bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The method for analysing and disposing of functional interaction in axiomatic design
Authors: Cai C-L , Xiao R-B , Yang P
Published: October 2009

The ill-defined interactions among functional requirements (FRs) lead to additional iterations among tasks in the design process guided by axiomatic design. This article aims to develop a structured method for analysing and disposing of functional interactions in a coupled design so as to improve the design process. First, the representation of coupled FRs is given and the notion of a critical design parameter is introduced to assist the interaction analysis between FRs. Next, the identified coupled FRs are disposed of by decoupling. The decoupling condition for coupled FRs based on design specifications is given according to the interaction analysis. To enlarge the decoupling range, the concept of satisfaction degree is introduced and a coupled design may be decoupled based on the satisfaction degree. Then, for the remaining coupled FRs after decoupling, it is a good way to adopt tearing to find a better initial ordering of iteration for speeding up the convergence of iteration in terms of the interaction analysis. An index called quality loss is introduced to aid the reordering process. Finally, two practical examples are provided to illustrate the analysis and disposal process.
An analytical model of thermal contact resistance based on the Weierstrass—Mandelbrot fractal function
Authors: Jiang S , Zheng Y
Published: October 2009

A fractal model for analysing the thermal contact resistance (TCR) of rough surfaces is presented; it is based on the classical heat conduction theory and fractal geometry for the surface topography description, elastic—plastic deformation of contacting asperities, and size-dependent constriction resistance. Relations for the TCR in terms of contact load are obtained for heat conductive surfaces with known material properties and surface topography. With the real contact area being approximately 1 per cent of the apparent contact area or less, the microcontact area distribution has a dominant influence on the TCR. Useful design guidelines for heat contacts are extracted from the numerical results. The analytical results agree well with previous experiments.
Small-scale isotropy of orificed, perforated plate turbulence
Authors: Singha A
Published: October 2009

The small-scale statistics of orificed, perforated plate (OPP) turbulence was studied over a range of Reynolds numbers based on Taylor microscale, Reλ, from 23 to 108. The streamwise velocity skewness, flatness, and the velocity spectra, deduced from hot-wire measurements taken at 70 D (where D is the diameter of the holes of the OPP) downstream of the OPP confirmed the turbulence to be quasi-isotropic. Application of the extended self-similarity concept enabled the analysis of the velocity structure functions of the small-scale statistics up to the sixth order. The ESS analysis revealed a large stretch of scaling region, despite the absence of a perceptible Kolmogorov inertial subrange. The values of the scaling exponents seem to affirm the superiority of the OPP over conventional grid in generating quasi-isotropic turbulence. The effects of Reλ on the extent of the scaling range and the scaling exponent were also explored.
Translation initiation complex formation in the crenarchaeon Sulfolobus solfataricus
Authors: Hasenöhrl David , Fabbretti Attilio , Londei Paola , Gualerzi Claudio O. , Bläsi Udo
Published: October 2009

The function of initiation factors in and the sequence of events during translation initiation have been intensively studied in Bacteria and Eukaryotes, whereas in Archaea knowledge on these functions/processes is limited. By employing chemical probing, we show that translation initiation factor aIF1 of the model crenarchaeon Sulfolobus solfataricus binds to the same area on the ribosome as the bacterial and eukaryal orthologs. Fluorescence energy transfer assays (FRET) showed that aIF1, like its eukaryotic and bacterial orthologs, has a fidelity function in translation initiation complex formation, and that both aIF1 and aIF1A exert a synergistic effect in stimulating ribosomal association of the Met-tRNAiMet binding factor a/eIF2. However, as in Eukaryotes their effect on a/eIF2 binding appears to be indirect. Moreover, FRET was used to analyze for the first time the sequence of events toward translation initiation complex formation in an archaeal model system. These studies suggested that a/eIF2-GTP binds first to the ribosome and then recruits Met-tRNAiMet, which appears to comply with the operational mode of bacterial IF2, and deviates from the shuttle function of the eukaryotic counterpart eIF2. Thus, despite the resemblance of eIF2 and a/eIF2, recruitment of initiator tRNA to the ribosome is mechanistically different in Pro- and Eukaryotes.
Next-generation SELEX identifies sequence and structural determinants of splicing factor binding in human pre-mRNA sequence
Authors: Reid Daniel C. , Chang Brian L. , Gunderson Samuel I. , Alpert Lauren , Thompson William A. , Fairbrother William G.
Published: October 2009

Many splicing factors interact with both mRNA and pre-mRNA. The identification of these interactions has been greatly improved by the development of in vivo cross-linking immunoprecipitation. However, the output carries a strong sampling bias in favor of RNPs that form on more abundant RNA species like mRNA. We have developed a novel in vitro approach for surveying binding on pre-mRNA, without cross-linking or sampling bias. Briefly, this approach entails specifically designed oligonucleotide pools that tile through a pre-mRNA sequence. The pool is then partitioned into bound and unbound fractions, which are quantified by a two-color microarray. We applied this approach to locating splicing factor binding sites in and around ∼4000 exons. We also quantified the effect of secondary structure on binding. The method is validated by the finding that U1snRNP binds at the 5′ splice site (5′ss) with a specificity that is nearly identical to the splice donor motif. In agreement with prior reports, we also show that U1snRNP appears to have some affinity for intronic G triplets that are proximal to the 5′ss. Both U1snRNP and the polypyrimidine tract binding protein (PTB) avoid exonic binding, and the PTB binding map shows increased enrichment at the polypyrimidine tract. For PTB, we confirm polypyrimidine specificity and are also able to identify structural determinants of PTB binding. We detect multiple binding motifs enriched in the PTB bound fraction of oligonucleotides. These motif combinations augment binding in vitro and are also enriched in the vicinity of exons that have been determined to be in vivo targets of PTB.
Predicting Language Lateralization from Gray Matter
Authors: Josse Goulven , Kherif Ferath , Flandin Guillaume , Seghier Mohamed L. , Price Cathy J.
Published: October 2009

