bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High Fluence Surveillance Data and Recalibration of RPV Embrittlement Correlation Method in Japan
Authors: Soneda Naoki , Nakashima Kenichi , Nishida Kenji , Dohi Kenji
Published: January 2014

Neutron irradiation embrittlement of reactor pressure vessel (RPV) steels is one of the key aging phenomena that need to be properly managed and considered in the plant operations. The current embrittlement correlation method in Japan, JEAC 4201-2007, was developed in 2007 using the surveillance database as of the end of year 2006. Since then, some new surveillance data were compiled, and some of the data from the materials irradiated to high fluences of 6×1019 – 1×1020 n/cm2, E>1MeV showed larger amount of embrittlement than the predictions of JEAC4201-2007 method. The microstructural changes in such materials were examined to identify the embrittlement mechanism of RPV steels at high fluences, and the modification of the JEAC4201-2007 was performed. This paper describes the summary of the microstructural characterization, and the details of the revision of the JEAC4201-2007. The revised embrittlement correlation method work well to the current Japanese surveillance data together with newly determined margins.
Design on the Installation Position of Thermal Stress Monitoring System for CFBC Boiler of Thermal Power Plant
Authors: Kim Ha-Geun , Shin Sang-Beom , Kim Dae-Soon
Published: January 2014

The purpose of this study is to determine the installation position of thermal stress monitoring system through the lifetime calculation for fatigue and creep damage in CFBC (Circulating Fluidized Bed Coal) boiler with operating temperature of above 427°C. For it, the stress levels of the major pressure components in CFBC boiler were evaluated by Finite Element Analysis (FEA). With the results, the safety assessment based on the cumulative damage analysis was carried out in accordance with ASME NH code. According to FEA results, the maximum combined cumulative damages of 0.85 under the design loading conditions were found in the superheater outlet. However, total damages of the superheater outlet were below the critical value (1.0) specified by the creep-fatigue damage envelope of Cr-Mo material specified in ASME-NH code. From the results, the installation position of thermal stress monitoring system was determined as the superheater outlet for real time process calculations and securing structural safety of CFBC boiler.
Ratchet Boundary of a Beam With Arbitrary Cross Section
Authors: Adibi-Asl R. , Reinhardt W.
Published: January 2014

The classical approaches in shakedown analysis are based the assumption that the stresses are eventually within the elastic range of the material everywhere in a component (elastic shakedown). Therefore, these approaches are not very useful to predict the ratcheting limit (ratchet limit) of a component/structure in which the magnitude of stress locally exceeds the elastic range at any load, although in reality the configuration will certainly permit plastic shakedown.

In recent years, the “Non-Cyclic Method” (NCM) was proposed by the present authors to predict the entire ratchet boundary (both elastic and plastic) of a component/structure by generalizing the static shakedown theorem (Melan’s theorem). The fundamental idea behind the proposed method is to (conservatively) determine the stable and unstable boundary without going through the cyclic history.

The method is used to derive the interaction diagrams for a beam subjected to primary membrane and bending with secondary bending loads. Various cross-sections including rectangular, solid circular and thin pipe are investigated.
The Utility of Numerical Methods in NDE
Authors: Van Velsor Jason K. , Milligan Jeffrey , Greveling Michael , Lindsey Matthew S.
Published: January 2014

When applied with physically meaningful inputs that have been guided by analytical analysis, numerical modeling is a quick and cost-effective virtual experiment that has the added benefit of being free of experimental error. Furthermore, with the rapidly evolving processing power of modern computers, highly complex structures and physical phenomena can be modeled with relative ease. This paper discusses the application of semi-analytical and fully numerical modeling methods as employed for the study of ultrasonic techniques in complex structures and materials. A brief review of these two numerical modeling approaches is presented followed by several practical examples that highlight the utility of each technique. One example presented includes the simulation of the ultrasonic field created in a dissimilar metal weld by a linear phased array transducer. A second example presented includes the three-dimensional modeling of guided wave propagation through elbow fittings in a pipe. Finally, a metrological process for the translation of real, geometrically complex components into the modeling environment is presented and the modeled response from fatigue cracking in a thick walled carbon steel turbine shell is compared with the actual defect response.
Use of Small Specimens for Evaluation of Irradiated Materials
Authors: Sokolov Mikhail A. , Nanstad Randy K.
Published: January 2014

Small specimens are playing the key role in evaluating properties of irradiated materials. The use of small specimens provides several advantages. Typically, only small volume of material can be irradiated in a reactor at desirable conditions in terms of temperature, neutron flux, and neutron dose. Small volume of irradiated material may also allow for easier handling of specimens. Smaller specimens reduce the amount of radioactive material, minimizing personnel exposures and waste disposal. However, use of small specimens imposes variety of challenges as well. These challenges are associated with proper accounting for size effects and transferability of small specimen data to the real structures of interest. The PCVN specimen as well as any fracture toughness specimen that can be made out of the broken halves of standard Charpy specimens may have exceptional utility for evaluation of RPVs. The Charpy V-notch specimen is the most commonly used specimen geometry in surveillance programs. Precracking and testing of Charpy surveillance specimens would allow one to determine and monitor directly actual fracture toughness instead of requiring indirect predictions using correlations established with impact data. However, there is a growing number of indications that there might be a bias in the reference fracture toughness transition temperature, To values derived from PCVN and compact specimens. The present paper summarizes data from the series of experiments that use subsize specimens for evaluation of the transition fracture toughness of reactor pressure vessel (RPV) steels. Two types of compact specimens and three types of three-point bend specimens from five RPV materials were used in these subsize experiments. The current results showed that To determined from PCVN specimens with width (W) to thickness (B) ratio W/B = 1, on average, are lower than To determined from compact specimens with W/B = 2. At the same time, three-point bend specimens with W/B = 2 exhibited To values that were very similar to To values derived from compact specimens. Constraint corrections developed by Dodds et al. are applied to assess the bias.
The Shakedown Boundary for Parabolic Stress Distribution in NB-3222.5
Authors: Reinhardt W. , Asadkarami A.
Published: January 2014

