bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Corticotropin‐releasing Hormone Receptor Subtypes in the Rat Anterior Pituitary after Two Types of Restraint Stress
Authors: Klenerova Vera , Sery Omar , Hynie Sixtus
Published: November 2009

The stress response in anterior pituitary (AP) is mediated by corticotropin‐releasing hormone (CRH) acting through CRH‐R1 and ‐R2, however, the function of CRH‐R2 in AP is still not fully elucidated. We used 1‐h long restraint (IMO) as well as restraint combined with water immersion (IMO+C). Using real‐time PCR we quantified mRNA expression of CRH‐R1, CRH‐R2α‐soluble and ‐insoluble, and cAMP response element binding (CREB), with reference gene GAPDH. In control AP, CRH‐R1 mRNA was up to 20‐fold higher than levels of CRH‐R2α‐soluble or CRH‐R2α‐insoluble mRNA. IMO reduced CRH‐R1 mRNA to 47% and 63% of control levels 1 and 2 h after the onset of stressor, respectively, while IMO+C did not produce significant changes. Our data demonstrated that these stressors did not change CRH‐R2α mRNA, unlike the very significant response of CRH‐R1 to IMO.
Estrogen Replacement Suppresses Pressor Response and Oxidative Stress Induced by Cage‐switch Stress in Ovariectomized Rats
Authors: Morimoto Keiko , Uji Masami , Ueyama Takashi , Kimura Hiroko , Kohno Tomomi , Takamata Akira , Yano Shigenobu , Yoshida Ken‐Ichi
Published: November 2009

We examined the suppressive effects of estradiol on psychological stress–induced cardiovascular responses and oxidative stress in ovariectomized rats, both placebo‐treated (OVX+Pla) and estrogen‐treated (OVX+E2). The elevations in blood pressure and heart rate induced by cage‐switch stress were attenuated in the OVX+E2 as compared with the OVX+Pla group. NG‐nitro‐L‐arginine methyl ester, administered via drinking water, reduced the difference in these responses. Furthermore, this stress increased plasma nitrotyrosine and decreased plasma nitric oxide (NO) metabolites only in the OVX+Pla group. We demonstrated that estrogen replacement suppresses cardiovascular responses to psychological stress, at least in part by improving NO bioavailability in ovariectomized rats.
Adrenergic Responses to Stress
Authors: Wong Dona L. , Tai T. C. , Wong‐Faull David C. , Claycomb Robert , Kvetňanský Richard
Published: November 2009

Stress effects on adrenergic responses in rats were examined in adrenal medulla, the primary source of circulating epinephrine (Epi). Irrespective of duration, immobilization (IMMO) increased adrenal corticosterone to the same extent. In contrast, Epi changed little, suggesting that Epi synthesis replenishes adrenal pools and sustains circulating levels for the heightened alertness and physiological changes required of the “flight or fight” response. IMMO also induced the Epi‐synthesizing enzyme, phenylethanolamine N‐methyltransferase (PNMT). The rise in its mRNA and protein was preceded by increases in Egr‐1 and Sp1 mRNA, protein, and protein‐DNA binding complex formation. With repeated and prolonged stress, PNMT protein did not reflect the magnitude of change in mRNA. The latter suggests that post‐transcriptional, in addition to transcriptional mechanisms, regulate PNMT responses to stress. To further reveal molecular mechanisms underlying stress‐induced changes in adrenergic function, the effects of hypoxia on PNMT promoter‐driven gene expression are being examined in adrenal medulla‐derived PC12 cells. Hypoxia activates the PNMT promoter to increase PNMT promoter‐driven luciferase reporter gene expression and endogenous PNMT in PC12 cells. Induction of both appear mediated via activation of multiple signaling pathways and downstream activation of hypoxia inducible factor and PNMT transcriptional activators, Egr‐1 and Sp1. Hypoxia generates both partially and fully processed forms of PNMT mRNA. The former reportedly is translated into a truncated, nonfunctional protein, and the latter into enzymatically active PNMT. Together, findings suggest that stress increases PNMT gene transcriptional activity but post‐transcriptional regulatory mechanisms limit the biological end‐point of functional PNMT enzyme and, thereby, Epi.
Post‐transcriptional Regulation of Tyrosine Hydroxylase Expression in Adrenal Medulla and Brain
Authors: Tank A. William , Xu Lu , Chen Xiqun , Radcliffe Pheona , Sterling Carol R.
Published: November 2009

It is well established that long‐term stress leads to induction of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) mRNA and TH protein in adrenal medulla and brain. This induction is usually associated with stimulation of the TH gene transcription rate. However, a number of studies have reported major discrepancies between the stress‐induced changes in TH gene transcription, TH mRNA, and TH protein. These discrepancies suggest that post‐transcriptional mechanisms also play an important role in regulating TH expression in response to stress and other stimuli. In this report, we summarize some of our findings and literature reports that demonstrate these discrepancies in adrenal medulla, locus ceruleus, and midbrain dopamine neurons. We then describe our recent work investigating the molecular mechanisms that mediate this post‐transcriptional regulation in adrenal medulla and midbrain. Our results suggest that trans‐acting factors binding to the polypyrimidine‐rich region of the 3′ untranslated region of TH mRNA play a role in these post‐transcriptional mechanisms. A hypothetical cellular model describing this post‐transcriptional regulation is proposed.
Drive for Leanness, Anorexia Nervosa, and Overactivity: The Missing Link
Authors: Arun C. P.
Published: November 2009

Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a psychiatric condition characterized by deliberate reduction of body weight. Some patients with AN exhibit overactivity that can worsen their state of malnutrition. Employing an evolutionary psychiatry line of inquiry, we propose that rigidity of thinking and overactivity are behavioral phenotypic changes in AN patients that are normal to tree‐dwelling mammals, such as monkeys. Such behavior can lead to good functioning as ballet dancers and athletes but lead to certain disadvantages in other areas of modern life. The overactivity in AN, though under conscious control may be neurobehavioral and driven subconsciously by disordered cerebral neuropsychopharmacology.
Degeneration of the Locus Ceruleus Noradrenergic Neurons in the Stress‐induced Depression of Rats
Authors: Kitayama Isao T. , Otani Masato , Murase Sumio
Published: November 2009

We produced a model of depression in rats which have been exposed to 2‐weeks forced walking stress. Electron microscopic observation on the locus ceruleus (LC) cells of the model rats disclosed low dense areas, destroyed membranes, aggregation of intracellular organs, and increased microglia. Density of LC axon terminals in the frontal cortex stained with dopamine β‐hydroxylase antiserum and percentage of LC cells stained with horseradish peroxidase or activated by electrical stimulation antidromically were low in the model. These indices increased in the model treated with imipramine. These findings suggest that the LC noradrenergic neurons degenerate in depression, but regenerate in remission.
Hypergravity‐induced Increase in Plasma Catecholamine and Corticosterone Levels in Telemetrically Collected Blood of Rats during Centrifugation
Authors: Petrak Juraj , Mravec Boris , Jurani Marian , Baranovska Magda , Tillinger Andrej , Hapala Ivan , Frollo Ivan , Kvetňanský Richard
Published: November 2009

Rats subjected to various accelerations (+G) exhibited increased levels of plasma epinephrine (EPI), norepinephrine (NE), and corticosterone. However, the collection of blood was performed after a centrifugation finished, and therefore the levels could be affected by the process of deceleration. The aim of this study was to evaluate plasma EPI, NE, and corticosterone levels in blood collected directly during centrifugation after reaching different G (2–6), using newly developed remote‐controlled equipment. Animals placed into the centrifuge cabins had inserted polyethylene tubing in the tail artery, which was connected with a preprogrammed device for blood withdrawals. Plasma EPI, NE, and corticosterone levels were measured at different time intervals of hypergravity of 2–6G. Plasma EPI levels showed a huge, hypergravity‐level–dependent increase. After the last blood collection was completed during hypergravity, the centrifuge was turned off and another blood sampling was performed immediately after the centrifuge stopped (10 min). In these samples, plasma EPI showed significantly lower levels compared to centrifugation intervals. Plasma NE levels were significantly increased after 6G only. The increase in plasma corticosterone was dependent on level of G, however after the centrifuge stopped, corticosterone levels remained elevated. Thus, our data show that hypergravity highly activates the adrenomedullary and hypothalamo‐pituitary‐adrenocortical systems, whereas the sympathoneural system is activated only at high hypergravity. Immediately after centrifugation is over, EPI levels quickly return to control values. Our technique of blood collection during centrifugation allows assessment of the real hormonal levels at the particular hypergravity value.
Computer Models of Stress, Allostasis, and Acute and Chronic Diseases
Authors: Goldstein David S.
Published: November 2009

The past century has seen a profound shift in diseases of humankind. Acute, unifactorial diseases are being replaced increasingly by multifactorial disorders that arise from complex interactions among genes, environment, concurrent morbidities and treatments, and time. According to the concept of allostasis, there is no single, ideal set of steady‐state conditions in life. Allostasis reflects active, adaptive processes that maintain apparent steady states, via multiple, interacting effectors regulated by homeostatic comparators—“homeostats.” Stress can be defined as a condition or state in which a sensed discrepancy between afferent information and a set point for response leads to activation of effectors, reducing the discrepancy. “Allostatic load” refers to the consequences of sustained or repeated activation of mediators of allostasis. From the analogy of a home temperature control system, the temperature can be maintained at any of a variety of levels (allostatic states) by multiple means (effectors), regulated by a comparator thermostat (homeostat). Stress might exert adverse health consequences via allostatic load. This presentation describes models of homeostatic systems that incorporate negative feedback regulation, multiple effectors, effector sharing, environmental influences, intrinsic obsolescence, and destabilizing positive feedback loops. These models can be used to predict effects of environmental and genetic alterations on allostatic load and therefore on the development of multisystem disorders and failures.
Stress‐induced Activation of Neurons in the Ventromedial Arcuate Nucleus: A Blood‐Brain‐CSF Interface of the Hypothalamus
Authors: Palkovits M.
Published: November 2009

