bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Causes of building construction related accident in the south-western states of Nigeria
Authors: Williams Opeyemi Samuel , Hamid Razali Adul , Misnan Mohd Saidin
Published: January 2019

Within the focus of the final outcome of any construction activity is the realisation of minimal cost, timely delivery and quality oriented structure. Nevertheless, above all is the safe execution of the construction site activities, which is a matter of life, most especially lives of the operatives. The study focuses on the identification of the common types of accident, the level of occurrences, as well as the causes of the identified accidents. Through an extensive literature review, eighteen (18) different types of accident were identified, which were subsequently classified into seven (7) categories. Moreover, well-structured questionnaires were administered to construction participants, with the data analysed descriptively. The outcome revealed the four categories of frequently occurring accidents to be: contact with working tools, vehicle-related, slip and trip, and falls. Some crucial inclusions in the list of causes are failure of edge protection, safety standard violations, overloading of scaffold and crane, wrong placement of ladder, loss of control over body movement, failure in the designs, absence of warning signs, over speeding of vehicle, wrong selection of working tools, non-usage of personal protective equipment, improperly installed equipment, horseplay, and poor housekeeping. However, by exploring the accident process, recommendations based on the findings are put up.
Rating Migration and Bond Valuation: Towards Ahistorical Rating Migration Matrices and Default Probability Term Structures
Authors: Barnard Brian
Published: January 2019

The study examines rating migration, and default probability term structures obtained from rating migration matrices. It expands on the use of rating migration matrices with reduced form bond valuation models, by formally delineating the probability of default according to the likely rating paths of a bond, as implied by the rating migration matrix. Further, two alternatives are also considered. First, the cost of default is stipulated as the recovery of par according to the exit rating upon default. Also, in addition to stating the value of a bond in terms of expected cash flows, when considering the probability of default, the value of a bond is alternatively stated as the present value of all likely rating paths of the bond, discounted against the market risk-bearing bond forward rates of the different rating categories. The impact of term structure volatility and rating migration uncertainty on bond valuation is also considered.It is shown that the relationship between rating migration and default probability is complex, and the default probabilities of different rating categories are time-dependent and not isolated from each other. Also, rating migration resembles a delayed default process that influences default probabilities of subsequent intervals. The implications of a rating migration matrix may perhaps only be fully understood through simulation. This form one of the first points by which to evaluate rating migration matrices. The results of the valuation model show that historical rating migration matrices may not be optimal for pricing bonds ahistorically. A principal premise of the study is the dichotomy between historical values and ahistorical estimates, particularly with regards to rating migration. It is argued that historical estimates face two key shortcomings: they must be able to accurately forecast future rating migration and rating category intensities as a result, and they must specify a method to include rating migration uncertainty. An optimization model is delineated to extract ahistorical rating migration matrices from market prices. This too has implications that should be considered. In light of the above, reduced form models may have an advantage over structural models, in their ability to portray a far more sophisticated default process.
Integrated Product and Process Modelling
Authors: Nilsson Patrik , Fagerstro¨m Bjo¨rn
Published: January 2019

This paper presents a model for integrated product and process modeling. The aim is to investigate how product and process related information could be structured and managed in order to bridge the gap between the product and the process. Integrated product and process modeling is an important basis for concurrent engineering, as it provides a shared representation of the evolving design. First, an introduction to product modeling is discussed. Then, the proposed model, theoretically based on chromosome model, is presented. Second, process modeling is discussed, and more common tools/methods for process modeling are presented. Third, and finally, an industrial case study is presented, where the proposed model has been applied and evaluated in commercial software.
A Classification Method to Compare Modular Product Concepts
Authors: Strong Matthew B. , Magleby Spencer P. , Parkinson Alan R.
Published: January 2019

In recent years the design of modular products has become the focus of significant research in the area of design theory and methodology. This focus is the result of the increased awareness of the power of modularity to achieve certain product objectives. To add to this surge in modular product research, this paper focuses on developing design tools for use in industrial settings where modular products are being designed. In developing these tools the many definitions and methods for classifying modular products are consolidated and refined. Drawing from this consolidated research a new scheme for classifying modularity types, the Modularity Type Space (MTS), is developed. This classification scheme not only succinctly defines the types of modularity, but shows the relationships between them. Metrics and tools are also presented that are to be used for the purposes of classifying modular products on the MTS.
A Collaborative Team-Based Approach to Computational Configuration Design: Initial Results
Authors: Olson Jesse T. , Cagan Jonathan
Published: January 2019

This paper investigates the role and potential of team collaboration in computational design algorithms. Organizational studies have shown that effectively structuring available resources and knowledge can significantly improve a system’s collective computational capacity, flexibility, and efficiency, and thereby improve problem-solving capacity. Nevertheless, studies in computational distributed problem solving rarely take organizational effects into account. Based on findings in the Organizational Behavior (OB) literature, a computational model of collaborative team-based design is created. This model is tested on a bulk manufacturing process-planning problem previously examined in the literature. The performance of the new team method showed significant improvement: solution quality improved 65% and successful solution identification per unit time increased an entire order of magnitude. A statistical examination of critical algorithm components confirms that agent interdependencies associated with collaboration are the strongest and most consistent performance effects that lead to the observed improvements. This study illustrates that team collaboration can be a highly effective method of improving computation design performance.
Representing Product Architecture
Authors: Van Wie Mike J. , Rajan Palani , Campbell Matthew I. , Stone Robert B. , Wood Kristin L.
Published: January 2019

