bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of the API 579-1/ASME FFS-1 KCSCCL1 Global Bending Stress Intensity Factors
Authors: Bouse Scott , Altstadt Steven
Published: November 2023

The API 579-1/ASME FFS-1 2021 (API 579) Fitness-For-Service stress intensity factor solution for a cylinder with a long surface crack in the circumferential direction (i.e., 360 degrees), subjected to Pressure, a Net-Section Axial Force and Global Bending (KCSCCL1) was independently investigated in this work. Linear elastic finite element models of cracked cylinders subjected to various applied global bending stress fields were created and used to estimate stress intensity factors (K), from which were determined the respective influence coefficient values for global bending (G5). The comparison of the newly calculated values to the existing stress intensity factors shows reasonable agreement for larger internal radius to thickness ratios (Ri/t), but significant differences for low ratios representing thick wall cylinders. The new influence coefficients were also compared to values previously published in the literature for the parameter combinations that exactly overlap with API 579 for the Ri/t ≤ 10 parametric space. The new stress intensity factor equation and associated influence coefficient values presented in this work are recommended as an improvement for fitness for service assessments where Ri/t < 10. For thin wall cylinders, the existing API 579 approach for KCSCCL1 is acceptable.
Semi-Analytical Solutions of Fracture Parameters for Curved CT Specimen From CANDU Pressure Tube
Authors: Cao Yupeng , Bao Chen
Published: November 2023

The pressure tubes of Zr-2.5Nb are primary pressure boundaries in a CANDU reactor. The major threat to the inservice pressure tubes is posed by Delayed Hydrogen Crack (DHC) initiation and growth. The fracture initiation toughness values are the necessary input data required by CSA N285.8[1]. The curved compact tension (CCT) specimens are recommended. However, the CCT specimen is not a standard specimen specified by ASTM E1820[2]. This paper studies the K factor, the compliance C and the J-integral solutions for the CCT specimen using theoretical analysis and FEA modeling. The modified solutions are compared with the results from the solution for standard CT specimen in E1820 and from FEA. The applicability of the modified solutions is discussed in this paper.
A Novel Machine Learning Based Framework for the Seismic Risk Assessment of Industrial Plant
Authors: Quinci Gianluca , Paolacci Fabrizio
Published: November 2023

In last decades, Machine learning techniques (ML) have been extensively studied as a possible reliable family of regression methods. Recently ML, which originated in the field of computer science, has been widely investigated as an alternative and helpful method for solving engineering problems. The main feature of ML techniques is learning from a dataset, containing a certain amount of input/output fidelity data, in order to predict future output data related to a new set of input data in cost-effective computation time. With these premises, the application of this type of techniques to the civil engineering field, where a sufficient amount of data is available by means numerical and experimental simulations and from structural monitoring, seems interesting. Along this vein, the present paper aims to investigate the suitability of a novel ML based framework for the risk assessment of a Non Structural Component (NSC) of an industrial plant. The proposed method, which aims to solve some critical issues associated to the traditional risk assessment methodology, has the follow main advantages: (i) reduction of computational time by means an Artificial Neural Network (ANN) surrogate model; (ii) avoidance of prior assumptions on the distribution of fragility curves, sampling a large amount of data from the ANN surrogate model; (iii) avoidance of the record to record variability of the seismic input through a new record selection algorithm; (iv) integration of hazard and vulnerability analysis in the same framework. In this respect, a comprehensive sensitivity analysis of the ANN input parameters is performed (features selection), identifying the type and number of Intensity Measures (IMs) that represent the seismic input best related to the structural output, using Principal Component Analysis (PCA). Furthermore, a multiple stripe analysis is performed on a nonlinear finite element model (FEM) of the structure, deriving the set of data used to train and validate the ANN. Then, two different surrogate models in series are derived, investigating the architecture of the models (i.e. the number of hidden layers and parameters weight), to take into account both the dependence between the selected IMs and the relation between the IMs and the structural response. Different training and test subsets are used to derive the surrogate models, to find the best-performing structure. A sampling of the seismic input parameters of the ANN is obtained followed their probability distribution by means Metropolis-Hastings algorithm, to take in account the hazard of the site, and the risk assessment is directly carried out from the observed damage evaluated. The proposed framework, which represents an interesting alternative for seismic risk assessment, is finally applied to an industrial NSC.
Validation of a Novel Virtual Flange Joint Assembly Simulator
Authors: de la Roca Leonardo , Meira Igor , Girão Carlos D. , Ruffin Mark
Published: November 2023

Amid ASME PCC-1’s transition from a guideline to a standard, the need for instructional tools, regarding the newly standardized flange joint assembly techniques, arise. This research evaluates the methods, content, functionality, and efficacy of a flange joint assembly virtual simulator. The training device encompasses software simulating, in real-time, a flange assembly along with torque transducer hardware for user torque input. A total of 3 experts and 3 novices completed an exercise on the simulator, as well as in an actual, instrumented flange test rig. All assemblers completed two repetitions of the following tasks: (1) Tightening the assembly according to their methods, i.e., how they would perform the operation on the field, (2) tightening according to the techniques found in the ASME PCC-1 sections 10 and 11. The first repetition was done with common wrenches, whereas the second was performed with a torque wrench. The workload imposed by the simulator was assessed using a NASA Task Load Index questionnaire (TLX). The simulator content validity is assessed through the participant’s experience and by comparing the test rig’s flange assembly parameters, such as bolt stresses, with their virtual counterpart. The virtual device will lead flange assemblers to repeatedly practice the proper procedures and methods before performing on-site assemblies, without the need for expensive practice rigs.
A Method for Evaluation of Creep-Fatigue Life at Low Strain Ranges
Authors: Hou Peijun , Wang Yanli , Sham Ting-Leung
Published: November 2023

