bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Integration of Monitoring and Inspection Systems for Geohazard Assessment on Pipelines That Cross Amazonian Jungles and the Andes
Authors: Moya John Malpartida , Oliveros Montes Edward Francisco , De la Sota Giancarlo Massucco
Published: July 2013

As a part of the Integrity Management System, TgP/COGA has identified the weather and outside forces as main threats that increase the risk of the integrity of its pipelines in jungle and mountains areas. In pipelines with particular characteristics such as pipelines that cross the Andes and the Amazonian jungle, this threat can cause even a greater number of failures than other threats such as corrosion or third party damage (TPD). Given this situation, the TgP’s Pipeline Integrity Management System has made a significant development in the use and management of the information provided by the various techniques of inspections and monitoring of the pipeline and ROW. This article discusses the various techniques and methodologies of monitoring that allows to estimate the exposure of the pipelines to geohazards.

These techniques are, for soil monitoring: topographic surveys (traditional and modern techniques of laser-detection LIDAR), monitoring of stress and displacement of the soil by fiber optics, inclinometers, piezometers and ROW geotechnical inspection (land use, deforestation, etc). Pipeline monitoring: in-line inspections (INS tool) and deformation monitoring (strain gages). The soil/pipeline interaction model, developed by finite elements technique, allows to estimate the pipeline deformation and stress levels correlating the information of the monitoring techniques listed above. All information is supported into a Geographic Information System, which uses APDM as database model, and which allows to integrate information more efficiently with the goal of completing the system risk assessment using a particular risk algorithm developed and adapted to the reality of transportation systems that cross amazonian jungles and the Andes.

By integrating these inspections and monitoring systems as part of Pipeline Integrity Management, based on risk assessments, the operator is able to act in advance to potential critical events, mitigating and/or minimizing the occurrence of failures. In this way the operator is able to optimize efforts to preserve the integrity of the system and in addition minimize personal, environmental and business impact.
Evaluating Anchor Impact Damage to the Subsea Canyon Chief Pipeline Using Analysis and Full-Scale Testing Methods
Authors: Alexander Chris , Aalders Alexander , Bath William , Vyvial Brent , Dotson Rhett , Seal Danny
Published: July 2013

This paper presents findings from a study conducted as part of a joint industry effort involving engineers from Williams Midstream, Stress Engineering Services, Inc., GL Noble Denton, and Saipem America. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the severity of damage inflicted to Williams’ subsea 18-inch × 0.875-inch, Grade X60 Canyon Chief Gas Export Pipeline due to an anchor impact at a water depth of 2,300 feet. The phases of work included an initial assessment after the damage to the deepwater pipeline was detected, evaluating localized damage via finite element analysis based using in-line inspection data, full-scale destructive testing including burst tests, and final efforts included the design and evaluation of a subsea-deployed repair sleeve. The study included modeling Saipem’s repair sleeve design accompanied by full-scale destructive testing. Strain gages were used to measure strain in the reinforced dent beneath the sleeve, that were then compared to prior results for the unrepaired dent test results.

The work associated with this study represents one of the more comprehensive efforts conducted to date in evaluating damage to a subsea pipeline. The results of the analysis and testing work provided Williams with a solid understanding on the behavior on the damage inflected to the pipeline and what level of performance can be expected from the repaired pipeline during future operation. After the engineering analysis and testing phases of this work were completed, the deepwater pipeline was repaired.
Curved Wide Plate Testing With Advanced Instrumentation and Interpretation
Authors: Hertelé Stijn , Verstraete Matthias , Van Minnebruggen Koen , Denys Rudi , De Waele Wim
Published: July 2013

Curved wide plate testing is a valuable experimental tool to determine the strain capacity of flawed pipeline girth welds under tension. However, its design, test procedure and analysis are not standardized to date. In an effort to contribute to these three aspects, the authors have executed medium scale (curved) wide plate tests with full field strain measurements and unloading compliance crack extension measurements. This paper discusses specifications, possibilities and limitations of both features and provides representative results. Full field strain measurements and unloading compliance analysis support the validation of a finite element model for curved wide plate testing, and confirm the ability to obtain uniform strain fields in the pipe sections. It is expected that these results may contribute to a future standardization of the curved wide plate test.
Landscape Investigation on External Corrosion and SCC of a Tape Coated Enbridge Pipeline
Authors: Eslami Abdoulmajid , Place Trevor , McDonnell Shamus , Ukiwe Chijioke , You Qin
Published: July 2013

It is generally believed that physical and chemical condition of the pipeline environment (such as soil texture, drainage, ground topography, cathodic protection level, pH, etc) in addition to pipeline construction factors (such as pipe vs. ground slope, type and quality of the pipe coating, etc.) affect the incidence and severity of external corrosion and SCC on pipelines. In an attempt to identify locations of highest susceptibility to external corrosion and cracking on a tape coated Enbridge pipeline, and to aid integrity management processes; Enbridge embarked on a project investigating landscape factors which might affect the severity of external corrosion and stress corrosion cracking (SCC) on the pipeline. Results showed that some of the investigated factors had positive correlations with the severity of external corrosion and SCC on the tape coated pipeline. However, despite the positive correlations observed, they were not strong enough to be used as an independent predictive tool.
Conservation Offsets and Pipeline Construction: A Case Study of the TMX Anchor Loop Project
Authors: Poulton David W.
Published: July 2013

