bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influenza Research Database: an integrated bioinformatics resource for influenza research and surveillance
Authors: Squires R. Burke , Noronha Jyothi , Hunt Victoria , García‐Sastre Adolfo , Macken Catherine , Baumgarth Nicole , Suarez David , Pickett Brett E. , Zhang Yun , Larsen Christopher N. , Ramsey Alvin , Zhou Liwei , Zaremba Sam , Kumar Sanjeev , Deitrich Jon , Klem Edward , Scheuermann Richard H.
Published: January 2012

Please cite this paper as: Squires et al. (2012) Influenza research database: an integrated bioinformatics resource for influenza research and surveillance. Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses 6(6), 404–416.

Background  The recent emergence of the 2009 pandemic influenza A/H1N1 virus has highlighted the value of free and open access to influenza virus genome sequence data integrated with information about other important virus characteristics.

Design  The Influenza Research Database (IRD, http://www.fludb.org) is a free, open, publicly‐accessible resource funded by the U.S. National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases through the Bioinformatics Resource Centers program. IRD provides a comprehensive, integrated database and analysis resource for influenza sequence, surveillance, and research data, including user‐friendly interfaces for data retrieval, visualization and comparative genomics analysis, together with personal log in‐protected ‘workbench’ spaces for saving data sets and analysis results. IRD integrates genomic, proteomic, immune epitope, and surveillance data from a variety of sources, including public databases, computational algorithms, external research groups, and the scientific literature.

Results  To demonstrate the utility of the data and analysis tools available in IRD, two scientific use cases are presented. A comparison of hemagglutinin sequence conservation and epitope coverage information revealed highly conserved protein regions that can be recognized by the human adaptive immune system as possible targets for inducing cross‐protective immunity. Phylogenetic and geospatial analysis of sequences from wild bird surveillance samples revealed a possible evolutionary connection between influenza virus from Delaware Bay shorebirds and Alberta ducks.

Conclusions  The IRD provides a wealth of integrated data and information about influenza virus to support research of the genetic determinants dictating virus pathogenicity, host range restriction and transmission, and to facilitate development of vaccines, diagnostics, and therapeutics.
Sensory Acceptance and Survival of Probiotic Bacteria in Ice Cream Produced with Different Overrun Levels
Authors: Ferraz Juliana L. , Cruz Adriano G. , Cadena Rafael S. , Freitas Monica Q. , Pinto Uelinton M. , Carvalho Celio C. , Faria Jose A.F. , Bolini Helena M.A.
Published: January 2012

Abstract:  The effect of different overrun levels on the sensory acceptance and survival of probiotic bacteria in ice cream was investigated. Vanilla ice creams supplemented with Lactobacillus acidophilus were processed with overruns of 45%, 60%, and 90%. Viable probiotic bacterial counts and sensory acceptance were assessed. All the ice creams presented a minimum count of 6 log CFU/g at the end of 60 d of frozen storage. However, higher overrun levels negatively influenced cell viability, being reported a decrease of 2 log CFU/g for the 90% overrun treatment. In addition, it was not reported an influence about acceptability with respect to appearance, aroma, and taste of the ice creams (P > 0.05). Overall, the results suggest that lower overrun levels should be adopted during the manufacture of ice cream in order to maintain its probiotic status through the shelf life.
Comparative Study on the Antioxidant Capacity and Cholinesterase Inhibitory Activity of Citrus aurantifolia Swingle, C. aurantium L., and C. bergamia Risso and Poit. Peel Essential Oils
Authors: Tundis Rosa , Loizzo Monica Rosa , Bonesi Marco , Menichini Federica , Mastellone Vincenzo , Colica Carmela , Menichini Francesco
Published: January 2012

Abstract:  The interest in medicinal plant research and in the aroma‐therapeutic effects of essential oils in humans has increased in recent years, especially for the treatment of pathologies of relevant social impact such as Alzheimer's disease. The present study was taken up to evaluate the antioxidant capacity and the acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) inhibitory activity of the peel essential oils from three Citrus species, C. aurantifolia Swingle, C. aurantium L., and C. bergamia Risso & Poit. Essential oils were analyzed by GC and GC‐MS and they contain mainly limonene, α‐pinene, β‐pinene, γ‐terpinene, and linalyl acetate. C. aurantifolia oil showed the highest radical scavenging activity on ABTS assay (IC50 value of 19.6 μg/mL), while C. bergamia exhibited a good antioxidant activity evaluated by the β‐carotene bleaching test (IC50= 42.6 μg/mL after 60 min of incubation). C. aurantifolia inhibited more selectively AChE. Obtained data suggest a potential use of Citrus oils as a valuable new flavor with functional properties for food or nutraceutical products with particular relevance to supplements for the elderly.

