bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Epigenetic silencing of lncRNA MORT in 16 TCGA cancer types
Authors: Vrba Lukas , Futscher Bernard W.
Published: February 2018

We have previously described a hominid-specific long non-coding RNA, MORT (also known as ZNF667-AS1, Gene ID: 100128252), which is expressed in all normal cell types, but epigenetically silenced during cancer-associated immortalization of human mammary epithelial cells.  Initial analysis of The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) showed that 15 of 17 cancer types, which represent the 10 most common cancers in women and men, display DNA methylation associated MORT silencing in a large fraction of their tumors.  In this study we analyzed MORT expression and DNA methylation state in the remaining 16 TCGA cancer types not previously reported.  Seven of the 16 cancer types showed DNA methylation linked MORT silencing in a large fraction of their tumors.  These are carcinomas (cervical cancer, and cancers of esophagus, stomach, and bile duct), and the non-epithelial tumors mesothelioma, sarcoma, and uterine carcinosarcoma.  Together with the findings from our previous report, MORT expression is silenced by aberrant DNA methylation in 22 of 33 of TCGA cancer types.  These 22 cancers include most carcinoma types, blood derived cancers and sarcomas.  In conclusion, results suggest that the MORT gene is one of the most common epigenetic aberrations seen in human cancer.  Coupled with the timing of MORT gene silencing during in vitro epithelial cell immortalization and its occurrence early in the temporal arc of human carcinogenesis, this provides strong circumstantial evidence for a tumor suppressor role for MORT.
Case Report: Enlarging symmetrical masses of the palate of idiopathic etiology
Authors: Vestita Michelangelo , Nacchiero Eleonora , Maruccia Michele , Giudice Giuseppe
Published: February 2018

We report the case of a 33 year-old woman who came to our attention with slowly enlarging exophytic masses of the palate, histologically characterized by sub-epithelial fibrous proliferation with packed collagen bundles and increased fibroblasts number. We describe the condition of idiopathic fibrous hyperplasia, its diagnosis and its surgical treatment, which in our case was carried out with the aid of a custom made thermal printed plaque used as a scaffold.
A Quantum Implementation Model for Artificial Neural Networks
Authors: Daskin Ammar
Published: February 2018

The learning process for multilayered neural networks with many nodes makes heavy demands on computational resources. In some neural network models, the learning formulas, such as the Widrow–Hoff formula, do not change the eigenvectors of the weight matrix while flatting the eigenvalues. In infinity, these iterative formulas result in terms formed by the principal components of the weight matrix, namely, the eigenvectors corresponding to the non-zero eigenvalues. In quantum computing, the phase estimation algorithm is known to provide speedups over the conventional algorithms for the eigenvalue-related problems. Combining the quantum amplitude amplification with the phase estimation algorithm, a quantum implementation model for artificial neural networks using the Widrow–Hoff learning rule is presented. The complexity of the model is found to be linear in the size of the weight matrix. This provides a quadratic improvement over the classical algorithms.Quanta 2018; 7: 7–18.
On Schmidt Decomposition: Approach Based on Correlation Operator as Bipartite Entanglement Entity
Authors: Herbut Fedor
Published: February 2018

An elaborated review with proofs of Schmidt canonical decomposition of any bipartite state vector is approached through general subsystem basis expansion. The upgraded forms of Schmidt decomposition in terms of correlation operator and twin observables are presented in detail. The discussion is extended to distant measurement, Einstein–Podolsky–Rosen states and Schrödinger's steering. All claims and proofs are given in standard form unlike in the previous articles of the author where all results were obtained utilizing the very rarely used antilinear Hilbert–Schmidt maps of one subsystem state space into the other. For practical reasons the formalism of partial traces with their rules and reduced density operators together with correlation operator are used.Quanta 2018; 7: 19–39.
When to Release Feedback in a Dynamic Tournament
Authors: Daley Brendan , Wang Ruoyu
Published: February 2018

We study dynamic tournaments in which time is modeled explicitly, as opposed to with the abstract notion of “periods.” By doing so, we characterize the effects of the ex ante designated timing of an interim progress report. Whether or not a policy of reporting increases total expected effort does not depend on the release time of the report; however, the magnitude of the effect does. We demonstrate that total expected effort is single peaked or single troughed in the report’s release time depending on parameters, with the peak/tough located at a time strictly more than halfway through the tournament. However, a policy of releasing information always harms the expected utility of the tournament’s participants. Implications for tournament design are discussed.
Confident readers in rich learning environments
Authors: Lee Maureen
Published: February 2018

Maureen Lee looks at some of the literacy learning approaches being developed by reception professionals across the sector, with case studies from two settings illustrating good practice.
We must be open to dialogue
Authors: Swailes Ruth
Published: February 2018

We live in interesting times; the last few months in the early years have been turbulent, but for those of us who have been involved in the sector for a while, this is nothing new. It is how we respond that counts.
Recruitment becoming a problem
Authors: Halford Debbie
Published: February 2018

The changes to GCSE requirements had a huge impact on the number of people joining the early years workforce, and while this is slowly improving, there seems to be a deeper malaise affecting job seekers.
The transient art of nature
Authors: Solly Kathryn
Published: February 2018

