bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Head computed tomography findings in geriatric emergency department patients with delirium, altered mental status, and confusion: A systematic review
Authors: Liu Shan W. , Lee Sangil , Hayes Jane M. , Khoujah Danya , Lo Alexander X. , Doering Michelle , de Wit Kerstin ,   the Geriatric Emergency Department Delirium Guidelines Group
Published: November 2022

Background

Delirium, altered mental status (AMS), or confusion among older adults are common presentations to the emergency department (ED). We aimed to report the proportion of older ED patients presenting with delirium who have acute abnormal findings on head imaging. We also assessed whether anticoagulation, neurological deficits, trauma, or headache were associated with head imaging abnormalities in these patients.

Methods

A systematic review was performed using Ovid Medline, Embase, Clinicaltrials.gov, Web of Science, and Cochrane Central from conception to April 8, 2021. Citations were included if they described patients aged 65 years or older who received neuroimaging at the time of ED assessment for delirium, confusion, or AMS. Screening, data extraction, and bias assessment were performed in duplicate. The estimated proportion of patients with abnormal neuroimaging and odds ratios (ORs) for each predictor were calculated.

Results

The search strategy identified 3014 unique citations, of which six studies reporting on 909 patients with confusion or AMS were included. None of the studies formally diagnosed delirium. Overall, the proportions of older ED patients with AMS or confusion were found to have an abnormal head computed tomography (CT) was 15.6% (95% confidence interval [CI] 7.3%–26.2%). The prevalence of focal neurologic findings was 13.0% (66/506) and for anticoagulation was 9.8% (33/337) among the studies who reported them. The presence of a focal neurological deficit was associated with abnormal head CT (OR 101.8, 95% CI 30.5–340.1). Anticoagulation was not associated with abnormal head CT (OR 1.2, 95% CI 0.4–3.3). No studies reported on the association between headache or trauma and abnormal neuroimaging.

Conclusions

The proportion of abnormal findings on CT neuroimaging in older ED patients with AMS or confusion was 15.6%. The presence of a focal neurological deficit was a strong predictor for the presence of acute abnormality, whereas anticoagulation was not.
Influence of signal‐to‐noise ratio, glaucoma stage and segmentation algorithm on OCT usability for quantifying layer thicknesses in the peripapillary retina
Authors: Heikka Tuomas , Jansonius Nomdo M.
Published: November 2022

Purpose

OCT can be used for glaucoma assessment, but its usefulness may depend on image quality, disease stage and segmentation algorithm. We aimed to determine how layer thicknesses as assessed with different algorithms depend on image quality and disease stage, how reproducible the algorithms are, and if the algorithms (dis)agree.

Methods

Optic disc OCT data (Canon OCT‐HS100) from 20 healthy subjects and 28 early, 29 moderate, and 23 severe glaucoma patients were assessed with four different algorithms (CANON, IOWA, FWHM, DOCTRAP). We measured retinal nerve fibre layer thickness (RNFLT) and total retinal thickness (TRT) along the 1.7‐mm‐radius OCT measurement circle centred at the optic disc. In healthy subjects, image quality was degraded with neutral density filters (0.3–0.9 optical density [OD]); three scans were made to assess repeatability. Results were analysed with ANOVA with Bonferroni corrected t‐tests for post hoc analysis and with intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) analysis.

Results

For all algorithms, RNFLT was more sensitive to image quality than TRT. Both RNFLT and TRT showed differences between healthy and glaucoma (all algorithms p < 0.001 for both RNFLT and TRT) and between early and moderate glaucoma (RNFLT: p = 0.001 to p = 0.09; TRT: p < 0.001 to p = 0.03); neither was able to discriminate between moderate and severe glaucoma (p = 0.08 to p = 1.0). Generally, repeatability was excellent (ICC >0.75); agreement between algorithms varied from moderate to excellent.

Conclusions

OCT becomes less informative with glaucoma progression, irrespective of the algorithm. For good‐quality scans, RNFLT and TRT perform similarly; TRT may be advantageous with poor image quality.
Crowdsourcing innovation challenges: How participants react when their ideas are rejected
Authors: Vellera Cyrielle , Jouny‐Rivier Elodie , Hemonnet‐Goujot Aurélie
Published: November 2022

Although crowdsourcing challenges as tools for generating high levels of innovation have received much attention, little research has investigated the impact on participants when their submissions are rejected. This research is aimed at gaining a better understanding of the consequences of rejection for participants' relationships with the brand engaged in the crowdsourcing activity. To investigate these issues, two quantitative studies were carried out with participants whose challenge proposals had not been selected. The results highlight positive effects on participant–brand relationships, especially on brand attachment, proselytism, brand commitment and brand loyalty. A confirmatory, interview‐based qualitative study then identifies managerial perspectives and marketing strategies for brands and crowdsourcing platforms following the announcement of challenge results. This paper contributes to both the co‐creation and crowdsourcing literature by extending academic knowledge and provides opportunities for further research.
Clinical outcomes of retention of the buccal root section combined with immediate implant placement: A systematic review of longitudinal studies
Authors: Kotsakis Georgios A. , Nguyen Thomas T. , Siormpas Konstantinos , Pikos Michael A. , Pohl Snjezana , Tarnow Dennis , Mitsias Miltiadis ,   Root Membrane Group
Published: November 2022

