bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Program evaluation of neuroscience competency programs to implement evidence‐based practices
Authors: Reynolds Staci Sue , McLennon Susan M. , Ebright Patricia R. , Murray Laura L. , Bakas Tamilyn
Published: October 2016

Rationale

Program evaluation is essential to help determine the success of an evidence‐based practice program and assist with translating these processes across settings.

Aims

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of 2 competency programs that sought to improve neurocritical care nurses' knowledge of and adherence to evidence‐based stroke and spinal cord injury guidelines. These programs consisted of 3 specific implementation strategies, including local opinion leaders, printed educational materials, and educational outreach.

Methods

A qualitative study using one‐on‐one interviews with 10 neurocritical care nurses was used. Semi‐structured interview questions examined the nurses' perceptions of the competency programs and the implementation strategies used; themes were identified through first‐level coding. The transcripts were deductively analyzed and categorized using a predetermined implementation outcomes framework, including the concepts of acceptability, appropriateness, adoption, and sustainability.

Results

Nurses reported that the 3 implementation strategies used for the competency programs were acceptable and appropriate. Further, the nurses perceived that the evidence‐based practices reviewed during the programs were being adopted into practice and provided suggestions for sustaining improvements in nursing knowledge of and adherence to these evidence‐based practices.

Conclusions

Findings from this study support the success of the Stroke and Spinal Cord Injury Competency Programs, as well as the usefulness of the 3 implementation strategies used. This study provides insight for improvements for subsequent studies focused on implementing evidence‐based practices.
A standardized method for quantifying consistent individual differences in schooling behaviour
Authors: Pearish S. , Hostert L. , Bell A. M.
Published: October 2016

A method for quantifying consistent individual differences in schooling behaviour is presented. This method, which utilizes a school of models, improves on previous methods by removing the unwanted variation that is introduced by live stimulus fish while still providing the physiological experience of schooling to the focal fish. Three‐spined stickleback Gasterosteus aculeatus observed in the model school assay exhibited consistent individual differences in schooling behaviour.
Potato peels: A potential food waste for amylase production
Authors: Mushtaq Qudsia , Irfan Muhammad , Tabssum Fouzia , Iqbal Qazi Javed
Published: October 2016

In the present study, thermophilic and amylase producing bacterium Bacillus subtilis K‐18 (KX881940) was isolated from local environment and identified by 16S rRNA gene sequencing technology. The amylase producing potential was checked by starch hydrolysis test using potato peels as carbon source. Central composite design (CCD) of response surface methodology (RSM) was used to optimize multiple process parameters such as substrate concentration, inoculum size, yeast extract, and pH. The optimized conditions obtained from RSM model were substrate concentration (2%), inoculum size (4%), yeast extract concentration (0.6%), and pH (5) yielding amylase activity of 1394.145 IU/ml after 24 hr of fermentation period at 50 °C. The maximum saccharification by indigenously produced amylase was 32.03% after 24 hr of incubation. The results confirmed that amylase produced by this newly isolated Bacillus subtilis K‐18 (KX881940) could be potent strain for industrial process particular for biofuel production.

Practical application

The enzyme produced in this study could be effectively used in hydrolysis of starch to produce sugars which could be widely used for the production of various chemicals such ethanol and other products through fermentation. This enzyme also has potential application in textile industry.
Effect of whey Protein Concentrate Coating Cinamon Oil on Quality and Shelf Life of Refrigerated Beluga Sturegeon (Huso huso)
Authors: Bahram Somayeh , Rezaie Masoud , Soltani Mehdi , Kamali Abdolghasem , Abdollahi Mehdi , Khezri Ahmadabad Mohammad , Nemati Mahrokh
Published: October 2016

This study evaluated the effect of whey protein concentrate (WPC) coating incorporated with 1.5% cinnamon essential oil (CEO) on the quality of beluga sturgeon (Huso huso) fillet during refrigerated storage (4 ± 1C). Microbial, chemical, and sensorial properties of the fillets were measured for 20 days. Whey protein edible coating containing 1.5% CEO could extend preserving ability of beluga sturgeon by about 8 days by retarding lipid oxidation and microbial deterioration as reflected by Peroxide Value, Thiobarbituric acid and total viable count. Samples coated with WPC containing CEO also had the lowest pH and Total Volatile Basic Nitrogen. Moreover, the coating did not negatively affect sensory attributes of the fillets.