Practical Application:  The demonstrated antioxidant activity and procholinesterase properties of Citrus essential oils suggested their use as a new potential source of natural antioxidant to added as extra‐nutrient for using in food industries as a valuable new flavor with functional properties for food or nutraceutical products with particular relevance to supplements for the elderly.
Bioengineered nisin derivatives with enhanced activity in complex matrices
Authors: Rouse Susan , Field Des , Daly Karen M. , O'Connor Paula M. , Cotter Paul D. , Hill Colin , Ross R. Paul
Published: January 2012

Nisin A is the best known and most extensively characterized lantibiotic. As it is ribosomally synthesized, bioengineering‐based strategies can be used to generate variants. We have previously demonstrated that bioengineering of the hinge region of nisin A can result in the generation of variants with enhanced anti‐microbial activity against Gram‐positive pathogens. Here we created a larger bank of hinge variant producers and screened for producers that exhibit enhanced bioactivity as assessed by agar‐based assays against a selection of target strains. Further analysis of 12 ‘lead’ variants reveals that in many cases enhanced bioactivity is not attributable to enhanced specific activity but is instead as a consequence of an enhanced ability to diffuse through complex polymers. In the case of two variants, which contain the residues SVA and NAK, respectively, within the hinge region, we demonstrate that this enhanced trait enables the peptides to dramatically outperform nisin A with respect to controlling Listeria monocytogenes in commercially produced chocolate milk that contains carrageenan as a stabilizer.
Germination of Lecanicillium fungicola in the mycosphere of Agaricus bisporus
Authors: Berendsen Roeland L. , Kalkhove Stefanie I. C. , Lugones Luis G. , Wösten Han A. B. , Bakker Peter A. H. M.
Published: January 2012

Dry bubble disease is a major problem in the commercial cultivation of the white button mushroom Agaricus bisporus and is caused by the ascomycete Lecanicillium fungicola. In the casing layer, germination of L. fungicola spores is inhibited by the microflora, a phenomenon known as fungistasis. Fungistasis is annulled when the casing is colonized by A. bisporus hyphae. We demonstrated that addition of A. bisporus‐associated sugars, similarly annulled the casing fungistasis. However, casing fungistasis does not seem to be based on competition for resources as L. fungicola spores germinate regardless of nutrient availability. Pseudomonas bacteria are a dominant group of bacteria in the casing and have previously been implied to be essential for the development of fungistasis in soils. Antibiotics produced by model strain Pseudomonas fluorescens CHA0 inhibited L. fungicola spore germination. Addition of glucose desensitized spores of L. fungicola, which resulted in germination in the presence of antibiotics. We conclude that antibiotics produced by the microflora most likely cause fungistasis.
The influence of road transport on the activities of glutathione reductase, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione‐S‐transferase in equine erythrocytes
Authors: Niedźwiedź Artur , Nicpoń Józef , Zawadzki Marcin , Służewska‐Niedźwiedź Monika , Januszewska Lidia
Published: January 2012

Background

Transport of horses may have significant impact on serum biochemical and hematologic analytes and resistance to infection.

Objective

The aim of our study was to assess the influence of transport stress on selected enzymatic antioxidants in equine blood.

Methods

The study was conducted on a group of 60 horses of different breeds and ranging in age from 4 to 10 years. Venous blood was collected immediately before loading horses onto trailers for 8 hours of transport (I), immediately after unloading them from the trailer (II), and after subsequent stall rest for 24 hours (III). Hemolysates of blood were prepared, and hemoglobin (Hb) concentration and activities of the enzymatic antioxidants glutathione reductase (GR), glutathione‐S‐transferase (GST), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) were measured. Enzyme activities were expressed as units of activity per gram of hemoglobin.

Results

There were significant decreases in activities (mean ± SD U/g Hb [minimum–maximum]) of GPx between collection times I (36 ± 14 U/g Hb [9–67 U/g Hb]) and III (30 ± 11 U/g Hb [12–51 U/g Hb]) and of GR between collection times I (54 ± 28 U/g Hb [7–117 U/g Hb]) and II (40 ± 23 U/g Hb [12–145 U/g Hb]). There was no significant difference in activities of GR between collection times I and III (50 ± 27 U/g Hb [9–116 U/g Hb]). There were no differences detected in GST activity among the 3 collection times.

Conclusion

Road transport has an impact on activities of the antioxidant enzymes GPx and GR, with recovery of GR activity evident by 24 hours post‐transport. Decreased activity of these enzymes may be one mechanism for increased susceptibility to infections that are manifest after shipping; alternatively, decreases may indicate utilization as these enzymes work to neutralize increases in reactive oxygen species.
Depression and eating disorders following abuse in childhood in two generations of women
Authors: Andrews Bernice , Valentine Elizabeth R. , Valentine John D.
Published: January 2012

The relation of sexual and physical abuse in childhood to subsequent depression and eating disorders was explored in a community sample of mothers and their teenage and young adult daughters respectively. It was hypothesized that age would be a moderating influence on diagnosis following abuse in that depression would be more common in the mothers and eating disorders more common in the daughters. Depression was more common in mothers than daughters, using Bedford College caseness criteria (Finlay‐Jones et al., 1980), but the difference decreased when Research Diagnostic Criteria (RDC: Spitzer, Endicott & Robbins, 1978) were used. Bulimia was more common in the daughters using DSM‐III criteria. Both physical and sexual abuse were associated with chronic and recurrent depression but not with single short episodes of depression in the mothers. However, the relationship of depression to abuse showed only a weak trend in the daughter sample. Both physical and sexual abuse were related to bulimia in the daughters, but not in the mothers, as only one mother had such a disorder.
Dependency, self‐criticism and attributional style: A reexamination
Authors: Bagby R. Michael , Segal Zindel , Schuller Deborah R.
Published: January 2012