Introduction

Immediate implant placement in conjunction with partial extraction therapy has been shown to result in functional osseo‐ and dento‐integration with partial preservation of the periodontal ligament (PDL) in humans. Strategic buccal root retention for PDL preservation is a biologically driven procedure that maintains alveolar ridge dimensions and esthetics, while allowing for implant placement. The aim of this study was to conduct a systematic review of longitudinal clinical outcomes of PDL‐mediated ridge preservation in conjunction with implant placement in adults, compared with conventional immediate implant placement with total extractions. The primary outcome for this study was marginal bone level (MBL) changes after strategic buccal root retention implant placement techniques.

Materials and Methods

To address a predefined PICOS question, a systematic search of randomized clinical trials and cohort studies with at least 10 participants per group and a minimum 12‐month follow‐up was conducted. A two‐phase systematic selection strategy, data extraction, and risk of bias assessment, was performed independently and in duplicate. Randomized trials were quantitatively analyzed in a meta‐analysis.

Results

Ten human studies fulfilled the predefined criteria and were included; three clinical trials and seven cohort studies, for a total of 506 patients and 587 implants. PDL‐mediated implant placement of single‐rooted periodontally healthy teeth was found to reduce marginal peri‐implant bone loss and buccal plate changes as compared to conventional immediate implants across studies, while implant survival and success rates were comparable between the two procedures. A meta‐analysis found that bone changes were significantly less when retention of the buccal root section was performed as compared to total extractions (standardized mean difference: [−4.53, −0.11]); the three clinical trials were, however, largely heterogeneous (I2: 93.1%; Q = 28.98, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Strategic retention of the buccal root section has a benefit in terms of dimensional ridge stability over conventional immediate implantation when implemented in carefully selected cases of single‐rooted teeth.
Diversity and conservation of endemic true bugs for four family groups in China
Authors: Jiang Kun , Dong Xue , Zhang Jiaqing , Ye Zhen , Xue Huaijun , Zhu Gengping , Bu Wenjun
Published: November 2022

Aim

Protected areas (PAs) in China have typically been designed by considering one or several focal taxa (e.g., relict plant and vertebrate species), but the effectiveness of these “protective umbrellas” in safeguarding insects remains unclear. In this study, we aim to investigate the distribution and diversity of endemic true bugs for four family groups (i.e., Miridae, Lygaeoidea, Pentatomidae, and Reduviidae) in China, the environmental factors shaping these diversity patterns, and the effectiveness of China's PAs in safeguarding their diversity.

Location

China.

Methods

We mapped the spatial distributions of 1028 endemic true bugs in China using stacked species distribution models and pixel grids of observed points. The environmental factors that influence diversity patterns across China were explored by generalized linear models and random forest models. The effectiveness of PAs in safeguarding species distributions was evaluated by the Zonation platform.

Main results

We found that most (84.9%) diversity hotspots for total species were located in mountainous areas of southern China. Additionally, the diversity patterns are shaped by the combined effects of different environmental factors, with the minimum temperature of the coldest month, annual precipitation, and elevation showing the strongest effects. On average, Chinese PAs covered 10.2% of the distribution areas of these endemic true bugs.

Main conclusions

In general, our research identifies the important roles of mountainous areas in southern China in maintaining species diversity. Moreover, our research also suggests that PAs in China could not provide sufficient protection for this diversity. Protecting these endemic true bugs diversity should be valued more in mountainous areas of southern China.
Measuring preservice foreign language teachers' attitudes toward inclusive education through a newly developed scale
Authors: Fernández‐Portero Ignacio
Published: November 2022

The Challenge

Nowadays, it is usual to find students with special educational needs in almost every classroom. Are foreign language teachers ready to teach them? This article provides a newly developed scale to measure their perception of inclusive education, focusing on three dimensions: training, conception of diversity, and support.
The contribution of perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) breeding to whole pasture productivity under dairy cattle grazing in New Zealand. 2. Rates of gain in production traits and economic value
Authors: Chapman David F. , Ludemann Cameron I. , Wims Cathal M. , Kuhn‐Sherlock Barbara
Published: November 2022

Perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne) plant breeding has delivered several high performing and broadly adapted cultivar‐endophyte (Epichloë) combinations for the New Zealand pasture‐based livestock industries. However, the trends in key traits and the potential economic value being added to farm systems have not previously been addressed systematically. Rates of gain in yield, nutritive value, phenological and morphological traits, and the economic value of those traits, were estimated among and within ryegrass functional groups (heading date, ploidy) traded commercially between 1973 and 2012. Whole pasture dry matter yield improvements of c. 80 and 60 kg DM/ha per year were identified in in late‐season heading diploids and tetraploids respectively. Trends in metabolisable energy were negative within functional groups, but positive when all cultivar‐endophyte combinations were included in the analysis due to the addition of tetraploids and late‐season heading diploids from the mid‐1990s. The estimated trend in overall economic value (all cultivar‐endophyte combinations included) was $7/ha per year based on DM yield only, about half the rate of gain previously estimated using small‐plot merit testing data. The trend increased to $15/ha per year when ME was included due to the emergence of commercial tetraploids from the early 2000s onwards. Estimated economic gains were high within late‐season heading diploids and tetraploids but not mid‐season diploids. These trends suggest that, if high performing cultivar‐endophyte combinations had been adopted in New Zealand dairy systems, then pasture utilization should have increased by ~1 t DM/ha above the current industry average. Reasons for this apparent discrepancy are discussed.
Psychometric assessment of the German version of the Questionnaire about the Process of Recovery
Authors: Elhilali Laila , Burr Christian , Rabenschlag Franziska , Zuaboni Gianfranco , Eissler Christian , Richter Dirk
Published: November 2022

Personal recovery is important for mental health services and service users; moreover, valid and reliable assessment instruments are necessary for measuring personal recovery. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the unidimensional factor structure of the German version of the Questionnaire about the Process of Recovery. The study was conducted using a cross‐sectional design with a convenience sample. The questionnaire was completed by 200 patients of outpatient services of two psychiatric hospitals in Switzerland. A confirmatory factor analysis was conducted to validate the unidimensional factor structure of the German version of the Questionnaire about the Process of Recovery. Cronbach's alpha was calculated to assess the internal consistency. The results showed an overall acceptable model fit (χ2 = 134.188, df = 90, P = 0.002; RMSEA = 0.050, 90% CI: 0.031–0.067; CFI = 0.937; TLI = 0.927) and excellent internal consistency (Cronbach's α = 0.91). These results are consistent with those of studies that have examined the Questionnaire about the Process of Recovery in other languages. This study provides preliminary evidence that the German version of the Questionnaire about the Process of Recovery is a reliable assessment instrument for measuring personal recovery among people with mental illness experiences. However, it is necessary to conduct further psychometric tests to verify the validity and reliability of the instrument. The German version of the Questionnaire about the Process of Recovery can be applied to both research and clinical practice, especially as a means of facilitating communication during the planning and evaluation of treatment goals.
Factors associated with acute care service use after epilepsy hospitalisation in people with intellectual disability
Authors: Liao P. , Trollor J. , Reppermund S. , Cvejic R. C. , Srasuebkul P. , Vajdic C. M.
Published: November 2022

Background

This study aimed to identify factors associated with unplanned acute hospital readmission and emergency department (ED) presentation after hospitalisation for epilepsy in people with intellectual disability (ID).

Methods

This study is a retrospective cohort study using linked administrative datasets. We identified 3293 people with ID aged 5–64 years with a hospitalisation for epilepsy between 2005 and 2014 in New South Wales, Australia. We examined unplanned readmission and ED presentation within 30 or 365 days and associations with demographic, socio‐economic and health status variables. Modified Poisson regression with robust estimation was used to model outcomes within 30 days. Negative binomial regression was used to account for the overdispersion of the data and to model 365‐day outcome rates.

Results

Around half of the cohort had an unplanned readmission and ED presentation within 365 days of the index hospitalisation. In fully adjusted models, being female, being a young adult and having a longer or acute care index admission, mental and physical comorbidities and a history of incarceration were associated with an elevated risk of readmission or ED presentation. The strongest association was observed between history of self‐harm and 365‐day readmission (incidence rate ratio 2.15, 95% confidence interval 1.41–3.29).

Conclusions

Socio‐demographic, justice and health factors are associated with unplanned readmission and ED presentation risk after hospitalisation for epilepsy in people with ID. Interventions targeting improving continuity of care should be tailored for individuals and their support workers. The findings also emphasise the importance of person‐centred multidisciplinary care across different health sectors.
Determinants of financial worry
Authors: Magwegwe Frank M. , MacDonald Maurice M. , Lim HanNa , Heckman Stuart J.
Published: November 2022

Grounded in the transactional stress‐coping theory and the Tallis and Eysenck (1994) model of nonpathological worry, the present study sought to advance the conceptual and empirical understanding of financial worry (FW). We positioned objective financial stressors (OFS), subjective financial stressors (SFS), and coping resources as key variables in understanding the determinants of financial worry (FW). The cross‐sectional data consisted of responses from a representative sample of 19,385 adults, aged 18 and older, drawn from a large U.S. survey. Hierarchical linear regression results revealed that OFS, SFS, household income, and financial capability (FC) are all key determinants of FW. Furthermore, the results revealed adverse effects of OFS and SFS on FW. These effects were moderated by household income, FC, age, and gender. Implications for future research, employers, practitioners, and policymakers are discussed.
Identification of a genomic region linked with sex determination of Undaria pinnatifida (Alariaceae) through genomic resequencing and genetic linkage analyses of a segregating gametophyte family
Authors: Shan Tifeng , Li Yuqian , Pang Shaojun
Published: November 2022