When Terasen Pipelines (later Kinder Morgan Canada) sought to loop its Trans Mountain pipeline through Canada’s Jasper National Park and British Columbia’s Mount Robson Provincial Park, both being components of the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks UNESCO World Heritage site, the company faced formidable regulatory and public interest obstacles. However, the company and several environmental groups agreed not to test the strength of their respective uncertain legal positions, but to work co-operatively with each other and with park managers. The motivating goal was to design into the looping project some aspect of environmental improvement that would result in a net benefit to the ecological conditions of the two parks, more than compensating for the residual disturbance which would be caused by the looping after mitigation. The central concept was that of a “conservation offset” (also known as “biodiversity offset”), which has been defined as: “conservation actions intended to compensate for the residual, unavoidable harm to biodiversity caused by development projects, so as to ensure no net loss of biodiversity.”

This paper reviews the history of the discussions and planning which took place, considers the adequacy of the outcomes, and suggest lessons for using conservation offsets as a means to align proponent and stakeholder interests and improve environmental outcomes for linear projects beyond the prospects offered by mitigation alone.
Measuring the Effectiveness of Damage Prevention Techniques and Defining the Key Performance Indicators on Damage Prevention Efficiency
Authors: Piazza Mark , Greenslate Gina , Herchin Nicolas , Bourgouin Laurent , Kuhn Miriam , Sinclair Heather , White Gary , Kiefner John , Zarea Mures
Published: July 2013

Pipeline operators expend substantial efforts to develop, implement, and audit their Public Awareness and Pipeline Damage Prevention Programs. While the rate of pipeline damage incidents from third-party and outside force impacts has progressively declined over a period of several decades, these events remain a high priority for the pipeline industry and external stakeholders.

There are multiple management and communications tools that are used to support Damage Prevention programs for energy transmission pipeline operations. These tools are applied to large pipeline systems that cross a range of geographic, population, and regulatory boundaries. These factors make it challenging to determine the effectiveness of the individual tools applied for damage prevention for energy transmission pipeline systems.

This paper present the results of research performed through Pipeline Research Council International, Inc. (PRCI) to measure and quantify the effectiveness of the various damage prevention tools and techniques as they apply to energy transmission pipeline systems. The project focuses on data collection through a web-based platform to provide the basis to establish a set of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for assessing the effectiveness of the methods and techniques that are used as standard practices by most pipeline operators in their damage prevention programs. The research includes development of a consistent and systematic process and database for collecting information on damage and “near hit” incidents that are recorded by pipeline operators. Fault-tree analysis of these data is expected to show where improvements can be made (e.g., one-call center, ticket handling, operator response, contractor cooperation and diligence, locating and marking, monitoring). Improvements will be measured by PRCI by capturing and analyzing the data over a multi-year period.

The key output of the project will be metrics that demonstrate which damage prevention activities are more effective in reducing impacts and “near hits” to pipelines and which activities positively contribute to the safe operations of the pipeline system.
Calibration of Ultrasonic Meters Using Custody Transfer Systems as the Reference
Authors: Ferreira Ana Luisa A. S.
Published: July 2013

This paper presents a method of calculating the meter factor (MF) to correct systematic errors and improve the pipeline operation accuracy. It includes the evaluation of the MF uncertainty and also the uncertainty of the ultrasonic-meter results corrected by a MF and the pressure and temperature correction factor. The procedure presented is based on the historical reports from the SCADA system. The results shown include a calibration of an ultrasonic meter using a dynamic measurement system as reference. The use of one register each minute was sufficient for the MF calculation for the ultrasonic meter flowrate output. It is recommended to use at least 12 typical batches.
Permitting and Constructing a Large Pipeline Through a State-Regulated, Sensitive Wetland Resource: Alberta Clipper and the Gully 30 Calcareous Fen
Authors: Arndt James , Turner Paul , Milburn Scott
Published: July 2013