Product architecture is the transformation of function to layout. Like much of conceptual design, it is a highly dynamic process whereby engineers must consider a deluge of information in terms of both function and form. One shortcoming of current engineering practice is the absence of representations or abstractions used to aid in developing, refining, and exploiting alternative layout solutions. The purpose of this paper is to present a representation for product architecture that sufficiently captures the design factors relevant to product architecture design which are not taken into account in current practices. An example is given to illustrate the technique, and results of a validation experiment are shown.
Preferences and Correlated Uncertainties in Engineering Design
Authors: Honda Tomonori , Antonsson Erik K.
Published: January 2019

The Method of Imprecision (MOI) is a multi-objective design method that maximizes the overall degree of both design and performance preferences. Sets of design variables are iteratively selected, and the corresponding performances are approximately computed. The designer’s judgment (expressed as preferences) are combined (aggregated) with the customer’s preferences, to determine the overall preference for sets of points in the design space. In addition to degrees of preference for values of the design and performance variables, engineering design problems also typically include uncertainties caused by uncontrolled variations, for example, measuring and fabrication limitations. This paper illustrates the computation of expected preference for cases where the uncertainties are uncorrelated, and also where the uncertainties are correlated. The result is a “best” set of design variable values for engineering problems, where the overall aggregated preference is maximized. As is illustrated by the examples shown here, where both preferences and uncontrolled variations are present, the presence of uncertainties can have an important effect on the choice of the overall best set of design variable values.
About the Need for the Design Policy
Authors: Marjanovic Dorian
Published: January 2019

Generating knowledge about design is the goal of discipline-oriented, scientific research of the design science community. Theoretical research into engineering design has grown into field of a significant complexity. Orientation in the “jungle” of discipline-oriented research causes problems not only to new researchers but also to specialized experts due to high segmentation and multi disciplinary aspects of the matter. There have been numerous attempts to systematize the field in order to enable further research directions. An alternative approach would be to reconsider the complexity from a broader aspect. The paper gives a brief description of the current situation in the design community, and advocates for a new approach by introducing a need for comprehensive design policy. The policy of design research community has not yet been outlined. This article proposes a systems description of design policy and the process of generation and implementation.
The Design and Construction of the Chinipas Slope Pipeline Crossing
Authors: Napolitano Agostino , Guidotti Guido , Marsili Andrea , Fabbri Alessandro , Menichetti Marco , Troiani Francesco
Published: January 2019

SAIPEM has been awarded the engineering, procurement and construction of “El Encino - Topolobampo” Natural Gas Pipeline Project in Mexico. The 30” pipeline begins in El Encino, in the state of Chihuahua, and terminates in Topolobampo, in the state of Sinaloa. It runs in a West-South West direction perpendicularly crossing the “Sierra Madre Occidental”, a mountain range characterized by uneven morphology with deep and narrow valleys and steep slopes. Near the village of Santa Matilde, before reaching the Chinipas River, the pipeline route has to overcome a 150 meters high steep slope on the left side of the valley of Chinipas. This slope features a sub vertical rocky cliff with a 55 meters drop in the upper section. A trenchless crossing of the slope was designed and executed to safely cross the steep slope by means of raise borer and tunnel. Since the area was nearly inaccessible, SAIPEM, for the first time in the design of a trenchless crossing of slopes, has performed the geomechanical study using a remote sensing process based on the Structure from Motion (SfM) technique for a three-dimensional reconstruction of the outcrop of the cliff. The activity has been carried out in collaboration with the Department of Earth, Life and Environmental Science of the University of Urbino. The results of the study led to the optimization of the trenchless geometry maintaining the raise bore into the competent rock avoiding frequent lithological variations critical during the drilling and identifying a suitable tunnel entrance location.
A New Approach to Determine the Stresses in Buried Pipes Under Surface Loading
Authors: Zhang Fan , Branam Nathan , Zand Benjamin , Van Auker Mark
Published: January 2019

