bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pathways to fitness: carry‐over effects of late hatching and urbanisation on lifetime mating success
Authors: Tüzün Nedim , Stoks Robby
Published: December 2017

Life history theory and most empirical studies assume carry‐over effects of larval ­conditions to shape adult fitness through their impact on metamorphic traits (age and mass at metamorphosis). Yet, very few formal tests of this connection across metamorphosis exist, because this entails longitudinal studies from the egg stage and requires measuring fitness in (semi)natural conditions. In a longitudinal one‐year common‐garden rearing experiment consisting of an outdoor microcosm part for the larval stage and a large outdoor insectary part for the adult stage, we studied the effects of two factors related to time constraints in the larval stage (egg hatching period and urbanisation) on life history traits and lifetime mating success in the males of the damselfly Coenagrion puella. We reared early‐ and late‐hatched larvae from each of three rural and three urban populations from the egg stage throughout their adult life. Key findings were that both the hatching period and urbanisation shaped adult fitness, yet through different pathways. As expected, the more time‐constrained late‐hatched individuals accelerated their larval life history and this was associated with a lower lifetime mating success. A path analysis revealed this carry‐over effect was mediated by the changes in the two metamorphic traits (reduced age and lower mass at emergence). Notably, urban males had a 50% lower lifetime mating success, which was not mediated by age and mass at emergence, and possibly driven by their shorter lifespan. Our results point to long‐term carry‐over effects of the usually ignored natural variation in egg hatching dates, and further contribute to the limited evidence showing fitness costs of adjusting to an urban lifestyle.
Acral‐accentuated exanthem in an infant with parechovirus meningitis
Authors: Lee Dawn , Loh Sin Wee , Tan Juliet , Chong Jinho
Published: December 2017

We report a case of an infant who had presented with fever and an acral‐accentuated rash, for which his cerebrospinal fluid returned positive for parechovirus. He was treated symptomatically and discharged well, with no long‐term complications.
Obesity in elementary school children after the Great East Japan Earthquake
Authors: Moriyama Hidenori , Fuchimukai Toru , Kondo Naoki , Takayama John I
Published: December 2017

Background

Rikuzentakata was one of the cities most devastated by the Great East Japan Earthquake on 11 March 2011. Many buildings were swept away or destroyed and affected families were placed into temporary housing. The aim of this study was to determine the impact of long‐term temporary housing on the body mass index (BMI) of elementary school children living in Rikuzentakata City.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was carried out of students attending 1st–3rd grade in 2010, and 4th–6th grade in 2013, in eight elementary schools in Rikuzentakata City. Height and weight were measured annually. We compared changes in BMI between children in temporary housing and those in permanent housing. Separately, parents of students attending one of the elementary schools were surveyed in 2013.

Results

Of 526 children in the present study, 32% were living in temporary housing. The prevalence of obesity climbed from 5.3% in 2010 to 7.8% in 2013 in the temporary housing group, and from 7.6% to 7.8% in the permanent housing group. BMI z‐score in the temporary housing group increased by 0.102 points between 2010 and 2013 (P < 0.02). Children in temporary housing spent more time reading comic books and their walking commute time had decreased by 2 min compared with before the disaster.

Conclusion

Obesity prevalence and BMI z‐score increased in children in temporary housing compared with permanent housing. A more sedentary lifestyle may explain this trend. It is important for policy makers and health‐care providers to recognize potential consequences of long‐term residence in temporary housing.
Expression and regulation of programmed cell death‐associated genes in systemic necrosis of PVYNTN susceptible potato tubers
Authors: Sedlar A. , Gerič Stare B. , Mavrič Pleško I. , Dolničar P. , Maras M. , Šuštar‐Vozlič J. , Baebler Š. , Gruden K. , Meglič V.
Published: December 2017

Virus‐induced systemic necrosis accounts for great yield losses in potato (Solanum tuberosum) cultivars susceptible to the necrotic strain of potato virus Y (PVYNTN). To extend understanding of systemic necrosis, the tissue of healthy and PVYNTN‐infected potato tubers (necrotic and non‐necrotic) during storage was profiled for host gene expression using microarrays while virus concentration was determined using RT‐qPCR. Comparison of non‐necrotic tissue types revealed minor transcriptional differences, while tuber necrosis was characterized by high virus concentration and pronounced expression of defence response‐associated genes. Creation of programmed cell death‐associated gene ontology enabled assessment of expression and regulation of relevant differentially expressed genes implicated in the execution of plant programmed cell death. Vacuolar cell death and unfolded protein response to viral infection were implicated in the necrotic tuber tissue by transcriptional induction of genes possessing caspase‐like activity and genes coding for endoplasmic reticulum chaperones and folding proteins. A meta‐analysis, including all relevant publicly available gene expression datasets differing in genotype, pathogen interaction type and potato organ, revealed common defence responses associated with cell wall fortification, oxidative and biotic stress. The response in necrotic tissues of susceptible tubers resembled the hypersensitive response of resistant primary infected plants, but with hormonal signalling as an important differentiating factor. This study will be useful for in‐depth analysis of programmed cell death regulation in plants by providing gene ontology. It specifically addresses the issue of systemic necrosis formation in PVYNTN‐infected potato tubers during storage.
Translocations, conservation, and climate change: use of restoration sites as protorefuges and protorefugia
Authors: Braidwood David W. , Taggart Mark A. , Smith Melanie , Andersen Roxane
Published: December 2017

