bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Decade of Medicare: The contribution of private practice dietitians to chronic disease management and diabetes group services
Authors: Cant Robyn , Ball Lauren
Published: March 2015

Aim

To review changes in utilisation of dietetics services through the Medicare Chronic Disease Management program over the last decade and describe patient uptake in 2013.

Methods

Dietetics service data were extracted from published Medicare statistics for the periods (i) January 2004 to December 2013 and (ii) January to December 2013. Data comprised individual dietetics services by state and patient demography, and group services data for provider professions regarding type 2 diabetes: dietitians, diabetes educators and exercise physiologists. t‐test was used to investigate the association of dietetics' individual service utilisation and workforce statistics.

Results

Individual dietetics Chronic Disease Management consultations in private practice have increased annually since 2004. Dietetics has remained the third largest provider. In 2013, a total of 302 910 individual consultations were conducted; 7% of allied health consultations. Likewise, individual services for Indigenous Australians increased since 2008. Utilisation of group services for type 2 diabetes comprised <2% of dietetics services. Dietitians provided more group services than diabetes educators but considerably fewer than exercise physiologists. Middle‐aged and older patients were common, with highest uptake by those aged 55–74 years. Overall, total and per capita utilisation rates were considerably higher in NSW, Victoria and Queensland compared to less populous states, although this disparity has reduced since 2010.

Conclusions

As 10 years has elapsed since the program's inception, further evaluation of the policy is needed to examine large variations in dietetics' Chronic Disease Management uptake by state and territory in both individual and group services.
Decreased placental and transcellular permeation of cefuroxime in pregnant women with diabetes
Authors: Lalic‐Popovic Mladena , Paunkovic Jovana , Grujic Zorica , Golocorbin‐Kon Svetlana , Milasinovic Ljubomir , Al‐Salami Hani , Mikov Momir
Published: March 2015

Background

The present study investigated the transcellular and placental permeation of cefuroxime, an antibiotic used in cesarean sections, in pregnant women with diabetes and hypertension.

Methods

Fifty‐three women scheduled for cesarean section were divided into three groups: healthy women (n = 18), women with arterial hypertension (n = 21), and women with gestational diabetes (n = 14). All women received 1.5 g, i.v., cefuroxime. Cefuroxime concentrations were measured in maternal venous plasma before, during, and after delivery, as well as in fetal umbilical cord vein and artery plasma during delivery. The effects of diabetes and hypertension on cefuroxime placental‐permeation were assessed by the fetomaternal plasma concentration ratios. Pharmacokinetic non‐compartmental model analyses were performed and results were compared using anova.

Results

Fetomaternal drug concentration ratios were lower in the diabetic group than in the hypertensive and control groups. There were no significant differences in umbilical arterial : venous plasma drug concentration ratios in the diabetic and hypertensive groups compared with the control group. Apparent volume of distribution and clearance were significantly lower in the diabetic group compared with the control and hypertensive groups.

Conclusions

Diabetes led to decreased placental transfer of cefuroxime, as well as volume of distribution and clearance, but did not affect other pharmacokinetic parameters. Hypertension had no significant effect on the permeation of cefuroxime or on its pharmacokinetics. Prophylactic concentrations of cefuroxime were reached in all groups, but the dosing time of cefuroxime should not be less than 30 min or greater than 2 h prior to delivery.
Evaluation of stability and capsular bag opacification of a new foldable adjustable intraocular lens
Authors: MacLean Kyle D , Werner Liliana , Kramer Gregory D , Farukhi M Aabid , Gardiner Gareth L , Kahook Malik Y , Mamalis Nick
Published: March 2015

Background

Incorrect lens power remains one of the most common reasons for intraocular lens explantation/exchange. We evaluated stability and effect on capsular bag opacification of a new foldable modular lens system, with a base component and an optic component in rabbit eyes.

