bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Free Spanning Pipeline Design in a Risk Based Perspective
Authors: Hagen O̸istein , Mo̸rk Kim , Sigurdsson Gudfinnur , Nielsen Finn Gunnar
Published: January 2009

The Ormen Lange subsea pipeline shall be designed to meet a specified risk acceptance criterion, established by consideration of failure probability and consequences of failure. Traditional design for Vortex Induced Vibrations (VIV) of free spans limits the allowable free span length and implies that interventions work may be required. Through a risk based approach the probability of fatigue failure of free spanning pipelines is quantified, and the governing uncertainties identified. A sensitivity analysis of different risk control options is performed. The outcome facilitates to focus in the design process such that a preferred design solution can be identified and implemented via testing campaign in the design stage, prelaid rectification activities and inspection programs. The aim is to obtain a cost efficient design that comply with the given acceptance criterion. Best practices as reflected in DNV-RP-F105 “Free Spanning Pipelines” and updated field specific design guidelines form the basis for the analysis. A probabilistic module is implemented on top of DNV-RP-F105 methodology, which allows application of a dedicated uncertainty modeling for a specific project. Parameters considered include: Pipeline properties, effective axial force, span length and gap, soil properties, ocean current (distribution, depth and directional variation), multiple mode response analysis (VIV response models, natural frequencies, damping, effect of concrete, static deflection), different SN curves, strakes and monitoring. Both the As Laid phase and the Operational phase are considered for different locations along the pipeline route.
Design, Application and Installation of an X100 Pipeline
Authors: Glover Alan , Zhou Joe , Horsley David , Suzuki Nobuhisa , Endo Shigeru , Takehara Jun-Ichiro
Published: January 2009

Traditional pipeline technology will be severely challenged as design-operating pressures continue to rise and gas field developments occur in more remote locations including the arctic. Cost-effective solutions to these issues can be found through innovative designs using new technology and its implementation. Some of these designs have considered the use of high-pressure natural gas pipelines resulting in the development of high strength steel. In order to meet these increases in pressure TransCanada and JFE/NKK have been working extensively on the application of X100 (Grade 690) linepipe and this has culminated in the construction and installation of a X100 project in the fall of 2002. This paper will discuss the development of the related research projects that allowed the successful completion of the field project. The topics will include the material properties and fracture control plans for X100. In addition the approach to strain based design for X100 will include the analysis for both the tensile strain limits (weld mismatch consideration) and compressive strain limits (i.e. buckling capacity). The development of the field welding process will also be covered. The paper will discuss the implications of using X100 from the perspective of the successful field project and the application of a strain-based design.
Accounting for Constraint in Probabilistic Fracture Mechanics Analysis of Welds in Floating Production, Storage and Off-Loading (FPSO) Vessels
Authors: Tronskar Jens P.
Published: January 2009

Revision 4 of the British Energy R6 document: “Assessment of the integrity of structures containing defects” provides methods to allow for loss of crack tip constraint for shallow weld flaws. The document also provides methods to estimate upper-bound values of the through thickness residual stress distribution for a range of common weld joint configurations. The present paper presents results of analyses where approaches to modify the R6 Option 1 or 2 failure assessment diagrams (FADs) for loss of crack tip constraint pertaining to primary and non-uniform residual stress have been applied. The modified FAD were formulated for probabilistic fracture mechanics analyses of semi-elliptical surface cracks located at transverse deck welds of Floating Production, Storage and Off-loading (FPSO) vessels designed to operate in the North Sea. The objective was to study the influence on the failure probability of modifying the FAD for constraint and allowing for non-uniform residual stress. Another objective was to study the influence of constraint correction on the combined fatigue and fracture failure probability for the vessels subjected to wave loading. Material and weld tensile properties and fracture toughness distributions for input to the probabilistic fracture mechanics analyses were obtained from testing of welded panels prepared using welding procedures for actual FPSO fabrication. The loading conditions were derived based on North Sea wave data pertaining to the offshore field where the FPSO is operating. The stresses were obtained from global FE analysis and fitted Weibull long-term and extreme value distributions. The results of the analyses demonstrate clearly the importance of correcting for crack tip constraint pertaining to both primary and secondary stress and to allow for non-uniform residual stress for shallow surface flaws of known crack heights. However, in combination with fatigue crack growth the effects become less prominent as the failure probability is governed by the uncertainty in the parameters of the crack growth relationship and the long-term stress distribution.
Simulation of Outgoing Waves at the Boundaries of a Three Dimensional Fully Nonlinear Numerical Wave Tank
Authors: Mansour Alaa M. , Williams A. Neil
Published: January 2009