It has long been predicted that the degree to which language is lateralized to the left or right hemisphere might be reflected in the underlying brain anatomy. We investigated this relationship on a voxel-by-voxel basis across the whole brain using structural and functional magnetic resonance images from 86 healthy participants. Structural images were converted to gray matter probability images, and language activation was assessed during naming and semantic decision. All images were spatially normalized to the same symmetrical template, and lateralization images were generated by subtracting right from left hemisphere signal at each voxel. We show that the degree to which language was left or right lateralized was positively correlated with the degree to which gray matter density was lateralized.Post hocanalyses revealed a general relationship between gray matter probability and blood oxygenation level-dependent signal. This is the first demonstration that structural brain scans can be used to predict language lateralization on a voxel-by-voxel basis in the normal healthy brain.
A Key Role for gp130 Expressed on Peripheral Sensory Nerves in Pathological Pain
Authors: Andratsch Manfred , Mair Norbert , Constantin Cristina E. , Scherbakov Nadja , Benetti Camilla , Quarta Serena , Vogl Christian , Sailer Claudia A. , Üceyler Nurcan , Brockhaus Johannes , Martini Rudolf , Sommer Claudia , Ulrich Zeilhofer Hanns , Müller Werner , Kuner Rohini , Davis John B. , Rose-John Stefan , Kress Michaela
Published: October 2009

Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is a key mediator of inflammation. Inhibitors of IL-6 or of its signal transducing receptor gp130 constitute a novel class of anti-inflammatory drugs, which raise great hopes for improved treatments of painful inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis. IL-6 and gp130 may enhance pain not only indirectly through their proinflammatory actions but also through a direct action on nociceptors (i.e., on neurons activated by painful stimuli). We found indeed that the IL-6/gp130 ligand-receptor complex induced heat hypersensitivity bothin vitroandin vivo. This process was mediated by activation of PKC-δ via Gab1/2/PI3K and subsequent regulation of TRPV1, a member of the transient receptor potential (TRP) family of ion channels. To assess the relevance of this direct pain promoting effect of IL-6, we generated conditional knock-out mice, which lackgp130specifically in nociceptors, and tested them in models of inflammatory and tumor-induced pain. These mice showed significantly reduced levels of inflammatory and tumor-induced pain but no changes in immune reactions or tumor growth. Our results uncover the significance of gp130 expressed in peripheral pain sensing neurons in the pathophysiology of major clinical pain disorders and suggest their use as novel pain relieving agents in inflammatory and tumor pain.
Differential Gene Expression in the Developing Lateral Geniculate Nucleus and Medial Geniculate Nucleus Reveals Novel Roles for Zic4 and Foxp2 in Visual and Auditory Pathway Development
Authors: Horng Sam , Kreiman Gabriel , Ellsworth Charlene , Page Damon , Blank Marissa , Millen Kathleen , Sur Mriganka
Published: October 2009

Primary sensory nuclei of the thalamus process and relay parallel channels of sensory input into the cortex. The developmental processes by which these nuclei acquire distinct functional roles are not well understood. To identify novel groups of genes with a potential role in differentiating two adjacent sensory nuclei, we performed a microarray screen comparing perinatal gene expression in the principal auditory relay nucleus, the medial geniculate nucleus (MGN), and principal visual relay nucleus, the lateral geniculate nucleus (LGN). We discovered and confirmed groups of highly ranked, differentially expressed genes with qRT-PCR andin situhybridization. A functional role for Zic4, a transcription factor highly enriched in the LGN, was investigated usingZic4-null mice, which were found to have changes in topographic patterning of retinogeniculate projections. Foxp2, a transcriptional repressor expressed strongly in the MGN, was found to be positively regulated by activity in the MGN. These findings identify roles for two differentially expressed genes,Zic4andFoxp2, in visual and auditory pathway development. Finally, to test whether modality-specific patterns of gene expression are influenced by extrinsic patterns of input, we performed an additional microarray screen comparing the normal MGN to “rewired” MGN, in which normal auditory afferents are ablated and novel retinal inputs innervate the MGN. Data from this screen indicate that rewired MGN acquires some patterns of gene expression that are present in the developing LGN, including an upregulation ofZic4expression, as well as novel patterns of expression which may represent unique processes of cross-modal plasticity.
Oscillations, Phase-of-Firing Coding, and Spike Timing-Dependent Plasticity: An Efficient Learning Scheme
Authors: Masquelier Timothée , Hugues Etienne , Deco Gustavo , Thorpe Simon J.
Published: October 2009

