bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of Maternal Diabetes on Fetal Expression of Insulin-Like Growth Factor and Insulin-Like Growth Factor Binding Protein MRNAs in the Rat
Authors: Streck Randal D. , Rajaratnam Veeraramani S. , Fishman Renata B. , Webb Peggy J. 
Published: December 2008

ABSTRACT
Matemal diabetes is associated in humans and rats with an increased risk for fetal growth abnormalities and malformations. Therefore, the effect of maternal diabetes on expression of genes that regulate fetal growth and differentiation is of considerable interest. Developmental growth is regulated in part by the expression and availability of insulin-like growth factors (IGFs). Postnatal expression of a subset of the IGFs and IGF binding proteins (IGFBPs) has been demonstrated to be regulated in response to diabetes and other metabolic conditions. We used in situ hybridization to analyze the effect of maternal diabetes, induced by streptozotocin (STZ) prior to mating, upon prenatal rat IGF and IGFBP mRNA expression. At gestational day (GD) 14, the most striking effect of maternal diabetes on fetal IGF/IGFBP gene expression was a marked increase in the abundance of IGFBP-1 mRNA within the liver primordia of fetuses isolated from diabetic dams compared to age-matched controls. This upregulation cannot be entirely due to the approximately one-half-day delay in fetal development (based on limb bud staging) associated with maternal diabetes, as there was no gross difference in the level of IGFBP-1 mRNA between GD13 and GD14 control fetal livers. In contrast, the fetal mRNA expression patterns of IGF-I, IGF-II and IGFBP-2, -3, -4, -5 and -6 were not grossly altered by maternal diabetes. These data are consistent with the hypothesis that IGFBP-1 produced within the fetal liver and secreted into fetal circulation may play a role in regulating rat fetal growth.
Tubing Buckling—The State of the Art
Authors: Mitchell Robert F. 
Published: December 2008

Summary
Almost unique in engineering analysis is the problem of tubing buckling in wellbores. In general, structures loaded above their critical load fail catastrophically. Yet, both tubing and drillstrings are commonly operated above the critical load. These tubing strings do not fail because the wellbore provides the necessary support for "post-buckling" equilibrium.
The two fundamental questions about tubing buckling are
What is the critical load? What is the post-buckled configuration?
The critical load tells us if the tubing will buckle. Euler solved the problem for "short" columns, but these results rarely have application in a wellbore because the pipes in a wellbore are usually very long (Timoshenko and Gere 1961). The first stability criterion that considered the stabilizing effect of weight on long pipes in inclined wellbores was developed by Dawson and Paslay (1984).
The post-buckled configuration tells us about tubing movement, bending stresses, contact forces, and axial-load distributions. The original buckling analysis by Lubinski et al. (1962) proposed a helical configuration in a vertical wellbore and used the method of virtual work to determine a specific constant pitch for that helix as a function of the axial force and bending stiffness.
These two works set the following themes for further analysis of tubing buckling:
What is the critical buckling load in curved, 3D wellbores? How does torque affect the critical buckling load? How do tapered strings affect the critical buckling load? What is the buckling configuration in inclined wellbores? How do the boundary conditions affect the configuration? How do tapered strings buckle? How does torque affect the buckling configuration? What effect does friction play in tubing buckling?
Many of these questions have been, at least, partly answered in the past three decades. This paper will examine the technical fundamentals of the tubing-buckling problem; summarize the most useful, new results from these papers, and discuss the remaining challenges in tubing-buckling analysis.
Casing-Collapse Strength Reduction Under Lateral Loads From Yielding Shales in the Daqing Oilfield
Authors: Ai Chi , Zhao Wanchun , Guo Boyun 
Published: December 2008