The artist Andy Goldsworthy is famous for his landscape art, making use of what the environment offers to create sometimes fleeting, but always beautiful temporary works. Let this be your inspiration.
Counting your pennies
Authors: Sargent Marianne
Published: February 2018

This article is an extract from the Practical Pre-School book, Developing Early Maths Skills Outdoors; it explores the notion of time in relation to physical development and a child's mathematical knowledge.
Responding to domestic violence and abuse: Considerations for health visitors
Authors: McGarry Julie , Ali Parveen
Published: February 2018

Domestic violence and abuse (DVA) exerts a significant impact on the lives, health and wellbeing of all of those who experience it and this includes children. Health professionals in a variety of settings are well placed to identify potential DVA cases and respond appropriately to disclosure. Presenting the background and an overview of current policy, this article considers the role of health visiting in responding to DVA.
Your sector needs you!
Authors: Luckin Rose
Published: February 2018

Are you excited by technology and have your own ideas? If so, it could be time to join a collaboration of educational professionals, researchers and edtech start-ups.
Interdigitated Electrode for Degradation Assessment of Palm Olein During Batch Deep Fat Frying
Authors: Khaled Alfadhl Yahya , Abd Aziz Samsuzana , Rokhani Fakhrul Zaman , Ibrahim Nur Ul Atikah
Published: February 2018

Abstract.

Repeated use of frying oil has been proven hazardous due to the degradation process that changes the quality of the oil. In this study, an interdigitated electrode (IDE) sensor was designed to evaluate palm olein degradation during deep fat frying at several frying intervals by measuring the changes in the oil’s electrical properties. The frying experiment was carried out in batches. In total, 150 batches (150 g batch-1) of French fries were fried over five days. Oil samples were collected (150 mL) after every five frying cycles. The impedance values were measured at 35°C and 45°C using the IDE sensor connected to aninductance (L), capacitance (C), and resistance (R) LCR meter with five frequency levels (100 Hz, 1 kHz, 10 kHz, 20 kHz, and 100 kHz). The total polar compounds (TPC) of each oil sample were measured with a Testo 270 frying oil tester, while the viscosity was measured with a viscometer. The impedance values were found to be significantly different at 35°C and 45°C as well as at different frequency levels (p < 0.0001). For individual frequency analysis, the regression equation obtained the best results at 35°C (with RMSE of 1.21%) and 1.33 mPa.s for TPC and viscosity, respectively. The results indicated that the designed IDE sensor has good potential as a simple and inexpensive method for monitoring palm olein degradation during deep fat frying. Keywords: IDE sensor, Impedance values, Frying oil quality, Total polar compounds.
Inactivation Mechanism and Apoptotic-Like Changes in Aeromonas hydrophila Induced by Slightly Acidic Electrolyzed Water in Freshwater
Authors: Ye Zhangying , Wang Shuo , Gao Weishan , Nan Songjian , Zhu Songming , He Jinsong , Liu Dezhao
Published: February 2018

Abstract.

This study investigated the suppressive effect and the inactivation mechanism of slightly acidic electrolyzed water (SAEW) on . The experiment compared different inhibition effects with SAEW and two antibiotics, gentamicin and norfloxacin. The conditions of pH of 6.5, oxidation-reduction potential (ORP) of 890 mV, available chlorine concentration (ACC) of 28 mg L-1 of SAEW, and volume ratios of 1:10, 1:15, and 1:20 were used. Using exposure times of 5 and 10 min to analyze the inactivation mechanism of SAEW from the perspectives of cell membrane permeability, cell nuclear morphology, cell fluorescence staining, and other aspects, the anti-infection effects of SAEW were tested using tilapia () culture experiments. SAEW had a stronger bacteriostasis effect than the antibiotics used. SAEW can inhibit the ability to reproduce, causing abnormal cell morphology and cell elongation. The cell volume was increased with a change in the membrane permeability. The cell nuclear morphology was changed, further inducing apoptosis. Based on study of tilapia in a control group, the organs (intestine, stomach, and liver) developed different degrees of infection. No obvious infection was observed in muscle samples. After SAEW treatment, SAEW showed a better antibacterial effect and improvement effects on the inflammation and structural damage induced by , which could be helpful in aquaculture application. Keywords: A. hydrophila, Antibiotics, Anti-infection, Cell apoptosis, Membrane permeability, Slightly acidic electrolyzed water.
Advances in Drainage: Selected Works from the Tenth International Drainage Symposium
Authors: Strock Jeffrey S. , Hay Christopher , Helmers Matthew J. , Nelson Kelly A. , Sands Gary R. , Skaggs R. Wayne , Douglas-Mankin Kyle R.
Published: February 2018

Abstract.