The rules for the prevention of thermal stress ratchet in NB-3222.5 address the interaction of general primary membrane stress with two types of cyclic thermal loading. The first is a linear through-wall temperature gradient, for which the shakedown boundary is given by the well-known Bree diagram. The Code provides a second shakedown boundary for the interaction of general primary membrane stress with a “parabolic” temperature distribution. The corresponding ratchet boundary is fully defined in the elastic range, but only three points are given in the elastic-plastic regime. The range of validity of this ratchet boundary in terms of the thermal stress distribution (does “parabolic” mean second-order in the thickness coordinate or any polynomial of degree greater than one? If it is second-order, are there any further restrictions?) is not well defined in NB-3222.5.

Using a direct lower bound method of shakedown analysis, the non-cyclic method, an exact analytical solution is derived for the shakedown boundary corresponding to the interaction of general primary membrane stress with a cyclic “parabolic” temperature distribution. By comparison to what is given in NB-3222.5, the thermal condition for which the Code equation is valid is defined and its range of validity is established. To study the transition behavior to the steady state and to confirm the analytical solution, numerical results using an FE model are also obtained.
Fatigue Life Estimation in Notched Geometries
Authors: Cravero Sebastian , Ernst Hugo
Published: January 2014

The fatigue failure in components is divided in two stages: an initiation stage that defines the number of cycles that it takes for a crack to appear in the material and a second stage that estimates the number of cycles where the crack grows until it becomes unstable.

Usual fatigue life estimation procedures (in crack free components) only consider the initiation stage and assume that the crack propagation period is relatively small compared with the total life. However, in the case of severely notched geometries like threaded connections, the propagation stage can be an important part of the component fatigue life and must be evaluated.

A fundamental issue in the calculation of initiation plus propagation fatigue life is the definition of the initial crack size after the initiation stage. In the present study techniques for crack initiation and crack growth are described. Also the procedure to combine the two techniques and define an initial crack size is presented. The study is based on previous work of C. Navarro, et al. [1]. Additionally, validation against experimental tests on notched specimens is provided.
Development of a Technical Bases Document to Support the IAEA Regulations for Safe Transport of Radioactive Material
Authors: Bajwa Christopher S. , Pope Ronald B.
Published: January 2014

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is entrusted by the Social and Economic Council of the United Nations with developing safety requirements for the safe transport of radioactive material. These requirements were first published as “Regulations for the Safe Transport of Radioactive Material”, Safety Series No. 6, 1961 edition (The Regulations). At the same time, the Director General of the IAEA indicated that these regulations would be revised at appropriate intervals, in consultation with Member States, and with input from other relevant organizations, as appropriate.

After 50 years, over 10 revisions of the Regulations have been published. These revisions have been taking into account experiences in transport, newly identified issues, new technologies, best practices, the demand for safer transport, and harmonization. Problems, challenges, the demand for improvements, and the need to provide biennial inputs to international dangerous goods model transport regulations have driven the transport community and the IAEA in particular, to facilitate the regular review and revision of the Regulations.

With the passage of time, the scientific and technical heritage of several decades of development in transport safety has begun to fade, and the requirement to capture valuable knowledge which needs to be preserved for future reference has become clear.

In general, every requirement in the regulations was developed based on an appropriate technical basis. The technical basis exists in a decentralized manner in many Member States with mature nuclear programs. Easier access to the existing technical bases for the Regulations could lead to a more comprehensive understanding of the Regulations and could inform proposals for change that were previously considered but not accepted for various technical (or political) reasons. Knowledge capture and transfer can contribute to the development of and innovations in, transport safety.