Practical Applications

Extensive research has shown the potential application of natural antimicrobial agents in food preservation. But the efficiency of these materials is limited due to intense odor and aroma changes as well as organoleptic problems. One strategy to decrease their bad effects would be incorporating these compounds with edible coatings. In addition, the incorporation of essential oil (EO) with edible coatings provides additional antioxidant and antimicrobial properties in them which can extend shelf life of food. The present study reveals some information about application of an active protein based film containing cinnamon essential oil on shelf life of refrigerated Bluga sturegeon.
Behavior of artificial listerial contamination in model Greek Graviera cheeses manufactured with the indigenous nisin A‐producing strain Lactococcus lactis subsp. cremoris M104 as costarter culture
Authors: Samelis John , Giannou Eleni , Pappa Eleni C. , Bogović‐Matijašić Bojana , Lianou Alexandra , Parapouli Maria , Drainas Constantin
Published: October 2016

Growth of Listeria monocytogenes during processing of traditional Greek Graviera cheese is inhibited, but the pathogen may survive ripening. Therefore, this study used Lactococcus lactis subsp. cremoris M104, a nisin A‐producing (NisA+) raw milk isolate, to enhance inactivation of a nonpathogenic Listeria cocktail contaminated in model Graviera mini cheeses. Cheeses were manufactured from thermized milk with a commercial starter culture (CSC) or the CSC plus strain M104 (CSC + M104), ripened at 18 °C and 90% RH for 20 days and stored at 4 °C in vacuum for 60 days. Listeria populations declined 10‐fold in all fermenting cheeses but then survived with little death during ripening and storage. NisA+ M104 colonies were prevalent and the nisA gene was detected, but nisin activity was weak to undetectable, in all CSC + M104 cheeses. Thus, Graviera cheese processing should be optimized to ensure nisA gene expression by strain M104 at levels sufficient to increase inactivation of L. monocytogenes.

Practical applications

This study provided important preliminary evidence that the in situ NisA+ antilisterial activity of L. lactis subsp. cremoris M104 during Graviera cheese fermentation increased by reducing the curd cooking temperature from 48 °C to 42 °C. This indicated the feasibility to increase nisin production and activity by suitably modifying selected technological factors during traditional cooked hard cheese processing. Apart from its bioprotective potential, this NisA+ L. lactis subsp. cremoris genotype (represented by the indigenous strains M104 and M78) possesses desirable sugar fermentation capabilities and enzymatic activities similar to those of the best performing industrial L. lactis or L. cremoris strains in commercial starters (Parapouli et al., ). Since 2015 this novel lactococcal genotype has been applied as hand‐made, costarter culture for the production of commercial Greek Graviera cheeses characterized by specific flavor characteristics and improved textural properties than counterpart cheeses produced with CSCs only (Pappas Bros. collaborating cheese plant, Epirus; private communication).
Use of statins offsets insulin‐related cancer risk
Authors: Kautzky‐Willer A. , Thurner S. , Klimek P.
Published: October 2016

Aim

There is firm evidence of a relation between type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and increased risks of cancer at various sites, but it is still unclear how different antihyperglycaemic therapies modify site‐specific cancer risks. The aim of this study was to provide a complete characterization of all possible associations between individual T2DM therapies, statin use and site‐specific cancers in the Austrian population.

Methods

Medical claims data of 1 847 051 patients with hospital stays during 2006–2007 were used to estimate age‐ and sex‐dependent co‐occurrences of site‐specific cancer diagnoses and treatment with specific glucose‐lowering drugs and statins.

Results

Patients treated with insulin or insulin secretagogues showed up to ninefold increased risks for cancers of the colon [males only (m)], liver (m), pancreas, lung (m) and brain (m), as well as a strongly decreased risk for prostate cancer (m). In patients taking statins, the risks were generally decreased, with a greater risk reduction in patients not receiving antihyperglycaemic therapies. The strongest effects were observed for use of insulin and pancreatic cancer [m: OR 4.5, 95% CI: 3.1–6.6; females (f): OR 4.2, 95% CI: 2.5–7.1], sulfonylureas (m: OR 2.8, 95% CI: 1.7–4.6; f: OR 3.0, 95% CI: 2.1–4.2) or glitazones and skin cancer (f: OR 0.54, 95% CI: 0.36–0.80), as well as metformin and cancer of the prostate (m: OR 0.82, 95% CI: 0.75–0.91) and corpus uteri (f: OR 1.7, 95% CI: 1.4–2.0) and non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma (f: OR 0.76, 95% CI: 0.64–0.91).

Conclusions

The use of statins offsets insulin‐related cancer risks in patients with diabetes independently of sex and age. Overall, our data support the hyperglycaemia–cancer hypothesis. A reduction in endogenous or exogenous hyperinsulinaemia may be beneficial for cancer prevention. Therefore, insulin‐sparing and insulin‐sensitizing drugs should be the preferred treatment choices.
The Lawn Hill annulus: An Ordovician meteorite impact into water‐saturated dolomite
Authors: Darlington Vicki , Blenkinsop Tom , Dirks Paul , Salisbury Jess , Tomkins Andrew
Published: October 2016