The relationship between dependency and self‐criticism personality dimensions, as measured by the Depressive Experiences Questionnaire (DEQ), and attributions to content‐specific (affiliative, achievement) hypothetical outcome domains on the Expanded Attributional Style Questionnaire (EASQ) was examined. Dependency did not correlate with either affiliative or achievement domains, whereas self‐criticism correlated with both. Replicating previous findings there was also no evidence of differential causal assignment across the attributional dimensions. These results add to an accumulating literature suggesting that the DEQ might not be measuring two independent personality types.
Further evidence for a multidimensional personality disposition to schizophrenia in terms of cognitive inhibition
Authors: Williams Leanne M.
Published: January 2012

A study is repotted using the 'negative priming' paradigm to examine individual differences in cognitive inhibition in relation to distinct features of schizotypy. Seventy psychology students completed four measures of schizotypy, selected to index specific schizotypal traits: the Schizotypy Scale (STA), the Magical Ideation (MI) Scale, the Revised Social Anhedonia (SoA) Scale and the Physical Anhedonia (PhA) Scale. The priming paradigm was based on that of Beech, McManus, Baylis & Agar (1991), including conventional repeat and semantic priming conditions as well as repeat and semantic negative priming conditions, but differed in terms of task and stimuli. Cluster analysis of STA scores revealed a four‐cluster solution reflecting 'very low', 'moderately low', 'moderately high' and 'very high' STA scores. Cluster analysis of MI, SoA, and PhA Scale scores also revealed four clusters. The first cluster comprised those with low scores on all scales. The remaining three clusters were distinguished by those with high MI, high SoA, and high PhA Scale scores, respectively. Those with high STA, MI, and SoA scale scores showed a significantly reduced, or reversed, repeat and semantic negative priming effect compared to those with moderately low STA scores and those low on all scales, respectively. An unexpected finding was that participants with high and moderately high STA scores as well as those with high MI and SoA scores revealed an inhibitory rather than facilitatory conventional repeat priming effect. It is concluded that weakening of inhibitory processes may be associated with a strong presence of schizotypal features related to dimensions of positive schizophrenic symptomatology, whereas schizotypal traits that parallel purely negative schizophrenic symptoms are not linked to reduced inhibition unless there is also a presence of 'positive' schizotypal features. The association of some schizotypal traits with an inhibitory repeat priming effect indicates that stimuli and task differences have a bearing on the attentional processes underlying priming effects for these participants. Thus, Beech et al.'s 'reduced inhibition' model of schizophrenic symptomatology may require refinement.
The WAIS‐R(UK): Basic psychometric properties in an adult UK sample
Authors: Crawford J. R. , Gray C. D. , Allan K. M.
Published: January 2012

The WAIS‐R is the most widely used measure of intellectual ability in the UK, despite never having been standardized in this country. The present study examined the psychometric properties of the WAIS‐R in a sample of 200 subjects, which was representative of the adult UK population in terms of the distributions of age, sex and social class. The properties of the three IQ scales, i.e. the FSIQ, the VIQ and the PIQ, were found to be very similar to those reported for the US standardization sample: the scores were normally distributed, with means close to the desired value of 100; moreover, the reliabilities of the IQ scales were extremely high and closely matched the US reliabilities. There were also indications, however, that the scales have restricted standard deviations when used in the UK. The reliabilities of the 11 original subtests ranged from moderate to high and the majority were similar to the US reliabilities. However, in addition to evidence of restricted SDs, significant differences (sometimes as much as two‐thirds of an SD) were found among the subtest means. These in‐built subtest discrepancies could lead to erroneous conclusions about an individual's performance. A conversion table for UK test users is provided to overcome this problem.
Hypothesis testing in patients with persecutory delusions: Comparison with depressed and normal subjects
Authors: Young Heather Frances , Bentall Richard Pendril
Published: January 2012

The hypothesis‐testing skills of patients with persecutory delusions were studied, and compared with those of matched depressed and normal control groups. Subjects were required to complete a series of visual discrimination problems in which they had to choose between pairs of stimuli presented on cards. Following positive or negative feedback from the examiner, subjects' ability to progressively narrow down the set of possible correct solutions was assessed. The groups did not differ in the range or total number of hypotheses generated. The deluded subjects were less inclined than the controls to stick to their hypotheses when given positive feedback and were more inclined to stick to their hypotheses following negative feedback. They also showed less evidence of ‘focusing’ down their hypothesis to an overall correct solution, in response to successive feedback.
Attrition from a pain management programme
Authors: Coughlan G. M. , Ridout K. L. , Williams A. C. de C. , Richardson P. H.
Published: January 2012