Pipeline crossings of sensitive, state or federally-regulated resources are occasionally unavoidable and can substantially increase project costs and negatively affect project timelines. During due-diligence surveys for invasive plants, field botanists identified an undocumented calcareous fen and associated state-listed wetland plants along the route of Enbridge’s LSr and Alberta Clipper pipelines in northwest Minnesota. Calcareous fens are rare peat-accumulating wetlands dominated by groundwater discharge, a high mineral content, and are protected by state law. Their hydrology and chemistry provide an environment for a suite of state-listed plants that are specifically adapted and unique to calcareous fens. By state statute, calcareous fens may not be filled, drained, or otherwise degraded by any activity unless the Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) authorizes the activity under an approved Fen Management Plan. The proposed LSr and Alberta Clipper Pipeline route in the area was collocated with existing Enbridge pipelines installed before the fen was identified. State regulatory staff quickly officially recognized the Gully 30 Calcareous Fen which initiated a lengthy permitting process to authorize Enbridge to construct the LSr and Alberta Clipper Pipelines through the Gully 30 Calcareous Fen. Avoiding the fen would have involved an impracticable reroute along several miles of greenfield. The state (DNR) and federal (Army Corps of Engineers) process involved detailed characterization of the resource, development and approval of an alternatives analysis according to Section 404(b)(1) guidelines, and drafting and approval of a project-specific Fen Management Plan which stipulated specific construction mitigation procedures including winter construction and protective temporary drainage, and post construction monitoring requirements. This presentation introduces the calcareous fen resource and examines the permitting and iterative, comment-response construction-design process as an example of successful collaboration between state and federal agencies and Enbridge to construct a pipeline through a highly regulated, sensitive natural resource while maintaining schedule.
Determination of J Resistance Curves From CWP Specimens
Authors: Zhang Fan , Zhou Honggang , Wang Yong-Yi , Liu Ming , Song Yaxin
Published: July 2013

A crack is highly constrained in traditional toughness tests, e.g., CVN and SE(B). However, a crack in the girth welds of pipelines under longitudinal loading is low constrained. Curved wide plate (CWP) test provides similar constraint condition as that of pipeline girth weld. CWP tests are being used recently for strain-based design. One of the desirable outcomes from those tests is fracture toughness resistance curves. The resistance curve consists of two components, the crack growth and the toughness measure, such as J-integral or CTOD. The paper describes the development of procedures for the determination of those two components. A normalized equation was developed to estimate the crack growth from the experimentally measured unloading compliance. The equation was verified by multiple FEA simulations with different pipe geometries and materials. The second set of equations was developed to evaluate the J-integral through an incremental frame based on the instantaneous crack growth and the load-CMOD record. The application of the resistance curve procedures was demonstrated through CWP tests of X80 and X100 welds.
Multi-Tier Tensile Strain Models for Strain-Based Design: Part 2 — Development and Formulation of Tensile Strain Capacity Models
Authors: Liu Ming , Wang Yong-Yi , Song Yaxin , Horsley David , Nanney Steve
Published: July 2013

This is the second paper in a three-paper series related to the development of tensile strain models. The fundamental basis of the models [1] and evaluation of the models against experiment data [2] are presented in two companion papers. This paper presents the structure and formulation of the models.

The philosophy and development of the multi-tier tensile strain models are described. The tensile strain models are applicable for linepipe grades from X65 to X100 and two welding processes, i.e., mechanized GMAW and FCAW/SMAW. The tensile strain capacity (TSC) is given as a function of key material properties and weld and flaw geometric parameters, including pipe wall thickness, girth weld high-low misalignment, pipe strain hardening (Y/T ratio), weld strength mismatch, girth weld flaw size, toughness, and internal pressure. Two essential parts of the tensile strain models are the crack driving force and material’s toughness. This paper covers principally the crack driving force. The significance and determination of material’s toughness are covered in the companion papers [1,2].
Pressure Cycling Process Mapping
Authors: Harron Lorna
Published: July 2013

Pressure cycling can result in integrity concerns for pipeline operators. Pressure monitoring is commonly used by pipeline operators to assess the effect of pressure cycling on existing assets. For new pipeline assets, however, the evaluation process for potential cycling is less mature. Enbridge Pipelines employs a pressure cycling evaluation process for new pipelines.

A process mapping professional was engaged by Enbridge Pipelines to perform a mapping exercise on the existing pressure cycling process. A process flow chart was developed which identified key decision points during the development of a new pipeline. A gap analysis identified areas where process definition or enhancement was required. The newly created process flow was piloted on two development projects for new pipeline assets. After completing the process mapping exercise, a design standard was created.

The design standard provides assessment procedures for pressure cycling on a new pipeline design. The timing for executing the process housed in the design standard is critical to ensuring that correct information is available early enough in the process to facilitate key design-related decisions. The process flow in the design standard illustrates the process used to determine and evaluate the anticipated fatigue life of a new development pipeline. In addition, this process flow illustrates the evaluation of mitigation strategies to improve anticipated fatigue life of a new development pipeline.

Additionally, key learnings will be highlighted from the development and execution of the pressure cycling process on new development pipeline assets. The paper will address the future implication of the mapping exercise and the relevance of application of process mapping to other areas of Enbridge operations.
Development of API Grade Pipeline Steels by Reduced Scale Trials
Authors: Wallwaey Karina , Langenbach Hendrik , Stenico Alessandro
Published: July 2013

Trials at a pilot plant were performed in order to develop new chemical compositions for the production of API grade X70 and X80 pipeline steels. The pilot hot rolling mill allows trials in a limited scale with the target strip thickness and strip widths between 100 mm and 500 mm. The mechanical properties of the X70 and X80 pipeline steels with thicknesses of 23 mm and 12.7 mm respectively were examined by tensile tests and charpy impact tests. In addition DWT tests were conducted for material with a thickness of 23 mm.