Recent experiments have established that information can be encoded in the spike times of neurons relative to the phase of a background oscillation in the local field potential—a phenomenon referred to as “phase-of-firing coding” (PoFC). These firing phase preferences could result from combining an oscillation in the input current with a stimulus-dependent static component that would produce the variations in preferred phase, but it remains unclear whether these phases are an epiphenomenon or really affect neuronal interactions—only then could they have a functional role. Here we show that PoFC has a major impact on downstream learning and decoding with the now well established spike timing-dependent plasticity (STDP). To be precise, we demonstrate with simulations how a single neuron equipped with STDP robustly detects a pattern of input currents automatically encoded in the phases of a subset of its afferents, and repeating at random intervals. Remarkably, learning is possible even when only a small fraction of the afferents (∼10%) exhibits PoFC. The ability of STDP to detect repeating patterns had been noted before in continuous activity, but it turns out that oscillations greatly facilitate learning. A benchmark with more conventional rate-based codes demonstrates the superiority of oscillations and PoFC for both STDP-based learning and the speed of decoding: the oscillation partially formats the input spike times, so that they mainly depend on the current input currents, and can be efficiently learned by STDP and then recognized in just one oscillation cycle. This suggests a major functional role for oscillatory brain activity that has been widely reported experimentally.
Endogenous BDNF in the Dorsolateral Striatum Gates Alcohol Drinking
Authors: Jeanblanc Jerome , He Dao-Yao , Carnicella Sebastien , Kharazia Viktor , Janak Patricia H. , Ron Dorit
Published: October 2009

We previously found that brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)-haplodeficient mice exhibit greater ethanol-induced place preference and psychomotor sensitization, and greater ethanol consumption after deprivation, than control mice. We further observed that, in mice, voluntary ethanol intake increasesBDNFexpression in the dorsal striatum (DS). Here, we determined whether BDNF within the DS regulates ethanol self-administration in Long–Evans rats trained to self-administer a 10% ethanol solution. We observed a greater increase inBDNFexpression after ethanol self-administration in the dorsolateral striatum (DLS) than in the dorsomedial striatum (DMS). We further found that downregulation of endogenous BDNF using viral-mediated siRNA in the DLS, but not in the DMS, significantly increased ethanol self-administration. Infusion of exogenous BDNF (0.25 μg/μl/side into the DMS; 0.25 and 0.75 μg/μl/side into the DLS) attenuated responding for ethanol when infused 3 h before the beginning of the self-administration session. Although the decrease in ethanol intake was similar in the DLS and DMS, BDNF infused in the DLS, but not in the DMS, induced an early termination of the drinking episode. Furthermore, the action of BDNF in the DLS was specific for ethanol, as infusion of the neurotrophic factor in the DMS, but not DLS, resulted in a reduction of sucrose intake. Together, these findings demonstrate that the BDNF pathway within the DLS controls the level of ethanol self-administration. Importantly, our results suggest that an endogenous signaling pathway within the same brain region that mediates drug-taking behavior also plays a critical role in gating the level of ethanol intake.
What “Works” in Working Memory? Separate Systems for Selection and Updating of Critical Information
Authors: Bledowski Christoph , Rahm Benjamin , Rowe James B.
Published: October 2009

Cognition depends critically on working memory, the active representation of a limited number of items over short periods of time. In addition to the maintenance of information during the course of cognitive processing, many tasks require that some of the items in working memory become transiently more important than others. Based on cognitive models of working memory, we hypothesized two complementary essential cognitive operations to achieve this: a selection operation that retrieves the most relevant item, and an updating operation that changes the focus of attention onto it. Using functional magnetic resonance imaging, high-resolution oculometry, and behavioral analysis, we demonstrate that these two operations are functionally and neuroanatomically dissociated. Updating the attentional focus elicited transient activation in the caudal superior frontal sulcus and posterior parietal cortex. In contrast, increasing demands on selection selectively modulated activation in rostral superior frontal sulcus and posterior cingulate/precuneus. We conclude that prioritizing one memory item over others invokes independent mechanisms of mnemonic retrieval and attentional focusing, each with its distinct neuroanatomical basis within frontal and parietal regions. These support the developing understanding of working memory as emerging from the interaction between memory and attentional systems.
Control of Cortical Axon Elongation by a GABA-Driven Ca2+/Calmodulin-Dependent Protein Kinase Cascade
Authors: Ageta-Ishihara Natsumi , Takemoto-Kimura Sayaka , Nonaka Mio , Adachi-Morishima Aki , Suzuki Kanzo , Kamijo Satoshi , Fujii Hajime , Mano Tatsuo , Blaeser Frank , Chatila Talal A. , Mizuno Hidenobu , Hirano Tomoo , Tagawa Yoshiaki , Okuno Hiroyuki , Bito Haruhiko
Published: October 2009

Ca2+signaling plays important roles during both axonal and dendritic growth. Yet whether and how Ca2+rises may trigger and contribute to the development of long-range cortical connections remains mostly unknown. Here, we demonstrate that two separate limbs of the Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase kinase (CaMKK)–CaMKI cascades, CaMKK–CaMKIα and CaMKK–CaMKIγ, critically coordinate axonal and dendritic morphogenesis of cortical neurons, respectively. The axon-specific morphological phenotype required a diffuse cytoplasmic localization and a strikingly α-isoform-specific kinase activity of CaMKI. Unexpectedly, treatment with muscimol, a GABAAreceptor agonist, selectively stimulated elongation of axons but not of dendrites, and the CaMKK–CaMKIα cascade critically mediated this axonogenic effect. Consistent with these findings, during early brain development,in vivoknockdown of CaMKIα significantly impaired the terminal axonal extension and thereby perturbed the refinement of the interhemispheric callosal projections into the contralateral cortices. Our findings thus indicate a novel role for the GABA-driven CaMKK–CaMKIα cascade as a mechanism critical for accurate cortical axon pathfinding, an essential process that may contribute to fine-tuning the formation of interhemispheric connectivity during the perinatal development of the CNS.
β-Catenin Signaling Levels in Progenitors Influence the Laminar Cell Fates of Projection Neurons
Authors: Mutch Christopher A. , Funatsu Nobuo , Monuki Edwin S. , Chenn Anjen
Published: October 2009