Creep-fatigue (CF) interaction at elevated temperature is the most damaging structural failure mode for materials under cyclic loads. In the last 40 years, significant efforts have been devoted to elevated temperature code rule development in the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code (Section III, Division 5, Subsection HB, Subpart B) to ascertain conservative structural designs against CF failure. However, the current CF evaluation procedure is complex and overly conservative. Recently, an alternative CF evaluation method, Simplified Model Test (SMT) based design methodology, is being developed with the purpose of simplifying and improving the CF evaluation process. The concept of this approach is to perform CF evaluation using a set of design curves developed directly from experimental CF data and avoid the separate evaluation of creep and fatigue damage.

Experimental CF failure data are the key in finalizing the SMT-based design curves. In assessing available data sources, major data gap was found at low strain ranges of below 0.3% and/or at hold times of longer than one hour. The lack of data under these conditions is due to many practical constraints such as the unrealistically long test duration and difficulties in controlling experimental parameters. In this study, an experimental method is proposed based on the concept of damage summation to generate CF failure life information at low strain ranges and long hold times. The CF test was designed for Alloy 617 at 950°C with elastic follow-up effect to slow down the stress relaxation process during the hold time. The test specimen was cycled at higher strain ranges to accumulate enough CF damage, followed by cycling at lower strain ranges and longer hold times, to allow for a reasonable test time to generate failure data. Results from the CF test are presented, and information generated through this method in verifying the SMT-based design curves is evaluated.
Local Post Weld Heat Treatment of a Pressure Vessel: A Postmortem Evaluation
Authors: Yuen Simon , McKay A. Boyd , McArthur Daniel , Kwok Henry , Fernando John , Wong Leanne
Published: November 2023

This study is a postmortem evaluation of a process tower that suffered significant distortion after a local post weld heat treatment (PWHT). After installation of new nozzles near the base of the pressure vessel, heat treatment was performed to alleviate welding residual stresses in-situ, using a bulls-eye heating coil configuration. Currently, there are established industry guidelines on the placement of heating coils and insulation, but no standard analytical technique or engineering protocol or acceptance criteria that to assess a PWHT. As such, in addition to the postmortem analysis of the excessive deformation, several analytical techniques are also tested in the current study using Finite Element Analysis (FEA) to determine which method best predicts the deformation experienced by the pressure vessel in question. In these case studies, the analytical techniques include lower-bound estimate of collapse loads, buckling evaluation using linear elastic material properties, and an elastic check using a criterion provided in WRC 452. Creep elongation prediction during the short-term post weld heat treatment and buckling evaluation methods recommended by API 579-1/ASME FFS-1 are also included. The paper summarizes the findings based on the aforementioned methods, and an additional suggestion is provided related to the potential optimization of PWHT design/execution.
NeT Project Task Group 8 – An International Benchmark on Residual Stress Assessment for Welding Repair With Dissimilar Materials – First Phase Results
Authors: Robin V. , Draup J. , Smith M. C. , Vasileiou A. , Akrivos V. , Wimpory R. C. , Depradeux L. , Brosse A. , Gallitelli D. , Hosseinzadeh F. , Truman C. E. , Pascal S. , Hendili S. , Delmas J. , Ohms C.
Published: November 2023

Within the NeT project [1], Task Group 8 examines a steel plate (French grade 18MND5 close to ASTM A508 Gr.3) containing a five pass “slot” weld made with Ni base alloy (Alloy 52) consumables. NeT TG8 has been organized to address welding repair issues. The TG8 round robin specimen is closely based upon the TG4 design [2], except for the plate thickness that is increased up to 30 mm for more thermal inertia, self-clamping conditions and to reduce distortions that may affect the accurate definition of residual measurement position. It thus presents all the advantages and challenges of the TG4 specimens, namely, the generation of a complex 3D residual stress distribution in a compact, portable specimen that is amenable to rapid measurement of residual stresses by diverse techniques, with a significant volume of weld metal that undergoes multiple high temperature thermo-mechanical load cycles. The use of a nickel-based alloy as filler metal adds considerable residual stress measurement challenges, while this configuration undergoes a complex mismatch behaviour with the base metal where phase transformations and tempering effects occur in the Heat Affected Zone (HAZ).