Summary
Casing failure has been found in nearly 20% of production wells in the Daqing oil field after 45 years of oil-production history. Plastic failure of casing strings has been recognized in the zones of yielding shales overlying reservoir pay zones in the field. This type of casing failure is one of the most costly problems in the field. No research has been conducted to study the resistance of the casing string to the lateral loads from the yielding shales. This paper offers results from such research.
Assuming a lateral load uniformly distributed along a casing section from a clay zone clamped between an upper and a lower sandstone zone, a mechanistic model was developed in this study. Results of the model indicate that the resistance of casing string to the lateral loads drops sharply in the early stage of development of radial deformation. The resistance of the casing string to the lateral loads is not very sensitive to the longitudinal deformation. The remaining strength of the casing string also depends on properties of the casing string.
A calculation example is illustrated in this paper. This work provides an analytical tool that can be used for optimizing casing programs against lateral loads from yielding-clay zones to minimize casing failure and field-operation cost.
Real-Time Digital Interpretation of Subsea-Blowout-Preventer Tests
Authors: Winters Warren J. , Burns Tim A. , Livesay Ronald B. 
Published: December 2008

Summary
A computer-based method expedites interpretation of pressure data during subsea blowout-preventer (BOP) tests. This can reduce the time and cost of current subsea-BOP testing practices in a safe and objective manner.
Currently, individual tests can require more than 1 hour of shut-in time, and a complete series of subsea-BOP tests may comprise at least 12 individual tests.
The digital method employs computer software to produce an accurate model of the pressure-decline behavior relatively early in each test. The model can thus predict if future pressures will stabilize at an acceptable level. With regulatory approval and a reliable method to forecast pressure, the duration of subsea-BOP tests can be reduced significantly.
Comparison of the digital method to conventional subsea-BOP testing on numerous field trials shows excellent agreement. If implemented, the digital method could save hours of valuable critical-path rig time during every series of subsea-BOP tests.
Working in concert with regulatory authorities to gain endorsement of this method is integral to the project. Functionality of the software, example results, and implementation status are reported.
Glycogen Synthase Kinase-3 and Mammalian Target of Rapamycin Pathways Contribute to DNA Synthesis, Cell Cycle Progression, and Proliferation in Human Islets
Authors: Liu Hui , Remedi Maria S. , Pappan Kirk L. , Kwon Guim , Rohatgi Nidhi , Marshall Connie A. , McDaniel Michael L. 
Published: December 2008

OBJECTIVE—Our previous studies demonstrated that nutrient regulation of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling promotes regenerative processes in rodent islets but rarely in human islets. Our objective was to extend these findings by using therapeutic agents to determine whether the regulation of glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK-3)/β-catenin and mTOR signaling represent key components necessary for effecting a positive impact on human β-cell mass relevant to type 1 and 2 diabetes.
RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—Primary adult human and rat islets were treated with the GSK-3 inhibitors, LiCl and the highly potent 1-azakenpaullone (1-Akp), and with nutrients. DNA synthesis, cell cycle progression, and proliferation of β-cells were assessed. Measurement of insulin secretion and content and Western blot analysis of GSK-3 and mTOR signaling components were performed.
RESULTS—Human islets treated for 4 days with LiCl or 1-Akp exhibited significant increases in DNA synthesis, cell cycle progression, and proliferation of β-cells that displayed varying degrees of sensitivity to rapamycin. Intermediate glucose (8 mmol/l) produced a striking degree of synergism in combination with GSK-3 inhibition to enhance bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) incorporation and Ki-67 expression in human β-cells. Nuclear translocation of β-catenin responsible for cell proliferation was found to be particularly sensitive to rapamycin.
CONCLUSIONS—A combination of GSK-3 inhibition and nutrient activation of mTOR contributes to enhanced DNA synthesis, cell cycle progression, and proliferation of human β-cells. Identification of therapeutic agents that appropriately regulate GSK-3 and mTOR signaling may provide a feasible and available approach to enhance human islet growth and proliferation.
m.3243A&gt;G Mutation in Mitochondrial DNA Leads to Decreased Insulin Sensitivity in Skeletal Muscle and to Progressive β-Cell Dysfunction
Authors: Lindroos Markus M. , Majamaa Kari , Tura Andrea , Mari Andrea , Kalliokoski Kari K. , Taittonen Markku T. , Iozzo Patricia , Nuutila Pirjo 
Published: December 2008

