bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The natural course of sensitization and allergic diseases from childhood to adulthood
Authors: Nissen Susanne P. , Kjær Henrik F. , Høst Arne , Nielsen Jan , Halken Susanne 
Published: July 2013

AbstractBackgroundLongitudinal prospective population‐based birth cohort studies of the natural history of sensitization and allergic diseases from childhood to adulthood are few. The aim of the present prospective study was to investigate the natural course of sensitization and allergic diseases in a random population‐based sample of 276 children from a 1‐year birth cohort of unselected Danish children followed from birth to 26 years of age.MethodsQuestionnaire‐based interviews, physical examination, skin prick tests, specific IgE testing, and from 10 years also spirometry, were carried out at 1.5, 5, 10, 15 and 26 years of age. Predefined diagnostic criteria were used.ResultsFollow‐up rates were high, 193 (70%) attended the 26‐year follow‐up. The prevalence of current eczema was stable during childhood; 13% (1.5 yrs.), 9.2% (5 yrs.), 10.8% (10 yrs.), and 9.8% (15 yrs.), and 5.7% at 26 yrs. From birth to 26 years the cumulative prevalence of eczema, food allergy, asthma, and rhinoconjunctivitis was 23.5%, 13.8%, 17%, and 27.9% respectively. More than half of the participants had one or more allergic disease in the period between birth and 26 years of age. The rates of sensitization (S‐IgE = 0.35 kU/l) were 8%, 23%, 26%, 32%, and 31% at 1.5, 5, 10, 15, and 26 years of age, respectively. Sensitization to food allergens was most prevalent in early infancy, whereas sensitization to inhalant allergens dominated later on.ConclusionThe results support the concept of the allergic march. Allergic diseases are not only occurring in childhood but persist into adulthood.
Assessment of red blood cell transfusion and transfusion duration on cerebral and mesenteric oxygenation using near‐infrared spectroscopy in preterm infants with symptomatic anemia
Authors: Sandal Gonca , Oguz Serife S. , Erdeve Omer , Akar Melek , Uras Nurdan , Dilmen Ugur 
Published: July 2013

BackgroundThe aim of red blood cell (RBC) transfusion is to improve tissue oxygenation and relieve anemia‐related symptoms in preterm infants. We sought to assess regional cerebral (rSO2C) and mesenteric (rSO2M) tissue oxygenation using a near‐infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) method and vital signs (heart rate, arterial oxygen saturation, mean arterial blood pressure) in symptomatic preterm infants with anemia who received RBC transfusions.Study Design and MethodsTwenty‐three symptomatic patients with anemia who were at least 1 month old, whose gestational age was less than 30 weeks, and whose hematocrit level was not more than 27% were involved in the transfusion group. The control group consisted of preterm infants (Hct ≥ 32) matched for gestational age and postnatal days. The transfusion group was divided into two subgroups based on transfusion duration (2 or 4 hr). Both study groups were monitored for vital signs and rSO2C, rSO2M, and mesenteric‐cerebral oxygenation ratio (MCOR) via NIRS for 24 hours simultaneously and compared with the control group. NIRS variables and vital signs obtained before, during, and after transfusion were compared both within and between 2‐ and 4‐hour groups.ResultsrSO2C, rSO2S, and MCOR increased during and after transfusions, while cerebral fractional oxygen extraction (FOEC) and mesenteric fractional oxygen extraction (FOEM) decreased. No significant difference was found between subgroups for NIRS measurements and vital signs. A weak correlation between hemoglobin concentration and FOEC and FOEM was found.ConclusionRBC transfusion improved cerebral‐mesenteric oxygenation and MCOR in symptomatic infants with anemia, independent of the transfusion duration.
Microhemodynamic aberrations created by transfusion of stored blood
Authors: Yalcin Ozlem , Ortiz Daniel , Tsai Amy G. , Johnson Paul C. , Cabrales Pedro 
Published: July 2013