The residual stress measurement and simulation round robins for TG8 are ongoing. What is presented here is therefore the first phase results of the behaviour of the TG8 specimens. Finite element simulation results are compared with residual stresses determined experimentally thanks to different techniques. The agreement between stresses measured by the Contour Method and by neutron diffraction is generally very good, simulation exhibits complex behaviour that help to interpreted some of the measurements and the lessons learned will allow to conduct a second phase benchmark with possible improvement in residual stresses assessments and in-depth analyses for a better understanding of such a dissimilar weldment.
Estimation Scheme for Weld Residual Stress Effect on Crack Opening Displacements
Authors: Brust Frederick W. , Punch Edward , Twombly Elizabeth , Wallace Jay
Published: November 2023

Leak before break (LBB) in nuclear piping systems requires determination of leak rate which critically depends on crack opening displacement (COD). Procedures have been developed for accurately estimating the COD resulting from service loads in pipes. However, cracks in nuclear piping and nozzles often occur in and near welds, and the weld residual stresses (WRS) can strongly affect the COD values. Although WRS-influenced COD changes can in some cases close and stop leakage, thus hinder leak detection, the effects have been typically neglected because they could only be evaluated on a case-by-case basis using finite element calculations.

This paper presents a simple estimation scheme that was developed along the lines of classical COD estimation schemes that use influence functions developed from finite element solutions. This estimation scheme has been validated for different WRS fields, a wide range of pipe sizes and for a wide range of crack sizes. The estimation scheme, its development and use, and the validation results are presented here.
Defect Interactions and Effects on Fatigue Behaviors of Additively Manufactured Parts
Authors: Wu Shengjia , Cheng Jiyuan , Dong Pingsha , Zhang Yuning , Zhang Lunyu
Published: November 2023

Additively manufactured (AM) metallic components are known to contain distributed geometric discontinuities both internally and at surface. Their effects on fatigue behaviors of AM parts or components need to be better understood for developing cost-effective AM process qualification and part performance certification procedures for safety-critical applications. In this investigation, we adopt a rapid fracture mechanic modeling technique for evaluating the interactions of multiple crack-like defects and their effects on fatigue behaviors of unnotched and notched AM test specimens. The parametric study is performed by varying the spacing between defects and the orientations of the defects with respect to the loading direction as well as their proximity to an artificial notch in test specimen. Then, the interactions of defects are examined and the criterion for treating multiple cracks as a single equivalent crack is presented and compared with existing interaction criteria, e.g., those by ASME XI and BS 7910. Based on the findings of this study, a proposed approach for treating multiple crack-like defects, particularly in highly stressed regions, e.g., near a notch location is presented. Available fatigue test data from unnotched and notched AM specimens have also been analyzed to validate the proposed approach.
GDF8 inhibition enhances musculoskeletal recovery and mitigates posttraumatic osteoarthritis following joint injury
Authors: Brightwell Camille R. , Latham Christine M. , Keeble Alexander R. , Thomas Nicholas T. , Owen Allison M. , Reeves Kelsey A. , Long Douglas E. , Patrick Matthew , Gonzalez-Velez Sara , Abed Varag , Annamalai Ramkumar T. , Jacobs Cale , Conley Caitlin E. , Hawk Gregory S. , Stone Austin V. , Fry Jean L. , Thompson Katherine L. , Johnson Darren L. , Noehren Brian , Fry Christopher S.
Published: November 2023

Musculoskeletal disorders contribute substantially to worldwide disability. Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears result in unresolved muscle weakness and posttraumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA). Growth differentiation factor 8 (GDF8) has been implicated in the pathogenesis of musculoskeletal degeneration following ACL injury. We investigated GDF8 levels in ACL-injured human skeletal muscle and serum and tested a humanized monoclonal GDF8 antibody against a placebo in a mouse model of PTOA (surgically induced ACL tear). In patients, muscle GDF8 was predictive of atrophy, weakness, and periarticular bone loss 6 months following surgical ACL reconstruction. In mice, GDF8 antibody administration substantially mitigated muscle atrophy, weakness, and fibrosis. GDF8 antibody treatment rescued the skeletal muscle and articular cartilage transcriptomic response to ACL injury and attenuated PTOA severity and deficits in periarticular bone microarchitecture. Furthermore, GDF8 genetic deletion neutralized musculoskeletal deficits in response to ACL injury. Our findings support an opportunity for rapid targeting of GDF8 to enhance functional musculoskeletal recovery and mitigate the severity of PTOA after injury.
Higher affinities of fibers with cell receptors increase the infection capacity and virulence of human adenovirus type 7 and type 55 compared to type 3
Authors: Zhang Qiong , Zhou Zhichao , Fan Ye , Liu Tiantian , Guo Yubing , Li Xiao , Liu Wenkuan , Zhou Liling , Yang Yujie , Mo Chuncong , Chen Yong , Liao Xiaohong , Zhou Rong , Ding Zhenhua , Tian Xingui
Published: November 2023