Methods

Bilateral phacoemulsification was performed on six rabbits; one eye received the test lens (Harmoni Modular Lens, ClarVista Medical), whereas the other received a single‐piece hydrophobic acrylic control lens (SA60AT, Alcon). Slit‐lamp examinations were performed at postoperative weeks 1, 2, 3, 4 and 6. All rabbits were sacrificed at week 6. After enucleation, the eyes were examined grossly from the Miyake–Apple view. Following, all globes were sectioned and processed for histopathological examination.

Results

The modular lens was stable in all six rabbits. Uveal biocompatibility was similar to or better in the test eyes when compared with control eyes up to 6 weeks postoperatively. Overall, capsular bag opacification was found to be significantly lower in the test eyes when compared with control eyes. At the 6‐week gross examination, central posterior capsule opacification was scored as 0.58 ± 0.73 in the test group, and as 3.00 ± 1.26 in the control group (paired two samples for means t‐test; two‐tail P = 0.005).

Conclusions

The Harmoni Modular system remains stable within the capsular bag after implantation. Due to the design of the base component featuring long loops, along with peripheral anterior and posterior square edges, the lens appeared to prevent overall capsular bag opacification in the rabbit model.
Phylogenetic relationships of toads of theRhinella granulosagroup (Anura: Bufonidae): a molecular perspective with comments on hybridization and introgression
Authors: Pereyra Martín O. , Baldo Diego , Blotto Boris L. , Iglesias Patricia P. , Thomé Maria T.C. , Haddad Célio F.B. , Barrio‐Amorós César , Ibáñez Roberto , Faivovich Julián
Published: March 2015

TheRhinella granulosagroup consists of 13 species of toads distributed throughout open areas of South America and Panama. In this paper we perform a phylogenetic analysis considering all but one species of the group, employing five nuclear and four mitochondrial genes, for up to 7910 bp per specimen. Separate phylogenetic analyses under direct optimization (DO) of nuclear and mitochondrial sequences recovered theR. granulosagroup as monophyletic and revealed topological incongruence that can be explained mainly by multiple events of hybridization and introgression, both mitochondrial and nuclear. TheDOcombined analysis, after the exclusion of putatively introgressed or heterozygous genomes, resulted in a phylogenetic hypothesis for theR. granulosagroup in which most of the species are recovered as monophyletic, but with interspecific relationships poorly supported. The optimization of morphological (adult and larval), chromosomal, and behavioural characters resulted in 12 putative phenotypic synapomorphies for this species group and some other synapomorphies for internal clades. Our results indicate the need for additional population genetic studies onR. dorbignyiandR. fernandezaeto corroborate the taxonomic status of both taxa. Finally, we discuss biological and genetic characteristics of Bufonidae, as possible explanations for the common occurrence of hybridization and introgression observed in some lineages of this family.
Population cycles produce periodic range boundary pulses
Authors: Walter Jonathan A. , Johnson Derek M. , Tobin Patrick C. , Haynes Kyle J.
Published: March 2015

Classical theories of biological invasions predict constant rates of spread that can be estimated from measurable life history parameters, but such outcomes depend strongly on assumptions that are often unmet in nature. Subsequent advances have demonstrated how relaxing assumptions of these foundational models results in other spread patterns seen in nature, including invasions that accelerate through time, or that alternate among periods of expansion, retraction, and stasis of range boundaries. In this paper, we examine how periodic population fluctuations affect temporal patterns of range expansion by coupling empirical data on the gypsy moth invasion in North America with insights from a model incorporating population cycles, Allee effects, and stratified diffusion. In an analysis of field data, we found that gypsy moth spread exhibits pulses with a period of 6 yr, which field data and model simulations suggest is the result of a 6‐yr population cycle in established populations near the invasion front. Model simulations show that the development of periodic behavior in range expansion depends primarily on the period length of population cycles. The period length of invasion pulses corresponded to the population cycle length, and the regularity of invasion pulses tended to decline with increases in population cycle length. A key insight of this research is that dynamics of established populations, behind the invasion front, can have strong effects on spread. Our findings suggest that coordination between separate management programs targeting low‐density spreading and established outbreaking populations, respectively, could increase the efficacy of efforts to mitigate gypsy moth impacts. Given the variety of species experiencing population fluctuations, Allee effects, and stratified diffusion, insights from this study are potentially important to understanding how the range boundaries of many species change.
Family Efficacy within Ethnically Diverse Families: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Kao Tsui‐Sui A. , Caldwell Cleopatra H.
Published: March 2015

