bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Physical and cognitive fitness in young adulthood and risk of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis at an early age
Authors: Longinetti E. , Mariosa D. , Larsson H. , Almqvist C. , Lichtenstein P. , Ye W. , Fang F. 
Published: November 2016

Background and purposeThere is a clinical impression that patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) have a higher level of physical fitness and lower body mass index (BMI) than average. However, there is a lack of literature examining the relationship between cognitive fitness and ALS risk. In this study we explored the associations of both physical and cognitive fitness with future risk of ALS.MethodsData on physical fitness, BMI, intelligence quotient (IQ) and stress resilience were collected from 1 838 376 Swedish men aged 17–20 years at conscription during 1968–2010. Their subsequent ALS diagnoses were identified through the Swedish Patient Register. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% CIs from flexible parametric models were used to assess age‐specific associations of physical fitness, BMI, IQ and stress resilience with ALS.ResultsWe identified 439 incident ALS cases during follow‐up (mean age at diagnosis: 48 years). Individuals with physical fitness above the highest tertile tended to have a higher risk of ALS before the age of 45 years (range of HRs: 1.42–1.75; statistically significant associations at age 41–43 years) compared with others. Individuals with BMI ≥ 25 tended to have a lower risk of ALS at all ages (range of HRs: 0.42–0.80; statistically significant associations at age 42–48 years) compared with those with BMI < 25. Individuals with IQ above the highest tertile had a statistically significantly increased risk of ALS at an age of 56 years and above (range of HRs: 1.33–1.81), whereas individuals with stress resilience above the highest tertile had a lower risk of ALS at an age of 55 years and below (range of HRs: 0.47–0.73).ConclusionsPhysical fitness, BMI, IQ and stress resilience in young adulthood might be associated with the development of ALS at an early age.
Merging pedigree databases to describe and compare mating practices and gene flow between pedigree dogs in France, Sweden and the UK
Authors: Wang S. , Leroy G. , Malm S. , Lewis T. , Strandberg E. , Fikse W.F. 
Published: November 2016

SummaryMerging pedigree databases across countries may improve the ability of kennel organizations to monitor genetic variability and health‐related issues of pedigree dogs. We used data provided by the Société Centrale Canine (France), Svenska Kennelklubben (Sweden) and the Kennel Club (UK) to study the feasibility of merging pedigree databases across countries and describe breeding practices and international gene flow within the following four breeds: Bullmastiff (BMA), English setter (ESE), Bernese mountain dog (BMD) and Labrador retriever (LBR). After merging the databases, genealogical parameters and founder contributions were calculated according to the birth period, breed and registration country of the dogs. Throughout the investigated period, mating between close relatives, measured as the proportion of inbred individuals (considering only two generations of pedigree), decreased or remained stable, with the exception of LBR in France. Gene flow between countries became more frequent, and the origins of populations within countries became more diverse over time. In conclusion, the potential to reduce inbreeding within purebred dog populations through exchanging breeding animals across countries was confirmed by an improved effective population size when merging populations from different countries.
Interconnections between meiotic recombination and sequence polymorphism in plant genomes
Authors: Ziolkowski Piotr A. , Henderson Ian R. 
Published: November 2016

SummaryMeiosis is fundamental to sexual reproduction and creates genetic variation in progeny. During meiosis paired homologous chromosomes undergo recombination, which can result in reciprocal crossovers. This process can recombine independently arising mutations onto the same chromosome. Recombination locations are highly variable between meioses, although total crossover numbers are tightly regulated. In addition to the effect of meiosis on genetic variation, sequence polymorphisms between homologous chromosomes can feedback onto the recombination pathways. Here we review the major crossover pathways in plants and some of the known homeostatic mechanisms that act during meiotic recombination. We then examine how sequence polymorphisms between homologous chromosomes, that is, heterozygosity, can influence meiotic recombination pathways in cis and trans. Finally, we provide a brief perspective on the relevance of these interconnections for natural selection and adaptation in plants.