The mechanisms underlying the timing of the laminar fate decisions during cortical neurogenesis remain poorly understood. Here we show that β-catenin signaling in cortical neural precursors can regulate the laminar fate of their daughters. In ventricular zone neural precursors, β-catenin signaling is higher when deep-layer neurons are being generated and lower when upper-layer neurons are being generated. Overactivation of β-catenin in cortical precursors midway through corticogenesis increased the relative production of deep-layer neurons, while inhibition of signaling increased the relative production of upper-layer neurons. Furthermore, in late-gestation upper-layer precursors, overactive β-catenin signaling was able to partially restore production of deep-layer neurons. These observations suggest that increased β-catenin signaling can reset the timing of cortical precursors to promote the production of deep-layer neurons, while inhibition of β-catenin signaling advances the timing to promote upper-layer production.
Proopiomelanocortin Expression in both GABA and Glutamate Neurons
Authors: Hentges Shane T. , Otero-Corchon Veronica , Pennock Reagan L. , King Connie M. , Low Malcolm J.
Published: October 2009

Proopiomelanocortin (POMC) neurons have been intensively studied because of their essential role in regulating energy balance and body weight. Many effects of POMC neurons can be attributed to their release of cognate neuropeptides from secretory granules in axon terminals. However, these neurons also synaptically release non-peptide neurotransmitters. The aim of this study was to settle the controversy whether there are separate populations of POMC neurons that release GABA or glutamate. Transgenic mice expressing a red fluorescent protein [Discosoma red (DsRed)] driven byPomcneuronal regulatory elements (POMC–DsRed) were crossed to mice that expressed green fluorescent protein (gfp) in GABAergic neurons (GAD67–gfp). Approximately 40% of POMC neurons in the arcuate nucleus of the double-transgenic mice expressed the GAD67–gfp transgene.In vitroneurotransmitter release was detected using whole-cell electrophysiologic recordings in cultured GAD67–gfp-positive and GAD67–gfp-negative POMC neurons that had formed recurrent synapses (autapses). Autapses from GAD67–gfp-positive neurons were uniformly GABAergic. In contrast, autapses from the GAD67–gfp-negative POMC neurons exclusively exhibited postsynaptic currents mediated by glutamate. Together, these results indicate that there are two subpopulations of POMC neurons in the arcuate nucleus differentiated by their amino acid neurotransmitter phenotype. Whole-cell voltage-clamp recordings from POMC neurons in live brain slices indicated that GABAergic and glutamatergic POMC neurons are under similar presynaptic and postsynaptic regulation, although the GABAergic POMC neurons are smaller and have higher input resistance. GABAergic and glutamatergic POMC neurons may mediate distinct aspects of POMC neuron function, including the regulation of energy homeostasis.
Simvastatin Inhibits the Activation of p21rasand Prevents the Loss of Dopaminergic Neurons in a Mouse Model of Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Ghosh Anamitra , Roy Avik , Matras Joanna , Brahmachari Saurav , Gendelman Howard E. , Pahan Kalipada
Published: October 2009

Parkinson's disease (PD) is second only to Alzheimer's disease as the most common devastating human neurodegenerative disorder. Despite intense investigation, no interdictive therapy is available for PD. We investigated whether simvastatin, a Food and Drug Administration-approved cholesterol-lowering drug, could protect against nigrostriatal degeneration after 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) intoxication to model PD in mice. First, MPP+induced the activation of p21rasand nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) in mouse microglial cells. Inhibition of MPP+-induced activation of NF-κB by Δp21ras, a dominant-negative mutant of p21ras, supported the involvement of p21rasin MPP+-induced microglial activation of NF-κB. Interestingly, simvastatin attenuated activation of both p21rasand NF-κB in MPP+-stimulated microglial cells. Consistently, we found a very rapid activation of p21rasin vivoin the substantia nigra pars compacta of MPTP-intoxicated mice. However, after oral administration, simvastatin entered into the nigra, reduced nigral activation of p21ras, attenuated nigral activation of NF-κB, inhibited nigral expression of proinflammatory molecules, and suppressed nigral activation of glial cells. These findings paralleled dopaminergic neuronal protection, normalized striatal neurotransmitters, and improved motor functions in MPTP-intoxicated mice. Similarly, pravastatin, another cholesterol-lowering drug, suppressed microglial inflammatory responses and protected dopaminergic neurons in MPTP-intoxicated mice, but at levels less than simvastatin. Furthermore, both the statins administered 2 d after initiation of the disease were still capable of inhibiting the demise of dopaminergic neurons and concomitant loss of neurotransmitters, suggesting that statins are capable of slowing down the progression of neuronal loss in the MPTP mouse model. Therefore, we conclude that statins may be of therapeutic benefit for PD patients.
From lipid target values to JUPITER study. Importance of the achievement of lipid levels specified by the guidelines and deficiencies in the present practice
Authors: Márk László , Katona András
Published: October 2009