Different from the traditional knowledge about kelp, three sexual phenotypes (female, male, and monoecious) exist in the haploid gametophytes of Undaria pinnatifida. However, the sex‐determining mechanisms remain unknown. Genetic linkage mapping is an efficient tool to identify sex‐linked regions. In the present study, we resequenced a segregating gametophyte family based on the male genome of U. pinnatifida. A high‐density genetic linkage map was constructed using 9887 SNPs, with an average distance of 0.41 cM between adjacent SNPs. On the basis of this genetic map and using the composite interval mapping method, we identified 62 SNPs significantly linked with the sexual phenotype. They were located at a position of 67.67 cM on the linkage group 23, corresponding to a physical range of 14.67 Mbp on the HiC_Scaffold_23 of the genome. Reanalysis of the previous specific length amplified fragment sequencing data according to the reference genome led to the identification of a sex‐linked genomic region that encompassed the above‐mentioned 14.67 Mbp region. Hence, this overlapped genomic range was likely the sex‐determining region. Within this region, 129 genes were retrieved and 39 of them were annotated with explicit function, including the potential male sex‐determining gene‐encoding high mobility group (HMG) domain protein. Relative expression analysis of the HMG gene showed that its expression was higher in male gametophytes during the vegetative phase and monoecious gametophytes during both the vegetative and gametogenesis phases, but significantly lower in male gametophytes during the gametogenesis phase. These results provide a foundation for deciphering the sex‐determining mechanism of U. pinnatifida.
Mechanistic insights from molecular microbiology into the production of immunological and neuronal diversity
Authors: Dorman Charles J.
Published: November 2022

Bacteria deal with an unpredictable, and often hostile, environment by being unpredictable themselves. This article will link some contributions made by variable DNA topology and nucleoid‐associated proteins to the generation of stochasticity in bacterial gene expression and describe how the associated mechanistic insights can elucidate the means by which diversity in antibody and neuronal cell development might be produced in humans and other higher organisms. The focus here will not be on mutation; instead, the article will address epigenetic effects on gene expression brought about by the modulation of topoisomerase activity in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes.
Systemic inflammation caused by an intracranial mesenchymal tumor with a EWSR1::CREM fusion presenting associated with IL‐6/STAT3 signaling
Authors: Hojo Keishiro , Furuta Takuya , Komaki Satoru , Yoshikane Yukako , Kikuchi Jin , Nakamura Hideo , Ide Mizuki , Shima Saho , Hiyoshi Yusuke , Araki Junichiro , Tanaka Seiji , Ozono Shuichi , Yoshida Akihiko , Nobusawa Sumihito , Morioka Motohiro , Nishikomori Ryuta
Published: November 2022

Pediatric neoplastic diseases account for about 10% of cases of fever of unknown origin (FUO), and most neoplastic disease cases are leukemia, lymphoma, and neuroblastoma. Brain tumors are rarely reported as the cause of FUO, although craniopharyngioma, metastatic brain tumor, and Castleman's disease have been reported. We report a case of intracranial mesenchymal tumor (IMT) with a FET:CREB fusion gene, which had inflammatory phenotype without neurological signs. A 10‐year‐old girl was admitted with a 2‐month history of intermittent fever and headache, whereas her past history as well as her family history lacked special events. Sepsis work‐up showed no pathological organism, and empirical antibiotic therapy was not effective. Bone marrow examination showed a negative result. Cerebrospinal fluid examination showed elevated protein as well as cell counts, and head magnaetic resonance imaging showed a hypervascular mass lesion with contrast enhancement in the left cerebellar hemisphere. The patient underwent tumor excision, which made the intermittent fever disappear. Pathological examinations resembled those of classic angiomatoid fibrous histiocytoma (AFH), but the morphological features were distinct from the AFH myxoid variant; then we performed break‐apart fluorescence in situ hybridization and confirmed the tumor harbored the rare EWSR1::CREM fusion gene (Ewing sarcoma breakpoint region 1 gene (EWSR1) and cAMP response element binding (CREB) family gene). Consequently, we diagnosed the condition as IMT with EWSR1::CREM fusion. Elevated serum concentration of interleukin 6 (IL‐6) was normalized after tumor resection, which suggested the fever could be caused by tumor‐derived IL‐6. This is the first case of IMT with EWSR1::CREM fusion that showed paraneoplastic symptoms associated with the IL‐6/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) signaling pathway. Although brain tumors are rarely diagnosed as a responsible disease for FUO, they should be considered as a cause of unknown fever even in the absence of abnormal neurological findings.
The Transformation of Polygyny in Sub‐Saharan Africa
Authors: Chae Sophia , Agadjanian Victor
Published: November 2022

