bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Home BP Monitoring Using a Telemonitoring System is Effective for Controlling BP in a Remote Island in Japan
Authors: Kaihara Toshiki , Eguchi Kazuo , Kario Kazuomi
Published: September 2014

The purpose of this study was to assess whether a home blood pressure (HBP) telemonitoring system could improve BP control and overcome the problems of HBP monitoring in a remote location. The authors enrolled 60 subjects and randomized them to either a Telemonitoring group or a Control group. The outcomes were changes in HBP level, adherence to HBP monitoring, and visual analog scale (VAS; score 0–100) as a measure of the motivation to perform HBP measurements. The reductions in morning systolic BP (−5.5±0.9 mm Hg vs 0.7±0.7 mm Hg, P<.001) and evening systolic BP (−4.6±1.0 mm Hg vs 1.0±1.1 mm Hg, P<.001) and the change in VAS (12.8±3.3 vs −1.6±2.2, P=.001) were significantly greater in the Telemonitoring group than in the Control group. The measure of the adherence to HBP monitoring tended to be better (P=.064) in the Telemonitoring group than in the Control group. These results indicate that an HBP telemonitoring system would be a beneficial healthcare measure in remote geographical locations.
Philosophy at the bedside – phenomenology, complexity and virtue in the care of patients
Authors: Mitchell Derek
Published: September 2014

Rationale, aims and objectives

This personal reflection, based partly on my own experience as a patient, is written from the triple perspective of patient, former Health Service manager and philosopher. By beginning with the accounts of the first‐hand lived experiences of patients (my own and those of Havi Carel), which I argue are central to an understanding of illness, and by then moving through the complexity of the health care environment, I aim to show that only the promulgation of a virtue‐based theory of ethics and action can lead to real improvements in the quality of care delivered to patients.

Methods

The case is set out to bring together the philosophical insights of phenomenology, complexity theory and Virtue Ethics.

Results

The argument shows that only Virtue Ethics provides an adequate means to respond to the unique situation and feelings of the individual person who is ill.

Conclusions

This conclusion inevitably implies criticism of the ways that the performance of the institutions and the people who provide health care have been measured and regulated in the UK National Health Service. Overall the conclusions of this paper suggest that an approach based on virtuous agency and more closely directed towards the lived experience of people who are ill is needed to ensure both safety and improved quality in health care services.
High‐affinity glutamate transporters in chronic pain: an emerging therapeutic target
Authors: Gegelashvili Georgi , Bjerrum Ole J.
Published: September 2014

Neurons responsible for sensing noxious stimuli and conducting pain signals from periphery to the spinal cord are predominantly glutamatergic. Members of the SLC1A family of high‐affinity glutamate transporters (GluTs) are differentially expressed in sensory neurons and surrounding glial cells. These plasma membrane proteins along with glutamate/cystine exchanger, light chain of cystine/glutamate exchanger, are responsible for fine tuning of extracellular glutamate concentrations and, thus, for modulation of excitatory signalling in the spinal cord. Emerging data point at key roles of GluTs in molecular mechanisms of chronic pain and analgesia, incl. development of opioid tolerance. Pharmacological inhibition or antisense down‐regulation of spinal GluTs can induce/aggravate pain behaviours, whereas increasing of expression of GluTs by viral gene transfer or positive pharmacological modulators can mitigate chronic pain. Furthermore, some drugs, originally introduced for targeting different pathological conditions, but in parallel exhibiting analgesic properties (e.g. anti‐convulsants valproate and riluzole, β‐lactam‐ and tetracycline antibiotics, tricyclic anti‐depressants), can enhance glutamate transport in the spinal cord. Thus, molecular modulation of GluTs may turn into prospective therapeutic approach for the management of chronic pain. However, precise pharmacological targeting of this transport system requires in‐depth elucidation of molecular factors and signalling pathways underlying expression and activity of individual GluT subtypes, including their splice variants.

image

Neurons conducting pain signals from periphery to the spinal cord are predominantly glutamatergic. High‐affinity glutamate transporters (GluTs) regulate extracellular glutamate concentrations and, thus, modulate excitatory signalling in pain circuits. The present review critically analyses accumulated data on the roles of GluTs in molecular mechanisms of chronic pain, as well as perspectives for targeting this transport system in pain therapies.
Distribution Pattern of Psoriasis Affects Sexual Function in Moderate to Severe Psoriasis: A Prospective Case Series Study
Authors: Molina-Leyva Alejandro , Almodovar-Real Ana , Ruiz-Carrascosa Jose C. , Naranjo-Sintes Ramon , Serrano-Ortega Salvio , Jimenez-Moleon Jose J.
Published: September 2014

Introduction

Psoriasis may significantly impair sexual function. Depression and organic factors appear to play a key role in this relationship. However, beyond genital psoriasis, the importance of the distribution pattern of the disease has not been considered.

Aim

To investigate the role of the distribution pattern of psoriasis in sexual dysfunction.

Methods

A prospective case series study was carried out on 133 patients with moderate to severe psoriasis.

