bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Distribution of Anopheles in Vietnam, with particular attention to malaria vectors of the Anopheles minimus complex
Authors: Garros Claire , Van Nguyen Cam , Trung Ho Dinh , Van Bortel Wim , Coosemans Marc , Manguin Sylvie 
Published: January 2008

Abstract

Background
The distribution of anopheline mosquitoes in Vietnam was examined, with a particular interest for the two sibling species of the Anopheles minimus complex (Cellia: Myzomyia), An. minimus and Anopheles harrisoni, respectively former species A and C. Because the morphological identification of both sibling species is difficult and may lead to misidentifications, accurate data on their respective distribution are missing. This is of fundamental importance since the two species seem to exhibit differential vectorial capacities for malaria transmission.

Methods
Large entomological surveys based on cattle collections and molecular identifications of An. minimus s.l. were carried out in 23 sites throughout northern, central and south-eastern regions of Vietnam.

Results
Based on previous molecular works and our data, the distribution of anopheline species and the relative densities of An. minimus and An. harrisoni were mapped. It is noteworthy that there was a high specific biodiversity at each study site. Anopheles minimus s.l. and Anopheles sinensis were the main anopheline species in the northern region, whereas Anopheles aconitus and Anopheles vagus were the most frequent ones in the central region. The southern limit of An. harrisoni was increased to the latitude of 11°N. Sympatry between both sibling species has been extended to new provinces.

Conclusion
Malaria transmission is still high in central Vietnam and along bordering countries. Therefore, it is important to know and map the precise distribution of the main and secondary malaria vectors in Vietnam for applying efficient vector control programmes. Moreover, these maps should be regularly updated and linked to environmental characteristics relative to disease epidemiology, and environmental and climatic changes occurring in southeast Asia.
p53 represses human papillomavirus type 16 DNA replication via the viral E2 protein
Authors: Brown Craig , Kowalczyk Anna M , Taylor Ewan R , Morgan Iain M , Gaston Kevin 
Published: January 2008

AbstractBackgroundHuman papillomavirus (HPV) DNA replication can be inhibited by the cellular tumour suppressor protein p53. However, the mechanism through which p53 inhibits viral replication and the role that this might play in the HPV life cycle are not known. The papillomavirus E2 protein is required for efficient HPV DNA replication and also regulates viral gene expression. E2 represses transcription of the HPV E6 and E7 oncogenes and can thereby modulate indirectly host cell proliferation and survival. In addition, the E2 protein from HPV 16 has been shown to bind p53 and to be capable of inducing apoptosis independently of E6 and E7.ResultsHere we use a panel of E2 mutants to confirm that mutations which block the induction of apoptosis via this E6/E7-independent pathway, have little or no effect on the induction of apoptosis by the E6/E7-dependent pathway. Although these mutations in E2 do not affect the ability of the protein to mediate HPV DNA replication, they do abrogate the repressive effects of p53 on the transcriptional activity of E2 and prevent the inhibition of E2-dependent HPV DNA replication by p53.ConclusionThese data suggest that p53 down-regulates HPV 16 DNA replication via the E2 protein.
Melanotic medullary carcinoma of thyroid – report of a rare case with brief review of literature
Authors: Singh Kamaljeet , Sharma Mehar C , Jain Deepali , Kumar Rajinder 
Published: January 2008

Abstract

Background
Melanin production in medullary carcinoma is extremely uncommon.

Case presentation
We report a rare variant of medullary carcinoma of thyroid with melanin production in a 52-year-old woman who presented with swelling in the thyroid of 3 months duration. This tumor recurred thrice in two years after surgery and patient died with metastasis. Microscopic examination showed typical morphology of medullary carcinoma with numerous cells loaded with melanin pigment as confirmed by bleached Fontana-Masson, negative iron and immunohistochemical stains. Tumor cells were diffusely immunopositive for calcitonin, HMB-45, chromogranin, synaptophysin, CEA but showed focal paranuclear dot positivity for cytokeratin. No C-cell hyperplasia was seen in the adjacent thyroid gland. Nature of the pigment was further confirmed on ultra structural examination.