In response to a pain‐related acute stress, the expression of c‐fos protein (Fos), a marker of acute neuronal excitation, was investigated in the hypothalamus of rats. Few Fos‐immunopositive cells were seen 15 min after a single subcutaneous injection of 4% formalin in the hypothalamus, but only in the paraventricular nucleus (PVN). Fifteen minutes later, a high number of parvocellular neurons of the PVN showed Fos expression. By 60 min after injection, strong immunoreactivity appeared in the arcuate nucleus, but the Fos‐positive neurons distributed almost exclusively in the ventromedial subdivision of the nucleus. Neurons in this part of the arcuate nucleus express mainly neuropeptide Y (NPY) that projects to the medial parvocellular subdivision of the PVN. It has been demonstrated by previous studies that this part of the arcuate nucleus receives blood partly from the anterior pituitary through the subependymal plexus of the median eminence, and that it establishes, together with the median eminence, a blood–brain barrier‐free area in the medial basal hypothalamus. Since the PVN‐projecting NPY neurons in the arcuate neurons are sensitive to alterations in circulating corticosterone levels, the existence of a possible short feedback route in the stress‐activated hypothalamo‐pituitary‐adrenocortical system is discussed.
Attenuated Pre‐ejection Period Response to Tyramine in Patients with Cardiac Sympathetic Denervation
Authors: Imrich Richard , Eldadah Basil A. , Bentho Oladi , Pechnik Sandra , Sharabi Yehonatan , Holmes Courtney , Goldstein David S.
Published: November 2009

Stress is a well‐known factor affecting cardiac contractility through the cardiac sympathetic nerves. A positive inotropic effect of the cardiac sympathetic nerves on the myocardium is reflected by pre‐ejection period (PEP) shortening. Patients with Parkinson disease (PD) and neurogenic orthostatic hypotension (NOH) (PD + NOH) or with pure autonomic failure (PAF) have markedly decreased myocardial 6‐[18F]Fluorodopamine‐derived radioactivity, reflecting cardiac sympathetic denervation. The functional effects of the cardiac sympathetic denervation have been unknown. We measured PEP and heart rate–corrected PEP (PEPI) responses to i.v. tyramine (1 mg/min) in 13 patients (9 PD + NOH and 4 PAF) with low 6‐[18F]Fluorodopamine‐derived radioactivity and in subjects with normal radioactivity (15 multiple system atrophy with NOS patients (MSA + NOS). Baseline PEP and PEPI did not differ between the groups. By 10 min after initiation of tyramine infusion, PEP and PEPI were significantly lower (P < 0.01) in MSA + NOS, compared to base line, whereas PEP and PEPI remained unchanged in the PD + NOH/PAF group. The PEP and PEPI decrease was larger in the MSA + NOS group than in the PD + NOH/PAF group (P < 0.05). One of the functional consequences of cardiac sympathetic denervation is failure to increase contractility in response to stimuli that depend on endogenous norepinephrine release.
Endocrine Rhythms and Expression of Selected Genes in the Brain, Stellate Ganglia, and Adrenals of Hypertensive TGR Rats
Authors: Zeman Michal , Petrák Juraj , Stebelová Katarína , Nagy György , Krizanova Olga , Herichová Iveta , Kvetňanský Richard
Published: November 2009

Hypertensive TGR(mRen2)27 (TGR) rats represent a strain with genetically upregulated renin‐angiotensin‐aldosterone system. Simultaneously with development of hypertension, a daily profile in blood pressure (BP) inverts and in mature TGR rats BP is higher during the lighttime (L) than the darktime (D). Physiological mechanisms of inverted BP rhythm generation are not understood. In our study we determined circadian profiles of plasma hormones related to BP control (aldosterone, corticosterone, melatonin, prolactin) in TGR and control Sprague‐Dawley (SD) rats over 24 h and expression of genes encoding catecholamine synthesizing enzymes, tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), dopamine‐β‐hydroxylase (DBH), and phenylethanolamine‐N‐methyltransferase (PNMT) in adrenals and stellate ganglia. Plasma levels of corticosterone and aldosterone were higher in TGR than SD rats but acrophases of their rhythms were not changed. Darktime peak of prolactin in TGR rats was decreased in comparison with SD animals and pineal melatonin levels started to rise earlier in TGR than in SD rats. In adrenals we found upregulated expression of TH, DBH, and PNMT mRNA at the beginning of the lighttime in TGR compared to SD rats. Expression of TH and DBH in stellate ganglia was not different in TGR rats in comparison with SD, but PNMT expression was higher during L compared to D in TGR rats. We hypothesize that upregulated adrenal medulla functioning in the morning and disturbed communication between circadian oscillators and mechanisms involved in BP control can explain the reversed BP profile in TGR rats.
Serotonergic Changes Produced by Repeated Exposure to Forced Swimming
Authors: Shishkina Galina T. , Kalinina Tatyana S. , Dygalo Nikolay N.
Published: November 2009

Repeated forced swim resulted in a decrease in the concentrations of serotonin (5‐HT) and its metabolite 5‐hydroxyindoleacetic acid in the hypothalamus and amygdala 24 h after the second swim session. This stressor also increased the mRNA levels for tryptophan hydroxylase‐2, the rate‐limiting enzyme in neuronal 5‐HT synthesis, and 5‐HT transporter in the midbrain as well as 5‐HT1A receptor in the frontal cortex. Some of these serotonergic changes may be involved in the mechanisms of a depressive‐like behavior induced by a stress of repeated swim in these animals.
Adrenoceptors and Adaptive Mechanisms in the Heart during Stress
Authors: Spadari‐Bratfisch Regina C. , Dos Santos Iraides Nunes
Published: November 2009

