bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Elevated expectancies among persons diagnosed with bipolar disorder
Authors: Johnson Sheri L. , Eisner Lori R. , Carver Charles S.
Published: March 2009

Objective

Students at risk for bipolar disorder endorse highly ambitious goals. This study examined expectations for the future among people with actual bipolar disorder, versus people with no history of mood disorder and persons with history of unipolar depression.

Methods

One hundred and three students were assessed for Axis I disorders and completed a measure of expected life outcomes.

Results

History of mania, but not history of depression, related to higher expectations of achieving popular fame and wealth.

Conclusions

People with history of mania anticipate great success in domains involving public recognition.
Mindfulness‐based cognitive therapy may reduce thought suppression in previously suicidal participants: Findings from a preliminary study
Authors: Hepburn Silvia R. , Crane Catherine , Barnhofer Thorsten , Duggan Danielle S. , Fennell Melanie J. V. , Williams J. Mark G.
Published: March 2009

Objectives

Thought suppression is a strategy aimed at mental control that may paradoxically increase the frequency of unwanted thoughts. This preliminary study examined effects of mindfulness‐based cognitive therapy (MBCT) on thought suppression and depression in individuals with past depression and suicidality.

Methods

In a randomized controlled trial design, 68 participants were allocated to an MBCT group or a treatment‐as‐usual waitlist control. Measures of thought suppression and depression were taken pre‐ and post‐treatment.

Results

MBCT did not reduce thought suppression as measured by the White Bear Suppression Inventory, but significantly reduced self‐reported attempts to suppress in the previous week.

Conclusions

Preliminary evidence suggests that MBCT for suicidality may reduce thought suppression, but differential effects on thought suppression measures warrant further studies.
Object‐based visual processing in children with spina bifida and hydrocephalus: A cognitive neuropsychological analysis
Authors: Swain Michelle A. , Joy Pamela. , Bakker Kathleen. , Shores E. Arthur. , West Carolyn.
Published: March 2009

The aim of the study was to use cognitive neuropsychological analysis to investigate object‐based visual processing skills in children with spina bifida myelomeningocele and hydrocephalus (SBH). Fourteen children with SBH (aged 8–12) and 21 age‐, socio‐economic status‐, and Verbal IQ‐matched healthy controls were assessed using the Birmingham Object Recognition Battery. Overall, the performance of the children with SBH on the object‐processing tasks was intact, indicating normal development of the ventral visual processing pathway. While the initial results indicated that the children with SBH performed statistically significantly less accurately on some tasks, these group differences no longer met significance criteria after capacity for sustained attention was statistically controlled.
Sustained BMP Signaling in Osteoblasts Stimulates Bone Formation by Promoting Angiogenesis and Osteoblast Differentiation
Authors: Zhang Fengjie , Qiu Tao , Wu Xiangwei , Wan Chao , Shi Weibin , Wang Ying , Chen Jian-guo , Wan Mei , Clemens Thomas L , Cao Xu
Published: March 2009

Angiogenesis and bone formation are tightly coupled during the formation of the skeleton. Bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling is required for both bone development and angiogenesis. We recently identified endosome-associated FYVE-domain protein (endofin) as a Smad anchor for BMP receptor activation. Endofin contains a protein-phosphatase pp1c binding domain, which negatively modulates BMP signals through dephosphorylation of the BMP type I receptor. A single point mutation of endofin (F872A) disrupts interaction between the catalytic subunit pp1c and sensitizes BMP signaling in vitro. To study the functional impact of this mutation in vivo, we targeted expression of an endofin (F872A) transgene to osteoblasts. Mice expressing this mutant transgene had increased levels of phosphorylated Smad1 in osteoblasts and showed increased bone formation. Trabecular bone volume was significantly increased in the transgenic mice compared with the wildtype littermates with corresponding increases in trabecular bone thickness and number. Interestingly, the transgenic mice also had a pronounced increase in the density of the bone vasculature measured using contrast-enhanced μCT imaging of Microfil-perfused bones. The vessel surface and volume were both increased in association with elevated levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in osteoblasts. Endothelial sprouting from the endofin (F872A) mutant embryonic metatarsals cultured ex vivo was increased compared with controls and was abolished by an addition of a VEGF neutralizing antibody. In conclusion, osteoblast targeted expression of a mutant endofin protein lacking the pp1c binding activity results in sustained signaling of the BMP type I receptor, which increases bone formation and skeletal angiogenesis.
Loss of Cbl-b Increases Osteoclast Bone-Resorbing Activity and Induces Osteopenia
Authors: Nakajima Arata , Sanjay Archana , Chiusaroli Riccardo , Adapala Naga Suresh , Neff Lynn , Itzsteink Cecile , Horne William C , Baron Roland
Published: March 2009