This paper provides an overview of the efforts to date that have been undertaken to develop a technical basis document for supporting the current transport regulations and will highlight the future plans for the development of this document.
Experimental Study on Vibration Modes of a Spherical Vessel
Authors: Gu Y. , Dong Q.
Published: January 2014

When containment vessels are subjected to internal blast loading, not only the breathing mode, but also the other vibration modes may be excited. Therefore, it is very important to understand the vibration modes in spherical containment vessels. In this paper, we present experimental results of modal analysis of a spherical containment vessel, in which the mode frequency and mode shapes are given. We also conduct the frequency analysis on dynamic responses of the spherical containment vessel subjected to three different blast loadings, in which the vibration modes excited in the dynamic vibration are found. The current study may provide further understanding on dynamic responses of containment vessels.
An Exploratory Experimental Technique to Predict Two-Phase Flow Pattern From Vibration Response
Authors: Ortiz-Vidal Luis Enrique , Rodriguez Oscar M. H. , Mureithi Njuki
Published: January 2014

Gas-liquid pipe flow is common in nuclear, gas & oil, refrigeration and power generation industries, where gas-liquid mixtures are transported in piping systems. The mixtures flows in different flow patterns, such as bubbly, slug and annular, generating dynamic fluid forces which may induce structural vibration. In many industrial cases, Flow-Induced Vibrations (FIV) are an intrinsic part of the piping operation and does not present risks that may lead to structural component failures. In this sense, the information available on this topic is quite scanty. In this paper, we present an in-depth discussion about the phenomenology of the FIV due to two-phase pipe flow. A set of 32 two-phase horizontal flow conditions was collected, including bubbly, slug and dispersed flow-patterns. The homogeneous mixture velocity J was in the range of 0.5 to 25 m/s, with homogeneous void fractions of β = 10%, 25%, 50%, 75% and 95%. Signals of acceleration were acquired to correlate pipe vibration and two-phase flow parameters. Results show higher acceleration levels in slug and dispersed than in bubbly flow. We find that the acceleration frequency response contains useful information of the flow. Comparisons with single-phase flow are also presented. Finally, an exploratory experimental technique to predict two-phase flow pattern from vibration response based on the combination resonance caused by both single and two-phase flow is proposed. The results indicate that the proposed-technique is acceptable to recognize intermittent flow patterns in two-phase flow.
Predictions of Mechanical Properties From Small Punch Test Results Using FE Damage Analyses
Authors: Jeon Jun-Young , Kim Nak-Hyun , Kim Yun-Jae , Lee Sa-Yong , Kim Jin-Weon
Published: January 2014

This paper compares FE ductile fracture simulation results with compact tension (C(T)), small punch (SP) and notched small punch (NSP) test data for SA508 Gr. 3 material. Ductile fracture simulation method in this paper is based on the stress-modified fracture strain model, recently proposed by the authors. Tensile properties and stress-modified fracture strains are extracted from smooth and notched bar tensile tests, and SP test. To extract tensile property from SP test, tensile property constitutive equations are assumed. Using the extracted tensile properties and stress-modified fracture strains, C(T), SP and NSP tests are simulated and the results are compared with experimental data. The results using the properties from smooth and notched bar tensile tests agree well with experimental data. And the SP and NSP simulations using the properties from SP test well predict the maximum loads and fracture behaviors, However, C(T) test simulations have conservative results relatively. C(T) and NSP simulation results are sensitive to element size. However, SP simulation results are not sensitive to element size.
Numerical Study of Flow Induced Vibration of the Tube Bundle in a Lash Baffle Shell-and-Tube Heat Exchanger
Authors: Sun Haiyang , Qian Caifu
Published: January 2014

In this paper, flow induced vibration of the tube bundle in a shell-and-tube heat exchanger with a new type of baffle, namely large-and-small-hole or LASH baffle, is studied numerically and compared with that in a segmental baffle shell-and-tube heat exchanger. It is found that as a parallel flow with jet characteristics between the large holes and tubes conducted by the LASH baffles, the fluid-induced vibration of tube bundle in the LASH baffle heat exchanger can be prevented and the lateral displacement variation is greatly decreased.
Impact of New Imaging Non Destructive Methods in Testing and Monitoring of Composite and Metallic Components
Authors: Walaszek Henri
Published: January 2014

The non-destructive testing techniques (NDT) are now undergoing significant changes associated with the development of new sensors and digital techniques for storing and processing information.

Thus, new ultrasonic methods now provide a view of the entire component in the form of a traceable image. These new methods include ultrasonic TOFD methods (to inspect metal products), and the Phased Array method (metallic and composite products), which can image the inside of components. The simulation of ultrasonic testing brings a strong contribution in ultrasonic inspection preparation.

Another major trend of the development of NDT methods is the rise of active thermal infrared methods, enabling high resolution imaging of surface and near surface defects of components.

A remarkable application of new radiographic technology consists also in Computed Tomography, which now allows 3D imaging within the mechanical components.

These technologies are now available in the market with affordable prices, to test more reliably and faster the health of mechanical components. Thus, it helps to increase the quality of components, especially in the Pressure Vessel and piping industry, and to improve the safety of industrial pressure equipment.

Developments in the more advanced testing methods are presented, with examples of applications on pressure vessel and piping components.
The Effect of Discontinuous Crack in Creep Crack Growth Tests
Authors: Kim Nak Hyun , Kim Yun Jae , Davies Catrin M. , Mehmanparast Ali , Nikbin Kamran M.
Published: January 2014