Main Outcome Measures

The participants completed the Massachusetts General Hospital-Sexual Functioning Questionnaire, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and the Self-Administered Psoriasis Area and Severity Index.

Results

Forty-four women (mean age 42.0 ± 14.1) and 79 men (mean age 47 ± 11.7) were included in the study. Psoriasis lesions on abdomen, genitals, lumbar region, and buttocks in women and chest, genitals, and buttocks in men were associated with an increase in sexual dysfunction. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the involvement of these specific areas may be independent risk factors for sexual dysfunction in patients with moderate to severe psoriasis.

Conclusions

This is the first study identifying body areas other than genitals as potentially related to sexual dysfunction in psoriasis patients. The results suggest that the assessment of sexual dysfunction and the involvement of these body areas should be considered as disease severity criteria when deciding on treatment for psoriasis patients.
Cytokine Concentrations in Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid from Horses with Neutrophilic Inflammatory Airway Disease
Authors: Richard E.A. , Depecker M. , Defontis M. , Leleu C. , Fortier G. , Pitel P.‐H. , Couroucé‐Malblanc A.
Published: September 2014

Background

Multiple cytological patterns occur in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) of horses with inflammatory airway disease (IAD). Only few data on BALF cytokine profiles are available for horses with IAD, and are limited to mRNA expression.

Hypothesis/Objective

Cytological profiles of IAD are associated with different BALF immunological pathways. To investigate BALF cytokine concentrations in a large number of horses with neutrophilic IAD.

Animals

One hundred and thirty‐eight client‐owned Standardbred racehorses in active training.

Methods

Prospective observational study. BALF samples were obtained from left and right lungs. Interleukin (IL)‐4, interferon (IFN)‐γ, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α concentrations were determined by ELISA.

Results

Fourteen horses had normal BALF cytological profiles and 56 exhibited evidence of bilateral neutrophilic IAD. Twenty‐four horses showed BALF with, respectively, IAD‐ and CTL consistent cytology and were excluded; as were 44 horses because of evidence of pulmonary hemorrhage. TNF‐α (56 ± 115 pg/mL; P = .034) and IFN‐γ concentrations (104 ± 247 pg/mL; P = .044) were significantly higher for IAD horses, compared with controls (respectively 19 ± 41 and 80 ± 116 pg/mL). Horses with ‘neutrophil’ subtype had significantly higher IFN‐γ concentrations (110 ± 154 pg/mL), than ‘neutrophil/metachromatic’ (56 ± 54 pg/mL; P = .028) and ‘neutrophil/metachromatic/eosinophil’ subtypes (44 ± 23 pg/mL; P = .012).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Cytokine concentrations in BALF suggested that neutrophilic IAD is associated with activation of the innate immune system and a possible T‐helper (Th)‐1 polarized response. This study also suggested that immunological pathways vary according to cytological IAD subtypes.
Usefulness of Conventional and Tissue Doppler Echocardiography to Predict Congestive Heart Failure in Dogs with Myxomatous Mitral Valve Disease
Authors: Kim J.‐H. , Park H.‐M.
Published: September 2014

Background

Systolic and diastolic functions have been evaluated to predict outcome in congestive heart failure (CHF). Recently, tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) has become useful for the estimation of myocardial function in cardiac diseases of humans and animals.

Objective

This study was designed to assess whether myocardial function as assessed by TDI is associated with the occurrence of CHF in dogs with myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD) and whether additional information is gained over conventional Doppler variables.

Animals

Forty‐one privately owned dogs (15 healthy dogs and 26 dogs with MMVD) were included. Dogs with MMVD were divided into non‐CHF (n = 10) and CHF groups (n = 16).

Methods

Conventional echocardiographic examinations were performed. In addition, TDI‐derived variables, including radial and longitudinal velocities, strain, and strain rate were assessed.

Results

Several (12 of 47, 26%) conventional and tissue Doppler echocardiography variables were significant predictors of CHF in a univariate analysis (P < .05). However, TDI‐derived E/Em sept was the only load‐independent significant predictor of CHF (P < .05) after multivariate logistic regression analysis. The E/Em sept cut‐off value of >18.7 had a sensitivity of 56% and specificity of 90% in predicting CHF in dogs with MMVD.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

The combination of TDI of the mitral annulus and mitral inflow velocity provided better estimates of diastolic dysfunction in dogs with MMVD and CHF. Additional study is warranted to assess TDI‐derived E/Em sept, an index of diastolic function that could contribute to the management of dogs with MMVD and CHF.
FACT plays a major role in histone dynamics affecting VSG expression site control in Trypanosoma brucei
Authors: Denninger Viola , Rudenko Gloria
Published: September 2014

