bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prevalence of head injury and medically diagnosed concussion in junior‐level community‐based Australian Rules Football
Authors: Hecimovich Mark D , King Doug
Published: November 2016

Aim

For junior‐level Australian Rules Football there is a paucity of head injury and concussion surveillance data; thus, the primary aim was to document head injury and concussion incidence in participants aged 9–17 years with a secondary aim to identify the mechanism‐of‐injury.

Methods

A prospective cohort study in which a designated representative for each of the 41 teams recorded on a weekly basis the number of head injuries suspected of being a concussion, diagnosed concussions and the mechanism‐of‐injury during competition games over the course of a 12‐game season. For analysis three groups were formed – number of Player‐Seasons, Athlete‐Exposures, head injury and concussion incidence per 1000 Athlete‐Exposures – and were calculated. Narrative data was categorised.

Results

There was 13 reported head injuries resulting in seven concussions in the sample population (n = 976). The incidence rates for head injury and concussion were 1.1 (95% confidence interval: 0.5–1.7) and 0.59 (95% confidence interval: 0.2–1.0) per 1000 Athlete‐Exposures. There were four head injuries resulting in two concussions in the 12–13‐year‐old group and nine head injuries and five concussions in the 14–17‐year‐old group. Two categories emerged for mechanism‐of‐injury: player‐to‐surface and player‐to‐player, with 9 of the 13 head injuries resulting from player‐to‐player contact.

Conclusions

The incidence rates were similar in the two older groups and lower in comparison with American football and rugby. The data collected have advanced our knowledge of head injury incidence and established baseline data which to compare in future years and may assist in development of preventative measures.
Retrograde continence enema in children with spina bifida: Not as effective as first thought
Authors: King Sebastian K , Stathopoulos Lefteris , Pinnuck Loreto , Wells Judy , Hutson John , Heloury Yves
Published: November 2016

Aim

The aim of the study is to investigate the effectiveness of Peristeen retrograde continence enema (RCE) in the management of faecal incontinence in children with spina bifida.

Methods

We identified a homogenous group of spina bifida patients in whom RCE was initiated (Jan 2006–July 2013). Confidential assessments included (i) Fecal Incontinence Quality Of Life (FIQOL), (ii) St Marks Faecal Incontinence score, (iii) Cleveland Clinic Constipation score and (iv) Neurogenic Bowel Dysfunction score.

Results

Of 20 patients, 11 (mean age 14.5 ± 5.3 years) were male. Of 20 patients, nine were still using RCE (mean follow‐up 4.1 years). Three patients ceased RCE within 10 days, six after 4–12 months and two after 36–48 months. Reasons for cessation included balloon difficulties (n = 4), procedure deemed too difficult (n = 4) and pain (n = 3).

There were no differences between the groups in length of training time for technique, instillate fluid/volume used and time taken to perform RCE. There were no differences between the groups for quality of life, faecal incontinence or constipation scores.

Conclusions

We demonstrated a high rate of cessation with RCE in patients with spina bifida. This could not be explained by associated conditions, or by enema‐related parameters. One possible explanation is the lack of ongoing outpatient support for the children and their families.
Significant caries and the interactive effects of maternal‐related oral hygiene factors in urban preschool children
Authors: Lin Ying‐Chun , Wang Wen‐Chen , Chen Jen‐Hao , Chen Ping‐Ho , Lee Chien‐Hung , Huang Hsiao‐Ling
Published: November 2016

Objectives

This study examined significant caries (SiC) and the interactive effects of maternal‐related oral hygiene factors in urban preschool children.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study was designed to collect data from a cluster of randomly selected samples in 2011. A total of 495 child‐mother pairs from the San‐Ming District of Kaohsiung City, Taiwan, participated in the study. Children aged 4‐6 years received dental examinations, and their mothers completed a self‐administered questionnaire. The SiC Index indicated the highest caries values in participants. The association between 3 groups – dmft (decayed, missing, and filled teeth)‐free, non‐SiC, and SiC – and the mothers’ and their children's factors were examined using polytomous logistic regression analysis.

Results

Among the SiC children, caries experience was most frequent in the mandibular molars (64.5‐84.9 percent), and almost 50 percent of these children had central incisor caries. The significant factors associated with the SiC children were lower maternal self‐efficacy in oral hygiene [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 2.04], child's intake of sugar‐sweetened beverages (SSBs) more than once per day (aOR = 2.27), and irregular child dental checkups (aOR = 2.32). Significant interaction effects were detected among children who received irregular dental checkups and whose SSBs intake was more than once per day and whose mothers had lower self‐efficacy in oral hygiene (P for interaction term = 0.034 and 0.004, respectively).