High levels of human activity have affected the quality and usability of the natural landscape, leading to habitat degradation, loss of connectivity between sites, and reduced chances of long‐term survival for individual species. In line with conservation policy, ecological restoration practitioners try to improve degraded sites by means of reestablishing species lost from these sites, thereby returning ecological functionality and maintaining biological diversity. It may appear difficult to integrate the long‐term potential impacts of climate change within restoration strategies. However, more refined climate projections and species distribution models provide us with better understanding of likely scenarios, enabling us to consider future proofing as an integral part of the design of restoration sites, aiding plant conservation. We believe that it is possible to go one step further with a closer integration of restoration and conservation objectives. We introduce the novel concepts of “protorefuges” and “protorefugia”—restoration sites that threatened species can be translocated to, where the restoration design can be specifically adapted to help reduce the decline of threatened species at the leading and trailing edges (respectively) of bioclimatic envelope shifts. This is particularly relevant for nuclear decommissioning sites, which may be free from human activity for decades to centuries.
Using the CAUSE Model to Understand Public Communication about Water Risks: Perspectives from Texas Groundwater District Officials on Drought and Availability
Authors: VanDyke Matthew S. , King Andy J.
Published: December 2017

Public communication about drought and water availability risks poses challenges to a potentially disinterested public. Water management professionals, though, have a responsibility to work with the public to engage in communication about water and environmental risks. Because limited research in water management examines organizational communication practices and perceptions, insights into research and practice can be gained through investigation of current applications of these risk communication efforts. Guided by the CAUSE model, which explains common goals in communicating risk information to the public (e.g., creating Confidence, generating Awareness, enhancing Understanding, gaining Satisfaction, and motivating Enactment), semistructured interviews of professionals (N = 25) employed by Texas groundwater conservation districts were conducted. The interviews examined how CAUSE model considerations factor in to communication about drought and water availability risks. These data suggest that many work to build constituents’ confidence in their districts. Although audiences and constituents living in drought‐prone areas were reported as being engaged with water availability risks and solutions, many district officials noted constituents’ lack of perceived risk and engagement. Some managers also indicated that public understanding was a secondary concern of their primary responsibilities and that the public often seemed apathetic about technical details related to water conservation risks. Overall, results suggest complicated dynamics between officials and the public regarding information access and motivation. The article also outlines extensions of the CAUSE model and implications for improving public communication about drought and water availability risks.
Yoga training modulates adipokines in adults with high‐normal blood pressure and metabolic syndrome
Authors: Supriya Rashmi , Yu Angus P. , Lee Paul H. , Lai Christopher W. , Cheng Kenneth K. , Yau Sonata Y. , Chan Lawrence W. , Yung Benjamin Y. , Siu Parco M.
Published: December 2017

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is associated with diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular diseases. Our previous study indicated that people with MetS showed a decrease in waist circumference and a decreasing trend in blood pressure after 1‐year yoga. This study investigated the effect of yoga on MetS people with high‐normal blood pressure by exploring modulations in proinflammatory adipokines (leptin, chemerin, visfatin, and plasminogen activator inhibitor‐1 or PAI‐1) and an anti‐inflammatory adipokine (adiponectin). A total of 97 Hong Kong Chinese individuals aged 57.6 ± 9.1 years with MetS and high‐normal blood pressure were randomly assigned to control (n = 45) and yoga groups (n = 52). Participants in the control group were not given any intervention but were contacted monthly to monitor their health status. Participants in the yoga group underwent a yoga training program with three 1‐hour yoga sessions weekly for 1 year. The participants’ sera were harvested and assessed for adipokines. Generalized estimating equation (GEE) was used to examine the interaction effect between 1‐year time (pre vs post), and intervention (control vs yoga). GEE analyses revealed significant interaction effects between 1‐year time and yoga intervention for the decreases in leptin and chemerin and the increase in adiponectin concentration in the sera examined. These results demonstrated that 1‐year yoga training decreased proinflammatory adipokines and increased anti‐inflammatory adipokine in adults with MetS and high‐normal blood pressure. These findings support the beneficial role of yoga in managing MetS by favorably modulating adipokines.
Within‐day energy deficiency and reproductive function in female endurance athletes
Authors: Fahrenholtz I. L. , Sjödin A. , Benardot D. , Tornberg Å. B. , Skouby S. , Faber J. , Sundgot‐Borgen J. K. , Melin A. K.
Published: December 2017

