bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Seasonal Control of Mammalian Energy Balance: Recent Advances in the Understanding of Daily Torpor and Hibernation
Authors: Jastroch M. , Giroud S. , Barrett P. , Geiser F. , Heldmaier G. , Herwig A.
Published: October 2016

Endothermic mammals and birds require intensive energy turnover to sustain high body temperatures and metabolic rates. To cope with the energetic bottlenecks associated with the change of seasons, and to minimise energy expenditure, complex mechanisms and strategies are used, such as daily torpor and hibernation. During torpor, metabolic depression and low body temperatures save energy. However, these bouts of torpor, lasting for hours to weeks, are interrupted by active ‘euthermic’ phases with high body temperatures. These dynamic transitions require precise communication between the brain and peripheral tissues to defend rheostasis in energetics, body mass and body temperature. The hypothalamus appears to be the major control centre in the brain, coordinating energy metabolism and body temperature. The sympathetic nervous system controls body temperature by adjustments of shivering and nonshivering thermogenesis, with the latter being primarily executed by brown adipose tissue. Over the last decade, comparative physiologists have put forward integrative studies on the ecophysiology, biochemistry and molecular regulation of energy balance in response to seasonal challenges, food availability and ambient temperature. Mammals coping with such environments comprise excellent model organisms for studying the dynamic regulation of energy metabolism. Beyond the understanding of how animals survive in nature, these studies also uncover general mechanisms of mammalian energy homeostasis. This research will benefit efforts of translational medicine aiming to combat emerging human metabolic disorders. The present review focuses on recent advances in the understanding of energy balance and its neuronal and endocrine control during the most extreme metabolic fluctuations in nature: daily torpor and hibernation.
What is important for student nurses to know about cancer treatment and care: a qualitative study of student nurses' and stakeholder perspectives
Authors: Edwards Deborah , Anstey Sally , Kelly Daniel , Ballie Jessica , Hopkinson Jane
Published: October 2016

Aims and objectives

To explore the views of student nurses' and stakeholders of what is important for student nurses to know about cancer treatment and care.

Background

Worldwide, the number of people living with cancer is increasing because the population is ageing and effective cancer treatments are prolonging survival. All nurses need knowledge, skills, confidence and competence to support people living with cancer. Education is an important tool in preparing a nursing workforce that can support people affected by cancer.

Design

A descriptive, explorative qualitative design.

Methods

Semi‐structured interviews with 12 student nurses and seven stakeholders were conducted in 2014 (a subgroup of participants in a mixed‐methods study investigating an innovation in undergraduate cancer education and reported elsewhere). The interviews were audio‐taped, transcribed and analysed using content analysis.

Results

Two key findings emerged: the benefits of learning from people affected by cancer and knowledge deficits. Students valued the opportunity to meet people affected by cancer away from a clinical environment. It gave them the opportunity to gain skills and confidence, in providing information and psycho‐educational support, in a safe and facilitated context. Students and stakeholders reported blended learning (lectures and engaging with both cancer clinicians and people affected by cancer) important for developing confidence and competence in cancer care. However, at the end of their education students identified knowledge deficits in relation to cancer screening, common cancers, treatment side effects and supporting people who have been given ‘bad news’.

Conclusions

Collaborative working with people affected by cancer and educationalists has allowed the patient and carer experience to be placed at the centre of the undergraduate cancer education.

Relevance to clinical practice

This research reveals the potential importance of the coproduction of undergraduate nurse cancer education, if nurses are to understand and improve the experience of people living with cancer and beyond.
Melatonin rescues cardiac thioredoxin system during ischemia‐reperfusion injury in acute hyperglycemic state by restoring Notch1/Hes1/Akt signaling in a membrane receptor‐dependent manner
Authors: Yu Liming , Fan Chongxi , Li Zhi , Zhang Jian , Xue Xiaodong , Xu Yinli , Zhao Guolong , Yang Yang , Wang Huishan
Published: October 2016

Stress hyperglycemia is commonly observed in patients suffering from ischemic heart disease. It not only worsens cardiovascular prognosis but also attenuates the efficacies of various cardioprotective agents. This study aimed to investigate the protective effect of melatonin against myocardial ischemia‐reperfusion (MI/R) injury in acute hyperglycemic state with a focus on Notch1/Hes1/Akt signaling and intracellular thioredoxin (Trx) system. Sprague Dawley rats were subjected to MI/R surgery and high‐glucose (HG, 500 g/L) infusion (4 mL/kg/h) to induce temporary hyperglycemia. Rats were treated with or without melatonin (10 mg/kg/d) during the operation. Furthermore, HG (33 mmol/L)‐incubated H9c2 cardiomyoblasts were treated in the presence or absence of luzindole (a competitive melatonin receptor antagonist), DAPT (a γ‐secretase inhibitor), LY294002 (a PI3‐kinase/Akt inhibitor), or thioredoxin‐interacting protein (Txnip) adenoviral vectors. We found that acute hyperglycemia aggravated MI/R injury by suppressing Notch1/Hes1/Akt signaling and intracellular Trx activity. Melatonin treatment effectively ameliorated MI/R injury by reducing infarct size, myocardial apoptosis, and oxidative stress. Moreover, melatonin also markedly enhanced Notch1/Hes1/Akt signaling and rescued intracellular Trx system by upregulating Notch1, N1ICD, Hes1, and p‐Akt expressions, increasing Trx activity, and downregulating Txnip expression. However, these effects were blunted by luzindole, DAPT, or LY294002. Additionally, Txnip overexpression not only decreased Trx activity, but also attenuated the cytoprotective effect of melatonin. We conclude that impaired Notch1 signaling aggravates MI/R injury in acute hyperglycemic state. Melatonin rescues Trx system by reducing Txnip expression via Notch1/Hes1/Akt signaling in a membrane receptor‐dependent manner. Its role as a prophylactic/therapeutic drug deserves further clinical study.
Follow the Leader or the Pack? Regulatory Focus and Academic Entrepreneurial Intentions
Authors: Johnson Mark , Monsen Erik W. , MacKenzie Niall G.
Published: October 2016

