bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Image noise reduction technology allows significant reduction of radiation dosage in cardiac device implantation procedures
Authors: Hoffmann Rainer , Langenbrink Lukas , Reimann Doris , Kastrati Mirlind , Becker Michael , Piatkowski Michal , Michaelsen Jochen
Published: October 2017

Background

Novel x‐ray systems with real‐time image noise reduction technology (INRT) to reduce radiation dose during fluoroscopy and cine acquisition have become available. This study evaluated the reduction of radiation dose in device implantation with INRT.

Methods

Radiation dose data from 132 consecutive new device implantation procedures (102 pacemaker [PM] or implantable cardioverter defibrillator [ICD] and 30 cardiac resynchronization therapy [CRT] devices) performed between January 2015 and December 2015 on an angiography system with INRT (Allura ClarityIQ) were collected. For comparison, radiation dose data from 147 consecutive device implantation procedures (121 PM/ICDs and 26 CRT devices) performed between June 2013 and September 2014 on a C‐arm system with continuous and pulsed fluoroscopy option (4 frames/second) were evaluated. Total dose area product (DAP), fluoroscopy DAP, and cine DAP were evaluated.

Results

Patient age, gender and body weight, procedure, and fluoroscopy times were similar between systems. In PM/ICD cases, DAP of INRT and C‐arm system was similar (423 ± 381 cGycm2 vs 417 ± 517 cGycm) due to pulsed fluoroscopy with the C‐arm system (78% of time) and sparse use of cine. In CRT procedures requiring higher image quality (82% use of continuous fluoroscopy with C‐arm system), DAP of INRT was significantly lower (1,544 ± 834 cGycm vs 7,252 ± 6,431 cGycm, P < 0.001) due to less fluoroscopy DAP (1,414 ± 757 cGycm vs 5,854 ± 6,767 cGycm) and less cine DAP (130 ± 106 cGycm vs 1,399 ± 1,342 cGycm). Considering all procedures, total DAP was reduced by 60% using INRT.

Conclusion

Novel INRT results in a substantial lowering of radiation dose in device implantation, in particular, in complex CRT implantation procedures requiring high image quality.
Red cell distribution width predicts death and appropriate therapy in patients with implantable cardioverter defibrillator: A simple measurement with prognostic value in a variety of diseases, may help in better selection of patients who will benefit the most from this device
Authors: Dabbah Saleem , Chertin Leonid , Khateeb Aehab , Rosenfeld Inna , Suleiman Mahmoud , Halabi Majdi
Published: October 2017

Background

Red cell distribution width (RDW) is a measure of the size variation of erythrocytes. Its prognostic value has been described in a variety of cardiac and noncardiac diseases. Implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) is useful in preventing sudden cardiac death in high‐risk patients, but many of these patients continue to survive without needing ICD therapy. We sought to examine whether RDW, with its prognostic values, can benefit in risk stratification of patients with ICD by predicting death and ICD therapy, and thus help in the selection of patients who will benefit the most from ICD, and minimizing its implantation in others at low risk of death and arrhythmias.

Methods

In a retrospective study, we enrolled patients with ICD implanted for both primary and secondary prevention of sudden cardiac death. Baseline RDW values, demographics, and clinical characteristics, as well as the occurrence of death or first appropriate ICD therapy in postimplantation follow‐up were collected. We examined whether RDW can predict higher‐risk ICD‐implanted patients prone to death and first appropriate ICD therapy (the combined outcome).

Results

Final population included 432 patients. Compared to others, patients in the upper RDW tertile were older and had more comorbidities and outcomes. In multivariate analysis including RDW, age, gender, and ejection fraction, RDW was the only predictor of the combined outcome.

Conclusion

RDW may be useful in risk stratification of patients selected for ICD implantation. But larger prospective randomized trials are needed.
An audit of ECT in England 2011–2015: Usage, demographics, and adherence to guidelines and legislation
Authors: Read John , Harrop Christopher , Geekie Jim , Renton Julia
Published: October 2017

Objectives

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) continues to be used in England, but without comprehensive national auditing. Therefore, information was gathered on usage, demographics, consent, and adherence to the guidelines of the National Institute of Clinical Excellence (N.I.C.E.) and to the Mental Health Act.

Design and Methods

Freedom of Information Act requests were sent to 56 National Health Service Trusts.

Results

Thirty‐two trusts provided some usable data. Only 10 were able to report how many people received psychological therapy prior toECTin accordance with N.I.C.E. recommendations, with figures ranging from 0% to 100%. The number of people currently receivingECTin England annually is between 2,100 and 2,700, and falling. There was a 12‐fold difference between the Trusts with the highest and lowest usage rates per capita. Most recipients are still women (66%) and over 60 (56%). More than a third (39%) is given without consent, with 30% of Trusts not adhering to mental health legislation concerning second opinions. At least 44% were not using validated measures of efficacy, and at least 33% failed to do so for adverse effects. Only four provided any actual data for positive outcomes or adverse effects. None provided any data on efficacy beyond the end of treatment.

Conclusions

National audits should be reinstated. Independent, objective monitoring of adverse effects is urgently required. An investigation into whyECTis still administered excessively to older people and women seems long overdue.

