bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Numerical Modeling of Some Parameters for Performance Prediction of Centrifugal Impellers
Authors: Oh JongSik , Oh KoonSup
Published: August 2014

The numerical results of a CFD analysis for 5 impellers are presented and discussed to generate simple correlations for the slip factors and the aerodynamic exit blockages of centrifugal compressors. The purpose of the analysis and modeling is to supply an effective means of estimating both parameters used in the meanline performance prediction stage, only in the agile engineering sense. A finite volume time marching method was used in the analysis of three dimensional compressible turbulent flows. To generate one dimensional representative values from the three dimensional results, a mass-averaged concept was used on each impeller exit plane. The Wiesner’s slip factor was found to fail to predict accurate level of values and also the trend of variation, when the flow rate was changed, especially in case of backswept impellers. Aerodynamic blockage at the impeller exit was also found to vary with the flow rates, the blade exit angle and diffusion ratio. Some useful engineering models of both parameters were suggested to improve the current level of prediction for the impeller exit performance.
Experimental Investigation of Three-Dimensional Secondary Flow on the Endwall of a Blade Channel in an Axial Turbine Cascade
Authors: Slitenko Arkadiy F. , Jukov Yuriy M.
Published: August 2014

The local and integral characteristics of three-dimensional boundary layer were investigated in a large scale turbine blade cascade. The flow visualization was carried out for preliminary analysis of the flow structure on the endwall of a blade channel. Then the distribution of velocity components and flow angles in three-dimensional boundary layers was measured in detail. On the basis of the investigation results the generalized equations for calculation of boundary layer characteristics were determined.
The Control of Shroud Leakage Flows to Reduce Aerodynamic Losses in a Low Aspect Ratio, Shrouded Axial Flow Turbine
Authors: Wallis A. M. , Denton J. D. , Demargne A. A. J.
Published: August 2014

The losses generated by fluid leaking across the shrouds of turbine blade rows are known to form a significant proportion of the overall loss generated in low aspect ratio turbines. The use of shrouds to encase the tips of turbine blades has encouraged the development of many innovative sealing arrangements, all of which are intended to reduce the quantity of fluid (the leakage fraction) leaking across the shroud. Modern sealing arrangements have reduced leakage fractions considerably, meaning that further improvements can only be obtained by controlling the leakage flow in such a way so as to minimise the aerodynamic losses incurred by the extraction and re-injection of the leakage flow into the mainstream. There are few published experimental investigations on the interaction between mainstream and leakage flows to provide guidance on the best means of managing the leakage flows to do this. This paper describes the development and testing of a strategy to turn the fluid leaking over shrouded turbine rotor blade rows with the aim of reducing the aerodynamic losses associated with its re-injection into the mainstream flow. The intent was to extract work from the leakage flow in the process. A four stage research turbine was used to test in detail the sealing design resulting from this strategy. A reduction in brake efficiency of 3.5% was measured. Further investigation suggested that much of the increase in loss could be attributed to the presence of axial gaps upstream and downstream of the shroud cavity which facilitated the periodic ingress and egress of mainstream fluid into the shroud cavity under the influence of the rotor potential field. This process was exacerbated by reductions in the leakage fraction.
Supersonic Through-Flow Fan Blade Cascade Studies: Part II — Riblet Effects
Authors: Ninnemann Todd , Ng Wing F.
Published: August 2014

An experimental study to determine the effects of riblets on the performance of the Supersonic Throughflow Fan (STF) cascade blades was performed. The unique flow conditions of the STF provided a new application of using riblets to reduce aerodynamic losses. The cascade was tested in the Virginia Tech intermittent wind tunnel facility, where the Mach and Reynolds (based on chord) numbers were 2.36 and 4.8 × 106, respectively. The riblet sheets were symmetric v-grooved type and were applied onto the blade surfaces. Three different riblet heights were tested: 0.023, 0.033, and 0.051 mm. Riblet testing was conducted at design incidence as well as at off-design conditions (incidence angles: +5, −10 deg). To evaluate the performance of the riblets on the blades, a Pitot-static probe was used to measure the wake profile downstream of the cascade. The resultant total pressure profile was then integrated to obtain an overall mass-averaged loss coefficient. This loss coefficient was compared with a control test case where an equivalent thickness of smooth material is applied to the blade. Results show that at the design incidence, the riblet sheet with a height of 0.033 mm provides the optimal benefit, with a reduction of 8.5% in loss coefficient compared to the control case. Smaller effects were measured at the off-design conditions.
Numerical Simulation of Tip Leakage Flows in Axial Flow Turbines, With Emphasis on Flow Physics: Part I — Effect of Tip Clearance Height
Authors: Tallman J. , Lakshminarayana B.
Published: August 2014

A pressure-correction based, 3D Navier-Stokes CFD code was used to simulate the effects of turbine parameters on the tip leakage flow and vortex in a linear turbine cascade to understand the detailed flow physics. A baseline case simulation of a cascade was first conducted in order to validate the numerical procedure with experimental measurements. The effects of realistic tip clearance spacing, inlet conditions, and relative endwall motion were then sequentially simulated, while maintaining previously modified parameters. With each additional simulation, a detailed comparison of the leakage flow’s direction, pressure gradient, and mass flow, as well as the leakage vortex and its roll-up, size, losses, location, and interaction with other flow features, was conducted.

