tractor has high operational cost. This paper outlines the successful perforation of horizontal wells in the Niger Delta while addressing the operational issues encountered.
The first case history is Addax ORW-11H, a horizontal well planned to have the lateral section slimmed down to 6 in. hole. After successfully drilling the hole to target depth (TD), a 6-in. hole-opener was deployed on 3&frac12; in. drill pipe to condition the well before running the 4&frac12; in. liner. In an attempt to re-run the hole-opener, the bottomhole assembly (BHA) got stuck 20 ft off target depth. After several unsuccessful attempts to recover the BHA, it was decided to perforate the 3&frac12; in. drill pipe to provide a conduit for production. The challenge was deploying the gun at 90°deviation, correlating and perforating on depth without e-coil. This was overcome by using an intelligent memory correlating and perforating tool to perforate the drill pipe and communicate with the reservoir. On completion, the well delivered 1,400 bopd with 0% water cut.
The second case history is Chevron Okan Well Y, which was drilled and completed as a horizontal gravity waterflood injection well. The initial 20,000-bwpd water injection began to drop and later quit due to sand accumulation and plugging. After an unsuccessful sand cleanout, the proposed remedial action was to add 40 ft of additional perforations shallower in the target reservoir to provide access for the desired injection rates for the well and help increase recovery. Initial attempt to run electric line to TD failed due to inclination of over 77°, but the well was later perforated successfully using the same novel technology with significant cost reduction.
Production and Utilization of Natural Gas Resources in Nigeria- A Review
Authors: Akpan S. E. 
Published: December 2009

ABSTRACT
Natural gas is associated gas produced from underground accumulations and consists largely of methane (CH4) and other light hydrocarbons. It has been used commercially as a fuel for centuries in America and China. According to USEIA, improved technology such as horizontal drilling allows economic production of resources in deep water and unconventional resources. Horizontal drilling is found to be the fast method used to produce natural gas from geologic formations. Due to the variety of natural gas constituents, it finds wide application either as an energy source or as feedstock to the chemical and petrochemical industries. Literature shows that vast amount of these gas are being used by few of our chemical industries. The only way-out for harnessing the nation's natural gas is to encourage the establishment of gas-based petrochemical complexes that can consume large volume needed to eliminate gas flaring. Nigeria can make steady foreign exchange earnings on the long term by properly harnessing their natural gas through establishing a gas based petrochemical industries.
Postoperative Astigmatism and Axis Stability After Implantation of the STAAR Toric Implantable Collamer Lens
Authors: Park Sung Chul , Kwun Young Kyo , Chung Eui-Sang , Ahn Kyeon , Chung Tae-Young 
Published: December 2009

Purpose:
To evaluate the efficacy, safety, and rotational and footplate stability of the STAAR Toric Implantable Collamer Lens (TICL; STAAR Surgical Co) for correction of myopic astigmatism.

Methods:
In this prospective, consecutive, interventional case series, a TICL was implanted uneventfully in 30 consecutive eyes of 20 patients with myopia and astigmatism. The uncorrected visual acuity, best spectacle-corrected visual acuity, refraction, and astigmatism were measured preoperatively and at last follow-up. To evaluate postoperative axis deviation from the intended axis and footplate displacement, a digital anterior segment photograph was taken after full mydriasis and ultrasound biomicroscopy for the four footplates of the TICL in each eye at last follow-up. Possible risk factors for TICL rotation were analyzed through correlation analysis.

Results:

After mean follow-up of 7.6 months, the mean refractive astigmatism decreased from 2.43±1.24 diopters (D) preoperatively to 0.73±0.47 D postoperatively, and the mean difference between intended and achieved TICL axes was 4.03±3.39°. The absolute value of TICL rotation had significant correlation with the spherical power of the TICL (
P
=.037). The footplates of all TICLs were in situ in the ciliary sulcus except for one case in which one of the four footplates was located below the ciliary sulcus.

Conclusions:

Implantation of the STAAR TICL appears to be an effective and safe method for correction of myopic astigmatism. No clinically significant rotation or footplate displacement of the TICLs was detected postoperatively during mean follow-up of 7.6 months. [
J Refract Surg.
2009;25:403–409.]
Improvement of Functional Visual Acuity After Cataract Surgery in Patients With Good Pre- and Postoperative Spectacle-corrected Visual Acuity
Authors: Yamaguchi Takefumi , Negishi Kazuno , Dogru Murat , Saiki Megumi , Tsubota Kazuo 
Published: December 2009

Purpose:
To report the changes in functional visual acuity in cataract surgery patients with good pre- and postoperative visual acuity.

Methods:
Functional visual acuity was evaluated in 13 eyes of 10 patients before and 1 month after phacoemulsification with implantation of acrylic intraocular lenses. Pre- and postoperative best spectacle-corrected visual acuities (BSCVA) were better than 20/25 in all patients. Low contrast visual acuity and Schirmer tests were also performed before and after surgery.

Results:

Mean pre- and postoperative logMAR BSCVA were −0.02±0.06 and −0.05±0.04, respectively (
P
>.05). Mean preoperative logMAR functional visual acuity improved from 0.29±0.17 to 0.092±0.13 postoperatively (
P
<.05). The visual maintenance ratio in functional visual acuity and low contrast visual acuity also improved significantly after cataract surgery (
P
<.05).

Conclusions:

Measurement of functional visual acuity seems to be useful in the evaluation of timing of surgery, visual quality, and changes in kinetic vision after phacoemulsification surgery. [
J Refract Surg
. 2009;25:410–415.]
Laserinterferometric Measurements of Accommodative Changes in the Position of an Optic-shift Intraocular Lens
Authors: Uthoff Detlef , Holland Detlef , Hepper Daniel , Gulati Amit , Koch Lioba , Haigis Wolfgang 
Published: December 2009

Purpose:
To measure optically and pharmacologically induced movement of an optic-shift intraocular lens (HumanOptics 1CU).

Methods:
The change in position as well as the accommodative effect of the 1CU was determined using an anterior chamber laser interferometer (Zeiss ACMaster) in 15 eyes of 9 patients. Accommodation was induced by optical stimulus and pharmacologically by pilocarpine 2%.

Results:
The mean forward movement due to optical-induced accommodation stimulation was 5±14 µm (range: −10 to +40 µm). Pharmacological stimulation with 2% pilocarpine caused mean anterior movements of 93±162 µm (range: −321 to +402 µm).

Conclusions:

A maximum accommodative effect of 0.50 diopters was measured with this method. This relatively small accommodative effect of the 1CU is in agreement with other studies. Pharmacologically induced optic shift differs significantly from optically induced shift and allows no conclusion on a clinically expected accommodative effect. [
J Refract Surg
. 2009;25:416–420.]