Discontinuous cracks ahead of the leading crack tip may be present in observedcertain creep crack growth tests as well as in components. In this work, a single crack of different dimensions and distance from the leading crack has been numerically modeled in a compact tension specimen using elastic, elastic-plastic and elastic-plastic-creep loading. In order to examine their effects on fracture mechanics parameters a sensitivity analysis was performed to determine the effects of size and distance of the secondary crack with respect to the main crack. t The elastic analysis shows that the compliance is insensitive small cracks ahead of the main crack. Limit load analyses, assuming an elastic-perfectly plastic material, show that the limit load decreases due to the presence of discontinuous cracks ahead of the main crack. Theload versus plastic load-line displacement response of the specimen was significantly influenced by discontinuous cracking. The J contour parameter and C*-integral have been evaluated at the three crack tips and the average of all of them derived for the appropriate contours were compared with the valuesobtained from on ASTM E1820(1) and E1457(2). Whilst the average values of the contour integral are similar to the ASTM J and C* values there is significant differences in J and C* for the individual crack tip values. This need to be further evaluated in future work.
Ductile Failure Simulation to Predict Burst Pressures of Steam Generator Tubes With Multiple Axial Cracks
Authors: Lee Han-Sang , Kim Nak Hyun , Kim Yun-jae , Kim Jong Sung , Kim Jin Weon
Published: January 2014

This paper a new simple numerical method to predict burst pressures of Alloy 600 steam generator tubes with multiple through-wall cracks, based on the stress-modified fracture strain damage model with stress reduction technique. To validate the new method, simulated results using the proposed method are compared with thirty-on published test data of Alloy 600 thin plates and tubes with single or multiple through-wall cracks. Simulated results showing that predicted loads are within 10% of experimentally-measured ones for all cases considered. Moreover, a parametric study is performed to investigate the interaction effect of two axial surface cracks in Alloy 600 steam generator tubes under internal pressure.
Condensation Induced Waterhammer in District Steam Distribution Systems
Authors: Sinha Sri K. , Vecchio Robert S. , Bruck Paul M. , Esselman Thomas C. , Zysk Gregory , Somrah Dowlatram
Published: January 2014

Condensation induced waterhammer in district steam distribution systems can cause catastrophic rupture of piping and inflict severe damage to personnel, property, and environment. On July 18, 2007, a 20-in. diameter underground steam pipe in New York City ruptured at 5:56 p.m. at the intersection of 41st Street and Lexington Avenue in midtown Manhattan. At the time of rupture, the steam system was in service delivering steam to the customers at an operating pressure of approximately 160 psig and a steam temperature of approximately 370°F. The incident opened a large cavity measuring approximately 32 ft × 32 ft × 18 ft deep at the intersection of 41st Street and Lexington Avenue. The pipe rupture released steam, condensate, water, pipe insulation and various construction materials to the environment.

Consolidated Edison Co. of New York, Inc. (Con Edison) and LPI (Lucius Pitkin, Inc.) investigated the event. Based on detailed metallurgical and engineering evaluations of the steam system configuration and operating conditions, it was concluded that the steam pipe ruptured as a result of excessive pressure caused by condensation-induced waterhammer.

This paper presents a summary of the engineering evaluation, root cause, and conditions leading to the pipe rupture and provides measures which can be taken to reduce the likelihood of such a failure and enhance public safety.
Elastic-Plastic Fracture Mechanics Analysis of Cast Stainless Steel Pipes (Influence of Axial Load on Z-Factor of Pipes With Circumferential Crack Under Bending Load)
Authors: Kamaya Masayuki , Hojo Kiminobu
Published: January 2014

Since the ductility of cast austenitic stainless steel pipes decreases due to thermal aging embrittlement after long term operation, not only plastic collapse failure but also unstable ductile crack propagation (elastic-plastic failure) should be taken into account for the structural integrity assessment of cracked pipes. In the ASME Section XI, the load multiplier (Z-factor) is used to derive the elastic-plastic failure of the cracked components. The Z-factor of cracked pipes under bending load has been obtained without considering the axial load. In this study, the influence of the axial load on Z-factor was quantified through elastic-plastic failure analyses under various conditions. It was concluded that the axial load increased the Z-factor; however, the magnitude of the increase was not significant, particularly for the main coolant pipes of PWR nuclear power plants.
Probabilistic Study of SCC Initiation Stage Based on Statistical Analysis in 316L Austenitic Stainless Steel
Authors: Ihara Ryohei , Mochizuki Masahito , Fujimoto Shinji
Published: January 2014

Stress corrosion cracking (SCC) has been observed near the welded zones of pipes made of austenitic stainless steel type 316L in boiling water reactors (BWRs). For safety, the lifetime assessment of structures in nuclear power plants is performed on the assumption that an initial crack exists. It is said that the lifetime of a structure is greatly affected by the micro crack process of initiation, growth, and coalescence. In this process, SCC has a probabilistic feature caused by its corrosion behavior and the metal microstructure. Therefore, probabilistic evaluation of the micro crack process is useful for the lifetime assessment of nuclear power plant structures. In this study, slow strain rate testing (SSRT) was performed in a simulated BWR operating environment. Statistical analyses were conducted for micro cracks initiated during SSRT, and histograms of the probability density distributions for crack length were obtained. The probability density distributions for crack depth were estimated based on the aspect ratio of SCC. Then, the time variations of the probability density distributions for crack depth were expressed as a function of stress. As a result, the initiation time and the probability density distribution for crack depth at the initiation time of macroscopic SCC were obtained.
Introduction of JSME Rules on Fitness for Service for CASS Piping and Proposal for Improvements
Authors: Hojo Kiminobu , Kamaya Masayuki
Published: January 2014