Chromatin remodelling is involved in the transcriptional regulation of the RNA polymerase I transcribed variant surface glycoprotein (VSG) expression sites (ESs) of Trypanosoma brucei. We show that the T. brucei FACT complex contains the Pob3 and Spt16 subunits, and plays a key role in ES silencing. We see an inverse correlation between transcription and condensed chromatin, whereby FACT knockdown results in ES derepression and more open chromatin around silent ES promoters. Derepressed ESs show increased sensitivity to micrococcal nuclease (MNase) digestion, and a decrease in histones at silent ES promoters but not telomeres. In contrast, FACT knockdown results in more histones at the active ES, correlated with transcription shut‐down. ES promoters are derepressed in cells stalled at the G2/M cell cycle stage after knockdown of FACT, but not in G2/M cells stalled after knockdown of cyclin 6. This argues that the observed ES derepression is a direct consequence of histone chaperone activity by FACT at the G2/M cell cycle stage which could affect transcription elongation, rather than an indirect consequence of a cell cycle checkpoint. These experiments highlight the role of the FACT complex in cell cycle‐specific chromatin remodelling within VSG ESs.
Alterations of iron distribution in Arabidopsis tissues infected by Dickeya dadantii
Authors: Aznar Aude , Patrit Oriane , Berger Adeline , Dellagi Alia
Published: September 2014

Dickeya dadantii is a plant‐pathogenic enterobacterium responsible for plant soft rot disease in a wide range of hosts, including the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana. Iron distribution in infected A. thaliana was investigated at the cellular scale using the Perls'–diaminobenzidine–H2O2 (PDH) method. Iron visualization during infection reveals a loss of iron from cellular compartments and plant cell walls. During symptom progression, two distinct zones are clearly visible: a macerated zone displaying weak iron content and a healthy zone displaying strong iron content. Immunolabelling of cell wall methylated pectin shows that pectin degradation is correlated with iron release from cell walls, indicating a strong relationship between cell wall integrity and iron in plant tissues. Using a D. dadantii lipopolysaccharide antibody, we show that bacteria are restricted to the infected tissue, and that they accumulate iron in planta. In conclusion, weak iron content is strictly correlated with bacterial cell localization in the infected tissues, indicating a crucial role of this element during the interaction. This is the first report of iron localization at the cellular level during a plant–microbe interaction and shows that PDH is a method of choice in this type of investigation.
The pathogenic potential of the Lichtheimia genus revisited: Lichtheimia brasiliensis is a novel, non‐pathogenic species
Authors: Schwartze Volker U. , de A. Santiago André Luiz C. M. , Jacobsen Ilse D. , Voigt Kerstin
Published: September 2014

Lichtheimia brasiliensis was recently described as a novel species within the genus Lichtheimia, which comprises a total of six species. L. brasiliensis was first reported from soil in Brazil. The aim of the study was to determine the relative virulence potential of L. brasiliensis using an avian infection model based on chicken embryos.
Vitamin D: An overview of vitamin D status and intake in Europe
Authors: Spiro A. , Buttriss J. L.
Published: September 2014

In recent years, there have been reports suggesting a high prevalence of low vitamin D intakes and vitamin D deficiency or inadequate vitamin D status in Europe. Coupled with growing concern about the health risks associated with low vitamin D status, this has resulted in increased interest in the topic of vitamin D from healthcare professionals, the media and the public. Adequate vitamin D status has a key role in skeletal health. Prevention of the well‐described vitamin D deficiency disorders of rickets and osteomalacia are clearly important, but there may also be an implication of low vitamin D status in bone loss, muscle weakness and falls and fragility fractures in older people, and these are highly significant public health issues in terms of morbidity, quality of life and costs to health services in Europe.

Although there is no agreement on optimal plasma levels of vitamin D, it is apparent that blood 25‐hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels are often below recommended ranges for the general population and are particularly low in some subgroups of the population, such as those in institutions or who are housebound and non‐Western immigrants. Reported estimates of vitamin D status within different European countries show large variation. However, comparison of studies across Europe is limited by their use of different methodologies. The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency [often defined as plasma 25(OH)D <25 nmol/l] may be more common in populations with a higher proportion of at‐risk groups, and/or that have low consumption of foods rich in vitamin D (naturally rich or fortified) and low use of vitamin D supplements.

The definition of an adequate or optimal vitamin D status is key in determining recommendations for a vitamin D intake that will enable satisfactory status to be maintained all year round, including the winter months. In most European countries, there seems to be a shortfall in achieving current vitamin D recommendations. An exception is Finland, where dietary survey data indicate that recent national policies that include fortification and supplementation, coupled with a high habitual intake of oil‐rich fish, have resulted in an increase in vitamin D intakes, but this may not be a suitable strategy for all European populations. The ongoing standardisation of measurements in vitamin D research will facilitate a stronger evidence base on which policies can be determined. These policies may include promotion of dietary recommendations, food fortification, vitamin D supplementation and judicious sun exposure, but should take into account national, cultural and dietary habits. For European nations with supplementation policies, it is important that relevant parties ensure satisfactory uptake of these particularly in the most vulnerable groups of the population.
Markov models and network analysis reveal sex‐specific differences in the space‐use of a coastal apex predator
Authors: Stehfest Kilian M. , Patterson Toby A. , Barnett Adam , Semmens Jayson M.
Published: September 2014

Understanding the links between external variables such as habitat and interactions with conspecifics and animal space‐use is fundamental to developing effective management measures. In the marine realm, automated acoustic tracking has become a widely used method for monitoring the movement of free‐ranging animals, yet researchers generally lack robust methods for analysing the resulting spatial‐usage data.