Conclusions

Caries prevention programs should prioritize enhancing maternal self‐efficacy in oral hygiene and emphasize childhood SSBs intake management and regular dental checkups to mothers to prevent severe caries in preschool‐aged children.
Measuring Legislative Power: An Expert Reweighting of the Fish‐Kroenig Parliamentary Powers Index
Authors: Chernykh Svitlana , Doyle David , Power Timothy J.
Published: November 2016

The Parliamentary Powers Index (PPI) developed by Fish and Kroenig (2009) is the most important effort to date to measure legislative power in cross‐national perspective, but it has been criticized on both theoretical and methodological grounds. We build on the 32‐item PPI to develop an alternative indicator of legislative strength that is based on an expert survey of 296 political scientists in 2014. We reweight each of the powers by expert opinion, creating a new Weighted Legislative Powers Score (WLPS) for the 158 national legislatures in the Fish and Kroenig data set. In addition, the article reports the expert‐assigned weight factors for the entire set of 32 powers contained in the original PPI, thus allowing researchers to innovate alternative, disaggregated indicators of legislative power.
DYNAMIC DEFAULTABLE TERM STRUCTURE MODELING BEYOND THE INTENSITY PARADIGM
Authors: Gehmlich Frank , Schmidt Thorsten
Published: November 2016

The two main approaches in credit risk are the structural approach pioneered by Merton and the reduced‐form framework proposed by Jarrow and Turnbull and by Artzner and Delbaen. The goal of this paper is to provide a unified view on both approaches. This is achieved by studying reduced‐form approaches under weak assumptions. In particular, we do not assume the global existence of a default intensity and allow default at fixed or predictable times, such as coupon payment dates, with positive probability. In this generalized framework, we study dynamic term structures prone to default risk following the forward‐rate approach proposed by Heath, Jarrow, and Morton. It turns out that previously considered models lead to arbitrage possibilities when default can happen at a predictable time. A suitable generalization of the forward‐rate approach contains an additional stochastic integral with atoms at predictable times and necessary and sufficient conditions for an appropriate no‐arbitrage condition are given. For efficient implementations, we develop a new class of affine models that do not satisfy the standard assumption of stochastic continuity. The chosen approach is intimately related to the theory of enlargement of filtrations, for which we provide an example by means of filtering theory where the Azéma supermartingale contains upward and downward jumps, both at predictable and totally inaccessible stopping times.
EspC forms a filamentous structure in the cell envelope of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and impacts ESX‐1 secretion
Authors: Lou Ye , Rybniker Jan , Sala Claudia , Cole Stewart T.
Published: November 2016

Pathogenicity of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tb) is mediated by the ESX‐1 secretion system, which exports EsxA and EsxB, the major virulence factors that are co‐secreted with EspA and EspC. Functional information about ESX‐1 components is scarce. Here, it was shown that EspC associates with EspA in the cytoplasm and membrane, then polymerizes during secretion from M. tb. EspC was localized by immuno‐gold electron microscopy in whole cells or cryosections as a surface‐exposed filamentous structure that seems to span the cell envelope. Consistent with these findings, purified EspC homodimerizes via disulphide bond formation, multimerizes and self‐assembles into long filaments in vitro. The C‐terminal domain is required for multimerization as truncation and selected point mutations therein impact EspC filament formation, thus reducing secretion of EsxA and causing attenuation of M. tb. The data are consistent with EspC serving either as a modulator of ESX‐1 function or as a component of the secretion apparatus.
Double‐blind, randomized crossover study of intravenous infusion of magnesium sulfate versus 5% dextrose on depressive symptoms in adults with treatment‐resistant depression
Authors: Mehdi Syed M. A. , Atlas Steven E. , Qadir Sidra , Musselman Dominique , Goldberg Sharon , Woolger Judi M. , Corredor Raul , Abbas Muhammad H. , Arosemena Leopoldo , Caccamo Simone , Campbell Carmen S. G. , Farooqi Ashar , Gao Jinrun , Konefal Janet , Lages Lucas C. , Lantigua Laura , Lopez Johanna , Padilla Vanessa , Rasul Ammar , Ray Anna M. , Simões Herbert G. , Tiozzo Eduard , Lewis John E.
Published: November 2016

Aim

Treatment‐resistant depression patients are more likely to suffer from comorbid physical and mental disorders, experience marked and protracted functional impairment, and incur higher health‐care costs than non‐affected individuals. Magnesium sulfate is a treatment option that may offer great potential for patients with treatment‐resistant depression based on prior work in animals and humans.

Methods

Twelve subjects with mild or moderate treatment‐resistant depression were randomized into a double‐blind crossover trial to receive an infusion of 4 g of magnesium sulfate in 5% dextrose or placebo infusion of 5% dextrose with a 5‐day washout in between the 8‐day intervention period. Subjects were assessed before and after the intervention for serum and urine magnesium, lipid panel, the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression, and the Patient Health Questionnaire‐9.

Results

We found a difference in serum magnesium from day 2 to 8 (pre‐infusion) (P < 0.002) and from baseline to day 8 (P < 0.02). No changes were noted on the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression or the Patient Health Questionnaire‐9 24 h post‐treatment, but as serum magnesium increased from baseline to day 7, the Patient Health Questionnaire‐9 decreased from baseline to day 7 (P = 0.02).