Practitioner points

Mental health staff should seek to ensure that all depressed people in their service are offered evidence‐based psychological treatments before being offered E.C.T.

Staff should lobby managers to ensure proper auditing of E.C.T. within their service

Individuals receiving ECT should be closely monitored for adverse cognitive effects

Overuse of ECT with women and older people should be avoided
Physiological roles of tryptophan in teleosts: current knowledge and perspectives for future studies
Authors: Hoseini Seyyed Morteza , Pérez‐Jiménez Amalia , Costas Benjamin , Azeredo Rita , Gesto Manuel
Published: October 2017

Tryptophan is an essential amino acid with a huge functional versatility, in addition to its participation in protein synthesis. Because of the complexity of its metabolism, and the functional relevance of several of its metabolites, it directly or indirectly participates in a wide array of physiological pathways. This amino acid is a precursor for the synthesis of the neurotransmitter/neuromodulator serotonin (5HT), the hormone melatonin and kynurenine and related compounds such as kynurenic acid, quinolinic acid or niacin. Because of this, it has a key role in the regulation of processes ranging from the neuroendocrine to the immune system in vertebrates. In aquaculture, extensive research has been performed to optimize the levels of tryptophan in the commercial diets for many fish species. Providing adequate levels of this amino acid is critically important for fish growth but also for fish welfare, as tryptophan has been shown to modulate fish behaviour, stress responses, and antioxidant and immune systems. Currently, available data suggest a wide variation in tryptophan requirements of different species ranging 0.3–1.3% of dietary protein level, but recent evidence also shows that fish tryptophan requirements can greatly vary depending on the rearing conditions of the fish. We also review here the participation of tryptophan and related metabolites in different physiological functions that are crucial for fish welfare. The review covers the involvement of tryptophan in 5HT‐ and melatonin‐mediated functions, along with its participation in the regulation of the immune system and its role as an antioxidant and antitoxic agent in fish.
Chitosan–dextran sulphate nanoparticles for GnRH release in rabbit insemination extenders
Authors: Fernández‐Serrano P , Casares‐Crespo L , Viudes‐de‐Castro MP
Published: October 2017

Contents

This study was designed to develop chitosan (CS)–dextran sulphate (DS) nanoparticles containing a GnRH analogue and to study their effect on rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) semen quality. Six experimental extenders were tested as follows: (control) Tris‐citric acid‐glucose (TCG), (1) 0.05% CS‐0.05% DS (4:1), (2) 0.1% CS‐0.05% DS (4:1), (3) 0.05% CS‐0.05% DS (3:1), (4) 0.1% CS‐0.05% DS (3:1), (5) 0.1% CS‐0.05% DS (2:1). CS and DS were dissolved in TCG medium, and nanoparticles were obtained through magnetic stirring. Rabbit seminal samples were incubated up to 5 hr at 37°C in the extenders, and seminal quality was evaluated. The entrapment efficiency was 40%–50%. After 5 hr at 37°C, a 20% of the hormone was released. Results showed that the presence of CS‐DS nanoparticles did not affect rabbit semen motility, viability and membrane functionality; however, acrosome integrity was significantly higher versus control (p < .001).
Exploring the anatomy of Geographic Information Systems and Technology (GIS&T) textbooks
Authors: Frazier Amy E. , Wikle Thomas , Kedron Peter
Published: October 2017

Choosing a textbook is among the most important decisions instructors make in preparation for an academic term. Geographic Information Systems and Technology (GIS&T) textbook development has been influenced by a unique set of circumstances, mainly the rapid development of the discipline within an interdisciplinary environment, which has resulted in a continuous state of evolution. We examine the anatomy of GIS&T textbooks through a comparison of their organization, content, and depth of coverage. Specifically, utilizing the Geographic Information Science and Technology Body of Knowledge (BoK) as a comprehensive reference, we categorize the content of 26 of the most widely used introductory GIS textbooks. Our results show that there has been consistent coverage of topics over time, with analytical methods and geospatial data being the most prominent topics covered in texts. However, individual textbooks place varying emphasis on the BoK knowledge areas, which is potentially useful to instructors seeking books that emphasize particular knowledge areas. Additionally, long‐term trends indicate a shift toward an emphasis on new forms of geospatial data (e.g., social media). Ongoing efforts to expand and revise the BoK reflect how the discipline continues to manage its own evolution as new geographic research linked to GIS and GIScience emerges.
Position of enigmatic miniature trichomycterid catfishes inferred from molecular data (Siluriformes)
Authors: Henschel Elisabeth , Mattos José Leonardo O. , Katz Axel M. , Costa Wilson J. E. M.
Published: October 2017