Drawing on the academic entrepreneurship and regulatory focus theory literature, and applying a multilevel perspective, this paper examines why university academics intend to engage in formal (spin‐off or start‐up companies and licensing university research) or informal (collaborative research, contract research, continuous professional development, and contract consulting) commercialization activities and the role local contextual factors, in particular leaders and work‐group colleagues (peers), play in their commercialization choices. Based on a survey of 395 science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) academics working in 14 Scottish universities, the research findings suggest that an individual's chronic regulatory focus has a direct effect on their formal and informal commercialization intent. The results reveal that the stronger an individual's chronic promotion focus the stronger their formal and informal commercialization intentions and a stronger individual chronic prevention focus leads to weaker intentions to engage in informal commercialization. In addition, when contextual interaction effects are considered, leaders and workplace colleagues have different influences on commercialization intent. On the one hand, promotion‐focused leaders can strengthen and prevention‐focused leaders can under certain circumstances weaken a promotion‐focused academic's formal commercialization intent. On the other hand, the level of workplace colleague engagement, acting as a reference point, strengthens not only promotion‐focused academics’ intent to engage in formal commercialization activities, but also prevention‐focused academics’ corresponding informal commercialization intent. As such, universities should consider the appointment of leaders who are strong role models and have a track record in formal and/or informal commercialization activities and also consider the importance workplace colleagues have on moderating an academic's intention to engage in different forms of commercialization activities.
Diatom growth responses to photoperiod and light are predictable from diel reductant generation
Authors: Li Gang , Talmy David , Campbell Douglas A.
Published: October 2016

Light drives phytoplankton productivity, so phytoplankton must exploit variable intensities and durations of light exposure, depending upon season, latitude, and depth. We analyzed the growth, photophysiology and composition of small, Thalassiosira pseudonana, and large, Thalassiosira punctigera, centric diatoms from temperate, coastal marine habitats, responding to a matrix of photoperiods and growth light intensities. T. pseudonana showed fastest growth rates under long photoperiods and low to moderate light intensities, while the larger T. punctigera showed fastest growth rates under short photoperiods and higher light intensities. Photosystem II function and content responded primarily to instantaneous growth light intensities during the photoperiod, while diel carbon fixation and RUBISCO content responded more to photoperiod duration than to instantaneous light intensity. Changing photoperiods caused species‐specific changes in the responses of photochemical yield (e−/photon) to growth light intensity. These photophysiological variables showed complex responses to photoperiod and to growth light intensity. Growth rate also showed complex responses to photoperiod and growth light intensity. But these complex responses resolved into a close relation between growth rate and the cumulative daily generation of reductant, across the matrix of photoperiods and light intensities.
Genetic and genomic aspects of hybridization in ferns
Authors: Sigel Erin M.
Published: October 2016

The morphological and ecological intermediacy of hybrid taxa has long interested and challenged fern biologists, resulting in numerous systematic contributions focused on disentangling relationships within reticulate species complexes. From a genetic perspective, hybrid ferns are especially interesting because they represent the union of divergent parental genomes in unique evolutionary entities. This review summarizes advances in our knowledge of the genetic and genomic aspects of hybridization in ferns from the mid‐20th century to the present. The different organismal products of hybridization, evolutionary aspects of additive and non‐additive gene expression in allopolyploids, genetic and genomic mechanisms leading to gene silencing and loss, the roles of multiple origins and introgression for imparting genetic variation to hybrid fern taxa and their progenitors, and the utility of allopolyploid ferns to investigate mechanisms of genome evolution in the homosporous ferns are discussed. Comparisons are made to other plant lineages and important future research directions are highlighted, with the goal of stimulating additional research on hybrid ferns.
Exogenous N‐acyl‐homoserine lactones enhance the expression of flagella of Pseudomonas syringae and activate defence responses in plants
Authors: Cheng Feifei , Ma Anzhou , Zhuang Guoqiang , Fray Rupert G.
Published: October 2016