Conclusion

Magnesium sulfate did not significantly affect depression 24 h post‐infusion, but other results were consistent with the literature. The association between changes in serum magnesium and the Patient Health Questionnaire‐9 supports the idea that magnesium sulfate may be used to address treatment‐resistant depression, an ongoing medical challenge.
Wei‐Jin PeriodXuanxue‘Neo‐Daoism’: Re‐working the Relationship Between Confucian and Daoist Themes
Authors: D'Ambrosio Paul J.
Published: November 2016

In recent years, philosophical ideas developed during the Wei‐Jin period, broadly referred to asxuanxue(玄學) in Chinese and ‘Neo‐Daoism’ or ‘Dark Learning’ in English, have been accorded increasing attention in academia. This article provides an introduction to some major thinkers of the Wei‐Jin period, addressing both their original writings and recent scholarly interpretations. The article aims to demonstrate that many Wei‐Jin period intellectuals formed their theories through reinterpreting the relationship between texts associated with Daoism and Confucianism. Thinkers of this period often attempted to show how these defining ‘schools’ of pre‐Qin Chinese thought did not propose theories that were fundamentally inconsistent, and that their ideas could be woven together as elements of a coherent view. This intellectual movement can thus be, and often has been, viewed as an attempt to integrate Daoism and Confucianism. However, a more nuanced reading demonstrates that these thinkers were reworking the relationship between what were seen as predominately Daoist or Confucian themes from their very foundation. Accordingly, the common description of Wei‐Jin thinkers as ‘(Neo‐)Daoist’ is decidedly incongruous.
Civil Disobedience
Authors: Delmas Candice
Published: November 2016

Many historical and recent forms of protest usually referred to as civil disobedience do not fit the standard philosophical definition of “civil disobedience”. The moral and political importance of this point is explained in section 1, and two theoretical lessons are drawn: one, we should broaden the concept of civil disobedience, and two, we should start thinking about uncivil disobedience. Section 2 is devoted to the main objections against, and theorists' defenses of, civil disobedience.
Neurosexism and Neurofeminism
Authors: Hoffman Ginger A. , Bluhm Robyn
Published: November 2016

As neuroscience has gained an increased ability to enchant the general public, it has become more and more common to appeal to it as an authority on a wide variety of questions about how humans do and should act. This is especially apparent with the question of gender roles. The term ‘neurosexism’ has been coined to describe the phenomenon of using neuroscientific practices and results to promote sexist conclusions; its feminist response is called ‘neurofeminism’. Here, our aim is to survey the phenomena of neurosexism and neurofeminism using a largely philosophical approach, incorporating concepts from the philosophy of mind, the philosophy of science, ethics, and feminist philosophy. First, we delineate how neuroscientific studies purporting to show sex brain differences may be prone to bias at a number of methodological levels – including the choice of categories to be studied, and the choice of tools for data gathering, analysis, and presentation. Then, we show how interpretations of such studies may wrongly assume the notion of ‘hard‐wiring’. Furthermore, lack of attention to distinctions within philosophy of mind may result in a mistaken supposition that brain differences lead to mental and/or psychological and/or behavioral ones. It is not difficult to see how these forms of neurosexism, leading to claims of ‘hard‐wired’ gender differences that map onto traditional and harmful gender stereotypes, raise ethical questions. We conclude by briefly considering one: are the harms caused by neurosexist studies and their interpretations outweighed by their potential benefits?
Skill in epistemology I: Skill and knowledge
Authors: Pavese Carlotta
Published: November 2016

Knowledge and skill are intimately connected. In this essay, I discuss the question of their relationship and of which (if any) is prior to which in the order of explanation. I review some of the answers that have been given thus far in the literature, with a particular focus on the many foundational issues in epistemology that intersect with the philosophy of skill.
Mencius and Xunzi on Xing (Human Nature)
Authors: Sung Winnie
Published: November 2016

This article introduces and analyses the debate between Mencius and Xunzi on xing 性 (human nature). While Mencius claims that xing is good, Xunzi claims that xing is bad. A common way of interpreting these two different claims is to determine the scope of xing. It is generally agreed that, for Mencius, it is the heart/mind that falls within the scope of xing, for Xunzi, the sensory desires. This article also explores a different way of approaching Mencius's and Xunzi's different claims about xing. It is suggested that Mencius's and Xunzi's different views on xing can be understood in terms of their different views on the heart/mind (xin 心). While Mencius thinks that the heart/mind has a morally good natural tendency, Xunzi thinks that the heart/mind has a morally problematic tendency.
Skill in epistemology II: Skill and know how
Authors: Pavese Carlotta
Published: November 2016

The prequel to this paper has discussed the relation between knowledge and skill and introduced the topic of the relationship between skill and know how. This sequel continues the discussion. First, I survey the recent debate on intellectualism about knowing how (Sections 1–3). Then, I tackle the question as to whether intellectualism (and anti‐intellectualism) about skill and intellectualism (and anti‐intellectualism) about know how fall or stand together (Sections 4–5).
Reliable detection of unevenly distributed Verticillium dahliae in diseased olive trees
Authors: Keykhasaber M. , Pham K. T. K. , Thomma B. P. H. J. , Hiemstra J. A.
Published: November 2016

