bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Die Strukturchemie der 2-Chalkogeno-1,3,4,5-tetraisopropylimidazoline / The Structural Chemistry of the 2-Chalcogeno-1,3,4,5-tetraisopropylimidazolines
Authors: Göhner Martin , Herrmann Florian , Eichele Klaus , Bettinger Holger F. , Ströbele Markus , Kuhn Norbert
Published: December 2014

1,3,4,5-Tetraisopropyl-2-thioimidazoline (6b) was prepared by condensation of N,N′-diisopropylthiourea and isobutyroin. 1,3,4,5-Tetraisopropyl-2-oxoimidazoline (6a), 1,3,4,5-tetraisopropyl-2- selenoimidazoline (6c) and 1,3,4,5-tetraisopropyl-2-telluroimidazoline (6d) were obtained from 2,3- dihydro-1,3,4,5-tetraisopropylimidazol-2-ylidene and dinitrogen oxide or selenium and tellurium, respectively. The crystal structure analyses revealed the presence of the A-type rotamer for 6a while for 6c a paddlewheel-like orientation of the isopropyl substituents was found (I type). In crystals of 6b, both A- and E-type molecules are present while in solution at room temperature the I-type rotamer is detected. A dynamic 1H and 13C{1H} NMR study of 6b in the range of 185.5 to 423.3K revealed a temperature-dependent rotation of the isopropyl substituents (ΔH‡ = 15:7(9) kcal mol-1, ΔS‡ = -5(3) calK-1 mol-1, ΔG‡ = 17:2(9) kcal mol-1) with I as the rotamer of lowest energy. This result is confirmed by MO calculations which indicate A and C being the next stable rotamers. The barrier of rotation of the isopropyl substituents about the C-N bond from I to C (B3LYP ΔH‡ =13:7 kcal mol-1,ΔG‡ =15:4 kcal mol-1) is slightly lower than that about the C-C bond from I to G.
1,1-Carboboration Reactions of Strongly Electrophilic 2-Borylethyl Thioethers
Authors: Eller Christina , Billmann Bastian , Daniliuc Constantin G. , Kehr Gerald , Erker Gerhard
Published: December 2014

The RSCH2CH2B(C6F5)2 boranes 3a (R=Ph) and 3b (R=Et) were in situ generated by HB(C6F5)2 hydroboration of the respective vinylthioethers. Their treatment with R1-C≡C- SiMe3 acetylenes resulted in clean 1,1-carboboration to give the respective RSCH2CH2-substituted alkenylboranes 4 (3 examples). Likewise, the reagents 3 underwent 1,1-carboboration with the acetylenes Ar2P-C≡C-SiMe3 to give the tetrasubstituted alkenylboranes 6, featuring a geminal pair of RSCH2CH2=B(C6F5)2 substituents at one carbon atom and the Me3Si=PAr2 pair at the other (3 examples). The compounds 6 feature an internal B···P interaction. The conceptually related Mes2PCH2CH2B(C6F5)2 borane (2) does not undergo 1,1-carboboration with ArS-C≡C-SiMe3 but forms the 1,2-P=B-FLP addition product 7 to the acetylene instead. Compounds 4a, 4c, 6a, and 7 were characterized by X-ray diffraction.
Interação Empresários-Setor Público no Turismo: uma análise institucional e neocorporativista na cidade de Huelva (Espanha)
Authors: Gomes Bruno Martins Augusto , Vargas-Sánchez Alfonso , Pessali Huáscar Fialho
Published: December 2014

Nos estudos na área do turismo temas como planejamento, participação da comunidade, descrição e avaliação de políticas são importantes e amplamente discutidos. Contudo, tendo em vista tanto a relevância dos empresários para o turismo e quanto a respectiva participação do setor público na provisão de infraestrutura, no financiamento de empreendimentos e na defesa interesses da sociedade civil relacionados ao turismo, são necessárias pesquisas que avancem na compreensão da interação dos empresários com o setor público. Por isso este trabalho tem como objetivo analisar a interação entre empresários de turismo e setor público, a partir de um estudo na cidade de Huelva, Espanha, destino que se encontra em sua fase inicial de organização e com expressiva interação do setor público com os empresários. A partir de um referencial teórico relacionando neocorporativismo, governança colaborativa e institucionalismo às políticas públicas de turismo foi realizada a coleta de dados por meio de entrevistas com três dos principais representantes do setor público e com sete dos principais empresários da cidade. Após a análise dos dados por meio da Teoria Fundamentada constatou-se que empresários e setor público sabem de sua interpendência, de forma que o setor público busca minimizar sua racionalidade limitada frente às questões do mundo empresarial, enquanto os empresários predominantemente defendem junto ao setor público a promoção do destino e infraestrutura. Por fim, as variáveis trajetória, atuação das associações, expectativa, e interação interna (entre empresários e entre organizações do setor público) também foram identificadas como relevantes na compreensão da interação.
Who Are These Guys? An Exploration of Patterns of Parenting Problems Among Fathers Who Have Maltreated Their Children
Authors: Stewart Laura-Lynn , Scott Katreena
Published: December 2014