Human adenovirus (HAdV) type 7 and type 55 infections cause more severe pneumonia than type 3 infections. However, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. This study provided evidence linking the receptor-binding protein, fiber, to the stronger virulence of HAdV-55 and HAdV-7. Wild-type HAdV-7 and HAdV-55 produced larger plaques and grew more efficiently, resulting in a higher viral yield than HAdV-3. The recombinant knobs of HAdV-55 and HAdV-7 had higher binding affinities with desmoglein 2 (DSG2) than the HAdV-3 knob. Fiber-chimeric rAdV3E-K7 and rAdV3E-K55 were generated by replacing the knob of recombinant HAdV-3 (rAd3E) with knobs from HAdV-7 and HAdV-55, respectively. Full-length fiber-replaced rAd5-F3, rAd5-F7, and rAd5-F55 were generated from replication-defective HAdV-5. The replication and infectivity of these adenoviruses were compared using passage and primary cell and DSG2-humanized mouse models. Both rAdV3E-K7 and rAdV3E-K55 produced larger plaques and adsorbed more efficiently than rAd3E in A549 cells and primary human bronchial epithelial cells. Additionally, rAd5-F7 and rAd5-F55 showed stronger infectivity than rAd5-F3. Finally, rAdV3E-K7 and rAdV3E-K55 infections contributed to slightly more but not significant severe pneumonia than rAd3E in the humanized mouse model. In summary, higher binding affinities of fibers with DSG2 lead to higher infection efficiency of HAdV-7 and HAdV-55 compared to HAdV-3. This study provides new insights into the mechanisms of differential pathogenicity between HAdV types. It may have implications for the surveillance of highly pathogenic adenovirus strains and the development of novel adenovirus vectors and vaccines.

IMPORTANCE

HAdV-3, -7, and -55 are the predominant types causing acute respiratory disease outbreaks and can lead to severe and fatal pneumonia in children and adults. In recent years, emerging or re-emerging strains of HAdV-7 and HAdV-55 have caused multiple outbreaks globally in both civilian and military populations, drawing increased attention. Clinical studies have reported that HAdV-7 and HAdV-55 cause more severe pneumonia than HAdV-3. This study aimed to investigate the mechanisms explaining the higher severity of HAdV-7 and HAdV-55 infection compared to HAdV-3 infection. Our findings provided evidence linking the receptor-binding protein fiber to stronger infectivity of the strains mentioned above by comparing several fiber-chimeric or fiber-replaced adenoviruses. Our study improves our understanding of adenovirus infection and highlights potential implications, including in novel vector and vaccine development.
Establishment of cell culture model and humanized mouse model of chronic hepatitis B virus infection
Authors: Tian Renyun , Yang Di , Xu Biaoming , Deng Rilin , Xue Binbin , Wang Luoling , Li Huiyi , Liu Qian , Wang Xiaohong , Tang Songqing , Wan Mengyu , Pei Hua , Zhu Haizhen
Published: November 2023

The absence of a hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection system has constrained the study of the viral life cycle and the development of antiviral drugs. We previously established a hepatocellular carcinoma cell line, HLCZ01, that can support the entire life cycle of HBV. To further optimize the model, we compared the kinetic process of HBV infection in HLCZ01 and HepG2-NTCP cells and found that HLCZ01 cells were more conducive to mimic the long-term stable infection of HBV in the natural state. By comparing the composition of the progeny virus and the differences in gene expression profiles between these two types of cells, we were able to explore the factors affecting the efficiency of virus infection. We built an experimental platform for human liver chimeric mice and established a standard surgical procedure. By transplanting HBV-infected HLCZ01 cells into mouse liver, which can be used instead of primary human hepatocytes to establish chimeric mice, this animal model can continuously produce viral particles. The establishment of these two models will facilitate the exploration of the mechanism of persistent HBV infection, the understanding of host‒virus interactions, and the determination of new targets for chronic hepatitis B therapy.

IMPORTANCE

Approximately 257 million people worldwide have been infected with hepatitis B virus (HBV), and HBV infection can cause chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis, and even liver cancer. The lack of suitable and effective infection models has greatly limited research in HBV-related fields for a long time, and it is still not possible to discover a method to completely and effectively remove the HBV genome. We have constructed a hepatocellular carcinoma cell line, HLCZ01, that can support the complete life cycle of HBV. This model can mimic the long-term stable infection of HBV in the natural state and can replace primary human hepatocytes for the development of human liver chimeric mice. This model will be a powerful tool for research in the field of HBV.
Comprehensive, comparative evaluation of 25 automated SARS-CoV-2 serology assays
Authors: Dimech Wayne , Curley Shannon , Cai Jing Jing
Published: November 2023

The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in hundreds of
in vitro
devices coming to market, facilitated by regulatory authorities allowing “Emergency Use,” without a prior comprehensive evaluation of performance. The World Health Organization released Target Product Profiles specifying acceptable performance characteristics for SARS-CoV-2 devices. We evaluated 16 automated serology test kits that detect IgG or Total antibodies to SARS-CoV-2, along with a further nine tests that detect IgM-specific antibodies. All IgG or Total antibody tests reported a concordance with recent infection at 83.9% or greater, with 11/16 tests having greater than 90% sensitivity. All 16 tests reported greater than 96.3% specificity. There was a low level of false reactivity when testing all 25 tests on panels of samples containing potentially cross-reacting or interfering substances. A range of results were reported when testing seroconversion and dilution panels. The study further demonstrates that a comprehensive evaluation of the performance of test kits assessed against defined specifications is essential for the selection of test kits, especially in a pandemic setting.