This paper presents an efficient boundary condition to simulate outgoing waves at the boundaries of the truncated domain in a three-dimensional numerical wave tank. The present study is based on coupling of two prescribed boundary conditions, namely, numerical beach and Orlanski boundary conditions. The use of a numerical beach is known to be efficient in the high frequency range, however, Orlanski boundary condition has been successfully applied in the low frequency range. The proposed study is based on coupling of these two prescribed boundary conditions to make use of their complementary bandwidths. The model has been calibrated to determine the optimal length and the most efficient damping factor within the numerical beach region. The semi-infinite tank has then been used to simulate nonlinear wave propagation in shallow water. The results of this simulation have been verified through a comparison with previous published experimental measurements. The model is then further applied to simulate the nonlinear wave diffraction by and the associated hydrodynamic forces on a bottom mounted surface piercing circular uniform cylinder. Further investigation of the efficiency of the coupled boundary condition when using a spatially-varying damping factor in the presence of scattered wave field is presented.
An Approach to the Estimation of Structural Design Loads of Turret Moored FPSO Tankers
Authors: Ren Huilong , Jang Chang Doo
Published: January 2009

A practical approach to determine the structural design loads of turret moored FPSO (Floating Production Storage and Offloading) tankers is suggested in this paper. The linearized restoring forces acting on the ship hull by the mooring system are calculated according to the catenary theory. The effect of the restoring forces is included in the equations of motions of the ship in the form of linear stiffness coefficients. The hydrodynamic coefficients are calculated by the three-dimensional potential flow theory. The equations of motions are solved in frequency domain, and the motions and wave loads responses can be obtained. Then the short-term and long-term analyses are carried out for the wave loads of this kind of ship. With a 250m turret moored FPSO tanker as an example, according to the given environmental sea states data, headings, exceeding probability for the FPSO tanker, the structural design loads are calculated and compared with those obtained from rules for traditional tankers with the same dimensions. By the present approach, it is possible to perform a practical and efficient calculation of structural design loads of actual turret moored FPSO tankers.
Prediction of Green Water Events on FPSO Vessels
Authors: Fyfe Alexander , Ballard Edward
Published: January 2009

Most floating vessels experience some sea states, not necessarily extreme storms, which cause large volumes of green water to flow across the deck. Due to the location of safety critical equipment on the deck of FPSOs, the determination of the likely occurrences and the magnitudes of such events are critical to safe design and operation. A method for the determination of green water heights on the deck of an FPSO has been presented in references 1–5. This paper examines the long-term distributions of heights implied by these references and the identification of sea states in which extreme events are likely to occur. The method is based upon the long term distribution of sea states at the intended location, combined with the motion characteristics of the vessel. Freeboard exceedance at the bow and at a point along the side is considered for two typical FPSO configurations. The methodology presented is widely applicable to many locations but wave conditions typical of the Central North Sea are used by way of illustration. The results presented include long term probability distributions of green water height on deck at locations of interest. Relative contributions of each combination of significant wave height and peak period to the probability of the largest single event in a defined return period are determined and discussed. It is shown that the wave conditions most likely to give rise to the most severe green water events are seldom those characterized by the largest wave crest heights. Instead, there exists a complex dependence on characteristic periods associated with vessel motions and on the long-term occurrences of particular sea states. The ability to predict conditions in which the largest green water events are most likely to occur offers the possibility of providing improved operational guidelines for FPSOs, allowing action to be taken to avoid unfavourable loading conditions and/or vessel headings in certain sea conditions. However, it is also shown that it may be difficult to identify some severe green water sea states from normally available forecast data and hence it is important that appropriate provision is made at the design stage.
Marine Transportations of Floating Production Units: Reliability Aspects
Authors: Morandi Alberto
Published: January 2009

Several deep water floating production facilities are currently in operation worldwide, with many more planned for the future. As part of such projects, there is a trend for the transportation of increasingly large and high-value assets through long distances. The paper describes some of the main engineering issues that need to be addressed to ensure safety and reliability during such transportations as well as some aspects that deserve future investigation and improvement. Although the emphasis of the paper is on production units, the issues dealt with here are also applicable to other major structures such as semi-submersible mobile drilling units, jack-ups, bridge sections, etc. The work is relevant to stakeholders involved in such transportations namely shipyards, oil companies, drilling rig owners, dry transportation vessel owners, government agencies, insurance interests and marine warranty surveyors.
Experimental Investigation of the Shipping of Water on the Bow of a Containership
Authors: Fonseca Nuno , Guedes Soares Carlos
Published: January 2009

The paper presents the results of an experimental investigation of the shipping of water on the bow of a containership. Model tests were carried out in head regular and irregular waves of large amplitude, and measurements were taken of: the absolute and relative motions, the structural loads, the height of water and the impact pressure on the deck, and the horizontal impact pressure and total force on the first line of containers on the bow.
Offshore Pipeline Leak Detection With PSLs
Authors: Dunn-Norman S. , Erickson K. T. , Stanek E. K. , Miller Ann
Published: January 2009

Pressure safety low alarms (PSLs) have been required as a means of pipeline leak detection. PSLs are typically located on the export riser and on each boarding riser of intermediate platforms. The PSL is intended to shut in the production in the event of a pipeline leak. Historical production and leak event data suggest that PSL alarms may not function as expected in all operating situations. The US Minerals Management Service (MMS) commissioned a study to determine PSL operation as a function of produced fluids, line characteristics and other factors. This paper summarizes the findings of this study. The results of this study demonstrate situations in which PSLs can function as prescribed and situations in which PSLs may prove unreliable. The results of this study are significant because offshore pipelines are typically the greatest source of offshore pollution.
Loading History Effects for Deepwater S-Lay of Pipelines
Authors: Yun Heedo D. , Peek Ralf R. , Paslay Paul P. , Kopp Frans F.
Published: January 2009