We aimed to estimate and compare within‐day energy balance (WDEB) in athletes with eumenorrhea and menstrual dysfunction (MD) with similar 24‐hour energy availability/energy balance (EA/EB). Furthermore, to investigate whether within‐day energy deficiency is associated with resting metabolic rate (RMR), body composition, S‐cortisol, estradiol, T3, and fasting blood glucose. We reanalyzed 7‐day dietary intake and energy expenditure data in 25 elite endurance athletes with eumenorrhea (n = 10) and MD (n = 15) from a group of 45 subjects where those with disordered eating behaviors (n = 11), MD not related to low EA (n = 5), and low dietary record validity (n = 4) had been excluded. Besides gynecological examination and disordered eating evaluation, the protocol included RMR measurement; assessment of body composition by dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry, blood plasma analysis, and calculation of WDEB in 1‐hour intervals. Subjects with MD spent more hours in a catabolic state compared to eumenorrheic athletes; WDEB < 0 kcal: 23.0 hour (20.8‐23.4) vs 21.1 hour (4.7‐22.3), P = .048; WDEB < −300 kcal: 21.8 hour (17.8‐22.4) vs 17.6 hour (3.9‐20.9), P = .043, although similar 24‐hour EA: 35.6 (11.6) vs 41.3 (12.7) kcal/kg FFM/d, (P = .269), and EB: −659 (551) vs −313 (596) kcal/d, (P = .160). Hours with WDEB <0 kcal and <−300 kcal were inversely associated with RMRratio (r = −.487, P = .013, r = −.472, P = .018), and estradiol (r = −.433, P = .034, r = −.516, P = .009), and positively associated with cortisol (r = .442, P = .027, r = .463, P = .019). In conclusion, although similar 24‐hour EA/EB, the reanalysis revealed that MD athletes spent more time in a catabolic state compared to eumenorrheic athletes. Within‐day energy deficiency was associated with clinical markers of metabolic disturbances.
Political Scientists
Authors: Frickel Scott
Published: December 2017

This essay raises several issues triggered by Norah Mackendrick's (2017) piece “Out of the Labs and into the Streets,” which appeared in “The Forum.” Using that essay as a springboard, I reflect on the complicated relationship between science and politics.
Standing Up for Science and Social Justice
Authors: Shostak Sara
Published: December 2017

What does it mean to do social science—perhaps especially for those of us whose research focuses on issues of social justice—during what my students gingerly refer to as “this time we're living in”? Community based participatory research offers one important approach.
Scientists in the Resistance
Authors: Fisher Dana R.
Published: December 2017

In her recent piece, MacKendrick (2017) asks whether we are experiencing a “new wave of science activism” and outlines various visible and vocal forms of political action taken by scientists in recent months. Coming from a slightly different perspective, this piece looks at scientists as part of the broader Resistance—people working individually and in collectivities to challenge the Trump agenda. Building on analysis of data collected from a random sample of participants from the Washington, DC, March for Science, which took place in April 2017, I explore how participants at the March for Science compare to a broader sample of participants in the Resistance. Although they have some unique characteristics, my findings show that there are few statistically significant differences between participants in the March for Science and others participating in the Resistance. I conclude this piece by discussing the implications of these findings on scientists in the Resistance and science activism more generally.
Critical Reflections on the March for Science
Authors: Brulle Robert J.
Published: December 2017

Using MacKendrick (2017) as a springboard, this essay explores the March for Science as an example of social mobilization. I lay out some concerns regarding the use of this tactic as a response to attacks on science and suggest some ways sociology could contribute to the development of more efficacious actions to address the denigration of scientific knowledge.
Culture and attention: Recent empirical findings and new directions in cultural psychology
Authors: Masuda Takahiko
Published: December 2017

Over the past 3 decades, cultural psychologists have empirically investigated the influence of cultural meaning systems on human psychology. Under the rubric of holistic versus analytic thought, researchers have demonstrated that there are substantial cultural variations in social cognition, and that such variations are observable even in so‐called fundamental psychological processes, such as attention. The aim of this paper is to review 3 major themes in culture and attention: (1) culture and attention to nonsocial scenes, (2) culture and attention to social scenes, and (3) culture and aesthetics. The paper also discusses 4 major strands of research that could be considered important candidates to further advance the understanding of culture and attention: (1) research on “culture ➔ human psychological processes,” where we investigate how culture influences modes of attention; (2) research on “human psychology ➔ cultural processes,” where we investigate how those who hold a specific mode of attention create cultural products and tangible representations of culturally shared meanings; (3) research on cultural neuroscience, where we investigate underlying mechanisms and processes of specific modes of attention; and (4) research on cultural transmission processes, where we investigate how specific modes of attention is taught by adults and internalized by children.
Preliminary investigation of blood concentrations of insulin‐like growth factor, insulin, lactate and β‐hydroxybutyrate in dogs with lymphoma as compared with matched controls
Authors: McQuown B. , Burgess K. E. , Heinze C. R.
Published: December 2017

