bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High Purity Process Piping: Addition of Chapter X High Purity Piping to the ASME B31.3 Process Piping Code
Authors: Henon Barbara K. , Cobb Dennis
Published: July 2013

The 2010 Edition of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) B31.3 Procecess Piping Code [1] includes a new chapter: Chapter X High Purity Piping. Chapter X covers industries listed in the scope of ASME B31.3 which use methods of fabrication, examination, inspection and testing different than other industries covered by the Code. Industries which have a need for cleanness and cleanability on a more demanding level, such as the semiconductor industry, which uses Semiconductor Equipment and Materials International (SEMI) Standards [2–4], and the pharmaceutical and bioprocessing industries, which use the ASME Bioprocessing Equipment (BPE) Standard [5], also reference ASME B31.3 for safety requirements.

ASME B31.3 now addresses issues common to the semiconductor and biopharmaceutical industries. The new High Purity Fluid Service defined in Chapter X permits weld coupon examination in lieu of the 5% radiography required in Normal Fluid Service when orbital welding is used in fabrication. Industries that may not otherwise be considered as high purity, such as refineries, the chemical processing industry [6–7], solar panel fabrication and nuclear or petrochemical applications that could use tubing rather than pipe, may benefit from the fabrication technology introduced in Chapter X while meeting the safety requirements of the Code.
Application of Elastic-Perfectly Plastic Cyclic Analysis to Assessment of Creep Strain
Authors: Carter Peter , Jetter Robert I. , Sham T.-L. (Sam)
Published: July 2013

A cyclic elastic-perfectly plastic analysis method is proposed which provides a conservative estimate to cyclic creep strain accumulation within the ratchet boundary. The method is to check for ratcheting based on an elastic-perfectly material with a temperature-dependent pseudo yield stress defined by temperature, time and stress to give 1% accumulated inelastic strain. It does not require stress classification and is also applicable to a full range of temperature within and below the creep regime. This simplified method could be used as a rapid screening calculation, with full time-dependent creep analysis used if necessary. An ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, Section III draft Code Case based on this simplified method is introduced.
Integrity Assessment of Pressure Vessels and Pipelines Under Fire Accident Environment
Authors: Chen Xuedong , Ai Zhibin , Fan Zhichao , Li Rongrong , Xu Peng , Jiang Huifeng
Published: July 2013

In recent years, fire accidents take place frequently in Chinese oil refining plants. More and more attentions have been paid to the safety assessments of pressure vessels and pipelines exposed to high temperature of the fire scene. In this paper, combining with several integrity assessment cases of pressure vessels and pipelines after fire accidents in China, the effects of thermal exposure temperature, duration time and cooling rate on the microstructure, mechanical properties, corrosion resistance and fatigue fracture behavior were studied by simulation test research and field inspection. Based on analysis and study of API 579 standard, a method of integrity assessment is proposed under the condition that the information on fire accident is not clear, the thermal exposure zone cannot be classified and the field sampling is limited. This assessment method is based on the similarity of hardness and metallographic structure of the material during the fire accident, by which the like material was treated by thermal simulation tests to obtain the similar damage material with similar hardness and metallographic structure to one obtained in the field examination, and the similar damage material is used to obtain various properties of the materials, and then the integrity assessment of the equipment experiencing the fire accident can be completed. The thermal simulation process to obtain similar damage materials is in fact the reproduction process of thermal exposure temperature, duration time, and cooling rate of the metal in the fire accident. This integrity assessment method is faster and simpler compared to API 579 standard and is suitable for the equipment subject to severe fire accident and in high-class thermal exposure zone.
Calculation of Stress Intensity Factor for Surface Flaws Using Universal Weight Functions With Piece-Wise Cubic Stress Interpolation
Authors: Xu Steven X. , Scarth Douglas A. , Cipolla Russell C.
Published: July 2013

Linear elastic fracture mechanics based flaw evaluation procedures in ASME Section XI require calculation of the stress intensity factor. The method to calculate the stress intensity factor that is provided in the 2010 Edition of Appendix A of ASME Section XI is to fit the stress distribution ahead of the crack tip to a polynomial equation, and then use standardized influence coefficients. In PVP2011-57911, an alternate method for calculation of the stress intensity factor for a surface flaw that makes explicit use of the Universal Weight Function Method and does not require a polynomial fit to the actual stress distribution was proposed for implementation into Appendix A of Section XI. The alternate method provides closed-form solutions for the stress intensity factor. A numerical approximation is the assumed piece-wise linear variation of stress between discrete locations where stresses are known.