Despite the high prevalence of father-perpetrated maltreatment, relatively little empirical attention has been given to fathers who abuse and/or neglect their children. The current study explored the dynamics of harmful father-child interaction that may underlie fathers’ risk for perpetrating child maltreatment. Data derived from structured interviews of 121 maltreating fathers were used to discern differential patterns of abuse-related problems in parenting. Results show that a minimum of half the fathers showed problems in each of the following areas: emotional unavailability, unresponsiveness, and neglect; negative attributions and misattributions to the child (including hostility, denigration and rejection); developmentally inappropriate or inconsistent interactions (including exposure to domestic violence); and failure to recognize or acknowledge the child's individuality and psychological boundary. These interview-rated difficulties were consistent with expected patterns of demographic risk and self-reported psychosocial difficulties. When considered together in a cluster analysis, groups of abusive fathers emerged with low (37.0%), moderate (38.4%), and severe (24.6%) levels of problems across dimensions of harmful parent-child interactions. Results are discussed in terms of assessment and intervention needed to address father-perpetrated maltreatment.
Giant Inguinoscrotal Hernia—Report of a Rare Case With Literature Review
Authors: Karthikeyan Vilvapathy Senguttuvan , Sistla Sarath Chandra , Ram Duvuru , Ali Sheik Manwar , Rajkumar Nagarajan
Published: December 2014

Massive inguinoscrotal hernias extending below the midpoint of the inner thigh, in the standing position constitute giant inguinoscrotal hernias. We report a patient who presented with giant right inguinal hernia with bilateral hydrocele for 25 years. He had no cardiorespiratory illnesses. He was taken up for surgery under general anesthesia after preoperative respiratory exercises. Sliding hernia with entire greater omentum, small bowel, and appendix as contents was identified. Meshplasty after omentectomy with bilateral subtotal excision of sac, right orchidectomy, and scrotoplasty were done. Giant inguinoscrotal hernias pose significant problems while replacing bowel contents because of the increase in intraabdominal and intrathoracic pressures. Recurrence is another complication seen after successful surgical management. Various techniques such as preoperative pneumoperitoneum, debulking abdominal contents with extensive bowel resections, or omentectomy and phrenectomy have been tried. Postoperative elective ventilation is also needed in many cases. We describe simple reduction with omentectomy as a viable technique in this patient. He did not need elective ventilation due to preoperative respiratory exercises and preparation and review of the literature.
Laparoscopic Ligation of Inferior Mesenteric Artery and Internal Iliac Artery for the Treatment of Symptomatic Type II Endoleak After Endovascular Aneurysm Repair
Authors: Zou Junjie , Sun Yueming , Yang Hongyu , Ma Hao , Jiang Jun , Jiao Yuangyong , Zhang Xiwei
Published: December 2014

We present a case undergoing successful laparoscopic ligation of the inferior mesenteric artery (IMA) and internal iliac artery (IIA) for the treatment of a symptomatic type II endoleak (T2E) after endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR). The patient presented with abdominal and back pain 1 year after EVAR. Subsequent enhanced computed tomography scan showed aneurysm sac enlargement from 60 mm to 70 mm, and digital substraction angiography revealed a T2E caused by patent IMA and right IIA. Then the patient underwent successful laparoscopic ligation of the IMA and right IIA. Postprocedural angiogram demonstrated complete resolution of the type II endoleak, and no intraoperative complications occurred. Also, there was no remaining abdominal pain or back pain after the operation.
Effect of the local clay distribution on the effective electrical conductivity of clay rocks
Authors: Cosenza P. , Prêt D. , Zamora M.
Published: December 2014

The “local porosity theory” proposed by Hilfer was revisited to develop a “local clay theory” (LCT) that establishes a quantitative relationship between the effective electrical conductivity and clay distribution in clay rocks. This theory is primarily based on a “local simplicity” assumption; under this assumption, the complexity of spatial clay distribution can be captured by two local functions, namely, the local clay distribution and the local percolation probability, which are calculated from a partitioning of a mineral map. The local clay distribution provides information about spatial clay fluctuations, and the local percolation probability describes the spatial fluctuations in the clay connectivity. This LCT was applied to (a) a mineral map made from a Callovo‐Oxfordian mudstone sample and (b) (macroscopic) electrical conductivity measurements performed on the same sample. The direct and inverse modeling shows two results. First, the textural and classical model assuming that the electrical anisotropy of clay rock is mainly controlled by the anisotropy of the sole clay matrix provides inconsistent inverted values. Another textural effect, the anisotropy induced by elongated and oriented nonclayey grains, should be considered. Second, the effective conductivity values depend primarily on the choice of the inclusion‐based models used in the LCT. The impact of local fluctuations of clay content and connectivity on the calculated effective conductivity is lower.
Method of Bilateral Pleural Drainage by Single Blake Drain After Esophagectomy
Authors: Niwa Yukiko , Koike Masahiko , Oya Hisaharu , Iwata Naoki , Kobayashi Daisuke , Kanda Mitsuro , Tanaka Chie , Yamada Suguru , Fujii Tsutomu , Nakayama Goro , Sugimoto Hiroyuki , Nomoto Shuji , Fujiwara Michitaka , Kodera Yasuhiro
Published: December 2014

Background

Clinicians often encounter left pleural effusion after esophagectomy, which sometimes necessitates thoracentesis. We have introduced a new drainage method, bilateral pleural drainage by single Blake drain (BDSD), which we have been using since April 2013. This study aims to evaluate the performance of the BDSD.