Contents

Summary
1022

I.
Introduction
1022

II.
Initiation and resolution of meiotic recombination
1023

III.
Interference between meiotic recombination locations
1023

IV.
Feedback of genetic variation onto meiotic recombination
1025

V.
Perspectives
1026

Acknowledgements
1027

References
1027
Locating Animals in Political Philosophy
Authors: Kymlicka Will , Donaldson Sue 
Published: November 2016

AbstractWhile animal rights have been a central topic within moral philosophy since the 1970s, it has remained virtually invisible within political philosophy. This article explores two key reasons for the difficulties in locating animals within political philosophy. First, even if animals are seen as having intrinsic moral status, they are often seen as ultimately distant others or strangers, beyond the bounds of human society. Insofar as political philosophy focuses on the governing of a shared social life, animals are seen as falling outside its remit. Second, even if animals are recognized as members of society, they are seen as lacking the capacities or competences said to be essential for politics, and for membership in the demos. We challenge both assumptions. Many animals live and work alongside us, within an interspecies society, and all members of society should have the right to shape decisions about how that society is governed. An interspecies society requires interspecies politics.
Cytocentrifuge preparation in veterinary cytology: a quick, simple, and affordable manual method to concentrate low cellularity fluids
Authors: Marcos Ricardo , Santos Marta , Marrinhas Carla , Correia‐Gomes Carla , Caniatti Mario 
Published: November 2016

BackgroundSmears prepared by cytocentrifugation, the so‐called cytospins, are widely used in human and veterinary cytology. However, the high cost has hampered the availability of commercial cytospin centrifuges in some veterinary clinics and laboratories. Nevertheless, cytospins are important for evaluating fluids with very low cellularity such as cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) or bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF).ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to devise and test the use of a low‐cost, in‐house manual cytocentrifuge to obtain cytospin preparations.MethodsTwenty‐two fluid samples (including CSF and BALF) were collected from dogs and cats. These were processed in a conventional cytocentrifuge and in an in‐house, manual centrifuge (salad spinner). The cytospins obtained by the 2 methods were compared by scoring cellularity, number of cells per field, hemodilution, cell preservation, and proportion of ruptured cells. Additionally, cell number and size were compared by morphometry. Differences between the automated and manual method were statistically assessed.ResultsThe morphology and cellular detail of cytospin preparations produced by both methods were identical. There was an almost perfect agreement for cellularity, number of cells per HPF, hemodilution and cell preservation (kappa ≥ 0.85), and a moderate agreement for the amount of ruptured cells. Cell recovery was comparable (including in CSF and BALF).ConclusionsThe manual cytocentrifuge produced cytospins with similar cell yield as the automated cytocentrifuge. Considering the low cost and portability, this new method should be particularly useful for cytologic diagnosis in small clinics, developing countries, and in field studies.
Reinforcement of Planar Defects in Low-Frequency ERW Long Seams Using Composite Reinforcing Materials
Authors: Alexander Chris , Rizk Tony , Wang Henry , Clayton Rodney , Scrivner Ron 
Published: November 2016

A comprehensive study was conducted to investigate the reinforcement of LF-ERW flaws located in a 16-inch × 0.312-inch (406-mm × 7.93-mm), w.t. Grade X52 ethylene pipeline. The study was prompted by an in-service leak that was discovered in an LF-ERW seam during routine maintenance activities. The investigation was subsequently expanded as a result of the discovery of several additional leaks. An initial failure analysis of the leak location was conducted followed by broader material testing, full-scale testing, and metallurgical analysis of the remaining pipe. The use of composite repair systems as a feasible method of LF-ERW seam reinforcement was also examined. As part of this study, testing was also conducted on 8.625-inch × 0.250-inch. (219-mm × 6.35-mm) pipe material having LF-ERW seams.
Test results documented the potential for composite repair systems to provide reinforcement to LF-ERW flaws and crack-like defects. Distinct contrasts were observed between the performance of samples with unreinforced and reinforced notches subjected to cyclic pressure and burst tests. Reinforced samples exhibited improvements in pressure cycle life and significantly increased burst pressure capacities as compared to unreinforced samples. The results of this program demonstrate that, when properly designed and installed, composite materials are an effective means for reinforcing LF-ERW long seam weld flaws and other planar defects. The composite repairs served to ensure that cracks neither form nor propagate during aggressive pressure cycling and burst testing. It should be noted that the testing program was specific to the operating and material conditions associated with a particular ethylene pipeline that is the subject of this paper.
Experimental and Numerical Investigation Into the Behavior of Buried Steel Pipelines Under Strike-Slip Fault Movement
Authors: van Es Sjors H. J. , Gresnigt Arnold M. 
Published: November 2016