Cbl proteins are multifunctional adaptor molecules that modulate cellular activity by targeting the ubiquitylating system, endocytic complexes, and other effectors to a wide variety of regulatory proteins, especially activated receptor and nonreceptor tyrosine kinases. Cbl and Cbl-b perform unique functions in various cells, in addition to redundant functions that are required for embryonic development. We previously showed that eliminating Cbl impaired osteoclast motility, which modestly delayed embryonic bone development. We now report that Cbl-b−/− mice are osteopenic, because of increased bone resorption with little compensating increase in bone formation. In vitro bone-resorbing activity and differentiation of osteoclast-like cells (OCLs) were increased, as were some RANKL-induced signaling events (activation of NF-κB and the mitogen-activated protein kinases extracellular signal-regulated kinase [ERK] and p38), suggesting that specific RANKL-activated mechanisms contribute to the increased rate of differentiation and bone-resorbing activity. Re-expressing Cbl-b in Cbl-b−/− OCLs normalized the increased bone-resorbing activity and overexpressing Cbl-b in wildtype OCLs inhibited bone resorption. Cbl was without effect in either wildtype or Cbl-b−/− OCLs. Functional tyrosine kinase binding (TKB) and RING finger domains were required for the rescue by Cbl-b. Thus, both Cbl and Cbl-b perform regulatory functions in osteoclasts that are unique to one or the other protein (i.e., functions that cannot be compensated by the other homolog). One of Cbl-b's unique functions in osteoclasts is to downregulate bone resorption.
Promiscuous and Depolarization-Induced Immediate-Early Response Genes Are Induced by Mechanical Strain of Osteoblasts
Authors: Ott Claus-Eric , Bauer Sebastian , Manke Thomas , Ahrens Susan , Rödelsperger Christian , Grünhagen Johannes , Kornak Uwe , Duda Georg , Mundlos Stefan , Robinson Peter N
Published: March 2009

Whereas mechanical stimulation is essential for bone homeostasis, straining of larger magnitude promotes bone regeneration by directing cell differentiation and proliferation and influencing the gene expression patterns of osteoblasts, which play a vital role in fracture healing by producing and mineralizing osteoid matrix. To elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying the response of osteoblasts to mechanical strains comparable to those occurring during bone regeneration, MC3T3 S4 (MC4) osteoblast-like cells were stretched in vitro. Analysis based on microarray expression profiling during the first 8 h after straining showed 674 differentially expressed genes. The response to mechanical strain can be divided in an immediate-early response (IER) and later responses. Examination of the ∼40 genes differentially expressed within the first 60 min, including 11 involved in regulating gene transcription, showed both promiscuous IER genes such as Fos that are upregulated by multiple extracellular stimuli, as well as a number of genes previously shown in neurons to be induced preferentially by depolarization (IPD-IER). Selected differentially expressed genes were validated after mechanical straining and KCl-induced depolarization. The effects of inhibitors for protein kinase A, mitogen-activated protein kinase, and calcineurin pathways were assessed in separate experiments by quantitative RT-PCR and shown to have differential effects on the response of MC4 cells and primary calvaria osteoblasts to both mechanical straining and KCl-induced depolarization. Therefore, our results showed the existence of two distinct pathways that mediate the IER of osteoblasts to large-magnitude mechanical straining and suggest that the IER to depolarizing stimuli is conserved in cell types as different as osteoblasts and neurons.
Is QUS or DXA Better for Predicting the 10-Year Absolute Risk of Fracture?
Authors: Moayyeri Alireza , Kaptoge Stephen , Dalzell Nichola , Bingham Sheila , Luben Robert N , Wareham Nicholas J , Reeve Jonathan , Khaw Kay Tee
Published: March 2009

Although quantitative ultrasound (QUS) is known to be correlated with BMD and bone structure, its long-term predictive power for fractures in comparison with DXA is unclear. We examined this in a sample of men and women in the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer (EPIC)-Norfolk who had both heel QUS and hip DXA between 1995 and 1997. From 1455 participants (703 men) 65–76 yr of age at baseline, 79 developed a fracture over 10.3 ± 1.4 yr of follow-up. In a sex-stratified Cox proportional-hazard model including age, height, body mass index, prior fracture, smoking, alcohol intake, and total hip BMD, a 1 SD decrease in BMD was associated with a hazard ratio (HR) for fracture of 2.26 (95% CI: 1.74–2.95). In the multivariable model with heel broadband ultrasound attenuation (BUA) in place of BMD, HR for a 1 SD decrease in BUA was 2.04 (95% CI: 1.55–2.69). Global measures of model fit showed relative superiority of the BMD model, whereas the area under the receiving operator characteristic (ROC) curve was slightly higher for the BUA model. Using both Cox models with BMD and BUA measures, we calculated exact 10-yr absolute risk of fracture for all participants and categorized them in groups of <5%, 5% to <15%, and ≥15%. Comparison of groupings based on two models showed a total reclassification of 28.8% of participants, with the greatest reclassification (∼40%) among the intermediate- and high-risk groups. This study shows that the power of QUS for prediction of fractures among the elderly is at least comparable to that of DXA. Given the feasibility and lower cost of ultrasound measurement in primary care, further studies to develop and validate models for prediction of 10-yr risk of fracture using clinical risk factors and QUS are recommended.
Ibandronate Prevents Bone Loss and Reduces Vertebral Fracture Risk in Male Cardiac Transplant Patients: A Randomized Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial
Authors: Fahrleitner-Pammer Astrid , Piswanger-Soelkner Jutta Claudia , Pieber Thomas Rudolf , Obermayer-Pietsch Barbara Maria , Pilz Stefan , Dimai Hans Peter , Prenner Guenther , Tscheliessnigg Karl-Heinz , Hauge Ellen , Portugaller Rupert Horst , Dobnig Harald
Published: March 2009