It is well established that tumour cells have metabolic differences when compared with normal cells. This is particularly true for energy metabolism in which dogs with cancer have been reported to have higher blood insulin and lactate concentrations than control dogs. Moreover, some human and animal studies suggest that the insulin‐like growth factor 1 (IGF‐1) signalling pathway may play a role in tumorigenesis and tumour progression. At present, IGF‐1 has not been evaluated in dogs with multicentric lymphoma. In this prospective, cross‐sectional study, blood levels of IGF‐1, as well as other markers of energy metabolism—insulin, glucose, lactate, and β‐hydroxybutyrate—were measured in 16 dogs with histologically or cytologically confirmed treatment‐naïve lymphoma. These results were compared with 16 age‐, sex‐ and weight‐matched healthy controls. Dietary histories were collected, and protein, fat and carbohydrate intake were compared between groups. Results demonstrated that IGF‐1, insulin, glucose and insulin:glucose ratio were not different between groups. However, lactate and β‐hydroxybutyrate were higher in the dogs with lymphoma than that in the control dogs (1.74 ± 0.83 mmoL/L vs 1.08 ± 0.27 and 2.59 ± 0.59 mmol/L vs 0.77 ± 0.38 mmol/L, respectively). Median dietary protein, fat and carbohydrates did not differ between the groups. This preliminary study suggests that higher insulin and IGF‐1 levels relative to controls may not be a consistent finding in dogs with lymphoma. The significance of increased β‐hydroxybutyrate in dogs with lymphoma warrants further investigation in a larger prospective study.
Apply Robust Proportional Integral Derivative Controller to a Fuel Cell Gas Turbine
Authors: Emami Tooran , Tsai Alex , Tucker David
Published: December 2017

The performance of a 300 kW solid oxide fuel cell gas turbine (SOFC-GT) pilot power plant simulator is evaluated by applying a set of robust proportional-integral-derivative (PID) controllers that satisfy time delay and gain uncertainties of the SOFC-GT system. The actuators are a fuel valve (FV) that models the fuel cell (FC) thermal exhaust, and a cold-air (CA) valve which bypasses airflow rate from the FC cathode. The robust PID controller results for the upper and lower boundary of uncertain gains are presented first, followed by a design for the upper and lower boundary of uncertain time delays process for both, FV and CA bypass valves. The final design incorporates the combined uncertain gain and the time delay modeling for the upper and lower boundary of both actuators. This multiple-input multiple-output technique is beneficial to plants having a wide range of operation and a strong parameter interaction. The practical implementation of the PID controllers and the set point responses are presented through simulation in the matlab/simulink environment.
Evaluating AOV and MOV Performance
Authors: Walker Tom , Camilli Nick
Published: December 2017

Calculating margin for valve operation under design basis conditions requires evaluation of the stem loads required to operate the valve and the load capability of the actuator. These evaluations require justified and validated methodologies with verified inputs to implement the methodologies. The lack of validated methodologies in the past led to plant events and issues that prompted three NRC generic letters for MOVs and numerous generic correspondence documents from the NRC on AOV and MOV performance. Over the past 25 years, EPRI has performed extensive research to better understand the performance of valves and power operators. This research has been used to develop predictive methods for the evaluation of valve required operating loads and actuator output capability.

This paper summarizes EPRI’s research related to the development of predictive methodologies for valves and power operators and methods that are available, specifically methods for:

• Predicting required operating loads under design basis conditions,

• Predicting actuator output capability,

• Addressing thermal binding of gate valves, and

• Addressing the rate-of-loading phenomenon for MOVs.

This paper also describes a recent project to develop and validate a method for predicting the required thrust to overcome friction between the valve disk and body due to disk side-loading in cage-guided balanced disk globe valves.

Paper published with permission.
Design Basis Verification and Preservice Testing Considerations for OM Code Mandatory Appendix III
Authors: Estep Neal E.
Published: December 2017

ASME OM Code Mandatory Appendix III (Appendix III) [1] for inservice testing of motor-operated valves (MOVs) contains prerequisites for a design basis verification test (DBVT) and preservice test prior to initiating inservice testing. The DBVT has specific requirements that depend on valve type and operational experience and the preservice test must adequately bridge the DBVT and inservice test. In addition, certain replacement, repair, or maintenance activities require an evaluation to determine what aspects (if any) of the DBVT or preservice test require repeat testing and/or engineering analysis to either confirm existing reference values or establish new reference values. Finally, existing testing performed under legacy NRC Generic Letter (GL) 89-10/96-05 MOV Programs or ASME QME-1 functional qualification standard may be credited to satisfy all or a portion of the DBVT and preservice test.

The purpose of this paper is to describe, by valve type:

• the specific requirements for the DBVT and preservice test,

• the use of previous qualification testing (e.g. GL 89-10/96-05 and ASME QME-1) to satisfy the DBVT and preservice test requirements,

• what activities may require analysis and/or repeating portions of the DBVT and preservice testing, and

• applicability to legacy MOV programs.