Family efficacy, which refers to a family's belief in its ability to produce a desired outcome, has been shown to protect adolescents from risky health behaviors. Few studies have examined family efficacy within diverse populations, however, and understanding of how efficacy is framed and formed within the context of cultural and familial values is limited. This descriptive qualitative study examined sources of family efficacy within ethnically and socioeconomically diverse families, evaluating how such families develop and exercise family efficacy with the intent to protect adolescents from risky health behaviors (i.e., marijuana and alcohol use and early sexual activity). We collected qualitative data via two semi‐structured interviews, 4–6 months apart, with 31 adolescents (ages 12–14) and their parent/s, for total of 148 one‐on‐one interviews. Thematic analysis identified three distinct domains of family efficacy: relational, pragmatic, and value‐laden. Prior experiences and cultural background influenced the domain/s utilized by families. Significantly, families that consistently tapped into all three domains were able to effectively manage personal and family difficulties; these families also had family strategies in place to prevent adolescents from risky behaviors. Health professionals could utilize this concept of multidimensional family efficacy to promote health within culturally diverse families.
Cultural New Year Holidays and Stock Returns around the World
Authors: Bergsma Kelley , Jiang Danling
Published: March 2015

Using data from 11 major international markets that celebrate six cultural New Year holidays that do not occur on January 1, we find that stock markets tend to outperform in days surrounding a cultural New Year. After controlling for firm characteristics, an average stock earns 2.5% higher abnormal returns across all markets in the month of a cultural New Year relative to other months of the year. Further evidence suggests that positive holiday moods, in conjunction with cash infusions prior to a cultural New Year, produce elevated stock prices, particularly among those stocks most preferred and traded by individual investors.
Towards Queering the Business School: A Research Agenda for Advancing Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Trans Perspectives and Issues
Authors: Rumens Nick
Published: March 2015

This article draws on queer theory to advance a research agenda that foregrounds lesbian, gay, bi and trans (LGBT) perspectives and issues as one means by which business schools can be made queer(er) institutions to work. As such, this article employs a process of queering to expose how LGBT people experience and negotiate the heteronormativity within business schools. A queering approach is encouraged to generate research on LGBT sexualities that can reveal instances of queerness within business schools, with the aim of helping LGBT people and their allies to foster alternative ways of relating, identifying and organizing that transcend heteronormativity. As such, the research agenda elaborates on the importance of the following: problematizing organizational heteronormativity; queering organizational and management knowledge; and the role of straight and queer allies. This article concludes by speculating about the implications of a queer(er) business school for LGBT people and their allies.
A Triple and Quadruple Therapy with Doxycycline and Bismuth for First‐Line Treatment of Helicobacter pylori Infection: A Pilot Study
Authors: Ciccaglione Antonio Francesco , Cellini Luigina , Grossi Laurino , Manzoli Lamberto , Marzio Leonardo
Published: March 2015

Background

Tetracycline‐containing triple therapy has been suggested as an alternative first‐line therapy for H. pylori infection.

Aim

To evaluate the effect of two dosages of doxycycline (DOX) associated with amoxicillin and esomeprazole with and without bismuth subcitrate as first‐line treatment of H. pylori infection.