Bone loss and fractures are common complications after cardiac transplantation (CTP). The aim of this study was to investigate whether intravenous ibandronate is an effective preventive option. Thirty-five male cardiac transplant recipients received either ibandronate (IBN) 2 mg intravenously every 3 mo or matching placebo (CTR) in addition to 500 mg calcium carbonate and 400 IE vitamin D3. Sera were collected at CTP and every 3 mo thereafter. At baseline and 6 and 12 mo, standardized spinal X-rays and BMD measurements were taken. Bone biopsies were taken at CTP and after 6 mo from six patients. In the IBN group, 13% of the patients sustained a new morphometric vertebral fracture compared with 53% in the CTR group (absolute risk reduction [ARR], 40%; relative risk reduction [RRR], 75%; p = 0.04). BMD remained unchanged with IBN treatment but in the CTR group decreased at the lumbar spine by 25% and at the femoral neck by 23% (both p < 0.0001) over the 1-yr period. Serum bone resorption markers carboxy-terminal telopeptide region of type I collagen (sCTX) and TRACP 5b were significantly increased in the CTR group and decreased in the IBN group at all time points compared with baseline. In contrast, both osteocalcin and bone-specific alkaline phosphatase levels showed, after a similar decrease over the first 3 mo in both groups, a marked rise in the CTR subjects and steadily declining levels in the IBN patients throughout the remainder of the study period. Three paired biopsies were available from each group. Despite the small sample size, a difference in the relative change of eroded surface (68% in the CTR versus −23% in the IBN group, p < 0.05) could be shown. Intravenous IBN reduced fractures, preserved bone mass, and prevented uncoupling of bone formation and resorption after CTP. The favorable effects on bone turnover were also supported by histomorphometric findings.
Natural History and Correlates of Hip BMD Loss With Aging in Men of African Ancestry: The Tobago Bone Health Study
Authors: Sheu Yahtyng , Cauley Jane A , Wheeler Victor W , Patrick Alan L , Bunker Clareann H , Kammerer Candace M , Zmuda Joseph M
Published: March 2009

Little is known about the magnitude, pattern, and determinants of bone loss with advancing age among men, particularly among those of African descent. We examined the rate of decline in hip BMD and identified factors associated with BMD loss among 1478 Afro-Caribbean men ≥40 yr of age. BMD was measured at baseline and after an average of 4.4 yr by DXA. The rate of decline in femoral neck BMD was 0.29 ± 0.81%/yr in the total sample (p < 0.0001). However, a U-shaped relationship between advancing age and the rate of decline in BMD was observed. The rate of decline in BMD at the femoral neck was −0.38 ± 0.77%/yr among men 40–44 yr of age, decelerated to −0.15 ± 0.81%/yr among men 50–54 yr of age, and then accelerated to −0.52 ± 0.90%/yr among those 75+ yr of age (all p < 0.003). Men who lost ≥5% of their body weight during follow-up had significantly greater BMD loss than those who remained weight stable or gained weight (p < 0.0001). The relationship between weight loss and BMD loss was more pronounced among men who were older and leaner at study entry (p < 0.03). We also observed a strong impact of advanced prostate cancer and its treatment with androgen deprivation on BMD loss. Men of African ancestry experience substantial BMD loss with advancing age that seems to be comparable to the rate of loss among white men in other studies. Additional studies are needed to better define the natural history and factors underlying bone loss with aging in men of African ancestry.
Development of Arterial Calcification in Adiponectin-Deficient Mice: Adiponectin Regulates Arterial Calcification
Authors: Luo Xiang-Hang , Zhao Li-Ling , Yuan Ling-Qing , Wang Min , Xie Hui , Liao Er-Yuan
Published: March 2009

Arterial calcification is common, but the mechanisms remain unclear. This study was undertaken to investigate the arterial calcification in adiponectin-deficient mice in vivo and the effects of adiponectin on cultured vascular smooth muscle cells in vitro. Alizarin red S staining was used to detect arterial calcification of adiponectin−/− mice. Alkaline phosphatase activity, osteocalcin secretion, and Runx2 protein expression were examined in cultured calcifying vascular smooth muscle cells (CVSMCs). The involved signal pathway was studied using a mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) inhibitor and adiponectin receptor 1 (AdipoR1) siRNA. Adiponectin−/− mice developed slight arterial calcification after being fed with normal chow diet for 30 wk. Adenovirus-mediated supplement of adiponectin attenuated arterial calcification in these mice. On cultured CVSMCs, adiponectin inhibited ALP activity, osteocalcin secretion, Runx2 protein expression, and the formation of mineralized nodules. Adiponectin receptor 1 (AdipoR1) protein was detected in CVSMCs, and adiponectin activated p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase. Furthermore, inhibition of AdipoR1 expression or p38 activation reversed the effects of adiponectin on ALP activity. These results showed that adiponectin inhibited osteoblastic differentiation of CVSMCs through the AdipoR1/p38 signaling pathway. Our findings showed that adiponectin−/− mice developed arterial calcification, and this could be attributed to the loss of inhibitory action of adiponectin on osteoblastic differentiation of CVSMCs. It suggested that adiponectin plays a protective role against arterial calcification.
Immunohistochemical Demonstration of the Mineralocorticoid Receptor, 11β-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase-1 and −2, and Hexose-6-phosphate Dehydrogenase in Rat Ovary
Authors: Gomez-Sanchez Elise P. , Gomez-Sanchez Miriam T. , de Rodriguez Angela F. , Romero Damian G. , Warden Mary P. , Plonczynski Maria W. , Gomez-Sanchez Celso E.
Published: March 2009