Verticillium wilt caused by Verticillium dahliae is one of the most threatening diseases of olive worldwide. For pre‐planting and post‐planting control of verticillium wilt in olive trees, availability of a rapid, reliable and non‐destructive method for detection of V. dahliae is essential. For such a method, suitable and easily performed sampling and efficient processing of samples for extraction of DNA are necessary. In this study, the suitability of young twig and leaf samples of olive trees, which are easy to collect and extract DNA from, were assessed for the detection of V. dahliae in routine procedures. The lower (about 50 cm from the tip) and top parts (about 5 cm from the tip) of twigs, as well as leaves from infected olive trees were screened for V. dahliae infection and distribution using real‐time PCR. The biomass of V. dahliae detected in individual twigs was highly variable, but there was no significant difference between mean quantities of V. dahliae DNA detected in top and lower parts of twigs. Furthermore, it was demonstrated that analysis of combined samples containing DNA extracted from five twigs of an infected tree accurately detected the presence of the pathogen. Similarly, testing combined samples of 5–10 leaves enabled reliable detection of the pathogen in an infected tree. The development of this assay enables reliable detection of V. dahliae in infected olive trees that can aid in management decisions for the implementation of integrated disease management.
Potential sources of bias in the use of Escherichia coli to measure waterborne diarrhoea risk in low‐income settings
Authors: Ercumen Ayse , Arnold Benjamin F. , Naser Abu Mohd. , Unicomb Leanne , Colford John M. , Luby Stephen P.
Published: November 2016

Objectives

Escherichia coli is the standard water quality indicator for diarrhoea risk. Yet, the association between E. coli and diarrhoea is inconsistent across studies without a systematic assessment of methodological differences behind this variation. Most studies measure water quality cross‐sectionally with diarrhoea, risking exposure misclassification and reverse causation. Studies use different recall windows for self‐reported diarrhoea; longer periods increase potential outcome misclassification through misrecall. Control of confounding is inconsistent across studies. Additionally, diarrhoea measured in unblinded intervention trials can present courtesy bias. We utilised measurements from a randomised trial of water interventions in Bangladesh to assess how these factors affect the E. coli–diarrhoea association.

Methods

We compared cross‐sectional versus prospective measurements of water quality and diarrhoea, 2‐versus 7‐day symptom recall periods, estimates with and without controlling for confounding and using measurements from control versus intervention arms of the trial.

Results

In the control arm, 2‐day diarrhoea prevalence, measured prospectively 1 month after water quality, significantly increased with log10 E. coli (PR = 1.50, 1.02–2.20). This association weakened when we used 7‐day recall (PR = 1.18, 0.88–1.57), cross‐sectional measurements of E. coli and diarrhoea (PR = 1.11, 0.79–1.56) or did not control for confounding (PR = 1.20, 0.88–1.62). Including data from intervention arms led to less interpretable associations, potentially due to courtesy bias, effect modification and/or reverse causation.

Conclusions

By systematically addressing potential sources of bias, our analysis demonstrates a clear relationship between E. coli in drinking water and diarrhoea, suggesting that the continued use of E. coli as an indicator of waterborne diarrhoea risk is justified.
Heat Transfer and Film Cooling on a Contoured Blade Endwall With Platform Gap Leakage
Authors: Lynch Stephen P. , Thole Karen A.
Published: November 2016

Turbine blade components in an engine are typically designed with gaps between parts due to manufacturing, assembly, and operational considerations. Coolant is provided to these gaps to limit the ingestion of hot combustion gases. The interaction of the gaps, their leakage flows, and the complex vortical flow at the endwall of a turbine blade can significantly impact endwall heat transfer coefficients and the effectiveness of the leakage flow in providing localized cooling. In particular, a platform gap through the passage, representing the mating interface between adjacent blades in a wheel, has been shown to have a significant effect. Other important turbine blade features present in the engine environment are nonaxisymmetric contouring of the endwall, and an upstream rim seal with a gaspath cavity, which can reduce and increase endwall vortical flow, respectively. To understand the platform gap leakage effect in this environment, measurements of endwall heat transfer, and film cooling effectiveness were performed in a scaled blade cascade with a nonaxisymmetric contour in the passage. A rim seal with a cavity, representing the overlap interface between a stator and rotor, was included upstream of the blades and a nominal purge flowrate of 0.75% of the mainstream was supplied to the rim seal. The results indicated that the endwall heat transfer coefficients increased as the platform gap net leakage increased from 0% to 0.6% of the mainstream flowrate, but net heat flux to the endwall was reduced due to high cooling effectiveness of the leakage flow.
Integrated Process- and Quality Control to Secure the Production of Slabs for Plates for Line Pipe Application
Authors: Weinberg Matthias , Meuser Heike
Published: November 2016

For safety reasons, the demands made on line pipe steels have been continuously increasing in recent years. The focus is on the steels’ mechanical, weldability and toughness properties, in particular. In addition to this typical pattern of increasing demands, it is also observable that customers increasingly require an integrated process and quality control system, from the steel-making process right through to ultimate plate production. Awareness of the potentials available in the production of the steel and of the plate, and their interaction in process improvement, is an essential factor in the meeting of such demands for comprehensive process control.

Both steelmaking plant and rolling-mill processes are increasingly being automated via the incorporation of sophisticated control and instrumentation technology. This creates optimum conditions for precise adjustment of these processes on the criteria of product quality.