Methods

The BDSD method employs a 15‐F Blake drain inserted from the right thoracic cavity to the left thoracic cavity across the posterior mediastinum. The conventional drain (CD) group consisted of 50 patients with a 19‐F Blake drain placed in the right thoracic cavity during the period from April 2012 to March 2013. The BDSD group consisted of 54 patients treated from April 2013 to June 2014.

Results

The amount of total drainage in the BDSD group was significantly higher than that in the CD group (P < 0.0001). The rates of left pleural effusion and left lower lobe atelectasis in the BDSD group were significantly lower than those in the CD group (P < 0.0001 and P < 0.0001, respectively). No patients developed a left pleural effusion necessitating thoracentesis drainage in the BDSD group.

Conclusions

Compared with the conventional method, BDSD was able to evacuate bilateral pleural effusion more effectively, and the incidences of left pleural effusion and left atelectasis were lower. This method is therefore clinically useful after esophagectomy.
Preparation and characterization of regenerated MgO-CaO refractory bricks sintered under different atmospheres
Authors: Qiu Gui-bo , Yue Chang-sheng , Li Xiang , Guo Min , Zhang Mei
Published: December 2014

Regenerated MgO-CaO brick samples containing 80wt%, 70wt%, and 60wt% MgO were prepared using spent MgO-CaO bricks and fused magnesia as raw materials and paraffin as a binder. The bricks were sintered at 1873 K for 2 h under an air atmosphere and under an isolating system. The microstructure, mechanical properties at room temperature, and hydration resistance of the regenerated samples were measured and compared. The results indicated that the isolating sintering generated a strongly reducing atmosphere as a result of the incomplete combustion of paraffin, and the partial oxygen pressure was approximately 6.68 × 10−7 Pa. The properties of the regenerated bricks sintered under air conditions were all higher than those of the bricks sintered under a reducing atmosphere. The deterioration of the bricks was a result of MgO reduction and a decrease in the amount of liquid phase formed during sintering under a reducing atmosphere.
BABE – a brush cathode discharge for thermal fluctuation measurements
Authors: Ratynskaia S. , Dilecce G. , Tolias P.
Published: December 2014

For experimental tests of fluctuation theory in ideal plasmas and plasmas seeded with dust, the ideal environment would be that of stable quiescent plasma. In most laboratory plasmas the homogeneous state of the positive column is often unstable, rare exceptions are the so-called brush cathode discharges, proposed in the 60s, where a specially manufactured cathode allows stable operation in the abnormal glow regime and the only fluctuations present are those due the thermal motion of the particles. Such a device, the BAri Brush Electrode (BABE), has recently been built in a novel configuration that combines the advantages of the inverse design with those of the reflex geometry. The region between the two anodes is essentially field-free and extremely stable in wide range of plasma densities and collisionalities. Unprecedented low fluctuation levels of δn/n ⩽ 10−5 in He and δn/n ⩽ 5 × 10−6 in Ar discharges have been achieved.
Primary care-led commissioning and public involvement in the English National Health Service. Lessons from the past
Authors: Petsoulas Christina , Peckham Stephen , Smiddy Jane , Wilson Patricia
Published: December 2014

Background

Patient and Public involvement (PPI) in health care occupies a central place in Western democracies. In England, this theme has been continuously prominent since the introduction of market reforms in the early 1990s. The health care reforms implemented by the current Coalition Government are making primary care practitioners the main commissioners of health care services in the National Health Service, and a duty is placed on them to involve the public in commissioning decisions and strategies. Since implementation of PPI initiatives in primary care commissioning is not new, we asked how likely it is that the new reforms will make a difference. We scanned the main literature related to primary care-led commissioning and found little evidence of effective PPI thus far. We suggest that unless the scope and intended objectives of PPI are clarified and appropriate resources are devoted to it, PPI will continue to remain empty rhetoric and box ticking.

Aim

To examine the effect of previous PPI initiatives on health care commissioning and draw lessons for future development.

Method

We scanned the literature reporting on previous PPI initiatives in primary care-led commissioning since the introduction of the internal market in 1991. In particular, we looked for specific contexts, methods and outcomes of such initiatives.

Findings

1. PPI in commissioning has been constantly encouraged by policy makers in England. 2. Research shows limited evidence of effective methods and outcomes so far. 3. Constant reconfiguration of health care structures has had a negative impact on PPI. 4. The new structures look hardly better poised to bring about effective public and patient involvement.
Some Useful Sources
Authors: Hammond Natalie
Published: December 2014

The references attached to each of the articles offer a wide range of resources for those interested in extending their knowledge of commercial sex policy and literature that takes a socio-cultural approach to sex work more broadly. Additionally, included below are a number of sources that explore commercial sex and sex work policy in their broadest sense. This list is in no sense definitive, but taken with the references in the articles in this themed section, it seeks to demonstrate the spectrum of work that is available.
FRENCH LETTERS
Authors: KUKLICK BRUCE
Published: December 2014

George Cotkin, Existential America (Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press, 2003)