Trichomycteridae is a well‐corroborated catfish family that comprises about 300 valid species distributed in eight subfamilies. The phyletic status of the Trichomycterinae is uncertain, with different hypothesis regarding the position of the miniaturized Trichomycterus hasemani group. This group comprises four valid species, and neither its monophyly nor its positioning among the Trichomycteridae was tested in a phylogenetic framework. Bayesian Inference and Maximum Likelihood analyses of a molecular data set comprising the mitochondrial genes 12S and 16S and the nuclear genes H3, MYH6 and RAG2 (2983 bp) for 26 taxa highly supported the miniature catfish T. hasemani group as monophyletic and sister to the Tridentinae, consequently recognized as a new genus of this subfamily. Potamoglanis gen. nov. is diagnosed by seven character states: an angle of 35–40° between the main longitudinal axis of the head and the main axis of the autopalatine; thin tubular shape of the second ceratobranchial; presence of six or seven anal‐fin rays; eyes dorsally placed on head; opercular and interopercular odontodes patches not juxtaposed; absence of a distal process on the hyomandibula and presence of a long process on the anterior region of the hyomandibula. Potamoglanis gen. nov is similar to the Tridentinae genera by the presence of a wide cranial fontanelle; presence of a short ventral process in the opercular bone and by the origin of the dorsal fin placed in a vertical through the anal‐fin origin.
Fitness‐related differences in the rate of whole‐body evaporative heat loss in exercising men are heat‐load dependent
Authors: Lamarche Dallon T. , Notley Sean R. , Louie Jeffrey C. , Poirier Martin P. , Kenny Glen P.
Published: October 2017

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?

Aerobic fitness modulates heat loss, but the heat‐load threshold at which fitness‐related differences in heat loss occur in young healthy men remains unclear.

What is the main finding and its importance?

We demonstrate using direct calorimetry that aerobic fitness modulates heat loss in a heat‐load‐dependent manner, with fitness‐related differences occurring between young men who have low and high fitness when the heat load is ∼≥500 W. Although aerobic fitness has been known for some time to modulate heat loss, our findings define the precise heat‐load threshold at which fitness‐related differences occur.

The effect of aerobic fitness (defined as rate of peak oxygen consumption) on heat loss during exercise is thought to be related to the level of heat stress. However, it remains unclear at what combined exercise and environmental (net) heat‐load threshold these fitness‐related differences occur. To identify this, we assessed whole‐body heat exchange (dry and evaporative) by direct calorimetry in young (22 ± 3 years) men matched for physical characteristics with low (Low‐fit; 39.8 ± 2.5 ml O2 kg−1 min−1), moderate (Mod‐fit; 50.9 ± 1.2 ml O2 kg−1 min−1) and high aerobic fitness (High‐fit; 62.0 ± 4.4 ml O2 kg−1 min−1; each n = 8), during three 30 min bouts of cycling in dry heat (40°C, 12% relative humidity) at increasing rates of metabolic heat production of 300 (Ex1), 400 (Ex2) and 500 W (Ex3), each followed by a 15 min recovery period. Each group was exposed to a similar net heat load (metabolic plus ∼100 W dry heat gain; P = 0.83) during each exercise bout [∼400 (Ex1), ∼500 (Ex2) and ∼600 W (Ex3); P < 0.01]. Although evaporative heat loss was similar between groups during Ex1 (P = 0.33), evaporative heat loss was greater in the High‐fit (Ex2, 466 ± 21 W; Ex3, 557 ± 26 W) compared with the Low‐fit group (Ex2, 439 ± 22 W; Ex3, 511 ± 20 W) during Ex2 and Ex3 (P ≤ 0.03). Conversely, evaporative heat loss for the Mod‐fit group did not differ from either the High‐fit or Low‐fit group during all exercise bouts (P ≥ 0.09). We demonstrate that aerobic fitness modulates heat loss in a heat‐load‐dependent manner, such that young, highly fit men display greater heat‐loss capacity only at heat loads ∼≥500 W compared with their lesser trained counterparts.
Economic and Operational Characteristics of PWR Unit Participation in Grid Peak-Load Regulation
Authors: Xiao Ning , Zhang Qingchuan , Xu Zhiyuan , Li Yanna
Published: October 2017

Following the unceasing changes in power demand and the power utility structure in China, the load fluctuation characteristics of the power grid are gradually increasing. The capacity of the power grid’s peak-load regulation and transmission has become the bottleneck of nuclear power and intermittent renewable energy consumption. In some jurisdictions of China, the curtailment of the wind and solar power output is higher than 30%, and the unplanned halt of nuclear power plant operation happens periodically. These phenomena cause energy efficiency decreases and potential safety hazards for nuclear power generation units. How to increase the “flexibility” of the power system has become a main issue of China’s power grid that can contribute to the promotion of nuclear power plants’ production and reduce the curtailment of wind and solar energy. Based on China’s power grid structure, the power plants’ geographical distribution, the power plants’ operation characters, the power grid load characteristics, and the power grid operation modes, the performances of various types of power sources participating in daily load regulation are compared, including the peak-load regulation capacity, response characteristics, environmental benefits and economic benefits. On account of the above outcome, drawing on the experience of international research results and based on a feasible power plant’s load characteristics and operation economy, a strategy of power plants participating in peak-load regulation is proposed, and an evaluation index system is built. The strategy and index are both used to elevate the power grid’s power quality and operation economy, optimize the multi-energy coupling power supply model, and evaluate the PWR units’ core competence. A peak-load regulation strategy and policy proposal is concluded in the treatise.
Advanced Gen III PWR NPP General Operation Strategy Design Based on Function Analysis and Task Analysis Technology
Authors: Zhao Xu , Zhuang Miao
Published: October 2017