Drop‐out from treatment and attrition from follow‐up present problems for generalizing results from pain management programmes. Predictors of drop‐out and of attrition were sought from a range of psychological and physical variables. Of 239 patients admitted to an in‐patient pain management programme, 24 (10 per cent) dropped out, 12 (5 per cent) did not attend one month follow‐up and 65 (26 per cent) did not attend six month follow‐up. Comparisons were made of personal, medical, psychological, physical and pain measures, taken before admission, on discharge and at one month follow‐up. Drop‐out was best predicted by the combination of low self‐efficacy and poor physical performance. Before treatment, future non‐attenders at six month follow‐up reported more distress due to pain and more frequent catastrophic thinking. Although they improved during treatment, at one month follow‐up future non‐attenders at six month follow‐up scored significantly worse on almost all physical and psychological measures. Frequency of catastrophic thoughts at one month follow‐up was the best predictor of attrition at six month follow‐up.
ECT and non‐memory cognition: A review
Authors: Calev Avraham , Gaudino Elizabeth A. , Squires Nancy K. , Zervas Ianis M. , Fink Max
Published: January 2012

The literature on the effects of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) on non‐memory cognitive functions is reviewed. It is concluded that with early methods of ECT administration (sine wave, high dose), these effects are larger than those of depression. They are less pronounced, and usually do not exceed the effects of depression, when modern methods of ECT administration (brief pulse, moderate or low dose) are used. Following ECT, these functions progressively improve. At one week to seven months after ECT, performance is better than before ECT, probably because of the alleviation of both the effects of depression and of ECT. The time course to full recovery of the non‐memory effects resembles that of the recovery of amnesic effects, although the latter are more pronounced. With bilateral ECT, as with right unilateral ECT, there is evidence that right hemisphere effects are more pronounced. The results of this review argue that clinicians should take the non‐memory cognitive effects of ECT into account, and patients should be informed of their existence before they sign consent for ECT.
Credibility and outcome of cognitive—behavioural and psychodynamic—interpersonal psychotherapy
Authors: Hardy Gillian E. , Barkham Michael , Shapiro David A. , Reynolds Shirley , Rees Anne , Stiles William B.
Published: January 2012

Depressed psychotherapy clients (N = 117) rated the treatment principle credibility of cognitive‐behavioural (CB) and psychodynamic‐interpersonal (PI) before they were randomly assigned to receive either eight or 16 sessions of one of these treatments, and they rated their expectations of the treatment to which they were assigned immediately before (initial credibility) and immediately after their first session (emergent credibility). Results indicated that before they were assigned to a treatment, clients rated CB treatment principle credibility higher than PI treatment principle credibility. After assignment, however, clients rated initial credibility similar regardless of whether they were assigned to CB or PI therapy, and their ratings of emergent credibility increased to a similar degree from immediately before to immediately after the first session in both treatments. Clients' endorsement of CB and PI treatment principle credibility predicted improvement in PI therapy but not improvement in CB therapy. Initial and emergent credibility of clients' assigned treatment predicted improvement for clients who received eight sessions of therapy, but not for clients who received 16 sessions of therapy. The implications of these findings are discussed.
Design of Suction Piping and Deaerator Storage Capacity to Protect Feed Pumps
Authors: Thurston Rodney S.
Published: January 2012

The effect of transient suction pressure decay on a centrifugal boiler feed pump has been under study by Karassik, et al. Using concepts established by these authors, this paper presents an analytical method for determining the minimum permissible weight of water ratio between the deaerator storage tank and the suction piping to the boiler feed pump. With sufficient capacity this tank is capable of insuring against flashing at the pump’s suction, thereby avoiding cavitation and vapor binding of the pump.
Centrifugal Pumps Used as Hydraulic Turbines
Authors: Kittredge C. P.
Published: January 2012

Centrifugal pumps may be used to advantage as small hydraulic turbines where low initial cost is imperative. Pump and turbine characteristics are presented for typical units and a procedure for pump selection is discussed.
Re´sume´ of Compressor Research at the NACA Langley Laboratory
Authors: Savage M. , Boxer E. , Erwin J. R.
Published: January 2012

This paper describes the compressor research program conducted at the NACA Langley Laboratory and highlights the significant developments obtained prior to the discontinuance of this program in 1957. Results of low speed, high speed, and transonic cascade testing are noted. Transonic and supersonic compressor test results and analyses are presented.
Stress Analysis of a Radial-Flow Rotor
Authors: Schilhansl M. J.
Published: January 2012

A radial-flow rotor consisting of a disk and exactly radial blades experiences normal stresses in radial and circumferential direction and shear stresses by virtue of centrifugal forces and the torque, respectively. The following investigation is restricted to the analysis of the effect of the centrifugal forces, primarily because this is the predominant effect at high speeds at least so long as the rotor is not subjected to torsional vibrations. Special attention is being paid to the mutual interference of disk and blades.
Vibration of Vertical Pumps
Authors: Kovats A.
Published: January 2012

Vibration of vertical pumps occurs often, in spite of the fact that calculations of critical frequencies have been made for design purposes. It is shown in this paper that the use of only basic formulas of mechanics is an oversimplification of the problem and that only by taking into account all of the special modifying factors of the pump-driver system can sufficient accuracy be expected.
The New England Electric System Tests Effectiveness of Stop-Valve Bypass in Reducing Thermal-Stress Gradients in Steam Turbines
Authors: Walsh E. F. , Jackson R. L.
Published: January 2012