The Lawn Hill Impact Structure (LHIS) is located 250 km N of Mt Isa in NW Queensland, Australia, and is marked by a highly deformed dolomite annulus with an outer diameter of ~18 km, overlying low metamorphic grade siltstone, sandstone, and shale, along the NE margin of the Georgina Basin. This study provides detailed field observations from sections of the Lawn Hill annulus and adjacent areas that demonstrate a clear link between the deformation of the dolomite and the Lawn Hill impact. 40Ar‐39Ar dating of impact‐related melt particles provides a time of impact in the Ordovician (472 ± 8 Ma) when the Georgina Basin was an active depocenter. The timing and stratigraphic thickness of the dolomite sequence in the annulus suggest that there was possibly up to 300 m of additional sedimentary rocks on top of the currently exposed Thorntonia Limestone at the time of impact. The exposed annulus is remarkably well preserved, with preservation attributed to postimpact sedimentation. The LHIS has an atypical crater morphology with no central uplift. The heterogeneous target materials at Lawn Hill were probably low‐strength, porous, and water‐saturated, with all three properties affecting the crater morphology. The water‐saturated nature of the carbonate unit at the time of impact is thought to have influenced the highly brecciated nature of the annulus, and restricted melt production. The impact timing raises the possibility that the Lawn Hill structure may be a member of a group of impacts resulting from an asteroid breakup that occurred in the mid‐Ordovician (470 ± 6 Ma).
Elise Boulding's Legacy to the Twenty‐First Century: Reflections on Her Contributions to Understanding Conflict and Peace
Authors: Boulding J. Russell , Clements Kevin P. , Morrison Mary Lee , Strimling Yodsampa Andrea
Published: October 2016

This article is a set of tributes about Elise Boulding, one of the great peace scholars and activists of the twentieth century, by four who knew her as a friend, and as mother (Russell), colleague (Kevin), biographer (Mary Lee), and mentor (Andrea). Elise Boulding, the 2000 recipient of the International Association for Conflict Management (IACM) Lifetime Achievement Award Winner, made significant contributions to understanding conflict and peace as a peace activist, peace scholar, futurist, feminist, and family sociologist. She also left a lasting legacy as a networker and builder of communities of scholars and activists. Each tribute offers a different perspective on the impact she had on the personal lives of each contributor and the significance of Elise Boulding's work.
Celebrating the Work of J. Keith Murnighan
Authors: Conlon Donald E. , Bazerman Max H. , Malhotra Deepak , Pillutla Madan M.
Published: October 2016

In this tribute to the 2015 recipient of the International Association for Conflict Management Lifetime Achievement Award Winner, we celebrate the work of J. Keith Murnighan. Each of us highlights a unique contribution of his research to a different area in the field of organizational behavior. The four areas we discuss are behavioral economics, experimental design, diversity, and ethics. We conclude our discussion of the four research areas by highlighting common themes suggested by this work. The article closes by giving Keith Murnighan “the final say” to reflect on our article and to impart his words of wisdom to doctoral students and scholars at different stages of their career.
Rumination syndrome: pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment
Authors: Absah I. , Rishi A. , Talley N. J. , Katzka D. , Halland M.
Published: October 2016

Background

Rumination syndrome is a functional gastrointestinal disorder characterized by effortless and repetitive regurgitation of recently ingested food from the stomach to the oral cavity followed by either re‐swallowing or spitting. Rumination is thought to occur due to a reversal of the esophagogastric pressure gradient. This is achieved by a coordinated abdominothoracic maneuver consisting of a thoracic suction, crural diaphragm relaxation and an increase in intragastric pressure. Careful history is important in the diagnosis of rumination syndrome; patients often report “vomiting” or “reflux” and the diagnosis can therefore be missed. Objective testing is available with high resolution manometry or gastroduodenal manometry. Increase in intra‐gastric pressure followed by regurgitation is the most important characteristic to distinguish rumination from other disorders such as gastroesophageal reflux. The mainstay of the treatment of rumination syndrome is behavioral therapy via diaphragmatic breathing in addition to patient education and reassurance.

Purpose

The purpose of this review was to critically appraise recent key developments in the pathophysiology, diagnosis and therapy for rumination syndrome. A literature search using OVID (Wolters Kluwer Health, New York, NY, USA) to examine the MEDLINE database its inception until May 2016 was performed using the search terms “rumination syndrome,” “biofeedback therapy,” and “regurgitation.” References lists and personal libraries of the authors were used to identify supplemental information. Articles published in English were reviewed in full text. English abstracts were reviewed for all other languages. Priority was given to evidence obtained from randomized controlled trials when possible.
The variation of productivity and its allocation along a tropical elevation gradient: a whole carbon budget perspective
Authors: Malhi Yadvinder , Girardin Cécile A. J. , Goldsmith Gregory R. , Doughty Christopher E. , Salinas Norma , Metcalfe Daniel B. , Huaraca Huasco Walter , Silva‐Espejo Javier E. , del Aguilla‐Pasquell Jhon , Farfán Amézquita Filio , Aragão Luiz E. O. C. , Guerrieri Rossella , Ishida Françoise Yoko , Bahar Nur H. A. , Farfan‐Rios William , Phillips Oliver L. , Meir Patrick , Silman Miles
Published: October 2016

Why do forest productivity and biomass decline with elevation? To address this question, research to date generally has focused on correlative approaches describing changes in woody growth and biomass with elevation.

We present a novel, mechanistic approach to this question by quantifying the autotrophic carbon budget in 16 forest plots along a 3300 m elevation transect in Peru.