In this study, acoustic tracking data from male and female broadnose sevengill sharks Notorynchus cepedianus, collected in a system of coastal embayments in southeast Tasmania were analyzed to examine sex‐specific differences in the sharks’ coastal space‐use and test novel methods for the analysis of acoustic telemetry data.

Sex‐specific space‐use of the broadnose sevengill shark from acoustic telemetry data was analysed in two ways: The recently proposed spatial network analysis of between‐receiver movements was employed to identify sex‐specific space‐use patterns. To include the full breadth of temporal information held in the data, movements between receivers were furthermore considered as transitions between states of a Markov chain, with the resulting transition probability matrix allowing the ranking of the relative importance of different parts of the study area.

Both spatial network and Markov chain analysis revealed sex‐specific preferences of different sites within the study area. The identification of priority areas differed for the methods, due to the fact that in contrast to network analysis, our Markov chain approach preserves the chronological sequence of detections and accounts for both residency periods and movements.

In addition to adding to our knowledge of the ecology of a globally distributed apex predator, this study presents a promising new step towards condensing the vast amounts of information collected with acoustic tracking technology into straightforward results which are directly applicable to the management and conservation of any species that meet the assumptions of our model.
Awake caudals and epidurals should be used more frequently in neonates and infants
Authors: Marhofer Peter , Keplinger Maya , Klug Wolfgang , Metzelder Martin L.
Published: September 2014

The current literature provides fundamental insights regarding the neurotoxic potency of various general anesthetic drugs in neonates and small infants. Therefore, considerations to minimize the use of general anesthetic drugs in this age group are required. The use of caudal and epidural anesthesia under sedation is one possibility to minimize the use of general anesthetic drugs. A large number of surgical procedures can be managed with this anesthetic concept. Training, practical hand skills, good infrastructure, a well‐defined indication, and a team approach including the entire operation room staff are the major prerequisites to implement these techniques in the daily clinical practice. This review article discusses all present aspects and possible future evolutions of caudal and epidural anesthesia under sedation.
Examination of consistency of adolescent and parent reports across several psychosocial constructs
Authors: TILLERY RACHEL , DISABATINO KRISTY , PARRA GILBERT R. , BUCKHOLDT KELLY E. , JOBE‐SHIELDS LISA
Published: September 2014

This study investigated the consistency of discrepancy scores between adolescent and parent reports across several psychosocial constructs (adolescent internalizing, externalizing, emotion regulation difficulties, parent rewarding responses to adolescent emotions, and parent depressive symptoms). Sixty‐two adolescents (67.7% females; 76.7% African American) and one of their parents participated. Most of the associations among discrepancy scores were equivalent. There was one instance in which the association among two discrepancy scores (youth internalizing and externalizing) was stronger than the others and one instance in which the association was weaker than the others (youth internalizing and parent rewarding). These results suggest that discrepancies between adolescent and parent reports are not necessarily a stable characteristic of the dyad and depend on the construct under consideration.
Holocene re‐colonisation, central–marginal distribution and habitat specialisation shape population genetic patterns within an Atlantic European grass species
Authors: Harter D. E. V. , Jentsch A. , Durka W.
Published: September 2014

Corynephorus canescens (L.) P.Beauv. is an outbreeding, short‐lived and wind‐dispersed grass species, highly specialised on scattered and disturbance‐dependent habitats of open sandy sites. Its distribution ranges from the Iberian Peninsula over Atlantic regions of Western and Central Europe, but excludes the two other classical European glacial refuge regions on the Apennine and Balkan Peninsulas. To investigate genetic patterns of this uncommon combination of ecological and biogeographic species characteristics, we analysed AFLP variation among 49 populations throughout the European distribution range, expecting (i) patterns of SW European glacial refugia and post‐glacial expansion to the NE; (ii) decreasing genetic diversity from central to marginal populations; and (iii) interacting effects of high gene flow and disturbance‐driven genetic drift. Decreasing genetic diversity from SW to NE and distinct gene pool clustering imply refugia on the Iberian Peninsula and in western France, from where range expansion originated towards the NE. High genetic diversity within and moderate genetic differentiation among populations, and a significant pattern of isolation‐by‐distance indicate a gene flow drift equilibrium within C. canescens, probably due to its restriction to scattered and dynamic habitats and limited dispersal distances. These features, as well as the re‐colonisation history, were found to affect genetic diversity gradients from central to marginal populations. Our study emphasises the need for including the specific ecology into analyses of species (re–)colonisation histories and range centre–margin analyses. To account for discontinuous distributions, new indices of marginality were tested for their suitability in studies of centre–periphery gradients.
The Impact of Arteriovenous Fistulae on the Myocardium: The Impact of Creation and Ligation in the Transplant Era
Authors: Duque Juan Camilo , Gomez Camilo , Tabbara Marwan , Alfonso Carlos E. , Li Xiaoyi , Vazquez‐Padron Roberto I. , Asif Arif , Lenz Oliver , Briones Patricia L. , Salman Loay H.
Published: September 2014