The stop-valve bypass valve enabling full-arc admission starting is now being utilized extensively as a means of reducing transient thermal-stress gradients in steam turbines. This paper describes, with the aid of start-up test graphs, the results of an intensive series of tests conducted by the New England Electric System, which was designed to determine the effectiveness of this bypass valve. One of the machines tested was equipped with an electrical long-range speed governor which was used to bring the turbine to speed in a predetermined and accurately controlled way. This installation represents the first successful application of this device on a General Electric Company steam turbine-generator. A brief description is included.
Empirical Determination of Thermocouple Characteristics
Authors: Benedict R. P. , Ashby H. F.
Published: January 2012

A systematic approach leading to a unique empirical determination of individual thermocouple characteristics is described. This is based on the application of four premises whose formulation is justified by the results. Typical thermocouple calibration data are analyzed, and the most probable results are presented. Improved tables of thermocouple reference values are given.
An Alternating Current Thermoelectric Generator
Authors: Nottage H. B. , Winskell P. L.
Published: January 2012

Part 1 of the paper presents an analytical formulation of the design and performance of an a-c thermoelectric generator utilizing the periodic flow of heat across a surface, with the thermoelectric conductors in the form of deposited films or ribbons woven through a dielectric sheet. Part 2 formulates the efficiency of this type of a-c thermoelectric generator in a manner which will lead to payoff optimizations in accord with various application criteria.
Protection of Labyrinth Seals From Flexural Vibration
Authors: Alford J. S.
Published: January 2012

Resonance has been identified in several designs of stationary seals which have experienced failures. A resonant condition of the stationary seal occurs when the velocity of the rotating seal is equal to the velocity of propagation of the wave in the stationary seal. Self-excited vibrations have also caused fatigue failures particularly where damping is very small. Analysis of the mechanics of self-excited vibrations discloses a stability criterion which correlates pressure drop through seal with natural flexural frequency weight, and length. In addition to providing damping, the location of support of seal is shown to be of basic importance in preventing self-excited vibration.
Typical Performance Characteristics of Gas Turbine Radial Compressors
Authors: Rodgers Colin
Published: January 2012

If the peak impeller and diffuser efficiencies are prescribed, it is found that the characteristics of high-speed radial compressors with straight radial blades are basically functions of the inducer and diffuser throat areas. Estimated characteristics for twenty-seven compressor geometries are presented to indicate the effects of inducer blade angle, diffuser throat to impeller inlet area ratio, and impeller tip to inducer RMS diameter ratio. The probable location of compressor surge as influenced by inducer and diffuser blade stalling is discussed, and comparisons of estimated and test compressor characteristics are given.
Cavitation Properties of Liquids
Authors: Stepanoff A. J.
Published: January 2012

A method of representing the thermal properties of liquids is offered such that cavitation behavior of centrifugal pumps handling any liquid—molten metal, hydrocarbons, cryogenics—can be accurately evaluated. Sufficient test data are available to illustrate the use of the method. The paper is a supplement to the article published earlier [1] by the author.
Some Comments on Reynolds Number
Authors: Smith L. H.
Published: January 2012

The physical laws that govern fluid motions are examined to gain justification for the grouping of physical variables that we call Reynolds number. First, a perfect incompressible viscous fluid is considered, and it is shown that Reynolds number is the only flow parameter of its kind upon which the performance of a turbomachine can depend. The extent to which Reynolds number loses this uniqueness when real fluids are employed in real test situations is then discussed. The necessity of the use of educated engineering judgment, not furnished by dimensional analysis, is pointed out.
An Analytical and Experimental Investigation of Multiple-Disk Turbines
Authors: Rice Warren
Published: January 2012

An unconventional type of turbomachinery employing a rotor composed of smooth disks is described and the history and motive principle of such devices are briefly discussed. Several experimental multiple-disk air turbines are described and data showing the performance and efficiency of the turbines are presented. A mathematical model of a multiple-disk turbine is described. The equations of motion are written for the flow of an incompressible fluid between the disks, and parameters describing the efficiency and performance of the turbine, in the absence of losses external to the rotor, are derived. The solution for the equation of motion and the performance parameters, obtained by computation with an IBM 704, are summarized, discussed, and referenced. The results indicate that multiple-disk turbines may be attractive in the low-power part of the turbine spectrum, or where first cost is a prime factor, or where the properties of the working fluid cause conventional turbines to be inadequate.
Protecting Turbomachinery From Self-Excited Rotor Whirl
Authors: Alford J. S.
Published: January 2012

Aerodynamic exciting forces have caused severe rotor whirl of axial compressors and turbines. One disturbing force investigated is due to circumferential variation of static pressure acting on the cylindrical surface of rotor, particularly within labyrinth seals. Another aerodynamic disturbing force is due to eccentricity of rotor causing circumferential variation of blade-tip clearance, and a corresponding variation of local efficiency and unbalanced torque. Seal deflection criteria and torque deflection criteria are presented as design guides for stable rotor systems. These criteria, the form of which comes from analysis of rotor dynamics, correlate design parameters of four examples of unstable rotor systems which exhibited whirl.
The Radial-Equilibrium Equation of Turbomachinery
Authors: Smith L. H.
Published: January 2012