BackgroundHuman red blood cells (RBCs) can be stored for up to 42 days under controlled conditions. Physical and chemical changes occur during RBC storage, altering their function. This study links stored cell mechanical changes with hemodynamic functional alterations upon transfusion.Study Design and MethodsMechanical properties of fresh and stored RBCs were evaluated in vitro. Their transfusion effects were evaluated in vivo using intravital microscopy of the rat's cremaster muscle preparation. Rats were hemodiluted to 30% hematocrit, to mimic an anemic state before transfusion, and then exchange‐transfused with fresh or stored cells.ResultsIn vitro studies on rheology and oxygen affinity of stored cells confirmed previously published results. Storage was found to modify static and dynamic RBC mechanic behavior. After transfusion, systemic hemodynamics were similar for fresh and stored cells; however, microvascular hemodynamics were drastically affected by stored cells. Stored cells reduced blood flow and oxygen delivery. Additionally, the presence of stored cells in circulation affected cell‐to‐cell and cell‐to‐wall interactions and affected cell hydrodynamics. Stored cells disrupted the RBC cell‐free layer and wall shear stress signals.ConclusionThe reduced cell deformability due to RBC “storage lesions” caused pathologic changes in microvascular hemodynamics, endothelial cell mechanotransduction, and RBC dynamics. Thus, the mechanical changes of blood‐banked cells can limit transfusion ability to achieve its intended goal.
Technical Basis for Case N-766-1 Nickel Alloy Reactor Coolant Inlay and Onlay for Mitigation of PWR Full Penetration Circumferential Nickel Alloy Welds in Class 1 Items
Authors: Marlette S. E. , Weicks J. G. , Bamford W. , Glunt N. L. , Udyawar A. , Ng C. K. 
Published: July 2013

Primary Water Stress Corrosion Cracking (PWSCC) has been observed in pressurized water reactor (PWR) coolant system pressure boundary components. This type of cracking has been observed in Alloy 82/182 butt welds. Various repair and mitigation methods have been proposed and employed to address PWSCC. Case N-766 was developed as an alternative method for PWSCC mitigation. It is especially useful for applications in PWSCC susceptible regions where accessibility to the outer surfaces required for the other PWSCC mitigation processes is difficult or impractical. The method in Case N-766 involves isolating the PWSCC susceptible material from the primary water environment, thereby eliminating one of the three conditions that must exist for PWSCC to occur.
Inlays provide a means for PWSCC mitigation or repair of existing PWSCC flaws while maintaining the inside surface contour essentially in its original configuration, without flow path restriction. Onlays, which do not require an excavation into the pipe ID, permit maintaining the inside surface contour essentially in its original configuration, or allow for weld buildup on the inside surface with a negligible change to the inner pipe diameter.
The technical basis for the design, fabrication, and inspection requirements for inlays and onlays was documented in ASME Pressure Vessel and Piping Division Conference paper PVP2010-26164. Subsequently, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) has submitted comments on Code Case N-766. Changes were proposed to the Code Case to address the NRC’s comments and it was suggested that a bounding PWSCC crack growth evaluation be added to the technical basis to demonstrate that a flaw which might have been missed by surface examination would not grow through the inlay or onlay before the next inspection. The purpose of this paper is to augment the existing technical basis for Code Case N-766 to support the changes proposed.
Fatigue Crack Initiation of 304L Stainless Steel in Simulated PWR Primary Environment: Relative Effect of Strain Rate
Authors: Huin Nicolas , Tsutsumi Kazuya , Legras Laurent , Couvant Thierry , Loisnard Dominique , Henaff Gilbert , Mendez Jose 
Published: July 2013

The French Regulatory Commission insisted on a survey justifying the assumed mechanical behavior of components exposed to Pressurized Water Reactor (PWR) water under cyclic loading without taking into account its effect. In the US and Japan, the fatigue life correlation factors, so called Fen, are formulated and standardized on the basis of laboratory data to take into account the effect on fatigue life evaluation.
However, the current fatigue codification, suffers from a lack of understanding of environmental effects on the fatigue lives of stainless steels in simulated hydrogenated PWR environments. Samples tested in a recent study were analyzed to highlight the strain rate effect (within a range 0.4%/s to 0.004%/s) at the early stage of fatigue life in PWR primary environment for a 304L stainless steel. The deleterious effect of PWR primary environment on fatigue crack initiation was observed with a quantitative microscopic approach. Multi scale observations of oxide morphology and microstructure were carried out from common optical microscopy using recent technologies such as 3D oxide reconstruction, and DualBeam observations.
Guided Wave Testing: Maximizing Buried Pipe Corrosion Knowledge From Each Excavation
Authors: Crompton Andy , Royer Roger , Tallon Mark , Biagiotti Stephen F. 
Published: July 2013