Conclusion
Melanotic medullary carcinoma is an extremely uncommon entity. There is a need to report more number of cases in the literature for exact categorization and prognostication of this subtype of medullary carcinoma.
Chylous ascites following radical nephrectomy: a case report
Authors: Shah Shahzad S , Ahmed Kamran , Smith Richard , Mallina Ravi , Akhbari Pouya , Khan Mohammad S 
Published: January 2008

Abstract

Introduction
Chylous ascites may result from diverse pathologies. Ascites results either due to blockage of the lymphatics or leak secondary to inadvertent trauma during surgery.

Case presentation
We report the first case of chylous ascites following radical nephrectomy for a renal cell carcinoma involving the right half of a crossed fused renal ectopia. The patient was managed conservatively.

Conclusion
Post-operative chylous ascites is a rare complication of retroperitoneal and mediastinal surgery. Most cases resolve with conservative treatment which aims at decreasing lymph production and optimizing nutritional requirements along with palliative measures. Refractory cases need either open or laparoscopic ligation of the leaking lymphatic channels. A review of the current literature on the management of post-operative chylous ascites is presented.
Na+/H+exchanger regulatory factor 1 inhibits platelet-derived growth factor signaling in breast cancer cells
Authors: Pan Yong , Weinman Edward J , Le Dai Jia 
Published: January 2008

Abstract
Introduction
The gene encoding Na+/H+ exchanger regulatory factor 1 (NHERF1) is a putative tumor suppressor gene that harbors frequent loss of heterozygosity (LOH) and intragenic mutations in breast carcinoma. The exact biologic activity of NHERF1 in mammary glands, however, remains unclear. It was recently proposed that NHERF1 forms a ternary complex with platelet-derived growth factor receptor (PDGFR) and phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN), linking NHERF1 suppressor activity to PDGF-initiated phosphoinositide-3 kinase (PI3K)/PTEN signaling.

Methods
The effect of NHERF1 on the kinetics of PDGF-induced Akt activation was determined in cells with varied NHERF1 background. Levels of active Akt in mammary gland of NHERF1 knockout and wild-type mice were compared. We also examined how NHERF1 expression status affects cell sensitivity to PDGFR inhibitor. A plausible connection between NHERF1 and PTEN pathway was explored at the genetic level.

Results
We showed that NHERF1, through its PDZ-I domain, interacts directly with the carboxyl-terminal tail of PTEN. Knocking down NHERF1 expression in Zr75.1 cells markedly delayed the turnover of PDGF-induced phospho-Akt. Conversely, NHERF1 over-expression in MCF10A cells led to accelerated phospho-Akt degradation. The slowed decay of phospho-Akt that resulted from NHERF1 loss was evident in mouse embryonic fibroblasts isolated from NHERF1 knockout mice. In agreement with this, mammary gland tissues from these mice exhibited markedly elevated phospho-Akt. The responses of breast cancer cells to PDGFR inhibition were also altered by changes in NHERF1 expression level. Zr75.1 cells with NHERF1 knockdown were more resistant to STI-571-induced apoptosis than parental cells. Similarly, over-expression of NHERF1 rendered MCF10A cells more sensitive to STI-571. NHERF1-induced apoptotic response relies on an intact PTEN pathway; over-expression of NHERF1 in MCF10A cells with PTEN knockdown did not affect STI-571 sensitivity. It was found that NHERF1 LOH-positive breast cancer cells had reduced NHERF1 expression. Interestingly, these cells more frequently had wild-type PTEN or PI3KCA gene than the LOH-negative lines.