Magyarországon 1993 és 2006 között a születéskor várható élettartam 4,14 évvel nőtt, és ehhez a cardiovascularis halandóság javulása 1,85 évvel járult hozzá. A lipidszintcsökkentő kezelés, a lipidcélértékek elérése az utóbbi években a cardiovascularis prevenció egyik súlyponti kérdése lett. A javuló tendencia ellenére az LDL-koleszterin-szint célértékének elérési aránya nem nagyobb egyharmadnál, és ebben leginkább az játszik szerepet, hogy a nem megfelelő szintű lipidcsökkentést igazoló eredménybe az orvosok nagyobb része (2007-ben 56%-a) beletörődik, nem igyekszik módosítani a kezelésen, pedig egyre több adat igazolja, hogy az alacsonyabb LDL-koleszterin-szint elérése nemcsak a klinikai kimenetelt javítja szignifikánsan, hanem költséghatékony is. Az utóbbi időszak legjelentősebb, statinnal végzett új vizsgálata a JUPITER, amely lipidszintjeik miatt statinkezelést nem igénylő, magas hs-CRP-szintű, nem ismert érbetegeken igazolta, hogy 20 mg rosuvastatin adásával szignifikánsan, 44%-kal csökkenthető a primer végpont (a cardiovascularis halálozás, nem halálos stroke és szívinfarktus, instabil angina vagy revascularisatio) és 20%-kal az összhalálozás előfordulása. Egy primer végpont megelőzéséhez 23 beteg 5 éves kezelése szükséges. Az eredmények felvetik a primer prevenció elvei és célértékei átgondolásának szükségességét, valamint azt, hogy minden lipidcsökkentő kezelésben nagyobb figyelmet kellene fordítani a betegek hs-CRP szintjére.
Pentalogy of Cantrell: six new cases
Authors: Pete Barbara , Hajdú Júlia , Harmath Ágnes , Csapó Zsolt , Papp Csaba , Szigeti Zsanett , Rigó jr. János
Published: October 2009

Cantrell’s pentalogy is a rare multiple malformation syndrome consisting of supraumbilical abdominal wall defect, sternal defect, pericardial defect, anterior diaphragmatic defect and heart malformation. Aims and methods: Prenatal ultrasound findings and malformations described during autopsy of the Cantrell’s pentalogy cases diagnosed between January 1991 and June 2009 in our institute were reviewed. A literature research was conducted to analyze the prevalence and prenatal detection rate of the five previously described malformations and ectopia cordis in the Cantrell’s pentalogy cases. Results: Six cases of Cantrell’s pentalogy were diagnosed during the study period in our department. Sonography detected multiple malformations in 3 cases, and isolated malformation in 3 cases. Analyzing the data of 49 Cantrell’s pentalogy cases altogether showed that, beside abdominal wall defect and ectopia cordis which had the highest prenatal detection rate (83% and 91% with a prevalence of 94% and 69%, respectively), sternal defect and anterior diaphragmatic hernia were also present in a large number of the cases (80% and 73% respectively). Conclusion: Sonographic identification of the sternal defect or diaphragmatic hernia may help to differentiate Cantrell’s pentalogy from malformations part of the syndrome but occurring as isolated defects.
Characterization of microstructures, mechanical properties, and oxidation behavior of coherent A2 + L21Fe-Al-Ti
Authors: Krein Ronny , Palm Martin , Heilmaier Martin
Published: October 2009

Two Fe-Al-Ti alloys with coherent αFe,Al (A2) + Fe2AlTi (L21) microstructures have been produced and the evolution of the microstructure with aging time has been studied by light optical and scanning electron microscopy and hardness measurements. The compressive flow strength, creep properties, brittle-to-ductile-transition temperatures (BDTT), and oxidation behavior of the alloys have been evaluated. The results show that the investigated alloys show good flow strength, high creep resistance, and good oxidation resistance. However, their BDDT is high compared to binary Fe-Al-based alloys and compared to other Fe-Al-Ti alloys no increase in creep resistance was achieved by generating coherent microstructures. The latter effect is due to the breakup of the coherent microstructures when the temperature varies because the compositions and consequently the volume fractions of the phases vary markedly depending on temperature.
You Gotta See It to Believe It: Teaching Visual Literacy in the English Classroom
Authors: Seglem Robyn , Witte Shelbie
Published: October 2009

Expanding the definition of literacy and using visual strategies comprehensively can strongly affect student learning. Educators can contribute to the growth and understanding of the world of nonprint text by helping students learn to read and create visual products critically. When educators bridge popular culture and traditional texts, students become authentically motivated and engaged in their learning. This article highlights vignettes of visual literacy at work through successful classroom practices.

من المحتمل أن يؤثر توسيع تعريف معرفة القراءة والكتابة واستخدام استراتيجيات بصرية بطريقة شمولية على تعلم الطالب حق التأثير. ولكن يستطيع المعلمون أن يساهموا في نمو عالم النصوص غير المطبوع وفهمه بواسطة مساعدة الطلاب في تعلم القراءة وخلق منتجات بصرية نقدياً. وحين يربط المعلمون الثقافة العامة والنصوص التقليدية فإن الطلاب يصيرون متحمسين ومنشغلين في تعلمهم. لذلك تسلط هذه المقالة الضوء على مشاهد وجيزة من التعلم البصري في حالة العمل من خلال ممارسات الصف الناجحة.

扩大读写文化的定义及全面使用视觉策略能大大地影响学生的学习。教育工作者如能帮助学生批判性地学习和创制视觉作品，他们可以对非印刷文本世界的增长与认识作出贡献。当教育工作者把大众文化与传统文本接连起来时，学生便会有真正的学习动机及真正投入学习。本文使用一些鲜明的成功课堂教学实践片段，以说明视觉读写文化所产生的影响力。

Etendre la définition de la littératie et utiliser à fond des stratégies visuelles peut avoir un effet important sur l'apprentissage scolaire. Les enseignants peuvent contribuer au développement et à la compréhension du monde des textes non écrits en aidant les élèves à lire et à créer des produits visuels de façon critique. Quand les enseignants établissent des ponts entre la culture populaire et les textes traditionnels, la motivation et l'investissement des élèves dans l'apprentissage deviennent authentiques. Cet article met en lumière des exemples de littératie visuelle qui marchent dans des pratiques de classes réussies.

