bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Alcohol consumption trends in Australia: Comparing surveys and sales‐based measures
Authors: Livingston Michael , Callinan Sarah , Raninen Jonas , Pennay Amy , Dietze Paul M.
Published: July 2017

Introduction and Aims

Survey data remain a crucial means for monitoring alcohol consumption, but there has been limited work done to ensure that surveys adequately capture changes in per‐capita consumption in Australia. In this study, we explore how trends in consumption from two major Australian surveys compare with an official measure of per‐capita consumption between 2001 and 2014 and examine age‐specific trends in drinking.

Design and Methods

Data were from five waves of the cross‐sectional National Health Survey (total n = 113 279) and 12 waves of the longitudinal Household Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia Study (average n = 12 347). Overall and age‐specific estimates of annual alcohol consumption were derived and compared with official per‐capita consumption and previous analyses of the National Drug Strategy Household Survey.

Results

In terms of overall consumption, both surveys broadly reflected trends in per‐capita consumption, especially the decline that has been observed since 2007/2008. Age‐specific trends were broadly similar, with the recent decline in consumption clearly concentrated among teenagers and young adults.

Discussion and Conclusions

The main Australian monitoring surveys remain useful monitoring tools for alcohol consumption in Australia. There is consistent evidence that the recent declines in Australian per‐capita consumption have been driven by sharp falls in drinking among young people, a trend that requires further study. [Livingston M, Callinan S, Raninen J, Pennay A, Dietze PM. Alcohol consumption trends in Australia: Comparing surveys and sales‐based measures. Drug Alcohol Rev 2017;00:000‐000]
THE RELIGIOUS OBSERVANCE OF RAMADAN AND PROSOCIAL BEHAVIOR
Authors: Haruvy Ernan E. , Ioannou Christos A. , Golshirazi Farnoush
Published: July 2017

We investigate experimentally the impact on prosocial behavior of the religious observance of Ramadan. Our sample consists of male factory workers in a manufacturing facility in a Muslim country. In our between‐subjects' design, each worker is asked to allocate an amount of money between himself and a stranger. Specifically, we examine behavior of observants and nonobservants before and after the daily break of the Ramadan fast. We also examine behavior outside of Ramadan, where we treat alimentary abstention as akin to a long fasting period. We hypothesize and confirm that outside Ramadan, decision makers who abstain from any alimentary intake transfer less money to recipients relative to decision makers who do not abstain. Strikingly, this effect is reversed during the month of Ramadan. Specifically, observant workers who are in the midst of their Ramadan fast are far more generous to recipients than workers who have had their evening meal. Interestingly, observant and nonobservant workers after the daily break of the Ramadan fast and workers outside Ramadan that consumed aliments make statistically similar transfers. Our findings suggest that it is the interaction between alimentary abstention and religious observance that amplifies prosocial behavior during Ramadan, where fasting is part of the ritual. (JEL C91, C93, C72)
Large‐scale movement behavior in a reintroduced predator population
Authors: Buderman Frances E. , Hooten Mevin B. , Ivan Jacob S. , Shenk Tanya M.
Published: July 2017

Understanding movement behavior and identifying areas of landscape connectivity is critical for the conservation of many species. However, collecting fine‐scale movement data can be prohibitively time consuming and costly, especially for rare or endangered species, whereas existing data sets may provide the best available information on animal movement. Contemporary movement models may not be an option for modeling existing data due to low temporal resolution and large or unusual error structures, but inference can still be obtained using a functional movement modeling approach. We use a functional movement model to perform a population‐level analysis of telemetry data collected during the reintroduction of Canada lynx to Colorado. Little is known about southern lynx populations compared to those in Canada and Alaska, and inference is often limited to a few individuals due to their low densities. Our analysis of a population of Canada lynx fills significant gaps in the knowledge of Canada lynx behavior at the southern edge of its historical range. We analyzed functions of individual‐level movement paths, such as speed, residence time, and tortuosity, and identified a region of connectivity that extended north from the San Juan Mountains, along the continental divide, and terminated in Wyoming at the northern edge of the Southern Rocky Mountains. Individuals were able to traverse large distances across non‐boreal habitat, including exploratory movements to the Greater Yellowstone area and beyond. We found evidence for an effect of seasonality and breeding status on many of the movement quantities and documented a potential reintroduction effect. Our findings provide the first analysis of Canada lynx movement in Colorado and substantially augment the information available for conservation and management decisions. The functional movement framework can be extended to other species and demonstrates that information on movement behavior can be obtained using existing data sets.
Off‐label use of rituximab in autoimmune disease in the Top End of the Northern Territory, 2008–2016
Authors: Wongseelashote Sarah , Tayal Vipin , Bourke Peter Francis
Published: July 2017

Background

Rituximab, an anti‐CD20 B‐cell depleting monoclonal antibody, is increasingly prescribed off‐label for a range of autoimmune diseases. There has not previously been an audit of off‐label rituximab use in the Northern Territory, where the majority of patients are Aboriginal.