For economic reasons S-Lay is often preferred to J-Lay. However in very deep water S-Lay requires a high curvature of the stinger to achieve the required close-to-vertical departure angle. This can lead to plastic deformations of the pipe. The high top tension increases the plastic deformations in two ways: firstly it adds an overall tensile component to the strains, thereby increasing the strains at the 12 o’clock position. Secondly it increases the strain concentrations which arise due to discontinuous support of the pipe on the stinger. Typically the pipe is guided over a series of roller beds. The high top tension tends to straighten the spans between the roller beds. To accommodate this (so that the pipe can still follow the stinger), higher curvatures are required at the roller beds. Analytical and numerical solutions are provided to quantify this effect. The analytical solution is fully developed for an elastic-perfectly-plastic pipe, but can also be applied for other material models provided that: (i) the moment-curvature relation for the pipe under tension is known, and (ii) no cyclic plastic ratchetting occurs due to repeated bending of the pipe over the roller beds and straightening in the spans between roller beds. Agreement between the analytical and numerical (finite element) results is excellent, if the proper loading history is used in the numerical simulation. Otherwise the level of strain concentration can be overpredicted.
Reliability of Gulf of Mexico Deepwater Slopes
Authors: Jeanjean Philippe
Published: January 2009

This paper describes the methodology used by BP on two deepwater projects to assess the reliability level of submarine slopes in the deepwater Gulf of Mexico environment. The paper describes the necessary steps in the analyses: establishing a geological model, properly characterizing the slope geophysically and geotechnically, carrying out deterministic slope stability analyses, performing a thorough review of potential triggering mechanisms, assessing how the slope safety factor will evolve over time, and estimating the annual probability of failure of a given slope. Possible means of estimating annual probabilities of failures from a FORM analysis are presented. The paper establishes that, even if a FORM analysis gives a relatively high probability of failure, the annual probability of failure can be several orders of magnitude lower if the trigger mechanisms are non-random and slow acting.
Reliability Reassessment of a Jacket Platform With Gas Seepage in the South China Sea
Authors: Sigurdsson Gudfinnur , Mathisen Jan , Stro̸m Pa˚l , Goh Tok Kwong
Published: January 2009

A structural reliability analysis is carried out on a jacket platform in 75 m water depth, in the South China Sea. A platform collapse failure mode is considered, with emphasis on uncertain soil conditions around the pile foundations, due to gas seepage while the platform has been in service. Random environmental conditions due to wind, waves and current are taken into account, based on observed data. Allowance for the short duration of environmental measurements is included and has a marked effect on the results. Two response surfaces are applied in the reliability calculation, to model the loads and the system capacity.
Predictions of Extreme Values of Significant Wave Height
Authors: Guedes Soares C. , Ferreira R. G. , Scotto Manuel G.
Published: January 2009

This paper provides an overview of different methods of extrapolating environmental data to low probability levels based on the extreme value theory. It discusses the Annual Maxima method and the Peak Over Threshold method, using unified terminology and notation. Furthermore, it describes a method based on the r largest order statistics that has the advantage of providing more accurate parameters and quantile estimates than the Annual Maxima method. Several examples illustrate the methodology and reveal strengths and weaknesses of the various approaches.
Systems Reliability With Multiple Design Points Through Evolutionary Strategies
Authors: Barranco Cicilia Federico , Prates de Lima Edison Castro , Sudati Sagrilo Lui´s Volnei
Published: January 2009

In structural reliability analysis there could be several limit state functions with multiple design points. The missing of one or more of these design points can be responsible for significant errors on the system reliability evaluation. In this paper, a simple version of the Evolutionary Strategies (ES) algorithm is combined with the First Order Second Moment method (FORM) to perform the reliability analysis of systems with multiple design points. The ES algorithm is used to perform a preliminary identification of the design points (local maxima). These design points approximations are used as initial guesses in the HL-RF (Hasofer and Lind–Rackwitz and Fiessler) method in order to calculate the true design points. The system failure probability is then evaluated with FORM approximation for series systems. The proposed methodology is applied to the analysis of three non-linear limit state functions with Normal and non-Normal random variables and the results are compared with those obtained with the Monte Carlo method.
Analysis of Anode Reaction on GTA Welding
Authors: Ogawa Yoji , Morita Takao , Matsuda Jun
Published: January 2009