Excavation and Direct Examination of buried piping using conventional non-destructive examination (NDE) has been the traditional inspection approach for decades and remains the only quantitative method for piping evaluations in plants when internal in-line inspection tools cannot be used due to geometry or other constraints. This “difficult to assess” piping presents many challenges, including limited effectiveness of traditional indirect inspection tools, high cost and operational concerns associated with excavations, and the ability to evaluate only a small sampling of a piping system. Many inspection technologies exist for buried pipe assessments; however, no indirect techniques provide the ability to yield quantitative wall loss values suitable for ASME fitness for service calculations beyond what’s exposed in the excavation. An evolving technology, guided wave testing (GWT), has many applications including the ability to provide assessment information beyond the excavation.
In this paper, the application of GWT for buried piping inspection will be discussed. We will review: principles behind its operation; the competitive technologies on the market; challenges for the technology; management of data within the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) industry standard buried pipe database (BPWorks™ 2.0); trending; case histories showing how GWT can be used to extend the knowledge gained during an excavation by screening adjacent areas for more significant corrosion than observed in the excavated and exposed area; coupling GWT results with other inspection technologies to gain an enhanced interpretation of the overall condition of the line; and how to incorporate this data into an effective structural and/or leakage integrity program as part of the reasonable assurance process.
Probabilistic Models of Reliability of Cast Austenitic Stainless Steel Piping
Authors: Qian Haiyang , Harris David , Griesbach Timothy J. 
Published: July 2013

The concern of toughness reduction due to thermal embrittlement of cast austenitic stainless steel (CASS) piping is increasing as nuclear power plants age. Because of the large and variable grain size of the CASS materials, the ultrasonic inspection (UT) difficulties of the CASS components increases concerns regarding their reliability. Another added concern is the presence of potential defects introduced during the casting fabrication process. The possible presence of defects and difficulty of inspection complicate the development of programs to manage the risk contributed by these potentially degraded components.
Experiments have been performed in the past to evaluate the effect of thermal embrittlement on tensile properties and fracture toughness as functions of time, temperature, composition, and delta ferrite content, but considerable scatter has been shown in the results among the important variables. A probabilistic approach is proposed for the evaluation of the aging effect based on the scatter in material correlations, difficulty of inspection and presence of initial defects. The purpose of this study is to describe a probabilistic fracture mechanics analysis approach for the determination of the maximum allowable flaw sizes in CASS piping components in commercial power reactors, using Monte Carlo simulation. Attention is focused on fully embrittled CF8M material, and the probability of failure for a given crack size, load and composition is predicted considering scatter in tensile properties and fracture toughness (fracture toughness is expressed as a crack growth resistance relation in terms of J-Δa). The correlation between the reduced toughness and increased tensile properties due to thermal embrittlement is also included in the analysis. This paper presents results for CF8M to demonstrate the sensitivity of key input variables on the most severely embrittled material. The output of this study is the flaw size (length and depth) that will fail with a given probability as a function of load and geometry.
Weight Function Method With Segment-Wise Polynomial Interpolation to Calculate Stress Intensity Factors for Complicated Stress Distributions
Authors: Li Yinsheng , Itoh Hiroto , Hasegawa Kunio , Xu Steven X. , Scarth Douglas A. 
Published: July 2013