Aims

To evaluate retrospectively off‐label rituximab use in autoimmune diseases in the Top End of the Northern Territory.

Methods

We performed a retrospective audit of 8 years of off‐label rituximab use at the Royal Darwin Hospital, the sole tertiary referral centre for the Darwin, Katherine and East Arnhem regions. Electronic and paper records were reviewed for demographic information, diagnosis/indication for rituximab, doses, previous/concomitant immunosuppression, clinical outcomes and specific adverse events.

Results

Rituximab was prescribed off‐label to 66 patients for 24 autoimmune diseases. The majority of patients (62.1%) were Aboriginal and 60.6% female. The most common indications were refractory/relapsing disease despite standard therapies (68.7%) or severe disease with rituximab incorporated into an induction immunosuppressive regimen (19.4%). Systemic lupus erythematosus was the underlying diagnosis in 28.8% of cases. A clinically significant response was demonstrated in 74.2% of cases overall. There were 18 clinically significant infections; however, 13 were in patients receiving concurrent immunosuppressive therapy. There was a total of nine deaths from any cause.

Conclusion

Rituximab has been used off‐label for a range of autoimmune diseases in this population with a high proportion of Aboriginal patients successfully and safely in the majority of cases.
Negotiating a ‘Radically Ambiguous World’: Planning for the Future of Research at the Art and Design University
Authors: Liinamaa Saara
Published: July 2017

Theoretically and methodologically, understanding the role of research within art and design practices is a recurring theme within contemporary dialogue and debate. In the published literature, there are many questions around how categories and definitions of artistic research are employed within the increasingly under‐resourced realm of higher education. This article contributes to this larger discussion by building up our knowledge of a particular feature of this landscape: how research policy and planning documents at art and design universities represent and define artistic research. While examining research at the level of practice remains important, we must also understand the symbolic and practical weight that institutional directives carry. In light of recent literature on artistic research and the debates concerning its evaluation and institutionalisation, this article develops our contemporary understanding of the role of the art and design university as an important mediator of conflicting perspectives on the ‘value’ of art and design research. Based on a discourse analysis of research planning documents from Canada's three independent public art and design universities, this article will argue that it is not the definition of artistic research itself that is the most contentious feature of university research planning – it is defining the value of this research that invites conflict and concern.
Evaluating social (pragmatic) communication disorder
Authors: Mandy William , Wang Adele , Lee Irene , Skuse David
Published: July 2017

Background

Social (pragmatic) communication disorder (SPCD) is a new diagnosis introduced by DSM‐5, characterised by problems with verbal and nonverbal social communication. It is currently unclear whether SPCD is a valid diagnostic category, because little is known about the characteristics of those who meet its criteria. We sought to identify and describe cases of SPCD, to contribute to debates about its validity. We investigated whether the symptoms of SPCD cluster together to form a coherent syndrome that is distinct from autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in terms of its core and associated features.

Methods

Participants were young people (N = 1,081, age range = 4–18 years) who had attended a specialist social communication disorders clinic for children with fluent language and normal‐range intelligence. Standardised parent‐report data were collected using the Developmental, Dimensional and Diagnostic Interview (3Di), Child Communication Checklist (CCC) and Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). An algorithm was designed using 3Di and CCC items to implement DSM‐5 SPCD criteria.

Results

Eighty‐eight young people met our criteria for SPCD, with 801 meeting DSM‐5 ASD criteria and the remaining 192 having neither SPCD nor ASD (‘clinical comparison group’). The core symptoms of SPCD co‐occurred to a moderate degree (average interitem correlation = .22). SPCD cases had autistic social difficulties that were intermediate between ASD and the clinical comparison group. SPCD was associated with high rates of nonautistic psychopathology, with 63.5% scoring in the abnormal range of the SDQ's Total Problems scale.

Conclusions

We did not find evidence that SPCD is qualitatively distinct from ASD. Rather, it appears to lie on the borderlands of the autism spectrum, describing those with autistic traits that fall just below the threshold for an ASD diagnosis. SPCD may have clinical utility for identifying people with autistic traits that are insufficiently severe for ASD diagnosis, but who nevertheless require support.
A clinical trial of a novel emulsion for potential use as a saliva substitute in patients with radiation‐induced xerostomia
Authors: Apperley O. , Medlicott N. , Rich A. , Hanning S. , Huckabee M. L.
Published: July 2017