Paper published with permission.
Condition Monitoring of Rotating Equipment in Nuclear Power Plants
Authors: Jacks Ronny
Published: December 2017

This presentation provides an overview of condition monitoring for rotating equipment in nuclear power plants. Specific condition monitoring technologies addressed include vibration analysis, lube oil analysis, thermography, and motor current signature analysis. Plant and equipment parameters, such as motor electrical and plant process parameters, useful for evaluating equipment condition, are also identified. The technologies are examined based on availability, cost effectiveness, and importance to a condition monitoring program. Although vibration analysis and oil analysis are the primary emphasis for performing condition monitoring, the inter-relationships between the technologies, techniques and other readily available plant data explored here demonstrate how a more complete and accurate diagnosis of the condition of a machine set can be determined. A discussion of each technology will include the various machine set faults which the technology will identify, as well as, how the overlapping technologies improve the effectiveness of a condition monitoring program.

Paper published with permission.
ISTB Pump Implementation Issues
Authors: McGaha Melvin L. , Rogers Tony Wayne
Published: December 2017

Members of ISTB and ISTA have developed a list of issues regarding ISTB Pump Implementation that have been identified during IST Program Reviews, Day to Day operation of IST Programs, and site assessments of IST Programs (including issues found during updates). Implementation of the ISTB requirements for pumps in commercial US plants has presented challenges over the last few years with all the changes in ISTB since the issuance of the 1995 Edition of the ASME OM Code through the 2006 Addenda. This paper will discuss issues related to IST implementation. Good practices will be discussed to help IST engineers improve their programs. Some projected issues with implementation of 2012 Edition Appendix V will also be discussed.

Paper published with permission.
Gauging the Force Effects of Valve Stem Packing on Valve Stem Actuation
Authors: Drago James , Evans Wayne
Published: December 2017

Stem friction in an operating valve is a function of the dynamic interaction of a number of variables — packing material of construction, number of packing rings, compressive load, lubrication, stem surface finish, temperature, cycling, etc. Forces due to friction can be reduced by modifying these factors. Attaining low actuation force and good sealing requires a balanced approach. Packing manufacturers have their own procedures for determining the frictional properties of different packing materials. This paper will show one such procedure and how varying materials and packing set configurations affect actuation force. The focus will be on linear reciprocating valve stems.

The equation F = π × d × H × GS × μ × Y can be used to calculate the force of the packing on the valve stem: Where F - Force needed to overcome packing friction; d - Stem diameter; H - Packing set height; GS - Compressive stress on the packing; μ - Packing coefficient of friction; Y - Ratio of radial to axial load transference, commonly equal to 0.50. Knowing the force, F, by test allows the calculation of the packing set’s frictional characteristics. . This knowledge can guide valve designers and builders to properly size actuating units for consistent and reliable valve performance.

Paper published with permission.
Snubber Program Transition From ISI Code to IST Code, ISTD
Authors: Palmer Glen R.
Published: December 2017

The ASME OM Code, Subsection ISTD, is the required code for conducting preservice and inservice examination and testing of dynamic restraints (Snubbers). The latest approved edition of this OM Code is now, or soon to be the 2012 Edition. With the publication of the 2006 addenda to Section XI of the ASME Boiler & Pressure Vessel Code, the snubber requirements, which were previously located in Article IWF-5000, were deleted. When the requirements of IWF-5000 were deleted, the requirements for examination and testing of snubbers as required by 10CFR50.55a were required to be in accordance with the ASME OM Code, Subsection ISTD.

When Owners prepare their ten-year ISI program updates that incorporate the 2006 Addenda and later of the Section XI Inspection Code, the snubber requirements will be required to be in accordance with the ASME OM Code, Subsection ISTD, 2004 Edition with Addenda through 2006 or later approved editions. This edition of the ASME OM Code has been referenced in the NRC Regulations dated June 21, 2011. Since that time, Owners are required to meet the requirements of the latest approved edition of the ASME OM Code, for snubber examination and testing requirements when snubber programs are updated.

With the transition of the snubber program from the ISI program and ASME Section XI Code requirements to the IST program and the ASME OM Code, there is sometimes confusion and implementation gaps where regulatory program requirements could be missed.

This paper will address the transition and identify potential pitfalls and how to mitigate them.

Paper published with permission.
Curtiss-Wright Electro-Hydraulic Actuators for Main Steam and Main Feedwater Isolation Valves
Authors: Mkrtchyan Haykaz , Torosyan Ararat , Peng Hua
Published: December 2017

This paper is about Curtiss Wright’s electro-hydraulic actuator environmental and seismic qualification for Main Steam Isolation Valve (MSIV) and Main Feedwater Isolation Valve (MFIV) applications. The qualification was performed in compliance with IEEE-382 and RCC-E requirements qualifying the actuator for US, Chinese and European power plant designs. The qualification entailed several challenges and application of analytical and test methodologies. The weight of the actuator/yoke assembly made seismic qualification one of the most challenging steps in the program. The seismic qualification was performed jointly with the Areva US Technical Center in Lynchburg, VA. The qualification program was designed to envelope the requirements power plant designs in US, China and Europe.

Paper published with permission.
Effective Diaphragm Area Test Program for Air Operated Valve Actuators
Authors: Leutwyler Zachary , Kalsi Manmohan , Thidavanh Lisa , Luckhardt Laurie , Cunningham Thomas
Published: December 2017

GE contracted Kalsi Engineering, Inc. (KEI) to perform actuator testing to determine the effective diaphragm area for the Model 37/38 actuator line and to develop a bounding effective diaphragm area tolerance to account for measurement uncertainties and manufacturing tolerances.