This article introduces a special collection of fourteen articles accepted from among the 140 technical presentations, posters, and meeting papers presented at the 10th International ASABE Drainage Symposium. The symposium continued in the tradition of previous symposia that began in 1965 as a forum for presenting and assessing the progress of drainage research and implementation throughout the world. The articles in this collection address a wide range of topics grouped into five broad categories: (1) crop response, (2) design and management, (3) hydrology and scale, (4) modeling, and (5) water quality. The collection provides valuable information for scientists, engineers, planners, and others working on crop production, water quality, and water quantity issues affected by agricultural drainage. The collection also provides perspectives on the challenges of increasing agricultural production in a changing climate, with ever-greater attention to water quality and quantity concerns that will require integrated technical, economic, and social solutions. Keywords: ASABE Drainage Symposium, crop response, design and management, hydrology and scale, modeling, water quality.
KONSTRIBUSI GLIDIG DI DALAM RUMAH TANGGA PETANI DUSUN SOMPOK DESA SRIHARJO YOGYAKARTA
Authors: Tsany Fitri Ana
Published: February 2018

Perubahan sosial yang terjadi pada desa, petani dan pertanian sudah berlangsung sejak awal kekuatan pasar memasuki pedesaan yang kemudian berdampak pada terjadinya proses monetisasi di pedesaan. Akibat dari distribusi penguasaan lahan pertanian dan sumber produksi lainnya yang tidak merata maka kesenjangan sosial semakin meningkatkan jumlah kelompok miskin. Perubahan sosial ekonomi menggiring kondisi petani pada keadaan yang semakin miskin. Adanya pembangunan infrstruktur yang terjadi di Desa Sriharjo ini kemudian mempengaruhi kepadatan penduduk dan perekonomian petani yang ada di desa tersebut.Penulis mengambil Dusun Sompok sebagai lokasi/setting dalam penelitian lapangan terkait dengan fenomena glidig. Fenomena glidig ini muncul ketika penduduk Dusun Sompok banyak yang bekerja di luar desa untuk mengais rejeki yang lebih besar dibandingkan dengan bekerja di sektor pertanian.  Hal ini terjadi ketika akses untuk keluar dibuka lebar oleh pemerintah diantaranya adalah akses transportasi dan infrastruktur yang lebih baik dibandingkan pada era orde baru. Transportasi lebih murah sehingga akses untuk keluar lebih mudah. Peneliti mengangkat tema tentang glidig dikarenakan pada orde baru Dusun Sompok menjadi wakil dari bagian desa yang kurang maju dikarenakan masalah kemiskinan.Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah untuk memahami dinamika glidig dan untuk memahami kemiskinan yang ada di Dusun Sompok Desa Sriharjo Kecamatan Imogiri tersebut. Metode yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah studi kasus. Teknik pengumpulan datanya dengan cara sensus, observasi dan wawancara. Hasil dari penelitian ini adalah banyak cara yang ditempuh oleh penduduk Dusun Sompok untuk menjadi lebih maju yakni dengan meninggalkan sektor pertanian dan mulai memasuki sektor non pertanian. penduduk Dusun Sompok telah mengembangkan strategi bermacam jenis pekerjaan diantaranya adalah sebagai pekerja Huller dimana pekerjaan tersebut merupakan pekerjaan yang paling dominan dilakukan oleh penduduk Dusun Sompok. Kata Kunci : Kemiskinan, Perubahan Sosial, Alih Pekerjaan (glidig)
KONSTRUKSI SOSIAL PEREMPUAN DALAM KEKERASAN RUMAH TANGGA DI BANJARNEGARA, JAWA TENGAH
Authors: Mutoharoh Mutoharoh
Published: February 2018

Marriage is something wishful many people to be found happiness inside, life together with loveliness and make a contract. Unfortunately, not forever a domestic trip to be present in space happiness.  Fact in societal, occurred a domestic violence. Domestic violence occurred by husband to wife. The subject or doer of violence is not people without religion or not understand with the doctrine in religion. Unfortunately, although in religion measure domestic violence is not legal but it’s always present.Sokanandi RT 05 RW III Banjarnegara it’s one of territory with quantity domestic violence exactly tall, however attention at this case rarely finished. Consequently, this research purpose to understand how about social construction wife in family, cause occur domestic violence, and shape domestic violence happened.This research is qualitative research with analytic-descriptive approach. Accumulation data used observation method, interview, and documentation. The primary source from result observation and result interview it’s from official Religious Courts of Banjarnegara, village head’s office of Sokanandi, RT, ustadz, and respondent domestic violence. The secondary source included from document, website, and competent books. The analysis data use three phases, which is reductions data, display data, and verification data. Researcher use gender theory and feminism as instrument to analyze.Keywords: Social Construction, Domestic Violence, Female
PROBLEM-PROBLEM MINORITAS TRANSGENDER DALAM KEHIDUPAN SOSIAL BERAGAMA
Authors: Widiastuti RR Kurnia
Published: February 2018

Transgender individual is one of minority in our society. Transgender people has problem with their body and feeling. Their physical appearances do not match with their psychological aspect. Therefore they are assumed by majority society as“abnormal” people. As a result they tend to be discriminated and marginalized from the society. As a human being, transgender individual has the same right as other individuals of the society. Therefore as religious people, transgender individuals have freedom to express their belief. However, they find several problems in their living existences in social religious context.Kata Kunci: transgender, minoritas, hak beragama, abnormal, dan diskriminasi
GARDUACTION SEBAGAI PROTOTIPE BINA DAMAI BERBASIS KEARIFAN LOKAL DI DUSUN MANCINGAN, DESA PARANGTRITIS, KEC.KRETEK, KAB. BANTUL, YOGYAKARTA
Authors: Astuti Ita Fitri
Published: February 2018