Methods

Helicobacter pylori‐positive patients underwent a 10‐day therapy randomized into four groups: Group A received esomeprazole, amoxicillin, and DOX‐100 mg b.i.d. (EAD‐100), Group B a quadruple therapy with esomeprazole, amoxicillin, DOX‐100 mg b.i.d. and bismuth subcitrate (EADB‐100), Group C a triple therapy with esomeprazole, amoxicillin, and DOX‐200 mg b.i.d. (EAD‐200) and Group D a quadruple therapy with esomeprazole, amoxicillin, DOX‐200 mg b.i.d., and bismuth subcitrate (EADB‐200). Success was accessed by 13C urea breath test 2 months after the end of treatment. The number of patients to be recruited for each group had to be at least 50 subjects. Treatment success of 80% or less was considered unacceptable. Stopping rules therefore were anytime six failures had occurred.

Results

In the EAD‐100 group and in EAD‐200 group, the recruitment was stopped at the 14th and 15th patient, respectively. Fifty‐two patients entered in the EADB‐100 group and 51 in the EADB‐200 group. Intention to treat eradication was in EADB‐100 group 46/52 (88.5%, 95% CI 76.6–95.6); in the EADB‐200 group 47/51 (92.1%, 95% CI: 81.1–97.8) (n.s.). Side effects were absent.

Conclusion

The adjunction of bismuth subcitrate to a triple therapy that includes esomeprazole, amoxicillin, and DOX in patients who are treated for the first time for the H. pylori infection potentiates the therapeutic effect. This regimen, however, deserves to be optimized in terms of duration and dose of DOX.
‘Living by Example?’ The European Union and the Implementation of the Responsibility to Protect (R2P)
Authors: De Franco Chiara , Meyer Christoph O. , Smith Karen E.
Published: March 2015

Most empirical contributions to the normative power Europe (NPE) debate concentrate on whether and when the EU promotes its core internal norms abroad. In contrast, we investigate how norms emerging from international fora come to be accepted and internalised by the EU in the first place. We examine the case of the emerging responsibility to protect norm (R2P) and argue that the EU's implementation has been more limited and slower than one would expect from the NPE procedural ethics of ‘living by example’. We examine the potential reasons for this failure to ‘live by example’: the role of persuasion by norm entrepreneurs; the role of inducements and costs; the goodness of fit between R2P and existing EU norms; and the clarity of the norm. We find that the lack of goodness of fit and clarity of the norm are important factors, but argue that low levels of bureaucratic receptivity were the greatest obstacle.
Case of anal fistula with Fournier's gangrene in an obese type 2 diabetes mellitus patient
Authors: Yoshino Hiroshi , Kawakami Kyoko , Yoshino Gen , Sawada Katsuhiro
Published: March 2015

A 64‐year‐old man was admitted to Shin‐suma General Hospital, Kobe, Japan, complaining of a 3‐day history of scrotal swelling and high fever. He had type 2 diabetes mellitus. On examination, his body temperature had risen to 38.5°C. Examination of the scrotum showed abnormal enlargement. Laboratory data were as follows: white cell count 35,400/μL and glycated hemoglobin 9.6%. Anal fistula was found in an endorectal ultrasound. Computed tomography scan showed a relatively high density of subcutaneous tissue and elevated air density. Thus, he was diagnosed with Fournier's gangrene. On the fourth hospital day, the patient underwent debridement of gangrenous tissue. Seton surgery was carried out for anal fistula on the 34th hospital day. He responded to the treatment very well. He was discharged on the 33rd postoperative day. Once Fournier's gangrene has been diagnosed, considering the association of anal fistula and perianal abscess is important.
Bacillus amyloliquefaciensas prophylactic treatment forClostridium difficile‐associated disease in a mouse model
Authors: Geeraerts S , Ducatelle R , Haesebrouck F , Van Immerseel F
Published: March 2015

Background and Aim

 Probiotics might offer an attractive alternative for standard antibiotic therapy to treatClostridium difficileinfections (CDI). We specifically selected aBacillus amyloliquefaciensstrain for its highin vitroantibacterial activity againstC. difficileand tested its efficacy to preventCDIin a mouse model.