General operation means NPP start-up and shut down operation, and it is one of the most important NPP operation manners. It is necessary to design a general operation strategy and related procedures for those advanced Gen III PWR reactor because of their innovative design features. By applying function analysis and task analysis technology, and considering the innovative design features, this paper carries out a hypothetical advanced PWR (HAP) general operation strategy design work with a systematical method. It is indicated that this method is able to be used in the general operation strategy design of other new type advanced reactors efficiently and accurately as a common method.
Application of Laser Measurement and Modeling Technology in Nuclear Power Project RCL Installation
Authors: Zhu Huadong
Published: October 2017

Briefly introduce reactor coolant loop (RCL) laser measurement and modeling technology. Due to the specific characteristics of nuclear power project, there is no regulating section in the RCL. It is very important to determine the position of RCL’s cutting line, and any miscalculation of cutting line may result in the RCL’s scrapping. Conduct measurement and modeling to reactor pressure vessel, steam generator and RCL by using laser measurement and 3D modeling technology; within one coordinate system, finding out cutting lines and implementing virtual cutting grouping assembly in advance through computer simulation can avoid cost increasing and construction delay caused due to wrong RCL cutting. Positioning by making use of SG (Steam Generator)-end cutting lines of RCL installation process of the nuclear power plant which is measured and modeled by laser, and the data has been implemented after being approved by supervision agency. At present, its RCL installation process has been successfully installed and practiced.
Neutron Embrittlement Analysis of Qinshan 320MWe RPV on OLE
Authors: Hongxin Tao , Yinbiao He , Ming Cao , Rui Shen
Published: October 2017

One of the fundamental requirements on nuclear safety is to prevent the radioactive material from being released. Therefore, it is paramount to maintain the structural integrity of the pressure boundary of the reactor coolant system. The reactor pressure vessel (RPV), under high temperature, high pressure and high radiation in operation, is the most important as well as a Class I nuclear safety equipment. For a pressurized water reactor (PWR), the life of the RPV determines the service life of the entire nuclear power plant. The key factor controlling the life of a RPV is the accumulation of the neutron flux and which induces irradiation embrittlement degrading the anti-fracture capability of the RPV material. Several anti-fracture capability assessments carried out for the Qinshan 320MWe (QS1) RPV, such as (a) the structural integrity assessment against pressurized thermal shocks; (b) the fracture mechanics assessment under irradiation; (c) the P-T limit curves revised; (d) the evaluation of USE. They all demonstrated that the structural integrity of the QS1 RPV would be maintained for the extended service life.
A Quantitative Approach for Reliability Evaluation of Safety I&C Systems in Nuclear Power Plants
Authors: Dongxu Liu , Dongling Xu , Shuhui Zhang , Xiaoying Hu
Published: October 2017

The probability that the safety I&C system fails to actuate or advertently actuates RT or ESF functions, in part, essentially determines whether a nuclear power plant could operate safely and efficiently. Since more conservative assumptions and simplifications are introduced during the analysis, this paper achieves solid results by performing the modeling and calculation based on a relatively simple approach, the reliability block diagram (RBD) method. A typical safety I&C platform structure is involved in the model presented in this paper.

From the perspective of conservation and simplicity, some assumptions are adopted in this paper. A group of formulas is derived in this paper based on Boolean algebra, probability theory, basic reliability concepts and equations, to facilitate the calculations of probabilities that the safety I&C system fails to actuate or advertently actuates RT or ESF functions. All the inputs of the analysis and calculation in this paper, which includes the I&C platform structure, the constitution of the hardware modules, and reliability data, are referenced to the nuclear power plant universal database where applicable. Although the conclusion drawn in the paper doesn’t apply to the I&C platform assessment for a specific plant, the method of modeling and process of analysis provides an illustration of an alternative quantitative reliability assessment approach for a typical safety I&C system installed in the nuclear power plant.
Ionizing/Displacement Synergistic Effects in Bipolar Operational Amplifiers Induced by Mixed Reactor Neutron and Gamma Irradiation
Authors: Wang Chenhui , Chen Wei , Jin Xiaoming , Liu Yan , Qi Chao , Yang Shanchao , Wan Chenghui
Published: October 2017

The bipolar operational amplifier is an important kind of electronic device used in the nuclear reactor control system and its radiation damage threatens the reliability of nuclear operation. In order to explore the degradation of the bipolar operational amplifier induced by reactor neutron and gamma irradiation, radiation experiments were accomplished on particular bipolar operational amplifiers OP07 manufactured by Texas Instruments and Analog Devices. The amplifiers were irradiated in three different environments respectively: individual neutrons, individual gamma rays and mixed irradiation of reactor neutrons and gamma rays simultaneously. The results indicate that for both types of bipolar operational amplifiers, the degradations of the input bias current and the input offset voltage induced by the mixed irradiation of reactor neutrons and gamma rays simultaneously are notably more severe than the simple sum of neutron and gamma degradations measured individually. The mixed irradiation of reactor neutron and gamma rays simultaneously leads to degradation enhancement compared to individual ones and induce ionizing/displacement synergistic effects in the amplifiers. Enough attention should be paid to the degradation enhancement induced by the mixed irradiation for devices may exhibit unexpected failure during reactor operation and accelerate the aging of the nuclear reactor control system.
Digital Human-Machine Interface Design for Marine Nuclear Power Plant Based on Task-Oriented
Authors: Liu Zhi-tong , Wang Shao-ming , Zhang Long-fei , Yang Guang , Lv Meng , Zhang Hong-jian
Published: October 2017