In order to cope with pathogens, plants have evolved sophisticated mechanisms to sense pathogenic attacks and to induce defence responses. The N‐acyl‐homoserine lactone (AHL)‐mediated quorum sensing in bacteria regulates diverse physiological processes, including those involved in pathogenicity. In this work, we study the interactions between AHL‐producing transgenic tobacco plants and Pseudomonas syringae pv. tabaci 11528 (P. syringae 11528). Both a reduced incidence of disease and decrease in the growth of P. syringae 11528 were observed in AHL‐producing plants compared with wild‐type plants. The present data indicate that plant‐produced AHLs enhance disease resistance against this pathogen. Subsequent RNA‐sequencing analysis showed that the exogenous addition of AHLs up‐regulated the expression of P. syringae 11528 genes for flagella production. Expression levels of plant defence genes in AHL‐producing and wild‐type plants were determined by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction. These data showed that plant‐produced AHLs activated a wide spectrum of defence responses in plants following inoculation, including the oxidative burst, hypersensitive response, cell wall strengthening, and the production of certain metabolites. These results demonstrate that exogenous AHLs alter the gene expression patterns of pathogens, and plant‐produced AHLs either directly or indirectly enhance plant local immunity during the early stage of plant infection.
A thiadiazole reduces the virulence of Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae by inhibiting the histidine utilization pathway and quorum sensing
Authors: Liang Xiaoyu , Yu Xiaoyue , Pan Xiayan , Wu Jian , Duan Yabing , Wang Jianxin , Zhou Mingguo
Published: October 2016

Thiazole, isothiazole, thiadiazole and their derivatives are widely thought to induce host defences against plant pathogens. In this article, we report that bismerthiazol, a thiadiazole molecule, reduces disease by inhibiting the histidine utilization (Hut) pathway and quorum sensing (QS). Bismerthiazol provides excellent control of bacterial rice leaf blight (BLB) caused by Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo), but does not greatly inhibit Xoo growth in vitro. According to RNA‐sequencing analysis, the transcription of the Hut pathway genes of Xoo ZJ173 was inhibited after 4.5 and 9.0 h of bismerthiazol treatment. Functional studies of hutG and hutU indicated that the Hut pathway had little effect on the growth and bismerthiazol sensitivity of Xoo in vitro, but significantly reduced the aggregation of Xoo cells. Deletion mutants of hutG or hutU were more motile, produced less biofilm and were less virulent than the wild‐type, indicating that the Hut pathway is involved in QS and contributes to virulence. The overexpression of the hutG‐U operons in ZJ173 reduced Xoo control by bismerthiazol. Bismerthiazol did not inhibit the transcription of Hut pathway genes, QS or virulence of the bismerthiazol‐resistant strain 2‐1‐1. The results indicate that bismerthiazol reduces Xoo virulence by inhibiting the Hut pathway and QS.
CD36 is upregulated in mice with periodontitis and metabolic syndrome and involved in macrophage gene upregulation by palmitate
Authors: Lu Z , Li Y , Brinson CW , Kirkwood KL , Lopes‐Virella MF , Huang Y
Published: October 2016

Background

We reported that high‐fat diet (HFD)‐induced metabolic syndrome (MetS) exacerbates lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐stimulated periodontitis and palmitate, the major saturated fatty acid in the HFD, amplified LPS‐stimulated gene expression in vitro. As CD36 is a major receptor for fatty acids, we investigated periodontal CD36 expression in mice with periodontitis and MetS, and the role of CD36 in inflammatory gene expression in macrophages stimulated by palmitate.

Methods

MetS and periodontitis were induced in mice by HFD and periodontal injection of LPS, respectively. The periodontal CD36 expression and its relationship with alveolar bone loss were studied using immunohistochemistry, real‐time PCR, and correlation analysis. The role of CD36 in upregulation of inflammatory mediators by LPS and palmitate in macrophages was assessed using pharmacological inhibitor and small interfering RNA.

Results

Periodontal CD36 expression was higher in mice with both MetS and periodontitis than that in mice with periodontitis or MetS alone and was correlated with osteoclastogenesis and alveolar bone loss. In vitro studies showed that CD36 expression in macrophages was upregulated by LPS and palmitate, and targeting CD36 attenuated palmitate‐enhanced gene expression.

Conclusion

CD36 expression is upregulated in mice with periodontitis and MetS and involved in gene expression in macrophages stimulated by palmitate and LPS.
The QT Interval as a Noninvasive Marker of Atrial Refractoriness
Authors: NGUYEN KAYLIN T. , GLADSTONE RACHEL A. , DUKES JONATHAN W. , NAZER BABAK , VITTINGHOFF ERIC , BADHWAR NITISH , VEDANTHAM VASANTH , GERSTENFELD EDWARD P. , LEE BYRON K. , LEE RANDALL J. , TSENG ZIAN H. , OLGIN JEFFREY E. , SCHEINMAN MELVIN M. , MARCUS GREGORY M.
Published: October 2016

Background

Atrial refractoriness may be an important determinant of atrial fibrillation (AF) risk, but its measurement is not clinically accessible. Because the QT interval predicts incident AF and the atrium and ventricle share repolarizing ion currents, we investigated the association between an individual's QT interval and atrial effective refractory period (AERP).