An IHC survey using several monoclonal antibodies against different portions of the rat mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) molecule demonstrated significant specific MR immunoreactivity in the ovary, prompting further study of the localization of MR and of determinants of extrinsic MR ligand specificity, 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (11β-HSD) types 1 and 2, and hexose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (H6PDH). MR expression (real-time RT-PCR and Western blot) did not differ significantly in whole rat ovaries at early diestrus, late diestrus, estrus, and a few hours after ovulation. MR immunostaining was most intense in corporal lutea cells, light to moderate in oocytes and granulosa cells, and least intense in theca cells. Light immunoreactivity for 11β-HSD2 occurred in most cells, with some mural granulosa cells of mature follicles staining more strongly. The distribution of immunoreactivity for 11β-HSD1 and H6PDH required to generate NADPH, the cofactor required for reductase activity of 11β-HSD1, was similar, with the most-intense staining in the cytoplasm of corporal lutea and theca cells and light or no staining in the granulosa and oocytes. MR function in the ovary is as yet unclear, but distinct patterns of distribution of 11β-HSD1 and −2 and H6PDH suggest that the ligand for MR activation in different cells of the ovary may be differentially regulated. (J Histochem Cytochem 57:633–641, 2009)
Smurf2 Participates in Human Trophoblast Cell Invasion by Inhibiting TGF-β Type I Receptor
Authors: Yang Qing , Chen Sheng-Ping , Zhang Xiao-Ping , Wang Hongmei , Zhu Cheng , Lin Hai-Yan
Published: March 2009

Successful embryo implantation depends on the ability of the trophoblast cells to invade the endometrium and the receptivity of the endometrium. Unlike tumor invasion, trophoblast invasion is spatio-temporaly restricted. Transforming growth factor (TGF)-β is a key inhibitory factor in the invasion of early trophoblast cells. Smad ubiquitination regulatory factor 2 (Smurf2), a HECT type E3 ubiquitin ligase, is an important regulator of the TGF-β signaling pathway, targeting TGF-β receptors and various Smads for proteasome-mediated degradation. In this context, we wished to determine whether Smurf2 has a physiological role during embryo implantation, especially in trophoblast invasion. We examined the spatio-temporal expression of Smurf2 in human placental villi and the function of Smurf2 in trophoblast cell migration and invasion in a model system involving a human extravillous trophoblast cell line, HTR-8/SVneo. Results from RT-PCR and immunohistochemical studies showed that expression of Smurf2 in placental villi was the highest during the first trimester and decreased as the pregnancy progressed. Overexpression of Smurf2 in HTR-8/SVneo cells reduced TGF-β type I receptor levels, and enhanced cell migration and invasion. Conversely, RNA interference—mediated downregulation of Smurf2 resulted in a significant increase in TGF-β type I receptor protein levels. However, the levels of Smad2, another potential target of Smurf2, remained unchanged. In conclusion, the present study suggests that Smurf2 promotes trophoblast cell migration and invasion, and this function may involve downregulation of TGF-β type I receptor.
Probasin Promoter—driven Expression of ID1 Is not Sufficient for Carcinogenesis in Rodent Prostate
Authors: Salomon Robert , Young Lei , MacLeod Duncan , Yu Xiao-Ling , Dong Qihan
Published: March 2009

Inhibitor of DNA-binding-1 (ID1) negatively regulates cell differentiation and senescence, and enhances cellular proliferation and angiogenesis. Elevated levels of ID1 have been found in a variety of cancers, including prostate cancer, but whether ID1 has a tumourigenic role remains to be established. We established heterozygous and homozygous ID1-transgenic mouse lines driven by the prostate-specific probasin promoter (-426 to +28 bp). Although elevated levels of ID1 were confirmed by RT-PCR, immunohistochemistry, and Western blot analysis, there were no morphological changes identified in the prostate of transgenic mice at 26 and 52 weeks. Thus, overexpression of ID1 alone is not sufficient to drive neoplastic change in mouse prostate.
Book Review
Authors: Wilson Brian
Published: March 2009

Explorations in Film, Robin Wood, (2006), rev. edn. Detroit: Wayne State University Press, 416 pp., ISBN 0814332781 (pbk), $24.95
Perceptual-Motor Performance and Associated Kinematics in Space
Authors: Fowler Barry , Meehan Sean , Singhal Anthony
Published: March 2009

Objective: To determine whether the impairment of perceptual-motor performance often observed during the initial stages of space flight is attributable to the direct effects of microgravity on sensory-motor input-output relationships or to cognitive overload arising from the variety of stressors encountered in this environment. Background: Experimental evidence is contradictory, and the present experiment investigated the role of two variables: use of a joystick with tracking or aiming tasks and degree of arm restraint. Methods: Five well-trained astronauts performed Fitts' reciprocal aiming task on three occasions (preflight, on the International Space Station, and postflight) under the following conditions: (a) with a stylus or a joystick, (b) with the arm restrained or unrestrained, and (c) as a single task or together with auditory reaction time (RT) as a dual task. In addition to the speed and accuracy of responses, kinematic measures were derived from the joystick. Results: In space, the slope of Fitts' function increased only in the dual task condition with the joystick. RT was also slowed in the dual condition, and there was an increase in aiming and RT errors. Percentage time to peak acceleration, velocity, and deceleration were increased when the aiming task was performed alone. Conclusion: These results support the cognitive overload rather than the microgravity hypothesis and indicate that an impairment in sensory-motor performance is not a necessary concomitant of space flight. Application: Impairments in perceptual-motor performance in space can be eliminated or mitigated by appropriate training and task design.
Does Team Training Improve Team Performance? A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Salas Eduardo , DiazGranados Deborah , Klein Cameron , Burke C. Shawn , Stagl Kevin C. , Goodwin Gerald F. , Halpin Stanley M.
Published: March 2009