Researchers have recently developed a novel oily formulation for potential use as a saliva substitute for the treatment of dry mouth. The aim of this randomised, crossover study was to compare this new formulation to a currently available saliva substitute and a control of water on measures of mastication, subjective feeling of oral dryness and product acceptability. Forty participants treated with radiotherapy to the head and neck and experiencing xerostomia were invited to participate in the trial. Each participant trialled all three products in a randomised order. The effect of each product was measured using the Test of Masticating and Swallowing Solids (TOMASS), the Shortened Xerostomia Inventory (SXI) and a questionnaire designed to test patient acceptability of each product. Outcome data were gathered in a single session after the first administration of each product to evaluate immediate effects and after 7 days of use to evaluate longer‐term effects. Statistical analyses consisted of repeated‐measures analysis of variance and mixed models. There was no evidence that application of the three formulations had an effect on any of the TOMASS measures, either immediately or after one week of use (P > 0·05). There was a significant main effect of formulation on the SXI score (P = 0·02). Application of the novel emulsion resulted in a clinically small but significant improvement in SXI score (P < 0·01); however, application of methylcellulose (P = 0·21) and water (P = 0·81) resulted in no significant difference. There was no difference in participant acceptability between the three products (P = 0·32). The novel oily emulsion showed no clinically significant benefit over two existing products for relief of xerostomia. Indeed, none of the three products demonstrated significant change in patient outcomes.
Probabilistic Risk Analysis of Diversion Tunnel Construction Simulation
Authors: Yu Jia , Zhong Denghua , Ren Bingyu , Tong Dawei , Hong Kun
Published: July 2017

Comprehensive and effective risk analysis is significant for studying construction simulation of diversion tunnel. Existing tunnel risk simulation approaches mainly analyze ordinary risk factors, and cannot quantitatively study risk events considering their causes. Additionally, in other tunnel probabilistic risk analysis methods, although some studies have made full probabilistic estimates of tunnel schedule, risk factors are unable to be studied considering cyclic construction characteristics and occurrence probability of risk events cannot be determined quantitatively. To address the issues, a probabilistic risk analysis approach of diversion tunnel construction simulation is proposed. Based on hierarchical simulation model, risk factors can be analyzed at operation level of tunnel construction. Moreover, Bayesian network is embedded into simulation program to quantitatively calculate probability of risk events in each simulation cycle, considering geology, design, construction, and management conditions and their mutual dependence.
Automated Estimation of Reinforced Precast Concrete Rebar Positions Using Colored Laser Scan Data
Authors: Wang Qian , Cheng Jack C. P. , Sohn Hoon
Published: July 2017

Precast concrete elements are widely adopted and the performance of precast structures is relying on the quality of connections between adjacent elements. For reinforced precast concrete elements, rebar positions are important for the overall structural performance, however, they are usually manually inspected. This study develops a technique for automated position estimation of rebars on reinforced precast concrete elements using colored laser scan data. A novel mixed pixel filter is developed to remove mixed pixels from the raw scan data based on both distance and color difference. A one‐class classifier is used for extracting rebars from all the data based on both geometric and color features of points. Furthermore, a novel rebar recognition algorithm is developed to recognize individual rebars based on two newly defined metrics. Experiments on two reinforced precast concrete bridge deck panels were conducted and showed that the proposed technique can accurately and efficiently estimate rebar positions.
‘Howzat’—how do artefacts without matter, matter? The case of decision review systems in professional cricket
Authors: McLoughlin Ian , Dawson Patrick
Published: July 2017

It has been argued that the social and material worlds are increasingly entangled as they become mediated by and experienced through virtual representations of live events. Virtual decision review systems in professional sport provide an albeit unusual case study example of such developments where virtual (re‐)representations of events are increasingly used in match play to inform adjudicator decisions concerning ‘what really happened’. This has prompted an ongoing debate in many sports over both the accuracy and appropriateness of these technologies for representing events which are often fast moving and difficult to judge with the human eye. We explore these issues using a sociomaterial practice lens and indicate the broader relevance of the case for basing judgements and decisions on virtual views of reality.
‘Communities of resistance’ and the use of newspaper discussion boards: Polish workers in Japanese foreign investments
Authors: Bancarzewski Maciej , Hardy Jane
Published: July 2017

This article examines the content of 200 posts on newspaper discussion boards by workers in a cluster of Japanese foreign investments in Poland. The conclusions are first, that the material experiences of workers generate a set of themes in relation to the labour process with regard to wages and working conditions, bullying and monitoring that exhibit similarities across countries. Second, we argue that an analysis of the discourse used is shaped by political and institutional conditions, which reveal national differences in how workers perceive and locate their exploitation. Finally, in relation to debates about workers’ resistance and the use of the Internet we argue that the interaction of themes related to the material experience of work are intertwined with institutionally embedded understandings of exploitation, which not only enable a shared framework for venting, but also provide the basis for a community of resistance.
Making tax and social security decisions: lean and deskilling in the UK Civil Service
Authors: Martin Douglas
Published: July 2017

Lean working has had a significant impact on the work skills of civil servants. This study examines the impact of lean specifically focusing on ‘decision‐makers’, those civil servants engaged in deciding tax and social security claims. Using qualitative data from trade union members and stewards in two major government departments, this study found significant evidence of deskilling often in the face of dealing with potentially complex legal and factual issues. Using Mashaw's framework of administrative justice, the article argues that management's use of lean was evidence of an accelerated shift to a managerial model of administering tax and benefits where the administrative processes of decision‐making become paramount at the expense of the quality of the decisions made.
A research agenda to guide progress on childhood obesity prevention in Latin America
Authors: Kline L. , Jones‐Smith J. , Jaime Miranda J. , Pratt M. , Reis R.S. , Rivera J.A. , Sallis J.F. , Popkin B.M.
Published: July 2017