Cardiac hypertrophy is a relatively common complication seen in patients with advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD) and end‐stage renal disease (ESRD). Moreover, cardiac hypertrophy is even more frequently seen in patients with ESRD who have an arteriovenous (AV) access. There has been substantial evidence pertaining to the effects of AV access creation on the heart structure and function. Similarly, there is increasing evidence on the effects of AV access closure, flow reduction, transplantation, and immunosuppressive medication on both endpoints. In this review, we present the evidence available in the literature on these topics and open the dialog for further research in this interesting field.
Deciphering the roles of Arabidopsis LPCAT and PAH in phosphatidylcholine homeostasis and pathway coordination for chloroplast lipid synthesis
Authors: Wang Liping , Kazachkov Michael , Shen Wenyun , Bai Mei , Wu Hong , Zou Jitao
Published: September 2014

Phosphatidylcholine (PC) is a key intermediate in the metabolic network of glycerolipid biosynthesis. Lysophosphatidylcholine acyltransferase (LPCAT) and phosphatidic acid phosphatase (PAH) are two key enzymes of PC homeostasis. We report that LPCAT activity is markedly induced in the Arabidopsis pah mutant. The quadruple pah lpcat mutant, with dual defects in PAH and LPCAT, had a level of lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) that was much higher than that in the lpcat mutants and a PC content that was higher than that in the pah mutant. Comparative molecular profile analysis of monogalactosyldiacylglycerol and digalactosyldiacylglycerol revealed that both the pah and pah lpcat mutants had increased proportions of 34:6 from the prokaryotic pathway despite differing levels of LPCAT activity. We show that a decreased representation of the C16:0C18:2 diacylglycerol moiety in PC was a shared feature of pah and pah lpcat, and that this change in PC metabolic profile correlated with the increased prokaryotic contribution to chloroplast lipid synthesis. We detected increased PC deacylation in the pah lpcat mutant that was attributable at least in part to the induced phospholipases. Increased LPC generation was also evident in the pah mutant, but the phospholipases were not induced, raising the possibility that PC deacylation is mediated by the reverse reaction of LPCAT. We discuss possible roles of LPCAT and PAH in PC turnover that impacts lipid pathway coordination for chloroplast lipid synthesis.
Improving the accuracy of the preoperative diagnosis of long head of the biceps pathology: the biceps resisted flexion test
Authors: Arrigoni Paolo , Ragone Vincenza , D’Ambrosi Riccardo , Denard Patrick , Randelli Filippo , Banfi Giuseppe , Cabitza Paolo , Randelli Pietro
Published: September 2014

Purpose: the purpose of this study was to describe a new test for identifying lesions of the long head of the biceps (LHB) and to evaluate its diagnostic performance in comparison with selected traditional clinical tests.

Methods: one hundred and nine consecutive candidates for arthroscopic rotator cuff repair were prospectively recruited.The BRF test, which measures biceps resisted flexion strength, was performed with the patient seated (armat the side and elbow flexed at 90°). The patient was asked to maintain maximal resistance for five seconds while strength was assessed with a digital dynamometer. Since the dynamometer expresses a continuous variable in kilograms, the measure was dichotomized using a threshold value (cut-off ) valueable to simultaneously maximize the sensitivity and specificity. This cut-off value was derived from receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis.

Speed’s test and the O’Brien test were also performed. During arthroscopy the presence of LHB pathology was assessed.

Results: biceps resisted flexion strength was significantly higher in patients without associated LHB lesions [median (range): 3 kg (0-9.5 kg) versus 0 kg (0-8.5 kg); p< 0.001]. The cut-off level able to simultaneously maximize the sensitivity and specificity of the test was 1.1kg.

The area under the ROC curve was 0.745 (p<0.001) for the dichotomic BRF test (dBRF), 0.562 (p=0.3) for the O’Brien test, and 0.602 (p=0.113) for Speed’s test. A significant good level of accuracy was achieved only by the dBRF test. Specificity and the positive predictive value were significantly higher for the dBRF test than for Speed’s and O’Brien’s tests (p<0.02). Age and the dBRF test were both found to be significant predictors of LHB lesions.

Conclusions: the dBRF test showed higher accuracy than traditional clinical tests in diagnosing LHB lesions. This novel test for biceps pathology may be advantageous because it is objective and therefore likely reproducible.

Level of Evidence: Level II, Development of diagnostic test on basis of consecutive patients (with universally applied reference “gold” standard).
Analysis of differences in bone removal during femoral box osteotomy for primary total knee arthroplasty
Authors: Graceffa Angelo , Indelli Pier , Basnett Kaitlyn , Marcucci Massimiliano
Published: September 2014

Purpose: this study was conducted to compare the quantity of intercondylar bone removed during femoral box osteotomy for implantation of three contemporary posterior stabilized (PS) total knee arthroplasty designs: Sigma PS (DePuy), Vanguard (Biomet) and Persona (Zimmer).

Methods: we compared the maximum volumetric bone resection required for the housing of the PS mechanism of these three designs. Bone removal by each PS box cutting jig was three-dimensionally measured. The differences between the three designs were analyzed by the Kruskal-Wallis test. The Mann-Whitney U-test was used for pairwise comparisons. The level of significance was set at p<0.05.