Trash is something that is not useful anymore, discarded by the owner or the original user. In its development garbage brings negative impacts that can harm human life. In fact, the phenomenon is now actually a trigger of social conflict between community groups. The incident occurred in Hamlet Mancingan, Yogyakarta. Some of the phenomena of conflict arise because of these simple issues that cause prolonged conflict. Similarly, the conflict that has been in the name of religion. Therefore, Garduaction is one of the prototype methods of peacebuilding in Mancingan Hamlet as a community of environmentalists. In the action, Garduaction performs waste management with two principles of waste management that is reuse and recycle, such as garbage bank, education camp, little journalist, social service, and go green. These efforts can foster positive values that are linked to previously emerging values such as personal value sources, Javanese cultural values, and Islamic religious values. Keywords: History of Garduaction, Nursery Value, Emphasis Value
Let’s Talk About ‘My’ Concept Map: Use of Dialogue to Enhance Concept Mapping
Authors: Lamichhane Roshan , Simpson Amber
Published: February 2018

The intersection of dialogue and concept map use is explored through this qualitative study. An introductory chemistry classroom for middle or high school students explores the combined effect of these two evidence-based teaching strategies. Following the lesson, students participated in a focus group to provide feedback on the lesson's use of discussing their concept maps. The results of that feedback and ideas for improvement and how to utilize this strategy in your own classroom is presented. Although this method may pose it's own unique set of challenges in the classroom, student understanding of basic foundational chemistry concepts was advanced.
Considerations when Using Informal Education Centers to Promote Learning
Authors: Hollenbeck James E
Published: February 2018

Recommendations are provided regarding why informal education programming should be included in our schools.  Eight recommendations are provided to help informal educators connect to individuals and organized groups.
Talking and Writing to Learn: The Physics of Traffic Intersection Safety, Part One
Authors: Perkins Coppola Matthew
Published: February 2018

Physics students learn to engage in argument-based inquiry through mathematical modeling and analysis of real-world data collected from a traffic intersection in their own neighborhood. In this first part of the lesson, students focus on a single traffic intersection. Groups of students used equations of motion to construct simple mathematical models to describe how a driver approaches a yellow light at a traffic intersection. Students tested these mathematical models with a fictitious data set, then as a group collected and analyzed data from an actual traffic intersection of their choosing. Students determined the safety of the traffic intersection and presented their findings to their peers and invited members of the community. This practical research project set the stage for students (in Part Two) to tackle the larger question of whether cameras should be used to enforce traffic laws.
What Ought to be Taught?
Authors: Anderson Hans O
Published: February 2018

This article provides insight into what should be taught in K-16 schools.   A diagram is provided that illustrates eight overlapping domains. Intended learning outcomes are discussed related to skills, knowledge, and attitudes.
Inestabilidad del terreno en zonas de actividad minera: caso ciudad de Zaruma, Ecuador
Authors: Oliva González Aldo Onel , Ruiz Pozo Alex Fernando , Gallardo Amaya Romel Jesús
Published: February 2018

En este artículo se analiza el riesgo por inestabilidad del terreno en el área urbana de la ciudad de Zaruma (Provincia de El Oro, Ecuador) y los movimientos en masas de suelo y rocas que dicho fenómeno ocasiona, produciendo considerables impactos negativos en la economía, sociedad y medioambiente. Se describen las características geológicas, geotécnicas, geomorfológicas, hidrogeológicas, tectónicas y, con especial énfasis, la actividad minera y el desarrollo urbano en la zona de estudio. Se evalúan los principales factores condicionantes y desencadenantes de la inestabilidad del terreno para, finalmente, emitir criterios y recomendaciones dirigidos a reducir el riesgo como vía para prevenir o mitigar los impactos negativos de estos fenómenos.
PERTANGGUNGJAWABAN PENGGANTI DALAM HUKUM PAJAK DI INDONESIA
Authors: Sinaga Henry Dianto Pardamean
Published: February 2018

Penghindaran pajak yang terjadi dalam suatu lingkungan usaha yang umumnya menguntungkan prinsipal tidak dapat terlepas dari adanya kerjasama dengan agennya. Penelitian dengan metode yuridis normatif ini menggunakan pendekatan deskriptif – komparatif – preskriptif dalam menjawab permasalahan yang ada. Agar dapat menanggulangi dan atau memulihkan kerugian pendapatan negara dari pajak, diharapkan adanya pengaturan secara tegas pertanggungjawaban pengganti dan kriterianya serta adanya perluasan pengertian “setiap orang” yang mencakup manusia dan korporasi dalam peraturan perundang-undangan perpajakan kedepan di Indonesia.
PERLINDUNGAN HAK ASASI TENAGA KERJA WANITA LOKAL PADA PERUSAHAAN TAMBANG DI KABUPATEN KONAWE UTARA
Authors: Muntaha Muntaha
Published: February 2018