IMPORTANCE

We have previously highlighted the fact that hundreds of SARS-CoV-2 serology tests were released months after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Of the hundreds of studies investigating the test kits’ performance, few were comparative reports, using the same comprehensive sample set across multiple tests. Recently, we reported a comparative assessment of 35 rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) or microtiter plate enzyme immunoassays (EIA) for use in low- and middle-income countries, using a large sample set from individuals with a history of COVID-19. Only a few tests meet WHO Target Product Profile performance requirements. This study reports on the performance of a further 25 automated SARS-CoV-2 immunoassays using the same panel of samples. The results highlight the better analytical and clinical performance of automated serology test kits compared with RDTs, and the importance of independent comparative assessments to inform the use and procurement of these tests for both diagnostic and epidemiological investigations.
Knowledge, attitude and practices towards SARS-CoV-2 genetic mutations and emerging variants among the population in Bangladesh: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Ahmed Iftekhar , Ether Sadia Afruz , Saha Poushali , Jahan Nishat , Rahman Fahad Imtiaz , Islam Md Rabiul
Published: November 2023

Objectives

The coronavirus is continuously mutating and creating new SARS-CoV-2 variants. Public awareness about SARS-CoV-2 mutation is essential for effective preventive measures. The present study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitude and practices (KAP) towards SARS-CoV-2 variants among the general population in Bangladesh.

Design

We conducted this online survey between 9 April 2021 and 10 May 2021 using structured questionnaires to collect the information.

Setting

We distributed the survey link among the participants from all 64 districts of Bangladesh using social media platforms.

Participants

A total of 1,090 respondents completed this survey. After careful evaluation, we excluded 18 responses due to partial or incomplete information, and 1,072 responses entered into the final analysis.

Primary outcome

The KAP of participants towards SARS-CoV-2 variants depends on their demographic backgrounds. Associations between demographic characteristics and the likelihood of having adequate KAP were estimated using adjusted logistic regressions.

Results

Among the participants, 42% had a poor knowledge level, 4% had a low attitude level and 14% had a poor practice score. The average knowledge, attitude and practice score were 2.65, 4.194 and 4.464 on a scale of 5, respectively. Only 51.8% of the participants knew about mutant strains, and only 47.6% knew about the effectiveness of vaccines against new variants. The key factors associated with poor knowledge levels were educational levels, area of residence, geographic location, and concern regarding COVID-19. Sociodemographic factors for poor attitude levels were geographic location, vaccination and concern regarding COVID-19. The pivotal factors in determining poor practice scores were the residence area of people and concern regarding COVID-19.

Conclusions

The knowledge level and positive attitude are associated with better preventive measures against SARS-CoV-2 variants. Based on these findings, we recommended several awareness programmes on SARS-CoV-2 mutations and variants for the rural population in Bangladesh to increase overall awareness levels.
Depression and glycaemic control among adult patients with type 2 diabetes: a cross-sectional study in a comprehensive specialised hospital, Jigjiga, Ethiopia
Authors: Ali Seid Yimam , Seid Ahmed Muhye , Hassen Kalkidan , Abebe Samuel Taddese , Banjaw Zelalem , Ibrahim Mohammed
Published: November 2023

Objectives

The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of depression and its sociodemographic predictors, clinical predictors and glycaemic control among adult patients with type 2 diabetes at Sheik Hassan Yabare Comprehensive Specialized Hospital (SHYCSH), Jigjiga, Ethiopia.

Design

A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted.

Setting

Patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) at Sheik Hassan Yabare Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, for chronic follow-up from 3 October 2022 to 13 November 2022.

Participants

Randomly selected 278 patients with T2DM age 18 years and older, with a duration of 1 year or more since diagnosis, who had a diabetic follow-up at SHYCSH.

Main outcome measures

Depression was assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire.

Results

A total of 263 participants were included, with a response rate of 94.6%. Of the respondents, 134 (51%) were male, making up more than half of the total. The overall prevalence of depression was 47.1% (95% CI 41.1 to 53.2). Depression was further classified, as follows, based on its severity: the majority (66 or 25.1%) had mild depression, followed by 44 (16.7%) with moderate depression, 9 (3.4%) with moderately severe depression and 5 (1.9%) with severe depression. A multivariable logistic regression analysis indicated that poor glycaemic control (adjusted OR (AOR)=1.93; 95% CI 1.05 to 3.53), DM complications (AOR=2.02; 95% CI 1.09 to 3.74) and DM duration of 6–10 years since diagnosis (AOR=2.29; 95% CI 1.21 to 4.34) were independently associated with depression.

Conclusions

Our study revealed a significant burden of depression among patients with T2DM receiving follow-up care at the hospital. Glycaemic control, the presence of complications and a longer duration of diabetes were identified as predictors of depression. Therefore, concerned stakeholders should work to improve blood sugar control and promote healthy behaviour, particularly among those with complications or who have been sick for an extended period of time.
Development of a tailored concussion education program for athletes: a pragmatic multimethods design and integrated knowledge translation approach from needs assessment to design
Authors: Black Amanda M , Turcotte Kate , Fidanova Alex , Sadler Karen , Bruin Samantha , Cheng Phoebe , Karmali Shazya , Taylor Taryn , Halliday Drew , Babul Shelina
Published: November 2023

Objectives

To understand Canadian university athletic programme concussion management needs, and to describe development and content of a tailored online concussion education tool for Canadian university/college athletes.