Results: for small-size implants, the average box osteotomy volume of Persona was significantly smaller than the Vanguard and Sigma PS volumes (p=0.003). The mean difference between Vanguard and Sigma PS (p=0.01) was also significant. For medium size implants, the mean difference between Persona and Sigma PS (p=0.008) and the mean difference between Vanguard and Sigma PS (p=0.01) were statistically significant. For large size implants, the mean difference between Vanguard and Sigma PS (p=0.01) and the mean difference between Sigma PS and Persona (p=0.008) were statistically significant.

Conclusions: irrespective of implant size, the Persona cutting jig always resected significantly less bone than did Vanguard and Sigma PS.

Clinical Relevance: although this study does not establish any clinical relevance of removing more or less bone at primary TKA, its results suggest that if a PS design is indicated, it is preferable to select a model which resects less distal femoral bone.
Robotized Stacking of the Uppsala University Wave Energy Converter Generator Stator
Authors: Hultman Erik , Linder Marcus , Leijon Mats
Published: September 2014

A technology for renewable energy conversion from ocean waves has been developed at Uppsala University. The concept is intended for large Wave Energy Converter farms and thus requires large series production lines. For this technology to be competitive on the global energy market, it is necessary to keep down the manufacturing costs. Assembly automation will therefore be important, especially if the production should be kept in industrialized countries. Stacking of the stator for the Wave Energy Converter generator is an essential task during the assembly process. The operation is repetitive and time-consuming, requires high precision and large reach and can thus be suitable for industrial robot automation. This paper presents a robot cell design for robotized automation of the stator stacking for an Uppsala University Wave Energy Converter generator. Prototype equipment has been developed and validated in an experimental stacking setup. From these experiments, it has been indicated that the proposed automation solution can substantially reduce the stacking cycle time while assuring sufficient assembly accuracy. The main advantages with the proposed assembly method are the high flexibility, the ability to lift and assemble multiple stator sheets at the same time, the ability to calibrate to the exact position of the stator sheet to be lifted and the high stacking accuracy result. The suggested robot cell is likely to be possible to adjust for stacking of other stator designs as well.
Effect of Forecastle, Bulwark and Sheer on Probabilities of Green Sea Occurrence on Deck of a Typical Aframax and Suezmax Sized Hulls
Authors: Parsoya Vaibhav , Ward Thomas , Bailey Jonathan
Published: September 2014

A study resulting in qualitative and quantitative information about the effect of forecastle and sheer is presented in this paper. This is based on a linear direct calculation and extends the work of the JIP on F(P)SO Green water loading described in Buchner (2002) by including forward speed effects. The approach calculates Relative Wave Elevation (RWE) from a linear 3D diffraction analysis and adds nonlinear corrections by way of non-linear response spectra of RWE. The probabilities of green sea occurrence are calculated for variable heights of forecastle/sheer, vessel draft, vessel speed and sea depth for relative heading and mean zero upcrossing wave period for sea states on typical tanker routes (Arabian Gulf to Bass Strait (South East Australia), North East (Global Wave Statistics European Data set Areas 5 and 15 with 90m water depth), IACS Common Structural Rules North Atlantic, Lloyds Register 100A1 and Alaska (Trans-Alaska Pipeline System) to Long Beach). This comparison is done on one typical sized Aframax and Suezmax hull. A downtime in hours over 25 years of design life in 3 hours sea state is also computed which can be a direct input to the risk matrix analysis.
Software Simulation for Making Severe Slugging Control Strategy in Deepwater Riser
Authors: Cheng Bing , Li Qingping , Yu Xichong , Yao Haiyuan
Published: September 2014

As one aspect of flow assurance considerations, severe slugging control strategy in deepwater riser is related to the safety of production system, therefore it’s of great significance to the development of deepwater oil and gas field. This paper summarizes commonly used severe slugging control methods briefly, then takes certain deepwater oil and gas field as an example to introduce the method of software simulation for making severe slugging control strategy of deepwater riser. Firstly the model is built with basic information such as pipeline route, production profile and fluid composition. Data of typical years is used to simulate flowing conditions to determine whether it’s within slugging zone. To mitigate slugging conditions, choking, gas lift and choking& gas lift combined methods are chosen and simulated based on the oil and gas field characteristics, and according to the results gas lift is suggested as the best solution. Factors such as riser type, gas injection location, and flexible riser depth are analyzed for better gas lift efficiency. Finally hydrate formation risk related to severe slugging is analyzed and the slug catcher size is checked. Based on the introduced software simulation procedure, severe slugging control strategy is made, which will be valuable for deepwater flow assurance design and study.
Free Vibration Analysis of Rectangular Plates With Multiple Rectangular Openings and Arbitrary Edge Constraints
Authors: Cho Dae-Seung , Vladimir Nikola , Choi Tae-Muk
Published: September 2014