Hak asasi merupakan hak yang paling fundamental bagi setiap manusia, oleh karena setiap negara memberikan kedudukan yang begitu terhormat di dalam konstitusinya. Hak untuk mendapatkan pekerjaan yang layak secara sama serta kemudahan telah dijamin oleh Undang-Undang Dasar Negara Kesatuan Republik Indonesia Tahun 1945, sebagaimana termaksud di dalam ketentuan Pasal 28 H yang menyebutkan bahwa “setiap orang berhak mendapatkan kemudahan dan perlakuan khusus untuk memperoleh kesempatan dan manfaat yang sama, guna mencapai persamaan dan keadilan”.Perlindungan hak asasi manusia, di bidang tenaga kerja,  terutama  bagi tenaga kerja wanita lokal, tidak terbatas hanya pada perlakuan ketentuan peraturan perundang-undangan secara formal, melainkan juga terhadap kontrol perlakuannya secara sosio-kultural, karena dalam beberapa aspek kedudukan wanita mempunyai perbedaan dengan laki-laki, namun tidak berarti dalam tuntutan hak asasinya berbeda, seperti pengupahan dan perlakuan.
Temperature and Neutron Flux Dependence of In-Reactor Creep for Cold-Worked Zr-2.5Nb
Authors: DeAbreu Robert F. , Bickel Grant A. , Buyers Andrew W. , Donohue Stephen A. , Dunn Kris , Griffiths Malcolm , Walters Lori
Published: February 2018

Over the past 10 years, internally pressurized capsules made from Zr-2.5Nb tubing have been irradiated in the National Research Universal (NRU) reactor at Chalk River Laboratories at temperatures of 280, 320, and 340°C and dose rates between 3 × 1015 n · m−2 · s−1 and 2 × 1017 n · m−2 · s−1 (E > 1 MeV). Periodic gaging has been used to assess the primary and secondary (steady-state) creep behavior. The objective of this detailed and controlled experiment was to determine, for the first time, the creep and microstructure evolution in Zr-2.5Nb tubing over a wide range of irradiation conditions for fast neutron fluxes applicable to a CANDU pressure tube. Similar but “accelerated” creep experiments have been conducted in the Osiris test reactor at fast neutron fluxes of approximately 1.8 × 1018 n · m−2 · s−1 (E > 1 MeV), much greater than the neutron fluxes in the NRU reactor. Although accelerated tests in high-flux reactors such as Osiris provide information on irradiation creep, they do not represent the neutron flux conditions applicable to a power reactor. Tests covering power reactor operating conditions are needed to develop models for in-reactor creep of pressure tubes under the appropriate conditions. The data from the NRU reactor are compared with results from creep capsules with similar starting microstructures but irradiated in the Osiris reactor. The results show that the steady-state diametral and axial creep rates have a complex dependence on stress, temperature, and fast neutron flux. Data from out-reactor creep tests on unirradiated and pre-irradiated creep capsules that show the effect of prior irradiation on creep are also reported. The results are discussed in terms of a combination of creep mechanisms involving dislocation glide and mass transport.
Hydrogen Trapping at Neutron Irradiation Produced Defects in Recrystallized Alpha Annealed Zircaloy-4
Authors: Kammenzind Bruce F.
Published: February 2018

Hydrogen is absorbed into zirconium alloy–clad fuel elements and structural components as a result of water-side corrosion in both pressurized water reactor (PWR) and boiling water reactor (BWR) environments. Increasing hydrogen concentrations in the zirconium alloy affect both its mechanical properties and dimensional stability. It is well known that hydrogen can diffuse relatively rapidly through zirconium base alloys (in relation to the lifetime of the components) in response to solid solution concentration, temperature, and stress gradients. Migration of hydrogen within a component through its life must be considered to reliably predict the performance of the component through life and even post-service life. Many of the physical properties needed to describe this process, such as the solubility of hydrogen in zirconium alloys, diffusion coefficients of hydrogen through zirconium alloys, and the Soret effect within zirconium alloys, already have been published. Many of these measurements have been made outside of the reactor core environment on nonirradiated zirconium alloys.

This paper presents in-reactor, isothermal hydrogen diffusion data that show an effect of the in-reactor radiation environment on the final measured hydrogen concentrations. Samples used are similar to the hydrogen diffusion couples used by several investigators in the past to measure the hydride dissolution solvus as a function of temperature. The experimental results are interpreted on the basis of a physical model for hydrogen trapping that hypothesizes that hydrogen in solid solution in the zirconium lattice comes into thermodynamic equilibria with the hydride phase as well as into a steady-state equilibrium with trapping at irradiation-induced defects within the lattice. In agreement with the model, the irradiation effect on final measured concentrations is seen to be a decreasing function of the irradiation temperature between ∼271°C and 354°C, with any effect essentially eliminated by an irradiation temperature of 354°C.
Study of Structure-Phase State of Oxide Films on E110 and E635 Alloys at Pre- and Post-Irradiation Stages
Authors: Shevyakov Alexandr , Novikov Vladimir V. , Markelov Vladimir A. , Obukhov Alexander V. , Kobylyansky Gennady P.
Published: February 2018

SC VNIINM methods have been applied for studying oxide films formed on fuel assemblies during operation in NPP reactors, using the Research Institute of Atomic Reactors' hot cells. Transmission electron microscopy, along with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, have been applied to study the microstructure, phase, and elements composition of oxide films formed on fuel element cladding samples made of alloys E110 (Zr-1 %Nb) and E635 (Zr-1 %Nb-0.35 %Fe-1.2 %Sn) after the autoclave tests in distilled water, and also after four-year operation (for E110 alloys) and six-year operation (for E635 alloys) in the VVER-1000 reactor.