Part I of this two-part paper series focuses on the effect of reduced tip clearance height on the leakage flow and vortex. Reduced tip clearance resulted in less mass flow through the gap, a smaller leakage vortex, and less aerothermal losses in both the gap and the vortex. The shearing of the leakage jet and passage flow to which leakage vortex roll-up is usually attributed to was not observed in any of the simulations. Alternative explanations of the leakage vortex’s roll-up are presented. Additional secondary flows that were seen near the casing were also discussed.

A more thorough thesis on the research presented in this paper can be found at the World Wide Web address http://navier.aero.psu.edu/∼jat.
Numerical Simulation of Tip Leakage Flows in Axial Flow Turbines, With Emphasis on Flow Physics: Part II — Effect of Outer Casing Relative Motion
Authors: Tallman J. , Lakshminarayana B.
Published: August 2014

A pressure-correction based, 3D Navier-Stokes CFD code was used to simulate the effects of turbine parameters on the tip leakage flow and vortex in a linear turbine cascade to understand the detailed flow physics. A baseline case simulation of a cascade was first conducted in order to validate the numerical procedure with experimental measurements. The effects of realistic tip clearance spacing, inlet conditions, and relative endwall motion were then sequentially simulated, while maintaining previously modified parameters. With each additional simulation, a detailed comparison of the leakage flow’s direction, pressure gradient, and mass flow, as well as the leakage vortex and its roll-up, size, losses, location, and interaction with other flow features, was conducted.

Part II of this two-part paper series focuses on the effect of relative motion of the outer casing on the leakage flow and vortex development. Casing relative motion resulted in less mass flow through the gap and a smaller leakage vortex. The structure of the aerothermal losses in the passage changed dramatically when the outer casing motion was incorporated, but the total losses in the passage remained very similar. Additional secondary flows that were seen near the casing are also discussed.

A more thorough thesis on the research presented in this paper can be found at the World Wide Web address http://navier.aero.psu.edu/∼jat.
Development of a Catalytic Combustor for a Biomass Fueled Gas Turbine
Authors: Lebas Etienne , Martin Gérard Henri
Published: August 2014

Combustion of biomass derived fuels often results in high emissions levels of pollutants such as NOx, CO and unburned hydrocarbons. In gas turbines, catalytic combustion of biofuels has the potential to reduce emissions of these undesired species. The ULECAT project (Ultra Low Emissions CATalytic combustor), European project led by IFP, initiated the development of an ultra-low emission gas turbine in the range of 1 to 5 MWe, able to run with both biomass derived gases and liquid fuels.

The first part of the project has been devoted to the definition of the system and the development of catalysts capable of burning both biomass derived fuels and Diesel fuel. It was mainly focused on high temperature catalyst durability and the reduction of NOx formation. This last point is of primary importance in biofuels combustion and certain catalysts have shown an important potential in reducing ammonia conversion into NOx in some operating conditions.

The pilot scale tests have proven the dual fuel operability. Numerical tools were developed and have been validated by pilot tests. They provided useful help in designing the catalytic section of the combustor.

An economical analysis of the system have shown the great potential of catalytic combustion in reducing the operating costs and investment compared to SCR or ammonia scrubbing.
Modelling the Transient Behaviour of Jet Engines
Authors: Peitsch Dieter
Published: August 2014

Understanding the behaviour of turbomachinery components has rapidly improved during the last years. The focus has been set mainly on unsteady component characteristics such as compressor stall and combustion chamber flameout. However, modelling the whole engine during transient operation is still a major workpackage during the development process of modern jet engines.

The aim of transient modelling of jet engines is the prediction of the normal engine behaviour during changes of the powersetting, but also to prove engine safeness in abnormal operation, e.g. caused by failures of the control system. Various approaches are used depending on the application purpose. For the most accurate prediction, complex synthesis programs model each component separately and iterate to match the components against each other. For customer use as well as for evaluation whether the real control software in the Electronic Engine Controller operates satisfactorily, more simple programs are derived from this, which include the engine characteristics in a more general way. This gives a very robust tool for simulation of simple transient manoeuvres as well as e.g. flameout or starting predictions.

The paper will present the variety of approaches for modelling transient engine behaviour and will discuss the limitations of these. It will also include a description, how the control system of modern jet engines, the FADEC, is set up in these environments. This modelling is needed, if a realistic approach towards reliability of in service operation shall be performed. Synthesis results are given from the development process. The use of advanced modelling of the control system with dedicated tools to improve the capabilities of the whole system is highlighted. An example for this is included with regard to the scheduling of the handling bleed valve of the booster compressor. Finally, the paper will give an outlook on the future planning of the synthesis of transient engine operation within Rolls-Royce Deutschland GmbH (RRD).
Increased Customer Value and Reduced Cost of Aeropropulsion Testing Through Reengineering
Authors: Smith Virgil K.
Published: August 2014

Despite shrinking research, development, test, and evaluation (RDT&E) budgets, development of advanced gas turbines and extension of service life on fielded engines continues today, with increased emphasis on decreasing life-cycle cost, shortening development cycles, and improving engine durability. Testing and evaluation (T&E) of these engines plays an important role in maturation of their technology, evaluation of proposed improvements, and, ultimately, system affordability and reliability. Reengineered T&E processes and tools which can deliver increased customer value at decreased cost and which can potentially reduce the system development cycle, the number of development or component improvement program (CIP) engines, the amount of flight testing, and the program risk, are in high demand.