OBJECTIVE—To study insulin sensitivity and perfusion in skeletal muscle together with the β-cell function in subjects with the m.3243A&gt;G mutation in mitochondrial DNA, the most common cause of mitochondrial diabetes.
RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—We measured skeletal muscle glucose uptake and perfusion using positron emission tomography and 2-[18F]fluoro-2-deoxyglucose and [15O]H2O during euglycemic hyperinsulinemia in 15 patients with m.3243A&gt;G. These patients included five subjects with no diabetes as defined by the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) (group 1), three with GHb &lt;6.1% and newly found diabetes by OGTT (group 2), and seven with a previously diagnosed diabetes (group 3). Control subjects consisted of 13 healthy individuals who were similar to the carriers of m.3243A&gt;G with respect to age and physical activity. β-Cell function was assessed using the OGTT and subsequent mathematical modeling.
RESULTS—Skeletal muscle glucose uptake was significantly lower in groups 1, 2, and 3 than in the control subjects. The glucose sensitivity of β-cells in group 1 patients was similar to that of the control subjects, whereas in group 2 and 3 patients, the glucose sensitivity was significantly lower. The insulin secretion parameters correlated strongly with the proportion of m.3243A&gt;G mutation in muscle.
CONCLUSIONS—Our findings show that subjects with m.3243A&gt;G are insulin resistant in skeletal muscle even when β-cell function is not markedly impaired or glucose control compromised. We suggest that both the skeletal muscle insulin sensitivity and the β-cell function are affected before the onset of the mitochondrial diabetes caused by the m.3243A&gt;G mutation.
Chain and network science: A research framework
Authors: (Onno) Omta S.W.F. , Trienekens Jacques H. , Beers George 
Published: December 2008

Abstract
In this first article of the Journal on Chain and Network Science the base-line is set for a discussion on contents and scope of chain and network theory. Chain and network research is clustered into four main ‘streams’: Network theory, social capital theory, supply chain management and business economics and organizational theory. Furthermore a research agenda is formulated. The article ends with management implications of the different contributions to this first issue.
E-Commerce Transition Model for Supply Chain Management
Authors: Lefebvre Louis A. , Cassivi Luc , Lefebvre Élisabeth 
Published: December 2008

Abstract
The creation of Internet-based companies is changing the way business is being carried out and increasing the pressure on traditional firms, which now need to adapt to the new challenges brought about by the so-called digital economy. Successful electronic commerce activities depend on the partners involved in the product or service being delivered. Firms able to communicate with their partners electronically for procurement, sales, or supply chain management have become what many call clicks-and-mortar companies.
An empirically based technological model that helps organizations understand the requirements of moving towards the seamless integration of intra- and inter- organizational processes is proposed. This five-wave transitional model accompanies key decision-makers through progressive steps that correspond to different business-to-business e-commerce needs and specifications. As organizations move along these technological waves, we can witness the gradual opening-up of new opportunities for carrying out business. This paper presents the model, its requirements and its technological and organizational underpinnings. The model is illustrated with examples from organizations in a major industrial sector.
Determinants of a firm’s likelihood to innovate and intensity of innovation in the Brazilian food industry
Authors: Cabral José E.O. , Bruce Traill W. 
Published: December 2008

Abstract
This paper defines the relative role of firms’ characteristics on both their likelihood to innovate and the intensity of innovation (innovative outputs). Using Christensen´s (1995; 1996) and Teece’s (1986) proposals for analysing assets (resources and capabilities) and inter-asset linkages in order to produce and commercially exploit technological innovation, a conceptual framework is defined suitable to identify the variables affecting the probability of a firm to innovate and those affecting a greater count of innovations, once the firm has decided to innovate.
Thus, a “double-hurdle” approach involving censored and truncated models was applied. The findings confirm that firms innovative assets investment in external technology, investment in R&D, and external alliances, alongside firm size are the significant variables in determining firms’ likelihood to innovate, whereas external alliances, firm size and market orientation are related to intensity to innovate in the Brazilian Food Industry.
A Contingency model of quality management and business-to-business relationships
Authors: Fynes Brian , de Búrca Seán , Ennis Sean 
Published: December 2008