For highly nonlinear stress distributions, piece-wise cubic interpolation of stress over intervals between discrete locations where stresses are known is an improvement over piece-wise linear interpolation. Investigation of a cubic interpolation of stress between discrete locations where stresses are known has been conducted. Closed-form equations for calculation of the stress intensity factor for a surface flaw were developed using the Universal Weight Function Method and generic piece-wise cubic interpolation of stress over intervals. Example calculations are provided to compare the results of stress intensity factors using piece-wise cubic interpolation with piece-wise linear interpolation.
Study on Safety and Management Technology of Road Tankers
Authors: Xue Xiaolong , Tang Xiaoying , Zhou Weiming , Ding Jianxun , Yao Jianping
Published: July 2013

The demands for service management and periodic inspection in the “Supervision Regulation on Safety Technology for Transportable Pressure Vessel” (SRSTTPV) of China were presented as well as their background. Chapters of service management and periodic inspection were presented in detail. The items and processes of periodic inspection in China were presented briefly. The results of periodic inspection of Shanghai in recent 7 years were analyzed. The points which should be considered especially were summarized. Before the World Expo 2010 Shanghai China, a safety inspection was carried out to find out the safe management actuality of road tankers in Shanghai. It can be seen that there were little problem in road tankers themselves. Due to lack of standards and technical regulations, the problems mainly exist in service management. The hidden safety troubles were mainly caused by poor management. According to the statistic data of periodic inspection and safety inspection results, some advices for constitution of standard and technical regulation under the SRSTTPV on daily maintenance, filling and discharging, safety accessories, and rubber lined hose etc. were brought forward.
2012 Edition of the RCC-MRx: Adaptation of Rules to the Evolution of Projects Needs and International Exchanges
Authors: Lebarbé T. , Petesch C. , Bonne D. , de la Burgade F. , Blat-Yrieix M.
Published: July 2013

In 2012, AFCEN (Association Française pour les règles de Conception et de Construction des Matériels des Chaudières Electro-nucléaires) will publish the fifth edition of the RCC-MR code, named RCC-MRx 2012. This RCC-MRx Code is the result of the merger of the RCC-MX 2008 developed in the context of the research reactor Jules Horowitz Reactor project, in the RCC-MR 2007 which set up rules applicable to the design of components operating at high temperature and to the Vacuum Vessel of ITER.

RCC-MRx, developed especially for Sodium Fast Reactors (SFR), Research Reactors (RR) and Fusion Reactors (FR-ITER) can also be used for components of other types of nuclear facilities (except PWR). It has been consider for instance in the frame of the CEN-Workshop (CEN-WS-MRx) in order to develop, on its basis, the European code for the design and fabrication of mechanical equipments for ESNII innovative nuclear installations.

The main objective of the RCC-MRx is to capitalize the technical feedback of projects such as SUPERPHENIX, JHR, but also to meet the needs of MYRRHA, PFBR and ASTRID projects and to prepare the design and construction of ALFRED and ALLEGRO. This paper presents the technical evolutions in the 2012 edition and the AFCEN organization dedicated to work in an international frame.
Technical Basis for Code Case N-806, Evaluation of Metal Loss in Class 2 and 3 Metallic Piping Buried in a Back-Filled Trench
Authors: McGill Robert O. , Moenssens Mark A. , Antaki George A. , Scarth Douglas A.
Published: July 2013

This paper presents the technical basis for Code Case N-806, Evaluation of Metal Loss in Class 2 and 3 Metallic Piping Buried in a Back-filled Trench – Section XI, Division 1. This Code Case has been prepared in the ASME Section XI Task Group on Evaluation Procedures for Degraded Buried Pipe. It addresses the nuclear industry need for evaluation procedures and acceptance criteria for the disposition of metal loss that may be discovered during the inspection of piping buried in a back-filled trench.

This paper provides background discussion, scope of the Code Case, key definitions and a summary of Code Case methods followed by the basis explanation where necessary. It is organized to follow the same structure as the Code Case for ease of use.
New Flaws for Qualification of Cast Stainless Steel Inspection
Authors: Virkkunen Iikka , Kull Doug , Kemppainen Mika
Published: July 2013

For decades, cast austenitic stainless steels (CASS) have presented a challenge for inspection. However, recent advanced inspection technologies have shown promise in inspecting CASS materials with wall thicknesses that were once considered impossible.

Before being applied on larger scale, these new inspection methods must be proven to be effective at identifying discontinuities in CASS material. This presents a problem of its own. Several traditional flaw manufacturing methods cannot be applied to CASS due to the disruption of the parent material. Excavation and welding changes the cast material microstructure and thus significantly affects the inspection results. At the same time, due to the significant wall thickness and inspection limitations, the required qualification flaws can be quite large. Until recently, modern flaw manufacturing techniques, that do not require welding, have not been applied to flaws of this size.

In this paper, recent developments will be presented on the manufacturing of thermal fatigue cracks in centrifically CASS material. The presented developments make it possible to use real cracks for demonstrating the effectiveness of CASS inspection techniques.

The results also contain first published UT data on this kind of thermal fatigue cracks in CASS and reveal new insight on the inspectability of this difficult material.
Improving the Value of Excavations Through Indirect Inspection and Engineering Assessments
Authors: Biagiotti Stephen F. , Houston Eric , Licina George , Dedhia Dilip
Published: July 2013

U.S. nuclear power plants are implementing a life cycle management approach to underground and buried pipe integrity management. The last few years have been spent gathering information about these systems and performing relative risk ranking analyses. The next stage of this process was to further refine the risk prioritization by gathering additional indirect performance information to qualitatively characterize the effectiveness of existing corrosion control measures, thereby refining the prioritization of locations with highest potential for corrosion activity. Once these locations are better understood, strategic quantitative Direct Examination techniques (i.e., NDE) can be used to inspect and then evaluate the fitness for service and remaining life. This paper provides a brief review of the increased interest in performing excavations at nuclear sites and will present corrosion engineering techniques that uniquely evaluate both the internal and external corrosion threats using ACCORDION© and APEC©, as well as an overall strategy designed to help maximize the value of each excavation. Application of the systematic methodology presented as part of a NEI 09-14 Reasonable Assurance process [Ref 1] can increase a site’s likelihood for the proactive detection of corrosion degradation — which is a key objective for the assurance of structural and/or leakage integrity of buried piping.
Elastic-Plastic Fracture Mechanics Analysis of Cast Stainless Steel Pipes (Comparison of Z-Factor, Two-Parameter and J-T Methods)
Authors: Kamaya Masayuki , Hojo Kiminobu
Published: July 2013