An equation is derived that describes the radial variation of circumferential-average flow properties inside of a turbomachine blade row. A physical interpretation is given for each of the several terms in the equation, and the magnitudes of the terms are demonstrated with an example. Annulus taper angle is found to be rather important. The error involved in the conventional axisymmetric (infinite-blade-number) approach is shown to be more related to the loading level, e.g., the lift-coefficient level, than the number of blades. This error is found to be small for the selected example.
Sixth International Conference on the Properties of Steam—Transport Properties of Water Substance
Authors: Kestin J. , Whitelaw J. H.
Published: January 2012

The paper presents a brief account of the experimental material and of the empirical correlations which allowed the Sixth International Conference on the Properties of Steam to recommend values for the transport properties of water substance over a wide range of temperature and pressure. Skeleton tables for dynamic viscosity, kinematic viscosity, thermal conductivity and Prandtl number are presented together with the recommended tolerances.
A Potassium-Steam Binary Vapor Cycle for a Molten-Salt Reactor Power Plant
Authors: Fraas A. P.
Published: January 2012

A conceptual design for one embodiment of a binary vapor cycle coupled to a molten-salt reactor has been prepared to determine whether such a plant is sufficiently attractive to warrant further investigation. Its overall thermal efficiency is estimated to be 54 percent, while its heat rejection to the condensers is about half of that for a modern steam plant. The quantities of material required for the heat exchangers and piping for both a coal-fired supercritical-pressure steam plant and a nuclear-powered potassium vapor and supercritical-steam plant are estimated and compared along with the associated costs. The resulting cost and performance data indicate that the nuclear plant with a potassium-vapor and steam binary cycle may give both lower capital charges and a much higher overall efficiency than a coal-fired super-critical-pressure steam plant.
Application of Gas Bearings to Closed-System Brayton-Cycle Turbomachinery—Recent Accomplishments and Potential Problem Areas
Authors: Curwen P. W. , Jones H. F. , Schwarz H.
Published: January 2012

Several development programs to demonstrate application of gas-lubricated bearings to gas turbine machinery are presently under way. This paper presents design and initial test data for a 24,000 rpm, 1300 F (turbine inlet temperature) gas-bearing Brayton-cycle turbocompressor operating in a closed-loop system. The bearing system design for a two-shaft power plant, consisting of a 50,000 rpm, 1490 F turbocompressor and a 12,000 rpm turboalternator, is also described. Test results to date demonstrate that gas lubrication, per se, of gas turbine machinery is definitely feasible. However, considerable data are still needed to prove the practical utility of gas bearings. A brief discussion of the needed investigations is presented.
Rescued Tolerant CD8 T Cells Are Preprogrammed to Reestablish the Tolerant State
Authors: Schietinger Andrea , Delrow Jeffrey J. , Basom Ryan S. , Blattman Joseph N. , Greenberg Philip D.
Published: January 2012

Too Much Tolerance?

In the immune system, loss of tolerance to self can have devastating consequences, such as the development of autoimmune diseases. In some cases, however, we may wish to be able to break tolerance, for example, to activate immune cells to fight tumors.

Schietinger
et al.

(p.
723
, published online 19 January; see the Perspective by

Lee and Jameson

) used a combination of genetic mouse models and adoptive immune cell transfers to better understand the mechanisms regulating tolerance in T lymphocytes. In contrast to the prevailing paradigm, the maintenance of T lymphocyte tolerance did not require the continuous presence of antigen. Tolerance was able to be broken when previously tolerized cells were placed in an environment depleted of immune cells. However, when lymphocyte numbers were restored, cells were once again tolerized, even in the absence of antigen. These data, together with gene expression profiling, suggest that tolerance is associated with a specific gene expression program that, although possible to override temporarily, is reimposed by epigenetic mechanisms.
CareTrack Australia: assessing the appropriateness of adult healthcare: protocol for a retrospective medical record review
Authors: Hunt Tamara D , Ramanathan Shanthi A , Hannaford Natalie A , Hibbert Peter D , Braithwaite Jeffrey , Coiera Enrico , Day Richard O , Westbrook Johanna I , Runciman William B
Published: January 2012

Introduction

In recent years in keeping with international best practice, clinical guidelines for common conditions have been developed, endorsed and disseminated by peak national and professional bodies. Yet evidence suggests that there remain considerable gaps between the care that is regarded as appropriate by such guidelines and the care received by patients. With an ageing population and increasing treatment options and expectations, healthcare is likely to become unaffordable unless more appropriate care is provided. This paper describes a study protocol that seeks to determine the percentage of healthcare encounters in which patients receive appropriate care for 22 common clinical conditions and the reasons why variations exist from the perspectives of both patients and providers.

Methods/design

A random stratified sample of at least 1000 eligible participants will be recruited from a representative cross section of the adult Australian population. Participants' medical records from the years 2009 and 2010 will be audited to assess the appropriateness of the care received for 22 common clinical conditions by determining the percentage of healthcare encounters at which the care provided was concordant with a set of 522 indicators of care, developed for these conditions by a panel of 43 disease experts. The knowledge, attitudes and beliefs of participants and healthcare providers will be examined through interviews and questionnaires to understand the factors influencing variations in care.