Principle of Gas Tungsten Arc Welding is quite simple. Electron, which is emitted from Tungsten electrode, hits into the metal, and the heat from this impingement produce enough heat for fusion welding. However, actual behaviors are quite complicated. Electron emission is much influenced by physical condition of cathode and ambient circumstance. Considerable electron emits from unbelievable location of the cathode, especially at the stage of the cathode is not enough hot. The anode spot, where main electrons hit into the metal, is also much influenced by surface condition. The anode spot is usually appeared at the center of molten pool where the temperature seems to be maximum value. But, it sometimes moves irregularly or hits on the solid surface. This situation is mainly caused by oxidized layer on the solid metal or molten metal. Some minor elements in/on the metal act as a kind of catalytic agent. It sometimes drastically changes weld geometry. Fundamental experiment to observe arc instability was carried out from vacuum to high pressure, where contents of gas are controlled. Effects of oxygen and minor elements on anode reactions were measured by high speed digital video cameras. Measured molten metal flow, plasma distribution and anode behavior during GTA welding will be discussed in detail.
A Statistical Comparison of Corroded Pipe Remaining Strength Assessment Methods for the Accurate Prediction of Burst Pressures
Authors: Hsiao C. P. , Vargas P. M.
Published: January 2009

Traditional remaining strength assessment methods such as B31G [1] and API RP-579 [2] are inherently conservative to account for uncertainties and thus assure safety. With the advent of reliability based assessment methods, built-in conservatisms at the model level are undesirable. Instead, the statistical model descriptions are used to account for the model uncertainties. To date, several research studies have compared the accuracy of these assessment methods as burst pressure predictors with newer limit-state models [3]. In these comparisons, the assessment methods such as B31G do not perform well as burst predictors because their original formulation was used (i.e., safety factor was not removed), leading some to reject B31G for use in a reliability based assessment. In this paper the effectiveness of the burst capacity prediction of these assessment models are compared by reformulating these assessment methods into appropriate limit-state models such that they are compared on the same basis. The comparison shows that the B31G based limit state model is one of the most accurate burst capacity predictors, well suited for use in a reliability based framework.
Riser Technology and Industry-University Cooperation: Part II — Risers Loading — VIV, Heading and Dynamic Positioning
Authors: Pesce Celso P. , Meneghini Julio R. , Martins Clo´vis A. , Aranha Jose´ A. P. , Ferrari Jose´ A. , da Silva Renato M. C.
Published: January 2009

This is the second of two companion papers intending to summarize and pointing out some of the main engineering achievements obtained through a continuous cooperative research effort, jointly conducted by Industry and University. Part I covered Riser Mechanics and design issues. Part II is dedicated to Riser Loading and Dynamic Positioning. In Part I (Pesce et al., 2003 [1]), SCR dynamics, touch down point dynamic interaction loading, catenary riser dynamic compression under twist, risers and umbilical cables structural mechanics, were treated and modeled through analytical and numerical methods. SCR design issues and fatigue assessment of flexible pipes were also addressed. In this second paper, Part II, VIV, extreme dynamic loading, nonlinear dynamics of FPSOs and turret positioning are presented. Nonlinear control techniques are addressed aiming to optimize FPSO heading, constrained to a cost function that takes into account risers loading, mooring tension, roll motion and fuel consumption.
Fatigue Design and Performance Verification of Deepwater Risers
Authors: Buitrago Jaime , Weir Michael S. , Kan Wan C.
Published: January 2009

With the advent of the development of deepwater projects, ExxonMobil developed and successfully implemented a fatigue design and verification protocol for fracture-critical components, such as risers and tendons, to ensure design performance and reliability. This protocol has now become an industry practice. This paper discusses the analytical, fabrication, and testing aspects of the design process. The linkage among actual weld performance, welding procedures and inspection reliability is addressed. From the design implementation standpoint, reliability of the fabrication inspection is the key issue. Practical methodologies were developed to conduct and interpret the fatigue tests. In particular, specimen design, instrumentation, testing protocols, and postmortem examination are discussed. Data generated by testing 56 full-scale risers of various sizes and welded by different procedures are also presented. These data, including tests past 100 million cycles, show that (1) actual riser fatigue performance can be substantially better than that recommended by codes, (2) failures can occur in the long-life regime, and (3) fatigue performance varies with riser size and thickness. However, as a matter of practice, analyses, fabrication and testing are required for particular designs.
Instrumented Indentation Technique to Measure Flow Properties: A Novel Way to Enhance the Accuracy of Integrity Assessment
Authors: Jang Jae-Il , Choi Yeol , Lee Yun-Hee , Lee Jung-Suk , Kwon Dongil , Park Joon , Gao Ming , Kania Richard
Published: January 2009

While most in-field technologies for structural integrity diagnosis focus on precise crack detection, the instrumented indentation technique has emerged as one of the most practically useful technologies for non-destructive and quantitative in-field measurement of mechanical properties. In a similar vein, here an advanced indentation technique for determining tensile properties and its application to structural integrity assessment are introduced and discussed. This novel indentation technique can enhance the accuracy of fitness-for-service (FFS) assessment by application to failure assessment diagram (FAD) construction.
Statistical Evaluation of the Area Estimation of an Oil Spill Dispersion Model
Authors: Betancourt Quiroga Fabian Omar , Palacio Pe´rez Arturo , Wellens Ann , Rodri´guez Valdes Alejandro
Published: January 2009