Расширение понятия грамотности и разностороннее использование визуальных стратегий способно кардинально изменить академическую жизнь школьника. Педагоги могут внести свой вклад в развитие подростков и в их представления о мире невербальных текстов, научив их критически подходить к чтению и созданию визуальных продуктов. Когда учителям удается соединить поп‐культуру и традиционные тексты, учащиеся начинают проявлять настоящий интерес к учебе. В статье приводятся примеры успешного применения навыков визуальной грамотности в рамках школьного урока.

Ampliando la definición de alfabetización y usando estrategias visuales integralmente puede tener un efecto muy grande en el aprendizaje de los estudiantes. Los educadores pueden contribuir al crecimiento y al entendimiento del mundo de textos no impresos ayudando a los estudiantes a aprender a leer y crear productos visuales de forma crítica. Cuando los educadores hacen conexiones entre la cultura popular y los textos tradicionales, los estudiantes se interesan y participan auténticamente en el aprendizaje. Este artículo saca a relucir esbozos de competencias visuales en el acto debido a prácticas exitosas en el salón de clase.
Moving Beyond Intermediate English Proficiency
Authors: Jewell Mary
Published: October 2009

Too many English learners get stuck at intermediate levels of English language proficiency. In this article, teacher Mary Jewell describes how she uses literature and scaffolds to ensure that students develop academic language.

يعلِّق عدد أكثر من اللازم من دارسي اللغة الإنكليزية في مستويات متوسطة من كفاءة اللغة الإنكليزية. إذ تصف في هذه المقالة معلمة ماري جويل كيف هي تستخدم الأدب وتنفذ سقالات للتأكد من اكتساب الطلاب اللغة الأكاديمية.

太多英语学习者在中级水平英语学习期间被困难卡住了。在本文里，教师 Mary Jewell 描述她如何使用文学及教学支架以确保学生的学术语言得到发展。

En anglais, trop de gens ne dépassent pas un niveau moyen de maîtrise de la langue. Dans cet article, une enseignante, Mary Jewell, indique comment elle se sert de la littérature et ce qu'elle met en place afin que les élèves atteignent un niveau de langue académique.

Слишком много детей, осваивающих английский как второй язык, так и остаются на относительно невысоком уровне владения языком – он не становится для них родным. Автор этой статьи, школьный учитель, описывает, как использовать литературные произведения и различные методы и приемы, чтобы ученики могли свободно оперировать академической лексикой.

Demasiados aprendices de inglés se quedan atascados al nivel intermedio de competencia en inglés. En este artículo, la maestra Mary Jewell describe cómo ella usa la literatura y el trabajo en incrementos para asegurar que los estudiantes desarrollen un lenguaje académico.
Teachers as Literacy Leaders
Authors: Turner Jennifer D. , Applegate Mary DeKonty , Applegate Anthony J.
Published: October 2009

The authors make the case that literacy leadership is not a quality restricted to specialists with extra certifications. Instead, literacy leadership qualities are within the grasp of every conscientious classroom teacher who is willing to take advantage of opportunities for personal and professional growth.

تلخيص البحث:يقدم المؤلفون الحجة بأن قيادة التعلم ليست ميزة تقتصر على المتخصصين الذين معهم مؤهلات إضافية ولكن بدلاً من ذلك، فإن خصائص قيادة التعلم في تناول يد كل معلم صف مستعد ليتنهز فرص النمو الشخصي والحفري.

本文作者以充分理由，解释为何读写文化教育的领导不应只局限于具有额外认证的专家。相反的，读写文化教育的领导品质，应是每位认真又愿意善用个人及专业发展机会的课堂教师力所能及。

Les auteurs soutiennent l'idée que diriger la littératie ne revient pas exclusivement à des spécialistes disposant de compétences extérieures. En vérité, les qualités nécessaires pour diriger la littératie sont à la portée de n'importe quel enseignant soucieux de tirer parti de cette occasion pour son développement personnel et professionnel.

Авторы утверждают: чтобы стать лидером в области грамотности, не обязательно иметь дипломы, свидетельства и сертификаты. Это по силам любому добросовестному учителю, который хочет расти личностно и профессионально.

Los autores argumentan que el liderazgo en la alfabetización no es una cualidad de sólo los especialistas con certificados adicionales. En realidad, tal liderazgo está al alcance de todo maestro concienzudo que está dispuesto a tomar ventaja de oportunidades para su crecimiento personal y profesional.
Designing Vocabulary Instruction in Mathematics
Authors: Pierce Margaret E. , Fontaine L. Melena
Published: October 2009

Language skills are becoming an increasingly important feature of performance in mathematics classrooms. This new focus on language highlights the need to identify math vocabulary words and to apply research‐based principles for vocabulary instruction in mathematics lessons. This article offers one way to analyze state high‐stakes math tests to identify those words that children would benefit most from learning. An example of robust vocabulary instruction is provided.