Some of the trials were arranged to estimate the influence of 0.3% nickel and of 0.03% vanadium with and without the addition of titanium stoichiometrical to nitrogen on the basis of a chemical composition with a niobium content above 0.06%. For a selected composition submerged arc welding trials were performed in a welding laboratory.

The results obtained in the small scale trials were used to derive chemical compositions for industrial scale trials including hot strip rolling and the production of helically welded pipes.

This paper will deal with the pilot plant trials, the welding trials and the industrial scale trials. The attained mechanical properties will be presented and compared. Furthermore future trials to develop optimized chemical compositions for pipeline steels and the challenge to transfer results from limited to industrial scale will be discussed.
The Evolution of Facilities Integrity Management at Enbridge Pipelines Inc.
Authors: Berg Monique , Radmard Shadie S.
Published: July 2013

Public and employee safety, environmental stewardship, increased focus by the regulators, public awareness are some of the reasons why operators need to focus on the integrity of their operations and create solutions to reduce common types of releases. In the past, the focus has been on mainline piping integrity due to the greater consequence of mainline releases but increasing importance is being placed on facilities, such as tank terminals and pump stations.

Facilities Integrity Management of a pipeline system is a relatively new concept for many companies; however, it is gaining momentum, particularly with regulators and the public. Prior to 2004, various Enbridge departments were responsible for ensuring integrity was maintained within facilities. There was a renewed emphasis and on Enbridge’s Facilities Integrity Programs in 2004 with a mandate of reducing facility releases across the Enbridge Pipeline system. In 2005, a small team of engineers drafted a six-page Facilities Integrity Management System document and program documentation to address facilities integrity issues.

Today, Facilities Integrity is responsible for more facilities and programs than originally envisioned. The Integrity Management System documentation has since been amended several times and reviewed through internal and external audits. The Facilities Integrity Management System is vital to the success of the various facilities integrity programs as it identifies responsibilities and associated overlaps and gaps as well as the need for documentation and tracking. As there are no set regulations specific to Facilities Integrity, Enbridge has taken the initiative to be at the forefront of industry practice.

This paper will describe Enbridge’s Facilities Integrity Management System: past and present Facilities Integrity programs, current scope of work, the role of Facilities Integrity, the importance of historical release information and program trending, and future initiatives.
Powering the Trains
Authors: Thomet Michel A.
Published: July 2013

Electric trains exhibit some of the highest performance among all surface modes of transportation in terms of speed, acceleration, control precision and reliability. This is so because of the very large amount of power that can be delivered to each train by means of a third rail or an overhead wire. Also, like all rail vehicles, trains have a very small friction/drag to overcome, even at high speed.

To make this high performance possible, the train power distribution system has to be designed so that it can be highly reliable and deliver the power to the trains even when some of the systems components are out or are degraded. Because of the complexity of the power distribution system, a simulation approach is generally followed to model the trains operating in different modes and headways under different component failure scenarios.

This process is illustrated using a real life project, namely the Dulles Corridor Metrorail project. A Bechtel proprietary simulation program is used to model the new rail line. A series of failure scenarios is investigated and the impact on train operations is evaluated. The purpose of this exercise was to verify that the systems components have been properly sized and specified.
Lading Effects on Tank Car Impact Response
Authors: Kirkpatrick Steven W. , Phan Virginia
Published: July 2013

Tank car design requirements and tank car safety research both evaluate impact conditions for a fluid filled tank. For the test conditions, the fluid is typically water or water based slurry that has an appropriate density to represent a specific lading. The pressure is commonly applied to the tank using compressed air. In analyses, the effects of the fluid are often included using computational simplifications such as adding the weight of the fluid lading to the tank mass and adding a constant internal pressure to the tank. For specific impact scenarios the effects of these modeling approximations have been analyzed to assess the magnitude of the effects on impact and puncture behavior.

This paper describes analyses performed to evaluate the effects of the lading on the impact and puncture behavior of tank cars. The lading is explicitly modeled in various impact conditions to assess the behavior of the lading and the effect of modeling approximations on the dynamic response. In addition, the effects of the internal pressure and outage volume of various commodities on the puncture behavior are also analyzed.
Service Life Evaluation of Fleet of Municipal Trains
Authors: Rakoczy Przemyslaw , Hogan Cory J.
Published: July 2013

When a fleet of trains is nearing the end of its service life, the city transit authorities have to decide whether to replace the aging train inventory or apply life extension remediation to the existing fleet. Replacement of the entire inventory comes at a significant cost. Therefore, evaluation of the remaining service life and possible life extension methods for the current fleet is worth investigating.

The objective of this study is the evaluation of remaining service life of existing municipal trains and assessment of risk associated with life extension in order to help authorities in the decision making process of applying life extension measures or purchasing new equipment.