Computer models have proved to be useful tools to assess complex processes in environmental sciences. One type of application are oil spills, where models are used to provide insight into the processes interfering with the dispersion of the spill and to predict the final area covered with oil; information indispensable for many policy applications. An oil spill model is here presented, based on the general transport equations. Existing expressions for applicable dispersion processes were analyzed, evaluated and taken into account into the basic model scheme. The model proved to be useful for the prediction of final area covered with oil. However, practical application of the proposed model needs a careful evaluation, including sensitivity studies and assessment of model validity in relation with observed data. Statistical evaluation of oil spill models has not received a lot of attention until now; appropriate model evaluation and validation techniques applied in other areas of environmental modeling will be applied to the presented oil spill model. The purpose of this paper is to describe and apply the methods developed for model evaluation, including evaluation results.
Guidance for Fatigue Design and Assessment of Pipeline Girth Welds
Authors: Haagensen P. J. , Maddox S. J. , Macdonald K. A.
Published: January 2009

Risers and sections of pipeline in free-span can be subjected to cyclic loading from flow-induced vibrations and other fluctuating forces leading to fatigue loading of the structure. Single-sided welds are of particular interest, however current design codes take a pessimistic view of their fatigue performance. Improvements in the quality of the finished weld produced by modern pipeline welding technology, and indeed advances made in knowledge about fatigue of such welds, mean that revision of the design guidance is now warranted. This paper reviews the fundamental basis of the existing S-N curves used for North Sea applications and considers their applicability in the light of research on fatigue of girth welds. Based on the review, proposals are made for revised fatigue design rules for girth welds in pipelines.
Tilt Table Test for Interface Shear Resistance Between Flowlines and Soils
Authors: Najjar Shadi S. , Gilbert Robert B. , Liedtke Eric A. , McCarron Bill
Published: January 2009

This paper describes a tilt table test method for measuring the shear resistance between flowlines and supporting soils. This shear resistance is important in considering buckling and walking in the design of flowlines. A significant challenge in measuring the shear resistance is the very low effective normal stresses that exist at the interface in field conditions. Since the measured stresses will be small, even small amounts of friction in a test device can adversely affect the results. The tilt table method overcomes this problem by using gravity to apply the normal and shear stresses to the soil-flowline interface, eliminating the need for a mechanical loading system. A set of test results is presented to demonstrate how the test method can be used to measure the resistance between the flowline and the soil. These results illustrate that the type of flowline coating and the effective normal stress affect the shear resistance.
Installation and Pullout of Suction Caissons: Finite-Element Simulation
Authors: Maniar Dilip R. , Va´squez Luis F. G. , Tassoulas John L.
Published: January 2009

This paper reports on the development of computational tools at the Offshore Technology Research Center to study the behavior of suction caissons also known as suction anchors and bucket foundations. The effects of installation on axial capacity are examined through simulation of caisson penetration into clayey soil by self-weight and suction. A frictional contact algorithm based on a slide-line formulation is used to analyze interaction between the caisson and the surrounding soil during installation. The contact formulation allows large relative displacement between the caisson and the soil. In addition, a remeshing tool eliminates the need for a priori specification of the caisson penetration path: as installation of the caisson progresses, the finite-element mesh is adjusted so that the line of nodes below the caisson tip remains straight in the axial direction. An overview of the computational procedure along with results obtained from simulation of caisson installation, reconsolidation of the soil-skeleton and caisson pullout is presented. The computational results are compared with measurements from laboratory tests also conducted at the Offshore Technology Research Center.
HDAC4 Regulates Neuronal Survival in Normal and Diseased Retinas
Authors: Chen Bo , Cepko Constance L.
Published: January 2009

Histone deacetylase 4 (HDAC4) shuttles between the nucleus and cytoplasm and serves as a nuclear co-repressor that regulates bone and muscle development. We report that HDAC4 regulates the survival of retinal neurons in the mouse in normal and pathological conditions. Reduction in HDAC4 expression during normal retinal development led to apoptosis of rod photoreceptors and bipolar (BP) interneurons, whereas overexpression reduced naturally occurring cell death of the BP cells. HDAC4 overexpression in a mouse model of retinal degeneration prolonged photoreceptor survival. The survival effect was due to the activity of HDAC4 in the cytoplasm and relied at least partly on the activity of hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF1α). These data provide evidence that HDAC4 plays an important role in promoting the survival of retinal neurons.
HIN-200 Proteins Regulate Caspase Activation in Response to Foreign Cytoplasmic DNA
Authors: Roberts Tara L. , Idris Adi , Dunn Jasmyn A. , Kelly Greg M. , Burnton Carol M. , Hodgson Samantha , Hardy Lani L. , Garceau Valerie , Sweet Matthew J. , Ross Ian L. , Hume David A. , Stacey Katryn J.
Published: January 2009