A design of human machine interface (HMI) has been developed to ensure the safety and availability of marine nuclear power plant (NPP) in China. The staffing arrangement and HMIs are different from current nuclear power plants. One control room is used to monitor and control the reactor, the secondary loop, and the electric system. Considering the digital control room style, the elements of the HMIs in the control room are the large display panels and control consoles. Considering the digital control room style, the elements of the HMIs in the control room are the large display panels and control consoles. Information accuracy and control efficacy are thought as the ultimate goal. It has extremely high safety by hardware control on the control panel. Display device refers to the part designs of NPP one. Eventually it can provide centrally the working condition of the device and system, the operating parameters of key equipment, accident. Dynamic and static displays are combined to reflect real-time condition of the system conveniently, accurately and reliably. The necessary safety operations and displays are set on the safety console of each reactor independently. The large display panels are designed as an overview of the whole marine plant, which consist of large screen displays, mimic displays and alarm tiles.

This paper points out that what the main issues is to be dealt with in the computerized HMI design process. A task-oriented HMI design principle is used to the interfaces of marine reactors starting up.
Development of Shearing Device for Reducing the Storage Volume of the Spent Fuel Associated Assemblies in Nuclear Power Plants
Authors: Bin Zhang , Su-kai Qiao , Qing-jun Hao , Hong-zhi Huang , Ming Ding , Pan Liu
Published: October 2017

With the continuous running of the nuclear power plants, a great deal of unavailable spent fuel associated assemblies were and will be produced in the aggregates of the nuclear power plants, which are usually stored in the spent fuel storage pool and occupy lots of spent fuel storage racks, making the spent fuel storage facility of the nuclear power plants face the risk of being filled up. Therefore, it drives the nuclear power plants to seek a new method to increase the spent fuel storage capacity. In order to increase the storage capacity of the spent fuel storage racks, a shearing device is proposed to shear the rods and base plates (or spider assemblies) of the spent fuel associated assemblies, reducing the storage volume of the spent fuel associated assemblies and reducing the amount of the occupied spent fuel storage racks. The technology of water-hydraulic shear is applied to carry the shear process through underwater cold extrusion, effectively ensuring the integrity of the rod structure and avoiding the pollution caused by radioactive substances. Besides, no swarf would be produced to pollute the spent fuel storage pool. Through the finite element calculation and confirmation on the spot, it is verified that the bearing requirement of the fixed blade (the key assembly unit) of the shearing device is met during the relevant disassembling process. Currently, the shearing device has been successfully applied to reducing the storage volume of the spent fuel associated assemblies in LingAo Nuclear Power Plant. Therefore, the shearing device is of certain promoting and reference value.
Daya Bay Nuclear Power Plant Main Generator Inner Stator Replacement
Authors: Yujian Li , Zhenwu Guo , Min Lu
Published: October 2017

In order to reserve a spare inner stator for the four generators in Daya Bay nuclear power base and solve several defects in Daya Bay unit 1, DNMC (Daya Bay Nuclear Power Operations And Management Co., Ltd.) bought a new inner stator with stainless steel water conducting coil bar and got the replacement work done on Daya Bay unit 1 during D117 outage in 2015. This paper describes the technological process and difficulties of the replacement work. As some of the domestic large capacity power generators are getting older, it will be used for reference.
Modeling DCS of Nuclear Power Plant With Extended GO-FLOW Methodology
Authors: Hongxing Lu , Ming Yang , Xinyu Dai , Wei Li , Hidekazu Yoshikawa
Published: October 2017

GO-FLOW model is a success-oriented system modeling method which describes how the system configures its resources to achieve required functions by using basic functional units in terms of substances and demand flows in the system. The GO-FLOW models, which are directly built according to system structure drawings, can be used to analyze the reliability of a system with time and phased mission problems. With the development of Digital Control System (DCS), the reliability analysis of whole DCS has become an important task. However, there are some shortcomings using the traditional GO-FLOW methodology to model DCS:

1. There are not abundant operators in the GO-FLOW model to describe the control logic in DCS;

2. It is hard to model the relationship between the control actions and hardware devices using traditional GO-FLOW methodology;

This paper presents an extended GO-FLOW modeling method. In this study, the GO-FLOW model is supplemented and improved, which can accurately describe the relationship and control logic between the hardware and control action (or human control action) in the running process of the DCS. In this paper, taking the Chemical and Volume Control System (CVCS) as an example, using the extended GO-FLOW modeling method established the model of CVCS, and the model of DCS control logic. This improved modeling method can be applied to the reliability modeling and evaluation of DCS.
A New Reliability Assessment Method for Complex Nuclear Power Equipment Based on Goal Oriented Methodology
Authors: Xiao-jian Yi , Ming-chao Lu , Hui-na Mu , Jian Shi , Peng Hou
Published: October 2017