Methods

In paroxysmal AF patients presenting for catheter ablation, the QT interval was measured from the surface 12‐lead electrocardiogram. The AERP was defined as the longest S1–S2 coupling interval without atrial capture using a 600‐ms drive cycle length.

Results

In 28 patients, there was a positive correlation between QTc and mean AERP. After multivariate adjustment, a 1‐ms increase in QTc predicted a 0.70‐ms increase in AERP.

Conclusions

The QTc interval reflects the AERP, suggesting that the QTc interval may be used as a marker of atrial refractoriness relevant to assessing AF risk and mechanism‐specific therapeutic strategies.
High Left Ventricular Lead Sensing Delay Predicts QRS Narrowing and Good Response to Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy
Authors: KAYPAKLI ONUR , KOÇ MEVLÜT , GÖZÜBÜYÜK GÖKHAN , ŞAHİN DURMUŞ YILDIRAY
Published: October 2016

Background

Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) was shown to improve heart failure (HF) prognosis. But many patients do not benefit from CRT. Optimization of left ventricular (LV) lead position to the latest activated LV area is important to increase CRT response. We aimed to detect the relationship between LV lead sensing delay and echocardiographic and electrocardiographic response to CRT treatment.

Methods

We prospectively included 156 consecutive patients with HF diagnosis, QRS ≥ 120 ms, left bundle branch block, New York Heart Association II–IV, LV ejection fraction (LVEF) < 35%, and scheduled for CRT (100 male, 56 female; mean age 65.8 ± 10.06 years). Echocardiographic CRT response was defined as ≥15% reduction in LV end‐systolic volume (LVESV). LV lead sensing delay was calculated as the time interval from the onset of surface QRS wave to the onset of depolarization wave recorded from the LV lead by using the LV pacing lead as a bipolar electrode.

Results

LVESV reduction was associated with baseline QRS width (r = 0.292, P = 001), QRS narrowing (r = 0.332, P < 001), and LV lead sensing delay (r = 0.454, P < 001) in bivariate analysis. In logistic regression analysis, LV lead sensing delay was found to be the only independent parameter for predicting significant LVESV reduction (β = 0.423, P < 0.001). LV lead sensing delay was also found to be significantly associated with LVEF increase (r = 0.320, P < 0.001) and QRS narrowing (r = 0.345, P < 0.001).

Conclusion

LV lead sensing delay is the only independent predictor for significant reduction in LVESV and was found to be significantly associated with LVEF increase and QRS narrowing after CRT treatment. We suggest that LV lead sensing delay may be used as a marker to predict the favorable response to CRT.
Disaster Relief Inventory Management: Horizontal Cooperation between Humanitarian Organizations
Authors: Toyasaki Fuminori , Arikan Emel , Silbermayr Lena , Falagara Sigala Ioanna
Published: October 2016

Cooperation among humanitarian organizations has attracted increasing attention to enhance effectiveness and efficiency of relief supply chains. Our research focuses on horizontal cooperation in inventory management which is currently implemented in the United Nations Humanitarian Response Depot (UNHRD) network. The present work follows a two‐step research approach, which involves collection of empirical data and quantitative modeling to examine and overcome the coordination challenges of the network. Our interviews with members of the network identified several managerial issues for sustainable cooperative inventory management that the UNHRD network pursues. Using a newsvendor model in the context of non‐cooperative game theory, our research has explored member humanitarian organizations' incentive of joining the network, a coordination mechanism which achieves system optimality, and impacts of members' decisions about stock rationing. Our results indicate that behaviors of member HOs do not necessarily align with the UNHRD's expectation. Our results suggest that for system optimality, a system coordinator should carefully assess the circumstances, including demand coefficient and stock rationing. Our research also proposes a policy priority for the first‐best system optimal inventory management.
High hydrogen peroxide production and antioxidative enzymes expression in the Chlamydomonas reinhardtii cia3 mutant with an increased tolerance to cadmium and anthracene
Authors: Aksmann Anna , Pokora Wojciech , Baścik‐Remisiewicz Agnieszka , Dettlaff‐Pokora Agnieszka , Tukaj Zbigniew
Published: October 2016

Chlamydomonas reinhardtii cia3 mutant is deficient in activity of CAH3, a carbonic anhydrase isoform necessary for proper functioning of photosystem II (PS II). We used cia3 to verify the hypothesis that despite high concentration of external CO2, deficiency in CAH3 activity results in slight disorder of photosynthesis, which leads to mild but permanent overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS). As a consequence, cia3 should possess high ability to rebalance ROS homeostasis to overcome the oxidative stress induced by environmental factors, including chemical contaminations. We have found that in control conditions cia3 had a larger fraction of active PS II reaction centers but their efficiency was lower as compared with the wild type (WT), while H2O2 production by cia3 was significantly higher than in WT. In regard to ROS‐scavenging enzymes, the transcript level for superoxide dismutase (SOD) isoforms and the isoenzymes activity in cia3 were higher than in WT. There were no significant differences in the transcript level of ascorbate peroxidase (APX) and catalase (CAT) genes in both strains, and slightly elevated activity of the enzymes was observed in the cia3‐cells. Comparing the sensitivity of WT and cia3 to chemically‐induced stress we have found that the growth, photosynthesis and H2O2 production in WT were more strongly affected by cadmium and anthracene as compared with cia3. SODs expression and activity in the treated WT were higher than those in cia3, but APX and CAT activities were similar in both strains. Our results indicate that the CAH3‐deficiency is associated with markedly elevated H2O2 production and with a relatively higher initial transcript level and the activity of ROS‐scavenging enzymes. In consequence, cia3 revealed a higher tolerance to cadmium and anthracene compared with WT.
Using ERPs to investigate valence processing in the affect misattribution procedure
Authors: Von Gunten Curtis D. , Bartholow Bruce D. , Scherer Laura D.
Published: October 2016