Objective: This research effort leveraged the science of training to guide a taxonomic integration and a series of meta-analyses to gauge the effectiveness and boundary conditions of team training interventions for enhancing team outcomes. Background: Disparate effect sizes across primary studies have made it difficult to determine the true strength of the relationships between team training techniques and team outcomes. Method: Several meta-analytic integrations were conducted to examine the relationships between team training interventions and team functioning. Specifically, we assessed the relative effectiveness of these interventions on team cognitive, affective, process, and performance outcomes. Training content, team membership stability, and team size were investigated as potential moderators of the relationship between team training and outcomes. In total, the database consisted of 93 effect sizes representing 2,650 teams. Results: The results suggested that moderate, positive relationships exist between team training interventions and each of the outcome types. The findings of moderator analyses indicated that training content, team membership stability, and team size moderate the effectiveness of these interventions. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that team training interventions are a viable approach organizations can take in order to enhance team outcomes. They are useful for improving cognitive outcomes, affective outcomes, teamwork processes, and performance outcomes. Moreover, results suggest that training content, team membership stability, and team size moderate the effectiveness of team training interventions. Application: Applications of the results from this research are numerous. Those who design and administer training can benefit from these findings in order to improve the effectiveness of their team training interventions.
In-Service Embrittlement of the Pressure Vessel Welds at the Doel I And II Nuclear Power Plants
Authors: Gérard R , Fabry A , Van de Velde J , Puzzolante J-L , Verstrepen A , Van Ransbeeck T , Van Walle E
Published: March 2009

In-service embrittlement of the welds at the Doel I and II pressure vessels displays an apparent “outlier” behaviour as compared to the predictions of US NRC Regulatory Guide 1.99 Rev.2. This issue is being addressed by a systematic R&D effort, supplementary to the mandatory surveillance programmes. The status of this effort is reviewed in this paper.

The anomalous trends can be outlined as follows. Extensive characterization of the chemical composition of representative test specimens reveals that these low nickel welds, although being nominally identical (same fabrication practice, heat treatment, microstructure,⋯), do feature an appreciable variability of their bulk copper content —covering a range of 0.13% to 0.35%. High copper Charpy-V weld specimens are however not available in the surveillance capsules. The variability could be identified only because the weld part of some HAZ (heat affected zone) Charpy-V specimens, as well as some tensile specimens, consist of the high copper melt. For the low copper contents, (0.13–0.18%), the 41 J Cv transition temperature shift, as obtained from seven capsules exposed in the neutron fluence range of 1 to 3.9 1019 n/cm2 (>1 MeV), is rather constant, but significantly larger than predicted (by US NRC Regulatory Guide 1.99 rev.2).This has caused some concern on the upper bound shift to be adopted, given the possibility of higher copper content in the actual pressure vessel welds.

High copper samples were manufactured by applying the stud welding reconstitution technique to remnants of the HAZ specimens, and the results cannot be distinguished from the low copper data. Such insensitivity to copper,confirmed by tensile and hardness measurements, is at odds with current literature knowledge and with Regulatory guidelines. A further anomaly observed for this type of weld metal is an appreciable sensitivity to thermal ageing.

The surveillance results will be evaluated in accordance with the USNRC Regulatory guide-lines, and the embrittlement trends described above will be thoroughly evaluated from a micromechanical perspective, in the light of a high resolution microstructural investigation.
Effect of Specimen Thickness on the Tensile Deformation Properties of SA508 Cl.3 Reactor Pressure Vessel Steel
Authors: Byun TS , Kim JH , Chi SH , Hong JH
Published: March 2009

The thickness dependence of the tensile properties of a SA508 Cl.3 steel has been studied with miniature specimens to obtain the minimum thickness requirement and a correlation with the properties of a standard specimen for practical application. The strength is independent of specimen thickness when the thickness is larger than the critical value of about 0.2 mm. The uniform and total elongations decrease as the specimen thickness decreases. The strain component in the thickness direction is larger than that in the width direction. It is attempted to explain those thickness dependencies in connection with the stress state. A correlation between the uniform elongations of miniature and standard specimens is derived on the basis of the experimental result for strain components and the correlation between necking angle and strain component ratio. The uniform elongations calculated by the correlation agree well with the measured values. Additionally the fracture surface morphology depends on the specimen thickness.
Multiple-Interval Mapping for Quantitative Trait Loci With a Spike in the Trait Distribution
Authors: Li Wenyun , Chen Zehua
Published: March 2009