Ann Fulton, Apostles of Sartre: Existentialism in America, 1945–1963 (Evanston, IL: Northwestern University Press, 1999)

Jean-Philippe Mathy, Extrême-Occident: French Intellectuals and America (Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 1993)

Jean-Philippe Mathy, French Resistance: The French–American Culture Wars (Minneapolis: University of Minnesota Press, 2000)
Chemoenzymatic flow cascade for the synthesis of protected mandelonitrile derivatives
Authors: Delville Mariëlle M. E. , Koch Kaspar , van Hest Jan C. M. , Rutjes Floris P. J. T.
Published: December 2014

Integrated two-step chemoenzymatic continuous flow process for the synthesis of protected cyanohydrins from aldehydes.
Highly efficient one-pot/one-step synthesis of multiblock copolymers from three-component polymerization of carbon dioxide, epoxide and lactone
Authors: Li Yang , Hong Jiali , Wei Renjian , Zhang Yingying , Tong Zaizai , Zhang Xinghong , Du Binyang , Xu Junting , Fan Zhiqiang
Published: December 2014

Carbon dioxide-based multiblock copolymers were synthesized by a one-pot/one-step three-component polymerization of cyclohexene oxide, ε-caprolactone and CO2via cross-chain exchange reaction at two catalysts.
Controllable assembly of two types of metal nanoparticles onto block copolymer nanospheres with ordered spatial distribution
Authors: Mei Shilin , Cao Jie , Lu Yan
Published: December 2014

Pd@PS-P2VP @DT–Au core–shell particles are fabricated based on the modified AAO template method and anin situreduction process, showing efficient optical and catalytic properties.
Indoor positioning system designs using visible LED lights: performance comparison of TDM and FDM protocols
Authors: Nadeem U. , Hassan N.U. , Pasha M.A. , Yuen C.
Published: December 2014

The performance of time division multiplexing and frequency division multiplexing protocols for light emitting diode light emitting diode (IPS) designs using visible light emitting diode lights is evaluated. The impact of timing synchronisation errors on the localisation accuracy of IPS designs is also determined.
Bi‐iterative method for moving source localisation using TDOA and FDOA measurements
Authors: Zhu Guo Hui , Feng Da Zheng
Published: December 2014

An efficient bi‐iterative source location and velocity estimation method with time difference of arrival (TDOA) and frequency difference of arrival (FDOA) measurements is developed. The bi‐iterative method calculates the source location and velocity alternately, which significantly reduces the computational cost. Most importantly, the estimation accuracy of the bi‐iterative method is closer to the Cramer‐Rao lower bound than that of other localisation methods. Simulation studies show the superior performance of the proposed method over existing localisation methods.
Sufficient leaf transpiration and nonstructural carbohydrates are beneficial for high-temperature tolerance in three rice (Oryza sativa) cultivars and two nitrogen treatments
Authors: Xiong Dongliang , Yu Tingting , Ling Xiaoxia , Fahad Shah , Peng Shaobing , Li Yong , Huang Jianliang
Published: December 2014

To determine whether variations in high-temperature (HT) tolerance in three rice (Oryza sativa L.) cultivars and two N treatments are related to leaf transpiration rate (E), and whether the involvement of nonstructural carbohydrates (NSC) in HT tolerance is related to E, a pot experiment supplied with two N levels (low N, 0.077 g urea kg–1 soil; sufficient N, 0.538 g urea kg–1 soil) was conducted under ambient temperature (AT) and HT with three cultivars, N22, Zhenshan 97B and Koshihikari. HT significantly decreased grain yield and seed setting percentage in Koshihikari and ZS97, which could be partly offset by a sufficient N supply. The most HT-tolerant cultivar, N22, had the highest E and stem NSC concentrations under both N treatments, whereas the most sensitive cultivar, Koshihikari, had the lowest E and stem NSC concentrations. A sufficient N supply significantly increased E in the three cultivars under the HT treatment. Grain yield and seed-setting percentage were positively related to E and plant NSC concentration under HT, and E was positively related to NSC concentration under both AT and HT. Therefore, variations in HT tolerance among rice cultivars and nitrogen treatments were related to E, and possibly to NSC concentration.
Distintos enfoques al traducir y su efecto en el receptor
Authors: Aguilera Elvira Cámara , Faber Pamela
Published: December 2014

The objective of this study was to determine how the translation approach adopted in an elementary reading text affected its reception by a group of primary school children. Also studied was the impact that the translation approach used had on reading motivation. The three approaches were the following: (i) a domesticating approach that adapted cultural elements to the readership (Gonzalez Cascallana, 2006, p. 99); (ii) a foreignizing approach that preserved the elements of the source culture; (iii) a mixed approach with a combination of elements from both the foreign and domestic cultures. The sample population in the study was composed of 120 second-graders, who read different translated versions of the same story and subsequently answered questions about it to assess the understanding, recall, and motivation. The results obtained showed that the subjects had a greater understanding and motivation in the case of the domesticating translation, in which cultural elements were adapted.
The gradience of spirantization
Authors: Rogers Brandon M.A. , Alvord Scott M.
Published: December 2014