Conclusion
Our data indicate that the interaction of NHERF1 with PTEN counterbalances PI3K/Akt oncogenic signaling and may affect how cells respond to PDGFR inhibition in breast cancer. The dependence of NHERF1 responses on PTEN and genetic segregation of NHERF1 and PTEN (or PI3KCA) alterations suggest that NHERF1 is an active component of the PTEN pathway. Collectively, our study indicates that the biologic activity of NHERF1 in mammary gland is related to PTEN signaling.
Further conventions for NMR shielding and chemical shifts (IUPAC Recommendations 2008)
Authors: Harris Robin K. , Becker Edwin D. , Cabral de Menezes Sonia M. , Granger Pierre , Hoffman Roy E. , Zilm Kurt W. 
Published: January 2008

Abstract
IUPAC has published a number of recommendations regarding the reporting of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) data, especially chemical shifts. The most recent publication [Pure Appl. Chem.
73, 1795 (2001)] recommended that tetramethylsilane (TMS) serve as a universal reference for reporting the shifts of all nuclides, but it deferred recommendations for several aspects of this subject. This document first examines the extent to which the 1H shielding in TMS itself is subject to change by variation in temperature, concentration, and solvent. On the basis of recently published results, it has been established that the shielding of TMS in solution [along with that of sodium-3-(trimethylsilyl)propanesulfonate, DSS, often used as a reference for aqueous solutions] varies only slightly with temperature but is subject to solvent perturbations of a few tenths of a parts per million (ppm). Recommendations are given for reporting chemical shifts under most routine experimental conditions and for quantifying effects of temperature and solvent variation, including the use of magnetic susceptibility corrections and of magic-angle spinning (MAS). This document provides the first IUPAC recommendations for referencing and reporting chemical shifts in solids, based on high-resolution MAS studies. Procedures are given for relating 13C NMR chemical shifts in solids to the scales used for high-resolution studies in the liquid phase. The notation and terminology used for describing chemical shift and shielding tensors in solids is reviewed in some detail, and recommendations are given for best practice.
Performance evaluation criteria for preparation and measurement of macro- and microfabricated ion-selective electrodes (IUPAC Technical Report)
Authors: Lindner Ernö , Umezawa Yoshio 
Published: January 2008

Abstract
Over the last 30 years, IUPAC published several documents with the goal of achieving standardized nomenclature and methodology for potentiometric ion-selective electrodes (ISEs). The ISE vocabulary was formulated, measurement protocols were suggested, and the selectivity coefficients were compiled. However, in light of new discoveries and experimental possibilities in the field of ISEs, some of the IUPAC recommendations have become outdated. The goal of this technical report is to direct attention to ISE practices and the striking need for updated or refined IUPAC recommendations which are consistent with the state of the art of using macro- and microfabricated planar microelectrodes. Some of these ISE practices have never been addressed by IUPAC but have gained importance with the technological and theoretical developments of recent years. In spite of its recognized importance, a generally acceptable revision of the current IUPAC recommendations is far beyond the scope of this work.
Impact of scientific developments on the Chemical Weapons Convention (IUPAC Technical Report)
Authors: Balali-Mood Mahdi , Steyn Pieter S. , Sydnes Leiv K. , Trapp Ralf 
Published: January 2008

Abstract
This report summarizes the findings and recommendations of an international workshop that was organized jointly by IUPAC and the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), and held in Zagreb, Croatia, from 22 to 25 April 2007. It was held to assist with preparation for the Second Review Conference of the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC), which will commence in April 2008. The CWC has been in force since 29 April 1997, and today 182 States have joined the Convention. The CWC aims at the total prohibition of all chemical weapons (CW) and the destruction of all CW stockpiles and production facilities by 2007. Extensions have been agreed upon and, for some CW stockpiles, the deadline is now 2012. This disarmament is subject to strict international verification by the OPCW. The CWC also prohibits the development, production, acquisition, stockpiling, and retention of CW and requires national implementation measures, including legislation, together with the international verification of chemical industry facilities. Furthermore, the CWC aims to strengthen States Parties' capacities in the field of protection against CW, and encourages international cooperation in the peaceful application of chemistry. The CWC requires that reviews of the operation of the Convention are carried out at five-year intervals and specifies that such reviews "shall take into account any relevant scientific and technological developments", so as to ensure the continued effectiveness of the treaty and of its verification and implementation systems. This report has been prepared to assist the parties of the CWC with that review.
Detecting Subsurface Voids Using Ground-Coupled Penetrating Radar
Authors: Chen Dar Hao , Scullion Tom 
Published: January 2008