For phenotypic distributions where many individuals share a common value—such as survival time following a pathogenic infection—a spike occurs at that common value. This spike affects quantitative trait loci (QTL) mapping methodologies and causes standard approaches to perform suboptimally. In this article, we develop a multiple-interval mapping (MIM) procedure based on mixture generalized linear models (GLIMs). An extended Bayesian information criterion (EBIC) is used for model selection. To demonstrate its utility, this new approach is compared to single-QTL models that appropriately handle the phenotypic distribution. The method is applied to data from Listeria infection as well as data from simulation studies. Compared to the single-QTL model, the findings demonstrate that the MIM procedure greatly improves the efficiency in terms of positive selection rate and false discovery rate. The method developed has been implemented using functions in R and is freely available to download and use.
Blue Light Induces Degradation of the Negative Regulator Phytochrome Interacting Factor 1 to Promote Photomorphogenic Development of Arabidopsis Seedlings
Authors: Castillon Alicia , Shen Hui , Huq Enamul
Published: March 2009

Phytochrome interacting factors (PIFs) are nuclear basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcription factors that negatively regulate photomorphogenesis both in the dark and in the light in Arabidopsis. The phytochrome (phy) family of photoreceptors induces the rapid phosphorylation and degradation of PIFs in response to both red and far-red light conditions to promote photomorphogenesis. Although phys have been shown to function under blue light conditions, the roles of PIFs under blue light have not been investigated in detail. Here we show that PIF1 negatively regulates photomorphogenesis at the seedling stage under blue light conditions. pif1 seedlings displayed more open cotyledons and slightly reduced hypocotyl length compared to wild type under diurnal (12 hr light/12 hr dark) blue light conditions. Double-mutant analyses demonstrated that pif1phyA, pif1phyB, pif1cry1, and pif1cry2 have enhanced cotyledon opening compared to the single photoreceptor mutants under diurnal blue light conditions. Blue light induced the rapid phosphorylation, polyubiquitination, and degradation of PIF1 through the ubi/26S proteasomal pathway. PIF1 interacted with phyA and phyB in a blue light-dependent manner, and the interactions with phys are necessary for the blue light-induced degradation of PIF1. phyA played a dominant role under pulses of blue light, while phyA, phyB, and phyD induced the degradation of PIF1 in an additive manner under prolonged continuous blue light conditions. Interestingly, the absence of cry1 and cry2 enhanced the degradation of PIF1 under blue light conditions. Taken together, these data suggest that PIF1 functions as a negative regulator of photomorphogenesis under blue light conditions and that blue light-activated phys induce the degradation of PIF1 through the ubi/26S proteasomal pathway to promote photomorphogenesis.
Mutations in Two Zinc-Cluster Proteins Activate Alternative Respiratory and Gluconeogenic Pathways and Restore Senescence in Long-Lived Respiratory Mutants ofPodospora anserina
Authors: Sellem Carole H , Bovier Elodie , Lorin Séverine , Sainsard-Chanet Annie
Published: March 2009

In Podospora anserina, inactivation of the respiratory chain results in a spectacular life-span extension. This inactivation is accompanied by the induction of the alternative oxidase. Although the functional value of this response is evident, the mechanism behind it is far from understood. By screening suppressors able to reduce the life-span extension of cytochrome-deficient mutants, we identified mutations in two zinc-cluster proteins, RSE2 and RSE3, which are conserved in other ascomycetes. These mutations led to the overexpression of the genes encoding the alternative oxidase and the gluconeogenic enzymes, fructose-1, 6 biphosphatase, and pyruvate carboxykinase. Both RSE2 and RSE3 are required for the expression of these genes. We also show that, even in the absence of a respiratory deficiency, the wild-type RSE2 and RSE3 transcription factors are involved in life-span control and their inactivation retards aging. These data are discussed with respect to aging, the regulation of the alternative oxidase, and carbon metabolism.
Work of Breathing and Different Levels of Volume-Targeted Ventilation
Authors: Patel Deena-Shefali , Sharma Atul , Prendergast Michael , Rafferty Gerrard F. , Greenough Anne
Published: March 2009

OBJECTIVES. The objectives of this study were to determine the impact of different volume-targeted levels on the work of breathing and to investigate whether a level that reduced the work of breathing below that experienced during ventilatory support without volume targeting could be determined.

METHODS. The transdiaphragmatic pressure-time product, as an estimate of the work of breathing, was measured for 20 infants (median gestational age: 28 weeks) who were being weaned from respiratory support by using patient-triggered ventilation (either assist-control ventilation or synchronous intermittent mandatory ventilation). The transdiaphragmatic pressure-time product was measured first without volume targeting (baseline) and then at volume-targeted levels of 4, 5, and 6 mL/kg, delivered in random order. After each volume-targeted level, the infants were returned to baseline. Each step was maintained for 20 minutes.

RESULTS. The mean transdiaphragmatic pressure-time product was higher with volume targeting at 4 mL/kg in comparison with baseline, regardless of the patient-triggered mode. The transdiaphragmatic pressure-time product was higher at a volume-targeted level of 4 mL/kg in comparison with 5 mL/kg and at 5 mL/kg in comparison with 6 mL/kg. The mean work of breathing was below that at baseline only at a volume-targeted level of 6 mL/kg.