Since the ductility of cast austenitic stainless steel pipes decreases due to thermal aging embrittlement after long term operation, not only plastic collapse failure but also unstable ductile crack propagation (elastic-plastic failure) should be taken into account for the structural integrity assessment of a cracked pipe. There are mainly three procedures to obtain the elastic-plastic failure load; Z-factor, two-parameter and J-T methods. In this study, the difference in the failure load derived using these three methods was compared. The same material properties and J-integral solutions were used in order to investigate the influence of each analytical procedure. It was shown that failure loads obtained by the two-parameter method was more conservative than those obtained by the J-T method. An optimized failure assessment curve (FAC) was obtained for aged cast austenitic stainless steel. The reference stress method was also suitable for evaluating the FAC. It was concluded that the difference in the failure load obtained by the three methods was small enough from the viewpoit of engineering.
Determination of Tensile Elastic Modulus in High Density Polyethylene Piping at Seismic Strain Rates
Authors: Munson Douglas , Adams Timothy M. , Nickholds Shawn
Published: July 2013

For corroded piping in low temperature systems, such as service water systems in nuclear power plants, replacement of carbon steel pipe with High Density Polyethylene pipe is a cost-effective solution. Polyethylene pipe can be installed at much lower labor costs than carbon steel pipe and High Density Polyethylene pipe has a much greater resistance to corrosion. Data was developed by the three testing tasks for use in the seismic design of above ground High Density Polyethylene Piping systems. This paper presents the results of testing to determine the relationship between tensile elastic modulus and strain rates commensurate with seismic loading. This is accomplished by first establishing a seismic strain rate for High Density Polyethlene using detailed finite element analysis. The results of this analysis are used to establish a test matrix tensile testing. Next, tensile tests are conducted using standard ASTM D-638 Type III tensile specimens. The tensile testing is conducted at three pull speeds to establish a basic relationship between tensile elastic modulus and strain rates. This relationship is then used to calculate the modulus at the strain rates expected under seismic loading. This paper presents the results of this testing and the suggested tensile modulus for use in seismic analysis.
Addressing the Challenge of Inspecting Buried Nuclear Piping in Nuclear Power Plants
Authors: Angell Peter , Wang Sheng-Hui , Simon Phil , Kleinfelder Hank , Garrity Kevin , Sisk Elizabeth
Published: July 2013

Similar to many other industries, nuclear power plants (NPPs) have many kilometres of buried pipe that is not readily accessible for direct inspection. Given the nature of the systems, the nuclear industry experiences additional challenges as many services run in the same area, leading to what is described as a “spaghetti bowl” of piping. As a result, the traditional indirect, over the line, inspection practices developed for the oil and gas industry have not always been successfully applied at nuclear power plants. To address this issue, a collaborative Electric Power Research Institute/CANDU Owners Group (EPRI/COG) research project was established with Mears Group Inc. and Atomic Energy of Canada Limited (AECL) Nuclear Laboratories. In this program, initial testing of four methods was carried out at the Mears Group Inc, test site that had been modified with additional grounding systems to simulate a nuclear power plant. This was followed by testing of the same methods at the AECL Nuclear Laboratories Chalk River site. This paper will discuss the results of those studies and present some of the findings that were made that can help to overcome the challenges faced by Nuclear Power Plants.
Clade-Specific Virulence Patterns of Mycobacterium tuberculosis Complex Strains in Human Primary Macrophages and Aerogenically Infected Mice
Authors: Reiling Norbert , Homolka Susanne , Walter Kerstin , Brandenburg Julius , Niwinski Lisa , Ernst Martin , Herzmann Christian , Lange Christoph , Diel Roland , Ehlers Stefan , Niemann Stefan
Published: July 2013

In infection experiments with genetically distinct
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
complex (MTBC) strains, we identified clade-specific virulence patterns in human primary macrophages and in mice infected by the aerosol route, both reflecting relevant model systems. Exclusively human-adapted
M. tuberculosis
lineages, also termed clade I, comprising “modern” lineages, such as Beijing and Euro-American Haarlem strains, showed a significantly enhanced capability to grow compared to that of clade II strains, which include “ancient” lineages, such as, e.g., East African Indian or
M. africanum
strains. However, a simple correlation of inflammatory response profiles with strain virulence was not apparent. Overall, our data reveal three different pathogenic profiles: (i) strains of the Beijing lineage are characterized by low uptake, low cytokine induction, and a high replicative potential, (ii) strains of the Haarlem lineage by high uptake, high cytokine induction, and high growth rates, and (iii) EAI strains by low uptake, low cytokine induction, and a low replicative potential. Our findings have significant implications for our understanding of host-pathogen interaction and factors that modulate the outcomes of infections. Future studies addressing the underlying mechanisms and clinical implications need to take into account the diversity of both the pathogen and the host.