Free vibration analysis of plates with openings represents an important issue in naval architecture and ocean engineering applications. Namely, they are often primary design members of complex structures and knowledge about their dynamic behavior becomes a prerogative for the proper structural design. This paper deals with application of assumed mode method to free vibration analysis of rectangular plates with multiple rectangular openings at arbitrary defined locations. Developed method can be applied to both thin and thick plates as well as to classical and non-classical edge constraints. In the assumed mode method natural frequencies and mode shapes of a corresponding plate are determined by solving an eigenvalue problem of a multi-degree-of-freedom system matrix equation derived by using Lagrange’s equations of motion. The developed procedure actually represents an extension of a method for the natural vibration analysis of rectangular plates without openings, which has been recently presented in the relevant literature. The effect of an opening is taken into account in a simple and intuitive way, i.e. by subtracting its energy from the total plate energy without opening. Illustrative numerical examples include dynamic analysis of rectangular plates with single and multiple rectangular openings with various thicknesses and different combinations of boundary conditions. Also, the influence of the rectangular opening area on the plate dynamic response is analyzed. The comparisons of the results with those obtained using the finite element method (FEM) is also provided, and very good agreement is achieved. Finally, related conclusions are drawn and recommendations for future investigations are presented.
A Concise Methodology for the Design of Statically-Equivalent Deep-Offshore Mooring Systems
Authors: Udoh Ikpoto E.
Published: September 2014

Model testing of deepwater offshore structures often requires the use of statically-equivalent deepwater mooring systems. The need for such equivalent systems arises due to the spatial limitations of wave basins in accommodating the dimensions of the direct-scaled mooring system. With the equivalent mooring system in place and connected to the model floater, the static global restoring forces and global stiffness of the prototype floating structure can be matched (to within some tolerance) by those of the model for specified offsets in the required degrees of freedom. A match in relevant static properties of the system provides the basis for comparisons of dynamic responses of the model and prototype floaters. Although some commercial programs are capable of designing equivalent mooring systems, the physics applied in these programs are protected by intellectual property, and their methodologies are generally inflexible. This paper illustrates a concise approach to the design of statically-equivalent deepwater mooring systems. With this approach, either manual or advanced optimization techniques can be applied as needed based on the complexity of the equivalent system to be designed. A simple iterative scheme is applied in solving the elastic catenary equations for the optimal static configuration of each mooring line. Discussions cover the approach as applied in developing a fit-for-purpose tool called STAMOORSYS, its validation, and its application to the design of an equivalent mooring system for a spar platform in deepwater. The spar model parameters are representative of a structure which could be tested in the Offshore Technology Research Center, College Station, Texas, USA. Results show that the method is capable of producing good design solutions using manual optimization and a genetic algorithm.
Spatial Model for Corrosion in Ships and FPSOs
Authors: Luque Jesus , Hamann Rainer , Straub Daniel
Published: September 2014

Corrosion in ship structures is influenced by a variety of factors that are varying in time and space. Existing corrosion models used in practice only partially address the spatial variability of the corrosion process. Typical estimations of corrosion parameters are based on averaging measurements over structural elements from different ships and operational conditions, without considering the variability among and within the elements. However, this variability is important when determining the necessary inspection coverage, and it may influence the reliability of the ship structure. We develop a probabilistic spatio-temporal corrosion model based on a hierarchical approach, which represents the spatial variability of the corrosion process. The model includes the hierarchical levels vessel – compartment – frame – structural element – plate element. At all levels, variables representing common influencing factors are introduced. Moreover, at the lowest level, which is the one of the plate element, the corrosion process is modeled as a spatial random field. For illustrative purposes, the model is trained through Bayesian analysis with measurement data from a group of tankers. In this application it is found that there is significant spatial dependence among corrosion processes in different parts of the ships, which the proposed hierarchical model can capture. Finally, it is demonstrated how this spatial dependence can be exploited when making inference on the future condition of the ships.
The Effect of Coverage Length and Density on the Performance of Helical Strakes
Authors: Allen Don W. , Liapis Stergios
Published: September 2014

When utilizing helical strakes, a critical decision is how much of the tubular to cover with helical strakes. While minimizing the cost of the helical strakes is one objective, often it is not possible to fully cover a tubular due to connectors, anodes, and other appurtenances. There are also important questions around ascertaining the performance of helical strakes when only a portion of the tubular is covered, for example when the top portion of a tubular is straked and the remainder is left bare.

This paper combines results from two testing programs on long cylinders towed at high Reynolds numbers to assess the performance of helical strakes with differing conditions along the cylinder length. The results show that the coverage length, density, and location of the helical strakes have a substantial effect on both the local and global response of the tubular.
Scenario Based Risk Management for Arctic Shipping and Operations
Authors: Ehlers Sören , Kujala Pentti , Veitch Brian , Khan Faisal , Vanhatalo Jarno
Published: September 2014