Low growth rates at high elevations appear primarily driven by low gross primary productivity (GPP), with little shift in either carbon use efficiency (CUE) or allocation of net primary productivity (NPP) between wood, fine roots and canopy. The lack of trend inCUEimplies that the proportion of photosynthate allocated to autotrophic respiration is not sensitive to temperature. Rather than a gradual linear decline in productivity, there is some limited but nonconclusive evidence of a sharp transition inNPPbetween submontane and montane forests, which may be caused by cloud immersion effects within the cloud forest zone. Leaf‐level photosynthetic parameters do not decline with elevation, implying that nutrient limitation does not restrict photosynthesis at high elevations.

Our data demonstrate the potential of whole carbon budget perspectives to provide a deeper understanding of controls on ecosystem functioning and carbon cycling.
The copper microRNAs
Authors: Pilon Marinus
Published: October 2016

Copper (Cu) microRNAs are upregulated by Cu deficiency and mediate the post‐transcriptional downregulation of transcripts that encode Cu proteins, suggesting a role directly related to Cu. However, expression and phenotypic analyses of copper microRNA mutants and over‐expressors have suggested roles mainly in tolerance to abiotic stresses. To reconcile available data, a model is proposed which emphasizes the mobile nature of copper microRNA molecules in the regulation of Cu homeostasis. It is proposed that the Cu‐microRNA regulatory circuits are further co‐opted by plants to regulate both beneficial and pathogenic interactions with microbes. Further exploration of Cu‐microRNA functions that account for the cell‐to‐cell mobility should give novel insight into plant microbe interactions and the integration of micronutrition and development.

Contents

Summary
1030

I.
Introduction
1030

II.
The discovery of the copper microRNAs
1030

III.
Conservation and diversity of Cu‐microRNAs and their targets
1031

IV.
The expression and regulation of the Cu‐microRNAs
1031

V.
Towards biological functions of Cu‐microRNAs
1032

VI.
Integrating local Cu homeostasis and development in plants
1033

VII.
Functions of Cu‐microRNAs in biotic interactions
1034

VIII.
Conclusions
1034

Acknowledgements
1034

References
1034
The sensitivity of photosynthesis to O2 and CO2 concentration identifies strong Rubisco control above the thermal optimum
Authors: Busch Florian A. , Sage Rowan F.
Published: October 2016

The biochemical model of C3 photosynthesis by Farquhar, von Caemmerer and Berry (FvCB) assumes that photosynthetic CO2 assimilation is limited by one of three biochemical processes that are not always easily discerned. This leads to improper assessments of biochemical limitations that limit the accuracy of the model predictions.

We use the sensitivity of rates of CO2 assimilation and photosynthetic electron transport to changes in O2 and CO2 concentration in the chloroplast to evaluate photosynthetic limitations.

Assessing the sensitivities to O2 and CO2 concentrations reduces the impact of uncertainties in the fixed parameters to a minimum and simultaneously entirely eliminates the need to determine the variable parameters of the model, such as Vcmax, J, or TP. Our analyses demonstrate that Rubisco limits carbon assimilation at high temperatures, while it is limited by triose phosphate utilization at lower temperatures and at higher CO2 concentrations.

Measurements can be assigned a priori to one of the three functions of the FvCB model, allowing testing for the suitability of the selected fixed parameters of the model. This approach can improve the reliability of photosynthesis models on scales from the leaf level to estimating the global carbon budget.
Genomic and functional techniques to mine the microbiome for novel antimicrobials and antimicrobial resistance genes
Authors: Adu‐Oppong Boahemaa , Gasparrini Andrew J. , Dantas Gautam
Published: October 2016

Microbial communities contain diverse bacteria that play important roles in every environment. Advances in sequencing and computational methodologies over the past decades have illuminated the phylogenetic and functional diversity of microbial communities from diverse habitats. Among the activities encoded in microbiomes are the abilities to synthesize and resist small molecules, yielding antimicrobial activity. These functions are of particular interest when viewed in light of the public health emergency posed by the increase in clinical antimicrobial resistance and the dwindling antimicrobial discovery and approval pipeline, and given the intimate ecological and evolutionary relationship between antimicrobial biosynthesis and resistance. Here, we review genomic and functional methods that have been developed for accessing the antimicrobial biosynthesis and resistance capacity of microbiomes and highlight outstanding examples of their applications.
Post‐translational control of ABA signalling: the roles of protein phosphorylation and ubiquitination
Authors: Yang Wenqi , Zhang Wei , Wang Xiaoxue
Published: October 2016

The plant phytohormone abscisic acid (ABA) plays significant roles in integrating environmental signals with embryogenesis, germination, seedling establishment, the floral transition and the adaptation of plants to stressful environments by modulating stomatal movement and stress‐responsive gene expression. ABA signalling consists of ABA perception, signal transduction and ABA‐induced responses. ABA receptors such as members of the PYR/PYL family, group A type 2C protein phosphatases (as negative regulators), SnRK2 protein kinases (as positive regulators), bZIP transcription factors and ion channels are key components of ABA signalling. Post‐translational modifications, including dephosphorylation, phosphorylation and ubiquitination, play important roles in regulating ABA signalling. In this review, we focus on the roles of post‐translational modifications in ABA signalling. The studies presented provide a detailed picture of the ABA signalling network.
Physiological and neural correlates of worry and rumination: Support for the contrast avoidance model of worry
Authors: Steinfurth Elisa C. K. , Alius Manuela G. , Wendt Julia , Hamm Alfons O.
Published: October 2016