Several cardiovascular disorders have been related to alterations in beta‐adrenoceptor (β‐AR) signaling at or beyond the receptor level. During the stress reaction, the sympathetic‐adrenal medullary system and the hypothalamus‐pituitary‐adrenal cortex axis are activated, causing β‐AR overstimulation and remodeling of the β1/β2/β3‐AR ratio in cardiomyocytes. In a model of foot‐shock stress, we described decreased β1‐AR signaling occurring simultaneously with increased β2‐AR signaling, whereas the response to the nonconventional agonist, CGP12177, was not altered. These alterations may play an adaptive role to the increased sympathetic drive to the heart, protecting the cardiac tissue from the cardiotoxic effects mediated by β1‐ARs overstimulation without altering cardiac output, since this would be sustained by the β2‐AR, which would also protect myocytes from apoptosis. Moreover, the selective enhancement of the β2‐AR population might help to diminish the risk of overstimulation since this adrenoceptor subtype couples to both, stimulatory G (Gs) and inhibitory G (Gi) proteins. On the other hand, in the model of neurogenic hypertension, the decrease in β1‐AR–mediated response is not followed by increase in the β2‐AR–mediated response. However, the response to CGP12177, which was desensitized 48 h after the surgery, was normalized 7 days after that, when β1‐AR were downregulated. Therefore, both experimental models provided evidence that the classical isoform of β1‐AR and the recently described low‐affinity isoform of β1‐AR show independent behavior and provide the heart with adaptive mechanisms to increased sympathetic stimulation during stress.
Pheochromocytoma
Authors: Kantorovich Vitaly , Eisenhofer Graeme , Pacak Karel
Published: November 2009

A pheochromocytoma is an endocrine tumor that can uniquely mimic numerous stress‐associated disorders, with variations in clinical manifestations resulting from different patterns of catecholamine secretion and actions of released catecholamines on physiological systems.
Identifying the Stress Transcriptome in the Adrenal Medulla following Acute and Repeated Immobilization
Authors: Liu Xiaoping , Serova Lidia , Kvetňanský Richard , Sabban Esther L.
Published: November 2009

Stress triggers changes in gene expression mediating important adaptive and maladaptive responses. The full repertoire of genes whose expression in the adrenal medulla is altered by stress has not been previously determined. In this study, gene profiling (RAE 230 2.0 Affymetrix) was applied to elucidate global changes in gene expression in adrenal medulla of rats exposed to 2‐h immobilization (IMO) stress once or repeatedly for 6 consecutive days. The number of transcripts significantly (P < 0.01) altered with single IMO (651 up, 487 down) was more than with repeated IMO (370 up, 195 down). The annotated transcripts were further analyzed and categorized. The largest numbers of changes were in mRNA levels in the transcription factor and cell signaling categories. Robust changes were also observed in transcripts related to growth factors, apoptosis, neurosecretion/neuropeptides, heat shock proteins, structural proteins, chemokines, cytokines, metabolism/lipid‐metabolism, and proteases. Many (>80%) were uniquely induced by single IMO. About half of transcripts changed by repeated IMO were also responsive to single IMO. Pathway analysis was applied to identify direct interactions and common targets among gene products altered by single and repeated IMO. In this paper, we briefly describe the most pronounced changes observed, with emphasis on those that may provide new insight into the common and distinct mechanisms whereby the adrenal medulla responses to a first encounter with stress compared to repeated exposure to the same stressor.
Psychosocial Stress and Volatile Compounds in Preputial Glands of Rats
Authors: Pohorecky Larissa A. , Ma Weidong , Blakley Gregory G. , Soini H. A. , Novotny Milos V.
Published: November 2009

Pheromones are volatile chemical cues that in rodents originate in large part from the preputial glands and influence various behavioral and physiological processes. We have examined the effect of psychosocial stress on volatile compound composition of preputial glands of male rats. Rats were housed three per cage or singly for 70 days. Dominants had heavier preputials compared to subdominant and subordinate rats. Capillary gas chromatographic mass spectrometry identified 55 volatile preputial compounds: 17 did not differ between groups, while 26 compounds were higher in single‐housed compared to triad‐housed rats. Six compounds were higher in dominant, while another six were higher in both dominant and single‐housed rats. We conclude that both housing condition and rank status have significant differential effects on the preputial volatile compounds.
Keynes and Capitalism
Authors: Backhouse Roger E. , Bateman Bradley W.
Published: November 2009

We analyze Keynes's thoughts on capitalism by focusing on what he wrote on the topic, using the Collected Writings, taken as a whole, together with some unpublished material to tackle three issues: what Keynes meant by capitalism; the fragility of capitalism; and the morality of capitalism. In doing this, we juxtapose materials written at different stages of his career. While the context and the theoretical framework within which Keynes developed his economic thinking changed substantially, our argument is that beneath these many changes in his circumstances and analytical frame lay a remarkably consistent attitude toward capitalism, an attitude in which morality was central. This view of capitalism is linked with the personal values that animated his life, especially the values that he shared with the other members of Bloomsbury.
On Kaldor's “Logical Slip”: A Possible Explanation
Authors: O'Connell Joan
Published: November 2009