Childhood obesity rates in Latin America are among the highest in the world. This paper examines and evaluates the many efforts underway in the region to reduce and prevent further increases in obesity, identifies and discusses unique research challenges and opportunities in Latin America, and proposes a research agenda in Latin America for the prevention of childhood obesity and concomitant non‐communicable diseases. Identified research gaps include biological challenges to healthy growth across the life cycle, diet and physical activity dynamics, community interventions promoting healthy child growth, and rigorous evaluation of national food and activity programs and regulatory actions. Addressing these research gaps is critical to advance the evidence‐based policy and practice in childhood obesity tailored to the Latin American context that will be effective in addressing obesity.
Prevention of childhood obesity and food policies in Latin America: from research to practice
Authors: Pérez‐Escamilla R. , Lutter C.K. , Rabadan‐Diehl C. , Rubinstein A. , Calvillo A. , Corvalán C. , Batis C. , Jacoby E. , Vorkoper S. , Kline L. , Ewart‐Pierce E. , Rivera J.A.
Published: July 2017

Background

Addressing childhood obesity in Latin America requires a package of multisectoral, evidence‐based policies that enable environments conducive to healthy lifestyles.

Objective

Identify and examine key elements to translating research into effective obesity policies in Latin America.

Methods

We examined obesity prevention policies through case studies developed with an expert in the specific policy. Policies were selected based on their level of implementation, visibility and potential impact to reduce childhood obesity. They include: (i) excise taxes on sugar sweetened beverages and energy‐dense foods; (ii) front‐of‐package food label legislation; (iii) trans fatty acids removal from processed foods; and (iv) Ciclovías recreativas or ‘open streets’. Case studies were coded to identify components that explained successful implementation and sustainability using the Complex Adaptive Health Systems framework.

Results

The analysis identified key elements for effective and sustainable policy, including evidence justifying policy; evidence‐based advocacy by civil society; political will; and legislation and skillful negotiations across government, academia, the private sector and civil society. Scientific evidence and evaluation played an important role in achieving tipping points for policies' launch and sustain effective implementation.

Conclusions

Well‐coordinated, intersectoral partnerships are needed to successfully implement evidence‐based anti‐obesity policies. Prospective policy research may be useful for advancing knowledge translation.
The association between obesity and academic performance in youth: a systematic review
Authors: Santana C. C. A. , Hill J. O. , Azevedo L. B. , Gunnarsdottir T. , Prado W. L.
Published: July 2017

Previous studies have found that obesity could influence academic performance. The aim of this study was to systematically review the scientific evidence on the association between obesity and academic performance in school children. A systematic review of English articles was undertaken by using databases PubMed/Medline, ERIC, LILACS, SciELO and Web of Science. Cross‐sectional and longitudinal studies examining the association between obesity and academic performance in children and adolescents, published between January 1990 and December 2016, were included. Risk of bias was assessed by using Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology. Thirty‐four studies (23 cross‐sectional and 11 longitudinal) matched all inclusion criteria and were included. Seven studies were classified as low risk of bias, 23 as medium risk and four as high risk. After controlling for covariates such as socio‐economic status, parental education and physical activity, the association between obesity and academic performance becomes uncertain for most of the studies (55.9%). Therefore, at present, there is insufficient evidence to support a direct link between obesity and poor academic performance in school age children. In order to clarify this issue, we need more longitudinal studies with adequate sample sizes and that control for potential confounders.
Methylation of protein phosphatase 2A—Influence of regulators and environmental stress factors
Authors: Creighton Maria T. , Kolton Anna , Kataya Amr R.A. , Maple‐Grødem Jodi , Averkina Irina O. , Heidari Behzad , Lillo Cathrine
Published: July 2017

Protein phosphatase 2A catalytic subunit (PP2A‐C) has a terminal leucine subjected to methylation, a regulatory mechanism conserved from yeast to mammals and plants. Two enzymes, LCMT1 and PME1, methylate and demethylate PP2A‐C, respectively. The physiological importance of these posttranslational modifications is still enigmatic. We investigated these processes in Arabidopsis thaliana by mutant phenotyping, by global expression analysis, and by monitoring methylation status of PP2A‐C under different environmental conditions. The lcmt1 mutant, possessing essentially only unmethylated PP2A‐C, had less dense rosettes, and earlier flowering than wild type (WT). The pme1 mutant, with 30% reduction in unmethylated PP2A‐C, was phenotypically comparable with WT. Approximately 200 overlapping genes were twofold upregulated, and 200 overlapping genes were twofold downregulated in both lcmt1 and pme1 relative to WT. Differences between the 2 mutants were also striking; 97 genes were twofold upregulated in pme1 compared with lcmt1, indicating that PME1 acts as a negative regulator for these genes. Analysis of enriched GO terms revealed categories of both abiotic and biotic stress genes. Furthermore, methylation status of PP2A‐C was influenced by environmental stress, especially by hypoxia and salt stress, which led to increased levels of unmethylated PP2A‐C, and highlights the importance of PP2A‐C methylation/demethylation in environmental responses.
Poverty Mapping in Small Areas Under a Twofold Nested Error Regression Model
Authors: Marhuenda Yolanda , Molina Isabel , Morales Domingo , Rao J. N. K.
Published: July 2017