Design

An integrated knowledge translation multiphased, multimethods approach was used. Phases included a needs assessment survey with university representatives and athletes, content selection, mapping behavioural goals to evidenced-based behaviour change techniques, script/storyboard development, engagement interviews with university athletes and tool development using user-centred design techniques.

Setting

Canadian U SPORTS universities (n=56).

Participants

Overall, 64 university representatives (eg, administrators, clinicians) and 27 varsity athletes (52% male, 48% female) completed the needs assessment survey. Five athletes participated in engagement interviews.

Outcome measures

Surveys assessed previous athlete concussion education, recommendations for concussion topics and tool design, concussion management challenges and interest in implementing a new course.

Results

Institutions used a median (Med) of two (range 1–5) approaches when educating athletes about concussion. Common approaches were classroom-style education (50%), online training (41%) and informational handouts (39%). University representatives rated most important topics as: (1) what is a concussion, (2) how to recognise a concussion and (3) how to report a concussion (Medall=4.8/5). Athletes felt symptom recognition (96%) and effects on the brain (85%) were most important. The majority of athletes preferred learning via computer (81%) and preferred to learn alone (48%) versus group learning (7%). The final resource was designed to influence four behaviours: (1) report symptoms, (2) seek care, (3) encourage teammates to report symptoms and (4) support teammates through concussion recovery. Examples of behaviour change techniques included: knowledge/skills, problem-solving scenarios, verbal persuasion and social comparison. Athletes are guided through different interactions (eg, videos, flip cards, scenarios, testimonials) to maximise engagement (material review takes ~30 min).

Conclusions

The Concussion Awareness Training Tool for athletes is the first Canadian education tool designed to address the needs of Canadian university/college athletes.
Outcome of long-term biliary stenting for stones in the 2010s: beware the cholecystectomised!
Authors: Ahmed Jamal , Prakash Priyanka , Mehta Gney , Davies Tessa , Lim Yin Yin , Cross Nicholas D , Czajkowski Marek Alexander , Allison Miles Clifford
Published: November 2023

Objective

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is the mainstay of management for most patients with common bile duct stones (CBDS). Duct clearance at initial ERCP may not be achieved in a third of patients, many of whom may be elderly with multiple comorbidities rendering them at potentially high risk for further procedures. We aimed to quantify the rate of biliary sequelae and mortality among a large cohort undergoing a single ERCP with sphincterotomy and stent insertion without having undergone complete ductal clearance (permanent stent insertion, PSI), and to examine factors that may predispose to adverse outcomes.

Design/method

Outcomes of all ERCPs undertaken on the intact papilla between February 2010 and January 2020 were distilled to identify a cohort who had undergone PSI for initially irretrievable CBDS. These were subjected to retrospective follow-up until the development of biliary sequelae, death or survival into 2023.

Results

There were 2175 index ERCPs for CBDS, of whom 114 met the PSI criteria. Eleven did not survive their index hospitalisation, leaving 103 for follow-up. Of these, 25 (24%) developed late biliary sequelae, 19 (18%) required at least one further ERCP and 8 (8%) died from biliary sequelae. Adverse outcomes were found to be more common among those who had undergone cholecystectomy prior to ERCP, and those with periampullary diverticula.

Conclusions

Long-term biliary stenting following sphincterotomy remains a valid option for selected patients with initially irretrievable bile duct stones who could be at high risk from repeat procedures.
Immune checkpoint inhibitor rechallenge in patients who previously experienced immune-related inflammatory arthritis: a multicentre observational study
Authors: Ladouceur Alexandra , Barnetche Thomas , Mouterde Gael , Tison Alice , Bitoun Samuel , Prey Sorilla , Dutriaux Caroline , Gerard Emilie , Pham-Ledard Anne , Beylot-Barry Marie , Zysman Maeva , Veillon Rémi , Domblides Charlotte , Daste Amaury , Gross-Goupil Marine , Sionneau Baptiste , Lefort Felix , Larroquette Mathieu , Richez Christophe , Truchetet Marie-Elise , Schaeverbeke Thierry , Kostine Marie
Published: November 2023

Objective

Another course of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) is often considered in patients with cancer progression and previous immune-related adverse events, including inflammatory arthritis (ICI-IA), but there are limited data regarding safety of ICI rechallenge in this setting. We aimed to assess the rate and clinical features associated with ICI-IA flare/recurrence on ICI rechallenge.

Methods

We conducted a multicentre observational study including cancer patients with ICI-IA who started a second course of ICI more than 3 months after ICI discontinuation in four French university hospitals. Primary outcome was the frequency of ICI flare/recurrence after ICI rechallenge.

Results

Twenty-three patients were included. At the time of ICI rechallenge, 18 patients reported no symptoms of ICI-IA (78%) and 5 had grade 1 (22%), 11 patients (48%) were not receiving any ICI-IA treatment, 11 (48%) were still on prednisone, 2 (9%) were on conventional synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs and 1 (4%) on anti-IL-6. ICI-IA flare/recurrence occurred in 12 patients (52%) with a median time of 1 month after ICI rechallenge. ICI-IA phenotype, disease activity and ICI-IA treatment at the time of ICI rechallenge did not differ according to ICI-IA flare/recurrence status.