Abstract
This paper aims to contribute to, and link the areas of quality management and business-to-business relationships. To date, there has been limited empirical work at the interface of these areas. Accordingly, this study proposes and tests an integrated model based on both research areas. In doing so, we seek to address the following research question: what is the relationship between quality practices, quality performance and business-to-business relationships? To address this question, we develop a conceptual model, which draws on the contingency approach to research that is common in the strategy literature. We then test model with data collected from suppliers in the electronics sector in the Republic of Ireland. Data analysis of the data indicated considerable support for the conceptual model. We conclude with some reflections of the implications of our findings for both theory and practice.
Food retailers’ buying behaviour: An analysis in 16 European countries
Authors: Skytte Hans , Blunch Niels J. 
Published: December 2008

Abstract
This paper presents results from a study on food retailer buying behaviour, i.e., how the retailers judge product and vendor attributes when choosing a new supplier of a product category that is already well known to them. A conjoint analysis was conducted in 16 Western European countries. The study encompassed the retailers’ buying behaviour for fish and cheese products. The results demonstrate that the traditional four P’s are losing ground to some previously neglected attributes, which now demand consideration by retail suppliers of products and services and by researchers.
Identification of new putative susceptibility genes for several psychiatric disorders by association analysis of regulatory and non‐synonymous SNPs of 306 genes involved in neurotransmission and neurodevelopment
Authors: Gratacòs Mònica , Costas Javier , de Cid Rafael , Bayés Mònica , González Juan R. , Baca‐García Enrique , de Diego Yolanda , Fernández‐Aranda Fernando , Fernández‐Piqueras José , Guitart Miriam , Martín‐Santos Rocío , Martorell Lourdes , Menchón José M. , Roca Miquel , Sáiz‐Ruiz Jerónimo , Sanjuán Julio , Torrens Marta , Urretavizcaya Mikel , Valero Joaquín , Vilella Elisabet , Estivill Xavier , Carracedo Ángel ,   The Psychiatric Genetics Network Group
Published: December 2008

AbstractA fundamental difficulty in human genetics research is the identification of the spectrum of genetic variants that contribute to the susceptibility to common/complex disorders. We tested here the hypothesis that functional genetic variants may confer susceptibility to several related common disorders. We analyzed five main psychiatric diagnostic categories (substance‐abuse, anxiety, eating, psychotic, and mood disorders) and two different control groups, representing a total of 3,214 samples, for 748 promoter and non‐synonymous single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) at 306 genes involved in neurotransmission and/or neurodevelopment. We identified strong associations to individual disorders, such as growth hormone releasing hormone (GHRH) with anxiety disorders, prolactin regulatory element (PREB) with eating disorders, ionotropic kainate glutamate receptor 5 (GRIK5) with bipolar disorder and several SNPs associated to several disorders, that may represent individual and related disease susceptibility factors. Remarkably, a functional SNP, rs945032, located in the promoter region of the bradykinin receptor B2 gene (BDKRB2) was associated to three disorders (panic disorder, substance abuse, and bipolar disorder), and two additional BDKRB2 SNPs to obsessive‐compulsive disorder and major depression, providing evidence for common variants of susceptibility to several related psychiatric disorders. The association of BDKRB2 (odd ratios between 1.65 and 3.06) to several psychiatric disorders supports the view that a common genetic variant could confer susceptibility to clinically related phenotypes, and defines a new functional hint in the pathophysiology of psychiatric diseases. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Characterization of a de novo translocation t(5;18)(q33.1;q12.1) in an autistic boy identifies a breakpoint close toSH3TC2,ADRB2, andHTR4on 5q, and within the desmocollin gene cluster on 18q
Authors: Vincent John B. , Noor Abdul , Windpassinger Christian , Gianakopoulos Peter J. , Schwarzbraun Thomas , Alfred Simon E. , Stachowiak Beata , Scherer Stephen W. , Roberts Wendy , Wagner Klaus , Kroisel Peter M. , Petek Erwin 
Published: December 2008