CONCLUSIONS. Low volume-targeted levels increase the work of breathing during volume-targeted ventilation. Our results suggest that, during weaning, a volume-targeted level of 6 mL/kg, rather than a lower level, could be used to avoid an increase in the work of breathing.
As representações mentais das crianças acerca das figuras parentais
Authors: Custódio Susana , Cruz Orlanda
Published: March 2009

Este artigo apresenta uma investigação, realizada em Portugal, sobre a relação entre as representações mentais das crianças acerca dos pais, enquanto figuras de afecto e de disciplina, e a competência social dessas crianças. Participaram no estudo 59 crianças de 8 e 9 anos. As suas representações foram analisadas a partir do conteúdo e da estrutura das narrativas construídas em resposta à Entrevista de Avaliação das Representações das Crianças acerca das Figuras Parentais; a competência social foi avaliada a partir da adaptação portuguesa do Social Skills Rating System - form for teachers, que permite obter valores de habilidades sociais, problemas de comportamento e realização escolar. Os resultados revelam uma relação entre as representações que as crianças têm dos pais como figuras rejeitantes e como figuras punitivas e as habilidades sociais, os problemas internalizados de comportamento e a realização acadêmica, bem como uma relação entre a coerência das representações e a competência social das crianças.
Produção e nutrição mineral do maracujazeiro-amarelo em solo com biofertilizante supermagro e potássio
Authors: Rodrigues Artenisa C. , Cavalcante Lourival F. , Oliveira Ademar P. de , Sousa José T. de , Mesquita Francisco O.
Published: March 2009

Um experimento foi conduzido no período de dezembro/2005 a julho/2006, no município de Remígio, PB, com o objetivo de se avaliar a ação do biofertilizante supermagro aplicado ao solo após diluição em água, na proporção de 1:4, na ausência e presença de potássio, sobre a produção e nutrição mineral do maracujazeiro-amarelo (Passiflora edulis f. flavicarpa Deg). O delineamento estatístico foi blocos ao acaso em esquema fatorial (5 x 2), sendo cinco doses de biofertilizante (0, 1, 2, 3 e 4 L planta-1 da mistura), na ausência e presença de potássio (K2O). O supermagro foi aplicado 30 dias antes e a cada 90 dias após o plantio e o potássio aos 60 dias após o plantio e a cada 60 dias até a colheita. O solo da área experimental é um Cambissolo Húmico Aluminoférrico léptico. Semanalmente, os frutos foram contados e pesados, não só para avaliação da quantidade mas, também, para obtenção de sua produção por planta, massa média de frutos e produtividade; no início da frutificação as plantas estavam adequadamente supridas de N, K, S, B e Zn mas deficientes em P, Ca, Mg, Cu, Fe e Mn. A massa média de frutos foi superior nas plantas dos tratamentos com supermagro e potássio, porém a produtividade não foi influenciada pela interação supermagro versus potássio.
Tendência familial das fissuras lábio-palatais
Authors: Souza-Freitas José Alberto de , Dalben Gisele da Silva , Freitas Patrícia Zambonato , Santamaria Jr. Milton
Published: March 2009

Este estudo visou investigar a porcentagem de pacientes com fissuras que relatam a existência de casos anteriores de indivíduos com fissuras ou outras anomalias congênitas na família. Foram entrevistados 803 pacientes com fissura de lábio e/ou palato, com ou sem más formações adicionais e sem síndromes reconhecíveis; as informações foram analisadas em porcentagens e médias. Uma porcentagem significante da amostra (32,3%) apresentou um ou mais casos de indivíduos com anomalias na família, com uma influência notável da presença de irmãos com fissuras e parentes com tipos mais severos de fissuras. Os resultados sugerem a presença da herança entre os prováveis fatores etiológicos. Todos os profissionais da saúde devem estar cientes deste fato para possibilitar o fornecimento de informação e aconselhamento.
A presença feminina nas indústrias de lingerie na cidade de Franca
Authors: Pereira Mayara C. Freitas , Bueno Cléria M. L. Bittar Pucci
Published: March 2009

Dados recentes nos comprovam que as indústrias de lingerie têm apresentado considerável crescimento na cidade de Franca/SP, cuja história sempre se pautou pela indústria do calçado. Devido à crise no setor calçadista, sobretudo em razão da intensificação da concorrência com a indústria dos países asiáticos, muitas grandes fábricas de calçados foram fechadas e, com a dispensa de mão-de-obra, houve um processo de reorganização da estrutura fabril, protagonizado, em especial, por aqueles que buscavam nova inserção no mercado de trabalho. Diante deste quadro nasce uma nova vocação empresarial comandada basicamente por mulheres, e que está abrindo postos de trabalho para outras mulheres - a indústria de lingerie, que vem crescendo notoriamente. Partimos de um pressuposto inicial de que muitas destas mulheres, hoje à frente da incipiente indústria de lingerie, tiveram alguma experiência pregressa nas indústrias calçadistas, que empregam expressiva mão-de-obra feminina, sobretudo nos setores de apara e corte de couro, pintura e embalagem, sem contar os serviços do terceiro setor em que a presença feminina é, em qualquer circunstância, relevante. Já por estarem num ambiente econômico-industrial relacionado à moda, a transposição do calçado para a lingerie, em que pese as diferenças óbvias, representou para estas mulheres um reajuste em suas antigas qualificações como industriárias do calçado. Este estudo, em andamento, tem como fito levantar dados a respeito do histórico dessa incipiente indústria, e, através do relato dessas mulheres, conhecer suas trajetórias de vida e as experiências que trouxeram para essa nova realidade. Intenta também reconhecer quais foram as estratégias utilizadas para se reorganizarem nos espaços produtivos, que, em alguns casos é a própria casa, além de conhecer e identificar outras experiências que se articulam, no mundo do trabalho.
Thermal and Hydraulic Matrix-Fracture Interaction in Dual-Permeability Simulation
Authors: van Heel A. P. G. , Boerrigter P. M. , van Dorp J. J.
Published: March 2009