This paper presents a new reliability assessment method for complex nuclear power equipment based on Goal Oriented (GO) method to evaluate Mean Time To Failures (MTTF). First, the new reliability assessment method is expounded in detail. And its process is formulated. Then, the electronic control system of hoisting mechanism in nuclear power plant is taken as an example to evaluate its MTTF by the new method. The reliability assessment processes are mainly as follows: (i) Conducting system analysis, (ii) Developing GO model, (iii) Selecting test unit by qualitative analysis of GO method, (iv) Collecting test data, (v) Estimating the failure rate of test unit, (vi) Evaluating system MTTF. In order to verify the advantages and rationality of the new reliability assessment method, the results are compared with the results by Monte Carlo method. All in all, this reliability assessment method not only improves the theory of GO method, which is only used to conduct reliability analysis before; but also provides a new approach for reliability assessment of complex nuclear power equipment, so than it can reduces costs, and improve estimating efficiency and accuracy.
Method for Measuring Temperature of Inner Wall Surface of Pipeline in Nuclear Power Plant
Authors: Jun Ling , Hai-jun Wang , Lang Liu , Tong Chen , Hong-tao Liu , Da-yu He
Published: October 2017

Thermal stratification can occur when hot and cold fluids mix inside the pipeline of nuclear power plant, which can lead to temperature fluctuations with large amplitude and high frequency with time-varying wall heat stress and even induce thermal fatigue phenomenon. Therefore, how to accurately get temperature fluctuations of the inner wall without damaging the whole structure of the pipe system becomes the prime problem to be solved in the study of thermal fatigue. Base on energy conservation law, the non-iterative mathematic model of inverse heat conduction using the volume-control method has been developed in this paper for pipe in nuclear power plant. Numerical and experiment results show that the volume-control method can accurately catch the temperature fluctuation of different positions on the inner wall.
Innovative Methodology of Ranking Cooling Towers Based on Structural Safety Margin
Authors: Tran Nhu-Cuong , Toulemonde Charles , Beaudouin François , Meuwisse Christian , Schmitt Nicolas , El-Yazidi Abderrazzaq , Courtois Alexis , Genest Yves , Moriceau Sylvain
Published: October 2017

EDF operates 28 natural draft cooling towers in nuclear power plants. The ageing of their atmospheric cooling tower shells is periodically monitored. Proactive maintenance strategies require ranking the towers according to the risk of failure and the observed damage. The ranking includes all sorts of monitoring data acquired at the plant: foundation settlements, material properties, quantified crack patterns, shell deformation and meteorological data... This combined ranking rely on two pillars: a ranking of the towers based on their shell surface faults observed on-site and another ranking based on their safety margin in terms of structural behavior. The aim of this paper is to present the second pillar of the ranking.

The objective of the methodology is to calculate for each tower a failure quantitative risk index based on failure analysis of reinforced concrete. It includes three modules: a mechanical module which is the core module, an ageing module considering the carbonation and corrosion and a decisional module allowing ranking towers. Putting all towers on a ranking scale based on their global risk index allowing decision-maker to optimize their cooling tower maintenance program.
A Study on Nuclear Plant Safety I&C System Verification and Validation Relevant Regulatory Standards
Authors: Qiao Ning , Feng Yan , Liu Jingbin , Lu Yan , Wang Zhongqiu
Published: October 2017

This article focuses on the nuclear plant safety I&C system Verification and Validation (referred to as V&V) which are through whole life cycle. This paper discusses three issues: the domestic and foreign regulatory standards involved in the Verification and Validation process, requirements in the review process and how suppliers meet their requirements in the practice. The Verification and Verification process of the safety-level instrument and control system adopts the two-step method, namely platform software and application software. V&V activities are carried out by suppliers using review and evaluation, special analysis and software testing. During the review, the focus was on what measures were taken to ensure the independence of the Verification and Validation process, software integrity-level and required Verification and Validation activities to cover the entire life cycle of the software.
Development of Detailed Right of Way Quantities and Footprint for Pipelines
Authors: Soliman Sherif , Mongroo Grenan , Penate Carlos , Farhadi Bahar
Published: October 2017

The design and construction planning of pipelines is a multidisciplinary effort that requires support and input from geotechnical, geomatics and pipeline construction specialists. The cooperation between those disciplines is more pronounced and required when the pipeline traverses rugged mountainous areas with challenging settings. This paper begins by considering the range of topographic, geological, construction and other route datasets and how they are generated. A presentation of an application that has been developed and utilizes progressively improving route datasets as projects advance to generate Right-of-Way (ROW) footprint and detailed construction quantities such as granular excavation volumes, supply and demand quantities and cross-section details is introduced. An overview of construction details including construction direction, seasonality, and ROW profile is then offered. In addition, several analytical methods are available for deployment, each being suited for various stages of a project’s development. These analytical methods include advanced workbooks and GIS Enabled Applications that leverages DTM information as well as commercially available packages. A discussion of these methods is presented together with suggested guidelines as to when to apply them in a proposed project’s phase. Finally, lessons learnt from the experiences gained in several major projects are summarized.
ASME PTC 46 Performance Tests in Digital Plant Context
Authors: Le Galudec Olivier
Published: October 2017

ASME PTC46 is nowadays a well known widely used Performance Test Code for Plant thermal performances. The Code — originally published in 1996, revised in 2015 — delivers all required guidance and methods for determination of the thermal performances in optimum precision conditions.