IMPORTANCE
Clinical strains of the
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
complex (MTBC) are genetically more diverse than previously anticipated. Our analysis of mycobacterial growth characteristics in primary human macrophages and aerogenically infected mice shows that the MTBC genetic differences translate into pathogenic differences in the interaction with the host. Our study reveals for the first time that “TB is not TB,” if put in plain terms. We are convinced that it is very unlikely that a single molecular mechanism may explain the observed effects. Our study refutes the hypothesis that there is a simple correlation between cytokine induction as a single functional parameter of host interaction and mycobacterial virulence. Instead, careful consideration of strain- and lineage-specific characteristics must guide our attempts to decipher what determines the pathological potential and thus the outcomes of infection with MTBC, one of the most important human pathogens.
Potentially traumatic interpersonal events, psychological distress and recurrent headache in a population-based cohort of adolescents: the HUNT study
Authors: Stensland Synne Øien , Dyb Grete , Thoresen Siri , Wentzel-Larsen Tore , Zwart John-Anker
Published: July 2013

Objectives

Recurrent headache co-occurs commonly with psychological distress, such as anxiety or depression. Potentially traumatic interpersonal events (PTIEs) could represent important precursors of psychological distress and recurrent headache in adolescents. Our objective was to assess the hypothesised association between exposure to PTIEs and recurrent migraine and tension-type headache (TTH) in adolescents, and to further examine the potential impact of psychological distress on this relationship.

Design

Population-based, cross-sectional cohort study. The study includes self-reported data from youth on exposure to potentially traumatic events, psychological distress and a validated interview on headache.

Setting

The adolescent part of the Nord-Trøndelag Health Study 2006–2008 (HUNT), conducted in Norway.

Participants

A cohort of 10 464 adolescents were invited to the study. Age ranged from 12 to 20 years. The response rate was 73% (7620), of whom 50% (3832) were girls.

Main outcome measures

Data from the headache interview served as the outcome. Recurrent headache was defined as headache recurring at least monthly during the past year, and was subclassified into monthly, weekly and daily complaints. Subtypes were classified as TTH, migraine, migraine with TTH and/or non-classifiable headache, in accordance with the International Classification of Headache Disorders criteria, second edition.

Results

Multiple logistic regression analysis, adjusted for sociodemographics, showed consistently significant associations between exposure to PTIEs and recurrent headache, regardless of the frequency or subtype of headache. Increasing exposure to PTIEs was associated with higher prevalence of recurrent headache, indicating a dose–response relationship. The strength of associations between exposure to PTIEs and all recurrent headache disorders was significantly attenuated when psychological distress was entered into the regression equation.

Conclusions

The empirical evidence of a strong and cumulative relationship between exposure to PTIEs, psychological distress and recurrent headache indicates a need for the integration of somatic and psychological healthcare services for adolescents in the prevention, assessment and treatment of recurrent headache. Prospective studies are needed.
SPECTROSCOPIC PROPERTIES OF Ce3+-DOPED OXIDE GLASSES WITH HIGH Gd2O3 CONCENTRATIONS
Authors: LAI FEI , ZHANG YUE-PIN , XIA HAI-PING , WANG JIN-HAO , JIANG CHUN
Published: July 2013

Ce 3+-doped oxide glasses containing high Gd 2 O 3 concentration are prepared and their transmission, emission and excitation spectra are measured. Dependence of spectroscopic properties on concentrations of Ce 2 O 3 and Gd 2 O 3 are analyzed. The results show that the UV cut-off wavelength and the emission peaks show red shift, and Stokes shift increases with Ce 2 O 3 and Gd 2 O 3 concentrations due to the increasing optical basicity of the glasses. The emission intensity decreases with increased Ce 2 O 3 and Gd 2 O 3 concentrations and showing the concentration quenching effect. The red shift of excitation peak is less when the Gd 2 O 3 concentration increases, indicating that the energy transfer from Gd 3+ to Ce 3+ takes place in the oxide glasses with high Gd 2 O 3 concentrations, and thus Gd 3+ ions sensitize the luminescence of Ce 3+ ions. The Ce 3+ doped oxide glasses with high Gd 2 O 3 concentrations will be a promising scintillator for applications in the high-energy physics and other fields.
Demetalation kinetics of the zinc chlorophyll derivative possessing two formyl groups: effects of formyl groups conjugated to the chlorin macrocycle on physicochemical properties of photosynthetic pigments
Authors: Sadaoka Kana , Oba Toru , Tamiaki Hitoshi , Kashimura Shigenori , Saga Yoshitaka
Published: July 2013