The mammalian innate immune system is activated by foreign nucleic acids. Detection of double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) in the cytoplasm triggers characteristic antiviral responses and macrophage cell death. Cytoplasmic dsDNA rapidly activated caspase 3 and caspase 1 in bone marrow–derived macrophages. We identified the HIN-200 family member and candidate lupus susceptibility factor, p202, as a dsDNA binding protein that bound stably and rapidly to transfected DNA. Knockdown studies showed p202 to be an inhibitor of DNA-induced caspase activation. Conversely, the related pyrin domain–containing HIN-200 factor, AIM2 (p210), was required for caspase activation by cytoplasmic dsDNA. This work indicates that HIN-200 proteins can act as pattern recognition receptors mediating responses to cytoplasmic dsDNA.
Acquired Immunity to Malaria
Authors: Doolan Denise L. , Dobaño Carlota , Baird J. Kevin
Published: January 2009

Naturally acquired immunity to falciparum malaria protects millions of people routinely exposed toPlasmodium falciparuminfection from severe disease and death. There is no clear concept about how this protection works. There is no general agreement about the rate of onset of acquired immunity or what constitutes the key determinants of protection; much less is there a consensus regarding the mechanism(s) of protection. This review summarizes what is understood about naturally acquired and experimentally induced immunity against malaria with the help of evolving insights provided by biotechnology and places these insights in the context of historical, clinical, and epidemiological observations. We advocate that naturally acquired immunity should be appreciated as being virtually 100% effective against severe disease and death among heavily exposed adults. Even the immunity that occurs in exposed infants may exceed 90% effectiveness. The induction of an adult-like immune status among high-risk infants in sub-Saharan Africa would greatly diminish disease and death caused byP. falciparum. The mechanism of naturally acquired immunity that occurs among adults living in areas of hyper- to holoendemicity should be understood with a view toward duplicating such protection in infants and young children in areas of endemicity.
Immunobiology of Human Cytomegalovirus: from Bench to Bedside
Authors: Crough Tania , Khanna Rajiv
Published: January 2009

Following primary infection, human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) establishes lifelong latency and periodically reactivates without causing symptoms in healthy individuals. In the absence of an adequate host-derived immune response, this fine balance of permitting viral reactivation without causing pathogenesis is disrupted, and HCMV can subsequently cause invasive disease and an array of damaging indirect immunological effects. Over the last decade, our knowledge of the immune response to HCMV infection in healthy virus carriers and diseased individuals has allowed us to translate these findings to develop better diagnostic tools and therapeutic strategies. The application of these emerging technologies in the clinical setting is likely to provide opportunities for better management of patients with HCMV-associated diseases.
AmpC β-Lactamases
Authors: Jacoby George A.
Published: January 2009

AmpC β-lactamases are clinically important cephalosporinases encoded on the chromosomes of many of the Enterobacteriaceae and a few other organisms, where they mediate resistance to cephalothin, cefazolin, cefoxitin, most penicillins, and β-lactamase inhibitor-β-lactam combinations. In many bacteria, AmpC enzymes are inducible and can be expressed at high levels by mutation. Overexpression confers resistance to broad-spectrum cephalosporins including cefotaxime, ceftazidime, and ceftriaxone and is a problem especially in infections due to Enterobacter aerogenes and Enterobacter cloacae, where an isolate initially susceptible to these agents may become resistant upon therapy. Transmissible plasmids have acquired genes for AmpC enzymes, which consequently can now appear in bacteria lacking or poorly expressing a chromosomal blaAmpCgene, such as Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Proteus mirabilis. Resistance due to plasmid-mediated AmpC enzymes is less common than extended-spectrum β-lactamase production in most parts of the world but may be both harder to detect and broader in spectrum. AmpC enzymes encoded by both chromosomal and plasmid genes are also evolving to hydrolyze broad-spectrum cephalosporins more efficiently. Techniques to identify AmpC β-lactamase-producing isolates are available but are still evolving and are not yet optimized for the clinical laboratory, which probably now underestimates this resistance mechanism. Carbapenems can usually be used to treat infections due to AmpC-producing bacteria, but carbapenem resistance can arise in some organisms by mutations that reduce influx (outer membrane porin loss) or enhance efflux (efflux pump activation).
Toward Diagnosing
Leishmania infantum
Infection in Asymptomatic Dogs in an Area Where Leishmaniasis Is Endemic
Authors: Otranto D. , Paradies P. , de Caprariis D. , Stanneck D. , Testini G. , Grimm F. , Deplazes P. , Capelli G.
Published: January 2009