The GE sponsored test matrix includes Model 37/38 Sizes 9, 11, 13, 15, 18, and 24 actuators. The test matrix was primary defined to provide EDA data for actuators used in US nuclear power plants. The test matrix was primarily designed to facilitate the evaluation of the effects of stroke position, pressure, diaphragm materials, and measurement uncertainty. The test matrix also included with and without spring test configurations, two spring options for the same actuator size and model, and two diaphragm materials: Nitrile Elastomer and Silicone.

The test program provides reliable data for AOV design basis evaluations as required by the NRC RIS 2000-03. This paper presents the results for the Masoneilan Model 38 Size 11 diaphragm actuator, which show that EDA is strongly position dependent and weakly pressure-dependent.

As part of the project, a method for determining the required EDA tolerance to account for manufacturing variations was developed, which allows EDA determined by testing to be used across the product line.

Paper published with permission.
Estimating Safety Valve Stochastic Failure-to-Close Probabilities for the Purpose of Nuclear Reactor Severe Accident Analysis
Authors: Ghosh S. Tina , Hathaway Alfred , Esmaili Hossein , Ross Kyle W. , Osborn Douglas M. , Wagner Kenneth C.
Published: December 2017

Recent consequences analyses of potential station blackout (SBO) accidents at nuclear power plants have shown that an important uncertainty in accident progression and radionuclide release is the probability that a safety valve (SV) will fail-to-close after it has opened to relieve pressure [1]. The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission’s (NRC’s) State-of-the-Art Reactor Consequence Analyses (SOARCA) and associated uncertainty analyses for SBOs at a pressurized-water reactor (PWR) indicated that SV behavior is an important determinant of whether an induced steam-generator tube rupture (an undesirable bypass event) may develop [2], and an important determinant of whether a PWR with an ice condenser containment may experience an early containment failure [3]. Given the importance of SV failure-to-close probabilities in these accidents, available information was reviewed to help develop better estimates of the probability for a SV’s failure-to-close on demand. The SVs of interest in the SOARCA PWR analyses are the PWR code SVs, designated SVVs in a study of SVs published in 2007 (NUREG/CR-7037) [4]. There are two sets of failure probabilities reported in NUREG/CR-7037: failure probabilities based on behavior after reactor scrams i.e., after actual operating events, and failure probabilities based on tests. Information is included for both the secondary-side, main steam system (MSS) valves, as well as reactor coolant system (RCS) valves.

The NUREG/CR-7037 failure probabilities based on actual operating events differ markedly from the failure probabilities based on tests. Further inquiries on valve testing and review of testing requirements show that the focus of testing is to demonstrate that the valves will open to relieve pressure during design-basis accidents to prevent overpressure events. The reseating or closing capability is not tested under severe accident conditions, in other words, the valve’s repeated full-stroking and passing steam. As such, the testing data was not considered applicable for severe accident modeling purposes. Furthermore, the assumption was made that MSS data was representative of RCS valve failures too during severe accident scenarios, as it is judged that they are similar enough in weighing the difference between the valves against the lack of operational data on the RCS SVs (only four data points, and one of two failures having a cause of failure now-defunct in the majority of operating PWRs in the U.S.). Lastly, recovered valve function, e.g., a previously stuck-open valve closing when pressure reduces, was not considered as a successful valve operation based on a review of licensee event reports.

Paper published with permission.
Predictive Monitoring of Main Steam Safety Valves
Authors: Patrone Jessica , Twaddle Phillip
Published: December 2017

This report describes the tools employed by the Braidwood Generating Station Main Steam System Engineer to identify Main Steam Safety Valves (MSSVs) which may require refurbishment. These methods include in-service Trevitesting results, visual identification of steam leaks past the valve disc, external temperatures readings on the body and tailpipe flange of the valve, thermography, and risk rank charts. Utilizing these methods, Braidwood Generation Station will begin the transition from preventative maintenance of the MSSVs to a more cost effective predictive maintenance, in which the valves are rebuilt or refurbished on an as-needed basis.

Paper published with permission.
ASME OM Code Subsection ISTE: A Discussion of the Upcoming Subsection
Authors: Sellers Craig D.
Published: December 2017

Subsection ISTE provides mandatory requirements for owners’ who voluntarily elect to implement a risk-informed inservice testing (IST) Program. The Subsection was originally prepared by combining the component categorization requirements and methodology from Code Case OMN-3 with component specific testing requirements developed, or under development, by the component-specific subgroups. Many of these requirements were based on the existing risk-informed Code Cases.

The original publication of ISTE was not endorsed by the NRC. The OM Subcommittee on Risk-Informed Activities has revised the subsection over the last four years and it is now expected to satisfy NRC concerns. This paper presents the upcoming proposed requirements for categorizing plant pumps and valves as either High Safety Significant Components or Low Safety Significant Components in accordance with ISTE and presents examples.