Ethics and dissemination

Primary ethics approvals were sought and obtained from the Hunter New England Local Health Network. The authors will submit the results of the study to a relevant journal as well as undertaking oral presentations to researchers, clinicians and policymakers.
Clinical evaluation of intradermal vaccination against porcine enzootic pneumonia (Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae)
Authors: Tassis P. D. , Papatsiros V. G. , Nell T. , Maes D. , Alexopoulos C. , Kyriakis S. C. , Tzika E. D.
Published: January 2012

The aim of the present study was to investigate the efficacy of single‐dose intradermal vaccination against Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae on a commercial swine unit. A total of 1051 healthy suckling piglets of 28±3 days of age were randomly assigned to one of three experimental groups: (a) intradermal: 346 piglets vaccinated intradermally (Porcilis M Hyo ID Once, Intervet SPAH), (b) intramuscular : 351 piglets vaccinated intramuscularly (Porcilis M1 Intervet SPAH) and (c) controls: 354 piglets injected with a placebo (adjuvant only). Performance parameters such as average daily weight gain (ADG), as well as health parameters and lung lesion scores were monitored from four weeks of age until slaughter. The improvement in ADG over the controls, during the finishing phase, was 27 g/day for the intradermal group and 17 g/day for the intramuscular group. Both intradermal and intramuscular vaccinations were effective in reducing clinical signs and lung lesions caused by M hyopneumoniae. Compared with the controls, approximately 10.4 per cent fewer clinical cases were diagnosed in the intradermal group, and 6 per cent fewer in the intramuscular group, during the finishing period. In conclusion, performance results were better in the vaccinated groups than in the control group, while intradermal vaccination afforded greater protection than intramuscular vaccination, especially with regard to morbidity, lung lesion and pleuritis scores.
LARGE SCALE ANISOTROPY DUE TO PRE-INFLATIONARY PHASE OF COSMIC EVOLUTION
Authors: ALURI PAVAN K. , JAIN PANKAJ
Published: January 2012

We show that perturbations generated during the anisotropic pre-inflationary stage of cosmic evolution may affect cosmological observations today for a certain range of parameters. Due to the anisotropic nature of the universe during such early times, it might explain some of the observed signals of large scale anisotropy. In particular, we argue that the alignment of CMB quadrupole and octopole may be explained by the Sachs–Wolfe effect due to the large scale anisotropic modes from very early times of cosmological evolution. We also comment on how the observed dipole modulation of CMB power may be explained within this framework.
NOTES ON THE COMPLEXITY OF 3-VALENT GRAPHS IN 3-MANIFOLDS
Authors: PERVOVA EKATERINA , PETRONIO CARLO , SASSO VITO
Published: January 2012

A theory of complexity for pairs (M, G) with M an arbitrary closed 3-manifold and G ⊂ M a 3-valent graph was introduced by the first two named authors, extending the original notion due to Matveev. The complexity c is known to be always additive under connected sum away from the graphs, but not always under connected sum along (unknotted) arcs of the graphs. In this article, we prove the slightly surprising fact that if in M there is a sphere intersecting G transversely at one point, and this point belongs to an edge e of G, then e can be canceled from G without affecting the complexity. Using this fact we completely characterize the circumstances under which complexity is additive under connected sum along graphs. For the set of pairs (M, K) with K ⊂ M a knot, we also prove that any function that is fully additive under connected sum along knots is actually a function of the ambient manifold only.
ALLOCATION OF FIXED COSTS: CHARACTERIZATION OF THE (DUAL) WEIGHTED SHAPLEY VALUE
Authors: DEHEZ PIERRE
Published: January 2012

The weighted value was introduced by Shapley in 1953 as an asymmetric version of his value. Since then several axiomatizations have been proposed including one by Shapley in 1981 specifically addressed to cost allocation, a context in which weights appear naturally. It was at the occasion of a comment in which he only stated the axioms. The present paper offers a proof of Shapley's statement as well as an alternative set of axioms. It is shown that the value is the unique rule that allocates additional fixed costs fairly: only the players who are concerned contribute to the fixed cost and they contribute in proportion to their weights. A particular attention is given to the case where some players are assigned a zero weight.
COMPUTER-BASED MECHANICAL ANALYSIS OF STENOSED ARTERY WITH THROMBOTIC PLAQUE: THE INFLUENCES OF IMPORTANT PHYSIOLOGICAL PARAMETERS
Authors: WANG XIAOHONG , LI XIAOYANG
Published: January 2012

The thrombus is the inappropriate activation of hemostasis in vascular system. In this paper, biomechanical factors affecting the behaviors of artery with intraluminal thrombus were studies. Results indicated that heart rate and blood viscosity had strong impact on the compliance of the stenosis artery and flow pattern. The alteration in blood viscosity had stronger influence than cardiac cycle on the volume change of the fluid region surrounded by thrombus. von Mises stress measured at the thinnest region of the plaque had the largest time-averaged value. The alteration of these parameters could potentially lead to stress redistribution at intraluminal thrombus.
AN APPROXIMATE SOLUTION OF THE JAYNES–CUMMINGS MODEL WITH DISSIPATION
Authors: FUJII KAZUYUKI , SUZUKI TATSUO
Published: January 2012