Demetalation kinetics of zinc chlorophyll derivative 1 possessing two formyl groups directly linked to the A- and B-rings of the chlorin macrocycle, which was synthesized from chlorophyll b, was examined under acidic conditions and compared with those of Zn chlorins 2 and 3 possessing a single formyl group in the A- and B-ring, respectively, as well as Zn chlorin 4 lacking any formyl group to unravel the substitution effects on demetalation properties of chlorophyllous pigments. Demetalation kinetics of diformylated Zn chlorin 1 was slower than those of monoformylated Zn chlorins 2 and 3, indicating that the effect of the electron-withdrawing formyl group on demetalation kinetics was amplified by introduction of two formyl groups to the chlorin macrocycle. High correlations were observed between demetalation rate constants of Zn chlorins 1–4 and the sum of Hammett σ parameters of the 3- and 7-substituents on the chlorin macrocycle, indicating that the combination of electron-withdrawing abilities of the substituents linked directly to the cyclic tetrapyrrole was responsible for demetalation properties of zinc chlorophyll derivatives.
Synthesis, crystal structures and spectroscopic characterization of Co(II) bis(4,4′-bipyridine) with meso-porphyrins α,β,α,β-tetrakis(o-pivalamidophenyl) porphyrin (α,β,α,β-TpivPP) and tetraphenylporphyrin (TPP)
Authors: Mansour Anissa , Belghith Yassin , Belkhiria Mohamed Salah , Bujacz Anna , Guérineau Vincent , Nasri Habib
Published: July 2013

The reaction of the starting materials [ Co II ( Porph )] (Porph = α,α,α,α-tetrakis(o-pivalamidophenyl)porphyrin (TpivPP) and the meso-tetraphenylporphyrin (TPP)) with an excess of 4,4′-bipyridine in chlorobenzene leads to the creation of two cobalt(II) derivatives: [ Co II (α,β,α,β- TpivPP )(4,4′- bpy )2]· C 6 H 5 Cl · C 6 H 14(1) and [ Co II ( TPP )(4,4′- bpy )2]·2 bpy (2). These compounds have been characterized by UV-vis, IR, 1 H NMR and MALDI-TOF spectroscopy. The proton NMR spectra of (1) and (2) clearly indicated that these derivatives are paramagnetic while the UV-vis data confirmed creation of a new six-coordinated or penta-coordinated Co ( II )-meso-porphyrin complexes by displaying red shifted Soret bands. The determined X-ray structures of (1) and (2) show that in the solid state these species are considered as coordination polymers which consist of 1D chains of alternating [ Co II ( Porph )] and 4,4′-bipyridine molecules located at the axial positions of the cobalt(II) coordination sphere. The coordination geometry of Co ( II ) in (1) and (2) is octahedral; the porphyrin (TpivPP or TPP) acts as a tetradentate chelating ligand with four nitrogen atoms from the pyrrole moieties occupying the equatorial positions along the porphyrin core. The N -donor atoms of the 4,4′-bipyridine create the axial ligands. It is noteworthy that for complex (1) the starting porphyrin is the α,α,α,α-TpivPP atropisomer but the final coordination polymer contains the α,β,α,β-TpivPP conformer.
THE ROLE OF SHARED LEADERSHIP IN THE STRATEGIC DECISION MAKING PROCESSES OF NEW TECHNOLOGY BASED FIRMS
Authors: PATTON DEAN , HIGGS MALCOLM
Published: July 2013

The dynamic business environment is seen by many as requiring a significant change in our thinking about leadership. Shared leadership is one alternative to the 'classic' vertical model and implies that either no individual performs all of the leadership functions or that within an organisation, there is a set of individuals who collectively perform such functions. This emerging model of leadership is seen to be of particular relevance to the management of new ventures; however, both the construct of shared leadership and leadership within new ventures remain under-researched areas. This paper reports the results of a pilot study that employed a case study approach to analyse the factors integral to the appointment of a CEO, the criteria upon which founders and CEOs make their decisions and the process by which decisions are made after a CEO has been appointed.
Social Anxiety, Tremor Severity, and Tremor Disability: A Search for Clinically Relevant Measures
Authors: Lundervold Duane A. , Ament Patrick A. , Holt Peter
Published: July 2013

Background. While social anxiety has been reported among essential tremor (ET) patients, very little is known about the relation between self-report measures of social anxiety, tremor severity and disability, and cognition.Methods. Sixty-three individuals diagnosed with ET took part in a comprehensive study examining neurocognition and behavioral functioning. A psychiatric diagnostic interview, three social anxiety questionnaires, and an idiographic-based behavioral assessment to pinpoint anxiety provoking situations and related distress were completed.Results. Thirty percent of the participants met diagnostic criteria for social anxiety disorder (SAD). Social anxiety questionnaires were negligibly related to tremor severity and disability. Idiographic behavioral assessment of subjective distress was moderately related to resting tremor severity and disability and strongly related to social anxiety questionnaires scores. Only one cognitive variable was related to tremor severity.Conclusions. These findings suggest that (a) self-report measures of social anxiety with ET patients may underestimate distress; (b) emphasis on tremor severity may be misleading; (c) tremor disability may be a more sensitive and functional measure related to cognition and effect; (d) SAD is wide spread and does not appear to be related to dysregulated executive function; and (e) development of an ET-specific measure of social anxiety is called for.
Refractory Thrombocytopenia Responds to Octreotide Treatment in a Case of Evans Syndrome with Gastric Neuroendocrine Tumor
Authors: Chung-Delgado Kocfa , Revilla-Montag Alejandro , Guillén-Bravo Sonia , Ríos-Díaz Hugo , Alva-Muñoz José C.
Published: July 2013