Methods

B. amyloliquefacienssupernatant was tested against a large collection ofC. difficilestrains using an agar well diffusion test.B. amyloliquefacienswas orally administered toC57BL/6 mice in whichCDIwas induced usingC. difficile VPI10463, and its effect was compared with control mice receiving no treatment and mice receivingSaccharomyces boulardii. Mice were followed up daily for signs of disease including weight loss. At necropsy, the colon was collected and subjected to histopathological analysis.C. difficiletoxinA/Blevels and colon weight/length and colon/body weight ratios were calculated.

Results

 B. amyloliquefacienssupernatant was able to inhibit the growth of allC. difficilestrains. Results of thein vivotrial indicated a significant weight loss for untreated andS. boulardii‐treated mice as compared toB. amyloliquefaciens‐treated mice.C. difficiletoxinAandBlevels were significantly higher for untreated andS. boulardii‐treated mice thanB. amyloliquefaciens‐treated mice. A significantly lower degree of colon damage was detected forB. amyloliquefaciens‐treated mice as compared to untreated andS. boulardii‐treated mice, based on histopathological analysis, colon weight/length and colon/body weight ratios.

Conclusion

 Administration ofB. amyloliquefacienswas successful in preventingCDIin a mouse model.
Land versus Territory: Evaluating Indigenous Land Policy for the Mapuche inChile
Authors: Bauer Kelly
Published: March 2015

What are the challenges associated with translating indigenous territorial demands into land policy? While most land policy prioritizes the economic utility of land, indigenous territorial demands call for governments to more broadly conceptualize the definition and utility of land. Since the 1990s, most Latin American countries have formally recognized a range of indigenous territorial rights and worked to translate these rights into practice. Drawing on the Chilean experience, this paper argues that these alternative conceptualizations of land and territory complicate the implementation of government efforts to recognize indigenous demands. Specifically, the insufficiently defined scope of the policy exacerbates tension between communities' territorial rights demands and the government's capacity to return land. This tension is gradually and bureaucratically resolved, hindering both the policy's ability to meaningfully respond to indigenous territorial demands and the government's objective of promoting rural development. Future discussions and research must consider how these competing conceptualizations of land affect indigenous and land policy.
Dialect contact and distinctiveness: The social meaning of language variation in an island community
Authors: Moore Emma , Carter Paul
Published: March 2015

In this paper, we analyse linguistic variables which are well‐established in British English, the vowels in thetrapandbathlexical sets. We demonstrate that the social meanings of these variables are both historically substantiated and locally‐elaborated. Our data is taken from the speech of individuals living on the Isles of Scilly, a group of islands off the south‐west coast of England. Our initial analysis shows thattrapandbathvariants found on the islands are linked to contact with Standard English English, on the one hand, and the nearest neighbouring variety of Cornish English, on the other. The general distribution of variants is shown to reflect educational differences amongst our speakers. However, two case studies show speakers using forms atypical of their education type in order to position themselves in interactionally‐dynamic ways. This reveals how speakers exploit the multidimensional meanings of linguistic variants to reflect and construct local practices and alignments.
Effects of Sildenafil, a Phosphodiesterase Type 5 Inhibitor, on the Primary Single Afferent Activity of the Rat Bladder
Authors: AIZAWA Naoki , ITO Hiroki , SUGIYAMA Rino , FUJIMURA Tetsuya , FUKUHARA Hiroshi , KUME Haruki , HOMMA Yukio , IGAWA Yasuhiko
Published: March 2015

Objectives

We investigated the direct effects of sildenafil, a phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor, on the single‐unit mechanosensitive afferent activities (SAAs) primarily originated from the bladder in the rat.