All buried pipes experience loading from the weight of soil overburden. When pipelines cross railroads, roads, parking lots or construction sites, the pipes also experience live surface loading from vehicles on the ground, including heavy construction equipment in some scenarios. The surface loading results in through-wall bending in pipes, which generates both hoop stress and longitudinal stress. Current standards limit the stresses in buried pipes to maximum values in terms of hoop stress, longitudinal stress and combined biaxial stress. An early approach to estimating stresses and deformations in a pipe subjected to surface loads dates back to Spangler’s work in the 1940s. Many models have been developed since then. API RP 1102 provides guidance for the design of pipeline crossings of railroads and highways following the model developed by Cornell University for the Gas Research Institute (GRI). The Cornell model was developed only based on experiments on bored pipes crossing a railroad or a highway at a near-right angle. The live surface loading distribution is also limited to the wheel-layout typical of railroad cars and highway vehicles. Most other existing models only focus on the hoop stress in the pipe. In this paper, a new approach to determine the stresses in buried pipes under surface loading is introduced. The approach is suitable for assessing pipes beneath any type of vehicle or equipment at any relative position and at any angle to the pipe. First, the pressure on the pipe from surface loading is determined through the Boussinesq theory. Second, both hoop stress and longitudinal stress in the pipe are estimated. The hoop stress is estimated through the modified Spangler stress formula proposed by Warman and his co-workers (2006 and 2009). The longitudinal stress, due to local bending and global bending, is estimated by the theory of beam-on-elastic-foundation. The modulus of foundation can be determined through the soil-spring model developed by ASCE. The hoop stress, longitudinal stress and the resulting combined biaxial stress can then be compared against their respective limits from a pertinent standard to assess the integrity of the pipe and determine the proper remediation approach, if necessary. The performance of the proposed approach is compared in this study with the experimental results in the literature and the predictions from API RP 1102.
Numerical Investigation of Deposition Characteristics of Solid CO2 During Choked Flow for CO2 Pipelines
Authors: Teng Lin , Li Yuxing , Han Hui , Zhao Pengfei , Zhang Datong
Published: January 2019

Choke valves are applied to control the pressure in CO2 pipeline. However, the temperature of fluid would drop rapidly because of Joule-Thomson cooling (JTC), which may cause solid CO2 generate and block the pipe. In this work, a three-dimensional Computational Fluid Dynamic (CFD) model, using the Lagrangian method, Reynold’s Stress Transport model (RSM) for turbulence and stochastic tracking model (STM) for particle trajectory, was developed to predict the gas-solid CO2 flow and deposition characteristics downstream pipeline. The model predictions were in good agreement with the experimental data published in the literature. The effects of particle size, flow velocity and pipeline diameter on the fluid-particle flow characteristics were examined. Results showed that the increase in the flow velocity would cause a decrease in particle deposition ratio and there existed the critical particle size that caused the deposition ratio maximum for each velocity. The paper also presents the effects of particle motion on different deposition regions. Moreover, the main deposition region (the sudden expansion region) is the easy to be blocked by the particles. With the increase in pipeline diameter, the particle deposition ratio was decreasing. In addition, it was recommended for Stokes number to avoid 3-8 St.
Assessment on Design Factors of China’s Natural Gas Pipeline Based on Reliability-Based Design Method
Authors: Zhang Zhenyong , Zhou Yawei , Zhang Jinyuan
Published: January 2019

Although the traditional method based on stress analysis is simple and convenient, the main limitation is that it does not reflect the actual failure mechanisms (or limit states). A pipeline network database of about 40 thousand kilometers comprising 258 design cases that represent combinations of steel grade, diameter, pressure, and location class is established, in order to evaluate and improve the design factors specified in the Chinese standard “Code for design of gas transmission pipeline engineering” (GB 50251). Referring to the research report “Target Reliability Levels for the Design and Assessment of Onshore Natural Gas Pipelines” accomplished by C-FER in 2005, the critical wall thicknesses and corresponding equivalent design factors are calculated by using reliability-based method to meet specified reliability targets.

The research shows that the equivalent design factors obtained by Reliability-Based Design (RBD) method tend to increase as the pipe diameters get larger. The new design factors are smaller than those specified in the design code for pipelines with small diameter in location class 1 and 2, and larger than those in the design code for the other pipelines. Therefore, design factors are modified in each location class. The new factors are specific to pipes with small diameter (D ≤ 508mm), medium diameter (508mm < D < 711mm), and large diameter (711mm ≤ D ≤ 1219mm), thus enhancing the rationality and practicability of design factors.
Enhancing Pipeline Project Management With Refined Rock Excavation Forecasting
Authors: Keaton Jeffrey R. , Boudra Luther H. , Huggins Eleanor L.
Published: January 2019