This paper reports specific T&E examples of increasing customer value and decreased costs through

- Consolidation and streamlining of national T&E assets

- Integrated test and evaluation (IT&E) technology development, validation, and application

- Application of information technologies (IT) to routine engine RDT&E

These efforts involve integrated DoD Service planning and execution, application of integrated aeropropulsion ground testing, modeling and simulation, and flight testing (IT&E), and demonstrations of enhanced customer value. Applications to current system developments and component improvements are described.
The Single-Shaft Combined Cycle Myth
Authors: Narula Ram G.
Published: August 2014

Natural-gas-fired combined cycle plants have become the preferred technology for new power generation because of their high thermal efficiency and superior environmental characteristics. An outcome of the recent resurgence in the U.S. power market is that the average size of the new power plant has increased, leading to the use of two or three advanced gas turbines (GTs) per plant. In lieu of the traditional multishaft arrangement, some GT suppliers are advocating the use of multiple trains of their single-shaft reference plants. This paper covers salient differences between the two approaches and discusses at length the major variables and their impact on balance-of-plant cost that must be carefully examined for a cost-effective solution.
The Procurement of a 1–2MW Gas Turbine Alternator for the Royal Navy
Authors: Fielder James A.
Published: August 2014

This paper provides a high level overview of why the Royal Navy is seeking to procure a 1–2MW Gas Turbine Alternator as part of a full electric propulsion system. It describes the Royal Navy requirements of marine gas turbines and highlights the reasons for the adoption of Integrated Full Electric Propulsion. The paper also describes the major technical and commercial requirements of the 1–2MW gas turbine alternator and the procurement process that was used to select the prime contractor.
Use of Unconventional Fuels in Gas Turbines
Authors: Mukherjee Dilip K.
Published: August 2014

In several industrial processes, various hydrocarbons, such as low BTU blast furnace gas, syngas, Naphtha, heavy oil and condensate, are available as by-products or residues. Burning such unconventional fuels for combined cycle power generation can be attractive in certain countries due to their low prices or availability compared to natural gas or distillate.

In this paper, design and operating experience of combined cycle power plants burning such unconventional fuels, e.g. Bao Shan in China burning LBTU gas, GVK in India burning Naphtha and Api in Italy burning medium Btu gas from heavy oil (refinery bottom) gasification etc. are discussed. The high degree of manufacturers’ ability to develop such projects and design the required equipment — burners/combustors, CC power train and control systems — is illustrated. In addition, the development of Naphtha and condensate burner for GT13E2 is described in short.
Analysis of Complex Three-Dimensional Flow in a Three-Stage LP Turbine by Means of Transitional Navier-Stokes Simulation
Authors: Gier Jochen , Ardey Sabine , Heisler Adam
Published: August 2014

The complex three-dimensional flow field in a highly loaded three-stage LPT is analysed on the basis of a steady three-dimensional flow simulation. The quality of the simulation concerning this configuration is demonstrated by means of a comparison with extensive experimental data gathered in a turbine test rig. For an accurate representation of the transitional character of the turbine flow a modified version of the Abu-Ghannam Shaw transition model is employed in the TRACE_S Navier-Stokes code in connection with a two-equation turbulence model.

The flow field of this highly loaded turbine is characterised by complex secondary flow pattern as well as local separation and reattachment zones. The need and applicability of transition modelling is demonstrated by a comparison with a fully turbulent calculation and experimental flow visualisation. The basic flow structure is described in terms of several characteristic quantities and discussed in detail. For further analysis variations of the point of operation and the geometry also based on experiments are included in this investigation.
Advanced Instrumentation Development for the High Cycle Fatigue (HCF) Program and the National Turbine Engine Durability (NTED) Initiative
Authors: Stange William A.
Published: August 2014

This paper presents an overview of current research efforts aimed at improving turbine engine structural instrumentation and inspection capabilities. Emphasis is placed on non-intrusive concepts, which will be applicable to the advanced engines being designed for initial operational testing shortly after the turn of the century. Technologies to be described include: blade tip deflection sensors to determine dynamic stress, thermographic phosphors to measure metal temperature, pressure sensitive paints and air etalons to measure dynamic pressure, X Ray diffraction to determine residual stress, and micro electro mechanical systems to assess a variety of parameters. Advantages of the various systems, potential problems and limitations, as well as an assessment as to their applicability to either the High Cycle Fatigue (HCF) program, or the National Turbine Engine Durability (NTED) initiative are discussed.
Limitations of the Weibull Theory in Stress Fields With Pronounced Stress Gradients
Authors: Brückner-Foit A. , Hülsmeier P. , Sckuhr M. , Riesch-Oppermann H.
Published: August 2014

The Weibull theory for brittle fracture of ceramic materials has to be modified for stress fields with pronounced spatial inhomogeneities, e.g. for severe thermal shock or for material joints. This is due to the fact that the stress intensity factor determining the failure behavior of the natural flaws is affected by the stress gradients. This leads to a rather involved relationship between critical flaw size and applied stress and affects the strength.
Within-Participant Variance in Multiplanar Breast Kinematics During 5 km Treadmill Running
Authors: Milligan Alexandra , Mills Chris , Scurr Joanna
Published: August 2014