Oxide films formed on the surface of different materials have a different microstructure (grain size, tetragonal phase proportion, presence of defects, etc.) and a different phase composition. Primarily, the crystal structure of oxide films is a monoclinic crystal, but a considerable proportion of the tetragonal phase appears near the “metal-oxide” interface. Alloys of both types indicate the amorphization of second phase precipitates as the oxide film grows. The study of redistribution of alloying elements between the particles and the oxide film in the E635 alloy shows that iron and niobium are concentrated in pores. The research allows determination of the correlation between the concentration of micropores in the oxide film and an increase in the distance from the “metal-oxide” interface.

The study of the structure-phase state of irradiated oxide films with a thickness ranging from 10 μm (for E110 alloy fuel elements claddings) to 80 μm (formed on the E635 alloy fuel elements claddings) shows the absence of second-phase precipitates within their volume. The research data show that the concentration of micropores in oxide films after irradiation corresponds to concentration of micropores after long-term autoclave tests. Therefore, the reactor irradiation does not result in a change in porosity within the oxide film structure.
Neutron Irradiation Effects on the Corrosion of Zircaloy-4 in a Pressurized Water Reactor Environment
Authors: Kammenzind Bruce F. , Gruber Jason A. , Bajaj Ram , Smee James D.
Published: February 2018

Long-time Advanced Test Reactor (ATR) corrosion weight-gain data from nonfueled α-processed Zircaloy-4 cladding coupons are presented herein. The data were generated in pressurized loops that simulated pressurized water reactor (PWR) chemistry, temperature, and neutron flux conditions. High neutron flux and high-fluence post-transition corrosion rates were accelerated over out-of-flux post-transition corrosion rates by more than 40 times at 270°C and more than 30 times at 310°C. We conclude in large part that the acceleration was caused by irradiation-induced changes to the base metal. The effect that irradiation has on the base metal and its effect on corrosion has been shown in the past to be carried over into post-irradiation tests in autoclave environments, but its impact was shown in this study to be accentuated in the in-reactor environment, in which sustained corrosion accelerations were much greater than observed in the postirradiation tests (in nonirradiation environments). This suggests some aspect of the radiation environment potentially acts synergistically with the corrosion film formed from the irradiation-damaged base metal to further accelerate in-reactor corrosion rates. We also present results from detailed microstructural examinations of thick (more than 25 µm) oxide films formed on α-processed Zircaloy-4 grown in a 360°C autoclave and in the reactor. The examinations consisted of optical microscopy, field emission gun scanning electron microscopy, focused ion beam microscopy, analytical electron microscopy, and X-ray diffraction, with a focus on the evolution of the microstructure of the intermetallic precipitates in the oxide films during exposure to autoclave water or to the corroding environment under neutron irradiation. The film microstructure suggests that the water environment was closer to the oxide-metal interface in the films grown in the reactor than in the autoclave-grown corrosion films examined, but it was not obvious from the microstructural examinations how the radiation environment facilitated that effect.
Fracture Resistance of Two Ferritic Stainless Steels After Intermediate Temperature Irradiation
Authors: Hawthorne J. Russell , Reed James R. , Sprague James A.
Published: February 2018

Two plates of Alloy HT-9 and one plate of modified Alloy 9Cr-lMo were irradiated at temperatures ranging from 93 to 300°C to study alloy resistance to radiation-induced embrittlement for fusion reactor applications. The neutron fluences were ~1 × 1020 neutrons (n)/cm2 (E > 1.0 MeV); assessments included the effects of alloy composition (12Cr versus 9Cr) and melt processing (Electroslag Refining (ESR) versus Argon Oxygen Decarburization (AOD)) on radiation resistance. Fracture resistance change was judged from pre versus postirradiation notch ductility and dynamic fracture toughness properties determined, respectively, with standard Charpy-V (Cv) and fatigue precracked Charpy-V (PCCv) tests.

A significant difference in radiation resistance was observed for the two alloys. The dissimilarity can be attributed to their respective compositions or microstructures or both. Comparable radiation resistance was found for ESR versus AOD plates from the same (parent) melt. Irradiation at 93°C elevated the brittle/ductile transition of the Alloy HT-9 to the simulated service temperature. In contrast, an appreciable toughness reserve against additional fluence was exhibited by both alloys after irradiation at 149°C (or higher).

The data indicate a general agreement of Cv and PCCv methods in their independent assessment of irradiation embrittlement. However, the alloys showed a very marked difference in the relative temperature ranges of the Cv and PCCv brittle/ductile transitions wherein modified 9Cr-lMo but not HT-9 appeared to have a marked sensitivity to test specimen notch acuity. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) examinations of the modified 9Cr-lMo specimens showed predominantly cleavage failure in PCCv tests at temperatures where Cv specimens failed predominantly in shear.

New data for Alloy HT-9 weld heat affected zone material and AISI Type 308-16 weld deposit materials irradiated at 288°C are also presented.
Mechanical Burst Properties of Irradiated and Annealed Zircaloy Fuel-Rod Cladding
Authors: Lowry Larry M. , Perrin James S. , Landow Mark P.
Published: February 2018

The objective of this program was to provide a mechanical-property data base that could be used to predict the performance of Zircaloy-4 clad fuel rods under various power reactor conditions. The data were developed for off-normal and transient reactor conditions where the source of cladding loads included thermal stresses and internal gas pressure.