The shape factor concept, originally introduced by Barenblatt in 1960, provides an elegant and powerful upscaling method for fractured reservoir simulation. The shape factor determines the fluid and heat transfer between matrix and fractures when there is a difference in pressure or temperature between matrix blocks and the surrounding fractures. An appropriate specification of the shape factor is therefore critical for accurate modeling.

Since its introduction, many different values for the shape factor have been proposed in the literature, among which the well-known Warren-Root and Kazemi shape factors. The aim of this paper is to show that the selection of the appropriate shape factor should not only depend on the “shape” and dimensions of matrix blocks, but should also take into consideration the character of the dominant underlying physical recovery mechanisms.

We will show that by taking into account the dominant physical recovery mechanism, the apparent discrepancies in the shape factor values reported in the literature can be overcome. We derive a general expression for the shape factor that not only captures existing shape factor expressions, but also allows extensions to recovery mechanisms requiring a dual permeability approach.

The paper is organized as follows. First, we briefly review the shape factors presented in the literature. We then derive the general expression for the (single-phase) matrix-fracture shape factor. Subsequently, we analytically derive a new shape factor that captures the transient in pressure/temperature diffusion processes. To compare and contrast the impact of the various shape factors, we consider three cases of increasing complexity. First, we consider pressure/temperature diffusion in a single 1D matrix block following a step change in the boundary conditions. Next, we consider isothermal gas/oil gravity drainage from a homogeneous stack. We compare fine-grid single-porosity simulations (in which the matrix is finely gridded and in which the fractures are explicitly represented) with coarse-grid dual-permeability simulations (in which the matrix-fracture interaction is modeled by shape factors). In the third step, we consider gas-oil gravity drainage of the same stack model, but now under steam injection. In this case, steam is injected at the top, and oil recovered from the base of the fracture system. Again, we compare fine-grid single-porosity simulations with coarse-grid dual-permeability simulations. We show that in this case, the constant (asymptotic) shape factor provides a good approximation to the heating of the stack. We will show, however, that with a constant (time-independent) shape factor, the initial fast heating of the matrix blocks cannot be captured. We show that the new transient shape factor, however, enables coarse-grid dual-permeability modeling of thermal recovery processes such that they reproduce fine-grid results.
Imaging Seismic Deformation Induced by Hydraulic Fracture Complexity
Authors: Maxwell S. C. , Waltman C. K. , Warpinski N. R. , Mayerhofer M. J. , Boroumand N.
Published: March 2009

Microseismic mapping is extensively used in the Barnett Shale to map hydraulic fracture complexity associated with interactions of the stimulation with pre-existing fractures (fracs). Previous studies have indicated a fair correlation between the well performance and extent of the seismically active volume. However, in addition to this measure of the extent of the stimulated fracture network, the characteristics of this fracture network is also expected to impact the well performance. In particular, the fracture spacing is believed to be an important factor controlling the potential gas flow. In this paper, we use the density of the total seismic moment release (a robust measure of the microseism strength) as an indication of the seismic deformation that may correlate to the fracture density. The study uses a set of microseismic maps of hydraulic fracture stimulations, including cases in which the stimulated reservoir volume measured by the extent of the seismically active region poorly correlated with the well performance. Incorporating the seismic moment density to assess the fracture density with the network extent, an improved correlation with the well performance was observed.
New Trend in Oilfield Flow-Assurance Management: A Review of Thermal Insulating Fluids
Authors: Wang Xiaolan , Qu Qi , Javora Paul , Pearcy Rick
Published: March 2009

Flow assurance has been one of the major considerations in deep-water completion design, in which undesired heat loss from production tubing contributes to the formation of gas hydrates and causes the deposition of paraffin and asphaltene materials. Traditionally, controlling annular heat loss has been achieved with the injection of steam, the application of silicate foam, the pressurization of the annulus with inert gas, the use of gelled oil as an insulating packer fluid, and the use of vacuum insulated tubing (VIT). Each of these applications, however, has drawbacks because of either its working mechanism or the higher cost associated with the technology.

To secure the insulation of the wellbore and to reduce heat transfer from the production tubing to the surrounding areas, various aqueous insulating fluid systems with superior thermal properties have been developed in recent years. Field applications of these fluids have demonstrated significant reduction in heat loss by reducing conduction and minimizing convection. These thermal insulating fluids have been implemented with great success in more than 75 deepwater riser and packer applications in the Gulf of Mexico (GOM) over the last several years. Case histories have demonstrated that installation of these water-based insulating fluids is an effective alternative to conventional insulation options and is becoming the preferred insulation method in many deep-water projects.

This paper will highlight the evolution of different insulating fluid systems and the field experience with each system. Proper testing methods relevant to oilfield flow assurance will be discussed and testing results for these fluids will be detailed. Field cases in the GOM will be summarized, and the effectiveness of these fluid systems will be demonstrated.