The current experiments tested neural and physiological correlates of worry and rumination in comparison to thinking about neutral events. According to the avoidance model—stating that worry is a strategy to reduce intense emotions—physiological and neurobiological activity during worried thinking should not differ from activation during neutral thinking. According to the contrast avoidance model—stating that worry is a strategy to reduce abrupt shifts of emotions—activity should be increased. To test these competing models, we induced worry and neutral thinking in healthy participants using personal topics. A rumination condition was added to investigate the specificity of changes induced by the mental process. Two experiments were conducted assessing the effects on different response levels: (1) neural activation using fMRI, and (2) physiological response mobilization using startle and autonomic measures. During worry, participants showed a potentiated startle response and BOLD activity indicative of emotional network activation. These data partly support the contrast avoidance model of worry. Both mental processes showed elevated activity in a common network referred to as default network indicating self‐referential activity.
Eco‐innovation and business performance: the moderating effects of environmental orientation and resource commitment in green‐oriented SMEs
Authors: Zhang Jing A. , Walton Sara
Published: October 2016

Drawing on the eco‐innovation and resource‐based view, this research attempts to contribute to the eco‐innovation‐performance debate by examining the effects of eco‐innovation on business performance. In particular, we propose that the eco‐innovation–performance relationship is contingent on environmental orientation and resources commitment. The analysis of 83 green‐oriented SMEs in New Zealand suggests that eco‐innovation has a positive effect on business performance. More interestingly, the findings show although environmental orientation does not directly influence business performance, it enhances the positive effect of eco‐innovation on business performance. The results further suggest that green‐oriented firms will reap more performance benefit of eco‐innovation when they commit more organizational resources.
Why we fight: Understanding the counter‐jihad movement
Authors: Lee Benjamin
Published: October 2016

This survey article deals with a network that can be loosely described as the “counter‐jihad movement” (CJM). CJM activists are a loose collection of bloggers, political parties, street movements, think tanks, campaign groups, and pundits across several countries, all united by the shared belief that, to some degree, the “Muslim world” is at war with the “West.” Overall, the CJM shares a great deal with right wing extremism more broadly. However, the movement is varied enough that not all components sit easily alongside traditional conceptions of right wing extremism. Occasionally, the CJM have been indirectly implicated in violence. In July 2011, 77 people, the majority members of the left‐wing Workers Youth League, were murdered in Norway in attacks carried out by Anders Behring Breivik. Breivik attempted to justify his attacks in a compendium of political thought that drew heavily on the writings of CJM sources. This article attempts to provide an overview of the CJM and highlight some of the key research debates in the area, including the potential rhetorical relationship between state‐backed counterterrorism and the CJM, links to violence, and the similarities and contrasts between the CJM and traditional far‐right narratives.
Mullā Ṣadrā's philosophical arguments for the necessity of the imamate
Authors: Meisami Sayeh
Published: October 2016

This is a study of Mullā Ṣadrā's arguments for the necessity of the imamate based on a chapter from his commentary onal‐Uṣūl al‐kāfī, one of the earliest canonical collections of the Shīʿī traditions (ḥadīth). After an overview and brief literature review of the subject, the paper shows Mullā Ṣadrā's use of philosophical teachings to prove the most pivotal doctrine of his Shīʿī faith. It summarizes the philosopher's arguments under the two categories of knowledge and existence. At the level of knowledge, the unrivaled access of the Imam/ḥujjato true knowledge after the Prophet makes him the only one who can reach the depth of the Qurʾan, hence the necessity of his existence in every age. As for the existential aspect of the imamate, Mullā Ṣadrā argues that there are intermediaries through whose existence the hierarchical ladder of creation unfolds, and he considers the Imams to be such intermediaries without whom nothing would exist.
Clinical significance of differentiating post‐intubation and post‐tracheostomy tracheal stenosis
Authors: Shin Beomsu , Kim Kang , Jeong Byeong‐Ho , Eom Jung Seop , Song Won Jun , Kang Hyung Koo , Kim Hojoong
Published: October 2016

ABSTRACT

Background and objective

Post‐intubation tracheal stenosis (PITS) and post‐tracheostomy tracheal stenosis (PTTS) are serious complications in mechanically ventilated patients. Although the aetiologies and mechanisms of PITS and PTTS are quite different, little is known about the clinical impact of differentiating one from the other.

Methods

We retrospectively conducted a chart review of 117 patients with PITS and 88 patients with PTTS who were treated with interventional bronchoscopy at Samsung Medical Center between January 2004 and December 2013.