In outlining his theory of economic growth and income distribution, Kaldor made a “logical slip”: while in his model, workers might save, workers' assets were accounted for. Kaldor acknowledged the strong influence of Kalecki and Keynes on his work. What is suggested here is that Kaldor may have “slipped” because he applied comments by, in particular, Keynes to the context of his own model. In Kaldor's case, however, the use of Keynes's remarks was not coherent.
Monstrous Individuations: Deleuze, Simondon, and Relational Ontology
Authors: Del Lucchese Filippo
Published: November 2009

Starting with Gilbert Simondon's theory of the individual (singular and collective) and its genesis, developed in his book L'individuation psychique et collective, this article discusses the principle of individuation and the critique of finalism. Simondon distinguishes and yet strictly binds together the two individuations that he calls psychique and collective, which is necessary, he argues, to avoid the double failure of psychologism and sociologism, by which he means the doctrines that assign a fixed (ontological) identity to man and his mind, on the one hand, and to society, on the other. Both psychologism and sociologism, according to Simondon, fail to understand their only reality, which is first and foremost relational. Influenced by Simondon's ontology, Gilles Deleuze's concept of nomadism is taken up in order to develop the idea of a principle of individuation intended as a critique of teleology. The question of individuation is thus referred to its ontological roots in the conflict between Aristotelian metaphysics (priority of act over power [potentia] and of final cause over efficient and material causes) and Spinozist metaphysics (power [potentia] existing only in act, absolute immanence, radical criticism of every teleology). This essay shows what is at stake between the two authors and what Deleuze could not have derived from Simondon, which Del Lucchese calls a Spinozistic problematic.
The Human Recycled: Insecurity in the Transnational Moment
Authors: Chakravorty Mrinalini , Neti Leila
Published: November 2009

This article reads Stephen Frears's film Dirty Pretty Things (2002) to consider the questions of subjectivation and commodification motivating postcolonial critiques of power. The authors suggest that in the film, the assertion of sovereignty is articulated through the politicization of death and a reckoning of the dying body, through what Achille Mbembe refers to as “necropolitics.” Drawing on the work of Mbembe, Michel Foucault, Judith Butler, and others, the authors contend that the limit of the human posed by the articulation of colonial frames within transnational ones conjoins modes of cultural subjection to an absolute devaluation of life itself. This reading of the film foregrounds the arena of the mass commodification of material bodies, resituating the foundations of capitalism within the slave trade, in contexts ranging from the sale of human organs to prostitution to trafficking in migrant laborers. The article posits a model of salability, based on disposable life and recycled humanity, where entry into the market as either subject or object is the condition of survival in the modern security regime. Against a terrain of precariously asserted and suspended subjectivity within the realm of state sanctions, readers are invited to consider the possibility the film presents of realizing a collective politics that subverts and seizes the management of life on the verge of death.
“I Insist on the Christian Dimension”: On Forgiveness... and the Outside of the Human
Authors: Chow Rey
Published: November 2009

The question explored in this article pertains to the type of exchange specific to human relations we call forgiveness. Hannah Arendt's comments on the subject provide a compelling justification for its necessity: “Without being forgiven, released from the consequences of what we have done, our capacity to act would, as it were, be confined to one single deed from which we could never recover; we would remain the victims of its consequences forever, not unlike the sorcerer's apprentice who lacks the magic formula to break the spell.” Yet, precisely the imperative nature of forgiveness may be a source of epistemic conundrums. To elaborate this point, the author begins with a reference to a striking key episode at the heart of the South Korean film Miryang [Secret Sunshine] (2007), which stages forgiveness in the context of Christian evangelism. The article goes on to argue, through a discussion of the writings of Derrida and Auerbach, among others, that the connotations of forgiveness extend considerably beyond a strictly religious dimension, going so far as to bear on contemporary theoretical questions about translation and the secularization of representation.
An optimum design for composite helical springs
Authors: Azzam B S
Published: November 2009

An optimization study on helical compression springs has been performed in this paper. Two objectives are considered: the first objective is to minimize the spring weight, and the second is to maximize the spring stiffness. These two objectives are affected by many engineering design parameters, which can be categorized in three main groups: functional, composite material, and geometrical groups. The objective functions and constraints are mathematically formulated and written in a multi-criteria optimization problem with a non-linear non-equality constraints form.

Optimum design parameters, minimum spring weight, and maximum stiffness pertinent to each type of composite material under investigation can then be selected from the results obtained.
The evolution of electrochemical, microstructural, and mechanical properties of aluminium alloy 2024-T4 (D16AT) during fatigue cycling
Authors: Salimon S R , Salimon A I , Korsunsky A M
Published: November 2009