Accurate rock-excavation forecasting is one of the geotechnical risk factors that challenge successful management of cross-country pipeline projects. Pipeline construction personnel with local experience typically estimate rock excavation requirements for economic feasibility, permitting, and contracts. Where the excavation is paid on a “classified” basis, construction bid and contract documents typically call for excavation of “ditch” rock to be paid per lineal foot, whereas “area” or right-of-way (ROW) grading rock is paid per cubic yard. This paper briefly reviews the desktop procedure for estimating rock excavation quantities presented at IPC2012 and describes refinements to the procedure that expand its utility for pipeline project managers and planners. Input for the desktop study consists of digital GIS files of topography, geology, soil survey, pipeline alignment, and construction ROW layout and width. Publically available topographic data commonly has a horizontal resolution of 10-m; therefore, the pipeline centerline is subdivided into 10-m-long segments, the endpoints of which are used to summarize the data and perform calculations. Profiles of elevation, maximum ground slope, apparent ground slope across the ROW perpendicular to segment alignment (sidehill slope), and the relative sidehill slope direction are plotted for visual reference. A virtual geologic field reconnaissance along the alignment is performed using Google Earth Pro to supplement digital geology and soil survey data. Bedrock type is interpreted for general ease of excavation (granite versus shale) and soil survey map units are used to identify shallow cemented zones or bedrock that form the basis for an overall rock excavation index factor, which is expressed in terms of estimated mean and standard deviation of depth to rock and rock-like material. Rock factors vary based on the range of pipe size and ground conditions for a particular pipeline project or segment. Rock Factor 0 on a recent project corresponded to a mean-minus-one standard deviation (−1σ) depth to rock that was below pipeline depth, whereas Rock Factor 3 corresponded to a −1σ rock depth that was above pipeline depth. Refined rock excavation calculations consider equipment parameters (boom reach, track offset), trench configuration parameters (working pad width, bench offset, two-tone geometry), centerline distance to adjacent pipelines, and direction of lay, as well as pipe diameter and minimum cover depth. Desktop rock excavation results can be further refined by field examination and seismic refraction surveys to check depth to blast rock in trench excavations which is interpreted to be seismic velocities >1,220 to 1,370 m/s. Construction records of actual blasting details are needed to further improve the rock excavation model.
Alternative Compressive Strain Capacity Performance Limits for Strain Based Design Applications
Authors: Kenny Shawn , Gordon Robin , Swank Greg
Published: January 2019

Existing industry standards have established the compressive strain capacity of pipelines within an empirical basis. The compressive strain capacity is generally associated with the peak moment. This approach has evolved from elastic stability concepts used in structural engineering for unrestrained pipe segments subject to primary loading (i.e. force or load control) conditions.

This limiting condition does not take advantage of the observed performance for buried pipelines, when subjected to displacement control events such as differential ground movement, where the pipe curvature can exceed the peak moment response without loss of pressure containment integrity.

This inherent conservatism may have a negative impact on project economics or sanction where the compressive strain capacity, rather than tensile rupture limits, governs the strain based design methodology. For these conditions, alternative performance limits defining the pipe compressive strain capacity are required.

A numerical study was conducted, using finite element methods, to examine possible alternative compressive strain criteria for use in strain-based design applications. The results from this study and the requirements to bring these concepts forward through integration with industry recommended practice are presented.
In-Situ Piping Header Replacement
Authors: Grams Alexander C.
Published: January 2019

The “A” manifold header replacement is presented within this paper as a case study to demonstrate how laser scanning (both of the existing piping and the newly fabricated spools) as well as off-site spool fabrication and testing, when combined with detailed pre-planning of activities and mapping of facility impacts to optimize the execution of a complex in-situ piping modification with an extremely tight facility outage window.

This paper explores the design and execution strategies used for the complete replacement of the southern portion of the NPS 24 piping header in “A” manifold at Enbridge’s Sarnia Terminal as contained within the Project Leave-to-Open packages. The piping header was fully replaced and upsized to NPS 30 as part of the Line 9B Reversal & Line 9 Capacity Expansion Project during a four-day facility outage in the summer of 2014. The work was managed by Enbridge Pipelines Inc. and executed by a regional industrial construction company (“contractor”). The header is a straight run of approximately 55m and includes 14 process tie-points. Certain stages of the replacement required a total shutdown of Sarnia Terminal, which mandated a very tight execution window. To enable completion of the work within the allotted outage, the new piping header was fabricated and hydrostatically tested in three sections at the contractor’s fabrication shop. All on-site tie-ins were designed to be bolted connections.

The factors which influenced the design and the staged execution strategy used during the outage are discussed in detail within the paper. Three key operability and technical factors influenced the design and execution strategies employed. Firstly, the Sarnia Terminal is fully interconnected to allow delivery to and from all 17 storage tanks on all 5 connected pipelines which enables a high level of operational flexibility. The result of this facility arrangement is a very complex isolation plan and requires large product drain-up volumes. Secondly, it was a requirement that the replacement piping, which is both larger diameter and heavier walled than the pre-existing piping header, did not increase the stress on any components of the existing piping system during or after installation. Finally, the length and number of connections on the manifold provided fit-up challenges and mandated an extremely high level of accuracy in the fabrication process to remove the requirement for on-site “field-fit” welds which could not be accommodated with the execution schedule. These factors posed numerous structural, mechanical and process challenges for which a detailed discussion is presented to provide insight into, and justification of the design and execution methodologies utilized.
Proteogenomics Reveals Novel Reductive Dehalogenases and Methyltransferases Expressed during Anaerobic Dichloromethane Metabolism
Authors: Kleindienst Sara , Chourey Karuna , Chen Gao , Murdoch Robert W. , Higgins Steven A. , Iyer Ramsunder , Campagna Shawn R. , Mack E. Erin , Seger Edward S. , Hettich Robert L. , Löffler Frank E.
Published: January 2019