Poverty maps at local level might be misleading when based on direct (or area-specific) estimators obtained from a survey that does not cover adequately all the local areas of interest. In this case, small area estimation procedures based on assuming common models for all the areas typically provide much more reliable poverty estimates. These models include area effects to account for the unexplained between-area heterogeneity. When poverty figures are sought at two different aggregation levels, domains and subdomains, it is reasonable to assume a twofold nested error model including random effects explaining the heterogeneity at the two levels of aggregation. The paper introduces the empirical best (EB) method for poverty mapping or, more generally, for estimation of additive parameters in small areas, under a twofold model. Under this model, analytical expressions for the EB estimators of poverty incidences and gaps in domains or subdomains are given. For more complex additive parameters, a Monte Carlo algorithm is used to approximate the EB estimators. The EB estimates obtained of the totals for all the subdomains in a given domain add up to the EB estimate of the domain total. We develop a bootstrap estimator of the mean-squared error of EB estimators and study the effect on the mean-squared error of a misspecification of the area effects. In simulations, we compare the estimators obtained under the twofold model with those obtained under models with only domain effects or only subdomain effects, when all subdomains are sampled or when there are unsampled subdomains. The methodology is applied to poverty mapping in counties of the Spanish region of Valencia by gender. Results show great variation in the poverty incidence and gap across the counties from this region, with more counties affected by extreme poverty when restricting ourselves to women.
Metabolite profiling of non‐sterile rhizosphere soil
Authors: Pétriacq Pierre , Williams Alex , Cotton Anne , McFarlane Alexander E. , Rolfe Stephen A. , Ton Jurriaan
Published: July 2017

Rhizosphere chemistry is the sum of root exudation chemicals, their breakdown products and the microbial products of soil‐derived chemicals. To date, most studies about root exudation chemistry are based on sterile cultivation systems, which limits the discovery of microbial breakdown products that act as semiochemicals and shape microbial rhizosphere communities. Here, we present a method for untargeted metabolic profiling of non‐sterile rhizosphere soil. We have developed an experimental growth system that enables the collection and analysis of rhizosphere chemicals from different plant species. High‐throughput sequencing of 16SrRNA genes demonstrated that plants in the growth system support a microbial rhizosphere effect. To collect a range of (a)polar chemicals from the system, we developed extraction methods that do not cause detectable damage to root cells or soil‐inhabiting microbes, thus preventing contamination with cellular metabolites. Untargeted metabolite profiling by UPLC‐Q‐TOF mass spectrometry, followed by uni‐ and multivariate statistical analyses, identified a wide range of secondary metabolites that are enriched in plant‐containing soil, compared with control soil without roots. We show that the method is suitable for profiling the rhizosphere chemistry of Zea mays (maize) in agricultural soil, thereby demonstrating the applicability to different plant–soil combinations. Our study provides a robust method for the comprehensive metabolite profiling of non‐sterile rhizosphere soil, which represents a technical advance towards the establishment of causal relationships between the chemistry and microbial composition of the rhizosphere.
A computational approach for inferring the cell wall properties that govern guard cell dynamics
Authors: Woolfenden Hugh C. , Bourdais Gildas , Kopischke Michaela , Miedes Eva , Molina Antonio , Robatzek Silke , Morris Richard J.
Published: July 2017

Guard cells dynamically adjust their shape in order to regulate photosynthetic gas exchange, respiration rates and defend against pathogen entry. Cell shape changes are determined by the interplay of cell wall material properties and turgor pressure. To investigate this relationship between turgor pressure, cell wall properties and cell shape, we focused on kidney‐shaped stomata and developed a biomechanical model of a guard cell pair. Treating the cell wall as a composite of the pectin‐rich cell wall matrix embedded with cellulose microfibrils, we show that strong, circumferentially oriented fibres are critical for opening. We find that the opening dynamics are dictated by the mechanical stress response of the cell wall matrix, and as the turgor rises, the pectinaceous matrix stiffens. We validate these predictions with stomatal opening experiments in selected Arabidopsis cell wall mutants. Thus, using a computational framework that combines a 3D biomechanical model with parameter optimization, we demonstrate how to exploit subtle shape changes to infer cell wall material properties. Our findings reveal that proper stomatal dynamics are built on two key properties of the cell wall, namely anisotropy in the form of hoop reinforcement and strain stiffening.
Do venture capitalists function the same: The evidence from the Chinese newest stock market, ChiNext
Authors: Beladi Hamid , Chao Chi Chur , Hu May
Published: July 2017