Buried steel pipelines for water and hydrocarbon transmission in seismic regions may be subjected to large imposed deformations. When a buried pipeline crosses an active strike-slip fault, the relative motion of the two soil bodies in which is it embedded can lead to significant deformation of the pipeline and possibly to loss of containment.
To be able to fully understand the effects of this movement and the interaction between pipe and soil on the strain demands in the pipeline, a novel full scale experimental setup has been developed. To allow accurate monitoring of the pipeline deformation, the pipe-surrounding soil has been replaced with appropriate nonlinear springs, leaving the pipe bare during the experiment.
In a total of ten tests, the strain demand in a pipeline as a result of these ground-induced deformations has been investigated. The testing program includes variations of pipeline geometry, steel grade and internal pressure. Furthermore, cohesive and non-cohesive soils have been simulated in the tests. Observed responses of the pipeline include local buckling, high tensile strains (up to 5%) and, in one case, cracking of the pipeline.
Based on experiences with these experiments, a numerical model has been developed that uses non-linear springs to model the pipe-soil interaction. By modelling the pipe and soil conditions that were simulated in the ten experiments, this model has been calibrated and validated. Comparisons between the model predictions and test results show that the numerical model is able to predict the deformational behavior of the pipeline accurately. Moreover, also the formation of local buckles is predicted with satisfying results. The results of the validation operation lead to the conclusion that the new model is performing well. By omitting the modelling of the full soil body, computation time is reduced, increasing practical use of the developed model.
Hydrotesting and In-Line Inspection: Now and in the Future
Authors: Rau Jerry , Kirkwood Mike 
Published: November 2016

Pressure testing of pipelines has been around in some form or another since the 1950s1–14. In its earliest form, operators used inert gases such as Nitrogen or even air to test for pipeline integrity. However, with the significant increases in pipeline pressures and inherent safety issues with a pressurized gas, the switch to using water happened in the late 1960’s15–17. Hydrostatic tests (referred to as hydrotests) have been used since then to set and reset the Maximum Allowable Operating Pressure (MAOP) for pipelines but as other technologies develop and gain acceptance will hydrotesting still play a key role in pipeline integrity in the years ahead?
Currently, hydrotesting is a topic for the impending US Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration’s (PHMSA) Proposed New Rule Making (PNRM)18. Under the NPRM, hydrotesting is required to verify MAOP on pre-1970s US “grandfathered” pipelines, as well as on pipelines of any age with incomplete or missing testing record and include a high level test with a “spike” in pressure. But hydrotesting may not be the only method. Alternative methods and new technologies — used alone or used in combination with hydrotesting — may help provide a more comprehensive way for operators to identify and address potential problems before they become a significant threat. This paper explores both sides of the argument.
Before In-Line Inspection (ILI) technology was even available, hydrotesting was the absolute means of the proof of integrity. However, hydrotesting is under scrutiny for many reasons that this paper explores. ILI was introduced in the 1960’s with the first commercially available Magnetic Flux Leakage (MFL) tools that presented the industry with an alternative. Currently there are a huge array of available technologies on an ILI tool and so is the role of the hydrotest over? The paper looks at the benefits of the hydrotest and these are presented and balanced against available ILI technology.
Furthermore, as pipelines are being developed in even more harsh environments such as deepwater developments, the actual logistics of performing a hydrotest become more challenging. The paper will also look at both applications onshore and offshore where regulators have accepted waivers to a hydrotest using alternative methods of proving integrity.
The paper concludes with the current use and needs for hydrotesting, the regulatory viewpoint, the alternatives and also what the future developments need to focus on and how technology may be improved to provide at least a supplement if not a replacement to this means of integrity assurance.
Robust Direct Hydrocarbon Sensor Based on Novel Carbon Nanotube Nanocomposites for Leakage Detection
Authors: Parmar Kaushik , Park Chaneel , Park Simon 
Published: November 2016

Leakage in oil and gas infrastructure, often cause significant financial losses, severe damage to the environment and raises public concern. In order to minimize the impact of spills, quick detection of a leak and a rapid response are needed. The systems currently employed to detect pipeline leakage range from simple visual checking to complex hardware and software systems such as mass balance, pressure point analysis, flow deviation, acoustic emission systems, and fibre-optic-based sensing technologies. These methods are useful, but there are certain limitations. The main drawback of the majority of these leak detection technologies is that they detect leakage indirectly, often unable to detect the leakage until the major spill.
The preventive monitoring system and direct detection of hydrocarbon leakage are urgently needed to enable fast response and timely repairs with less deleterious effects. Research is being conducted for the development of a functional prototype and environmental testing of in-situ carbon nanotube (CNT) nanocomposite based sensors for hydrocarbon leakage detection. The CNT nanocomposite offers a unique approach to the direct hydrocarbon leakage detection in pipelines and aboveground storage tanks (ASTs).
Expanding the study from the previous report of sensor characteristics under the optimal ambient condition, it was further investigated to identify the sensor performance under harsh conditions such as the underground (exposed to the soil) with compost and moisture, high pressure, changing temperature and long-term exposure to the outdoor environment. Investigation of the sensor behavior is studied, and a performance matrix is developed that accounts for the change in sensor response to various environmental conditions. Results showed that the proposed CNT nanocomposite sensor was applicable under given conditions with immediate responses while maintaining high sensitivity to the hydrocarbon leakage.
Once a list of sensor detection specifications is defined, it is anticipated that the CNT sensor technology is applicable as part of a robust, reliable and accurate early detection system for the pipeline industry.
Evaluation of Toughness Characteristics of API Grade Pipeline Steel Produced on Compact Strip Production (CSP) Line
Authors: Kendrick Vance , Frye Brian , Sutcliffe Alison , Rodriguez-Ibabe Jose M. , Stalheim Douglas G. 
Published: November 2016