Coupons of fuselage skin made from the aluminium alloy D16AT (the Russian equivalent of 2024-Ò4) were obtained from several Russian TU-154 passenger aircraft after different numbers of flight cycles and different lengths of operation. The coupons were subjected to electrochemical, microstructural, and mechanical testing with the aim of identifying any trends indicating fatigue damage accumulation and residual fatigue lifetime reduction during service. Alongside this investigation, laboratory fatigue test specimens were machined from the same alloy and subjected to cyclic fatigue loading to simulate the service conditions for the coupons. Electrochemical testing was used in order to determine the evolution of the corrosion potential of the near-surface layers. X-ray diffraction analysis was also carried out to characterize residual stress and texture evolution, while microstructural investigations were made using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and secondary ion mass spectroscopy. The suitability of using electrochemical, microscopic, and diffraction characterization methods for the detection of surface structural state modification and its connection with the mechanical performance of this alloy are discussed.
Multi-objective evolutionary—fuzzy augmented flight control for an F16 aircraft
Authors: Stewart P , Gladwin D , Parr M , Stewart J
Published: November 2009

In this article, the multi-objective design of a fuzzy logic augmented flight controller for a high performance fighter jet (the Lockheed-Martin F16) is described. A fuzzy logic controller is designed and its membership functions tuned by genetic algorithms in order to design a roll, pitch, and yaw flight controller with enhanced manoeuverability which still retains safety critical operation when combined with a standard inner-loop stabilizing controller. The controller is assessed in terms of pilot effort and thus reduction of pilot fatigue. The controller is incorporated into a six degree of freedom motion base real-time flight simulator, and flight tested by a qualified pilot instructor.
A carbon dioxide thermal rocket that utilizes an indigenous resource in raw form for Mars exploration
Authors: Yu D-R , Lv X-W , Qin J , Bao W , Yao Z-L
Published: November 2009

A CO2 thermal rocket that utilizes an indigenous resource directly for propulsion in Mars is proposed. The cycle of the proposed novel CO2 thermal rocket combines a CO2 power cycle with a cryogenic cycle, which is driven by solar energy. Filling CO2 after every hop enables the concept hopper with the CO2 thermal rocket to visit several regions of the planet. The energy available for consumption in the processes of the proposed CO2 thermal rocket is analysed; the simulation results obtained by applying the first law of thermodynamics show that the performance of the cycle of the CO2 thermal rocket is improved by properly designing such a system for the recovery of freezing CO2 cold energy and waste heat during the cryogenic cycle. Furthermore, the effect of thermodynamic parameters on the performance of the cycle of the CO2 thermal rocket is evaluated through parametric analysis; the results show that environmental temperature, nozzle inlet temperature, helium mass flowrate, etc. are the factors affecting thrust-specific power consumption.
Diagnosis of fault and condition monitoring of dynamic structures using the multiple adaptive-neuro-fuzzy inference system technique
Authors: Parhi D R K , Das H
Published: November 2009

Fault diagnosis and condition monitoring of dynamic structures are analysed and discussed in the current article. To diagnose the crack in the structure, the multiple adaptive-neuro-fuzzy inference system (MANFIS) methodology has been applied. The adaptive neuro-fuzzy controller has an input layer, hidden layers, and an output layer. The input layer is the fuzzy layer. The other layers are neural layers. The inputs to the fuzzy layer are relative deviation of the first three natural frequencies and relative values of percentage deviation for the first three mode shapes. The interim outputs of the fuzzy layer are inputs to the neural layers of the neuro-fuzzy controller. The final outputs of the MANFIS controller are relative crack depth and relative crack location. Several hundreds of fuzzy rules and neural network training patterns are derived using natural frequencies, mode shapes, crack depths, and crack locations. Experimental results have been obtained using real mobile robots during navigation. Comparison of the simulation and experimental results showed that there is good agreement between them. This methodology can be effectively used for condition monitoring of dynamic structures.
Vibration control of an aircraft nose landing gear due to ground-induced excitation
Authors: Sateesh B , Maiti D K
Published: November 2009

The effects of runway unevenness on the design and operation of an aircraft have been subjected to investigations for a number of years. Runway roughness will, in general, produce both longitudinal and lateral excitations. This article examines the lateral stability of linear and non-linear models of an aircraft nose landing gear (NLG) subjected to ground-induced lateral excitation. Simulations of ground profile and ground excitation modelling have been performed and numerical studies were carried out to bring out the effect of runway roughness and its interaction with torsional free play. The results show that a small amount of runway excitation causes a significant reduction in the critical shimmy velocity and, in combination with free play, it has an adverse impact on lateral stability of the NLG of an aircraft. Finally, a study has been performed to postpone the dynamic instability by introducing a magnetorheological (MR) fluid-based damper and enhanced torque arm stiffness.
Conditions for photovoltaics deployment in the UK: The role of policy and technical developments
Authors: Candelise C , Gross R , Leach M A
Published: November 2009

The article discusses the conditions necessary to foster photovoltaic (PV) technologies deployment within the UK electricity sector. It explores the incentives to invest in PV technologies by assessing the financial viability of PV system investments in the UK. The analysis focuses on a set of target PV technologies and applications for the domestic sector. First, it provides a picture of profitability and incentives to invest in the targeted PV systems under current UK market, technical, and regulatory conditions. Then, the analysis looks at the role of policy and potential future technological development by exploring the impact of alternative policy instruments and technology cost reductions on the financial viability of investing in PV. The analysis shows that domestic PV investments are generally not profitable under current cost, market, and regulatory conditions. The initial capital costs are too high and the current policy framework is not enough to make PV systems financially viable. The introduction of high-enough feed-in tariffs, as well as the achievement of target cost reductions, would make PV systems financially attractive and would likely increase PV deployment in the UK.
Novel materials and modelling for large wind turbine blades
Authors: Dutton A G , Bonnet P A , Hogg P , Lleong Y L
Published: November 2009

Commercial wind turbines have developed incrementally in size over the last 30 years such that the largest wind turbine up to the end of 2005 had a rated output of 5 MW, a rotor diameter of 124 m, and an individual blade weight of 18 ton. The question therefore arises as to what the ultimate limits on the turbine size might be.