In this paper we treat the Jaynes–Cummings model with dissipation and give an approximate solution to the master equation for the density operator under the general setting by making use of the Zassenhaus expansion.
ON THE TRANSITION FROM COMPLEX TO REAL SCALAR FIELDS IN MODERN COSMOLOGY
Authors: ESPOSITO GIAMPIERO , ROYCHOWDHURY RAJU , RUBANO CLAUDIO , SCUDELLARO PAOLO
Published: January 2012

We study some problems arising from the introduction of a complex scalar field in cosmology, modeling its possible behaviors in both the inflationary and dark energy stages of the universe. Such examples contribute to show that, while the complex nature of the scalar field can be indeed important during inflation, it loses its meaning in the later dark-energy dominated era of cosmology, when the phase of the complex field is practically constant, and there is indeed a transition from complex to real scalar field. In our considerations, the Noether symmetry approach turns out to be a useful tool once again. We arrive eventually at a potential containing the sixth and fourth powers of the scalar field, and the resulting semiclassical quantum cosmology is studied to gain a better understanding of the inflationary stage.
Radio Frequency Plasma Transition Caused by Gas Puffing and/or Direct Current Biasing Using Multiturn Internal Antenna
Authors: Yamauchi Toshihiko , Kobayashi Seiji , Sugibayashi Hideyuki , Tachibana Toshiyuki , Naitoh Shunya , Kanno Yoshinori , Hiruta Toshihito
Published: January 2012

The transitions between capacitively coupled plasma (CCP) and inductively coupled plasma (ICP) were investigated using chemical vapor deposition (CVD) plasma with the internal RF multiturn antenna. The typical electron densities of both 1015/m3 in CCP mode and 1017/m3 in ICP mode were measured, and the measured electron temperature profile was hollow in the CCP mode, which was in contrast to the broadened temperature profile in the ICP mode. Finally, we succeeded in controlling the RF plasma transition by changing the gas density and also by supplying the direct current (DC) voltage.
Quartz Sensor Measurement for N2–H2 Plasmas
Authors: Suzuki Atsushi , Asahina Shuichi
Published: January 2012

N2–H2 plasmas, which are used for plasma nitriding, were investigated using a quartz sensor (Q-sensor), by gas analysis, and by optical emission spectroscopy (OES). The results of Q-sensor measurement showed the production of NH3 in N2–H2 plasmas, which were related to the results of gas analysis using a quadrupole mass spectrometer. On the other hand, OES showed emission signals from H, N2, and Fe, where Fe emission was from the material of the plasma electrode. It is concluded that Q-sensor measurement can detect the gas composition in plasmas better than the emission generated by surface sputtering, and Q-sensor measurement is applicable to the diagnosis of the plasma nitriding process.
Damage Analysis of Plasma-Etched n-GaN Crystal Surface by Nitrogen K Near-Edge X-ray Absorption Fine Structure Spectroscopy
Authors: Niibe Masahito , Kotaka Takuya , Kawakami Retsuo , Inaoka Takeshi , Tominaga Kikuo , Mukai Takashi
Published: January 2012

The surface of an n-GaN crystal etched with an Ar, Kr, or Xe plasma was analyzed by nitrogen K near-edge X-ray absorption fine structure (NEXAFS) spectroscopy. The NEXAFS spectroscopy was carried out with the total electron yield (TEY) method in a sample current mode and the total fluorescence yield (TFY) method by measuring the amount of fluorescence using a photodiode. The shapes of the spectra of Ar plasma-etched samples obtained by the TEY method became smooth (blunt) with increasing Ar pressure from 10 to 200 mTorr. However, those obtained by the TFY method did not change with pressure. These results indicate that the etching damage was restricted in the shallow region of less than a few nm from the surface. A change in the NEXAFS spectral shape of Kr or Xe plasma-etched samples was not observed even when measured by the TEY method. This result indicates that the surface damage in Kr or Xe plasma-etched samples was less pronounced than that in Ar plasma-etched samples.
Epitaxial Indium Tin Oxide Film Deposited on Sapphire Substrate by Solid-Source Electron Cyclotron Resonance Plasma
Authors: Kaneko Satoru , Torii Hironori , Soga Masayasu , Akiyama Kensuke , Iwaya Motoaki , Yoshimoto Mamoru , Amazawa Takao
Published: January 2012

Indium tin oxide (ITO) thin films were epitaxially grown on sapphire substrates by solid-source electron cyclotron resonance (ECR) plasma deposition. Compared with the other methods such as sputtering and evaporation methods, the ECR plasma method resulted in a flat surface and a low resistivity with a relatively low substrate temperature. The surface roughness was strongly dependent on the ratio of oxygen gas flow during deposition. With optimal deposition conditions, the ITO thin film epitaxially grew on a c-plane sapphire substrate with twelvefold symmetry. The surface roughness and resistivity were estimated to be 0.4 nm and 1.4×10-4 Ω·cm, respectively. The X-ray rocking curve revealed 0.025° of full width at half maximum (FWHM) on the epitaxial ITO thin film. The ITO film deposited on an epitaxial GaN(001) layer on a c-plane sapphire substrate showed sixfold in-plane symmetry, indicating the epitaxial growth of ITO(111) on the GaN(001)/c-plane sapphire substrate.