Most studies to date on the ability of English speakers to produce the Spanish approximants [β̞,ð̞,ɣ̞] have impressionistically looked at the stop-spirant contrast of English-speaking learners of Spanish (e.g. Zampini 1994, Díaz-Campos 2004, Face & Menke 2009), but no known study has empirically studied the degree to which these learners are able to spirantize when compared to native speakers. The current study looks at two groups of learners: one group composed of learners who had studied four semesters of university Spanish and another group composed of learners who spent 2 years abroad in a Spanish-speaking country. Intervocalic tokens of [β̞,ð̞,ɣ̞] were taken and were measured for degree of oral occlusion using the intensity curve in PRAAT. Additionally, a multiple regression analysis was run to determine the relationship that oral occlusion had with speech task type formality, motivational intensity, level of instruction/time abroad, phoneme type, and phoneme word position.
Phrasal Construction Tonology
Authors: Harry Otelemate G. , Hyman Larry M.
Published: December 2014

Although it is common for “replacive” tonal patterns to be assigned by word-level morphological constructions, it is far less common for such overriding schemas to be assigned by specific phrase-level syntactic constructions. Kalabari, an Ijo language of Nigeria, does exactly this: Whenever the noun is preceded by a modifier, it loses its tones and receives different “melodies” depending on the constructional word class of the preceding specifier/modifier, either /HL/, /HLH/, /LH/, or /L/. In this paper, we first document the assignment of these different syntactic melodies and then provide evidence for how they developed diachronically. We then present a brief survey of other linguistic phenomena which partially resemble the Kalabari system, but conclude that tone is the only phrasal phonological property that can be assigned by construction from word to word.
Using a “Virtues” Approach to Ethical Challenges in Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy
Authors: Brenner Adam , Cather J. Christian
Published: December 2014

Ethical issues involving autonomy, coercion, consent, boundaries, involuntary commitment, and others are inherent in the mental health field. These issues are complicated by the consideration of concepts such as the unconscious mind and transference that are principle components of psychoanalytic theory and practice. Ethical rules can provide a framework in which the practitioner may operate; however, these rules can come into conflict creating a dilemma for the therapist. In addition to ethical rules directing our action, virtues (habits of the heart and mind that are developed through effortful practice and lead to excellence in a defined realm of activity) ask us to adapt certain aspect of character. In virtue ethics, these aspects of character are given more weight in moral assessments relative to strict adherence to rules or outcomes. The authors discuss virtue ethics in the practice of psychoanalysis and illustrate these ideas with a discussion of informed consent.
Is Female Competition at the Heart of Reproductive Suppression and Eating Disorders?
Authors: Salmon Catherine A.
Published: December 2014

This chapter examines the role of female competition in reproductive suppression in humans and other species. Most research on same-sex competition has focused on the showy, often violent aggression typically seen in male–male competition. Competition between females has been less studied for a variety of reasons, from the fact that many researchers have been male and focused on their own competitive arena to the fact that female competition is often more subtle, difficult to observe, and thus more challenging to study. Two aspects of female competition, competition for status or dominance and competition for mates, are part of the focus of this chapter. The other focus is the possible role that female competition plays in reproductive suppression, whether that suppression is self-induced or imposed by others. One modern outcome of the mismatch between a once-adaptive response to female competition and the modern environment is extreme dieting behavior.
Focus Sensitive Operators
Authors: Beck Sigrid
Published: December 2014

This chapter investigates operators that evaluate alternatives. An indirect analysis of association with focus (Rooth (1992) is assumed, according to which there is just one focus evaluating operator. In addition to focus, questions and polarity items are considered. Both also involve an operator that evaluates alternatives. The alternative semantic tier is thus used in several types of construction, and the interaction of the respective operators has to be investigated. A compositional semantic analysis of alternatives is argued for that is based on distinguished variables.
Newton and Hume
Authors: Hazony Yoram , Schliesser Eric
Published: December 2014

Central aspects of Hume’s proposed “system of the sciences” as described in the Treatise are modeled on Newton’s Principia. But, as recent scholarship has suggested, Hume’s Treatise also bears a deeply subversive message with respect to Newtonian science. This chapter offers a revised overview of what Hume takes from Newton and what he rejects: The first part of the chapter argues that in the Treatise Hume adopts a version of Newton’s “analytic and synthetic method” for philosophy, thereby placing a distinctively Newtonian form of explanatory reduction at the center of his own philosophical method. The second part of the chapter, on the other hand, shows that many of the most important aspects of Hume’s argument in Book 1 of the Treatise can be understood as critical of core conceptual and ontological commitments of Newton’s mechanics as developed in the Principia.
Monetary Policy Transparency
Authors: Geraats Petra
Published: December 2014

This chapter examines transparency as a key feature of monetary policymaking by central banks around the world. It begins by presenting a conceptual framework for transparency and reviewing empirical measures, practices, and trends in monetary policy transparency. It then looks at theory regarding macroeconomic transparency as well as relevant empirical evidence. It also considers two ways in which monetary policy has become more transparent: the publication of macroeconomic forecasts and analysis and the disclosure of forward guidance about policy actions. The chapter illustrates how transparency allows the private sector to align its expectations with those of the central bank, making monetary policy more effective in the process.
Transparency and Competition Policy in an Imperfectly Competitive World
Authors: Gugler Philippe
Published: December 2014