More and more studies are emerging reporting breast kinematics. These studies rarely present effect sizes, power, and variance in the data. Important inferences are drawn from these data, including applications to product design, breast pain assessment, sports performance effects, and more. The aim of the study was to explore the within-participant variance in breast kinematic data during a 5 km run. Multiplanar breast kinematics and within-participant variance, defined by the coefficient of variation, for 10 female participants wearing a low and high level breast support were calculated during a 5 km run. Greater within-participant variance was reported in the high level (mean = 15%) breast support compared with the low level (mean = 12%). Within-participant variance in breast kinematics did not change over the 5 km run. Differences in the magnitude of within-participant variance in breast kinematics were reported between directions of breast movement, with greater levels in the anteroposterior direction compared with mediolateral and vertical. It is important for the progression of this research area that the presence and sources of within-participant variance in breast kinematics are quantified and acknowledged, ensuring that the margin for meaningful differences can be reported.
Arabidopsis
NAC45/86 direct sieve element morphogenesis culminating in enucleation
Authors: Furuta Kaori Miyashima , Yadav Shri Ram , Lehesranta Satu , Belevich Ilya , Miyashima Shunsuke , Heo Jung-ok , Vatén Anne , Lindgren Ove , De Rybel Bert , Van Isterdael Gert , Somervuo Panu , Lichtenberger Raffael , Rocha Raquel , Thitamadee Siripong , Tähtiharju Sari , Auvinen Petri , Beeckman Tom , Jokitalo Eija , Helariutta Ykä
Published: August 2014

Removing the nucleus in sieve elements

Although a cell's nucleus performs critical command and control functions, some cell types, such as enucleated red blood cells, seem to do without. Sieve element cells in plants similarly carry out their function of transporting nutrients and signals from one end of the plant to the other without the guidance of a nucleus. Furuta
et al.
watched how the nucleus self-destructs during the development of sieve element cells (see the Perspective by Geldner). The process is regulated under the control of transcription factors, even as the entire nuclear edifice crumbles into nothingness.

Science
, this issue p.
933
; see also p.
875
Casimir energy of non-flat bordered membrane
Authors: Droguett B. , Rojas J. C.
Published: August 2014

We compute the Casimir energy which arises in a bi-dimensional surface due to the quantum fluctuations of a scalar field. We assume that the boundaries are non-flat and the field obeys Dirichlet condition. We re-parametrize the problem to one which has flat boundary conditions and the irregularity is treated as a perturbation in the Laplace–Beltrami operator associated to the coordinate transformation. Later, to compute the Casimir energy, we use zeta function regularization. It is compared with the results coming from perturbation theory with the one from Wentzel–Kramers–Brillouin (WKB) method.
Stock Prediction by Searching for Similarities in Candlestick Charts
Authors: Tsai Chih-Fong , Quan Zen-Yu
Published: August 2014

The aim of stock prediction is to effectively predict future stock market trends (or stock prices), which can lead to increased profit. One major stock analysis method is the use of candlestick charts. However, candlestick chart analysis has usually been based on the utilization of numerical formulas. There has been no work taking advantage of an image processing technique to directly analyze the visual content of the candlestick charts for stock prediction. Therefore, in this study we apply the concept of image retrieval to extract seven different wavelet-based texture features from candlestick charts. Then, similar historical candlestick charts are retrieved based on different texture features related to the query chart, and the “future” stock movements of the retrieved charts are used for stock prediction. To assess the applicability of this approach to stock prediction, two datasets are used, containing 5-year and 10-year training and testing sets, collected from the Dow Jones Industrial Average Index (INDU) for the period between 1990 and 2009. Moreover, two datasets (2010 and 2011) are used to further validate the proposed approach. The experimental results show that visual content extraction and similarity matching of candlestick charts is a new and useful analytical method for stock prediction. More specifically, we found that the extracted feature vectors of 30, 90, and 120, the number of textual features extracted from the candlestick charts in the BMP format, are more suitable for predicting stock movements, while the 90 feature vector offers the best performance for predicting short- and medium-term stock movements. That is, using the 90 feature vector provides the lowest MAPE (3.031%) and Theil’s U (1.988%) rates in the twenty-year dataset, and the best MAPE (2.625%, 2.945%) and Theil’s U (1.622%, 1.972%) rates in the two validation datasets (2010 and 2011).
Real-time communications
Authors: Davids Carol , Ormazabal Gaston , State Radu
Published: August 2014

In this article we describe the discussion and conclusions of the "Roundtable on Real-Time Communications Research: What to Study and How to Collaborate" held at the Illinois Institute of Technology's Real-Time Communications Conference and Expo, co-located with the IPTComm Conference, October 15--17, 2013.
Effects of 5 days of head-down bed rest, with and without short-arm centrifugation as countermeasure, on cardiac function in males (BR-AG1 study)
Authors: Caiani E. G. , Massabuau P. , Weinert L. , Vaïda P. , Lang R. M.
Published: August 2014