Conclusion

In this first observational study of ICI-IA patients rechallenged with ICI, about half of the patients experienced ICI-IA flare/recurrence with a similar phenotype but occurring earlier than the initial ICI-IA, warranting close monitoring during the first month of retreatment. Risk of flare did not differ according to baseline immunosuppressive treatment at the time of rechallenge.
PATHOLOGICAL HUMERAL FRACTURE FROM BONE METASTASIS OF A GASTROINTESTINAL STROMAL TUMOR: FIRST REPORTED CASE
Authors: Tam Johnson Pok-Him , Leung Anderson Siu-Ming
Published: November 2023

Background: Gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) is the most prevalent mesenchymal tumor of the GI tract. Metastases commonly occur in the liver and peritoneum, with very rare reported cases of bone metastases, hence, no therapeutic standard has been established for the management of bone metastases. Modern targeted therapy has improved patient survival, and although there are only a small number of reported GIST bone metastases, the incidence will likely continue to increase. Further understanding of GIST bone metastases is required for the implementation of an accurate and effective treatment plan.

Case presentation: We report a 56-year-old patient who has a history of bleeding duodenal GIST resected with a Whipple operation. Post-operatively, Imatinib was started, but she developed liver metastasis 6 years later, requiring segmentectomy. She reported pain over the left humerus 2.5 years later and sustained a trivial injury to the left arm, resulting in a distal humerus shaft spiral fracture associated with a radial nerve palsy (Holstein-Lewis injury). Images showed a lytic lesion with cortical erosion and soft tissue extension at the fracture site. Biopsy confirmed GIST bone metastases. She underwent an open reduction and internal fixation with plating and curettage of the lytic lesion and made a good functional recovery afterward.

Conclusion: This is the first reported case of a GIST bone metastases pathological Holstein–Lewis fracture. It highlights the potential for bone metastasis to present a long time after the diagnosis of a GIST. Although bone metastases are rare, they are now increasing due to the prolonged survival of patients and the introduction of targeted therapy. It is important to conduct long-term surveillance in specific patient demographics and future studies should be carried out to facilitate the development of a surveillance protocol in patients with GIST.
Coherent Noise Denoising in Beamforming Based on Non-Convex Robust Principal Component Analysis
Authors: Hou Hongjie , Ning Fangli , Li Wenxun , Zhai Qingbo , Wei Juan , Wang Changqing
Published: November 2023

Beamforming maps are often seriously impacted by background noise. Background Noise Subtraction (BNS), Eigenvalue Identification and Subtraction (EIS), and Eigenvalue Identification, Organization and Subtraction (EIOS) have been successively proposed and mainly used to reduce the influence of coherent background noise. In this work, an approach of Robust Principal Component Analysis (RPCA) combined with reference background noise is proposed to effectively suppress coherent background noise. The simulation results demonstrate that the most significant advantage of this method is its robustness to inaccuracies in reference background noise estimation, as it still exhibits good noise suppression performance through RPCA-based denoising. The experimental results also indicate that the Schatten-[Formula: see text] norm consistently outperforms BNS, EIS, EIOS, and nuclear norm-based RPCA in denoising performance, both when overestimating and underestimating the background noise.
Comparison and integration of pore pressure measurements and indicators from drilling data in a deep geothermal energy play in SE Germany
Authors: Shatyrbayeva Indira , Bohnsack Daniel , Duschl Florian , Drews Michael C.
Published: November 2023

The North Alpine Foreland Basin in SE Germany is a post-mature petroleum basin and today Germany's most prolific deep geothermal energy play. Drilling of deep wells is often challenged by the complex pore pressure distribution, which has been studied in the past, but quality and reliability of individual pore pressure measurements and indicators have so far been barely addressed. This is particularly critical, since most datasets originate from old hydrocarbon wells and often display limited availability and poor quality. This paper analyses pore pressure measurements and indicators from 315 deep hydrocarbon and geothermal wells. The dataset covers pressure measurements, drilling mud weights, caliper logs, drilling events and gas readings. A large number of pressure measurements are exposed to uncertainties, resulting predominantly from incomplete pressure build-ups. In addition, investigation of drilling mud weights combined with wellbore instabilities, gas readings and pore pressure-related drilling problems suggest that many wells were subject to underbalanced drilling and mud weight alone is not a reliable pore pressure indicator. The study provides a recommendation for pre-drill pore pressure prediction based on the investigated datasets, which also presents a reference case for other post-mature petroleum basins transitioning to new industries, such as deep geothermal.