Potential design limiting factors in wind turbine design include: static and fatigue strength; overall rotor mass (which has implications for tower head mass, tower structure, and foundations); blade stiffness (required to ensure clearance between the blade tip and the wind turbine tower); blade and tower transportability.

The article presents work carried out within the EPSRC SUPERGEN Wind consortium on the potential use of novel materials in wind turbine blades and the resulting consequences on blade strength and integrity. A generalized, parametric finite-element wind turbine blade model has been developed and applied to a ‘baseline’ blade design. Results are presented on static and fatigue strength for new fibre materials and how they can be incorporated into the blade model to demonstrate the likely impact on blade stiffness, strength, and weight. Possible future developments in blade structural design will be discussed in the context of other potential material innovations and ‘smart’ control concepts.
Optimal vibration control of beam-type structures using multiple-tuned-mass-dampers
Authors: Yang F , Esmailzadeh E , Sedaghati R
Published: November 2009

The structural vibration suppression of beam-type structures using multiple-tuned-mass-dampers (MTMD) technology will be investigated in this study through the experimental set-up. A novel realization of the MTMD design will be developed, in which an aluminium beam with attached small masses will be designed as the MTMD system, and then connected to the primary structure being a uniform steel beam. The governing equation of motion of beam-type structures with the attached MTMD system developed in the finite-element formulation has been combined with a designed optimization procedure to determine the optimum values of the design variables in the developed MTMD system to suppress the vibration levels effectively. The validity of the developed optimal MTMD system design strategy has been verified through experimental study.
An investigation of manual transmission drive rattle
Authors: De la Cruz M , Theodossiades S , Rahnejat H
Published: November 2009

Manual transmission gear rattle is an NVH (noise, vibration, and harshness) concern in the automotive industry. It is induced by repetitive impacts on loose (unselected) gear wheel teeth by their corresponding driving pinions. This phenomenon occurs under various loading conditions and is classified accordingly, including ‘idle rattle’ when the transmission is in neutral and ‘creep and drive rattle’ when the transmission is in a gear with a widely open or a partially open throttle. The phenomenon is also present from drive to coast conditions, referred to as overrun rattle. Engine order fluctuations on the input shaft are considered to be the underlying cause for rattle of loose gears. However, the mechanism of transmission of vibration through lubricated contacts is not fundamentally understood. It is surmised that changes in lubricated contact conditions at different bulk oil temperatures may play a key role and, therefore, offer an opportunity to deal with rattle by a root-cause fundamental solution. This means that a detailed multi-physics approach (including dynamics, vibration, and tribology) is needed.

This article provides detailed analytical models of lubricated conjunctions in a multi-body dynamics model of a transaxle seven-speed transmission system under creep rattle conditions. The results show the important role of the regime of lubrication in lightly loaded conjunctions, increasing the propensity to rattle at higher temperatures. It is also revealed that the effect of engine order vibration as an initiating source for rattle becomes significant with reduced hydrodynamic contact stiffness at rising temperatures.
Controlled Synthesis of Pd Clusters in Subnanometer Range Using Poly(propylene imine) Dendrimers
Authors: Mizugaki Tomoo , Kibata Takayuki , Ota Kazuya , Mitsudome Takato , Ebitani Kohki , Jitsukawa Koichiro , Kaneda Kiyotomi
Published: November 2009

Tailor-made synthesis of Pd clusters in the subnanometer range was achieved using dendrimers as tunable host materials. The subnano Pd clusters consisting of a specific number of Pd atoms of Pd4, Pd8, and Pd16 were obtained by preorganization of Pd ions within the PPI dendrimers and subsequent reduction.
Alternative Splicing and Molecular Characterization of Splice Site Variants: BRCA1 c.591C>T as a Case Study
Authors: Dosil Vanesa , Tosar Alicia , Cañadas Carmen , Pérez-Segura Pedro , Díaz-Rubio Eduardo , Caldés Trinidad , de la Hoya Miguel
Published: November 2009

Background: Deleterious mutations in BRCA1 (breast cancer 1, early onset; MIM 113705) increase breast and ovarian cancer [B(O)C] risk; however, many variants cannot be readily classified as deleterious or neutral. Unclassified variants (UVs) pose serious problems in genetic counseling. RNA-splicing analysis is essential for the assessment of many UVs.

Methods: Denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis was used to genotype the BRCA1 c.591C>T variant in 685 index cases of B(O)C families, 326 sporadic breast cancer cases, and 450 healthy controls from Spain. In silico tools were used to predict the effect of the c.591C>T variant on splicing. In vitro splicing analysis was performed in 7 c.591C>T carriers and 10 noncarriers. cDNAs were PCR-amplified with primers designed to detect BRCA1 alternative splicing isoforms. The products were analyzed by capillary electrophoresis. Peak areas were used to quantify the relative abundance of each isoform. Sequencing through exonic single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) enabled us to discriminate wild-type and variant transcripts.