This study examined cardiac remodeling and functional changes induced by 5 days of head-down (−6°) bed rest (HDBR) and the effectiveness of short-arm centrifugation (SAC) in preventing them in males. Twelve healthy men (mean age: 33 ± 7) were enrolled in a crossover design study (BR-AG1, European Space Agency), including one sedentary (CTRL) and two daily SAC countermeasures (SAC1, 30 min continuously; SAC2, 30 min intermittently) groups. Measurements included plasma and blood volume and left ventricular (LV) and atrial (LA) dimensions by transthoracic echocardiography (2- and 3-dimensional) and Doppler inflows. Results showed that 5 days of HDBR had a major impact on both the geometry and cardiac function in males. LV mass and volume decreased by 16 and 14%, respectively; LA volume was reduced by 36%; Doppler flow and tissue Doppler velocities were reduced during early filling by 18 and 12%, respectively; and aortic flow velocity time integral was decreased by 18% with a 3% shortening of LV ejection time. These modifications were presumably due to decreased physiological loading and dehydration, resulting in reduced plasma and blood volume. All these changes were fully reversed 3 days after termination of HDBR. Moreover, SAC was not able to counteract these changes, either when applied continuously or intermittently.
Recent Prediagnostic Aspirin Use, Lymph Node Involvement, and 5-Year Mortality in Women with Stage I–III Breast Cancer: A Nationwide Population-Based Cohort Study
Authors: Barron Thomas I. , Flahavan Evelyn M. , Sharp Linda , Bennett Kathleen , Visvanathan Kala
Published: August 2014

Lymph node–positive breast tumors are more likely to express COX2 than node-negative tumors. In preclinical studies, COX2 inhibition prevents breast tumor spread to lymph nodes. Therefore, we examined the association between recent (1 year) prediagnostic use of aspirin (COX1/COX2 inhibitor), lymph node involvement at breast cancer diagnosis, and breast cancer–specific mortality. Women with stage I–III breast cancer diagnosed from 2001 to 2006 (N = 2,796) were identified from Ireland's National Cancer Registry. These data were linked to prescription refill and mammographic screening databases. Relative risks (RR) were estimated for associations between prediagnostic aspirin use and lymph node–positive status at diagnosis. HRs were estimated for associations between pre- and postdiagnostic aspirin use and 5-year mortality, stratified by lymph node status. Women with prediagnostic aspirin use were statistically significantly less likely to present with a lymph node–positive tumor than nonusers [RR = 0.89; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.81–0.97], particularly those with larger (Pinteraction = 0.036), progesterone receptor (PR)–negative (Pinteraction < 0.001) or estrogen receptor (ER)–negative (Pinteraction = 0.056) tumors. The magnitude of this association increased with dose (Ptrend < 0.01) and dosing intensity (Ptrend < 0.001) and was similar in women with or without screen-detected tumors (Pinteraction = 0.70). Prediagnostic aspirin use was associated with lower 5-year breast cancer–specific mortality among women with lymph node–negative tumors (HR, 0.55; 95% CI, 0.33–0.92) but not node-positive tumors (HR, 0.91; 95% CI, 0.37–1.22). Tests for effect-modification were, however, not statistically significant (Pinteraction = 0.087). Postdiagnostic aspirin use was not associated with breast cancer–specific mortality (HR, 0.99; 95% CI, 0.68–1.45). Our findings indicate that recent prediagnostic aspirin use is protective against lymph node–positive breast cancer. This is a plausible explanation for reductions in breast cancer mortality reported in observational studies of aspirin use. Cancer Res; 74(15); 4065–77. ©2014 AACR.
Vitamin D in Blood and Risk of Prostate Cancer: Lessons from the Selenium and Vitamin E Cancer Prevention Trial and the Prostate Cancer Prevention Trial
Authors: Schwartz Gary G.
Published: August 2014

The effects of blood levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OHD) on the risk of total, low-, and high-grade prostate cancer were examined in the Selenium and Vitamin E Cancer Prevention Trial (SELECT) and the Prostate Cancer Prevention Trial (PCPT). In the SELECT study, plasma 25-OHD levels were associated with a linear decrease in prostate cancer risk for high-grade cancers in African American men and an apparent “U”-shaped effect in other men. The “U-shaped” curve may reflect detection bias. In the PCPT study, in which detection bias was minimized, serum 25-OHD levels were associated with a linear decrease in the risk of high-grade prostate cancers. The results from these large prevention trials support the hypothesis that circulating levels of 25-OHD decrease the risk of clinically relevant prostate cancers. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 23(8); 1447–9. ©2014 AACR.
Color-Coded Fluid-Attenuated Inversion Recovery Images Improve Inter-Rater Reliability of Fluid-Attenuated Inversion Recovery Signal Changes Within Acute Diffusion-Weighted Image Lesions
Authors: Kim Bum Joon , Kim Yong-Hwan , Kim Yeon-Jung , Ahn Sung Ho , Lee Deok Hee , Kwon Sun U. , Kim Sang Joon , Kim Jong S. , Kang Dong-Wha
Published: August 2014

Background and Purpose—

Diffusion-weighted image fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) mismatch has been considered to represent ischemic lesion age. However, the inter-rater agreement of diffusion-weighted image FLAIR mismatch is low. We hypothesized that color-coded images would increase its inter-rater agreement.