Irradiated fuel-rod cladding was obtained from the Westinghouse H. B. Robinson Reactor and the Babcock and Wilcox Oconee I Reactor. The irradiated fuel rods were first characterized using visual examination, gamma scanning, spiral profilometry, and eddy current tests to provide data for assessing the general condition of the as-received fuel rods and for determining the suitability of the cladding for testing. A group of specimens was transient annealed at heating rates of 0.56, 5.6, 14, and 28°C/s to maximum temperatures ranging from 482 to 816°C. After annealing, the specimens were tested at 371°C and at a strain rate of 0.004/min.

The burst properties for both the Oconee I and the H. B. Robinson fuel-rod cladding exhibited similar trends after transient anneals. Large decreases in burst stresses and increases in burst strains occurred for specimens transient annealed above 600°C for both Oconee I and H. B. Robinson cladding. The strain recovery tended to lag the stress decreases for transient annealed burst specimens for both reactor materials as the maximum annealing temperature was increased.
Micro-Macrostructural Mechanical Behavior of Anisotropic Zirconium Alloys Under Irradiation
Authors: Savino Eduardo J. , Harriague Santiago
Published: February 2018

A model for the thermo-elasto-plastic mechanical behavior of highly textured polycrystals is described. A finite number of grain orientations and equal strain for each orientation are assumed at each unit volume of the ensemble. Some characteristic anisotropic mechanical properties of zirconium alloys, such as the thermoelastic expansion, the dimensional instability under irradiation, and thermal and radiation creep, are qualitatively and semi-quantitatively reproduced by the model. This is obtained, within a microstructural approach, by a rate theory description of the prismatic network dislocation climbing and grain boundary defect absorption or emission at each grain. Homogeneous stress-strain cases as well as nonhomogeneous states are calculated, the latter ones in specimens with cylindrical symmetry. The case of a fuel cladding with internal pressure is studied. Viscoelasticity, thermal creep, creep under irradiation, different creep stages, and creep strength differential under tension and compression are predicted by the model and the phenomena can be correlated with the specimen texture, temperature, and development of intergranular stresses during the test. The importance and necessity of including a microstructural material model for describing the mechanical behavior of stressed zirconium alloy pieces under irradiation are pointed out throughout the work.
Correlation of Helium Bubble Microstructure to Changes of the Mechanical Properties in Austenitic Stainless Steels
Authors: Schroeder Herbert , Batfalsky Peter
Published: February 2018

The high-temperature creep properties of solution-annealed and aged AISI Type 316 stainless steel were investigated, using different helium implantation and creep testing procedures. The helium bubble microstructure was determined in detail at different stages of the test procedures. Mechanical properties changes and microstructure were correlated and both were compared to existing models for high-temperature embrittlement. This comparison suggests that the experimental results are described best by the “gas-driven bubble growth” model for the cases of either continuous helium supply at high temperatures, that is “in-beam” creep test, or implantation at high temperatures without applied stress.
Integrated Reactor Vessel Material Surveillance Program for Babcock & Wilcox 177-FA Plants
Authors: Lowe Arthur L. , Moore Kenneth E. , Aadland John D.
Published: February 2018

The integrated reactor vessel material surveillance program was initiated in 1977 as the direct result of two driving forces: (1) the need to obtain better characterization of fracture toughness data for irradiated weld metals to ensure continued licenseability of operating plants, and (2) the requirements for alternative irradiation schemes brought about by the failure of surveillance capsule holder tubes in six operating reactors. The program has two parts—the plant specific program and the research capsule program. The plant-specific program involves the continued irradiation of the surveillance capsules removed from those reactors in which the capsule holder tubes were damaged along with the capsules from the radiation site reactor vessels. The second part comprises special research capsules designed to provide fracture toughness data on a series of weld metals similar to those in the reactor vessel that are predicted to exhibit high sensitivity to irradiation.
Review of In-Service Thermal Annealing of Nuclear Reactor Pressure Vessels
Authors: Server William L.
Published: February 2018

Radiation embrittlement of ferritic pressure vessel steels increases the ductile-brittle transition temperature and decreases the upper-shelf level of toughness as measured by Charpy impact tests. A thermal anneal cycle well above the normal operating temperature of the vessel can restore most of the original Charpy V-notch energy properties. A test reactor pressure vessel has been wet annealed at less than 343°C (650°F), and annealing of the Belgian BR-3 reactor vessel has recently taken place. An industry survey indicates that dry annealing a reactor vessel in-place is feasible, but solvable engineering problems do exist.

The materials with highest radiation sensitivity in the older reactor vessels are submerged-arc weld metals with high copper and nickel concentrations. The limited Charpy V-notch and fracture toughness data available for five such welds were reviewed. The review suggested that significant recovery results from annealing at 454°C (850°F) for one week.

Two of the main concerns with a localized heat treatment at 454°C (850°F) are the degree of distortion that may occur after the annealing cycle and the extent of residual stresses. A thermal and structural analysis of a reactor vessel for distortions and residual stresses found no problems with the reactor vessel itself but did indicate a rotation at the nozzle region of the vessel that would plastically deform the attached primary piping. Further analytical studies are needed.