تلخيص البحث: تتزايد المهارات اللغوية أهمية بالنسبة لمعالم الأداء في صفوف الرياضيات. ويسلط هذا التركيز الجديد الضوء على الحاجة إلى تحديد مفردات الرياضيات وإلى تطبيق مبادئ تعليم المفردات المبنية على الأبحاث العلمية في الدروس الرياضية. لذا تقدم هذه المقالة طريقة لتحليل امتحانات في غاية الأهمية على مستوى الولاية لتحديد الكلمات التي سيستفيد الأولاد من تعلمها الأكثر. إذ يتم توفير مثلا لتعليم المفردات في برناج قوي.

语文能力在数学教室里变为成绩表现的一种重要特征。这语言新焦点凸显出鉴定数学词汇的需要及把研究性词汇教学原则应用于数学课堂上的需要。本文提供一种分析美国州级高风险数学测验的方法，从而鉴别出对儿童学习有最大裨益的单字。本文最后提供一个健全词汇教学实例。

Les compétences langagières sont en train de devenir une caractéristique importante des résultats dans les classes de mathématiques. Cette nouvelle centration sur la langue met en lumière le besoin d'identifier les mots du vocabulaire mathématique et d'appliquer les principes basés sur la recherche à l'enseignement du vocabulaire dans les leçons de mathématiques. Cet article présente une voie pour analyser les tests officiels de mathématiques pour identifier les mots qui pourraient bénéficier le plus de cet apprentissage. On présente un exemple d'un enseignement solide du vocabulaire.

Языковые навыки становятся все более важными для успешных занятий математикой. Современный упор на вербальное общение требует идентифицировать математическую лексику и применять на уроках математики научно обоснованные принципы расширения словарного запаса. Для определения терминов, которые необходимо учить с детьми, авторы предлагают анализировать формулировки заданий стандартного тестирования. В статье разбирается пример успешного обучения математической лексике.

Destrezas lingüísticas se están convirtiendo en un aspecto cada vez más importante en el salón de clase de matemáticas. Este nuevo enfoque en el lenguaje saca a relucir la necesidad de identificar vocabulario matemático y aplicar principios basados en la investigación para la instrucción de vocabulario en las lecciones de matemáticas. Este artículo ofrece una manera de analizar los exámenes estatales más importantes para identificar las palabras que les sería más provechoso aprender a los niños. Se presenta un ejemplo energético de instrucción de vocabulario.
Waterflooding Viscous Oil Reservoirs
Authors: Beliveau Dennis
Published: October 2009

In 2004, the large Mangala, Aishwariya, and Bhagyam oil fields were discovered in the remote Barmer basin of Rajasthan, India. The fields contain light, paraffinic crude oils with wax appearance temperatures only 5°C less than reservoir temperatures and in situ viscosities that range from 8 to 250 cp. As these were the first significant hydrocarbon discoveries in this part of India, there were few analog performance data available. Development plans for the fields are based on hot waterflooding to prevent problems with in situ wax deposition, with production startup in 2009.

This article presents some waterflood results from viscous oil fields around the world, benchmarks the expected performance of the newly discovered Rajasthan fields to this database, and discusses several issues associated with waterflooding viscous oils. Given that the Rajasthan oils have some properties that might be considered "unusual" and potentially troublesome for waterflooding and that there are no long-term production data or a history match of waterflood performance in hand, these benchmarks were considered important reality checks. In fact, fields with similar or much higher viscosities are waterflooded routinely with excellent recoveries in Canada, the USA, and elsewhere.
A Systematic Laboratory Approach to Low-Cost, High-Performance Chemical Flooding
Authors: Flaaten Adam K. , Nguyen Quoc P. , Pope Gary A. , Zhang Jieyuan
Published: October 2009

We present a systematic study of laboratory tests of alternative chemical formulations for a chemical flood design and application. Aqueous and microemulsion phase behavior tests have previously been shown to be a rapid, inexpensive, and highly effective means to select the best chemicals and minimize the need for relatively expensive coreflood tests. Microemulsion phase behavior testing was therefore conducted using various combinations of surfactants, cosolvents, and alkalis with a particular crude oil and in reservoir conditions of interest. Branched alcohol propoxy sulfates and internal olefin sulfonates showed high performance in these tests, even when mixed with both conventional and novel alkali agents. Systematic screening methods helped tailor and fine tune chemical mixtures to perform well under the given design constraints. The best chemical formulations were validated in coreflood experiments, and compared in terms of both oil recovery and surfactant retention in cores. Each of the four best formulations tested in corefloods gave nearly 100% oil recovery and very low surfactant adsorption. The two formulations with conventional and novel alkali agents gave almost zero surfactant retention. In standard practice, soft water must be used with alkali, but we show how alkali-surfactant-polymer (ASP) flooding can be used in this case even with very hard saline brine.
Development of a New Model for Saturation Calculation in Streamline Simulation
Authors: Nourozieh Hossein , Kariznovi Mohammad , Abedi Jalal , Jamialahmadi Mohammad , Shahrabadi Abbas
Published: October 2009

Streamline simulation has been developed as an alternative to conventional simulation. This method is based on the decoupling of the pressure equation from the saturation equation and the transformation of the 3D equation to 1D equations; therefore, it introduces an acceleration factor in respect to conventional simulation.

Tracing the streamlines in the reservoir is a main step in streamline simulation. As a streamline is traced, it passes through many gridblocks; and the numerical approach to the 1D saturation equation requires picking up the saturation in each gridblock when a streamline traced. In this way, saturation vs. time-of-flight information is recorded for each streamline traced from injector to producer. This information is defined on an irregular time-of-flight space.

Past efforts to move the saturation forward was based on transforming the irregular time-of-flight space onto a regular space. Transforming onto a regular 1D grid results in the averaging of saturations and represents one source of numerical diffusion in the streamline method.