Naturally produced and anthropogenically released DCM can reside in anoxic environments, yet little is known about the diversity of organisms, enzymes, and mechanisms involved in carbon-chlorine bond cleavage in the absence of oxygen. A proteogenomic approach identified two RDases and four corrinoid-dependent methyltransferases expressed by the DCM degrader “
Candidatus
Dichloromethanomonas elyunquensis” strain RM, suggesting that reductive dechlorination and methyl group transfer play roles in anaerobic DCM degradation. These findings suggest that the characterized DCM-degrading bacterium
Dehalobacterium formicoaceticum
and “
Candidatus
Dichloromethanomonas elyunquensis” strain RM utilize distinct strategies for carbon-chlorine bond cleavage, indicating that multiple pathways evolved for anaerobic DCM metabolism. The specific proteins (e.g., RDases and methyltransferases) identified in strain RM may have value as biomarkers for monitoring anaerobic DCM degradation in natural and contaminated environments.
Clade C HIV-1 Envelope Vaccination Regimens Differ in Their Ability To Elicit Antibodies with Moderate Neutralization Breadth against Genetically Diverse Tier 2 HIV-1 Envelope Variants
Authors: Burton Samantha , Spicer Lori M. , Charles Tysheena P. , Gangadhara Sailaja , Reddy Pradeep B. J. , Styles Tiffany M. , Velu Vijayakumar , Kasturi Sudhir Pai , Legere Traci , Hunter Eric , Pulendran Bali , Amara Rama , Hraber Peter , Derdeyn Cynthia A.
Published: January 2019

Despite much progress, we still do not have a clear understanding of how to elicit a protective neutralizing antibody response against HIV-1 through vaccination. There have been great strides in the development of envelope immunogens that mimic the virus particle, but less is known about how different vaccination modalities and adjuvants contribute to shaping the antibody response. We compared seven different vaccines that were administered to rhesus macaques and that delivered the same envelope protein through various modalities and with different adjuvants. The results demonstrate that some vaccine components are better than others at eliciting neutralizing antibodies with breadth.
Complete Genome Sequence of Nocardia farcinica W6977
T
Obtained by Combining Illumina and PacBio Reads
Authors: Gulvik Christopher A. , Arthur Robert A. , Humrighouse Ben W. , Batra Dhwani , Rowe Lori A. , Lasker Brent A. , McQuiston John R.
Published: January 2019

The complete genome sequence of the
Nocardia farcinica
type strain was obtained by combining Illumina HiSeq and PacBio reads, producing a single 6.29-Mb chromosome and 2 circular plasmids. Bioinformatic analysis identified 5,991 coding sequences, including putative genes for virulence, microbial resistance, transposons, and biosynthesis gene clusters.
Complete Genome Sequence of Phascolarctobacterium faecium JCM 30894, a Succinate-Utilizing Bacterium Isolated from Human Feces
Authors: Ogata Yusuke , Suda Wataru , Ikeyama Nao , Hattori Masahira , Ohkuma Moriya , Sakamoto Mitsuo
Published: January 2019

Phascolarctobacterium faecium
is an anaerobic microbe known as a member of the human gut microbiome. Here, we report the complete genome sequence of
Phascolarctobacterium faecium
JCM 30894 and the elucidation of the mechanism for utilization of succinate by this bacterium based on the genome analysis.
Atypical central neurocytoma with novel EWSR1-ATF1 fusion and MUTYH mutation detected by next-generation sequencing
Authors: Aghajan Yasmin , Malicki Denise M , Levy Michael L , Crawford John Ross
Published: January 2019

We present the case of a 13-year-old boy with a very unusual periventricular atypical central neurocytoma with unique molecular features treated with subtotal surgical resection and photon intensity-modulated radiotherapy. Histological features were most consistent with atypical central neurocytoma. However, next-generation sequencing analysis revealed a novel EWSR1-ATF1 gene fusion (EWSR1-ATF1) as well as a MUTYH mutation. The EWSR1-ATF1 raised the possibility of Ewing sarcoma or angiomatoid fibrous histiocytoma, however, FLI-1 immunohistochemistry was negative. MUTYH mutations have been reported in diffuse midline paediatric glioma. The role of EWSR1-ATF1 and MUTYH mutations in central nervous system tumours is not well established. We present the first case of EWSR1-ATF1 and MUTYH mutation in a rare paediatric atypical central neurocytoma. Further studies are indicated to elucidate the consequences of these gene alterations in the context of paediatric central nervous system tumours as well as to investigate the potential role for targeted therapies.
Peripheral nerve blocks are not associated with increased risk of perioperative peripheral nerve injury in a Veterans Affairs inpatient surgical population
Authors: Yajnik Meghana , Kou Alex , Mudumbai Seshadri C , Walters Tessa L , Howard Steven K , Edward Kim T , Mariano Edward R
Published: January 2019

Background and objectives

Perioperative peripheral nerve injury (PNI) is a known complication in patients undergoing surgery with or without regional anesthesia. The incidence of new PNI in a Veterans Affairs (VA) inpatient surgical population has not been previously described; therefore, the incidence, risk factors, and clinical course of new PNI in this cohort are unknown. We hypothesized that peripheral nerve blocks do not increase PNI incidence.