Many solutions of the stress intensity factor have been proposed in recent years. However, most of them take only third or fourth-order polynomial stress distributions into account. For complicated stress distributions which are difficult to be represented as third or fourth-order polynomial equations over the stress distribution area such as residual stress distributions or thermal stress distributions in dissimilar materials, it is important to further improve the accuracy of the stress intensity factor.
In this study, a weight function method with segment-wise polynomial interpolation is proposed to calculate solutions of the stress intensity factor for complicated stress distributions. By using this method, solutions of the stress intensity factor can be obtained without employing finite element analysis or difficult calculations. It is therefore easy to use in engineering applications. In this method, the stress distribution area is firstly divided into several segments and the stress distribution in each segment is curve fitted to segment-wise polynomial equation. The stress intensity factor is then calculated based on the weight function method and the fitted stress distribution in each segment. Some example solutions for both infinite length cracks and semi-elliptical cracks are compared with the results from finite element analysis. In conclusion, it is confirmed that this method is applicable with high accuracy to the calculation of the stress intensity factor taking actual complicated stress distributions into consideration.
Non-fatal injuries resulting in activity limitations in Estonia—risk factors and association with the incidence of chronic conditions and quality of life: a retrospective study among the population aged 20–79
Authors: Puur Allan , Altmets Katre , Saava Astrid , Uusküla Anneli , Sakkeus Luule 
Published: July 2013

ObjectivesEvidence about the health and quality-of-life outcomes of injuries is obtained mainly from follow-up studies of surviving trauma patients; population-based studies are rarer, in particular for countries in Eastern Europe. This study examines the incidence, prevalence and social variation in non-fatal injuries resulting in activity limitations and outcomes of injuries in Estonia.DesignA retrospective population-based study.SettingEstonia.Participants7855 respondents of the face-to-face interviews of the second round of the Estonian Family and Fertility Survey conducted between 2004 and 2005 based on the nationally representative probability sample (n=11 192) of the resident population of Estonia aged 20–79.Primary and secondary outcome measuresThe cumulative incidence and prevalence of injuries leading to activity limitations was estimated. Survival models were applied to analyse variations in the injury risk across sociodemographic groups. The association between injuries and the development of chronic conditions and quality of life was examined using survival and logistic regression models.Results10% (95% CI 9.4 to 10.7) of the population aged 20–79 had experienced injuries leading to activity limitations; the prevalence of activity limitations due to injuries was 4.4% (95% CI 3.9% to 4.9%). Significant differences in injury risk were associated with gender, education, employment, marital status and nativity. Limiting injury was associated with a doubling of the likelihood of having chronic conditions (adjusted HR 1.97, 95% CI 1.58 to 2.46). Injury exhibited a statistically significant negative association with most quality-of-life measures. Although reduced, these effects persisted after recovery from activity limitations.ConclusionsSubstantial variation in injury risk across population groups suggests potential for prevention. Men and workers in manual occupations constitute major target groups for injury prevention in Estonia. The association of injury with the development of chronic conditions and reduced quality of life warrants further investigation.
Risk perception of sexually transmitted infections and HIV in Nigerian commercial sex workers living in Barcelona: a study protocol
Authors: Coma Auli Núria , Mejía-Lancheros Cília , Berenguera Anna , Mayans Martí Vall , Lasagabaster Maider Arando , Pujol-Ribera Enriqueta 
Published: July 2013

IntroductionSexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV are a serious global public health issue. These diseases are largely preventable, as they are directly and indirectly associated with potentially modifiable factors, including socioeconomic conditions. Sexual transmission is responsible for over 75% of new HIV infections worldwide. Moreover, commercial sex workers and their clients are two of the groups at the highest risk of acquiring and transmitting these infectious diseases, due to an extensive number of sexual encounters and the various factors related to commercial sex situations. This qualitative study aims to deepen the understanding of the risk perception of STIs and HIV and their associated factors in Nigerian commercial sex workers in the city of Barcelona.Methods and analysisThis is a qualitative, descriptive, interpretive study based on a social constructivist and phenomenological perspective conducted on a saturated sample of Nigerian commercial sex workers in the city of Barcelona. Data will be collected through semistructured individual and triangular group interviews. Information will be examined using a sociological discourse analysis, allowing us to understand the social and individual factors related to the risk perception of STIs and HIV in commercial sex workers.DiscussionQualitative studies are an important element in identifying individual, social and contextual factors directly or indirectly related to the health/disease process. This qualitative study will provide essential knowledge to improve health promotion, prevention strategies and effective management of STIs both for commercial sex workers and their clients.EthicsThis study has been approved by the clinical research ethics committee (CEIC) of IDIAP Jordi Gol in Barcelona, 2012.
Sedimentary processes in two different polar periglacial environments: Examples from Schirmacher Oasis and Larsemann Hills, East Antarctica
Authors: Asthana Rajesh , Shrivastava Prakash K. , Beg M. Javed , Swain Ashit K. , Dharwadkar Amit , Roy Sandip K. , Srivastava Hari B. 
Published: July 2013