The main factors limiting service life is exceedance of material fatigue resistance and fracture. To this end, finite element models (FEM) of the train cars in question were created in ABAQUS® modeling software to find locations of stress concentration under prescribed service loads. Locations of concern from the FEM were then used as the basis for instrumentation planning for on-site testing. A single train unit was instrumented with strain gages and accelerometers and then loaded and tested under regular operating conditions. Collected data from the on-site test was then used for calibration and validation of the FEM. Load-time history was constructed based on the calibrated FEM and the data from testing. Calculation of fatigue damage accumulation was done in accordance to the Rain-flow counting algorithm and Palmgren-Miner rule. The remaining fatigue life was evaluated based on available S-N curves from test data.

Loads, as well as material resistance are random variables; therefore a reliability approach has to be applied in the calculation of risk associated with service life extension in order to make a sound recommendation as to the risk of continued service beyond the prescribed service life. Statistical parameters of load and resistance where gathered and used in calculations for this recommendation.

This paper presents the approach for service life evaluation/extension, reliability and stochastic methods for risk assessment in a real world example.
Challenges of Integrating Multidisciplinary Wayside Databases
Authors: Southern Carolyne , Wong Joseph , Bladon Keith
Published: July 2013

A single, integrated database to store inputs from multiple, and multidisciplinary wayside systems is a pre-requisite for cross-correlation of data, and the development of intelligent algorithms to determine alarm levels and automate decision making. Australian rail operators run on three track gauges, operate a mix of American, European and uniquely Australian rolling stock, and lack a unified set of interchange standards, making the development of operational and condition monitoring rules a complex task.

Over the years, Wayside Equipment vendors have adopted different database architectures and data structures for their proprietary systems. Recognizing the need for an industry-wide standard, Pacific National and Track Owners in Australia have initiated a project to develop the architecture for an integrated, open database to capture and store data feeds from multiple wayside systems, from different suppliers. This paper describes the objectives, constraints, challenges and projected benefits of the project for the track owner and the rail operator, and the planned implementation of an integrated condition monitoring database in the Australian rail environment.
Determining Benefits and Costs for Future Generations
Authors: Arrow K. , Cropper M. , Gollier C. , Groom B. , Heal G. , Newell R. , Nordhaus W. , Pindyck R. , Pizer W. , Portney P. , Sterner T. , Tol R. S. J. , Weitzman M.
Published: July 2013

The United States and others should consider adopting a different approach to estimating costs and benefits in light of uncertainty.
Comment on “An Update of Wallace’s Zoogeographic Regions of the World”
Authors: Kreft Holger , Jetz Walter
Published: July 2013

Holt
et al
. (Report, 4 January 2013, p. 74) propose substantial modifications of Wallace’s long-standing zoogeographic regions based on clustering of a pairwise similarity matrix of vertebrate assemblages. We worry about their compromised use of phylogenies and show that a fundamental point of their analysis—i.e., the delineation of new realms—is only weakly supported by their results and conceptually flawed.
Genome Mosaicism—One Human, Multiple Genomes
Authors: Lupski James R.
Published: July 2013

The cells in our body do not all contain identical genomes, which has implications for health and disease.
The Savage Radiation of the Van Allen Belts Is Homegrown
Authors: Kerr Richard A.
Published: July 2013

The solution to a decades-old space mystery may help save satellites from deadly radiation.
A Suppressor of Cytokine Signaling 1 Antagonist Enhances Antigen-Presenting Capacity and Tumor Cell Antigen-Specific Cytotoxic T Lymphocyte Responses by Human Monocyte-Derived Dendritic Cells
Authors: Wang Yongjun , Wang Shengyu , Ding Yuan , Ye Yanhua , Xu Yingyi , He Huixiang , Li Qiaozhen , Mi Yanjun , Guo Chunhua , Lin Zhicai , Liu Tao , Zhang Yaya , Chen Yuqiang , Yan Jianghua
Published: July 2013

The suppressor of cytokine signaling 1 (SOCS1) has emerged as a critical inhibitory molecule for controlling the cytokine response and antigen presentation by dendritic cells (DCs), thereby regulating the magnitude of both innate and adaptive immunity. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the SOCS1 antagonist pJAK2(1001-1013) peptide can weaken or block the inhibition function of SOCS1 in DCs by evaluating the phenotype and cytokine production, antigen-presenting, and specific T-cell-activating capacities of DCs electroporated with human gastric cancer cell total RNA. Furthermore, STAT1 activation of the JAK/STAT signal pathway mediated by SOCS1 was analyzed by Western blotting. The results demonstrate that the SOCS1 antagonist pJAK2(1001-1013) peptide upregulated the expression of the maturation marker (CD83) and costimulatory molecule (CD86) of RNA-electroporated human monocyte-derived mature DCs (mDCs), potentiated the capacity of mDCs to induce T-cell proliferation, stimulated the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines, and enhanced the cytotoxicity of tumor cell antigen-specific CTLs activated by human gastric cancer cell total RNA-electroporated mDCs. Data from Western blot analysis indicate that STAT1 was further activated in pJAK2(1001-1013) peptide-loaded mDCs. These results imply that the SOCS1 antagonist pJAK2(1001-1013) peptide is an effective reagent for the enhancement of antigen-specific antitumor immunity by DCs.
Rapid Visual Detection of Highly Pathogenic Streptococcus suis Serotype 2 Isolates by Use of Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification
Authors: Zhang Jinhai , Zhu Jing , Ren Hao , Zhu Shiying , Zhao Ping , Zhang Fengyu , Lv Heng , Hu Dan , Hao Lina , Geng Meiling , Gong Xiufang , Pan Xiuzhen , Wang Changjun , Qi Zhongtian
Published: July 2013