A 37-year-old woman with history of Evans Syndrome with poor response to high-dose corticoid treatment presented to the emergency department with gastrointestinal and vaginal bleeding. The patient was later diagnosed with severe thrombocytopenia and a stage G1, well-differentiated gastric neuroendocrine tumor, confirmed by a biopsy. A total gastrectomy was performed to eradicate the tumor. After being treated with a total splenectomy for her Evans Syndrome with no clinical or laboratory improvement, she began regular treatment with octreotide on the basis of a possible hepatic metastasis. Days after the initiation of the octreotide, an increase in the platelet count was evidenced by laboratory findings, from 2,000 platelets/mm3to 109,000 platelets/mm3. Weeks later, the hepatic metastasis is discarded by a negative octreotide-body scan, and the octreotide treatment was interrupted. Immediately after the drug interruption, a progressive and evident descent in the platelet count was evidenced (4000 platelets/mm3). The present case report highlights the possible association between octreotide treatment and a severe thrombocytopenia resistant to conventional treatment.
Towards Understanding the Formation of Uniform Local Binary Patterns
Authors: Lahdenoja Olli , Poikonen Jonne , Laiho Mika
Published: July 2013

The research reported in this paper focuses on the modeling of Local Binary Patterns (LBPs) and presents an a
priori model where LBPs are considered as combinations of permutations. The aim is to increase the understanding of the
mechanisms related to the formation of uniform LBPs. Uniform patterns are known to exhibit high discriminative
capability; however, so far the reasons for this have not been fully explored. We report an observation that although the overall a
priori probability of uniform LBPs is high, it is mostly due to the high probability of only certain classes of patterns, while
the a priori probability of other patterns is very low. In order to examine this behavior, the relationship between the runs up
and down test for randomness of permutations and the uniform LBPs was studied. Quantitative experiments were then carried
out to show that the relative effect of uniform patterns to the LBP histogram is strengthened with deterministic data, in comparison
with the i.i.d. model. This was verified by using an a priori model as well as through experiments with natural image data. It was further illustrated that specific uniform LBP codes can also provide responses to salient shapes, that is, to monotonically changing intensity functions and edges within the image microstructure.
On Standing Wave Solutions for Discrete Nonlinear Schrödinger Equations
Authors: Sun Guowei
Published: July 2013

The purpose of this paper is to study a class of discrete nonlinear Schrödinger equations. Under a weak superlinearity condition at infinity instead of the classical Ambrosetti-Rabinowitz condition, the existence of standing waves of the equations is obtained by using the Nehari manifold approach.
Downregulation of Caspase-2 Expression in Somitic Cells following Coculture with Chicken Notochord
Authors: Rahbari Rezgar , Mazani Mohammad , Golmohammadi Mohammad Ghasem , Sagha Mohsen
Published: July 2013

Somites are spherical aggregations of mesodermal cells located on either sides of neural tube and are differentiated into sclerotome and dermomyotome. Notochord as an axial mesoderm has a major role in somitic cell survival and differentiationin vivo. Despite secreting the survival factors, how to notochord inhibits somitic cells apoptosis remains to be elusive. So, this study was aimed to investigate downregulation ofcaspase-2expression in somitic cells upon coculturing with notochord. By using alginate system to encapsulate the isolated notochord in Somite + Notochord group, the embryonic somites were cocultured with the notochord on different days. Concurrently in somite group, the somites were cultured alone. Survival assay with MTT showed that the rate of viability in somitic cells cocultured with notochord increased from 59% on day 2 to 89.7% on day 6 but decreased to 38.5% on day 10 after coculturing. Reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction and spectrophotometry analysis also confirmed these findings and showed lowcaspase-2and highBcl-2expressions and low caspase-2 enzyme activity in somitic cells cocultured with notochord, respectively. These results clearly show that the notochord enhances survival of somitic cellsin vitrothrough downregulating of caspase-2 expression along with triggering differentiation of somitic cells toPax-1expressing mesenchymal cells.
Venlafaxine-Induced Orthostatic Hypotension in a Geriatric Patient
Authors: Chikkaramanjegowda Vidyashree , de Leon Jose
Published: July 2013

Venlafaxine is not usually associated with risk of orthostatic hypotension. A 65-year-old US Caucasian female taking 225 mg/day of venlafaxine extended-release developed symptomatic orthostatic hypotension. The systolic and diastolic blood pressure dropped by 25 and 18 mm Hg, respectively, from supine position to standing position within 3 minutes. The patient was otherwise healthy and the orthostatic hypotension resolved with venlafaxine discontinuation. This was a probable venlafaxine adverse drug reaction according to the Naranjo scale. This case contributes to the scarce literature that indicates that clinicians need to be aware that occasionally venlafaxine can induce clinically significant orthostatic hypotension, particularly in geriatric patients. Our patient did not have orthostatic hypotension when she was taking venlafaxine at 60 years of age in higher venlafaxine doses (300 mg/day) but developed this adverse drug reaction when venlafaxine was restarted at the geriatric age. This case indicates that a history of prior tolerance to venlafaxine does not guarantee tolerance after 65 years of age. If a clinician decides to use venlafaxine in geriatric patients, the clinician should warn the patient about the risk of orthostatic hypotension and consider very slow titration and low doses.
Inhibition of Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress and Atherosclerosis by 2-Aminopurine in Apolipoprotein E-Deficient Mice
Authors: Zhou Lichun , Yang Dezhi , Wu Dong Fang , Guo Zhong Mao , Okoro Emmanuel , Yang Hong
Published: July 2013