Present paper considers going a step further in the performance test methodology in the modern context, ie specifically for Plants supported by Digital methods. Although a PTC46 test will deliver valuable information, this information — ie the test result — is valid solely at the point of time of the test on site, after which Plant Operator will not necessarily again have a very sharp vision of the level of Performances. Recent Digital tools and methods are a major change in this context and at present Operators of Digitalised Plants have access to a methodic systematic continuous measurement of the gaps between on-line performances and ideal “as should” status.

Availability of such advanced functionalities is now opening the door to a radical change of the guarantees definitions, delivering to Plant developers better inputs without arbitrary assumptions as well as methodic and transparent measurement of the actual performance over significant periods of time, in opposition to the few hours of a PTC46 traditional test.

Present paper addresses the possible definition of such new guarantees, as well as updates of the correction approach that are needed in order to make use of the Code principles in the modern Digital context. Pro and cons of both methods are discussed in detail , as well as analogy with other Power Plant areas.
Transplantation of wild-type mouse hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells ameliorates deficits in a mouse model of Friedreich’s ataxia
Authors: Rocca Celine J. , Goodman Spencer M. , Dulin Jennifer N. , Haquang Joseph H. , Gertsman Ilya , Blondelle Jordan , Smith Janell L. M. , Heyser Charles J. , Cherqui Stephanie
Published: October 2017

YG8R mice, a model of Friedreich’s ataxia, show amelioration of the disease phenotype when transplanted with wild-type mouse hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells.
Overcoming mutational complexity in acute myeloid leukemia by inhibition of critical pathways
Authors: Saito Yoriko , Mochizuki Yoshiki , Ogahara Ikuko , Watanabe Takashi , Hogdal Leah , Takagi Shinsuke , Sato Kaori , Kaneko Akiko , Kajita Hiroshi , Uchida Naoyuki , Fukami Takehiro , Shultz Leonard D. , Taniguchi Shuichi , Ohara Osamu , Letai Anthony G. , Ishikawa Fumihiko
Published: October 2017

Targeting leukemogenic mutations identified by functional single-cell genomics eliminated human AML in vivo.
Draft Genome Sequence of a Sporulating and Motile Strain of Lachnotalea glycerini Isolated from Water in Québec City, Canada
Authors: Maheux Andrée F. , Boudreau Dominique K. , Bérubé Ève , Boissinot Maurice , Raymond Frédéric , Brodeur Stéphanie , Corbeil Jacques , Isabel Sandra , Omar Rabeea F. , Bergeron Michel G.
Published: October 2017

Lachnotalea glycerini
CCRI-19302 belongs to the genus
Lachnotalea
. The strain was isolated from a water sample harvested in Québec City, Canada. The genome assembly comprised 4,694,231 bp, with 34.6% GC content. This is the first documentation to report the genome sequence of a sporulating and motile strain of
L. glycerini
.
Draft Genome Sequence of
Vibrio
sp. Strain V1B Isolated from the Gut Microflora of the Scallop
Argopecten purpuratus
Authors: Serrano Wilbert , Tarazona Ulrike I. , Olaechea Raul M. , Friedrich Michael W.
Published: October 2017

A new
Vibrio
strain, V1B, was isolated from the intestinal tract of the scallop
Argopecten purpuratus
. Strain V1B is closely related to the species
Vibrio inhibens
BFLP-10, which has been characterized as showing antagonistic activity against pathogenic
Vibrio
sp. We report here the draft genome of the isolated
Vibrio
sp. strain V1B.
Structural Basis for Escape of Human Astrovirus from Antibody Neutralization: Broad Implications for Rational Vaccine Design
Authors: Bogdanoff Walter A. , Perez Edmundo I. , López Tomás , Arias Carlos F. , DuBois Rebecca M.
Published: October 2017

Human astroviruses are recognized as a leading cause of viral diarrhea worldwide in children, immunocompromised patients, and the elderly. There are currently no vaccines available to prevent astrovirus infection; however, antibodies developed by healthy individuals during previous infection correlate with protection from reinfection, suggesting that an effective vaccine could be developed. In this study, we investigated the molecular mechanism by which several strains of human astrovirus serotype 2 (HAstV-2) are resistant to the potent HAstV-2-neutralizing monoclonal antibody PL-2 (MAb PL-2). Sequencing of the HAstV-2 capsid genes reveals mutations in the PL-2 epitope within the capsid's spike domain. To understand the molecular basis for resistance from MAb PL-2 neutralization, we determined the 1.35-Å-resolution crystal structure of the capsid spike from one of these HAstV-2 strains. Our structure reveals a dramatic conformational change in a loop within the PL-2 epitope due to a serine-to-proline mutation, locking the loop in a conformation that sterically blocks binding and neutralization by MAb PL-2. We show that mutation to serine permits loop flexibility and recovers MAb PL-2 binding. Importantly, we find that HAstV-2 capsid spike containing a serine in this loop is immunogenic and elicits antibodies that neutralize all HAstV-2 strains. Taken together, our results have broad implications for rational selection of vaccine strains that do not contain prolines in antigenic loops, so as to elicit antibodies against diverse loop conformations.