As the rest of the developing world, Sub‐Saharan Africa has experienced profound transformations in the institution of marriage. Yet, unlike most other regions, polygyny has remained widespread across the subcontinent. There is, however, evidence to suggest that the practice of polygyny is declining and that selection into polygynous unions based on sociodemographic characteristics is increasing as sub‐Saharan Africa undergoes rapid sociocultural, demographic, and economic change. Using data from 111 Demographic and Health Surveys conducted in 27 countries since the 1990s, we study recent trends in the prevalence of polygyny among currently married women, examine sociodemographic characteristics of women in polygynous unions, and test whether selection on these characteristics into polygynous unions has increased over time. We find that, net of other factors, the likelihood of being in a polygynous union has declined in most countries. We show that women who are less educated, non‐Christian, and living in rural areas are more likely to be in a polygynous union and that in many countries, selection into polygynous unions on these characteristics has been growing. These findings contribute to the broader literature on marital and family change by providing new insights into recent trends in and patterns of polygyny across the subcontinent.
Beyond body image: what body schema and motor imagery can tell us about the way patients with anorexia nervosa experience their body
Authors: Meregalli Valentina , Tenconi Elena , Madan Christopher R. , Somà Enrica , Meneguzzo Paolo , Ceccato Enrico , Zuanon Sophia , Sala Alessandra , Favaro Angela , Collantoni Enrico
Published: November 2022

Aim

Recent evidence suggests that the body image disturbance often observed in patients with anorexia nervosa also extends to the body schema. According to the embodiment approach, the body schema is not only involved in motor execution, but also in tasks that only require a mental simulation of a movement such as motor imagery, mental rotation of bodies, and visuospatial perspective‐taking. The aim of the present study was to assess the ability of patients with anorexia to mentally simulate movements.

Methods

The sample included 52 patients with acute anorexia and 62 healthy controls. All participants completed three tests of explicit motor imagery, a mental rotation test and a test of visuospatial perspective‐taking.

Results

Patients with anorexia nervosa, with respect to controls, reported greater difficulties in imagining movements according to a first‐person perspective, lower accuracy in motor imagery, selective impairment in the mental rotation of human figures, and reduced ability in assuming a different egocentric visuospatial perspective.

Conclusion

These results are indicative of a specific alteration in motor imagery in patients with anorexia nervosa. Interestingly, patients' difficulties appear to be limited to those tasks which specifically rely on the body schema, while patients and controls performed similarly in the 3D objects mental rotation task.
Core clinical symptoms and suicidal ideation in patients with obsessive–compulsive disorder: A network analysis
Authors: Kim Shin Tae , Seo Jun Ho , Park Chun Il , Kim Hae Won , Boo Young Jun , Kim Heeyeon , Jeon Sumoa , Kang Jee In , Kim Se Joo
Published: November 2022

Introduction

Suicidality in obsessive‐compulsive disorder (OCD) is underestimated and it is important for clinicians to understand the factors that contribute to suicidal ideation. The present study aimed to estimate a network of the core clinical symptoms of OCD including obsessions, compulsions, and obsessive–compulsive (OC) symptom dimensions, depressive symptoms, and psychological traits, and to examine which symptoms contribute to suicidal ideation in patients with a primary diagnosis of obsessive–compulsive disorder.

Methods

A total of 444 patients with OCD were assessed with the Yale–Brown Obsessive‐Compulsive Scale, the Montgomery–Asberg Depression Rating Scale, and various other measures. Network analysis was conducted to estimate the network of obsessive–compulsive and depressive symptoms, psychological traits including alexithymia and impulsivity, and demographic covariates. Symptoms directly related to suicidal ideation in the network were examined for their relative contribution to suicidal ideation.

Results

Suicidal ideation was directly related to degree of control over compulsive behaviors, distress associated with compulsive behaviors, time spent performing compulsive behaviors, and unacceptable thoughts, along with depressive symptoms and alexithymia. In the network of OC and depressive symptoms the most central symptoms among the former were interference due to compulsive behaviors and interference due to obsessive thoughts, and among the latter were pessimistic thoughts and reported sadness.

Conclusion

The findings suggest that along with depressive symptoms and alexithymia, compulsions and unacceptable thoughts dimension may contribute to suicidality, and thus, should be carefully monitored in patients with OCD.
Rhees and the distinction between religion and science
Authors: Kinsey John
Published: November 2022

A sharp distinction between religion and science is, it is argued here, implicit in Rush Rhees's thought. This distinction is, moreover, underpinned by a view of philosophy as purely descriptive, which Rhees shares with Wittgenstein. The first half of this paper criticises both the distinction and this view of philosophy. The second half is constructive rather than critical. A pattern of reasoning in religion is explored, which offers a possibility of insight to those afflicted by the tragic and premature loss of loved ones; a pattern of a kind which is effectively denied by Rhees. Logical relations between this reasoning in religion and reasoning in physics are then discussed, which lend further support to the earlier critical arguments. These relations also exhibit aspects of the coherence of the conception of the world as a divinely created Cosmos, which is consistent with classical theism.
Association of physical activity with metabolic profile from adolescence to adulthood
Authors: Lehtovirta Miia , Wu Feitong , Rovio Suvi P. , Heinonen Olli J. , Laitinen Tomi T. , Niinikoski Harri , Lagström Hanna , Viikari Jorma S. A. , Rönnemaa Tapani , Jula Antti , Ala‐Korpela Mika , Raitakari Olli T. , Pahkala Katja
Published: November 2022

Objective

Physical activity benefits cardiometabolic health, but little is known about its detailed links with serum lipoproteins, amino acids, and glucose metabolism at young age. We therefore studied the association of physical activity with a comprehensive metabolic profile measured repeatedly in adolescence.