Transparency is one of the core issues in competition policy. High or low transparency as well as information asymmetry occur at several levels, as indicated in this chapter: Level of firms that compete within the same relevant market; Level of firms and other firms located upwards or downwards; Level of producers/sellers and consumers; Level of firms and antitrust/regulation authorities. The chapter shows that a high level of transparency may in fact deserve some categories of economic agents. In these cases, optimal transparency seems to be a more efficient alternative than “maximal transparency.” Regarding antitrust procedures, it is up to the authorities to find the right level of transparency and therefore to apply an “optimal transparency” regime. Some industries are more transparent than others and cannot be artificially regulated in such a way as to reduce transparency. Any attempt to reduce transparency could generate negative side effects that may cause more damages than benefit to the society.
Corporate Governance and Optimal Transparency
Authors: Berglund Tom
Published: December 2014

This chapter explores the link between corporate governance and transparency. It begins by discussing definitions of corporate governance and transparency and goes on to review the literature on their relationship, covering also research on information disclosure. It then introduces a stylized model for the interrelationship between corporate governance and transparency. In key position is the board which is assumed to safeguard maximization of the long-run value of the firm’s equity in shareholders’ interests. Transparency is analyzed from shareholders’ point of view. The chapter highlights why increased transparency may reduce shareholder value and thus to a varying degree will be substituted with corporate governance mechanisms.
Prevention of postpartum stress incontinence in primigravidae with increased bladder neck mobility: a randomised controlled trial of antenatal pelvic floor exercises
Authors: Reilly E.T.C. , Freeman R.M. , Waterfield M.R. , Waterfield A.E. , Steggles P. , Pedlar F.
Published: December 2014

Objective

To test whether supervised pelvic floor exercises antenatally will reduce the incidence of postpartum stress incontinence in at‐risk primigravidae with bladder neck mobility, ultrasonically proven.

Design

Single blind, randomised controlled trial.

Setting

Antenatal clinic in a UK NHS Trust Hospital.

Sample

Two hundred and sixty‐eight primigravidae attending an antenatal clinic at approximately 20 weeks of gestation with bladder neck mobility, on standardised valsalva, of 5 mm or more linear movement. The median age was 28, ranging from 16 to 47 years.

Intervention

Patients randomised to supervised pelvic floor exercises (n = 139) attended a physiotherapist at monthly intervals from 20 weeks until delivery. The exercises comprised three repetitions of eight contractions each held for six seconds, with two minutes rest between repetitions. These were repeated twice daily. At 34 weeks of gestation the number of contractions per repetition was increased to 12. Both the untreated control group and the study group received verbal advice on pelvic floor exercises from their midwives antenatally.

Main outcome measures

Subjective reporting of stress incontinence at three months postpartum. Pelvic floor strength, using perineometry, and bladder neck mobility measured by perineal ultrasound.

Results

Of the 268 women enrolled, information on the main outcome variable was available for 110 in the control group and 120 in the study group. Fewer women in the supervised pelvic floor exercise group reported postpartum stress incontinence, 19.2% compared with 32.7% in the control group (RR 0.59 [0.37–0.92]). There was no change in bladder neck mobility and no difference in pelvic floor strength between groups after exercise, although all those developing postpartum stress incontinence had significantly poorer perineometry scores than those who were continent.

Conclusions

The findings suggest that antenatal supervised pelvic floor exercises are effective in reducing the risk of postpartum stress incontinence in primigravidae with bladder neck mobility.
An in vitro evaluation of infusion methods using a syringe pump to improve noradrenaline administration
Authors: GENAY S. , DÉCAUDIN B. , SCOCCIA S. , BARTHÉLÉMY C. , DEBAENE B. , LEBUFFE G. , ODOU P.
Published: December 2014

Background

International guidelines recommend noradrenaline (NA) as the vasopressor of choice to treat septic shock. The aim of this study was to determine the best way to infuse patients with NA.

Methods

The in vitro study was designed to measure NA concentration at the end of each studied assembly line. Three infusion systems used the double pump method and three single pumps, which differed as regards NA concentrations (0,2 – 0,5 – 1 mg/h), dead space volume of the devices and the use of saline. Infusion systems were compared according to the time necessary to reach an NA mass flow rate steady‐state plateau after the onset of infusion or after a flow change.

Results

Times were significantly different between the six methods for infusing NA. The system using the double syringe method with a standard extension set was the longest to reach the steady state after the onset of infusion [40.00 min (19.57 – 49.22)]. The steady‐state plateau was obtained most rapidly with the double‐syringe pump systems using very low dead‐space volume extension sets and single‐syringe pump systems containing diluted noradrenaline at the beginning of NA infusion.