The most frequently used diagnostic methods were compared in a longitudinal survey with
Leishmania infantum
-infected asymptomatic dogs from an area of Italy where leishmaniasis is endemic. In February and March 2005, 845 asymptomatic dogs were tested by an immunofluorescence antibody test (IFAT), a dipstick assay (DS), and an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for
L. infantum
and by IFAT for
Ehrlichia canis
. Dogs seronegative for
L. infantum
were further parasitologically evaluated by microscopic examination of lymph node tissues and PCR of skin samples. A total of 204 animals both serologically and parasitologically negative for
L. infantum
at the first sampling were enrolled in the trial and were further examined for canine leishmaniasis (CanL) and canine monocytic ehrlichiosis in November 2005 (i.e., the end of the first sandfly season) and March 2006 and 2007 (1- and 2-year follow-ups, respectively). At the initial screening, the overall rates of
L. infantum
seroprevalence were 9.5% by IFAT, 17.1% by ELISA, and 9.8% by DS and the overall rate of
E. canis
seroprevalence was 15%. The rates of concordance between the results of IFAT and DS were almost equal, whereas the rate of concordance between the results of IFAT and DS and those of the ELISA was lower. The results of the annual incidence of
Leishmania
infection were variable, depending on the test employed, with the highest values registered for PCR (i.e., 5.7% and 11.4% at the 1- and 2-year follow-ups, respectively), followed by ELISA, IFAT, and DS. Over the 2 years of observation, 55 animals (i.e., 26.9%) became positive for
L. infantum
by one or more diagnostic tests at different follow-up times, with 12.7% showing clinical signs related to CanL, while the remaining 87.3% were asymptomatic. A diagnostic scheme for assessment of the
L. infantum
infection status in asymptomatic dogs is suggested.
Isolation and Characterization of
Bartonella quintana
from the Parotid Gland of an Immunocompetent Man
Authors: Vitale Giustina , Incandela Salvatore , Incandela Cinzia , Micalizzi Anna , Mansueto Pasquale
Published: January 2009

We describe a case of the isolation of
Bartonella quintana
from the parotid gland of an apparently healthy man. Pathological examination showed intraparotid granulomatous abscessual lymphadenitis. Diagnosis was made on the basis of high titers of immunoglobulin G (IgG) and IgM antibodies and of culture isolation of a causative agent from parotid aspirate.
The prevalence of household second-hand smoke exposure and its correlated factors in six counties of China
Authors: Wang C-P , Ma S J , Xu X F , Wang J-F , Mei C Z , Yang G-H
Published: January 2009

Objective:

To study the prevalence of, and discuss factors contributing to, household second-hand smoke exposure in six counties in China, providing scientific support for the need to establish tobacco control measures in these areas.

Methods:

A cross-sectional survey was performed. Investigators conducted face-to-face interviews using a standardised questionnaire to collect information on demographics, passive smoking behaviours and knowledge, and attitudes towards tobacco control. The setting was six counties from the three provinces: Mianzhu and Xichong counties in Sichuan Province; Anyi and Hukou counties in Jiangxi Province; and Xinan and Yanshi counties in Henan Province. A total of 8142 non-smokers (aged 18–69) in 2004 were included in the data analysis. Household second-hand smoke exposure rate as defined as the proportion of household passive smokers in the non-smoker population was used as the measure of household second-hand smoke exposure.

Results:

The analysis of 8142 non-smokers revealed that, in these selected counties, the household second-hand smoke exposure rate was 48.3%. Respondents had positive attitudes towards tobacco control. Of 6972 respondents, 84.4% supported all the three tobacco control policies (banning smoking in public places, banning the selling of cigarettes to minors, banning all cigarette advertisements). In 3165 families with smokers, 87.2% of respondents reported that smokers would smoke in front of them. In 2124 families with smokers and children, 76.5% of respondents reported that smokers would smoke in front of children. As many as 42.1% of non-smokers would offer cigarettes to their guests, and only 46.8% of respondents would ask smokers to smoke outdoors. Only 6.3% of families completely forbade smoking at home. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed high second-hand smoke exposure for the following demographic groups: Jiangxi Province inhabitants, females, those with low education level, farmers and married respondents.

Conclusions:

Household second-hand smoke exposure rates in the selected counties were high. A high percentage of respondents reported that smokers would smoke in front of them and children. The pressure from non-smokers against smoking was relatively low, although offering cigarette was prevalent. Households that were completely smoking-free were rare, Further studies on these correlated factors could help us establish effective measures to reduce household second-hand smoke exposure.
Economic cost of tobacco use in India, 2004
Authors: John R M , Sung H-Y , Max W
Published: January 2009

Objective:

To estimate the tobacco-attributable costs of diseases separately for smoked and smokeless tobacco use in India.

Methods:

The prevalence-based attributable-risk approach was used to estimate the economic cost of tobacco using healthcare expenditure data from the National Sample Survey, a nationally representative household sample survey conducted in India in 2004. Four major categories of tobacco-related disease—tuberculosis, respiratory diseases, cardiovascular diseases and neoplasms—were considered.

Results:

Direct medical costs of treating tobacco related diseases in India amounted to $907 million for smoked tobacco and $285 million for smokeless tobacco. The indirect morbidity costs of tobacco use, which includes the cost of caregivers and value of work loss due to illness, amounted to $398 million for smoked tobacco and $104 million for smokeless tobacco. The total economic cost of tobacco use amounted to $1.7 billion. Tuberculosis accounted for 18% of tobacco-related costs ($311 million) in India. Of the total cost of tobacco, 88% was attributed to men.