Streptococcus suis
serotype 2 (
S. suis
2) is an important zoonotic pathogen that causes considerable economic losses to the pig industry and significantly threatens public health worldwide. The highly pathogenic
S. suis
2, which contains the 89K pathogenicity island (PAI), has caused large-scale outbreaks of infections in humans, resulting in high mortality rates. In this study, we established two loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP)-based assays that can rapidly detect
S. suis
2 and the 89K PAI and can be performed simultaneously under the same conditions. Further, based on the findings of these two LAMP assays and using the same set of serially diluted DNA samples, we compared the sensitivities of different LAMP product detection methods, including SYBR green detection, gel electrophoresis, turbidimetry, calcein assays, and hydroxynaphthol blue detection. The results suggest that target genes can be amplified and detected within 48 min under 63°C isothermal conditions. The sensitivity of tests for
S. suis
2 detection varies between detection methods and reaction systems, indicating that for each LAMP reaction system, multiple detection methods should be performed to select the optimal one. The sensitivities of the optimized methods (7.16 copies/reaction) in the present study were identical to those of the real-time PCR assay, and the test results for reference strains and clinical samples showed that these LAMP systems have high specificities. Thus, since the LAMP systems established in this study are simple, fast, and sensitive, they may have good clinical potential for detecting the highly pathogenic
S. suis
2.
High-Resolution Melting Curve Analysis for Rapid Detection of Rifampin Resistance in Mycobacterium tuberculosis: a Meta-Analysis
Authors: Yin Xiaomao , Zheng Lei , Liu Qinlan , Lin Li , Hu Xiumei , Hu Yanwei , Wang Qian
Published: July 2013

A rapid, simple, accurate, and affordable method for the detection of drug-resistant tuberculosis is very critical for the selection of antimicrobial therapy and management of patient treatment. High-resolution melting curve analysis has been used for the detection of rifampin resistance inMycobacterium tuberculosisand has shown promise. We did a systematic review and meta-analysis of published studies to evaluate the accuracy of high-resolution melting curve analysis for the detection of rifampin resistance in clinicalM. tuberculosisisolates. We searched the PubMed, BIOSIS Previews, and Web of Science databases to identify studies and included them according to predetermined criteria. We used the DerSimonian-Laird random-effects model to calculate pooled measures and applied Moses' constant for linear models to fit the summary receiver operating characteristic curve. According to the selection criteria, most of the identified studies were excluded, and only seven studies were included in the final analysis. The overall sensitivity of the high-resolution melting curve analysis was 94% (95% confidence interval [CI], 92% to 96%), and the overall specificity was very high at 99% (95% CI, 98% to 100%). The values for the pooled positive likelihood ratio, negative likelihood ratio, and diagnostic odds ratio were 63.39 (95% CI, 30.21 to 133.00), 0.06 (95% CI, 0.04 to 0.09), and 892.70 (95% CI, 385.50 to 2,067.24), respectively. There was no significant heterogeneity across all included studies for the measurements we evaluated. The summary receiver operating characteristic curve for the same data shows an area of 0.99 and aQ* value of 0.97. High-resolution melting curve analysis has high sensitivity and specificity for the detection of rifampin resistance in clinicalM. tuberculosisisolates. This method might be a good alternative to conventional drug susceptibility tests in clinical practice.
A Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Anti-G Protein F(ab′)2Monoclonal Antibody Suppresses Mucous Production and Breathing Effort in RSV rA2-line19F-Infected BALB/c Mice
Authors: Boyoglu-Barnum Seyhan , Gaston Kelsey A. , Todd Sean O. , Boyoglu Cemil , Chirkova Tatiana , Barnum Thomas R. , Jorquera Patricia , Haynes Lia M. , Tripp Ralph A. , Moore Martin L. , Anderson Larry J.
Published: July 2013

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) belongs to the familyParamyxoviridaeand is the single most important cause of serious lower respiratory tract infections in young children, yet no highly effective treatment or vaccine is available. Increased airway resistance and increased airway mucin production are two manifestations of RSV infection in children. RSV rA2-line19F infection induces pulmonary mucous production and increased breathing effort in BALB/c mice and provides a way to assess these manifestations of RSV disease in an animal model. In the present study, we investigated the effect of prophylactic treatment with the F(ab′)2form of the anti-G protein monoclonal antibody (MAb) 131-2G on disease in RSV rA2-line19F-challenged mice. F(ab′)2131-2G does not affect virus replication. It and the intact form that does decrease virus replication prevented increased breathing effort and airway mucin production, as well as weight loss, pulmonary inflammatory-cell infiltration, and the pulmonary substance P and pulmonary Th2 cytokine levels that occur in mice challenged with this virus. These data suggest that the RSV G protein contributes to prominent manifestations of RSV disease and that MAb 131-2G can prevent these manifestations of RSV disease without inhibiting virus infection.
GRANITES AND GRANITES
Authors: READ H. H.
Published: July 2013