Methods—

Patients with ischemic stroke <24 hours of a clear onset were retrospectively studied. FLAIR signal change was rated as negative, subtle, or obvious on conventional and color-coded FLAIR images based on visual inspection. Inter-rater agreement was evaluated using κ and percent agreement. The predictive value of diffusion-weighted image FLAIR mismatch for identification of patients <4.5 hours of symptom onset was evaluated.

Results—

One hundred and thirteen patients were enrolled. The inter-rater agreement of FLAIR signal change improved from 69.9% (
k
=0.538) with conventional images to 85.8% (
k
=0.754) with color-coded images (
P
=0.004). Discrepantly rated patients on conventional, but not on color-coded images, had a higher prevalence of cardioembolic stroke (
P
=0.02) and cortical infarction (
P
=0.04). The positive predictive value for patients <4.5 hours of onset was 85.3% and 71.9% with conventional and 95.7% and 82.1% with color-coded images, by each rater.

Conclusions—

Color-coded FLAIR images increased the inter-rater agreement of diffusion-weighted image FLAIR recovery mismatch and may ultimately help identify unknown-onset stroke patients appropriate for thrombolysis.
Characteristics of Intracerebral Hemorrhage During Rivaroxaban Treatment
Authors: Hagii Joji , Tomita Hirofumi , Metoki Norifumi , Saito Shin , Shiroto Hiroshi , Hitomi Hiroyasu , Kamada Takaatsu , Seino Satoshi , Takahashi Koki , Baba Yoshiko , Sasaki Satoko , Uchizawa Takamitsu , Iwata Manabu , Matsumoto Shigeo , Osanai Tomohiro , Yasujima Minoru , Okumura Ken
Published: August 2014

Background and Purpose—

Neuroradiological characteristics and functional outcomes of patients with intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) during novel oral anticoagulant treatment were not well defined. We examined these in comparison with those during warfarin treatment.

Methods—

The consecutive 585 patients with ICH admitted from April 2011 through October 2013 were retrospectively studied. Of all, 5 patients (1%) had ICH during rivaroxaban treatment, 56 (10%) during warfarin, and the other 524 (89%) during no anticoagulants. We focused on ICH during rivaroxaban and warfarin treatments and compared the clinical characteristics, neuroradiological findings, and functional outcomes.

Results—

Patients in the rivaroxaban group were all at high risk for major bleeding with hypertension, abnormal renal/liver function, stroke, bleeding history or predisposition, labile international normalized ratio, elderly, drugs/alcohol concomitantly (HAS-BLED) score of 3 and higher rate of past history of ICH. Moreover, multiple cerebral microbleeds (≥4) were detected more frequently in rivaroxaban group than in warfarin (80% versus 29%;
P
=0.04). Hematoma volume in rivaroxaban group was markedly smaller than that in warfarin (median: 4 versus 11 mL;
P
=0.03). No patient in the rivaroxaban group had expansion of hematoma and surgical treatment. Rivaroxaban group showed lower modified Rankin Scale at discharge relative to warfarin, and the difference between modified Rankin Scale before admission and at discharge was smaller in rivaroxaban than in warfarin (median: 1 versus 3;
P
=0.047). No patient in the rivaroxaban group died during hospitalization, whereas 10 (18%) warfarin patients died.

Conclusions—

Rivaroxaban-associated ICH occurs in patients at high risk for major bleeding. However, they had a relatively small hematoma, no expansion of hematoma, and favorable functional and vital outcomes compared with warfarin-associated ICH.
The Distribution of the Hebrew Possessive Dative Construction: Guided by Unaccusativity or Prominence?
Authors: Gafter Roey J.
Published: August 2014

This article challenges the empirical generalization that the possessed element in the Hebrew possessive dative (PD) construction cannot be an external argument ( Borer and Grodzinsky 1986 ), a generalization that has been leveraged in the use of the PD construction as an unaccusativity diagnostic. An acceptability judgment experiment shows that the PD construction is dispreferred when the possessor is less prominent than the possessee on the animacy or definiteness scale; however, it shows no effect of unaccusativity, raising serious doubts regarding the construction’s validity as an unaccusativity diagnostic.
Justification of God in His Word in Ps 51:6 and Rom 3:4
Authors: Krašovec Jože
Published: August 2014

The penitent’s confession in Ps 51:6-7 contains the root ṣdq, generally denoting God’s righteousness, which designates God’s redemptive plan and fidelity to a faithful people and, thus, God’s steadfast love. Verse 6b reads: lěmaʿan tiṣdaq bědobrekā tizkeh bešopṭekā. The conjunction lěmaʿan has been understood in two different ways: some maintain that the conjunction expresses the purpose of the foregoing confession of sin, others that it introduces a consequence clause. In this exploration of the meaning of the passage we shall repeatedly encounter the question: what can and what cannot be deduced from the context of the psalm and from the broadest context of the Bible? To what degree may we rely on thematic, linguistic, literary, and stylistic properties of the psalm? How to explain the connection between the psalmist’s sin and the justification of God’s treatment of him in terms of redemption and judgement in the broadest Biblical context?
The Cosmopolitan Character of the Korahite Musical Congregation: Evidence from Psalm 87
Authors: Amzallag Nissim
Published: August 2014