The construct validity of the affect misattribution procedure (AMP) has been challenged by theories proposing that the task does not actually measure affect misattribution. The current study tested the validity of the AMP as a measure of affect misattribution by examining three components of the ERP known to be associated with the allocation of motivated attention. Results revealed that ERP amplitudes varied in response to affectively ambiguous targets as a function of the valence of preceding primes. Furthermore, differences in ERP responses to the targets were largely similar to differences in ERPs elicited by the primes. The existence of valence differentiation in both the prime‐locked and the target‐locked ERPs, along with the similarity in this differentiation, provides evidence that the affective content of the primes is psychologically registered, and that this content influences the processing of the subsequent, evaluatively ambiguous targets, both of which are required if the priming effects found in the AMP are the result of affect misattribution. However, the behavioral priming effect was uncorrelated with ERP amplitudes, leaving some question as to the locus of this effect in the information‐processing system. Findings are discussed in light of the strengths and weaknesses of using ERPs to understand the priming effects in the AMP.
Indirect Realism with a Human Face
Authors: DePoe John M.
Published: October 2016

Epistemic Indirect Realism (EIR) is the position that justification for contingent propositions about the extra‐mental world requires an inference based on a subjective, experiential mental state. One objection against EIR is that it runs contrary to common sense and practice; in essence, ordinary people do not form beliefs about things in the external world on the basis of experiential mental states. This objection implies EIR is contrary to ordinary experience, impractical, and leads to scepticism. In this paper, I will defend EIR against this objection by distinguishing EIR based on conceptual awareness and non‐conceptual awareness. In particular, I will argue that direct acquaintance provides sufficient (non‐conceptual) awareness that can explain how ordinary folks are capable of forming justified beliefs about the external world in a way consistent with EIR. Overall, I present a framework for showing that EIR can satisfy ordinary epistemic practices without betraying human nature or over‐intellectualizing the required epistemic standards for possessing a justified belief.
Rapid dipstick detection of Vibrio cholerae in household stored and municipal water in Dhaka, Bangladesh: CHoBI7 trial
Authors: Rashid Mahamud‐ur , Rahman Zillur , Burrowes Vanessa , Perin Jamie , Mustafiz Munshi , Monira Shirajum , Saif‐Ur‐Rahman K. M. , Bhuyian Sazzadul Islam , Mahmud Md. Toslim , Sack R. Bradley , Sack David , Alam Munirul , George Christine Marie
Published: October 2016

Objective

In urban Dhaka, Bangladesh, 30% of source water samples collected from the households of patients with cholera had detectable Vibrio cholerae. These findings indicate an urgent need for a public health intervention for this population. The Crystal VC® dipstick test is a rapid method for detecting V. cholerae in stool and water. However, to date no study has investigated the use of the rapid dipstick test for household surveillance of stored drinking water.

Methods

The efficacy of the Crystal VC® dipstick test for detecting V. cholerae in the Dhaka city municipal water supply and stored household drinking water sources after enrichment for 18 h in alkaline peptone water (APW) was compared to bacterial culture as the gold standard.

Results

A total of 1648 water samples (824 stored household drinking water samples and 824 municipal water supply samples) were collected from households of patients with cholera. The overall specificity and sensitivity of the dipstick test compared to bacterial culture was 99.6% (95% confidence interval (CI): 99.2%, 99.9%) and 65.6% (95% CI: 55.2%, 75%), respectively. The specificities for stored household drinking water and Dhaka city municipal supply water compared to bacterial culture were 99.8% (95% CI: 99.1%, 100%) and 99.5% (95% CI: 98.6%, 99.9%), respectively (P = 0.138), and the sensitivities were 66.7% (95% CI: 43.0%, 85.4%) and 65.3% (95% CI: 53.5%, 76.0%), respectively (P = 0.891).

Conclusion

The Crystal VC® dipstick is a promising screening tool for cholera outbreak surveillance in resource‐limited settings where elimination of false‐positive results is critical. The lower than expected sensitivity should be further investigated in future studies.
Human papillomavirus (HPV) awareness and vaccine receptivity among Senegalese adolescents
Authors: Massey Philip M. , Boansi Ruth K. , Gipson Jessica D. , Adams Rachel M. , Riess Helene , Dieng Thierno , Prelip Michael L. , Glik Deborah C.
Published: October 2016

Objective

To examine HPV vaccine awareness and receptivity among adolescents and young adults in Senegal.