The methods of process adjustment using the latest quality-evaluation tools, such as SILENOS (Steel Inclusion Level Evaluation by Numerical Optical Systems) and THEMiS (Testing for Heterogeneous Microinclusions and Segregation) are examined here. SILENOS is a new procedure for the assessment of steel cleanliness in which particle diameters of above 20 micron are analysed using computer-tomographic images.

A special CNC milling machine, a high-resolution scanner and a laser spectrometer examine the layers of metal by removing a large number of 10 μm layers in order to obtain a statistically correct evaluation. An automated procedure determines the concentration, size, geometry and chemical composition of the particles.

THEMiS was developed for assessment of the quality of the centre zone of slabs. Centre segregation in slabs is monitored and non-metallic inclusions evaluated simultaneously. A large number of spark-spectrometric analyses are performed perpendicular to the centreline segregation for this purpose. The classical spectrometric analyses and individual sparks are evaluated. This permits precise description of centre segregation by measurement, and also assessment of non-metallic inclusions of between 1 and 10 μm in the centre zone. The cleanliness and quality of the centre zone can then be described with very great accuracy and a new confidence level.

These specific measuring instruments are used for control of the steel-making processes at HKM (Hüttenwerke Krupp Mannnesmann) and at SMGB (Salzgitter Mannesmann Grobblech) in order to accommodate end-customers’ requirements and are directly correlated to production data and can be used for a product improvement.

This paper’s topic is the evaluation of an integrated improvement and quality assurance process extending from the very start of steel production, and including the interlinking of the properties of the cast slabs and the ultimate outcome in the form of the final plate. The benefits for the end customer and milestones along this evaluation route are examined and discussed.
Considerations for Gas Pipeline Blowdown
Authors: Galatro Daniela
Published: November 2016

Blowdown is a planned or unplanned release of pressurized natural gas from stations, equipment (vessels) or pipelines. In high pressure pipelines, the blowdown leads to low temperatures within the fluid and high vent rates due to larger gas inventory volumes. Blowdown is a hazardous operation, and for this reason several methods have been proposed to improve the accuracy in the estimation of the blowdown rate and the blowdown time in pipelines. In general, these approaches include either physical volume or pipe models with numerical and analytical methods of solution. For instance, a very simple approach for the estimation of the blowdown time is presented by American Gas Association (AGA); this approach can be used a as first-approximation to verify the size of the blowdown stack/valve. Another well-known simple method to predict gas-line blowdown times was presented by Weiss, Botros and Jungowski (WBJ) (1988); this method involves the application of correction factors that regards the pipeline as a volume. However, due to the transient nature of the blowdown and the proven accuracy of their formulation, in recent years transient simulations have been performed using commercial simulation software. This work compares simplified approaches and an acknowledged transient method integrating significant effects of fluid mechanics (quasi-steady flow for one phase), heat and mass transfer and rigorous thermodynamics. This transient method is extensively used by process design engineers since it is included as a calculation tool or utility in commercial simulation software. Experimental data taken from acknowledged literature allows estimating the level of accuracy of these approaches. Due to the complexity and sometimes non-availability of the transient models included in commercial simulation software, a novel and innovative simplified hybrid approach is presented in this work. This approach includes novel and improved correlations as well as numerical solutions of a physical model that can be easily translated into a computational code or sequentially structured in a spreadsheet. This method allows for estimating relevant variables associated to the pressure – time computation and the optimal sizing of blowdown stack/valves in gas pipelines, based on recommended gas blowdown times; these times were estimated considering a balance between the maximum permissible blowdown duration and the minimum wall and fluid temperatures that can safely be contained in the pipeline. Finally, comparisons between the results obtained by using commercial software and the novel approach are presented, showing a fair level of accuracy of this method (7.6 % maximum error percentage) considering its simplicity with regard to the transient modelling.
Detection of Crack-Related Features Within Dented Pipe Using Electromagnetic Acoustic Transduction (EMAT) Technology
Authors: Torres Luis , Vignal Geoff , Korol Kaitlyn , Sutherland Jeffrey , Tappert Stephan
Published: November 2016

Mechanical damage has been identified as a significant integrity threat within the Oil & Gas pipeline industry. In addition to deformation, associated secondary pipeline damage may also consist of coating removal, metal removal and cold working of the underlying metal that may result in cracking within the dented area. Detection of cracks within dented areas of the pipe using conventional Ultrasonic Technology (UT) and Magnetic Flux Leakage (MFL) In-line Inspection (ILI) technologies has been of limited success due to the variety of possible feature expressions, sensor design and arrangements, and the related complexity within the underlying physics for detection and characterization. Previous studies have shown the feasibility of Electro Magnetic Acoustic Transduction (EMAT) technology for detecting and characterizing crack related indications within dents on liquid pipelines. This study expands upon experimental investigations using pull through ILI tests on manufactured dents where machined linear indications (notches) were introduced into the dents. In this paper, the performance of EMAT technology for detection and characterization of crack related features in liquids pipelines under real operating conditions is presented. EMAT data were combined with high resolution caliper data, ultrasonic crack inspection data and dent strain assessment data, to demonstrate the EMAT capabilities to enhance pipeline integrity management of dents. Results of field non-destructive examinations are compared to EMAT predicted values to assess the performance of this technology. This study presents a supplementary method of detecting and mitigating coincidental crack related features with dents on liquids pipelines, further enhancing the safety and improving the integrity management of pipelines.
Loss Coefficient for Viscous Mixtures of Light and Heavy Crude Oil in Y-Junctions
Authors: Piñero Andres , Caldera Elionora , Borregales Manuel , Asuaje Miguel
Published: November 2016