IMPORTANCE
Human astroviruses (HAstVs) infect nearly every person in the world during childhood and cause diarrhea, vomiting, and fever. In this study, we investigated how several strains of HAstV are resistant to a virus-neutralizing monoclonal antibody. We determined the crystal structure of the capsid protein spike domain from one of these HAstV strains and found that a single amino acid mutation induces a structural change in a loop that is responsible for antibody binding. Our findings reveal how viruses can escape antibody neutralization and provide insight for the rational design of vaccines to elicit diverse antibodies that provide broader protection from infection.
Clinical prevalence and associated intraoperative surgical complications of reproductive tract lesions in pot‐bellied pigs undergoing ovariohysterectomy: 298 cases (2006–2016)
Authors: Cypher Elizabeth , Videla Ricardo , Pierce Rebecca , Snowden Robert T , Sexton Jennifer Ann , van Amstel Sarel
Published: October 2017

To address the current dearth of clinically relevant publications regarding ovariohysterectomy (OVH) in the domestic pot‐bellied pig (PBP), the present study aims to report prevalence of uterine lesions, intraoperative complications, and short and long‐term survival in this species (n=298). Prevalence of lesions included uterine neoplasia 11.4 per cent (34/298), pyometra 1.6 per cent (5/298) and cystic endometrial hyperplasia 5 per cent (15/298). Pigs at least six years of age were statistically more likely to have a uterine lesion (less than P=0.001). Smooth muscle tumours represented the most frequent neoplasm. Haemorrhage was the most common intraoperative complication in 23 per cent (8/34) of pigs with neoplasia. Pigs without reproductive tract lesions were statistically more likely to survive to hospital discharge than those with lesions (P=0.001). Short‐term survival, defined as survival to hospital discharge, of pigs with reproductive tract lesions was 89 per cent (48/54). Pigs with pyometra were least likely to survive to discharge 60 per cent (3/5). Long‐term survival (≥1 year) was 93 per cent (14/15) for pigs with neoplasia. Practitioners should be aware of significantly higher rate of neoplastic and inflammatory diseases in PBP at least six years of age. To minimise morbidity and mortality in PBP undergoing OVH, the present study suggests the procedure should be performed prior to six years of age.
Immunocytochemical demonstration of cell wall components related to tissue compartments in the globoid galls induced by Clinodiplosis sp. (Cecidomyiidae) on Croton floribundus Spreng. (Euphorbiaceae)
Authors: Teixeira Cristiane Trindade , Oliveira Denis Coelho de , Kuster Vinícius Coelho , Isaias Rosy Mary dos Santos
Published: October 2017

The dynamics of cell wall components during gall development are related to structural specialization to meet the defensive or nutritional requirements of gall tissues. Cell wall features have been studied mostly in galls induced by hemipterans (Psylloidea), while galls induced by Cecidomyiidae have been little explored. We applied monoclonal antibodies to epitopes of proteins and pectins in the cell walls of non-galled leaves and galls induced by Clinodiplosis sp. (Diptera; Cecidomyiidae) on Croton floribundus Spreng. (Euphorbiaceae). The complexity of tissue zonation in Clinodiplosis galls reflected the impairment of the activity of the pectin-methylesterases during development. The labeling of the epitopes of extensins in young galls denoted cell enlargement with resistant cell walls, while the labeling of epitopes of the arabinogalactan proteins in senescent galls indicated the involvement of these proteins with programmed cell death, at the end of cell cycles at the gall development site. We conclude that the cell wall profile in Clinodiplosis galls implies an imbalance between tissue porosity, cell-to-cell signaling, and resistance linked to tissue structural and functional compartments. Current data confirm the presence of the epitopes of extensins in young galls, and the compartmentalization of homogalacturonans and rhamnogalacturonan I in galls as an independent taxon feature.
Dynamic Characteristics of a New Three-Dimensional Linear Homeomorphic Saccade Model
Authors: Zhou Wei , Zhai Xiu , Ghahari Alireza , Korentis G. Alex , Kaputa David , Enderle John D.
Published: October 2017

A linear homeomorphic eye movement model that produces 3D saccadic eye movements consistent with anatomical and physiological evidence is introduced in this second part of a two-paper sequence. Central to the model is the implementation of a time-optimal neural control strategy involving six linear muscle models that faithfully represent the dynamic characteristics of 3D saccades. The muscle is modeled as a parallel combination of viscosity [Formula: see text] and series elasticity [Formula: see text], connected to the parallel combination of active-state tension generator [Formula: see text], viscosity element [Formula: see text], and length tension elastic element [Formula: see text]. The neural input for each muscle is separately maintained while the effective pulling direction is modulated by its respective pulley. The results demonstrate that a time-optimal, 2D commutative neural controller, together with the pulley system, actively functions to implement Listing’s law during both static and dynamic simulations and provide an excellent match with the experimental data. The parameters and neural input to the muscles are estimated using a time domain system identification technique from saccade data, with an excellent match between the model estimates and the data. A total of 20 horizontal, 5 vertical and 62 oblique saccades are analyzed.