Methods

The cohort is derived from the longitudinal Special Turku Coronary Risk Factor Intervention Project. At ages 13, 15, 17, and 19 years, data on physical activity were collected by a questionnaire, and circulating metabolic measures were quantified by nuclear magnetic resonance metabolomics from repeatedly assessed serum samples (age 13: n = 503, 15: n = 472, 17: n = 466, and 19: n = 361).

Results

Leisure‐time physical activity (LTPA;MET h/wk) was directly associated with concentrations of polyunsaturated fatty acids, and inversely with the ratio of monounsaturated fatty acids to total fatty acids (−0.006SD; [−0.008, −0.003]; p < 0.0001). LTPA was inversely associated with very‐low‐density lipoprotein (VLDL) particle concentration (−0.003SD; [−0.005, −0.001]; p = 0.002) and VLDL particle size (−0.005SD; [−0.007, −0.003]; p < 0.0001). LTPA showed direct association with the particle concentration and size of high‐density lipoprotein (HDL), and HDL cholesterol concentration (0.004SD; [0.002, 0.006]; p < 0.0001). Inverse associations of LTPA with triglyceride and total lipid concentrations in large to small sized VLDL subclasses were found. Weaker associations were seen for other metabolic measures including inverse associations with concentrations of lactate, isoleucine, glycoprotein acetylation, and a direct association with creatinine concentration. The results remained after adjusting for body mass index and proportions of energy intakes from macronutrients.

Conclusions

Physical activity during adolescence is beneficially associated with the metabolic profile including novel markers. The results support recommendations on physical activity during adolescence to promote health and possibly reduce future disease risks.
Validation of new automated turbidimetric immunoassays for the measurement of haptoglobin and inter‐α‐trypsin inhibitor heavy chain H4 specific for the bovine species
Authors: Bassols Anna , Robles‐Guirado José Angel , Arroyo Laura , Soler Lourdes , García Natalia , Pato Raquel , Peña Raquel , Saco Yolanda , Armengol Ramon , Lampreave Fermín , Alava María A. , Canalias Francesca , Piñeiro Matilde
Published: November 2022

Background

Good strategical programs are required for the early detection of disease even in the absence of evident clinical signs, which is crucial in satisfying animal welfare. Haptoglobin (Hp) and inter‐α‐trypsin inhibitor heavy chain H4 (ITIH4) are acute phase proteins and good biomarkers of early inflammation in cattle, with plasma levels that significantly increase after injury or infection.

Objectives

We aimed to develop and validate two new immunoturbidimetric methods for Hp and ITIH4.

Methods

Species‐specific antibodies were obtained and used to develop the immunoassays. For the Hp assay, antibodies were fixed to latex microparticles to enhance detection. The immunoassays were set up in an automated analyzer to carry out validation studies. Reference intervals were calculated using Reference Value Advisor.

Results

The Hp immunoturbidimetric method had a linear analytical range up to 0.40 mg/mL. The limit of detection (LoD) was 0.005 mg/mL, and the limit of quantification (LoQ) was 0.007 mg/mL. Total imprecision was less than 7%. Comparison with ELISA and single radial immunodiffusion (SRID) showed good correlation, whereas the comparison with the colorimetric method showed constant and proportional differences. The ITIH4 immunoassay showed linearity up to 5 mg/mL, and the LoD was 0.002 mg/mL. Total imprecision was less than 6%. Method comparison showed a good correlation with single radial immunodiffusion, both methods being equivalent. Bilirubin, triglycerides, and hemoglobin presented no interference in any of the assays. Reference intervals were 0.007‐0.017 mg/mL for Hp and 0.2‐0.7 mg/mL for ITIH4 in dairy cows 10 days before parturition.

Conclusions

Immunoturbidimetric methods developed for Hp and ITIH4 can measure basal and increased levels of these proteins, showing adequate precision, accuracy, and robustness.
Impact of Dynamic Slab Insulation on Energy Performance of Residential Buildings
Authors: Rajabi Roya , Dehwah Ammar H. A. , Krarti Moncef
Published: November 2022

In this paper, the energy efficiency potential of applying novel dynamic insulation systems to slab foundations is investigated for residential buildings. Specifically, dynamic insulation allows the foundation to change its thermal resistance to reduce both heating and cooling thermal loads compared to static insulation systems. The energy benefits of the dynamic insulation are evaluated using a validated numerical model integrated with a state-of-art whole-building simulation tool. Specifically, optimal settings for slab-integrated dynamic insulation are determined monthly to reduce heating and cooling thermal loads while maintaining thermal comfort for a prototypical house located in representative US climates. The analysis results indicate that the deployment of slab-integrated dynamic insulation can reduce heating energy by 10% and cooling energy by 39%, and total heating, ventilating, and air conditioning end-use by up to 12%, especially for houses located in cold climates.
Fatigue Benchmark Comparison Effort Between Code_Aster and CNNC/NPIC Software – Part 3
Authors: Liu Yin , Xie Hai , Kong Zichen , Shao Xuejiao , Courtin Stephan , Cuvilliez Sam , Xiong Furui
Published: November 2022