One of the challenges of transporting highly viscous crude oil is to ensure that the flow of oil will be delivered. It is also necessary to keep the operational standards and conditions along sections of pipes and fittings. Today, with low oil prices, it is important to minimize energy losses through the pipelines and accessories. However, new designs are often based on correlations that have not been developed for heavy oil water mixtures and are not frequently reported in the literature. Moreover, conventional calculations do not take into account the presence of accessory lines, or simply consider by empirically adding an extra percentage of energy loss or according to the engineer design test. Even more, the current correlations that could estimate accessory loss do not work well for viscous fluids and are even less suitable for the case of two-phase mixtures. For example, Gardel correlation [1] was made for water flow through yee type accessories. Applying this correlation to viscous fluids result in high deviations, more than 500% compared to CFD simulations. The present work attempts to predict the fluid dynamics behavior and the energy losses of these viscous fluids and mixtures (oil - water) going through a Yee type confluence.

All simulations were carried out using ANSY CFX® v14.5. Mesh number of elements was optimized using Pipe-It® (optimization software). A grid independence study was also carried out automatically in Pipe-It® to ensure the quality of results. Several conditions have been simulated: angle confluence of 45°–75°, diameter ratio 2–7, oil viscosity from 10 to 105 cP, and water cut of 0–1. As the main result, a correlation that predicts the behavior of viscous mixtures in their passage through yee type confluences was developed using a genetic algorithms technique [2]. This correlation takes into account: viscosity, fluid fractions, input speeds, confluence angle and other parameters that are not normally considered by other authors. Therefore, it may be used in mixtures of water with light and heavy crude oil. Finally, correlations with 10% deviation compared to CFD simulations were obtained.
Preliminary Monitoring of Ground Slumping Across a Natural Gas Distribution Network With Satellite Radar
Authors: Henschel Michael D. , Deschamps Benjamin , Robert Gillian , Zulkoski Dan
Published: November 2016

Ground deformation from natural or anthropogenic processes is a significant factor in the integrity management plan for natural gas distribution networks. Rapid or large scale deformation can pose an immediate rupture threat. Smaller, more gradual or repeated ground deformations may lead to material stresses, damage and strain accumulation, posing a longer-term threat. Satellite monitoring can play a key role in pipeline integrity management programs by measuring ground deformation over an entire pipeline network, at high spatial and temporal resolutions with the ability to capture both rapid large scale and subtle, repeated ground movement over a longer period of time.

Millimeter accuracy ground deformation estimates are derived from radar satellite imagery using InSAR, a well-established and validated remote sensing technique. InSAR is an effective tool for rapidly identifying new regions requiring ground geotechnical surveys, deriving estimates of deformation rate, extents, and evolution of deformation patterns, for validating or extending traditional ground-based measurements, and for forward-looking operational monitoring.

We present the results of InSAR ground deformation monitoring over a natural gas distribution pipeline network in Saskatchewan, Canada. At the case study site, small diameter pipelines (up to 40 years old) have been subjected to ground slumping from a retrogressive landslide affecting multiple lakeshore communities and compounded in recent years by a high water table. Some locations have recently experienced slumping at rates greater than 50 cm/yr leading to important structural issues with roads, buildings, water mains, and gas pipelines.

The ground movement analysis is based on RADARSAT-2 satellite imagery acquired at 24-day intervals over a short period in 2015. Thousands of suitable measurement points were identified over two communities on opposite shores of the lake. The measured InSAR deformation time series showed deformation toward the lake. The extents of the deformation are clearly delineated by the InSAR measurements.
Acoustic Leak Detection at a Distance: A Key Enabler for Real-Time Pipeline Monitoring With the Internet of Things
Authors: Ocalan Murat , Edlebeck John P. , Siebenaler Shane P.
Published: November 2016

Real-time leak monitoring of pipelines is a need that is growing with the aging of the assets and the rise of the population living in their close proximity. While traditional deployment of external monitoring solutions on legacy assets may require extensive construction and trenching on the pipeline right-of-way, a new class of self-powered and wirelessly communicating devices provides an intriguing alternative. These devices are installed on the right-of-way with no need for mechanical excavation and allow continuous monitoring of a pipeline over long distances. Their low-power requirement makes it possible to operate the monitoring system continuously on battery power and their wireless communication is established through a self-forming network. These attributes make real-time monitoring possible without requiring any wiring to be deployed on the right-of way. The devices take advantage of the pipe’s characteristics that guide the acoustic waves generated by the leak along the pipeline to detect leaks. These characteristics make the detection possible even from a device that is not in close proximity of the leak.