Conclusion

A combination of a low dead‐space volume extension set and a double pump method with a constant saline flow rate at 5 ml/h might be the solution to provide the most reliable NA infusion delivery.
Targeting the Neurovascular Unit in Brain Trauma
Authors: Lok Josephine , Wang Xiao‐Shu , Xing Chang‐Hong , Maki Taka‐Kuni , Wu Li‐Min , Guo Shu‐Zhen , Noviski Natan , Arai Ken , Whalen Michael J. , Lo Eng H. , Wang Xiao‐Ying
Published: December 2014

Although the neurovascular unit was originally developed as a conceptual framework for stroke, it is now recognized that these cell–cell interactions play critical roles in many other CNS disorders as well. In brain trauma, perturbations within the neurovascular unit may be especially important. Changes in neurovascular coupling may disrupt blood flow and metabolic regulation. Disruption of transmitter release‐reuptake kinetics in neurons and astrocytes may augment excitotoxicity. Alterations in gliovascular signaling may underlie blood–brain barrier disruptions and traumatic edema. Perturbations in cell–cell signaling between all neuronal, glial, and vascular compartments may increase susceptibility to cell death. Finally, repairing the brain after trauma requires the integrated restoration of all neural, glial, and vascular connectivity for effective functional recovery. Just as in stroke, saving neurons alone may also be insufficient for treating brain trauma. In this minireview, we attempt to briefly highlight some of these pathways to underscore the importance of rescuing the entire neurovascular unit in brain trauma.
Types of Defects That Affect ERW Seam Integrity in Response to NTSB Recommendation P-09-1, Arising From the Carmichael, MS Rupture
Authors: Kiefner J. F. , Nestleroth J. B. , Quickel G. T. , Beavers J. A. , Leis B. N.
Published: December 2014

The types of defects that have caused in-service failures and hydrostatic test failures of natural gas and hazardous liquid pipelines comprised of electric resistance welded (ERW) or flash-welded seams were revealed by a study of 569 seam failure incidents that occurred over a period from the 1940s through the present. This study confirmed that ERW and flash-welded seam manufacturing defects, such as cold welds (lack of fusion) and hook cracks, are frequent causes of hydrostatic test failures. Causes of in-service failures included cold welds, hook cracks enlarged by fatigue, other manufacturing defects enlarged by fatigue, selective seam weld corrosion, hydrogen stress cracking, sulfide stress cracking, and stress corrosion cracking (SCC). An important finding with respect to low-frequency-welded ERW and flash-welded materials was that defects in the bond lines of such materials (e.g., cold welds, selective seam weld corrosion) sometimes failed at much lower stress levels than one would predict based on the toughness of the parent metal. This fact complicates seam integrity assessment by means of in line inspection (ILI) because toughness is needed to prioritize anomalies for examination, and the toughnesses of the bond lines of most pipelines are not known. The findings suggest that conservative assumptions may have to be made in order for a pipeline operator to have confidence in a seam integrity assessment by means of ILI even if the ILI technology accurately characterizes the anomalies.
Development of Sinkhole Hazard for Pipeline Risk Assessment in Northern Florida
Authors: Keaton Jeffrey R. , Boudra Luther H.
Published: December 2014

Sinkholes are common features in parts of Florida, and the Florida Geological Survey maintains an online database of sinkhole incident reports (SIRs) that was started in 1965. The incident reports are accepted “as-is” without verification; sinkhole location, length, width, and depth are included in SIRs. A desktop assessment of sinkhole activity in northern Florida was developed on the basis of SIRs that were available in GIS (shape file) format from the Florida Geological Survey website and an understanding that sinkhole activity needed to be normalized to length for use in pipeline risk assessments.

The rate of sinkhole development in northern Florida was quantified by extracting sinkhole locations within 10 miles of a 230-mile-long hypothetical alignment of a pipeline and lateral. Over 500 sinkholes were located within the approximately 4,700-square mile polygon. Sinkhole trends aligned to highways indicate more complete reporting; therefore, 33 road segments comprising a combined length of about 944 miles within the polygon were used for statistical analysis. The SIR database was accepted as an accurate portrayal of sinkholes during its 47-year existence. Sinkhole activity was portrayed as annual frequency for sinkhole width or length ranging from 1 to 500 feet and normalized to 1 square mile and 1 lineal mile. A sinkhole 2 feet or larger in width occurs on average 8 times per year somewhere within 10 miles of the hypothetical alignment; whereas, a similar sinkhole occurs on average 4 times per year along a length of 944 miles. A 2-foot or larger sinkhole occurs on average about every 600 years within any 1 square mile of the 4,700-square-mile area and about every 200 years along any 1 mile of alignment length. On a per-lineal-mile basis, the expected 1,000-year sinkhole would be at least 9 feet wide; whereas the 1,000-year sinkhole would be at least 22 feet wide. Performance of specific pipelines under loading conditions associated with sinkholes of various widths can be assessed and used in a pipeline risk assessment.
Oil and Gas Production Pipelines: Current Status of Brazil Safety Regulation
Authors: de Oliveira Erica Vanessa Albuquerque , Kazmierczak Priscila Raquel
Published: December 2014

The Brazilian National Agency of Petroleum, Natural Gas and Biofuels (Agência Nacional do Petróleo Gás Natural e Biocombustíveis - ANP) is the regulatory body responsible to regulate, contract and supervise the activities that integrates oil, natural gas and biofuels industry in Brazil, including the onshore and offshore pipelines.