Psalm 87 is generally interpreted as a song of pilgrimage praising Jerusalem as the ‘mother of nations’. This theme is, however, unknown in the Bible. Furthermore, both the structure and meaning of psalm 87 remain very obscure in this thematic context of interpretation. Alternatively, the present analysis suggests that psalm 87 evokes the diffusion abroad of the musical worship of yhwh by Korahite singers, its contribution to the fame of Zion, and of this congregation of singers. It also deals with the mutual commitment between the Jerusalemite singers and their peers living far away. A coherent articulation of these meanings emerges after setting the psalm in cross responsa fashion, a mode of complex antiphony in which distant cola are combined through the intertwinement of voices during performance. This interpretation is supported by biblical sources evoking the presence of Jerusalemite singers in foreign lands and their involvement in local musical worship of yhwh. The esoteric character of Psalm 87 and its complex mode of performance suggest that this song was specifically composed for the small congregation of Jerusalemite singers, and not for public cult.
Additions to the Nepticulidae (Lepidoptera) of East Asia, with descriptions of three new species from Primorskiy Kray
Authors: STONIS JONAS R. , ROCIENĖ AGNĖ
Published: August 2014

Stigmella multispicata Rocienė & Stonis, sp. nov., S. sexcornuta Rocienė & Stonis, sp. nov., and Ectoedemia paraortiva Rocienė & Stonis, sp. nov. are described from Primorskiy Kray (Russian Far East). The new species are illustrated with photographs and drawings of the adults and genitalia. Stigmella thuringiaca (Petry), a species previously known only from West Palaearctic, is here newly recorded in East Asia. The male genitalia of the little known Stigmella gimmonella (Matsumura) are illustrated for the first time with photographs; the male genital morphology of two other species, S. tranocrossa Kemperman & Wilkinson and Ectoedemia philipi Puplesis, is updated and newly documented. A chart of chorological composition of the Nepticulidae currently known in East Asia is provided.
First evidence of cynipids from the Oceanian Region: the description of Lithonecrus papuanus a new genus and species of cynipid inquiline from Papua New Guinea (Hymenoptera: Cynipidae, Synergini)
Authors: NIEVES-ALDREY J. l. , BUTTERILL P. T.
Published: August 2014

Lithonecrus papuanus Nieves-Aldrey & Butterill, a new genus and species of inquiline oak gall wasps (Hymenoptera: Cynipidae: Synergini), is described from material reared from galls on Lithocarpus celebicus (Miq.) Rehd., collected in Papua New Guinea. The new genus and species is the first record of a cynipid from Papua New Guinea and the whole  Oceanian biogeographic region,  and represents the easternmost oriental record of a cynipid wasp (Hymenoptera: Cynipidae). The new genus is similar to Saphonecrus Dalla Torre & Kieffer, and to the recently described Lithosaphonecrus Tang, Melika & Bozsó, but differs from these genera in several important diagnostic characters. Taxonomic affinities and differences with related genera and species and biogeographical implications are discussed.
The genus Nyctiophylax Brauer in China (Trichoptera, Polycentropodidae)
Authors: ZHONG HUA , YANG Lian-Fang , Morse John C.
Published: August 2014

Currently, 8 species of the genus Nyctiophylax Brauer are known from China. Examination of material collected from Guangdong, Guangxi, Jiangxi and Sichuan Provinces during 2004–2005 has revealed 4 new species and 2 new records of this genus, bringing the number of Chinese Nyctiophylax species to 14. Newly described species include: Nyctiophylax (Paranyctiophylax) crinalis n. sp., N. (P.) dactylatus n. sp., N. (P.) orbicularis n. sp., and N. (P.) macrorrhinus n. sp. Nyctiophylax (Paranyctiophylax) sagax Mey and N. (N.) amphonion Malicky & Chantaramongkol are newly recorded for the Chinese fauna, which are re-illustrated and re-described for clear comparisons. The additional collection sites for the previously described species are provided.
Adequacy of antenatal care and its relationship with low birth weight in Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil: a case-control study
Authors: Branco da Fonseca Cátia Regina , Strufaldi Maria Wany Louzada , de Carvalho Lídia Raquel , Puccini Rosana Fiorini
Published: August 2014

Background

Birth weight reflects gestational conditions and development during the fetal period. Low birth weight (LBW) may be associated with antenatal care (ANC) adequacy and quality. The purpose of this study was to analyze ANC adequacy and its relationship with LBW in the Unified Health System in Brazil.

Methods

A case-control study was conducted in Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil, 2004 to 2008. Data were collected from secondary sources (the Live Birth Certificate), and primary sources (the official medical records of pregnant women). The study population consisted of two groups, each with 860 newborns. The case group comprised newborns weighing less than 2,500 grams, while the control group comprised live newborns weighing greater than or equal to 2,500 grams. Adequacy of ANC was evaluated according to three measurements: 1. Adequacy of the number of ANC visits adjusted to gestational age; 2. Modified Kessner Index; and 3. Adequacy of ANC laboratory studies and exams summary measure according to parameters defined by the Ministry of Health in the Program for Prenatal and Birth Care Humanization.