We previously reported that the apolipoprotein (apo) B48-carrying lipoproteins obtained from apoE knockout (apoE−/−) mice, so called E−/B48 lipoproteins, transformed mouse macrophages into foam cells and enhanced the phosphorylation of eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2α(eIF-2α). Furthermore, the eIF-2αphosphorylation inhibitor, 2-aminopurine (2-AP), attenuated E−/B48 lipoprotein-induced foam cell formation. The present report studied the effect of 2-AP on atherosclerosis inapoE−/−mice. Our results showed that the level of food intake, bodyweight, plasma cholesterol, and triglycerides was comparable inapoE−/−mice treated with or without 2-AP. However, the mean size of atherosclerotic lesions in the aorta sinus as well as the surface area of the entire aorta of 2-AP-treatedapoE−/−mice were reduced by about 55% and 39%, respectively, compared to samples from untreated controlapoE−/−mice. In addition, the 2-AP-treatedapoE−/−mice showed a significant decrease in glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78) and phosphorylated eIF-2αin their aortic samples as compared to levels in untreated controlapoE−/−mice. These observations suggest that endoplasmic reticulum stress is a causal mechanism for the development of atherosclerosis inapoE−/−mice and that therapeutic strategies can be developed for using eIF-2αphosphorylation inhibitors, such as 2-AP, to prevent or treat atherosclerosis.
Are Transrectal Prostate Biopsies Routinely Indicated in Patients with Incidentally Diagnosed Prostate Cancer following Transurethral Resection of the Prostate for Benign Disease?
Authors: Lee Lui Shiong , Thiruneelakandasivam Suntharasivam , Hong Matthew K. , Peters Justin S. , Warren Anne , Mills Rob , Greenberg David , Wright Karen , Gnanapragasam Vincent
Published: July 2013

Objective: To determine the indication of routine transrectal ultrasound-guided needle biopsy (TRUSBx) of the prostate gland following incidental cancer diagnosis after transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) for benign prostatic hyperplasia. Materials and Methods: A multi-institutional search identified 63 patients with incidental TURP-diagnosed prostate cancer from 2001 to 2010, who underwent subsequent TRUSBx or radical prostatectomy (RP). The Gleason scores from TURP were compared to those from TRUSBx or RP. Whole mount maps from RP were analysed to provide an anatomical basis for the correlation observed. To determine the clinical impact of this problem, the incidence of TURP-diagnosed prostate cancer in the population was also determined. Results: Of 22 patients who underwent TRUSBx, the rates of Gleason score concordance, upgrading and downgrading were 32, 14 and 54% respectively (Spearman correlation coefficient 0.20). Most cases of pathological downgrading consisted of benign cores at biopsy. Therefore, TRUSBx did not give additional Gleason score (GS) information in 86% of patients. Of 41 RP patients, the respective rates were 61, 22 and 17% (Spearman correlation coefficient 0.15). The majority of them retained a similar or lower GS between TURP and RP. Of 13 whole mount maps analysed, 6 (46%) were found with anterior/transitional zone (AZ/TZ) tumours, 6 (46%) with multifocal tumours and 1 (8%) with a large peripheral zone (PZ) tumour extending into the TZ. Regional population data show that despite a gradual reduction in the proportion of TURP-diagnosed cases over the past decade, they still account for 8.5-13% of all new cases. Conclusion: TURP-diagnosed prostate cancers represent predominantly AZ tumours. A TRUSBx does not give additional GS information in a majority of cases, and therefore is not routinely indicated. It may be selectively useful prior to active surveillance, but not in all pursuing radical treatment. These findings may help reduce unnecessary TRUSBx in the population.
Mesocoprophilus clavatus, a new oxyteline rove beetle (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae) from the Early Cretaceous of China
Authors: Cai Chenyang , Huang Diying
Published: July 2013

Mesocoprophilus clavatus gen. et sp.n., a new rove beetle belonging to the Recent subfamily Oxytelinae, is described and illustrated on the basis of a well-preserved specimen from the Lower Cretaceous Yixian Formation near Huangbanjigou, Beipiao City, Liaoning Province, Northeast China. This new genus can be placed in the extant tribe Coprophilini as supported by its general habitus, sub-contiguous mesocoxae, 5-segmented metatarsi, and abdominal segments III–VII each with two pairs of paratergites. In addition, it displays some features resembling the more basal tribe Euphaniini, including clavate antennae and short and poorly-sclerotized abdominal sternite II.
Is Urban Land Price Adjustment More Sluggish than Housing Price Adjustment? Empirical Evidence
Authors: Oikarinen Elias
Published: July 2013

This article hypothesises that, due to factors such as thin trading and lack of publicly available data on transactions in the land market, urban land prices react more sluggishly to shocks in market fundamentals than housing prices do. Based on a vector error-correction model utilising quarterly data for the Helsinki Metropolitan Area in Finland over 1988Q1–2008Q2, the empirical analysis provides support for this hypothesis. In particular, the results suggest that new information regarding the market fundamentals is more rapidly reflected in housing prices than in land prices. Nevertheless, it is the housing price level, instead of land prices, that adjusts towards a cointegrating long-run equilibrium between housing prices, land prices and construction costs.
Sickle cell disease and complex congenital cardiac surgery: a case report and review of the pathophysiology and perioperative management
Authors: Sanders DB , Smith BP , Sowell SR , Nguyen DH , Derby C , Eshun F , Nigro JJ
Published: July 2013

Sickle cell anemia and thalassemia are hemoglobinopathies rarely encountered in the United States. Compounded with congenital heart disease, patients with sickle cell disease (SCD) requiring cardiopulmonary bypass and open-heart surgery represent the proverbial “needle in the haystack”. As such, there is some trepidation on the part of clinicians when these patients present for complex cardiac surgery.