AbstractWe have recently reported the identification of a de novo balanced translocation t(5;18)(q33.1;q12.1) in a boy with autism. Here we discuss the identification of the breakpoints on chromosomes 5 and 18, and subsequent genomic and candidate gene analyses. The 18q breakpoint lies between desmocollin genesDSC1andDSC2. The chromosome 5 breakpoint lies at the 3′ end of theSH3TC2gene and distal to β‐adrenergic receptor geneADRB2and serotonin receptor geneHTR4. We hypothesized that the transcription of one (or more) of these genes is affected by the translocation by position effect. Looking at allele‐specific gene expression for the genes at the 5q locus, we were able to determine thatADRB2is expressed from both the normal and derivative alleles. Due to the lack of expression in available tissues or lack of available informative transcribed SNPs, we were unable to exclude the involvement ofSH3TC2andHTR4due to position effect. However, we determined that bothDSC1andDSC2are only transcribed from the normal chromosome 18 in lymphocytes from the proband. This monoallelic expression ofDSC2may put the patient at risk for arrythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy. Desmocollin genes encode cell‐adhesion molecules, and are also highly expressed in brain regions, and thus may also be important for normal neuronal functioning. While a role forSH3TC2,ADRB2, andHTR4as putative candidate genes for autism cannot be discounted, a role for the desmocollin genes at the 18q breakpoint should also be considered. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Settlement shocker: Parties had agreed to a pre‐scripted, staged arbitration
Authors: Bleemer Russ 
Published: December 2008

AbstractA publically traded company and an employee try to settle a sexual harassment suit with a contract that calls for a scripted, staged arbitration proceeding that would result in a press release touting the employer's big win, and a sevenfigure payout for the plaintiff. Find out how the phony ADR proceeding unraveled in court, on the Web, and in the national media.
Reinforcement of polyurethane/epoxy interpenetrating network nanocomposites with an organically modified palygorskite
Authors: Lei Ziqiang , Yang Quanlu , Wu Shang , Song Xiaoli 
Published: December 2008

AbstractAn organophilic palygorskite (o‐PGS) prepared by the treatment of natural palygorskite with hexadecyl trimethyl ammonium bromide was incorporated into interpenetrating polymer networks (IPNs) of polyurethane (PU) and epoxy resin (EP), and a series of PU/EP/clay nanocomposites were obtained by a sequential polymeric technique and compression‐molding method. X‐ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy analysis showed that adding nanosize o‐PGS could promote the compatibility and phase structure of PU/EP IPN matrices. Tensile testing and thermal analysis proved that the mechanical and thermal properties of the PU/EP IPN nanocomposites were superior to those of the pure PU/EP IPN. This was attributed to the special fibrillar structure of palygorskite and the synergistic effect between o‐PGS and the IPN matrices. In addition, the swelling behavior studies indicated that the crosslink density of PU/EP IPN gradually increased with increasing o‐PGS content. The reason may be that o‐PGS made the chains more rigid and dense. As for the flame retardancy, the PU/EP nanocomposites had a higher limiting oxygen index than the pure PU. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Preparation, crystallization behavior, and melting characteristics of β‐nucleated isotactic polypropylene blends with polyamide 6
Authors: Yang Zhugen , Zhang Zishou , Tao Youji , Mai Kancheng 
Published: December 2008

Abstractβ‐Nucleated isotactic polypropylene (iPP) blends with polyamide 6 (PA6) were prepared with a novel and highly efficient nano‐CaCO3‐supported β‐nucleating agent. Maleic anhydride grafted polypropylene (PP‐g‐MA), glycidyl methacrylate grafted polypropylene (PP‐g‐GMA), maleic anhydride grafted poly(ethylene octene) (POE‐g‐MA), and maleic anhydride grafted poly(ethylene vinyl acetate) (EVA‐g‐MA) elastomers were added to the blends as compatibilizers. The nonisothermal crystallization behavior and melting characteristics of β‐nucleated iPP and its blends were investigated with differential scanning calorimetry and wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction. The results indicated that the β‐iPP content in the β‐nucleated iPP blends depended not only on the preparation conditions but also on the compatibilizer type. A high β‐iPP content (>95%) in the β‐nucleated iPP/PA6 blends was obtained. The addition of PP‐g‐MA, POE‐g‐MA, and EVA‐g‐MA to the β‐nucleated iPP/PA6 blends increased the content of β‐iPP but decreased the crystallization temperature of iPP in the β‐nucleated iPP/PA6 blends. However, the addition of PP‐g‐GMA decreased the content of β‐iPP in the β‐nucleated iPP/PA6 blends. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009