Since device spacing is a key parameter in the cost of monitoring with the leak detection system, it is important to understand the parameters that govern the propagation of leak sound on pipelines. Testing was performed for this purpose to validate the ability of these novel acoustic sensors in an outdoor test facility under a variety of leak conditions. This testing evaluated the propagation of acoustic waves emanating from small leaks on a buried pipe. This was achieved by pressurizing the pipeline to different levels of pressure and inducing leaks through various orifice sizes. The acoustic disturbances induced by these leaks were measured by sensors deployed at various stations on the pipe. The results of this testing demonstrated the ability of such an approach to be used for detecting very small disturbances in soil from an offset position caused by leaking liquids.
Detection of Crack Initiation Based on Repeat In-Line Inspection
Authors: Palmer Michael , Davies Christopher , Ginten Markus , Palmer-Jones Roland
Published: November 2016

As Stress Corrosion Cracking (SCC) and other cracking related issues become a more recognised hazard or threat that can be monitored by in-line inspection (ILI), there have been high expectations for the pipeline inspection industry to produce a reliable solution for identifying and sizing cracks. The current leading ILI technologies provided for pipeline crack detection are Ultrasonic (UT) and Electromagnetic Acoustic Transducer (EMAT). The introduction of EMAT In-Line Inspection technologies has provided a proven solution for crack detection that can be used in gas pipelines without having to introduce a liquid couplant into the pipeline.

With the development of these technologies worldwide pipeline regulators are putting more pressure on the industry to monitor integrity issues relating to cracking. For example USA pipeline operators are required by the Office of Pipeline Safety to inspect and assess their pipelines that operate within high consequence areas for integrity issues, such as SCC, and repair or replace affected pipe. The inspection options for this include the use of Inline inspection tools — “smart pigs”. These regulations in combination with the majority of pipeline incidents relating to SCC occurring in gas pipelines have led to a significant increase in the use of EMAT ILI technology in recent years.

With repeat EMAT ILIs now being conducted on some pipelines there is the option to compare data sets to identify any changes between inspections. Due to the complexities of the EMAT measurement principle and the volumes of data recorded, the process of directly comparing raw signal data from two runs is still in its infancy and cannot currently be used to confirm or discount evidence of crack growth, such as the industry has seen with estimation of corrosion growth based on Magnetic Flux Leakage (MFL) technology signal comparison. However the comparison of EMAT data sets can aid the identification of crack initiation. This technical paper presents a method for identifying the initiation of crack growth (the development of newly detectable cracks) based on repeat EMAT ILI, using feature matching and comparison of raw EMAT inspection data. The implications for integrity management of the identification of newly detectable SCC are discussed, and possible future improvements are outlined. The paper includes a case study that illustrates some of the issues.
Integrity Assessment of Post-Peak-Moment Wrinkles
Authors: Liu Ming , Wang Yong-Yi , Sen Millan , Song Peter
Published: November 2016

For a pipeline experiencing a ground movement event, high longitudinal strain can be developed in the pipe longitudinal direction. When prerequisite requirements are met, ASME B31.4 allows up to 2% (nominal) longitudinal strain in a pipe. However, such high strain may be beyond the compressive strain capacity (CSC) of the pipe which is defined as the compressive strain corresponding to the maximum bending moment. Furthermore, wrinkles are usually formed at such a high strain level. Excessive local strain can accumulate around the wrinkles when the nominal strain goes beyond the CSC which can lead to significant wrinkle growth or even tearing of the pipe wall. Therefore, integrity of the pipes containing post-peak-moment wrinkles need to be assessed in order to confirm that the 2% nominal strain permitted in the ASME codes can be safely tolerated.

A number of failure modes are possible. Firstly, a pipe must be capable of tolerating the nominal strain up to 2% under static loading without leak or rupture. Secondly, if a buckle or wrinkle is formed in the initial event of ground movement and no leak or rupture occurs, the buckle or wrinkle can be subjected to fatigue loading during the continued operation of the pipeline. The pipe should have sufficient remaining life till the anomalies are discovered (through inline inspection, for example) and mitigated. The fatigue loading can come from fluctuations in operation pressure, temperature, and/or other sources. In this paper, the immediate and long-term integrity of selected pipelines were assessed.

The work has demonstrated that for the selected pipelines: (1) all lines meet the prerequisite conditions outlined in ASME B31.4 for the nominal strain limit up to 2%; (2) all lines are capable of tolerating nominal longitudinal strain up to 2% without immediate negative consequences; (3) for the wrinkles corresponding to nominal strain up to 2%, the wrinkles are expected to have finite fatigue lives and intervention within 5 to 7 years should be sufficient to prevent fatigue failures; and (4) locating and mitigating wrinkles corresponding to nominal longitudinal strain greater than 2% after a ground movement event may be necessary to ensure the safety of the pipelines.
Linguistically guided adaptation to foreign-accented speech
Authors: Cooper Angela , Bradlow Ann R.
Published: November 2016