Abstract
Schirmacher Oasis and Bharati Promontory in Larsemann Hills of East Antarctica are currently ice-free coastal areas exposed in physiographically different polar periglacial environments. Schirmacher Oasis is bound by the presence of a vast stretch of ice shelf in the north and the polar ice sheet in the south. It exhibits well-developed patterned ground, abundant till deposition, block-fields, episodic development of curvilinear morainic ridges, extensive outwash plains and erratics. In contrast, the occurrence of such depositional features is sparse on Bharati Promontory, where landmass is directly in contact with the ocean. The sedimentary processes vary in their magnitude owing to different physiographic settings in these two geographically separated locations. Scanning electron microscopy of quartz grains shows subsequent reworking under glaciofluvial environment and final deposition of material in glacially scoured basins. The fluvial action is more pronounced in the Schirmacher Oasis than on Bharati Promontory. The transport of sediment by polar ice is mainly through englacial pathways with a minor contribution from the supraglacial component. Discharge of all sizes of sediments ranging from large boulders to glacially abraded rock-flour in varying proportions takes place at the ice–bedrock interface. Granulometric analysis also shows turbulence of transporting media and reworking of sediments before final deposition.
Palaeoshoreline records of glacial isostatic adjustment in the Dry Valleys region, Antarctica
Authors: Konfal Stephanie A. , Wilson T. J. , Hall B. L. 
Published: July 2013

Abstract

We present a new record of crustal deformation for the Dry Valleys and surrounding region of Antarctica. Values of crustal tilt resulting from the differential uplift of lacustrine strandlines are derived and linked with age data to provide a history of solid earth deformation since deglaciation. We present tilt directions and gradients for 13 strandlines formed
c.
18 100–2100 cal yr BP. Derived gradient magnitudes increase exponentially with age and indicate an ongoing response to deglaciation since the Last Glacial Maximum. Azimuths of crustal tilting are consistently down to the SE towards West Antarctica. This tilt pattern is opposite to that predicted by models of glacial isostatic adjustment for Antarctica. Tilt magnitudes are significantly larger than tilted strandlines documented elsewhere in the world, suggesting an influence from thin crust and weak mantle underlying the region. This study presents the first use of lacustrine strandline tilts to document crustal deformation due to glacial unloading in Antarctica and provides an important new datum for constraining glacial isostatic adjustment models.
Unintentional Weakness of Cancers: The MEK–ERK Pathway as a Double-Edged Sword
Authors: Suda Kenichi , Mitsudomi Tetsuya 
Published: July 2013

Abstract
Recent advances in molecular targeted therapies have greatly improved treatment outcomes for cancers driven by oncogenic mutations. Despite initial and dramatic clinical responses, tumors eventually acquire resistance to these targeted therapies, showing flexible and diverse responses. Interestingly, cancer cells sometimes overadapt to the drug treatment environment, leading to a state in which cancer cells cannot survive without the drug. This interesting phenomenon (often called “drug dependency” or “drug addiction”) is exemplified in preclinical acquired resistance models of BRAF-mutated melanoma treated with vemurafenib and EGFR-mutated lung cancer treated with EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors. A number of intriguing parallels in drug-addicted cancers became apparent in a comparison of the two models: (i) overexpression of driver oncogenes as causes of acquired resistance; (ii) overexpression of driver oncogenes causing MEK—ERK hyperactivation under drug-free conditions; (iii) hyperactivation of the MEK—ERK pathway as critical to this drug addiction phenomenon; (iv) ongoing dependence on the oncogenic driver; and (v) morphologic changes in resistant cells under drug-free conditions. This Perspective article not only focuses on this interesting and peculiar phenomenon but also discusses weapon strategies to exploit this unintentional weakness of cancers. Mol Cancer Res; 11(10); 1125–8. ©2013 AACR.