Results

Compared to patients with PITS, patients with PTTS had a lower BMI, poorer performance status and more frequent neurological aetiologies, mid‐to‐lower tracheal lesions, total obstruction and mixed stenosis types. Although there were no differences in the number of patients who received silicone stents between the two groups, Montgomery T‐tubes were more frequently used in the PTTS group than in the PITS group. The final success rate without surgery, mortality or tracheostomy in situ was higher in the PITS group than in the PTTS group (76.9% vs 63.6%, P = 0.043). Additionally, airway prosthesis removal was achieved in 46.2% of patients in the PITS group and in 33.0% of the PTTS group (P = 0.063).

Conclusion

There were significant differences between PITS and PTTS in terms of patient and stenosis characteristics, treatment modalities and clinical outcomes. Therefore, PITS and PTTS should be considered two different entities.
The Repayment of Unsecured Debt by European Households
Authors: Grant Charles , Padula Mario
Published: October 2016

The existing literature that estimates the incidence of arrears relies on either household survey data or administrative data derived from the lender's records of their borrowers. But estimates based on these different sources will give different estimates of arrears. Moreover, the estimates are not useful for policy analysis or for a bank's lending decision, since they ignore the fact that some households do not borrow. The paper discusses the selection issues that are involved in using either source of data and is the first paper to bound the estimate of the household's underlying propensity to repay. To demonstrate the methodology, it uses data from the European Union Survey of Income and Living Conditions survey for 2008 to estimate the factors that affect repayment among Eurozone households.
Estimating the settling velocity of bioclastic sediment using common grain‐size analysis techniques
Authors: Cuttler Michael V. W. , Lowe Ryan J. , Falter James L. , Buscombe Daniel
Published: October 2016

Most techniques for estimating settling velocities of natural particles have been developed for siliciclastic sediments. Therefore, to understand how these techniques apply to bioclastic environments, measured settling velocities of bioclastic sedimentary deposits sampled from a nearshore fringing reef in Western Australia were compared with settling velocities calculated using results from several common grain‐size analysis techniques (sieve, laser diffraction and image analysis) and established models. The effects of sediment density and shape were also examined using a range of density values and three different models of settling velocity. Sediment density was found to have a significant effect on calculated settling velocity, causing a range in normalized root‐mean‐square error of up to 28%, depending upon settling velocity model and grain‐size method. Accounting for particle shape reduced errors in predicted settling velocity by 3% to 6% and removed any velocity‐dependent bias, which is particularly important for the fastest settling fractions. When shape was accounted for and measured density was used, normalized root‐mean‐square errors were 4%, 10% and 18% for laser diffraction, sieve and image analysis, respectively. The results of this study show that established models of settling velocity that account for particle shape can be used to estimate settling velocity of irregularly shaped, sand‐sized bioclastic sediments from sieve, laser diffraction, or image analysis‐derived measures of grain size with a limited amount of error. Collectively, these findings will allow for grain‐size data measured with different methods to be accurately converted to settling velocity for comparison. This will facilitate greater understanding of the hydraulic properties of bioclastic sediment which can help to increase our general knowledge of sediment dynamics in these environments.
Functions of Nonsuicidal Self‐Injury Are Differentially Associated with Suicide Ideation and Past Attempts among Childhood Trauma Survivors
Authors: Roley‐Roberts Michelle E. , Zielinski Melissa J. , Hurtado Gabriela , Hovey Joseph D. , Elhai Jon D.
Published: October 2016

Research into factors for suicide has revealed relations between trauma exposure and suicidality (e.g., Bridge, Goldstein, & Brent, ; Joiner, Sachs‐Ericson, Wingate, Brown, Anestis, & Selby, ) wherein painful and provocative experiences (e.g., nonsuicidal self‐injury [NSSI]) are an important link (e.g., Van Orden, Witte, Cukrowicz, Braithwaite, Selby, & Joiner, ; Smith, ). No prior research has assessed the relationship between functions of NSSI and suicidality among childhood trauma survivors. Participants who endorsed childhood trauma exposure (N = 121; Mage = 18.69, range 18–22) completed measures of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, NSSI, and suicidality. Multiple regressions assessing whether the four functions of NSSI predicted suicide ideation and past attempts after controlling for PTSD symptom severity found that only social negative reinforcement was associated with SI ( = .304, SE = .243, t = 2.23, p = .028), while only automatic negative reinforcement was associated with past attempts ( = .470, SE = .066, t = 2.25, p = .028). Findings highlight the importance of assessing NSSI functions when assessing suicidality among trauma survivors.
Active integration of glutamatergic input to the inferior olive generates bidirectional postsynaptic potentials
Authors: Garden Derek L. F. , Rinaldi Arianna , Nolan Matthew F.
Published: October 2016

Key points

We establish experimental preparations for optogenetic investigation of glutamatergic input to the inferior olive.

Neurones in the principal olivary nucleus receive monosynaptic extra‐somatic glutamatergic input from the neocortex.

Glutamatergic inputs to neurones in the inferior olive generate bidirectional postsynaptic potentials (PSPs), with a fast excitatory component followed by a slower inhibitory component.

Small conductance calcium‐activated potassium (SK) channels are required for the slow inhibitory component of glutamatergic PSPs and oppose temporal summation of inputs at intervals ≤ 20 ms.

Active integration of synaptic input within the inferior olive may play a central role in control of olivo‐cerebellar climbing fibre signals.