Methods

Participants from six high schools and five community centres across five regions of Senegal (n = 2286) completed a self‐administered questionnaire in October and November 2014. The study assessed HPV awareness and receptivity towards receiving the HPV vaccine. Multivariable logistic regression explored statistically significant relationships between the predictor variables and both outcomes.

Results

Twenty‐seven percent had heard of HPV. Among those who had heard of HPV (n = 616), only 28% indicated willingness to vaccinate. Multivariable analysis showed that respondents from rural areas had 63% higher odds (95% CI: 1.24, 2.12) of having heard of HPV than those in urban areas. Respondents with fathers who had completed higher education had 41% higher odds (95% CI: 1.04, 1.92) of being aware of HPV (P < 0.05); however, every level of father's education (as compared to no education at all) was negatively associated with willingness to vaccinate. Respondents who had previously spoken to a healthcare professional about the HPV vaccine had 80% higher odds (95% CI: 1.16, 2.81) of willingness to vaccinate than those who did not speak to a provider about the vaccine.

Conclusions

Healthcare providers and parents are important stakeholders in disseminating HPV vaccine information. Given the overall low levels of awareness, there is a great opportunity for public health communication efforts to craft health messaging and information in a way to maximise receptivity, outlining benefits and providing information on the minimal risks associated with the vaccine.
Stability of osmolality in previously frozen canine serum and urine samples
Authors: Reinhart Jennifer M. , White Brad J. , Pohlman Lisa M. , Schermerhorn Thomas
Published: October 2016

Background

The measurement of osmolality is of interest in several clinical conditions and has been investigated in multiple veterinary studies. However, the stability of osmolality over time in frozen canine serum and urine has not been established.

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to determine the stability of osmolality in canine serum and urine stored frozen at −20°C and −80°C up to 90 days, and to assess the effect of storage temperature on osmolality measurement.

Methods

Serum and urine samples collected from 5 healthy Greyhound dogs were aliquoted and stored at −20°C and −80°C until measurement. Osmolality, assessed by freezing‐point depression, was measured at 0, 7, 14, 30, and 90 days of storage.

Results

For both serum and urine, osmolality at day 7 was not statistically different from day 0, but osmolality at days 14, 30, and 90 was significantly lower than at day 0. There was no significant effect of storage temperature on serum osmolality. However, the osmolality of urine samples stored at −20°C was slightly, but significantly lower than the osmolality of those stored at −80°C.

Conclusions

Osmolality measurement in the serum and urine of healthy dogs appears to be stable for at least 7 days in frozen samples. The small changes observed after day 7 are unlikely to be relevant for individual patients, but could have implications in research study protocols.
Is Architectural Pedagogy Prepared for Buildings of the Future?
Authors: Hemsath Timothy L.
Published: October 2016

Assuming that buildings in our near future can achieve carbon neutrality, what next? More importantly, what is necessary in the short term to transform the way we design and think about buildings to achieve carbon neutrality and beyond? Can architectural pedagogy deal with how buildings integrate with the larger community and ecosystem around them, how buildings are constructed and/or manufactured to optimize resource use, and how they adapt to changes and are repurposed to meet future needs? Pedagogy for this future is about instilling a way of thinking about environmental design that is both conscious of and active in energy and carbon emissions, but also the health, wellbeing, and productivity of building occupants. Expounding on these questions, this paper will analyze current architectural curriculum and recent student design competitions against the U.S. Department of Energy’s Future of Buildings initiative. The discussion of the gap analysis results shows a deficiency about thinking about architectural design for the future. The paper will highlight where our design education succeeds and falls short toward preparing students. Additionally, thinking about this future context will highlight beneficial and detrimental aspects of the current pedagogical landscape to further whole-building design concepts to achieve a carbon neutral future for the built environment.
Assessment of Residual Stress and Suitability for Subsea Service of a Welded Superduplex Stainless Steel Flange Joint
Authors: Dodge M. , Smith S. D. , London T. , Sotoudeh K. , Morana R. , Kabra S.
Published: October 2016

Ferritic-austenitic (duplex) stainless steel components are used for oil and gas production duties due to their high strength and corrosion resistance. The material is routinely used for short flowlines, as well as for welded hubs and flanges. Cathodic protection (CP) is employed, via sacrificial aluminium based anodes, which protects ferritic steel parts from seawater corrosion. Whilst CP has proven successful in preventing corrosion, failures have occurred due to the ingress of electrolytically evolved hydrogen. Duplex stainless steel joints become susceptible to environmental cracking under a combination of high stress, hydrogen content, and susceptible microstructures; critical combinations of which may result in hydrogen induced stress cracking (HISC).