As concerns for environmental impact of oil and gas transmission pipelines and overall public safety of the transmission pipeline systems are raised in the public domain, development of optimum toughness characteristics are a key attribute. Toughness performance as measured by charpy impact testing or drop weight tear testing (DWTT) is heavily influenced first by the average transformed grain size and more importantly the cross sectional uniformity/distribution. In addition, the crystallographic texture created can further improve or detract from the toughness performance.
The final transformed cross sectional grain size along with the uniformity/distribution is heavily influenced by the available total metallurgical reduction ratio, microalloy design, proper generation of the various recrystallization behavior types during rolling, critical per pass reductions and the final post rolling cooling rate. The final crystallographic texture is influenced by final rolling temperature, cooling rate and final cooling stop temperature. When the final cross sectional grain size and overall uniformity/distribution are marginal for optimum toughness, the addition of favorable crystallographic textures can enhance the toughness performance.
The challenge of producing optimum toughness on a thin slab caster, <100 mm thickness, is well known due to the available metallurgical reduction ratios. Typically, for API grade steels, a metallurgical reduction ratio ≥7:1 is required in order to achieve optimum toughness. However, in a thin slab caster the maximum metallurgical reduction ratios possible can be between 5:1 and 7:1 depending on the final thickness.
Nucor Steel Gallatin has been working to optimize the overall toughness of API X-grades for transmission pipeline steels in thicknesses up to 12.7 mm using their thin slab Compact Strip Production (CSP) production facility. By utilizing a proper understanding of reducing the as-cast thin slab, along with the key alloy/process attributes and recrystallization behavior kinetics during the rolling process to optimize the final transformed cross sectional grain size and more importantly the uniformity/distribution, a high level of toughness performance can be realized. In addition, a further understanding of the contribution of specific crystallographic textures can further improve the toughness performance of these grades.
This paper will discuss alloy/process parameters that have been studied and optimized to improve the low temperature toughness of API steels. In addition, toughness performance and metallographic characterization of different processing parameters will be presented.
New Classification Approach for Dents With Metal Loss and Corrosion Along the Seam Weld
Authors: Nestleroth J. Bruce , Simek James , Ludlow Jed 
Published: November 2016

The ability to characterize metal loss and gouging associated with dents and the identification of corrosion type near the longitudinal seam are two of the remaining obstacles with in-line inspection (ILI) integrity assessment of metal loss defects. The difficulty with denting is that secondary features of corrosion and gouging present very different safety and serviceability scenarios; corrosion in a dent is often not very severe while metal loss caused by gouging can be quite severe. Selective seam weld corrosion (SSWC) along older low frequency electric resistance welding (ERW) seams also presents two different integrity scenarios; the ILI tool must differentiate the more serious SSWC condition from the less severe conventional corrosion which just happens to be near a low frequency ERW seam. Both of these cases involve identification difficulties that require improved classification of the anomalies by ILI to enhance pipeline safety.
In this paper, two new classifiers are presented for magnetic flux leakage (MFL) tools since this rugged technology is commonly used by pipeline operators for integrity assessments. The new classifier that distinguishes dents with gouges from dents with corrosion or smooth dents uses a high and low magnetization level approach combined with a new method for analyzing the signals. In this classifier, detection of any gouge signal is paramount; the conservatism of the classifier ensures reliable identification of gouges can be achieved. In addition to the high and low field data, the classifier uses the number of distinct metal loss signatures at the dent, the estimated maximum metal loss depth, and the location of metal loss signatures relative to dent profile (e.g. Apex, Shoulder).
The new classifier that distinguishes SSWC from corrosion near the longitudinal weld uses two orientations of the magnetic field, the traditional axial field and a helical magnetic field. In this classifier, detection of any long narrow metal loss is paramount; the conservatism of the classifier ensures that high identification of SSWC can be achieved. The relative amplitude of the corrosion signal for the two magnetization directions is an important characteristic, along with length and width measures of the corrosion features.
These models were developed using ILI data from pipeline anomalies identified during actual inspections. Inspection measurements from excavations as well as pipe removed from service for lab analysis and pressure testing were used to confirm the results.