Abstract
Detecting the presence and extent of subsurface voids under a roadway structure is critical in preventing major failures from occurring. In this study, a 400 MHz Ground-coupled Penetrating Radar (GCPR) was utilized in four projects to locate voids. The air voids present a strong dielectric contrast to GPR waves and therefore these anomalies are clearly identified on GCPR results/plots. In one study, a large void more than 1.8 m in depth was located under the continuous reinforced concrete pavement on IH40 in the Amarillo District of Texas. In total, 3.8 cubic metres of flowable fill was used to fill the void. Voids with depths from 50 to 400 mm were identified and verified in studies on SH6, IH35, and Spur 380. The voids are typically located directly under the surface pavement layer. This study has successfully demonstrated that the GCPR is able to identify void locations. However, drilling and coring should also be done to determine the extent and depth of the void.
Evaluating Loss to Follow-up in Newborn Hearing Screening in Massachusetts
Authors: Liu Chia-ling , Farrell Janet , MacNeil Jessica R. , Stone Sarah , Barfield Wanda 
Published: January 2008

OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this work was to examine loss to follow-up on the use of diagnostic or intervention services for Massachusetts infants and children screened or diagnosed with hearing loss and risk factors for becoming lost to follow-up.METHODS. We used data from the Massachusetts Childhood Hearing Data System and Early Intervention Information System. We calculated the percent use of audiologic evaluation for Massachusetts infants born in 2002–2003 who did not pass hearing screening and Early Intervention services for those with hearing loss. We generated crude and adjusted relative risks, as well as confidence intervals, to estimate associations of maternal and infant factors with the use of audiologic evaluation and early intervention services. Factors evaluated included child's birth weight and hearing screening or diagnostic results and maternal age, race or ethnicity, marital status, smoking status during pregnancy, educational attainment, health insurance, and residence region.RESULTS. In 2002–2003, 11% of Massachusetts children who did not pass hearing screening became lost to follow-up on the audiologic evaluation, and 25% of those with hearing loss did not receive early intervention services. Children were at higher risk of becoming lost to follow-up on audiologic evaluation if their mothers were nonwhite, covered by public insurance, smokers during pregnancy, or residing in western, northeastern, or southeastern Massachusetts compared with those in the Boston region. Of children with hearing loss, those with a unilateral or mild or moderate degree of hearing loss, normal birth weight, or living in the southeastern or Boston region were more likely to go without early intervention services.CONCLUSIONS. Massachusetts has excellent follow-up rates overall. Our analyses allow the program to prioritize limited resources to subgroups of infants who are at high risk of becoming lost to follow-up.
"Pride Africa" Ultradeep Drillship: From Concept to Start of Operations
Authors: Duhen Thomas , Antonio Jose C. , de Bonnafos Olivier , Fourtine André , Sauteron Didier 
Published: January 2008

Abstract
In 1997, when Ultradeep Water Drillships, capable of drilling in water depths of 10,000 ft were needed by Oil Companies to explore Ultradeep offshore fields, a conceptual idea for a vessel optimized for drilling operations of these water depths had been developed with Gusto Engineering, the designer of the Pelican class.
Specific features such as optimized vessel motion, efficient power and Dynamic Positioning systems, together with a "Dual Handling System" to reduce tubular handling time, were integrated into the design. Innovative technology has been used to obtain a Drillship operating with no downtime and low unproductive periods such as tripping time.
The success in finding an existing hull which fit well in the design (allowing a shorter construction time), the creation of a Joint Venture between Sonangol and Pride International, and the finalization of a drilling contract with Elf to develop the Girassol field offshore Angola, triggered the launching of an exciting construction program.
This paper describes the process of turning a concept into an Ultradeep Drillship, ready to start operations in less than twenty-two months. We will present the details on the setup of an organization and a plan, the way the detailed design was developed and adapted to the existing hull, how the shipyard was selected and supervised, the selection and the cooperation of the vendors of the Owner Furnished Equipment, and the commissioning and testing program.
We will describe in particular the tools that have been developed for an accurate control of the cost and the schedule, with an ongoing risk analysis.
Silica Micro-Encapsulation Technology for Treatment of Oil and/or Hydrocarbon-Contaminated Drill Cuttings
Authors: Quintero Lirio , Limia Jose M. , Stocks-Fischer Shannon 
Published: January 2008