Results: c.591C>T was detected in B(O)C families (1.5%), breast cancer cases (0.3%), and controls (0.9%). c.591C>T induced BRCA1 exon 9 skipping and modified the relative expression of Δ(9,10), Δ(9,10,11B), Δ11B, and full-length isoforms. The mean ratio of Δ(9,10) to the full-length isoform increased from 0.25 in noncarriers to 1.5 in carriers. The mean Δ(9,10,11B)/Δ11B ratio increased from 0.2 to 4. Overall expression levels of c.591C>T and wild-type alleles were similar.

Conclusions: Our data support a nonpathogenic role for the BRCA1 c.591C>T variant. Naturally occurring alternative splicing isoforms need to be considered when assessing the role of BRCA1 UVs on splicing.
Family Therapy for Kids Without Families: Working Systemically With Children and Young People in Residential Care
Authors: Sng Rebecca
Published: November 2009

A significant proportion (4%, Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 2008) of children and young people in Australia live in some form of residential care, usually in small group‐homes staffed by residential care workers in shifts. However, as Hawkins‐Rodgers (2007) points out, these placements are often not resourced to heal the effects of trauma and multiple attachment disruptions in their residents. The lack of an archetypal ‘family’ has led in the past to family therapists considering that there is little work to be done with such clients. This leaves such placements to be supported most frequently by clinicians who specialise in behaviour management and other linearly founded models of practice. The Alternate Care Clinic (ACC) is the first mental health service in New South Wales dedicated entirely to children and young people in out of home care with a high level of complex needs. This article examines the systemic therapeutic model the clinic has developed in the last two years. In particular, the article seeks to explore the importance of ‘meaning making’ in a diffuse parental system, particularly with regards to the term ‘family’. The complexities of working in this area and possible ways forward are illustrated with a closely worked case study.
Is There a Place for Biopsychosocial Formulation in a Systemic Practice?
Authors: MacDonald Chloe , Mikes‐Liu Kristof
Published: November 2009

There is a long history of literature concerning integrative practice and how a systemic practice can fit with other models of therapy Much of this literature has focused on establishing a space for systemic therapy within the dominant medical paradigm, and exploring how the medical model can be enhanced by systemic ideas. The outcome has been better practice, especially in child and adolescent mental health. Interestingly, however, there has been less discussion of the converse: the family therapy literature has rarely considered whether or not systemic practice itself can be enhanced by ideas from the dominant medical model. This article proposes that a biopsychosocial formulation can enhance systemic practice by: (I) holding clinicians accountable for their thinking; (2) facilitating a rigour and attention to detail that may prove useful when therapy falters; (3) opening up other possibilities for intervention; and (4) providing a way to engage with the dominant medical paradigm and support clients in negotiating their way through this system. Potential problems nevertheless arise when integrating a biopsychosocial formulation into a systemic framework. This article identifies these problems and presents ideas for how they can be managed in practice.
Family of Origin Supervision in the Workplace: Impacts on Therapist and Team Functioning
Authors: Donnelly Holly , Gosbee Megan
Published: November 2009

The Adolescent and Family Unit at Redbank House carried out a trial of Bowen's Family of Origin Coaching that has prompted us to comment on the usefulness of this approach as a component of clinical supervision. This article will describe how this trial came about, the process adaptations required to make it possible and how some of the ethical dilemmas raised by this approach were addressed. Personal reflections from the team members will be shared, and our observations in terms of impact of this form of supervision on clinical functioning, team cohesion and service provision will then be discussed. In essence, we aim to provide an anecdotal account of our experience and ask the question, ‘Is supervision that focuses on the therapist's individual functioning as a product of their intergenerational patterns a valid use of resources in a clinical setting?’
Understanding and Facilitating the Usage of Nutritional Labels by Low-Literate Consumers
Authors: Viswanathan Madhubalan , Hastak Manoj , Gau Roland
Published: November 2009

This research examines how low-literate consumers use nutritional labels on packages and the ways such usage can be facilitated. Using research on nutritional labeling and on low-literate consumers as bases, the authors design an experiment to test specific hypotheses about the effects of graphic versus nongraphic formats on usage of nutrition information by consumers with different levels of literacy. The authors discuss implications of the findings for further research and for public policy.
Preschool Children's Persuasion Knowledge: The Contribution of Theory of Mind
Authors: McAlister Anna R. , Cornwell T. Bettina
Published: November 2009

Two studies investigate the influence of developmental variables on the emergence of persuasion knowledge in children ages three to five years. Theory of mind (a form of social development) consistently explains a significant amount of variance in children's persuasion knowledge. Theory of mind is a well-researched variable in the developmental psychology literature. This form of social development enables a child to understand the mental states of others and to use that mental state understanding to predict others’ future behavior. The results of the current study indicate that before theory-of-mind development, children are unable to recognize persuasion in advertising, most likely because they cannot think about the intentions of the advertiser. The findings are important to the development of child consumer literacy and contribute to the extant literature by demonstrating that developmental factors can explain how persuasion knowledge develops. The authors discuss theoretical, practical, and public policy implications.