Successful operation of duplex equipment, in avoidance of HISC, necessitates a good understanding of the total in-service stresses (including from loading applied in service and from residual stresses from manufacture, fabrication, installation and commissioning). One of the key components of understanding the in-service stress at welds is knowledge of the residual stress distribution, following welding. The focus of this paper is to provide an overview of the typical residual stress levels in a welded superduplex stainless steel (SDSS) subsea joint, using neutron diffraction and finite element modelling. The results are presented in the context of current recommended practice, for example DNV RP-F112.
Validation: What, Why and How
Authors: Eça Luís , Vaz Guilherme , Koop Arjen , Pereira Filipe , Abreu Hugo
Published: October 2016

Offshore and Naval engineering have relied on physical models, i.e. experimental fluid dynamics (EFD), for several decades. Although the role of experiments in engineering is still unquestionable, some of the limitations of physical models, as for example domain size (blockage and scale effects), can be addressed using mathematical models, i.e. computational fluid dynamics (CFD). However, to gain confidence in the use of CFD it is fundamental to determine the modelling accuracy, i.e. to determine the difference between the “physical reality” and the selected mathematical model. The quantification of the modelling error is the goal of Validation. It must be emphasized that Validation applies to the mathematical model (and not the code) and is performed for selected flow quantities (the so-called quantities of interest).

Ideally, Validation would be performed comparing an exact measurement of the “physical reality” with the exact solution of the selected mathematical model. However, exact measurements do not exist and mathematical models for turbulent flows do not have analytical solutions. Therefore, procedures must be developed to take into account experimental and numerical uncertainties. Furthermore, the exact values of the flow parameters as for example Reynolds number, fluid viscosity or inlet turbulence quantities are often unknown, which leads to the so-called parameter uncertainty that also has to be dealt within the assessment of the modelling error.

The main goal of this paper is to demonstrate that the very popular designation of “code X is validated” is meaningless without saying what is the mathematical model embedded in the code, what are the quantities of interest for the specific application and what is the Validation uncertainty imposed by the experimental, numerical and parameter uncertainties. Furthermore, we also illustrate that Validation is not a pass or fail exercise. A modelling error of 10% may be acceptable for a given application, whereas 1% may not be enough for a different one.

To this end, we present the application of the ASME V&V 20 Validation procedure for local set points and the metric for multiple set points to several practical test cases: prediction of transition from laminar to turbulent regime for the flow over a flat plate; flow around a circular cylinder; flow around the KVLCC2 tanker and current loads in shallow water for a LNG carrier. In most of these exercises, parameter uncertainty is assumed to be zero, which is an assumption often required for the so-called practical calculations due to the computational effort required to address it. Nonetheless, as an illustration of its application, the flow over the flat plate includes parameter uncertainty for the specification of the inlet turbulence quantities.
Examining Random Uncertainty Using a Newly Developed Power Spectrum Based Method
Authors: Brouwer Joris , Klinkenberg Yvette J. C.
Published: October 2016

During steady state measurements, erratic oscillations can often be observed in the measured signals. For example, when measuring the ship-model resistance in a towing tank, oscillations might originate from vortex shedding, carriage control, rail imperfections, etc. These oscillations contribute to the random uncertainty of the observed mean value. The total observed random uncertainty can be caused by rapidly or slowly evolving oscillations. Rapidly evolving means that the periodicity is typically within the time frame of measurement, e.g. vortex shedding. Slowly evolving means that the periodicity is typically not contained within the available time frame of measurement, e.g. creep in a force sensor. The random uncertainty of the mean of a single measurement can be evaluated accurately when the rapidly evolving effects are dominant. The observed autocovariance of the signal can be used to find an uncertainty estimate for the signal as a whole [1]. In this paper, a new methodology to quantify the individual contribution of various spectral components to the random uncertainty is presented.

The new methodology is based on the power spectrum of a signal. The power spectrum only describes the energy content of all the rapidly evolving effects, while energy of slowly evolving effects is absent. For many stationary processes, individual spectral components of the power spectrum can be regarded uncorrelated or weakly correlated with each other. Each individual frequency component may be regarded as an uncorrelated band pass noise process. The uncertainty contribution of such processes to the mean value can be evaluated accurately, hence the spectral density of the process is directly correlated to the uncertainty of the mean; lowering the spectral density lowers the uncertainty. By quantifying the uncertainty contribution for each spectral component, various effects can be distinguished in the frequency domain and their individual contribution to the uncertainty of the mean can be determined. Using this information, sound decisions can be made to what effects should receive effort to lower the amplitude of oscillation and hence the random uncertainty.

This paper presents the newly developed power spectrum based method, called uncertainty spectrum, to determine the spectral contribution to the uncertainty of the mean and demonstrates the application of this method to ship-model resistance measurement data.
Development of a Double Joint Welding Procedure Specification for Fatigue Applications
Authors: Marines-Garcia Israel , Erezuma Emma , Mota-Solis Noe , Darcis Philippe P. , Quintanilla Hector M.
Published: October 2016

One of the major concerns in terms of Structural Integrity for Steel Catenary Risers (SCR) or Fatigue Sensitive Flowlines (FSFL) consists on their strength to withstand dynamic loading along their service life. SCR and FSFL systems always experience more considerable fatigue loading due to floating structures adopted for deep and ultra-deep water oil and gas recovery, as well as for free spanning due to seabed geography and marine currents.

In this context, a Double Joint (DJ) Welding Procedure Specification (WPS) has been developed to comply with stringent fatigue requirements, as well as to assess their actual fatigue behavior. The benefits of having DJ are: improving the installation time (S-lay, J-lay or reel-lay) having half of the welding joint performed out of the firing line and reducing the need of Field Joint Coating by two, which results on decreasing project’s cost.