Fatigue is a phenomenon identified as a significant degradation mode which affects industrial facilities, in particulier the lifespan of nuclear power plants. As one of its important branches, the environmentally assisted fatigue (EAF) considers not only effects of unfavorable mechanical and thermal conditions, but also PWR primary water environment in nuclear components. This phenomenon can accelerate fatigue related structure failure for common materials in nuclear components such as austenitic stainless steels and nickel-based alloys.

Within this frame of reference, the RCC-M code formulated by AFCEN has included probationary phase rules named RPP-2 and RPP-3. EDF and CNNC/NPIC have hence established a specific collaboration on environmentally assisted fatigue to contribute to validation and improvement of these rules in the RCC-M code.

Part 1 of the paper states the context of the collaboration between EDF and CNNC/NPIC and the methods used by each side. Part 2 presents the satisfactory results of code comparison based on the AFCEN-provided benchmark case. As the third part, this paper presents the comparison based on an industrial case close to an HPR1000 nozzle under pressurized thermal shock (PTS) provided by CNNC/NPIC, where the RCC-M code is applied in a situation equivalent to the engineering practice.

By following the methodology of the Part 2, EDF and CNNC/NPIC use respectively their proper tools code_aster POST_RCCM and FAC_NPIC to calculate the cumulative fatigue usage factor with or without considering the effect of EAF following the comparison between RCC-M RPP and NUREG/CR-6909 rev.1. The comparison focuses on the technical details of transient combination method and temporal discretization of transients. Analysis concerning pressurized thermal shock type transients is also discussed.

Comparisons show some differences between the results of the two parts. Some could be attributed to the various calculation processes between EPRI Guidelines and RCC-M RPP-3. Minor differences could be attributed to engineering practices like thermal time stepping.
Classification Recognition of Long Distance Oil and Gas Pipeline Girth Welds MFL Signal Diagrams Based on VGG16 Network
Authors: Geng Liyuan , Dong Shaohua , Zheng Li , Li Shengwei
Published: November 2022

In recent years, with the development of long-distance oil and gas pipelines, the number of accidents, most of which caused serious consequences, is increasing gradually. According to statistics, pipeline cracking caused by girth weld problems accounts for a large proportion of all. Girth weld defects of long-distance oil and gas pipelines, such as cracks, incomplete fusion and incomplete penetration, seriously threaten the safety of pipelines. Because the internal magnetic flux leakage detection (MFL) signal is complex at the girth weld, it is difficult to judge the defect type through conventional data analysis. In this paper, MFL signal screenshots of girth welds, which are automatically captured from MFL client software by the Python program, are the training sample set of VGG16. This training sample set which includes 1396 samples labeled with radiographic test results after girth welds excavation, is divided into three categories: qualified samples, unqualified samples with circular/strip defects, and unqualified sample with crack/incomplete fusion/incomplete penetration defects. The deep learning network after training is used to predict the classification of 156 test samples, and the prediction accuracy is 78%. This method can effectively judge whether there are hazardous girth weld defects types, which are significant for safety management of long-distance oil and gas pipeline girth welds.
Evaluation of Validity Criteria for Subsize Compact Tension Specimens Using a Bending Modified J-A2 Solution
Authors: Bagnoli Kenneth , Thorwald Greg , Holloman Ryan , Hioe Y.
Published: November 2022

Many existing pieces of plant equipment do not have original impact test data or suffer from a loss in toughness over time. As a result, the ability to remove material for testing can be of significant value. Often, extraction of sufficient material for conducting fracture toughness testing necessitates weld repair to fill in the sample location. Some equipment may also require stress relief. Use of subsize test specimens that minimizes the amount of material removed can permit local thin area acceptance criteria to be met and avoids weld repair in most cases. However, for subsize specimens that are substantially smaller than conventional geometries, it is important to examine the limits within which a valid J integral can be measured when tests display significant amount of ductility. Standards like ASTM E1820-20 provide restrictions on the maximum J integral (Jmax) based on specimen thickness (B), uncracked ligament length (bo) as well as maximum crack growth Δa. These limits ensure the stress-strain fields at the crack tip are well described by J, a condition referred to as J dominance. In the first phase of this project, detailed 3D FEA analyses of subsize compact tension C(T) specimens (commonly called mini-CT) have been performed to explore the criteria necessary to obtain a valid measurement of J. This is generally considered to be a function of the materials hardening exponent, mode of loading, and the specimen dimensions. One methodology to examine if J controlled crack growth exists is to evaluate the crack tip stress field, and compare this to the theoretical HRR solution. In the case of the mini-CT, due to limitations associated with the small specimen size and extent of yielding across the uncracked ligament, the two parameter J-A2 solution was used to extend the range of J dominance. Additional modification of J-A2 is made by accounting for the effect of global bending on crack tip opening stress (J-A2-M) following the procedures developed by Zhu et al. [1] and Chao et al. [2] for SEN(B) specimens. The results of this study indicate that Jmax for the mini-CT may be given as Jmax<(Bn,bo)σo5 for typical pressure vessel steels. Where Bn is the specimen net thickness, bo is the ligament length and σo is the yield stress. However, test results as well as consideration for plastic collapse suggest that while a valid measurement of initiation J (Ji) may be possible, the extent of J controlled crack growth is more restrictive than the ASTM E 1820-20 limit of Δa = 0.25bo, and may be closer to 0.08 bo.
Extrapolation of High Temperature Material Properties of Inconel 617 for Molten Chloride Reactor Experiment Applications
Authors: Rajasekaran Ramesh , Ching Hsu-Kuang , Deleo Francesco
Published: November 2022