Adaptation to foreign-accented sentences can be guided by knowledge of the lexical content of those sentences, which, being an exact match for the target, provides feedback on all linguistic levels. The extent to which this feedback needs to match the accented sentence was examined by manipulating the degree of match on different linguistic dimensions, including sub-lexical, lexical, and syntactic levels. Conditions where target-feedback sentence pairs matched and mismatched generated greater transcription improvement over non-English speech feedback, indicating listeners can draw upon sources of linguistic information beyond matching lexical items, such as sub- and supra-lexical information, during adaptation.
Imaging matrix metalloproteinase activity in multiple sclerosis as a specific marker of leukocyte penetration of the blood-brain barrier
Authors: Gerwien Hanna , Hermann Sven , Zhang Xueli , Korpos Eva , Song Jian , Kopka Klaus , Faust Andreas , Wenning Christian , Gross Catharina C. , Honold Lisa , Melzer Nico , Opdenakker Ghislain , Wiendl Heinz , Schäfers Michael , Sorokin Lydia
Published: November 2016

A method to visualize MMPs reveals penetration of the blood-brain barrier by leukocytes early in multiple sclerosis.
Distinct biological subtypes and patterns of genome evolution in lymphoma revealed by circulating tumor DNA
Authors: Scherer Florian , Kurtz David M. , Newman Aaron M. , Stehr Henning , Craig Alexander F. M. , Esfahani Mohammad Shahrokh , Lovejoy Alexander F. , Chabon Jacob J. , Klass Daniel M. , Liu Chih Long , Zhou Li , Glover Cynthia , Visser Brendan C. , Poultsides George A. , Advani Ranjana H. , Maeda Lauren S. , Gupta Neel K. , Levy Ronald , Ohgami Robert S. , Kunder Christian A. , Diehn Maximilian , Alizadeh Ash A.
Published: November 2016

Circulating tumor DNA reveals patterns of clonal evolution and allows classification of tumor subtypes in lymphoma.
T regulating lymphedema
Authors: Thomas Susan Napier
Published: November 2016

Adoptive T regulatory cell therapy lessens disease severity in a surgical mouse tail lymphedema model.
Neurodegeneration: From cellular concepts to clinical applications
Authors: Katsnelson Alla , De Strooper Bart , Zoghbi Huda Y.
Published: November 2016

Developing therapies for neurodegenerative diseases will require new scientific approaches.
Cold shock and cold acclimation proteins in the psychrotrophic bacterium Arthrobacter globiformis SI55
Authors: Berger F , Morellet N , Menu F , Potier P
Published: November 2016

The psychrotrophic bacterium Arthrobacter globiformis SI55 was grown at 4 and 25 degrees C, and the cell protein contents were analyzed by two-dimensional electrophoresis. Cells subjected to cold shocks of increasing magnitude were also analyzed. Correspondence analysis of protein appearance distinguished four groups of physiological significance. Group I contained cold shock proteins (Csps) overexpressed only after a large temperature downshift. Group II contained Csps with optimal expression after mild shocks. Group III contained proteins overexpressed after all cold shocks. These last proteins were also overexpressed in cells growing at 4 degrees C and were considered to be early cold acclimation proteins (Caps). Group IV contained proteins which were present at high concentrations only in 4 degrees C steady-state cells and appeared to be late Caps. A portion of a gene very similar to the Escherichia coli cspA gene (encoding protein CS7.4) was identified. A synthetic peptide was used to produce an antibody which detected a CS7.4-like protein (A9) by immunoblotting two-dimensional electrophoresis gels of A. globiformis SI55 total proteins. Unlike mesophilic microorganisms, this CS7.4-like protein was still produced during prolonged growth at low temperature, and it might have a particular adaptive function needed for balanced growth under harsh conditions. However, A9 was induced at high temperature by chloramphenicol, suggesting that CS7.4-like proteins have a more general role than their sole implication in cold acclimation processes.
Succinate:quinone oxidoreductase (complex II) containing a single heme b in facultative alkaliphilic Bacillus sp. strain YN-2000
Authors: Qureshi M H , Fujiwara T , Fukumori Y
Published: November 2016

Succinate:quinone oxidoreductase (EC 1.3.5.1) was first purified from the facultative alkaliphilic Bacillus sp. strain YN-2000 in the presence of Triton X-100. The isolated enzyme showed high succinate-ubiquinone oxidoreductase activity at pH 8.5. The Km for ubiquinone 1 and the Vmax of the enzyme were determined to be about 5 microM and 48 micromol of ubiquinone 1 per min per mg, respectively. The catalytic activity of the enzyme was 50% inhibited by 9 microM 2-thenoyltrifluoroacetone or 0.8 microM 2-n-heptyl-4-hydroxyquinoline- N-oxide. The enzyme consisted of three kinds of subunits with molecular masses of 66, 26, and 15 kDa, respectively, and contained 1.28 mol of covalently bound flavin adenine dinucleotide, 0.9 mol of heme b, 1.35 mol of menaquinone, 8.3 mol of nonheme iron, and 7.5 mol of inorganic sulfide per mol of enzyme. The enzyme showed symmetrical alpha absorption peaks at 556.5 and 554 nm in the reduced state at room temperature and 77 K, respectively. The potentiometric analysis of the enzyme yielded an Em,7 of heme b of about -64 mV (n = 1). Furthermore, the content of the enzyme was increased up to fivefold when the bacterium was grown at pH 10 compared with pH 7. These results indicate that the succinate:quinone oxidoreductase with a single heme b is involved in the respiratory chain of the alkaliphile at a very alkaline pH.