The Japan Society of Mechanical Engineers (JSME) Code Rules on Fitness for Service (FFS) for Nuclear Power Plants describe a flaw evaluation procedure for stainless steel piping including cast austenitic stainless steel (CASS) piping. It consists of three methods; limit load, elastic plastic fracture mechanics (EPFM) and two-parameter (covering failure modes from brittle fracture to limit load) methods. This paper describes a brief introduction of the flaw evaluation procedure for CASS piping in the JSME rules. Some improvements for the current rules are also proposed.
How Finite Element Calculations Improve Hyper Compressor Performance and Lifetime
Authors: Retz Nicole , Allenspach Andreas
Published: January 2014

The basic design of actual hyper compressor was performed around 40 years ago, in a time when the use of computers was limited and most of the design calculations were made by hand. In our days most parts are significantly improved with the support of finite element calculations. In this paper the benefits of such an optimization will be highlighted by several examples like the compressor central valve, the flexible rod coupling or even the overall compressor vibrations. In addition the modeling of some for hyper compressors typical manufacturing processes like autofrettage will be discussed.
Investigation on Constraint Effect of a Reactor Pressure Vessel Subjected to Pressurized Thermal Shocks
Authors: Qian Guian , Niffenegger Markus
Published: January 2014

The integrity of a reactor pressure vessel (RPV) related to pressurized thermal shocks (PTSs) has been extensively studied. This paper introduces the method of using fracture mechanics for the integrity analysis of a RPV subjected to PTS transients. A 3-D finite element (FE) model is used to perform thermal and fracture mechanics analyses by considering both elastic and elastic-plastic material models. The results show that the linear elastic analysis leads to a more conservative result than the elastic-plastic analysis. The variation of the T-stress and Q-stress (crack tip constraint loss) of a surface crack in a RPV subjected to PTSs is studied. A shallow crack is assumed in the RPV and the corresponding constraint effect on fracture toughness of the material is quantified by the K-T method. The safety margin of the RPV is larger based on the K-T approach than only based on the K approach. The J-Q method with the modified boundary layer formulation (MBL) is used for the crack tip constraint analysis by considering elastic-plastic material properties. For all transient times, the real stress is lower than that calculated from small scale yielding (SSY) due to the loss of crack tip constraint.
The Size Effect in Tensile Test of Steels
Authors: Strnadel Bohumír , Brumek Jan
Published: January 2014

Efforts to characterize small-scale tensile properties are driven by the need to reliably predict the performance of engineering parts during service. It has been clearly demonstrated that tensile properties depend on test specimen size. Smaller test specimens of railway wheel steel R7T exhibit shorter elongation to failure. Both uniform elongation and post-necking elongation increase with decreasing gauge length of specimens with the same cross-sectional area. A nonlocal damage model based on a strain gradient-dependent constitutive plasticity theory reproduces experimental findings. Detailed computations predict that the elongation to failure increases proportional to the square of the ratio of the steel characteristic length to the diameter of the circular cross-section of the specimen. Heterogeneous damage nucleation is taken into account to explain the effect of specimen size on the ductility of the investigated steel. The evolution of porosity due to nucleation of voids is a decisive factor affecting the dependence of ductility on specimen size; void growth plays a secondary role.
Non-Linear Analysis of Steam Generator U-Tube In-Plane Vibration
Authors: Kepple Alan , Charrouf Marwan , Rackiewicz David , Rush Phillip
Published: January 2014

Unexpected steam generator tube wear has recently been discovered during in-service inspection of newly installed PWR replacement steam generators. The extent of this unexpected tube wear suggests that a new wear mechanism is emerging that is not described by current tube wear models. A key to understanding the emerging unexpected tube wear may be to better understand the effectiveness of the mechanical design for tube support (flat bars with tight clearances) with respect to preventing flow induced tube vibration, and the characteristics of hydraulic forces exerted on tubes. This paper describes the results of a non-linear, dynamic, finite element analysis of steam generator tube in-plane vibration with typical flat bar mechanical supports. Mechanical support conditions such as initial gaps between tube and supports, contact forces between the tube and the supporting flat bars, and the effect of various forces applied to the tubes by fluid flow are investigated. The analysis describes the effect of these conditions on tube in-plane vibration frequency and damping for various tube forcing functions. Computational fluid dynamics calculations that determine the unsteady forces in two-phase flow test geometries are presented. A model describing the emerging unexpected tube wear is also introduced.
Local Thin Areas Adjacent to Other Local Thin Areas in API-579/ASME FFS-1
Authors: Becht Charles , Epremian Greg , Chant Eileen , Sims J. Robert , Pease Derrick
Published: January 2014