We examine the role of venture capitals (VC) in Chinese entrepreneurial firms surrounding their initial public offerings (IPOs) on ChiNext. We find VCs are more likely to invest in entrepreneurial firms close to their registered location. Unlike developed countries, Chinese VCs cannot significantly improve firms' corporate governance and operating performance on ChiNext. These results indicate these VCs are more free‐riders rather than value‐added investors. The empirical findings suggest Chinese government should restructure ChiNext or reform primary market regulations to encourage VCs to make more value‐added activities and improve the financing environment of small to medium‐sized enterprises. VCs are still new on the ChiNext.
Development of a novel ex vivo equine corneal model
Authors: Marlo Todd L. , Giuliano Elizabeth A. , Sharma Ajay , Mohan Rajiv R.
Published: July 2017

Objective

To develop an ex vivo equine corneal organ culture model. Specifically, to assess the equine cornea's extracellular matrix and cellularity after 7 days using two different culture techniques: either (i) immersion system or (ii) air/liquid interface system, to determine the best ex vivo equine corneal model.

Animals Studied

Fourteen healthy equine corneas of various breeds.

Procedures

Equine corneas with 2 mm of perilimbal sclera were freshly harvested from 7 horses undergoing humane euthanasia. One corneal–scleral ring (CSR) from each horse was randomly placed in the (i) immersion condition organ culture system (IC), with the contralateral CSR being placed in the (ii) air/liquid interface organ culture system (ALC) for 7 days. All corneas were evaluated using serial daily gross photography, histology, qPCR, and TUNEL assay.

Results

corneal–scleral rings placed in the IC (i) had complete loss of corneal transparency on gross photography by 7 days, showed a significant level of corneal stromal disorganization, significantly increased α‐SMA levels on qPCR, and apoptosis on TUNEL assay compared to controls. The ALC (ii) had weak stromal disorganization on histopathologic examination and was not significantly different from normal equine corneal controls on all other evaluated parameters.

Conclusions

The air–liquid interface organ culture system maintains the equine cornea's extracellular matrix and preserves corneal transparency, while the immersion condition results in near complete degradation of normal equine corneal architecture after 7 days in culture. The air–liquid organ culture is a viable option to maintain a healthy equine cornea in an ex vivo setting for wound healing studies.
Silver delivery approaches in the management of partial thickness burns: A systematic review and indirect treatment comparison
Authors: Nherera Leo , Trueman Paul , Roberts Christopher , Berg Leena
Published: July 2017

Silver‐containing products play an important role in the management of burn wound infections. We sought to compare the efficacy of commonly used silver delivery approaches including nanocrystalline silver, silver‐impregnated hydrofiber dressing, and silver‐impregnated foam dressing as the main products in the management of partial thickness burns. A systematic review was performed by searching PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane, and other databases to identify relevant randomized controlled trials and observational studies. Due to the paucity of direct head‐to‐head trials, an indirect treatment comparison was performed. The use of nanocrystalline silver was associated with a statistically significant reduction in length of stay when compared to silver‐impregnated hydrofiber dressing (p = 0.027) and a shorter time to healing when compared to silver‐impregnated foam dressing (p = 0.0328). There were no statistically significant differences in infection rates and surgical procedures between nanocrystalline silver, silver‐impregnated hydrofiber dressing, and silver‐impregnated foam dressing; however, nanocrystalline silver was found to be the most beneficial for all the outcomes, including infection rates and surgical procedures, according to the Monte Carlo simulation method. In conclusion, current evidence from the published literature suggests that where the clinical and microbiological priority is to get in control of infection quickly it would seem prudent to use the most potent silver delivery system, which is nanocrystalline silver. Nanocrystalline silver may offer both clinical and economic benefits compared to alternative treatments in the management of patients with mixed burns that are at high risk of infection.
Financial aspects of organ procurement from deceased donors in the USA—Relevance to xenotransplantation
Authors: Saari Ryan J. , Cooper David K. C.
Published: July 2017

When clinical xenotransplantation is introduced, the costs associated with acquisition of a genetically engineered pig organ are as yet unknown. How will these costs compare with those currently associated with the acquisition of deceased human organs? An understanding of the financial aspects of deceased organ and tissue procurement in the USA is therefore worthwhile. We have therefore attempted to review certain economic aspects of non‐profit and for‐profit organizations that provide cadaveric organs and/or tissues for purposes of transplantation into patients with end‐stage organ failure, cellular deficiencies, or in need of reconstructive procedures. We briefly consider the laws, organizations, and business practices that govern the acquisition, processing, and/or distribution of cadaveric organs and tissues, and the economic implications of industry practices. In particular, we explore and highlight what we perceive as a lack of transparency and oversight with regard to financial practices, and we question whether donor families would be entirely happy with the business environment that has developed from their altruistic donations. Until xenotransplantation becomes established clinically, which will negate the need for any system of organ procurement and allocation, we suggest that those involved in organ and cell transplantation, as well as those who participate in reconstructive surgery, should take responsibility to ensure that the financial practices associated with procurement are transparent, and overseen/regulated by a responsible authority. We suggest the major transplant societies should take a lead in this respect. The ability to acquire a genetically engineered pig organ whenever required through a simple commercial transaction (as in the acquisition of a life‐saving drug) will be greatly to the patient's benefit.
Pounding Tuned Mass Damper (PTMD): An Innovative Damper for Subsea Pipeline and Jumper Vibration Controls
Authors: Patil Devendra , Kalia Akshay , Song Gangbing , Lara Marcus
Published: July 2017