Results

Analyses revealed that LBW was associated with the number of ANC visits adjusted to gestational age (OR = 1.78, 95% CI 1.32-2.34) and the ANC laboratory studies and exams summary measure (OR = 4.13, 95% CI 1.36-12.51). According to the modified Kessner Index, 64.4% of antenatal visits in the LBW group were adequate, with no differences between groups.

Conclusions

Our data corroborate the association between inadequate number of ANC visits, laboratory studies and exams, and increased risk of LBW newborns. No association was found between the modified Kessner Index as a measure of adequacy of ANC and LBW. This finding reveals the low indices of coverage for basic actions already well regulated in the Health System in Brazil. Despite the association found in the study, we cannot conclude that LBW would be prevented only by an adequate ANC, as LBW is associated with factors of complex and multifactorial etiology. The results could be used to plan monitoring measures and evaluate programs of health care assistance during pregnancy, at delivery and to newborns, focusing on reduced LBW rates.
Can electronic monitoring (GPS ‘tracking’) enhance risk management in psychiatry?
Authors: Tully John , Hearn Dave , Fahy Thomas
Published: August 2014

Electronic monitoring has been used in criminal justice and some health settings for three decades. Technological interventions are becoming more common in psychiatry, but may be a cause for ethical concerns and controversy. We discuss electronic monitoring as an aid to security and public safety in a forensic setting.
Is Gifted Education a Bright Idea? Assessing the Impact of Gifted and Talented Programs on Students
Authors: Bui Sa A. , Craig Steven G. , Imberman Scott A.
Published: August 2014

We evaluate the impact of Gifted and Talented (GT) programs on students through a regression discontinuity (RD) design, and by analyzing a randomized lottery for elite magnet GT schools. We show that GT students in each analysis are exposed to higher achieving peers and, in the RD sample, a more advanced curriculum. We find that achievement for marginal students neither improves nor worsens from GT services in the short run. We also find that lottery winners only perform better in science. Using a bounding analysis we cannot rule out zero, though we do not find any significant negative effects. (JEL H51, H75, I21, I28)
Cost-per-Click Pricing for Display Advertising
Authors: Najafi-Asadolahi Sami , Fridgeirsdottir Kristin
Published: August 2014

Display advertising is a $25 billion business with a promising upward revenue trend. In this paper, we consider an online display advertising setting in which a web publisher posts display ads on its website and charges based on the cost-per-click pricing scheme while promising to deliver a certain number of clicks to the ads posted. The publisher is faced with uncertain demand for advertising slots and uncertain traffic to its website as well as uncertain click behavior of visitors. We formulate the problem as a novel queueing system, where the slots correspond to service channels with the service rate of each server inversely related to the number of active servers. We obtain the closed-form solution for the steady-state probabilities of the number of ads in the publisher's system. We determine the publisher's optimal price to charge per click and show that it can increase in the number of advertising slots and the number of promised clicks. We show that the common heuristic used by many web publishers to convert between the cost-per-click and cost-per-impression pricing schemes using the so-called click-through-rate can be misleading because it may incur substantial revenue loss to web publishers. We provide an alternative explanation for the phenomenon observed by several publishers that the click-through-rate tends to drop when they switch from the cost-per-click to cost-per-impression pricing scheme.
Blistering in images
Authors: Watkins Jean
Published: August 2014

DIAGNOSIS

Various different conditions can be diagnosed from the presentation of blisters. Jean Watkins discusses some common causes of blistering and the treatments required
New and updated reviews published by the Cochrane collaboration
Authors: Das A.
Published: August 2014

In a decidedly upper limb themed series of reviews this edition of Cochrane Corner summarises four new and updated reviews published by the Cochrane Bone, Joint and Muscle Trauma Group over the last few months. The tenacious reviewers at the Cochrane collaboration have turned their beady eyes to conservative treatments for shoulder dislocations and clavicle fractures along with evaluation of femoral nerve blocks in knee replacement and how to best manage entrapment injuries in children.
Capacity building in Developing World orthopaedics
Authors: Budd H. , Ollivere B. , Norrish A.
Published: August 2014

While the demand for orthopaedic surgical expertise in the developing world is in critically short supply, short-term remedy from visiting doctors cannot solve this long-term healthcare problem. Capacity building by senior and training orthopaedic surgeons from established Western training programmes can offer a significant contribution to the orthopaedic patient in the developing world and the gains for those visiting are extremely valuable. We report on several visits by a UK orthopaedic team to a hospital in Kabul, Afghanistan and discuss the operative and non-operative case mix and the benefits in terms of local capacity building and the unique experience of those visiting.
Transformation
Authors: Robertson David G.
Published: August 2014

American horror novelist Whitley Strieber’s account of an apparent “alien abduction” in Communion: A True Story (1987) was instrumental in bringing the abductee narrative into popular culture. Despite his ongoing engagement with mainstream ufology, in this article I argue that Strieber’s experiences are more representative of a broader paranormal category, here defined discursively. I first examine this claim through an assessment of Strieber’s career, particularly how his experience transformed his understanding of the nature of reality and brought him to challenge epistemic norms more broadly. Then, through ethnographic fieldwork, I consider whether this pattern repeated itself among subscribers at Strieber’s 2012 Dreamland Festival in Nashville. I find that, in many cases, the paranormal experience acted as a catalyst for a larger questioning of epistemic norms—in short, a paranormal gnosis.