When a corroded pressure vessel is inspected, a potential finding is multiple local thin areas (LTA’s) adjacent to one another. API-579-1/ASME FFS-1 (hereafter referred to as FFS-1) contains rules to determine if adjacent LTA’s should be combined and analyzed as a single flaw based on spacing and sizing. This paper reports the results of a parametric study to determine if the FFS-1 rules can be overly conservative and require the analyst to combine LTA’s that in fact have no or minimal interaction. Results are presented based on collapse pressure using elastic-plastic FEA. It is found that the collapse mechanism of very wide flaws in the circumferential direction versus narrow flaws is quite different. Narrow longitudinally oriented flaws experience earlier failure due to localized bending stresses resulting from the discontinuity of the side-walls. Diameter is found to control the relationship between RSF and flaw length for axi-symmetric flaws, while thickness is more controlling for narrow longitudinally oriented flaws. Due to the lower collapse pressure, an axi-symmetric representation of a narrow width LTA can be significantly non-conservative when performing a Level 3 analysis. This paper is limited to the evaluation of internal flaws where the flaw depth is approximately 50% of the wall thickness and where pressure acts on the side walls of the flaw. We recommend that a similar study be done for external flaws as well as for other flaw depths.
Digital holographic interferometry: A novel optical calorimetry technique for radiation dosimetry
Authors: Cavan Alicia , Meyer Juergen
Published: January 2014

Purpose:

To develop and demonstrate the proof‐of‐principle of a novel optical calorimetry method to determine radiation absorbed dose in a transparent medium.

Methods:

The calorimetric property of water is measured during irradiation by means of an interferometer, which detects temperature‐induced changes in the refractive index that can be mathematically related to absorbed dose. The proposed method uses a technique called digital holographic interferometry (DHI), which comprises an optical laser interferometer setup and consecutive physical reconstruction of the recorded wave fronts by means of the Fresnel transform. This paper describes the conceptual framework and provides the mathematical basis for DHI dosimetry. Dose distributions from a high dose rate Brachytherapy source were measured by a prototype optical setup to demonstrate the feasibility of the approach.

Results:

The developed DHI dosimeter successfully determined absorbed dose distributions in water in the region adjacent to a high dose rate Brachytherapy source. A temperature change of 0.0381 K across a distance of 6.8 mm near the source was measured, corresponding to a dose of 159.3 Gy. The standard deviation in a typical measurement set was ±3.45 Gy (corresponding to an uncertainty in the temperature value of ±8.3 × 10−4 K). The relative dose fall off was in agreement with treatment planning system modeled data.

Conclusions:

First results with a prototype optical setup and a Brachytherapy source demonstrate the proof‐of‐principle of the approach. The prototype achieves high spatial resolution of approximately 3 × 10−5 m. The general approach is fundamentally independent of the radiation type and energy. The sensitivity range determined indicates that the method is predominantly suitable for high dose rate applications. Further work is required to determine absolute dose in all three dimensions.
Protein Supplements: Do They Alter Dietary Intakes?
Authors: Mallard Alistair R. , McLay-Cooke Rebecca T. , Rehrer Nancy J.
Published: January 2014

Effects of protein versus mixed macronutrient supplementation on total energy intake (TEI) and protein intake during an ad libitum diet were examined. Trained males undertook two, 2-week dietary interventions which were randomized, double blinded, and separated by 2 weeks. These were high-protein supplementation (HP: 1034.5 kJ energy, 29.6 g protein, 8.7 g fat and 12.3 g CHO) and standard meal supplementation (SM: 1039 kJ energy, 9.9 g protein, 9.5 g fat, and 29.4 g CHO) consumed daily following a week of baseline measures. Eighteen participants finished both interventions and one only completed HP. TEI (mean ± SD) was not different between baseline (11148 ± 3347 kJ) and HP (10705 ± 3143 kJ) nor between baseline and SM (12381 ± 3877 kJ), however, TEI was greater with SM than HP (923 ± 4015 kJ p = .043). Protein intake (%TEI) was greater with HP (22.4 ±6.2%) than baseline (19.4 ± 5.4%; p = .008) but not SM (20.0 ± 5.0%). No differences in absolute daily protein intake were found. Absolute CHO intake was greater with SM than HP (52.0 ± 89.5 g, p = .006). No differences in fat intake were found. Body mass did not change between baseline (82.7 ± 11.2 kg) and either HP (83.1 ± 11.7 kg) or SM (82.9 ± 11.0 kg). Protein supplementation increases the relative proportion of protein in the diet, but doesn’t increase the absolute amount of total protein or energy consumed. Thus some compensation by a reduction in other foods occurs. This is in contrast to a mixed nutrient supplement, which does not alter the proportion of protein consumed but does increase TEI.
Case Study: Muscle Atrophy and Hypertrophy in a Premier League Soccer Player During Rehabilitation From ACL Injury
Authors: Milsom Jordan , Barreira Paulo , Burgess Darren J. , Iqbal Zafar , Morton James P.
Published: January 2014