The inferior olive plays a critical role in motor coordination and learning by integrating diverse afferent signals to generate climbing fibre inputs to the cerebellar cortex. While it is well established that climbing fibre signals are important for motor coordination, the mechanisms by which neurones in the inferior olive integrate synaptic inputs and the roles of particular ion channels are unclear. Here, we test the hypothesis that neurones in the inferior olive actively integrate glutamatergic synaptic inputs. We demonstrate that optogenetically activated long‐range synaptic inputs to the inferior olive, including projections from the motor cortex, generate rapid excitatory potentials followed by slower inhibitory potentials. Synaptic projections from the motor cortex preferentially target the principal olivary nucleus. We show that inhibitory and excitatory components of the bidirectional synaptic potentials are dependent upon AMPA (GluA) receptors, are GABAA independent, and originate from the same presynaptic axons. Consistent with models that predict active integration of synaptic inputs by inferior olive neurones, we find that the inhibitory component is reduced by blocking large conductance calcium‐activated potassium channels with iberiotoxin, and is abolished by blocking small conductance calcium‐activated potassium channels with apamin. Summation of excitatory components of synaptic responses to inputs at intervals ≤ 20 ms is increased by apamin, suggesting a role for the inhibitory component of glutamatergic responses in temporal integration. Our results indicate that neurones in the inferior olive implement novel rules for synaptic integration and suggest new principles for the contribution of inferior olive neurones to coordinated motor behaviours.
PETRONAS Gas Bhd Experiences in Accreditation of ISO 9002 Quality Assurance Standard for its Pipeline Operations Division in Malaysia
Authors: Mohamed Muhamed Ali Hashim
Published: October 2016

Some companies seek ISO 9000 registration for competitive reasons or because customers require it. PETRONAS Gas Bhd, pipeline division company TOD or Transmission Operations Division, seek ISO 9000 registrations purely for the benefits since the management believes that a well designed and well implemented quality system has a process which tends to be lean, sensitive to customers needs, highly reactive and efficient.

This paper informs how TOD sets out to put ISO 9002 international quality system to work in its operations. A Quality Steering Council was formed in Feb. 1994 and the HSE and Quality Management Manager was appointed as management representative. The current working system was first assessed. Next, an implementation plan was prepared. Training was provided and the quality manual prepared followed by all the necessary work procedures and instructions. Finally there was trial implementation and actual “live” implementation. In January 1995 TOD ISO 9002 registration was approved.
Effectiveness of U.S. and International Pipeline Regulations With Regard to Land Use Planning
Authors: Dresnack Robert , Golub Eugene , Greenfeld Joshua , Griffis F. H. (Bud) , Pignataro Louis J.
Published: October 2016

The transmission pipeline incident in Edison, New Jersey in March, 1994 raised public concerns about the safety of siting of transmission pipelines in proximity to populated areas. One of the responses to this incident was the issuance of a contract by the United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) to the New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) to study this and other issues with regard to pipeline safety.

The research performed by NJIT included a review of current USDOT regulations and policy with regard to siting of pipelines and related land use; a review of regulations of major industrialized countries related to same; an analysis of the USDOT’s incident database vis-à-vis proximity to neighboring land uses; and a review of local land use regulations related to proximity to transmission pipelines.

The basic findings were as follows:

1. The U.S. Pipeline regulations are appropriate to minimizing risk while maintaining the viability of the pipeline industry.

2. All the regulations reviewed (i.e., US and international) approach the siting and regulation of pipelines in urban areas in a similar fashion.

3. Analysis of the USDOT incident database indicates that, in general, pipelines are sited in rural or underdeveloped areas, and damage resulting from an incident in highly developed areas is generally less then in rural areas due to the regulations restricting the allowable operating stresses in more densely populated areas.
Optimal Hub Location in Pipeline Networks
Authors: Dott Dawn R. , Wirasinghe S. C. , Chakma Amit
Published: October 2016

This paper discusses optimization strategies and techniques for the location of natural gas marketing hubs in the north American gas pipeline network. A hub is a facility at which inbound and outbound network links meet and freight is redirected towards their destinations. Common examples of hubs used in the gas pipeline industry include gas plants, interconnects and market centers. Characteristics of the gas pipeline industry which are relevant to the optimization of transportation costs using hubs are presented. Proven techniques for solving location-allocation problems are discussed. An outline of the research in process by the authors in the field of optimal gas hub location concludes the paper.
Pipeline Hydrocarbon Transportation: Some Operating Concerns and R&D Trends
Authors: Fernández M. L. , Tapanes E. E. , Zelitskaya P. V.
Published: October 2016

This paper describes R&D efforts and trends and possible application of new technologies to improve on pipeline construction and operations. The paper also identifies possible solutions for some operating concerns related to pipeline integrity and safety. Safety is defined as protection for humans, the environment and materials/equipment. As in other industries, the oil & gas business too is driven by events; a typical example is the current interest on Stress Corrosion Cracking (SCC). Accordingly, there are technical concerns related to the influence of SCC and aging on pipeline integrity and the consequent financial concerns regarding possible pipeline upgrading, derating, abandonment and possible retrieval.