Conclusions:

The cost of tobacco use was many times more than the expenditures on tobacco control by the government of India and about 16% more than the total tax revenue from tobacco. The tobacco-attributable cost of tuberculosis was three times higher than the expenditure on tuberculosis control in India. The economic costs estimated here do not include the costs of premature mortality from tobacco use, which is known to comprise roughly 50% to 80% of the total economic cost of tobacco in many countries.
EFFECT OF CURRENT INTENSITY ON THE PROPERTIES OF CERAMIC COATINGS FABRICATED BY MICRO-ARC OXIDATION
Authors: LI H. X. , SONG R. G. , ZHAO J.
Published: January 2009

Ceramic coatings have been synthesized on 6063 aluminum alloy by micro-arc oxidation (MAO) technique. The effects of current intensity on the chemical and mechanical properties of MAO coatings have been studied by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), micro-hardness test, adhesion measurement, and friction and wear tests. The fabricated samples consist mainly of α- Al 2 O 3 and γ- Al 2 O 3 phases. SEM results show that the surface of the prepared coatings is dense except some pores distributed over the coating surface. Mechanical measurements show that these kinds of samples have high hardness, excellent adhesion, and high friction resistance. The coating consists of a thin buffer layer at the metal surface followed by a relatively compact inner layer and finally a higher porous ceramic layer. Meanwhile, there is a nonuniform distribution of hardness for the samples in the plane parallel to the substrate.
STRUCTURAL AND OPTICAL PROPERTIES OF n-TYPE POROUS SILICON: EFFECT OF LIGHT ILLUMINATION
Authors: JEYAKUMARAN N. , NATARAJAN B. , PRITHIVIKUMARAN N. , RAMAMURTHY S. , VASU V.
Published: January 2009

Porous silicon (PS) layers have been prepared from n-type silicon wafers of (100) orientation. SEM, FTIR, and PL have been used to characterize the morphological and optical properties of PS. The influence of varying light illumination in the anodizing solution, on structural and optical properties of PS, has been investigated. It is observed that pore size increases with light illumination level, attains maximum for 17.5 mW/m2 and then decreases. The PL spectrum peak shifts toward the higher energy side, which supports the quantum confinement effect in PS. The FTIR shows that the Si – H n peaks are observed at the surface of the PS layer and these chemical species also give raise the PL in PS.
MoS2 PARTICLES MODIFIED WITH POLYSTYRENE FOR PRODUCING Ni–PS/MoS2 COATINGS
Authors: HUANG ZHONGJIA , XIONG DANGSHENG
Published: January 2009

The MoS 2 particles were coated with polystyrene and can be written as PS / MoS 2 hereinafter. Ni – PS / MoS 2 coatings and Ni – MoS 2 coatings were produced by PC electrodeposition technique. The surface morphology of Ni – PS / MoS 2 coating was examined and compared with those of Ni – MoS 2 coating. The effect of particle concentrations on the volume percent of particles incorporated in the coatings was investigated. And the microhardness of coatings was also investigated. Results show that the surface morphology of Ni – PS / MoS 2 coating is regular and the thickness of coating is uniform. The introduction of MoS 2 to coatings caused dendritic growth. The surface morphology of Ni – MoS 2 coating is irregular. With the same particles concentration in bath, the volume percent of PS / MoS 2 particles incorporated in the composite coatings was higher than those of MoS 2 particles; and the microhardness of Ni – PS / MoS 2 coating was higher than those of Ni – MoS 2 coating.
UNDERLAYER ROUGHNESS INFLUENCE ON THE PROPERTIES OF Ag THIN FILM
Authors: ZHAO PEI , WANG RENG , LIU DINGQUAN , ZHANG FENGSHAN , SU WEITAO , XU XIAOFENG
Published: January 2009

The effects of the roughness of ZnS underlayer on the microstructure, optical, and electrical properties of nanometer Ag thin film have been investigated in this paper. Nanometer Ag thin films in glass/ ZnS /7.5 nm Ag /30 nm ZnS stacks have been deposited and analyzed. In the stacks, the underlayers of ZnS have been sputtered with various thicknesses to generate various surface roughnesses. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) has been used to study the crystal structure of Ag films. The surface topography and the roughness of ZnS underlayer have been analyzed by atomic force microscopy. The sheet resistant will become larger as the increasing of the roughness. The optical constants can be derived by fitting the transmission and reflectance spectrum. From optical constants comparison of Ag films, with the surface of the stack becoming rougher, it was found that the refractive index will increase but the extinction coefficient will decrease.
General News
Authors: Ragan Mark A.
Published: January 2009

Strategizing Healthcare Marketing Plans of Tomorrow
INFINITE DIMENSIONAL LIE ALGEBRAS IN 4D CONFORMAL FIELD THEORY
Authors: TODOROV IVAN
Published: January 2009

It is known that there are no scalar Lie fields in more than two space-time dimensions [4]. Bilocal fields, however, which naturally arise in conformal operator product expansions, do generate infinite Lie algebras. Recent work, [2, 3], is reviewed, in which we classify such algebras and their unitary positive energy representations in a theory of a system of scalar fields of dimension two. The results are linked to the Doplicher–Haag–Roberts theory of superselection sectors governed by a (global) compact gauge group.
Modeling object states and behaviors using a state action manager
Authors: Palfinger Gunther
Published: January 2009

This design pattern is an extension of the well-known state pattern [2], which allows an object to change its behavior depending on the internal state of the object. The behavior is defined by events, whose transformation to actions depends on the object state. This pattern introduces a way to manage state actions.