There can have been few occasions in the past when the President of the Geological Society of London—the mother of all geological societies—has been able to accept the hospitality of that most splendid of daughters, The Geological Society of America. I come bearing most hearty greetings and good wishes from my Society to yours.

This meeting celebrates, I believe, the Centenary of the Geological Survey of Canada, and I am honoured to be present at the inauguration of a second century of fruitful geological investigation. Our countries are bound together by the cords— gossamer yet stronger than steel—of a common blood, a common creed, and a common history—we spring from the same roots. But we geologists are bound still closer to one another by devotion to our common science—nothing can unloose that tie. As these proceedings continue, we shall find maybe that we differ on a great many aspects of geological interpretation, but this is a sign of vitality and can in no way affect our regard for one another as fellow-seekers after the truth concerning the crust of Mother Earth.

As President of the Geological Society of London, I salute The Geological Society of America and, contemplating your glorious past, I look forward to your yet more glorious future.

In the foregoing paragraphs I have spoken in my official presidential capacity; from now on, I speak as a private individual—the personal pronoun will occur, I expect, with astounding frequency. I am not certain...
Integrated Approach to Treatment-Resistant Atrial Fibrillation: Additional Value of Acupuncture
Authors: Jonkman F A M , Jonkman-Buidin M L
Published: July 2013

A 62-year-old patient with chronic bronchitis had treatment-resistant atrial fibrillation. Electrical cardioversion was performed, but sinus rhythm (SR) lasted only for some minutes. Administration of amiodarone was withheld in favour of a course of acupuncture treatment in order to increase the success rate of a second attempt of electrical cardioversion. After two acupuncture treatments, spontaneous conversion to SR occurred. Relapses into atrial fibrillation in the following five winters, associated with attacks of bronchitis, also responded to acupuncture. The mechanisms of action of the acupuncture treatment and the value of this integrated approach to treatment are discussed.
Diagnosis of a left lower pulmonary vein thrombus by 64-MDCT
Authors: Takeuchi Hidekazu
Published: July 2013

Pulmonary vein thrombosis is undiagnosed and thought to be rare. Stroke is a serious clinical problem and atrial fibrillation is associated with it. As a cardiac thrombus, a thrombus in the left atrial appendage and the left atrium are well known, but a pulmonary vein thrombus is not thought to be a common cause of stroke. A 69-year-old woman with transient ischaemic stroke had chest pain and was examined by 64-slice multidetector CT (64-MDCT). 64-MDCT illustrated no coronary artery stenosis but a thrombus in the left lower pulmonary vein (LLPV), which was in contact with the lower surface of the LLPV. The pulmonary vein cells in contact with the thrombus lack oxygen and nutrients, which may control physiological processes, such as development, differentiation and pathological responses in the pulmonary vein. These effects are unknown and more studies are desirable. 64-MDCT can demonstrate a thrombus in the pulmonary vein and hence a pulmonary vein thrombus is not rare.
Gynaecological cancer follow-up: national survey of current practice in the UK
Authors: Leeson Simon , Stuart Nick , Sylvestre Yvonne , Hall Liz , Whitaker Rhiannon
Published: July 2013

Objective

To establish a baseline of national practice for follow-up after treatment for gynaecological cancer.

Design

Questionnaire survey.

Setting

Gynaecological cancer centres and units.

Geographical location

UK.

Participants

Members of the British Gynaecological Cancer Society and the National Forum of Gynaecological Oncology Nurses.

Interventions

A questionnaire survey.

Outcome measures

To determine schedules of follow-up, who provides it and what routine testing is used for patients who have had previous gynaecological cancer.

Results

A total of 117 responses were obtained; 115 (98%) reported hospital scheduled regular follow-up appointments. Two involved general practitioners. Follow-up was augmented or replaced by telephone follow-up in 29 responses (25%) and patient-initiated appointments in 38 responses (32%). A total of 80 (68%) cancer specialists also offered combined follow-up clinics with other specialties. Clinical examinations for hospital-based follow-up were mainly performed by doctors (67% for scheduled regular appointments and 63% for patient-initiated appointments) while telephone follow-up was provided in the majority by nurses (76%). Most respondents (76/117 (65%)) provided routine tests, of which 66/76 (87%) reported carrying out surveillance tests for ovarian cancer, 35/76 (46%) for cervical cancer, 8/76 (11%) for vulval cancer and 7/76 (9%) for endometrial cancer. Patients were usually discharged after 5 years (82/117 (70%)), whereas three (3%) were discharged after 4 years, nine (8%) after three years and one (1%) after 2 years.