Paper published with permission.
Derivation of frequency importance functions for the AzBio sentences
Authors: Lee Sungmin , Mendel Lisa Lucks
Published: December 2017

Although the AzBio test is well validated, has effective standardization data available, and is highly recommended for Cochlear Implant (CI) evaluation, no attempt has been made to derive a Frequency Importance Function (FIF) for its stimuli. This study derived FIFs for the AzBio sentence lists using listeners with normal hearing. Traditional procedures described in studies by Studebaker and Sherbecoe [(1991). J. Speech. Lang. Hear. Res. 34, 427–438] were applied for this purpose. Participants with normal hearing listened to a large number of AzBio sentences that were high- and low-pass filtered under speech-spectrum shaped noise at various signal-to-noise ratios. Frequency weights for the AzBio sentences were greatest in the 1.5 to 2 kHz frequency regions as is the case with other speech materials. A cross-procedure comparison was conducted between the traditional procedure [Studebaker and Sherbecoe (1991). J. Speech. Lang. Hear. Res. 34, 427–438] and the nonlinear optimization procedure [Kates (2013). J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 134, EL459–EL464]. Consecutive data analyses provided speech recognition scores for the AzBio sentences in relation to the Speech Intelligibility Index (SII). The findings of the authors provide empirically derived FIFs for the AzBio test that can be used for future studies. It is anticipated that the accuracy of predicting SIIs for CI patients will be improved when using these derived FIFs for the AzBio test.
Doppler spectra of airborne sound backscattered by the free surface of a shallow turbulent water flow
Authors: Dolcetti Giulio , Krynkin Anton , Horoshenkov Kirill V.
Published: December 2017

Measurements of the Doppler spectra of airborne ultrasound backscattered by the rough dynamic surface of a shallow turbulent flow are presented in this paper. The interpretation of the observed acoustic signal behavior is provided by means of a Monte Carlo simulation based on the Kirchhoff approximation and on a linear random-phase model of the water surface elevation. Results suggest that the main scattering mechanism is from capillary waves with small amplitude. Waves that travel at the same velocity of the flow, as well as dispersive waves that travel at a range of velocities, are detected, studied, and used in the acoustic Doppler analysis. The dispersive surface waves are not observed when the flow velocity is slow compared to their characteristic velocity. Relatively wide peaks in the experimental spectra also suggest the existence of nonlinear modulations of the short capillary waves, or their propagation in a wide range of directions. The variability of the Doppler spectra with the conditions of the flow can affect the accuracy of the flow velocity estimations based on backscattering Doppler. A set of different methods to estimate this velocity accurately and remotely at different ranges of flow conditions is suggested.
Re-examining the relationship between number of cochlear implant channels and maximal speech intelligibility
Authors: Croghan Naomi B. H. , Duran Sara I. , Smith Zachary M.
Published: December 2017

This study reconsiders the number of effective channels in contemporary cochlear implants. Subjects listened to matrix sentences with a competing talker using their clinical map (up to 22 electrodes) and reduced-channel maps using 12, 8, and 4 electrodes. Spectro-temporal modulation thresholds and reading span were measured to explore intersubject variability. Results show that speech understanding significantly improved with increasing active electrodes up to 22, particularly for subjects with better spectro-temporal resolution. These findings suggest some listeners may be able to utilize the full electrode array and may not be limited to eight channels of information as indicated in previous studies.
Adequate Muscular Strength May Help to Reduce Risk of Residual-Specific Mortality: Findings From the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey
Authors: Edwards Meghan K. , Loprinzi Paul D.
Published: December 2017

Objective: Muscular strength has been shown to inversely associate with mortality. The purpose of this study was to examine the association between muscular strength and residual-specific mortality among a national sample of US adults, which has yet to be investigated. Here, residual-specific mortality is identified as deaths not inclusive of the 9 leading causes of death as identified by the International Classification of Diseases, 10th revision. Methods: Data from the 1999–2002 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey were used (N = 2171 adults, aged 50–85 y). Participants were followed through 2011, including a median follow-up of 125 months. Lower extremity muscular strength was assessed using maximal isokinetic contractions. Results: After adjusting for all covariates (age, gender, race/ethnicity, body mass index, C-reactive protein, mean arterial pressure, self-report of meeting aerobic-based physical activity guidelines, and physician diagnoses of diabetes), the Cox proportional hazard model demonstrated that for every 25 N increase in lower extremity muscular strength, individuals had a 14% reduced risk of residual-specific death (hazard ratio = 0.86; 95% confidence interval, 0.78–0.96; P = .008). Conclusion: Lower body muscular strength is inversely and independently associated with residual-specific mortality risk, underscoring the importance of adequate muscular strength to prolong survival.
Papers of note in
Science Translational Medicine
9
(418)
Authors: Ferrarelli Leslie K.
Published: December 2017

This week’s articles describe a way to treat or prevent pulmonary distress and a way to boost treatments against anemia.
Papers of note in
Nature
551
(7682)
Authors: VanHook Annalisa M.
Published: December 2017