Methods

We conducted a 5-year review of a Perioperative Surgical Home database including all consecutive surgical inpatients. The primary outcome was new PNI between groups that did or did not have peripheral nerve blockade. Potential confounders were first examined individually using logistic regression, and then included simultaneously together within a mixed-effects logistic regression model. Electronic records of patients with new PNI were reviewed for up to a year postoperatively.

Results

The incidence of new PNI was 1.2% (114/9558 cases); 30 of 3380 patients with nerve block experienced new PNI (0.9%) compared with 84 of 6178 non-block patients (1.4%; p=0.053). General anesthesia alone, younger age, and American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status <3 were associated with higher incidence of new PNI. Patients who received transversus abdominis plane blocks had increased odds for PNI (OR, 3.20, 95% CI 1.34 to 7.63), but these cases correlated with minimally invasive general and urologic surgery. One hundred PNI cases had 1-year follow-up: 82% resolved by 3 months and only one patient did not recover in a year.

Conclusions

The incidence of new perioperative PNI for VA surgical inpatients is 1.2% and the use of peripheral nerve blocks is not an independent risk factor.
Influence of postoperative analgesia on systemic inflammatory response and postoperative cognitive dysfunction after femoral fractures surgery: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Kristek Gordana , Radoš Ivan , Kristek Dalibor , Kapural Leonardo , Nešković Nenad , Škiljić Sonja , Horvat Vesna , Mandić Sanja , Haršanji-Drenjančević Ivana
Published: January 2019

Background and objectives

To investigate the possible effect of postoperatively applied analgesics—epidurally applied levobupivacaine or intravenously applied morphine—on systemic inflammatory response and plasma concentration of interleukin (IL)-6 and to determine whether the intensity of inflammatory response is related to postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD).

Methods

This is a randomized, prospective, controlled study in an academic hospital. Patients were 65 years and older scheduled for femoral fracture fixation from July 2016 to September 2017. Inflammatory response was assessed by leukocytes, neutrophils, C reactive protein (CRP) and fibrinogen levels in four blood samples (before anesthesia, 24 hours, 72 hours and 120 hours postoperatively) and IL-6 concentration from three blood samples (before anesthesia, 24 hours and 72 hours postoperatively). Cognitive function was assessed using the Mini-Mental State Examination preoperatively, from the first to the fifth postoperative day and on the day of discharge.

Results

The study population included 70 patients, 35 in each group. The incidence of POCD was significantly lower in the levobupivacaine group (9%) than in the morphine group (31%) (p=0.03). CRP was significantly lower in the levobupivacaine group 72 hours (p=0.03) and 120 hours (p=0.04) after surgery. IL-6 values were significantly lower in the levobupivacaine group 72 hours after surgery (p=0.02). The only predictor of POCD in all patients was the level of IL-6 72 hours after surgery (p=0.03).

Conclusions

There is a statistically significant association between use of epidural levobupivacaine and a reduction in some inflammatory markers. Postoperative patient-controlled epidural analgesia reduces the incidence of POCD compared with intravenous morphine analgesia in the studied population.

Trial registration number

NCT02848599.
Josephson effects in one junction with one s-wave superconductor and two topological superconductors
Authors: Jin Li-Hui , Wang Xiao-Qi , Yi Guang-Yu
Published: January 2019

We present an analysis of Josephson effects in one quantum-dot-embedded junction with one s-wave superconductor (SC) and two topological superconductors (TSs). It is found that when superconducting phase difference is applied between the two TSs, the dot-SC coupling can efficiently modulate the fractional Josephson effect, including the changes of the supercurrent oscillation direction and period. Even though the polarization directions of the TSs are opposite, the dot-SC coupling enables to drive the fractional Josephson effect between the TSs. Next, as the superconducting phase difference is introduced between the TSs and SC, only the normal Josephson effect takes place.
Anxiety-Linked Attentional Bias: Is It Reliable?
Authors: MacLeod Colin , Grafton Ben , Notebaert Lies
Published: January 2019

There is substantial evidence that heightened anxiety vulnerability is characterized by increased selective attention to threatening information. The reliability of this anxiety-linked attentional bias has become the focus of considerable recent interest. We distinguish between the potential inconsistency of anxiety-linked attentional bias and inconsistency potentially reflecting the psychometric properties of the assessment approaches used to measure it. Though groups with heightened anxiety vulnerability often exhibit, on average, elevated attention to threat, the evidence suggests that individuals are unlikely to each display a stable, invariant attentional bias to threat. Moreover, although existing assessment approaches can differentiate between groups, they do not exhibit the internal consistency or test-retest reliability necessary to classify individuals in terms of their characteristic pattern of attentional responding to threat. We discuss the appropriate uses of existing attentional bias assessment tasks and propose strategies for enhancing classification of individuals in terms of their tendency to display an attentional bias to threat.
Social Networks and Crime: Pitfalls and Promises for Advancing the Field
Authors: Faust Katherine , Tita George E.
Published: January 2019