This paper discusses the pounding tuned mass damper (PTMD) — a novel device developed in a joint collaboration between OneSubsea, a Schlumberger Company and the University of Houston to absorb and dissipate the undesired vibrations generated due to VIV and FIV in subsea pipeline and jumpers. The PTMD is based on principles of both the tuned mass damper (TMD) and the impact damper. The tuned mass in the PTMD absorbs the kinetic energy of the structure and dissipates the absorbed energy through collisions on viscoelastic material. During development, detailed numerical analysis and experimentation were performed to study the effectiveness of the PTMD on the jumper. In the experiment, a full size M-shaped jumper was tested in both air and shallow water conditions for VIV at NASA’s Natural Buoyancy Laboratory (NBL). The experiment also examined the robustness of PTMD for different frequency VIVs. Experimental results showed that the PTMD effectively reduced the in-plane and out-plane vibration of the jumper up to 90%. The observed reduction in vibration amplitude can reduce fatigue damage to jumpers, thus enabling oil and gas operators to optimize spending on vibration mitigation devices, minimize lost revenues, improve system lifespan and availability, and enhance operational flexibility. Reduction in stress of these pipelines also means improved reliability and reduction in costs associated with inspection, maintenance, and repair of subsea jumpers and pipelines. These long-term financial benefits and ability to be installed on existing and new jumpers (pipelines) makes the PTMD a desired solution for vibration suppression in deep water environments.
Monitoring of Pipeline RoU Using Remote Sensing and GIS Techniques
Authors: Gajjar Yogin
Published: July 2017

Safe Pipeline transportation of energy resources is a major concern. Every Natural Gas Pipeline Operator’s primary objective is to operate and maintain pipeline network in such a way that it would continuously provide un-interrupted services to customers without any accidents which can adversely impact on the environment and reputation of the organization. Various surveillance methods are being used in Natural Gas Pipelines as a part of direct integrity assessment. Traditionally, surveillance is conducted by line walking and supplemented by vehicular over the linear corridor. This process involves various shortcomings in terms of efficacy, accuracy, cost, and safety. This method purely depend upon Inspector’s ability for detecting anomalies. It is in the interest of any operator to maintain the value of its pipelines and to protect them effectively against damage caused by third parties. As a result of global progress in high-resolution remote sensing and image processing technology, it is possible to use digital surveillance method for monitoring of pipeline Right of Use (RoU). Digital Surveillance is done using Remote Sensing and Geographical Information System (GIS) techniques. Remote sensing based pipeline surveillance refers to the monitoring and detection of changes on RoU and around pipeline networks. This paper elaborates on the development and implementation of a digital solution that uses images from satellites and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) to detect instances of encroachments and third-party activities on Pipeline RoU. Such a solution provides capability of running advance analytics on captured images, and will enable to automate detection of anomalies which may often go un-noticed during manual inspection.
Variation of Top of Line Corrosion Rates at Different Positions in Pipe
Authors: Shant J. Raghu , Barker Richard , Neville Anne
Published: July 2017

The inner surface of pipe plays a crucial role in top of line corrosion when condensation of droplet takes place. Condensation over inner periphery of pipeline takes place by droplet formation due to differential temperature inside the pipe and external environmental factors. To understand the change in corrosion rates with respect to droplet flow and temperature [40°C, 60°C and 80°C], a rig with curvature 80mm which simulates top of line corrosion is designed to carry out experiments at 0°, 15° and 30° inclinations in fixed 3 litre beaker.

Droplet formation on the sample as well as on perpex surface has been captured at different temperatures to understand the droplet size formation. Corrosion rate calculation is done my weight loss methods which are generally preferred in on site analysis instead of electrochemical measurements. Surface analysis is carried out with the help of optical microscope and optical profilometer where corrosion rate, inclination were correlated to average surface roughness.
Enhancing Pipeline Integrity Management by Integrating Advanced Geoprocessing Models
Authors: Singh G. , Gharibi A. , Perez B. Martinez , Almandoz R.
Published: July 2017

Pipelines are recognized as one of the safest methods of transporting hazardous products, however unwanted incidents still occur. With many kilometers of the pipelines interacting with different environments, they are exposed to various threats and risks. Any record of leak or rupture along the pipelines can have devastating consequences; for example extreme environmental impacts, huge economic losses in addition to its national and international operators’ images.