The onset of injury and subsequent period of immobilization and disuse present major challenges to maintenance of skeletal muscle mass and function. Although the characteristics of immobilization-induced muscle atrophy are well documented in laboratory studies, comparable data from elite athletes in free-living conditions are not readily available. We present a 6-month case-study account from a professional soccer player of the English Premier League characterizing rates of muscle atrophy and hypertrophy (as assessed by DXA) during immobilization and rehabilitation after ACL injury. During 8 weeks of inactivity and immobilization, where the athlete adhered to a low carbohydrate-high protein diet, total body mass decreased by 5 kg attributable to 5.8 kg loss and 0.8 kg gain in lean and fat mass, respectively. Changes in whole-body lean mass was attributable to comparable relative decreases in the trunk (12%, 3.8 kg) and immobilized limb (13%, 1.4 kg) whereas the nonimmobilized limb exhibited smaller declines (7%, 0.8 kg). In Weeks 8 to 24, the athlete adhered to a moderate carbohydrate-high protein diet combined with structured resistance and field based training for both the lower and upper-body that resulted in whole-body muscle hypertrophy (varying from 0.5 to 1 kg per week). Regional hypertrophy was particularly pronounced in the trunk and nonimmobilized limb during weeks 8 to 12 (2.6 kg) and 13 to 16 (1.3 kg), respectively, whereas the previously immobilized limb exhibited slower but progressive increases in lean mass from Week 12 to 24 (1.2 kg). The athlete presented after the totality of the injured period with an improved anthropometrical and physical profile.
Rapid Soil Production and Weathering in the Southern Alps, New Zealand
Authors: Larsen Isaac J. , Almond Peter C. , Eger Andre , Stone John O. , Montgomery David R. , Malcolm Brendon
Published: January 2014

Weathering Heights

The production of soil is the result of chemical weathering of rocks and minerals. In regions where tectonic uplift brings fresh material to Earth's surface, erosion and weathering can accelerate. Using chemical tracers,

Larsen
et al.

(p.
637
, published online 16 January; see the Perspective by

Heimsath

) measured soil production rates of over 2 millimeters per year in New Zealand's Southern Alps, which are some of the fastest uplifting mountains in the world. Because chemical weathering consumes CO
2
, these rapid rates may over time influence global climate.
Draft Genome Sequence of
Rhodobacter
sp. Strain CACIA 14H1, a Heterotrophic Bacterium Obtained from a Nonaxenic Culture of a
Cyanobium
Species
Authors: Lima Alex Ranieri Jerônimo , Siqueira Andrei Santos , dos Santos Bruno Garcia Simões , da Silva Fábio Daniel Florêncio , Inada Davi Toshio , Lima Clayton Pereira , Cardoso Jedson Ferreira , Vianez-Júnior João Lídio S. G. , Nunes Márcio Roberto Teixeira , Gonçalves Evonnildo Costa
Published: January 2014

Despite their prominent importance, few efforts have been paid to the genomic analysis of heterotrophic bacteria associated with cyanobacteria. Thus, this work presents the draft genome sequence (~3.9 Mbp) of a heterotrophic bacterium (
Rhodobacter
sp. strain CACIA 14H1) recovered from a nonaxenic culture of a
Cyanobium
species.
Genome Sequence of the Relapsing Fever Borreliosis Species Borrelia hispanica
Authors: Elbir Haitham , Larsson Pär , Upreti Mukunda , Normark Johan , Bergström Sven
Published: January 2014

Borrelia hispanica
is the etiological pathogen of tick-borne relapsing fever, transmitted to humans by infected
Ornithodoros erraticus
ticks. Here we present the 1,783,846-bp draft genome sequence, with an average G+C content of 28%. It has 2,140 open reading frames, 3 ribosomal RNAs, and 32 transfer RNAs.
Genome Sequence of Lactococcus lactis subsp.
lactis
bv. diacetylactis LD61
Authors: Falentin Hélène , Naquin Delphine , Loux Valentin , Barloy-Hubler Frédérique , Loubière Pascal , Nouaille Sébastien , Lavenier Dominique , Le Bourgeois Pascal , François Patrice , Schrenzel Jacques , Hernandez David , Even Sergine , Le Loir Yves
Published: January 2014

Lactococcus lactis
is widely used in the dairy industry. We report the draft genome sequence of
L. lactis
subsp.
lactis
bv. diacetylactis LD61, an industrial and extensively studied strain. In contrast to the closely related and plasmidless strain IL1403, LD61 contains 6 plasmids, and the genome sequence provides additional information related to adaptation to the dairy environment.
Complete Genome Sequence of Sterol-Transforming Mycobacterium neoaurum Strain VKM Ac-1815D
Authors: Shtratnikova Victoriya Y. , Bragin Eugeny Y. , Dovbnya Dmitry V. , Pekov Yury A. , Schelkunov Mikhail I. , Strizhov Nicolai , Ivashina Tanya V. , Ashapkin Vasily V. , Donova Marina V.
Published: January 2014

Mycobacterium neoaurum
strain VKM Ac-1815D produces 4-androstene-3,17-dione as a major compound from phytosterols. Here, we report the complete genome sequence of the strain. The genome consists of a single circular 5,438,190-bp chromosome, with a G+C content of 66.88%, containing 5,318 putative open reading frames (ORFs), 46 tRNAs, and 6 rRNAs. Arrays of cholesterol metabolism genes are randomly clustered throughout the chromosome.
Genomic Sequencing of Two Coffee-Infecting Strains of Xylella fastidiosa Isolated from Brazil
Authors: Alencar Valquíria C. , Barbosa Deibs , Santos Daiene S. , Oliveira Ana Cláudia F. , de Oliveira Regina C. , Nunes Luiz R.
Published: January 2014

Here, we describe the draft genome sequences of two
Xylella fastidiosa
strains:
Xf
6c and
Xf
32, which have been obtained from infected coffee plants in Brazil, and are associated with the disease known as coffee leaf scorch (CLS).
Analysis of the bereavement effect after the death of a spouse in the Amish: a population-based retrospective cohort study
Authors: Seifter Ari , Singh Sarabdeep , McArdle Patrick F , Ryan Kathleen A , Shuldiner Alan R , Mitchell Braxton D , Schäffer Alejandro A
Published: January 2014

Objective

This study investigates the association between bereavement and the mortality of a surviving spouse among Amish couples. We hypothesised that the bereavement effect would be relatively small in the Amish due to the unusually cohesive social structure of the Amish that might attenuate the loss of spousal support.