Over the past decade, a considerable literature has emerged within criminology stemming from the collection of social network data and the adoption of social network analysis by a cadre of scholars. We review recent contributions to four areas of crime research: co-offending networks, illicit networks, gang-rivalry networks, and neighborhoods and crime. Our review highlights potential pitfalls that one might encounter when using social networks in criminological research and points to fruitful directions for further research. In particular, we recommend paying special attention to the clear specifications of what ties in the network are assumed to be doing, potential measurement weaknesses that can arise when using police or investigative data to construct a network, and understanding dynamic social network processes related to criminological outcomes. We envision a bright future in which the social network perspective will be more fully integrated into criminological theories, analyses, and applications.
miR-222 represses expression of zipcode binding protein-1 and phospholipase C-γ1 in intestinal epithelial cells
Authors: Jiang Li-Ping , Wang Shelley R. , Chung Hee Kyoung , Buddula Saharsh , Wang Jian-Ying , Rao Jaladanki N.
Published: January 2019

Both zipcode binding protein-1 (ZBP1) and phospholipase C-γ1 (PLCγ1) are intimately involved in many aspects of early intestinal mucosal repair after acute injury, but the exact mechanisms that control their cellular abundances remain largely unknown. The present study shows that microRNA-222 (miR-222) interacts with the mRNAs encoding ZBP1 and PLCγ1 and regulates ZBP1 and PLCγ1 expression in intestinal epithelial cells (IECs). The biotinylated miR-222 bound specifically to the ZBP1 and PLCγ1 mRNAs in IECs. Ectopically expressed miR-222 precursor destabilized the ZBP1 and PLCγ1 mRNAs and consequently lowered the levels of cellular ZBP1 and PLCγ1 proteins. Conversely, decreasing the levels of cellular miR-222 by transfection with its antagonism increased the stability of the ZBP1 and PLCγ1 mRNAs and increased the levels of ZBP1 and PLCγ1 proteins. Overexpression of miR-222 also inhibited cell migration over the wounded area, which was partially abolished by overexpressing ZBP1 and PLCγ1. Furthermore, prevention of the increased levels of ZBP1 and PLCγ1 in the miR-222-silenced cells by transfection with specific small interfering RNAs targeting ZBP1 or PLCγ1 mRNA inhibited cell migration after wounding. These findings indicate that induced miR-222 represses expression of ZBP1 and PLCγ1 at the posttranscriptional level, thus inhibiting IEC migration during intestinal epithelial restitution after wounding.
Young Children Display Diurnal Patterns of Salivary IgA and Alpha-Amylase Expression Which Are Independent of Food Intake and Demographic Factors
Authors: Lim P. W. , Nambiar S. , Muhardi L. , Abdul Kader U. H. , Garssen J. , Sandalova E.
Published: January 2019

Background. Salivary alpha-amylase (sAA) and salivary immunoglobulin A (sIgA) have been proposed as biomarkers for research on the mucosal immune system and on stress. Expression of both sAA and sIgA has been described to follow opposing diurnal patterns. This knowledge is crucial for the interpretation of studies using these biomarkers. Aim. It was hypothesized that sAA and sIgA display diurnal patterns in children and that this is independent of food intake or demographic factors. Methods. Whole saliva was collected from 78 healthy children (15-39 months old) in the morning and evening for two random nonconsecutive days. The samples have been analysed for sAA and sIgA. The total daily energy, fat, saturated fat, protein, carbohydrate and fibre, mineral, and vitamin consumption were analysed based on the two-day weighed food records collected by the parents. Results. It was demonstrated that most young children followed the diurnal pattern when sAA increased and sIgA decreased from morning to evening. No correlation was observed between the intake of any of the nutrients and morning or evening values for both salivary proteins. The morning and evening values of sAA and sIgA did not correlate with age, sex, Asian ethnicity, and BMI of the children. Conclusion. Diurnal patterns of sAA and sIgA exist in healthy young children and are not affected by their nutrient intake, sex, Asian ethnicity, and BMI. Scientists including sIgA and sAA in their research must consider the diurnal pattern that these markers exhibit and design the study accordingly.
Entwicklung einer ressourcenorientierten kognitiv-verhaltenstherapeutischen Gruppenbehandlung für chronisch depressive Patienten: Eine Pilotstudie
Authors: Troesken Anne , Renneberg Babette
Published: January 2019