Arctic oil and gas explorations and Arctic shipping must ensure the safety and protection of this sensitive environment in spite of the challenging operational conditions. However, current regulations and assessment methods do not predict the associated risk level reliably. In other words, ships transiting ice-covered waters are not designed according to physical measures, such as accurate limit states under ice loading, but according to economic and empirical design measures. Similarly, offshore installations should be designed according to the accurate limit states, but the actual ice loads are uncertain so this is not possible at present. Risk-based design methodologies using first principal methods offer a way to advance safe operations and transport of natural resources within and out of the Arctic Sea. This paper introduces a holistic treatment of the design relevant features and their identification to improve safe Arctic operations and transport. The focus is on design relevant Arctic aspects related to extreme and accidental ice events. The approach includes estimating ice loads, including extreme load events, assessing structural consequences of the loading events, assessing associated potential environmental consequences, and establishing a risk based design framework for managing risks.
Preliminary Economic Evaluation of Deep-Sea REE Mud Mining
Authors: Yamazaki Tetsuo , Yamamoto Yuta , Nakatani Naoki , Arai Rei
Published: September 2014

Deep-sea rare-earth element-rich mud (REE mud) distributes in pelagic clayey sediment column on ocean seafloor at 4,000–6,000 m deep. The thickness ranges 5–80 m and the burial depth 0–100 m. The REE contents range 600–2,250 ppm in the Pacific and one of the richest, maximum 6,500ppm, has been found near Minami-Tori-shima (Marcus Is.) in Japan’s exclusive economic zones. Assuming a conventional hydraulic excavation and lifting methods, the economy of REE mud mining near Minami-Tori-shima (Marcus Is.) is preliminary examined. Because the contents of valuables in REE mud are low and the ones of wastes are high, quite little chance for the economically feasible mining has been found from the result.
The Accuracy of the MFMNS and FMNS Models in Predicting Long-Term Distribution of the Extreme Values of Offshore Structural Response
Authors: Mohd Zaki N. I. , Abu Husain M. K. , Najafian G.
Published: September 2014

Offshore structures are exposed to random wave loading in the ocean environment, and hence the probability distribution of the extreme values of their response to wave loading is of great value in the design of these structures. Due to nonlinearity of the drag component of Morison’s wave loading and also due to intermittency of wave loading on members in the splash zone, the response is often non-Gaussian; therefore, simple techniques for derivation of the probability distribution of extreme responses are not available. Monte Carlo time simulation technique can be used to derive the probabilistic properties of offshore structural response, but the procedure is computationally demanding. Finite-memory nonlinear system (FMNS) modeling of the response of an offshore structure exposed to Morison’s wave loading has been introduced to reduce the computational effort, but the predictions are not very good for low intensity sea states. To overcome this deficiency, a modified version of the FMNS technique (referred to as MFMNS modeling) was proposed which improves the accuracy, but is computationally less efficient than the FMNS modeling. In this study, the accuracy of the 100-year responses derived from the long-term probability distribution of extreme responses from FMNS and MFMNS methods is investigated.
Modelling Approaches for Reliability Estimations of Fibre-Reinforced Plastic Laminates
Authors: Sánchez-Heres Luis Felipe , Ringsberg Jonas W. , Johnson Erland
Published: September 2014

Numerous methodologies for estimating the reliability of composites have been published in the past few decades. This paper presents the experiences and findings by the authors regarding an assessment of different mechanical and probabilistic models for the calculation of reliability estimates of fibre-reinforced plastic laminates. The assessment was performed to determine the manner by which the models influence the reliability estimations. This knowledge is used to determine the most suitable combination of models for reliability-based design optimization of marine structures made out of fibre-reinforced plastics. The assessment consists of a brief overview of a number of probabilistic and mechanical models as well as the computation of reliability estimates for a number of fibre-reinforced laminates through Monte Carlo simulations. Among some of the findings, it was found that the definition of matrix cracking and the choice of mechanical model (description of damage initiation and development) influence significantly the reliability estimations of fibre-reinforced plastic laminates.
Assessment of Residual Ultimate Hull Girder Strength of Damaged Ships
Authors: Jiang Xiaoli , Yu Haiyang , Kaminski Miroslaw Lech
Published: September 2014

The risk of ship collision and grounding has increased significantly in recent years as a result of the growing size and number of ships at sea. The potentially costly consequences of collision and grounding in the form of fatalities, property, and cargo, as well as environmental pollution in the form of oil spills, etc., are the main motivations for research on collision and grounding. From a structural evaluation standpoint, there is a great deal of uncertainty related to the residual strength of damaged ships considering various influential parameters, such as damage size, geometry and location, internal structural arrangement, material property, loading case, and sea weather. Therefore, it is important to clarify the residual hull girder strength of damaged ships by collision or grounding in order to ensure their safety. The present study undertook a deliberate finite element analysis to investigate the residual ultimate strength of damaged ship hull, where two damage models were assumed and compared. One model simulated actual damage resulting from an accident in the form of hole with adjacent plastic deformation, while the other applied simplified damage, considering unavailable measurement of the damage by removing the damaged part from the original ship hull. The comparison showed that the assessment of residual ultimate strength of a damaged ship based on the simplified damage model could produce a sufficiently accurate result and stay slightly safer, provided that a reasonable criterion of simplification was defined first. The studies showed that it is possible to accurately estimate the residual ultimate strength of a damaged ship without detailed measurement of the damage, and consequently facilitate decision-making regarding the ship salvage under emergency.