Design

Population-based cohort study.

Setting

The USA.

Participants

10 892 Amish couples born during 1725–1900 located in Pennsylvania, Ohio and Indiana. All the participants are deceased.

Outcome measures

The survival time is ‘age’; event is ‘death’. Hazard ratios (HRs) of widowed individuals with respect to gender, age at widowhood, remarriage, the number of surviving children and time since bereavement.

Results

We observed HRs for widowhood ranging from 1.06 to 1.26 over the study period (nearly all differences significant at p<0.05). Mortality risks tended to be higher in men than in women and in younger compared with older bereaved spouses. There were significantly increased mortality risks in widows and widowers who did not remarry. We observed a higher number of surviving children to be associated with increased mortality in men and women. Mortality risk following bereavement was higher in the first 6 months among men and women.

Conclusions

We conclude that bereavement effects remain apparent even in this socially cohesive Amish community. Remarriage is associated with a significant decrease in the mortality risk among Amish individuals. Contrary to results from previous studies, an increase in the number of surviving children was associated with decreased survival rate.
Protocol for a longitudinal qualitative study: survivors of childhood critical illness exploring long-term psychosocial well-being and needs—The SCETCH Project
Authors: Manning Joseph C , Hemingway Pippa , Redsell Sarah A
Published: January 2014

Introduction

Life-threatening critical illness affects over a quarter of a million children and adolescents (0–18 years old) annually in the USA and the UK. Death from critical illness is rare; however, survivors and their families can be exposed to a complex array of negative physical, psychological and social problems. Currently, within the literature, there is a distinct paucity of child and adolescent survivor self-reports, thus limiting our understanding of how survivors perceive this adversity and subsequently cope and grow in the long-term following their critical illness. This study aims to explore and understand psychosocial well-being and needs of critical illness survivors, 6–20 months post paediatric intensive care admission.

Methods and analysis

A longitudinal, qualitative approach will provide a platform for a holistic and contextualised exploration of outcomes and mechanisms at an individual level. Up to 80 participants, including 20 childhood critical illness survivors and 60 associated family members or health professionals/teachers, will be recruited. Three interviews, 7–9 weeks apart, will be conducted with critical illness survivors, allowing for the exploration of psychosocial well-being over time. A single interview will be conducted with the other participants enabling the exploration of contextual information and how psychosocial well-being may inter-relate between critical illness survivors and themselves. A ‘tool box’ of qualitative methods (semi-structured interviews, draw and tell, photo-elicitation, graphic-elicitation) will be used to collect data. Narrative analysis and pattern matching will be used to identify emergent themes across participants.

Ethics and dissemination

This study will provide an insight and understanding of participants’ experiences and perspectives of surviving critical illness in the long term with specific relation to their psychosocial well-being. Multiple methods will be used to ensure that the findings are effectively disseminated to service users, clinicians, policy and academic audiences. The study has full ethical approval from the East Midlands Research Ethics Committee and has received National Health Service (NHS) governance clearance.
Determinants of survival in patients with chronic myeloid leukaemia treated in the new era of oral therapy: findings from a UK population-based patient cohort
Authors: Smith A G , Painter D , Howell D A , Evans P , Smith G , Patmore R , Jack A , Roman E
Published: January 2014

Objectives

To examine contemporary survival patterns in the general population of patients diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML), and to identify patient groups with less than optimal outcomes.

Design

Prospective population-based cohort.

Setting

The UK's Haematological Malignancy Research Network (catchment population 3.6 million, with >2000 new haematological malignancies diagnosed annually).

Participants

All patients newly diagnosed with CML, from September 2004 to August 2011 and followed up to 31 March 2013.

Main outcome measure

Incidence and survival.

Results

With a median diagnostic age of 59 years, the CML age standardised (European) incidence was 0.9/100 000 (95% CIs 0.8 to 0.9), 5-year overall survival was 78.9% (72.3 to 84.0) and 5-year relative survival 88.6% (81.0 to 93.3). The efficacy of treatment across all ages was clearly demonstrated; the relative survival curves for those under 60 and over 60 years being closely aligned. Survival findings were similar for men and women, but varied with deprivation; the age and sex adjusted HR being 3.43 (1.89 to 6.22) for deprivation categories 4–5 (less affluent) versus 1–3 (more affluent). None of these differences were attributable to the biological features of the disease.

Conclusions

When therapy is freely provided, population-based survival for CML is similar to that reported in clinical trials, and age loses its prognostic significance. However, although most of the patients with CML now experience close to normal lifespans, those living in more deprived areas tend to have poorer outcomes, despite receiving the same clinical care. A significant improvement in overall population outcomes could be achieved if these socioeconomic differences, which may reflect the treatment compliance, could be eliminated.