This DJ development is focused on a more productive WPS applicable for sour service environments and fatigue endurance requirements considering a Narrow Groove (NG) with J-Bevel design, STT® root pass, SAW for fill and cap passes in 1G welding position. The obtained WPS results are presented on an X65 Steel pipe grade, 273.1 mm OD and 25.4 mm WT.
Design and Performance Analysis of Anchor System for a Single-Body Wave Energy Converter
Authors: Banos Rodrigo L. , Lemu Hirpa G.
Published: October 2016

The last couple of decades have observed an increasing interest in development of wave energy conversion technology for both research and commercial purposes. Though slow due to several reasons, the technology shows an evident progress. Because of the oil crisis facing the energy sector in particular, wave energy is currently seen as a good alternative to fossil fuel based power generation. This has marked its footprints on rising industrial ventures in wave energy based power generation and the search for new devices is gearing up. Among the latest invented models, point wave energy converters are attractive and low investment options. These devices are much smaller than the traditional oscillating water column devices and have good performance when combined in arrays of devices, thus placing the technology in the center of industrial and academic research.

This article reports the study conducted to understand the mechanics of the energy exchange in a single-body point wave energy converter device model Cape Verde, patented by the Norwegian company Euro Wave Energy. Furthermore, the article intends to give a practical solution for the design of the anchoring problem in the device. In general, the article attempts to present two completely different objectives: an academic part focusing on understanding the wave energy conversion mechanics, and the industrial development part that attempts to find a practical solution for a particular part of the device.

The first step involves establishing a model that describes the motion and potential of absorbance of a conic single-body absorber. The anchor system was designed in accordance with standards provided by Det Norske Veritas, the Norwegian regulatory framework. A quasi-static method is used to calculate the load that the absorber would suffer and a pulley and cable system is proposed to drive these loads to the anchor system. After a review of the different solutions offered for offshore facilities at the present time, the model of a suction anchor is chosen. As design verification through physical testing of prototypes of conversion devices is demanding and costly, various simulation tools are appearing in the field. The application range of some of these different simulation tools has been evaluated and reported in this article.
Experimental Investigation of Cuttings Transport With Oil Based Drilling Fluids
Authors: Sayindla Sneha , Lund Bjørnar , Taghipour Ali , Werner Benjamin , Saasen Arild , Gyland Knud Richard , Ibragimova Zalpato , Ytrehus Jan David
Published: October 2016

Drilling fluids are very complex and are essential for safe and efficient drilling operations. It is vital for the drilling operator to be able to select an appropriate fluid for each individual well, including the decision of using oil-based or water-based fluids or “muds” (OBM or WBM). In this article we present results from a comparative study of three OBM’s which are based on the same fluid system (Versatec). This work is part of a larger investigation where the main objective is to identify and evaluate the difference in the hole cleaning capabilities of OBM’s and WBM’s with similar viscosity as measured by the API/ISO standards.

This paper describes an experimental investigation of cuttings transport using flow loop laboratory tests without and with injected cuttings size particles using various industrial oil based fluids with varying density and viscosity. The flow loop includes a 10 meter long test section with 2″ OD free whirling rotating steel drillstring inside a 4″ ID wellbore made of concrete elements positioned inside a steel tubing. Sand particles were injected while circulating the drilling fluid through the test section. Experiments are conducted at atmospheric conditions, but are otherwise designed to represent downhole conditions as closely as possible with respect to fluid and particle properties, flow rates and geometry.

Fluids are tested at different flow rates with and without rotation of drill string, with and without sand injection. This has allowed us to study the effects of flow rate and drill string rotation on hole cleaning capabilities of different fluids. The primary results are pressure drop, steady state sand bed height in a horizontal annulus versus fluid and cuttings rates for rotating and non-rotating drill string and in particular the critical rates for fully suspended flow. The results are interpreted in light of results from laboratory characterization of the same fluids, conducted as part of the same project.

The results will increase understanding of the relationship between drilling fluid properties and hole cleaning performance. This will enable the development of improved drilling fluids, both operationally and environmentally. Such know-how will also be important in order to develop more accurate transport models.
Experimental Investigation of Mechanical Friction and Hydraulics for Liner Drilling and Liner Running
Authors: Ytrehus Jan David , Taghipour Ali , Lund Bjørnar , Gyland Knud Richard , Saasen Arild
Published: October 2016

The mechanical friction of liner operations is investigated and compared to what is expected for a conventional drill pipe. In addition the cuttings transport efficiency for realistic conditions is studied. The work is also relevant for running completion strings. This article is based on results from laboratory scale flow loop for drilling applications. Sand particles were injected while circulating the drilling fluid through the test section in some of the tests. The procedures used to conduct the experiments are explained and experimental results and observations are discussed. The drilling fluids and additives in these experiments are similar to those used in in fields on the Norwegian Continental Shelf (NCS). Friction coefficient is calculated from the measured torque for different flow velocities and rotational velocities and the force perpendicular to the surface caused by the buoyed weight of the string.