An American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) task group is upgrading and revising the ASTM Recommended Guide for In-Service Annealing of Water-Cooled Nuclear Reactor Vessels (E 509-74) with emphasis on the materials and surveillance aspects of annealing rather than system engineering problems. System safety issues are the province of organizations other than ASTM (for example, the American Society of Mechanical Engineers Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code body).
Calculation of Displacement and Helium Production at the Clinton P. Anderson Los Alamos Meson Physics Facility (LAMPF) Irradiation Facility
Authors: Wechsler Monroe S. , Davidson Dorothy R. , Greenwood Lawrence R. , Sommer Walter F.
Published: February 2018

Differential and total displacement and helium production rates are calculated for copper irradiated by spallation neutrons and 760 MeV protons at the Clinton P. Anderson Los Alamos Meson Physics Facility (LAMPF). The calculations are performed using the SPECTER and VNMTC computer codes, the latter being specially designed for spallation radiation damage calculations. For comparison, similar SPECTER calculations are also described for irradiation of copper in EBR-II and RTNS-II. The results indicate substantial contributions to the displacement and helium production rates due to neutrons in the high-energy tail (above 20 MeV) of the LAMPF spallation neutron spectrum. Still higher production rates are calculated for irradiations in the direct proton beam. These results will provide useful background information for research to be conducted at a new irradiation facility at LAMPF.
The Influence of Direct and Indirect Speech on Source Memory
Authors: Eerland Anita , Zwaan Rolf A.
Published: February 2018

People perceive the same situation described in direct speech (e.g., John said, “I like the food at this restaurant”) as more vivid and perceptually engaging than described in indirect speech (e.g., John said that he likes the food at the restaurant). So, if direct speech enhances the perception of vividness relative to indirect speech, what are the effects of using indirect speech? In four experiments, we examined whether the use of direct and indirect speech influences the comprehender’s memory for the identity of the speaker. Participants read a direct or an indirect speech version of a story and then addressed statements to one of the four protagonists of the story in a memory task. We found better source memory at the level of protagonist gender after indirect than direct speech (Exp. 1–3). When the story was rewritten to make the protagonists more distinctive, we also found an effect of speech type on source memory at the level of the individual, with better memory after indirect than direct speech (Exp. 3–4). Memory for the content of the story, however, was not influenced by speech type (Exp. 4). While previous research showed that direct speech may enhance memory for how something was said, we conclude that indirect speech enhances memory for who said what.
IGF-1 protects SH-SY5Y cells against MPP+-induced apoptosis via PI3K/PDK-1/Akt pathway
Authors: Kim Chanyang , Park Seungjoon
Published: February 2018

Insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1 is a well-known anti-apoptotic pro-survival factor and phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt pathway is linked to cell survival induced by IGF-1. It is also reported that Akt signaling is modulated by 3-phosphoinositide-dependent kinase-1 (PDK1). In the current study, we investigated whether the anti-apoptotic effect of IGF-1 in SH-SY5Y cells exposed to 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP+) is associated with the activity of PI3K/PDK1/Akt pathway. Treatment of cells with IGF-1 inhibited MPP+-induced apoptotic cell death. IGF-1-induced activation of Akt and the protective effect of IGF-1 on MPP+-induced apoptosis were abolished by chemical inhibition of PDK1 (GSK2334470) or PI3K (LY294002). The phosphorylated levels of Akt and PDK1 were significantly suppressed after MPP+ exposure, while IGF-1 treatment completely restored MPP+-induced reductions in phosphorylation. IGF-1 protected cells from MPP+ insult by suppressing intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and malondialdehyde levels and increasing superoxide dismutase activity. Mitochondrial ROS levels were also increased during MPP+ exposure, which were attenuated by IGF-1 treatment. In addition, IGF-1-treated cells showed increased activities of succinate dehydrogenase and citrate synthase, stabilization of mitochondrial transmembrane potential, increased ratio of Bcl-2 to Bax, prevention of cytochrome c release and inhibition of caspase-3 activation with PARP cleavage. Furthermore, the protective effects of IGF-1 on oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction were attenuated when cells were preincubated with GSK2334470 or LY294002. Our data suggest that IGF-1 protects SH-SY5Y cells against MPP+-associated oxidative stress by preserving mitochondrial integrity and inhibiting mitochondrial apoptotic cascades via the activation of PI3K/PDK1/Akt pathway.
MECHANISMS IN ENDOCRINOLOGY: Lessons from growth hormone receptor gene-disrupted mice: are there benefits of endocrine defects?
Authors: Basu Reetobrata , Qian Yanrong , Kopchick John J
Published: February 2018

Growth hormone (GH) is produced primarily by anterior pituitary somatotroph cells. Numerous acute human (h) GH treatment and long-term follow-up studies and extensive use of animal models of GH action have shaped the body of GH research over the past 70 years. Work on the GH receptor (R)-knockout (GHRKO) mice and results of studies on GH-resistant Laron Syndrome (LS) patients have helped define many physiological actions of GH including those dealing with metabolism, obesity, cancer, diabetes, cognition and aging/longevity. In this review, we have discussed several issues dealing with these biological effects of GH and attempt to answer the question of whether decreased GH action may be beneficial.