This week’s articles highlight proteostasis in the germ line, tumor cell survival in high-oxygen environments, and gut symbiont metabolites that affect intestinal physiology and systemic immunity.
Papers of note in
Science
358
(6367)
Authors: VanHook Annalisa M.
Published: December 2017

This week’s articles focus on cross-talk between lung tumors and bone, the druggable kinome, and the structure of a DNA damage sensor.
Vasopressin stimulates the proliferation and differentiation of red blood cell precursors and improves recovery from anemia
Authors: Mayer Balázs , Németh Krisztián , Krepuska Miklós , Myneni Vamsee D. , Maric Dragan , Tisdale John F. , Hsieh Matthew M. , Uchida Naoya , Lee Heon-Jin , Nemeth Michael J. , Holmbeck Kenn , Noguchi Constance Tom , Rogers Heather , Dey Soumyadeep , Hansen Arne , Hong Jeffrey , Chow Ian , Key Sharon , Szalayova Ildikó , Pagani Jerome , Markó Károly , McClain-Caldwell Ian , Vitale-Cross Lynn , Young W. Scott , Brownstein Michael J. , Mezey Éva
Published: December 2017

Vasopressin stimulates erythropoiesis.
Obesity prevalence among healthcare professionals in England: a cross-sectional study using the Health Survey for England
Authors: Kyle Richard G , Wills Jane , Mahoney Catherine , Hoyle Louise , Kelly Muireann , Atherton Iain M
Published: December 2017

Objective

To estimate obesity prevalence among healthcare professionals in England and compare prevalence with those working outside of the health services.

Design

Cross-sectional study based on data from 5 years (2008–2012) of the nationally representative Health Survey for England.

Setting

England.

Participants

20 103 adults aged 17–65 years indicating they were economically active at the time of survey classified into four occupational groups: nurses (n=422), other healthcare professionals (n=412), unregistered care workers (n=736) and individuals employed in non-health-related occupations (n=18 533).

Outcome measure

Prevalence of obesity defined as body mass index ≥30.0 with 95% CIs and weighted to reflect the population.

Results

Obesity prevalence was high across all occupational groups including: among nurses (25.1%, 95% CI 20.9% to 29.4%); other healthcare professionals (14.4%, 95% CI 11.0% to 17.8%); non-health-related occupations (23.5%, 95% CI 22.9% to 24.1%); and unregistered care workers who had the highest prevalence of obesity (31.9%, 95% CI 28.4% to 35.3%). A logistic regression model adjusted for sociodemographic composition and survey year indicated that, compared with nurses, the odds of being obese were significantly lower for other healthcare professionals (adjusted OR (aOR) 0.52, 95% CI 0.37 to 0.75) and higher for unregistered care workers (aOR 1.46, 95% CI 1.11 to 1.93). There was no significant difference in obesity prevalence between nurses and people working in non-health-related occupations (aOR 0.94, 95% CI 0.74 to 1.18).

Conclusions

High obesity prevalence among nurses and unregistered care workers is concerning as it increases the risks of musculoskeletal conditions and mental health conditions that are the main causes of sickness absence in health services. Further research is required to better understand the reasons for high obesity prevalence among healthcare professionals in England to inform interventions to support individuals to achieve and maintain a healthy weight.
Encouraging translation and assessing impact of the Centre for Research Excellence in Integrated Quality Improvement: rationale and protocol for a research impact assessment
Authors: Ramanathan Shanthi , Reeves Penny , Deeming Simon , Bailie Ross Stewart , Bailie Jodie , Bainbridge Roxanne , Cunningham Frances , Doran Christopher , McPhail Bell Karen , Searles Andrew
Published: December 2017

Introduction

There is growing recognition among health researchers and funders that the wider benefits of research such as economic, social and health impacts ought to be assessed and valued alongside academic outputs such as peer-reviewed papers. Research translation needs to increase and the pathways to impact ought to be more transparent. These processes are particularly pertinent to the Indigenous health sector given continued concerns that Indigenous communities are over-researched with little corresponding improvement in health outcomes. This paper describes the research protocol of a mixed methods study to apply FAIT (Framework to Assess the Impact from Translational health research) to the Centre for Research Excellence in Integrated Quality Improvement (CRE-IQI). FAIT will be applied to five selected CRE-IQI Flagship projects to encourage research translation and assess the wider impact of that research.

Methods and analysis

Phase I will develop a modified programme logic model for each Flagship project including identifying process, output and impact metrics so progress can be monitored. A scoping review will inform potential benefits. In phase II, programme logic models will be updated to account for changes in the research pathways over time. Audit and feedback will be used to encourage research translation and collect evidence of achievement of any process, output and interim impacts. In phase III, three proven methodologies for measuring research impact—Payback, economic assessment and narratives—will be applied. Data on the application of FAIT will be collected and analysed to inform and improve FAIT’s performance.

Ethics and dissemination

This study is funded by a nationally competitive grant (ID 1078927) from the Australian National Health and Medical Research Council. Ethics approval was obtained from the University of Newcastle’s Human Research Ethics Committee (ID: H-2017–0026). The results from the study will be presented in several peer-reviewed publications, through conference presentations and via social media.