To prevent pipeline failure and adhere to the regulations, the risk of an incident to occur should be continuously assessed and evaluated throughout the pipeline’s operating life-cycle. Risk management has been a critical component of the Integrity Management Process (IMS) for a number of years. With the increasing availability of geographic information and improved inspection technologies for pipeline networks, there is an on-going expectation from both pipeline regulators and operators worldwide to access a more quantitative approach for risk management along the pipeline using GIS or geoprocessing models.

Amalgamation of geoprocessing models with integrity management allows to precisely identify the risk areas along the pipeline with a rich visualization on the map. This is one of the most critical element underpinning the decision-making process.

In this paper, a review of geoprocessing tools that have been implemented within a pipeline integrity management system is presented. Examples of these geoprocessing tools include: (1) Class Location, (2) High Consequences Area (HCA), (3) Gas Dispersion and (4) Electrical Interference. After successful implementation of these tools, the output of the tools have been used to carry out more detailed analysis of risk assessment and aid in decision making. Additionally a WebGIS platform was also implemented to facilitate the visualization of the results.
Pipeline Repairs: The History of the Technology and the Efforts to Codify and Document Standards
Authors: Knights J. D. , Laughlin S.
Published: July 2017

This paper will review the history of pipeline repairs. Prevailing codes, standards , design guidance’s and regulation typically permit several types of repairs: namely: replace pipe as a cylinder, repair by grinding or buffing out a defect, weld overlays techniques, utilizing a steel reinforcement sleeve or utilizing a composite reinforcement sleeve or composite wrap. This paper will review the history of the technology and the efforts to document and codify consensus standards such as ASME PCC 2 Article 4.1, ASME B31.8s, ASME B31.4 and ISO 24817. Contemporaneous issues related to the subject will be addressed as well of the durability of the aforementioned repair methods.

Globally pipeline operators are required to operate their pipelines in a safe and reliable manner, preventing any unplanned loss of containment, and ensuring the asset continues to run reliably delivering a profit for the pipeline owner/operator. Most pipeline operators are required to maintain their pipelines to an approved code either by National Regulators and/or insurers with the aim of improving safety of the pipeline and unplanned losses of containment. Most National Regulators guidance for the repair of pipelines refers to either ASME B31.4 for liquid pipelines and B31.8(S) for gas pipelines, while for process piping most operators complete repairs following the ASME PCC2 Article 4 guidelines. These guidelines are credible and are globally accepted as being an effective method to operate and maintain pipelines. This paper with reference to the three ASME guidelines highlighting the acceptable repair methods and also looks at the requirements of ISO TS 24817 and highlights how this does and does not fit into the maintenance of high pressure pipelines.
Internal Corrosion Predicted and Found in Refined Piggable Product Pipeline Through ICDA
Authors: Khera Ashish , Baniah Bidyut B.
Published: July 2017

Contaminants such as CO2, H2S and O2 in liquid and gas pipelines in the presence of water create an aggressive environment conducive to internal corrosion. During pipeline operations, solids deposition, water accumulation, bacterial activities and improper chemical inhibition aggravate the internal corrosion attack. For assessing the threat of internal corrosion the industry has only three integrity validation tools at its disposal. These are Pressure Testing, In Line Inspection (ILI) and Internal Corrosion Direct Assessment (ICDA). To enhance pipeline integrity for piggable and non-piggable pipelines, NACE International published a variety of Standard Practices for the ICDA protocols for predicting time-dependent internal corrosion threats for various products in both offshore and onshore in sweet or sour service.

All ICDA protocols are a structured, iterative integrity assessment process, consisting of the following four steps: Pre-assessment, Indirect Inspection, Detailed Examination and Post-assessment. Most importantly, unlike ILI and pressure testing, all ICDA standards require a mandatory root cause analysis and a go forward mitigation plan to arrest the corrosion processes being encountered.

This paper reviews one case study; LP-ICDA for three (3) “piggable” refined product pipelines from the Jetty to the onshore marketing terminal. This paper will be useful for the pipeline operators to provide guidance on not only identifying the locations at which internal corrosion activity has occurred but also look into how the operators used the ICDA program to better manage their asset.
Evolution of photoelectron spectra at thermal reduction of graphene oxide
Authors: Afanas'ev Viktor P. , Bocharov Grigorii S. , Eletskii Alexander V. , Ridzel Olga Yu. , Kaplya Pavel S. , Köppen Martin
Published: July 2017

The dynamics of graphene oxide (GO) reduction process is investigated by the electron spectroscopy. GO samples were obtained by the standard Hummers method with the subsequent thermal treatment at different temperatures. Photoelectron emission spectra (PES) of C 1s core level and its energy loss range are analyzed using the invariant imbedding principle. The differential single scattering inelastic cross sections xin(Δ) of all the GO samples were derived by using the fitting procedure. Simulation of PES is performed by making use of the partial intensity approach. The cross sections dynamics analysis shows the reduction process of the graphene structure with increasing annealing temperature. Thermal treatment at a temperature of 600 °C results in the appearance of π-plasmon peak.