Hintergrund: Chronisch depressive Patienten profitieren im Durchschnitt weniger von psychotherapeutischen Verfahren als Patienten mit einer akuten oder rezidivierenden depressiven Störung. Eine Augmentierung der Einzeltherapie durch eine ressourcenorientierte Gruppentherapie könnte zu einer Verbesserung der Wirksamkeit führen. Stichprobe: 16 chronisch depressive Patienten nahmen zusätzlich zu einer Einzeltherapie an einer Gruppentherapie mit 12 Sitzungen teil. Methode: Die Schwere der depressiven Symptomatik (Becks Depressions-Inventar(BDI)-II) wurde zu 4 Messzeitpunkten (zu Beginn der Therapie, vor der Gruppentherapie, nach der Gruppentherapie und nach der Gesamttherapie) erfasst. Neben der varianzanalytischen Auswertung wurde der Reliable Change Index berechnet. Vor und nach der Gruppe wurden darüber hinaus die Ressourcenrealisierung Wohlbefinden (RES-WB) und das Inkongruenzniveau (INK-K) erfasst. Individuelle Zielerreichungen und die Bewertung der Gruppentherapie durch die Patienten werden berichtet. Ergebnisse: Die Depressivität nahm über den gesamten Therapiezeitraum signifikant ab (pη = 0,853, p < 0,001; Einzeltherapie vor der Gruppe: pη = 0,25, p = 0,051; Gruppentherapie + Einzeltherapie: pη = 0,35, p < 0,05; Einzeltherapie nach der Gruppentherapie: pη = 0,79, p < 0,001). Sieben Patienten waren reliabel verbessert, 6 Patienten remittiert. Auch andere direkte und indirekte Erfolgsmaße zeigten vielversprechende Ergebnisse. Einschränkungen: Berichtet werden erste Ergebnisse einer Pilotstudie im naturalistischen Setting ohne randomisierte Zuweisung, es gab keine Kontrollgruppe. Schlussfolgerungen: Der Einsatz aktiver, ressourcenorientierter Methoden in einer kognitiv-behavioralen Gruppentherapie der Depression zeigte vielversprechende Ergebnisse. In einem kontrollierten Design mit einer größeren Stichprobe sollen differenzielle Effekte untersucht werden.
Evolving Clinical Picture of Renal Cell Carcinoma: A Population-Based Study from Helsinki
Authors: Erkkilä Kaisa , Tornberg Sara V. , Järvinen Petrus , Järvinen Riikka , Kilpeläinen Tuomas P. , Visapää Harri , Hervonen Petteri , Taari Kimmo , Nisen Harry
Published: January 2019

Background: There is a lack of detailed population-based data for renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Objectives: The study aimed to examine the contemporary changes in the clinical picture and treatment of RCC. Methods: A total of 1,719 consecutive patients living in the Helsinki metropolitan area with a solid or cystic renal mass (Bosniak 3–4) ≥10 mm were identified. Data from medical records was evaluated for clinical characteristics and treatments in the periods I (2006–2008), II (2009–2011), III (2012–2014), and IV (2015–2016). Results: The proportions of patients with comorbidities (Charlson index ≥2) and frailty (Eastern Co-operative Oncology Group classification ≥2) increased significantly during the study period. The percentage of clinical stage I patients, cystic tumors and use of needle biopsies increased significantly. Use of observation increased from 9% (I) to 32% (IV; p < 0.001). First-line oncological treatments within 6 months were given to 47% of 262 patients with metastases and ­cytoreductive nephrectomy (CN) was delivered to 54% of those patients. Conclusions: The size of renal tumors continued to decrease, while the percentage of patients with significant comorbidity or frailty increased. Active surveillance emerged as the initial strategy. Tyrosine kinase inhibitors with CN remained the primary option in patients with metastatic RCC.
Eye Opener to EtOH Ablation for Juxta-Cardiac Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Soule Erik , Lamsal Sanjay , Lall Chandana , Matteo Jerry
Published: January 2019

Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is notoriously refractory to systemic chemotherapy, mandating an interventional approach. Mortality may be avoided by neutralizing rapidly growing tumors that approach the heart and major vessels. When the risk/benefit ratio of surgery is unacceptable, percutaneous ablation can achieve remarkable results. High volumes of flowing blood adjacent to the treatment area may impact the ability to reliably achieve an adequate ablation margin for modalities that rely on extreme temperatures to destroy malignant cells. Ethanol ablation is safe, efficacious, and unaffected by this “thermal sink” effect. This report describes a juxta-cardiac (JC) HCC in segment 4a measuring 35 × 26 mm, which exhibited rapid growth until it was abutting the pericardium and 7.5 mm from the chamber of the right ventricle (RV). Methods: One 21-gauge needle was inserted using direct CT fluoroscopy into the center of the hepatic mass. In order to confirm the position of the needle, 0.5 mL of diluted Visipaque was injected. Then, under CT fluoroscopy guidance, a mixture of 1 mL of Ethiodol and 10 mL of 98% dehydrated alcohol was slowly injected into the mass. Results: Repeat CT scan 1 month post-ablation demonstrated decreased arterial enhancement and dense Ethiodol throughout the tumor consistent with ablation. Tumor size decreased to 30 × 23 mm with a distance of 12.4 mm from the chamber of the RV. Conclusion: Pericardial involvement or large vessels near the treatment area may limit the use of thermal ablation techniques for JC HCC. Percutaneous, intratumoral ethanol injection provides safe and effective alternative that is not subject to the “thermal sink” effect.