Conclusions

Practice varied but most used a standard hospital-based protocol of appointments for 5 years and routine tests were performed usually for women with ovarian cancer. A minority utilised nurse-led or telephone follow-up. General practitioners were rarely involved in routine care. A randomised study comparing various models of follow-up could be considered.
Substandard and falsified medicines in the UK: a retrospective review of drug alerts (2001–2011)
Authors: Almuzaini Tariq , Sammons Helen , Choonara Imti
Published: July 2013

Objective

To determine the extent of substandard and falsified medicines in the UK.

Design

A retrospective review of drug alerts and company-led recalls.

Setting

The Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) website search for drug alerts issued between 2001 and 2011.

Eligibility criteria

Drug alerts related to quality defect in medicinal products.

Main outcome measure

Relevant data about defective medicines reported in drug alerts and company-led recalls, including description of the defect, type of formulation, year of the alert and category of the alert.

Results

There were 280 substandard medicines of which 222 were recalled. The two most frequent problems were contamination (74 incidents) and issues related to packaging (98 incidents). Formulations for parenteral administration (117 incidents) were the formulation most frequently affected. There were 11 falsified medicines, as defined by the MHRA, reported over the 11-year period. The number of defective medicines reported by the MHRA increased 10-fold from 5 in 2001 to 50 in 2011.

Conclusions

Substandard medicines are a significant problem in the UK. It is uncertain whether the increasing number of reports relates to improved detection or an increase in the number of substandard medicines.
Opportunities and challenges for enhancing preconception health in primary care: qualitative study with women from ethnically diverse communities
Authors: Tuomainen Helena , Cross-Bardell Laura , Bhoday Mandeep , Qureshi Nadeem , Kai Joe
Published: July 2013

Objective

 There is a growing interest in developing and offering more systematic preconception healthcare. However, it is unclear how this might be regarded by ethnically diverse communities at higher risk of poor maternal and child health outcomes. We sought to explore perceptions about preconception health and care among women from these communities to identify opportunities and challenges for intervention development in primary care.

Design

Qualitative study using focus groups and semistructured interviews.

Setting

Ethnically diverse and socially disadvantaged community settings of the UK.

Participants

41 women aged 18–45 years, of Pakistani, Indian, Caribbean, African, White and mixed ethnic origin, participating in nine focus groups, half of whom (n=19) had one-to-one follow-up telephone interviews.

Results

Women had modest or poor awareness of preconception health issues. They perceived these could be addressed in primary care, particularly if raised within a range of clinically ‘relevant’ consultations, such as for contraception, or when opportune for individuals in their social context. However, challenges for engaging women in preconception care more routinely were underlined. These included little prevailing culture of preparing for pregnancy and the realities of their pregnancies often being unplanned; and, for those planning pregnancy, sensitivity and maintaining secrecy when trying to conceive. A preference for female professionals, engaging men, and enhancing access for younger people or women less disposed to general practice, in educational and other settings were highlighted.

Conclusions

Raising preconception health when this has heightened clinical or social resonance for women may hold promise for initiating more systematic intervention. In primary care this could offer greater potential to directly engage those with low awareness or not considering pregnancy, while enlarging opportunity for others who may be seeking to conceive. Promoting ‘preparation for pregnancy’ more widely might form part of healthcare and education over the life course. Further intervention development research exploring these possibilities, including their feasibility and acceptability is needed.
Nutrition and dental care of donkeys
Authors: Burden Faith , Toit Nicole du , Thiemann Alex
Published: July 2013

The domestic donkey is descended from wild asses and has evolved to live in some of the most inhospitable places on earth. Little research has been carried out to address the specific needs of the donkey, which has traditionally been viewed as a small horse. The donkey is different from the horse in many ways; of particular note is its ability to thrive on highly fibrous feeds. This article discusses the nutritional requirements of donkeys and how dental disease may play a role in determining their nutritional requirements.
Diagnosis and control of ovine pulmonary adenocarcinoma (Jaagsiekte)
Authors: Scott Phil , Griffiths David , Cousens Chris
Published: July 2013

Ovine pulmonary adenocarcinoma (OPA) is a contagious tumour of the lungs of sheep. It is also commonly known as Jaagsiekte, ovine pulmonary carcinoma or sheep pulmonary adenomatosis. OPA is generally considered a chronic wasting disease with progressive respiratory distress leading to emaciation, but it may be that early lung lesions predispose to secondary bacterial pneumonia causing sudden death despite antibiotic treatment. OPA is common in the UK and most other countries where sheep are farmed, but the disease may be grossly under‐reported because few deaths are investigated on sheep farms. Disease transmission is facilitated by close confinement such as indoor housing. Effective control, and possible disease eradication, has been hampered by the lack of a suitable diagnostic test or vaccine. This article describes the clinical features of OPA and outlines current methods of diagnosis. Issues surrounding the development of improved diagnostic tests are discussed.