With this intent, ANP’s Resolution n° 06/2011, Technical Regulation of Onshore Pipelines for the Transport of Petroleum, its Derivatives and Natural Gas (Regulamento Técnico de Dutos Terrestres para Movimentação de Petróleo, Derivados e Gás Natural - RTDT), was published, establishing the essential critical requirements and the minimum safety directives for onshore pipelines, aiming at the protection of human life, facilities, and environment. The Technical Regulation covers onshore pipelines, new and existing ones, acting on the transference of the oil and gas production in the Brazilian jurisdiction and it is also applied on design, construction, assembling, operation, inspection, maintenance, integrity management, emergency response and decommissioning of the pipelines. Currently, ANP is elaborating a normative instrument applied to offshore pipelines, intending to establish the essential critical requirements for its safety management system.

This paper presents an evaluation of the RTDT after its publication, including the improvements that will be concern with the review of the Resolution, and also gives an overview of the elaboration of the normative instrument for offshore pipelines.
Characterization of the Growth of Corrosion Defects on Energy Pipelines Using Bayesian Dynamic Linear Model
Authors: Zhang S. , Zhou W. , Kariyawasam S. , Al-Amin M.
Published: December 2014

This paper describes the use of the second-order polynomial dynamic linear model (DLM) to characterize the growth of the depth of corrosion defects on energy pipelines using imperfect data obtained from multiple high-resolution in-line inspections (ILI). The growth model is formulated by incorporating the general form of the measurement error (including the biases and random scattering error) of the ILI tools as well as the correlations between the random scattering errors of different tools. The temporal variability of the corrosion growth is captured by allowing the average growth rate between two successive inspections to vary with time. The Markov Chain Monte Carlo simulation is employed to carry out the Bayesian updating of the growth model and evaluate the posterior distributions of the model parameters. An example involving real ILI data collected from an in-service natural gas pipeline is employed to illustrate and validate the growth model. The analysis results show that the defect depths predicted by the proposed model agree well with the actual depths and are more accurate than those predicted by the Gamma process-based growth models reported in the literature.
Calculation Method of Natural Gas Compressibility Factor and its Application in Pipeline Trade
Authors: Tian Xiaocui , Xing Xiaokai , Chen Rui , Pang Shubao , Yang Liu
Published: December 2014

In the custody transfer metering of natural gas, it’s necessary to transform gas volume from metering state into standard state. Natural gas is non-ideal gas, and its compressibility factor varies with different components, temperature and pressure. So the accuracy of its calculation has direct impact on that of natural gas metering, and then affects the economic benefits of the enterprise [1].

According to related standard of China, in the custody transfer metering of natural gas, the formula stipulated by AGA NO.8 should be adopted to calculate compressibility factor. But the components of natural gas must be monitored at all times when this method is used, and the calculation process is complicated. In practical operation of natural gas trade, compressibility factor changes because of frequent adjustment of pipeline operating conditions. In order to simplify the calculation, simplified formula is applied to calculate compressibility factor generally, but it’s difficult to guarantee the accuracy at the same time. In this paper, the simplified formula, which is used for calculating natural gas compressibility factor of a joint-stock natural gas pipeline of CNPC, is modified with the standard formula stipulated by AGA NO.8. After the modification, an empirical formula of compressibility factor calculation applicable to this pipeline system is proposed, whereby the accuracy of compressibility factor calculation is improved. When the modified one is applied to natural gas trade, the accuracy of metering is improved likewise.
Development and Validation of Load-Interaction Based Models for Crack Growth Prediction
Authors: Zhao Jiaxi , Chen Weixing , Keane Sean , Been Jenny , Van Boven Greg
Published: December 2014

This investigation primarily focused on the validation of the software being developed for crack growth and remaining life prediction using SCADA data. A total of nine pressure spectra, four for oil pipelines and five for gas pipelines, have been collected and used as inputs for the software. It was found that these spectra could be categorized as the underload-, the meanload- and the overload-dominant spectra; each of them have shown different effects on crack growth: the underload spectra, typical of pressure fluctuations at the discharging sites, are most susceptible to crack growth because of load interactions between the minor pressure fluctuations and the unload cycles; while the overload spectra, often found at the suction site, have exhibited retarded crack growth due to the retardation effects caused by overloading. The relative severity of the load interactions in terms of crack growth rate for a given spectrum was quantified using a parameter termed as the Spectrum Factor. A Spectrum Factor greater than one indicates the enhanced crack growth rate by load interactions, such as the case where unloading is frequently present in the pressure spectra, while a Spectrum Factor lower than one may be associated with a retarded crack growth, which can be seen in pressure spectra with predominant overloading events. The predictions made by the models being developed were also compared with those made by the rainflow counting method. The software allows for the SCADA/pressure fluctuation data, in excel spreadsheet format, to be directly analyzed producing a projected remaining life of the pipeline based on the past pressure fluctuations and the assumed future pressure fluctuations.
IMP 2.0: The Evolution of PHMSA’s Approach for Improving Pipeline Integrity
Authors: Wiese Jeffrey , Daugherty Linda
Published: December 2014

This paper discusses the original motivations and objectives of the Integrity Management Program (IMP), the lessons learned from the first decade of implementing IMP, the drivers for improving and expanding IMP (“IMP 2.0”), actions that the Department of Transportation’s Pipeline and Hazardous Material Safety Administration (PHMSA) is already taking under the IMP 2.0 umbrella, as well as the future direction the Office of Pipeline Safety (OPS) expects IMP 2.0 to take in the next few years.