Potential new solutions include a proposed flexible tube (currently under development) made out of fibre glass composites. This patented innovation could reduce pipeline construction and operating costs. This tube could also eliminate some problems typically associated with metal corrosion.

Also included is the application of Fibre Optic Sensor (FOS) technology to the monitoring and evaluation of pipeline integrity. FOS technology may be utilized to study SCC because of its high resolution, and its insensitivity to electro-magnetic interference, and its real time availability. This cost effective technology is currently utilized in the monitoring and evaluation of a variety of structures such as airplanes, engines, generators, bridges and along highways. Optical fibres have the ability to detect a wide range of physical, mechanical, chemical and biological parameters, as:

• frequency

• temperature

• pressure

• strain-stress

• residual-strain

• vibration

• damage

• impact

• displacement

• deformation

• acoustic-emission

• wear

• electric-fields

• acceleration

• rotation

• voltage

• chemical-species

• refractive-index

• chemical-reactions

• load

• liquidlevels

• cracking

If a fibre optic cable acting as a sensor can be applied to a pipeline system in a practical manner, it may be possible to monitor the performance and conditions of a pipeline over its operating life.
Control of Internal Pipeline Corrosion Based Upon an Evaluation of Risk: A Case for Change
Authors: Richardson David J.
Published: October 2016

Pipeline failures attributed to internal corrosion are increasing throughout the oil and gas producing industry(1) suggesting that commonly accepted practices continue to allow failures to occur. The article describes a “Maintenance Management System” for prevention of internal corrosion of pipelines that provides advances compared with conventional management strategies. The “System” recognizes and addresses root-cause issues that contribute to internal pipeline damage and failures. It provides a genuine improvement in pipeline confidence to the Management of operating companies, and the Regulatory bodies.

The “System” combines pipeline hydraulic simulation technology with corrosion engineering science to assess the severity of the operational hazards within each pipeline segment. Besides providing a numerical ranking of the operational risk, the “System” generates a maintenance schedule appropriate to the assessment. What is more important, the day-to-day schedule is updated immediately upon any change in the corrosion hazard profile.

By means of a Case Study, the article demonstrates how, in our opinion, improvements in both information management, and scheduling of maintenance activities can narrow the scope of investigative projects, while at the same time provide enhanced confidence in pipeline integrity.
A New Approach to Pipeline Risk Assessment and Integrity Management
Authors: Feil Wayne H. , King Graeme G.
Published: October 2016

The goal of pipeline integrity management is to reduce risks associated with pipeline failures to the lowest level possible within given budgetary constraints. A traditional method of deciding where to allocate resources most effectively begins with the assessment of risks for all pipelines within the system. The pipelines are then ranked in order of risk to decide which pipelines should be given attention first. This “worst-first” approach has many benefits but it requires a large quantity of accurate data to rank the pipelines in the correct order, and it does not readily reveal the integrity maintenance activities that are required first by the pipelines at the top of the list.

A new approach is presented that focuses on prioritizing integrity management activities rather than ranking pipelines. This is more straightforward because it is only the activities that can be directly controlled by integrity managers. The new approach also involves a change in purpose. Instead of assessing risks to find the “worst” pipelines, the new approach helps integrity managers to design a well-balanced program with uniform system-wide integrity.

System-wide rules are used that consider pipeline systems as a collection of many different integrity components such as pipe walls, pipe coatings, cathodic protection systems, chemical inhibition systems, signs, and fences rather than a collection of pipelines. Each different integrity component has its own specialized inspection, maintenance and repair activities that keep it in good operating condition. The new method schedules these integrity activities for each individual component of each pipeline in the system. It also provides a practical way to minimize the amount of data that is required to successfully administer the integrity program.

After integrity activities have been scheduled and implemented, the new approach can be used to manage them effectively. A new concept of exposure rather than risk is proposed. It provides clear and measurable statement of goals for integrity management. It is useful for prioritizing activities and for deciding which projects can be postponed in order to stay within budgetary limitations.
Dynamic Ductile Tearing in High Strength Pipeline Steels
Authors: Rivalin F. , Pineau A.
Published: October 2016

The study of rapid ductile crack propagation and crack arrest is a central point if one wants to reach a higher safety level in pipelines. Correlations between Charpy tests and full scale burst tests proved to be unsuccessful in predicting pipe burst for recent high strength steels. This paper presents an experiment which allows to test large SENT specimens under dynamic loading, and to characterize steel resistance against rapid ductile crack propagation by a classical energetic parameter, called the crack propagation energy, R, proposed by Turner. The R parameter proved to be characteristic of the rapid crack propagation in the material, for a given specimen and loading configuration. Failure of the specimen under dynamic conditions occurs by shearing fracture which is the same as in a full scale burst test. An example is given for an X65 ferritic-pearlitic steel loaded under static and dynamic conditions. A fracture mode transition is shown following the loading rate. From a metallurgical point of view, shearing fracture occurs by nucleation, growth and coalescence of voids, as for classical ductile fracture.