In this paper, we present a new method to move the saturation forward based on irregular time-of-flight space and compare the results with the common methods. The result of saturation with this method is more accurate, and the averaging of saturations and numerical diffusion are decreased.
Toward Production From Gas Hydrates: Current Status, Assessment of Resources, and Simulation-Based Evaluation of Technology and Potential
Authors: Moridis George J. , Collett Timothy S. , Boswell Ray , Kurihara Masanori , Reagan Matthew T. , Koh Carolyn , Sloan E. Dendy
Published: October 2009

Gas hydrates (GHs) are a vast energy resource with global distribution in the permafrost and in the oceans. Even if conservative estimates are considered and only a small fraction is recoverable, the sheer size of the resource is so large that it demands evaluation as a potential energy source. In this review paper, we discuss the distribution of natural GH accumulations, the status of the primary international research and development (R&D) programs, and the remaining science and technological challenges facing the commercialization of production. After a brief examination of GH accumulations that are well characterized and appear to be models for future development and gas production, we analyze the role of numerical simulation in the assessment of the hydrate-production potential, identify the data needs for reliable predictions, evaluate the status of knowledge with regard to these needs, discuss knowledge gaps and their impact, and reach the conclusion that the numerical-simulation capabilities are quite advanced and that the related gaps either are not significant or are being addressed. We review the current body of literature relevant to potential productivity from different types of GH deposits and determine that there are consistent indications of a large production potential at high rates across long periods from a wide variety of hydrate deposits. Finally, we identify (a) features, conditions, geology and techniques that are desirable in potential production targets; (b) methods to maximize production; and (c) some of the conditions and characteristics that render certain GH deposits undesirable for production.
Effects of Long Piers on Birds in Tidal Wetlands
Authors: BANNING ALISON E. , BOWMAN JACOB L.
Published: October 2009

ABSTRACT  As human development continues in coastal areas, shoreline properties adjacent to expansive tidal marsh habitat are increasingly used for access to coastal waterways via long piers (>30 m) over marsh habitat. These tidal wetlands provide breeding and foraging habitat for many marsh birds, which may be affected by the human disturbance associated with long piers. Our objectives were to determine the effect of long piers over vegetated tidal marshes on the relative abundance and species richness of marsh birds. We completed combined passive and callback surveys in tidal marsh habitat at 22 sites with long piers and 24 sites without long piers, May‐July 2005–2006 in Worcester County, Maryland, USA. Pier sites had lower relative abundance and species richness of obligate marsh birds than nonpier sites. Pier sites had a greater relative abundance of gulls, terns, herons, and egrets than nonpier sites. Pier sites had fewer species of herons and egrets than at nonpier sites. The presence of long piers had no affect on facultative marsh birds. Long pier density was negatively related to obligate marsh bird relative abundance and species richness, and facultative marsh bird species richness, whereas it was positively related to the relative abundance and species richness of gulls and terns. Herons and egrets relative abundance and species richness were not related to long pier density. Obligate marsh birds were negatively affected by long piers, whereas herons, egrets, gulls, and terns appeared to benefit from perching opportunities. Based on the negative effects of long piers on obligate marsh birds, management should focus on reducing the presence and density of long piers in tidal marshes by requiring the removal of existing long piers, or reducing or eliminating permits for construction of new long piers.
Temporal Changes in Population Dynamics of American Martens
Authors: FLYNN RODNEY W. , SCHUMACHER THOMAS V.
Published: October 2009

ABSTRACT  Population parameters of American martens (Martes Americana) are often monitored to guide management actions. In order to better understand changing marten population demographics, we estimated marten abundance and several population parameters on a portion of northeast Chichagof Island (NCI), Southeast Alaska, USA, using capture‐mark–recapture methods in combination with radiotelemetry and compared these data with demographic estimates derived from the trapper catch from the larger NCI area. We found that capture probability remained relatively high across trapping sessions by using a standard live‐trapping protocol, and we found no evidence of capture probability being consistently affected by population or environmental factors. Estimated marten numbers varied greatly over the period, ranging from a low of 14.1 martens (0.17/km2) during winter 1997–1998 to a high of 45.6 martens (0.55/km2) during winter 1995–1996. The annual trend was for decreasing numbers from winter 1990–1991 to winter 1992–1993, then increasing numbers through winter 1995–1996. By winter 1996–1997, numbers had dropped substantially and remained low through 1997–1998. All population parameters varied temporally, including annual survival (0.34–1.00), sex ratio (1.0–3.5), mean age (0.5–2.9), body condition (‐0.08–1.35), and fecundity (0.44–2.70). Yearly trapper catches on NCI varied greatly from 19 to 354 martens (0.02 martens/km2 to 0.31 martens/km2) because of changing trapper effort and marten abundance. We found mean ages of carcasses a good predictor of population mean age, but sex ratios were highly variable. Marten numbers and fecundity were strongly correlated with rodent abundance, especially long‐tailed voles (Microtus longicaudus). By monitoring demographic parameters of the population or trapper‐caught carcasses, managers can gain insight into temporal population dynamics. Also, total captures of individuals may provide a useful estimate of marten numbers without the expense of radiocollaring and tracking individuals because population estimates were highly correlated with number of individuals captured during a standard survey. Because of their high vulnerability to trapping, close monitoring of marten populations is important for the conservation and sustained‐yield management of the species. A tracking strategy developed with input data on preseason abundance and age structure may be the best management approach, especially for small populations with limited immigration.