Thematic collection:
This article is part of the Earth as a thermal battery: future directions in subsurface thermal energy storage systems collection available at:
https://www.lyellcollection.org/topic/collections/thermal-energy
Recent Advances in Text Analysis
Authors: Ke Zheng Tracy , Ji Pengsheng , Jin Jiashun , Li Wanshan
Published: November 2023

Text analysis is an interesting research area in data science and has various applications, such as in artificial intelligence, biomedical research, and engineering. We review popular methods for text analysis, ranging from topic modeling to the recent neural language models. In particular, we review Topic-SCORE, a statistical approach to topic modeling, and discuss how to use it to analyze the Multi-Attribute Data Set on Statisticians (MADStat), a data set on statistical publications that we collected and cleaned. The application of Topic-SCORE and other methods to MADStat leads to interesting findings. For example, we identified 11 representative topics in statistics. For each journal, the evolution of topic weights over time can be visualized, and these results are used to analyze the trends in statistical research. In particular, we propose a new statistical model for ranking the citation impacts of 11 topics, and we also build a cross-topic citation graph to illustrate how research results on different topics spread to one another. The results on MADStat provide a data-driven picture of the statistical research from 1975 to 2015, from a text analysis perspective.
Mixture Morphology of the ZnO Catalyst Synthesized by a Hydrothermal Method for an Outstanding Photocatalytic Decolourization on Organic Dyes
Authors: Godlaveeti Sreenivasa Kumar , Chintaparty Rajababu , Arla Sai Kumar , Habila Mohamed A. , Venkata Ramana G. , Somala Adinarayana Reddy , Geetha Mithra , Sadasivuni Kishor Kumar , Nagireddy Ramamanohar Reddy
Published: November 2023

The special mixture morphology of the spherical and rod like the ZnO catalyst was successfully synthesized by a simple approach hydrothermal method. As the synthesized catalyst carried out by different conditions such as the ZnO dried, 250 °C and 500 °C calcination. Here, to investigated the calcination temperacture effect on crystal structure, phase, morphology and photocatalytic dye degraration with various dyes an including methylene blue (MB), methyl orange (MO), congo red (CR), and rhodamine b (RhB) under the direct Sunlight, was examined as manufactured ZnO catalysts. According to the results, all temperature conditions the ZnO have same crystal structure, phase, morphology and different performnce of the photocatalytic degradation with various dyes. Among these, the dried ZnO catalyst shown outstanding decolorization of the MB, MO, CR, and RhB dyes within 45 min followed by order percentages is about 100%, 93.89%, 98.18% and 96.98% respectively.
Comparative Study of Indium as a Filler or as a Substitute in Yb-Filled Ni-Doped CoSb3
Authors: Dabral Keshav Prasad , Rajput Kalpna , Dabral Krishna , Verma Ajay Singh
Published: November 2023

CoSb3 with an open structure that can accommodate several fillers has been extensively studied due to its PGEC character. It is known that partial substitution of Ni with Co generates more free electron and alter the CoSb3 into a stable n-type skutterudite. In this work, we used In as a filler with Yb and as a partial substitution of Sb in Co3.85Ni0.15Sb12. All alloys have been synthesized by solid-state reaction method and hot press processes. The Seebeck coefficient varies from 160 μVK−1 to 200 μVK−1 in Yb0.3Co3.85Ni0.15Sb11.5In0.5; however, it exhibits the highest charge carrier concentration. Yb0.3Co3.85Ni0.15Sb11.5In0.5 exhibits the highest power factor of 3.9 mW−1K−2 at 723 K, which is 20% and 15% larger than a single-filled and double-filled Ni-doped system respectively. The suitable amount of In doped with Sb in a Ni-doped single-filled skutterudite system resulted is not only an improvement of the thermopower but also a decrease of the thermal conductivity due to enhanced point-defect scattering and increased electron-phonon interaction. Hence Yb0.3Co3.85Ni0.15Sb11.5In0.5 exhibits a maximum zT of 1.25 which is 25% higher than Yb0.2In0.2, Co3.85Ni0.5Sb12. Therefore, indium is also a good option to use as a substitution, n-type skutterudite compared to use as a filler.
ECG-Based Multiclass Arrhythmia Classification Using Beat-Level Fusion Network
Authors: Jing Junyuan , Zhang Jing , Liu Aiping , Gao Min , Qian Ruobing , Chen Xun
Published: November 2023

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is one of the most severe diseases threatening human life. Electrocardiogram (ECG) is an effective way to detect CVD. In recent years, many methods have been proposed to detect arrhythmia using 12-lead ECG. In particular, deep learning methods have been proven to be effective and have been widely used. The attention mechanism has attracted extensive attention in many fields in a series of deep learning methods. Off-the-shelf solutions based on deep learning and attention mechanism for ECG classification mostly give weights to time points. None of the existing methods were considered using the attention mechanism dealing with ECG signals at the level of heartbeats. In this paper, we propose a beat-level fusion net (BLF-Net) for multiclass arrhythmia classification by assigning weights at the heartbeat level, according to the contribution of the heartbeat to diagnostic results. This algorithm consists of three steps: (1) segmenting the long ECG signal into short beats; (2) using a neural network to extract features from heartbeats; and (3) assigning weights to features extracted from heartbeats using an attention mechanism. We test our algorithm on the PTB-XL database and have superiority over state-of-the-art performance on six classification tasks. Besides, the principle of this architecture is clarified by visualizing the weight of the attention mechanism. The proposed BLF-Net is shown to be useful and automatically provides an effective network structure for arrhythmia classification, which is capable of aiding cardiologists in arrhythmia diagnosis.