Abstract
Silica micro-encapsulation is a new technology that has significant economic and environmental value, since it allows disposal of oil- and/or hydrocarbon-contaminated drill cuttings, either onshore or offshore, in an environmentally safe manner.
Silica micro-encapsulation is a process by which the oil attached to the drill cuttings is physically encapsulated within an insoluble matrix of amorphous silica. The process consists of two stages:
Application of an emulsifier, in an acidic environment, to the hydrocarbon- or oil-contaminated drill cuttings. This emulsifies the oil into microscopic droplets (less than 10 microns). Application of reactive alkaline silicate to the emulsified oil. An instantaneous acid-base reaction occurs between the reactive silicate and the acid, producing a solid amorphous silica shell that surrounds and traps the micron-size oil droplets.
Specific emulsifiers are selected to cover hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB) requirements for a broad range of oils, including synthetics, mineral oil, diesel, crude oil and bitumen.
Laboratory and pilot tests using silica micro-encapsulation technology for treatment of cuttings contaminated with oil or hydrocarbon show:
The end product is a system of microscopic oil droplets encapsulated with precipitated amorphous silica. Scanning electronic microscopy (SEM) verifies that the external surface is composed primarily of silica. The droplet size of emulsified oil-in-water, measured by light scattering, is less than 10 microns. After processing, the particle size of silica-encapsulated oil ranges from 10 to 30 microns. Determination of free oil on the treated cuttings via liquid-liquid extraction followed by gas chromatography/mass spectroscopy techniques indicates over 99.9% efficiency of the encapsulation of the treated cuttings in a large-scale mixer.
Results indicate that silica micro-encapsulation eliminates or minimizes the environmental impact for discharge of cuttings in onshore and offshore drilling operations. This novel technology satisfies the new environmental regulations that are under consideration at this time.
Real-Time Formation Integrity Tests Using Downhole Data
Authors: Rezmer-Cooper Iain M. , Rambow Frederick H. K. , Arasteh Mike , Hashem Mohamed N. , Swanson Bruce , Gzara Kais 
Published: January 2008

Abstract
Because of shallow water flow concerns in deepwater wells with narrow stability margins, pressure differences of a few tenths of a lbm/gal can make the difference between straightforward drilling and the need for an extra string of casing to protect shallow intervals. Accurate leak off tests (LOTs) / formation integrity tests (FITs) are essential to enable efficient management of the equivalent circulating density (ECD) within the safe pressure window.
The rate of downhole pressure build-up is traditionally estimated from the standpipe pressure, but can now be monitored directly with a downhole annular pressure measurement. We discuss two methods that can be applied to give a real-time LOT/FIT profile.
The first method is a real-time FIT from a deepwater well in the Gulf of Mexico. The low flowrates used during an FIT/LOT preclude the use of traditional MWD systems to transmit data to the surface. However, with the use of a wireline coupling, downhole pressure was transmitted to surface in real-time, allowing the operator to simultaneously view the surface and downhole pressure build-up, and evaluate both the formation integrity and mud compressibility.
The second method uses both surface and downhole data from a North Sea well. We describe an algorithm and procedure whereby two downhole pressure points are used to calibrate the hydrostatic and compressibility offsets between surface and downhole. A complete LOT profile is then created at surface as soon as conventional pumping resumes.
Advantages of the real-time annular pressure measurements are:
Instantaneous data to correctly stop the test, thus avoiding unnecessary overpressuring of the formation. Removing the uncertainties in the compressibility of the drilling fluid; this is particularly true of synthetic muds. Avoiding the need for additional circulation(s) to condition the mud. Increasing the accuracy of the LOT/FIT, allowing more precise casing point determination.