The Inconel 617 material was developed in the early 1970’s for high-temperature applications. It is a nickel-chromium-cobalt-molybdenum alloy with high strength combined with corrosion and oxidation resistance properties. Inconel 617 is one of the contenders for the Reactor Enclosure System (RXE) material of the Molten Chloride Reactor Experiment (MCRE). The properties of Inconel 617 are not available in the high temperature code ASME Boiler & Pressure Vessel Code (BPVC) Section III, Division 5 [1] but are given in Code Case N-898 [2]. However, for Inconel 617, the high temperature properties (stress to rupture and isochronous stress-strain curves) are available only up to 100,000 hours unlike stainless steels (SS) 304 and 316 for which properties are available for a time up to 300,000 hours. Consequently, the analyst must use 100,000 hours as the maximum creep life even for a very low stress value adding more conservatism to the already conservative elastic route of creep-fatigue lifing. This in turn limits the maximum operating temperature when the design curves are plotted. The purpose of this work is to identify a methodology to extrapolate the high temperature properties of Inconel 617 up to 300,000 hours. The two properties that need extrapolation are a) time to rupture and b) isochronous stress-strain behavior.

This work shows that for the time to rupture calculation, extrapolation of properties using the last two data points looks appropriate when evaluated against the Larson-Miller Parameter method [4]. For isochronous stress-strain curves, the same equations given in the ASME code case [2] can be extended up to 300,000 hours.
Technical Basis of ASME B31 Code Case 216: Use of Enhanced Pressure Ratings for Brazed Copper Tubes and Fittings by Cold Stretch Process
Authors: Xu Kang , Timoteo Gustavo , Renaldo Adam , Miller Philip , Wills Terry
Published: November 2022

Copper tubes and fittings are widely used in the industrial gas industry because of their outstanding cryogenic properties, high toughness, and easy installation. However, one notable disadvantage of the copper materials is their low allowable stresses and hence low-pressure rating in the annealed condition. ASME B31 Code Case 216 has been developed to overcome this shortcoming. The Code Case provides detailed design and construction procedures for copper tubes and fittings and permits significantly enhanced pressure rating with no compromise in B31.3 design safety factor. This paper documents the technical details of the Code Case development. By taking advantage of excellent work hardening and toughness properties, especially at cryogenic temperatures, it was demonstrated that a significant increase in allowable stress can be obtained for copper tubes after a small amount of cold work. The work hardening is achieved by a carefully controlled cold stretch operation simultaneously done during the pressure test. Through extensive destructive testing, it was shown that the pressure rating of the copper tubes and fittings can be safely increased more than 60% compared with traditional B31.3 designs. Additional limitations and safety precautions are also discussed when applying this Code Case.
Revision of Case N-666-1 to Permit Overlay Repair of Dissimilar Metal Socket Welds and to Allow Higher Carbon Content in the Pipe and Socket Fitting
Authors: McCracken Steven L. , Lohse Christopher
Published: November 2022

ASME Section XI Case N-666, Weld Overlay of Class 1, 2, and 3 Socket Welded Connections, was developed for repair of non-isolable leaking socket welds where the mode of failure is determined to be fatigue cracking attributed to mechanical vibration [1]. The case was approved by ASME on July 23, 2002 and first published in the 2004 Code Cases: Nuclear Components, Supplement 9.

Case N-666 and N-666-1 have served the industry well, allowing repair of leaking socket welds where the system cannot be readily drained and isolated for cutout and full pipe replacement. This has provided significant benefit to the nuclear industry by allowing the repair to be performed online without the need to shut the plant down, avoiding significant loss in power generation.

This paper provides the technical basis for proposed changes to Case N-666-1 that will expand the scope of socket welds that can be repair by weld overlay. The revision will expand the case to include overlay repair of dissimilar metal socket welded joints and will remove the 0.30 wt% maximum carbon content limitation when the overlay repair is installed with water backing. Finally, the revision will also address the conditions imposed by the NRC in Regulatory Guide 1.147 Revision 19.