SCD is an autosomal, recessive condition that results from a single nucleotide polymorphism in the β-globin gene. Hemoglobin SS molecules (HgbSS) with this point mutation can polymerize under the right conditions, stiffening the erythrocyte membrane and distorting the cellular structure to the characteristic sickle shape. This shape change alters cellular transit through the microvasculature. As a result, circumstances such as hypoxia, hypothermia, acidosis or diminished blood flow can lead to aggregation, vascular occlusion and thrombosis. Chronically, SCD can give rise to multiorgan damage secondary to hemolysis and vascular obstruction.

This review and case study details an 11-year-old African-American male with known SCD who presented to the cardiothoracic surgical service with congenital heart disease consisting of an anomalous, intramural right coronary artery arising from the left coronary sinus for surgical consultation and subsequent surgical correction. This case report will include a review of the pathophysiology and current literature regarding preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative management of SCD patients.
Survival Analysis and Extrapolation Modeling of Time-to-Event Clinical Trial Data for Economic Evaluation
Authors: Bagust Adrian , Beale Sophie
Published: July 2013

A recent publication includes a review of survival extrapolation methods used in technology appraisals of treatments for advanced cancers. The author of the article also noted shortcomings and inconsistencies in the analytical methods used in appraisals. He then proposed a survival model selection process algorithm to guide modelers’ choice of projective models for use in future appraisals. This article examines the proposed algorithm and highlights various shortcomings that involve questionable assumptions, including researchers’ access to patient-level data, the relevance of proportional hazards modeling, and the appropriateness of standard probability functions for characterizing risk, which may mislead practitioners into employing biased structures for projecting limited data in decision models. An alternative paradigm is outlined. This paradigm is based on the primacy of the experimental data and adherence to the scientific method through hypothesis formulation and validation. Drawing on extensive experience of survival modeling and extrapolation in the United Kingdom, practical advice is presented on issues of importance when using data from clinical trials terminated without complete follow-up as a basis for survival extrapolation.
Three-dimensional numerical investigation of solid particle erosion in gate valves
Authors: Lin Zhe , Ruan Xiao-Dong , Zhu Zu-Chao , Fu Xin
Published: July 2013

Gate valves, which are widely applied in pneumatic conveying systems, are vulnerable to erosion by particles. It is thus important to investigate the erosion in gate valves from the perspective of fluid analysis, and then to predict and improve their lifetimes. The effects of valve geometry and gas–solid flow conditions on valve erosion are investigated. Since a gate valve usually operates fully open to let fluid pass through, the geometry is simplified as a cavity. As gate valves are always placed horizontally in industrial situations, investigated cavities are placed horizontally, and the erosion damage to the bottom half of the aft wall (surface T), which is most likely to be eroded, is studied. A computational fluid dynamics (CFD) based two-way Eulerian–Lagrangian procedue is used to predict the erosion severity. The simulation procedure is validated by comparing the CFD results with those obtained from experiments of a pipe and an elbow, and also with the erosion region of a damaged valve. For convenience, the total erosion ratio, defined as the ratio of the mass eroded on a particular surface to the total particle mass passing through the pipe inlet during the same time, is introduced. The results show that the total erosion ratio of surface T is largely independent of the mass flux ratio, pipe diameter and cavity depth. Meanwhile, the total erosion ratio increases with cavity width and particle diameter, while it decreases with inlet velocity. According to the fitted results, a simple erosion formula is proposed and validated by the CFD results in another 16 orthogonal experiments. Furthermore, the formula is improved for various values of Brinell hardness of carbon steel and sharpness factors of particles.
Study of the press forming mechanism of a thermoforming machine
Authors: Belforte Guido , Colombo Federico , Raparelli Terenziano , Maffiodo Daniela
Published: July 2013

The paper presents kinematic and dynamic investigations of the main press forming mechanism of a thermoforming machine. A multibody analysis of this press forming mechanism, which lifts and rotates a press bed, was carried out. Press bed lifting, which is necessary to form the component, is performed by means of a first rod and toggle mechanism. Press bed rotation to eject the formed component is produced by means of a second rod and must be appropriately shifted. These rods are oscillating followers driven by cams, making it possible to precisely define trajectories as a function of the motor shaft rotation angle.

Analysis is performed by numerically solving the equations of motion. Cam synthesis on the basis of the oscillating followers’ trajectories makes it possible to obtain cam profiles in order to evaluate pressure angles and check that there is no undercutting. System dynamics is investigated in order to evaluate motor torque and analyse internal stresses on the hinges. In addition, some experimental results and those obtained with the dynamic model are compared. Performance improvement of the actual machine is carried out by modifying the trajectory of the press bed by means of a numerical code at the purpose developed. This approach is more convenient than the use of a commercial multibody code, which is not specifically built for parametric studies.