Methods

Female Sprague–Dawley rats were anesthetized with urethane. SAAs were recorded from the left L6 dorsal roots and classified by conduction velocity as Aδ‐ or C‐fibers. A catheter was inserted into the bladder dome, and a separate catheter was placed in the carotid artery and external iliac vein for monitoring of blood pressure and sildenafil‐administration, respectively. After measuring control SAA during constant filling cystometry with saline, the procedure was repeated with cumulative intravenous administrations of sildenafil (1, 3 and 10 mg/kg).

Results

Thirteen single units were isolated (Aδ‐fibers: n = 6, C‐fibers: n = 7) from 11 rats. After sildenafil‐administrations, SAAs of Aδ‐fibers significantly decreased in a dose‐dependent manner, whereas SAAs of C‐fibers decreased significantly only at the highest dose used. In addition, blood pressure significantly decreased after sildenafiladministration even at the lowest dose used. Bladder compliance significantly increased after sildenafil administration at higher doses.

Conclusions

These results indicate that sildenafil can inhibit Aδ‐fibers (partly also C‐fibers) of the primary bladder mechanosensitive afferents of the rat although these effects may be partially influenced by systemic hypotension. The present results support the view that the NO/cGMP signaling pathway plays an inhibitory role in the bladder afferent transduction, and thus improves storage symptoms.
Effect on Sexual Function of Patients and Patients' Spouses After Midurethral Sling Procedure for Stress Urinary Incontinence: A Prospective Single Center Study
Authors: KO Young Hwii , SONG Chang‐Hyun , CHOI Ji Woong , JUNG Hee Chang , SONG Phil Hyun
Published: March 2015

Objectives

To evaluate the effect on sexual function of patients and their spouses after transobturator tape (TOT) procedure, prospectively. Midurethral sling procedure has been widely performed for treatment of urinary incontinence; however, little has been reported regarding sexual function after surgery.

Methods

Between September 2012 and June 2013, 65 patients undergoing TOT and their sexual partners were enrolled. An investigation was conducted using validated, self‐administered questionnaires, Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and satisfaction domain on Male Sexual Health Questionnaire (MSHQ) for evaluation of couple's sexual function. They completed the research on preoperative and postoperative visits at 3, 6, and 12 months.

Results

Of 65 couples, 56 couples completed this study. The mean age of patients and their partners were 46.7 ± 5.7 and 49.1 ± 6.2 years, respectively. The mean follow‐up period was 16.5 ± 2.9 months. A significant loss of total FSFI score was observed at postoperative 3 months (P = 0.003), which was regained after postoperative 6 months. In comparison with baseline and postoperative 12 months, total FSFI score showed significant improvement (P < 0.001). There were significant improvements in desire, arousal, orgasm, and satisfaction on FSFI domain (P = 0.018, 0.012, 0.014, and 0.008, respectively). In male counterparts, significant improvements were observed in MSHQ satisfaction domain regarding sexual relationship, quality of sex life, partner's affection during sex, and communication about sex (P = 0.007, <0.001, <0.001, and <0.001, respectively).

Conclusion

Improvement of incontinence by TOT can improve not only female sexual function but also sexual satisfaction of partners.
Metacognitive training for young subjects (MCT young version) in the early stages of psychosis: Is the duration of untreated psychosis a limiting factor?
Authors: Ussorio Donatella , Giusti Laura , Wittekind Charlotte E. , Bianchini Valeria , Malavolta Maurizio , Pollice Rocco , Casacchia Massimo , Roncone Rita
Published: March 2015

Objectives

The treatment program ‘Metacognitive training for patients with schizophrenia’ (MCT) addresses cognitive biases assumed to play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of delusions (e.g., jumping to conclusions, theory of mind deficits). The aim of our study was to examine the effectiveness and the feasibility of this intervention targeted to early phases of psychosis (MCT young version).

Design

An experimental design included two groups of subjects on the basis of their duration of untreated psychosis (DUP) ‘short’ (less or equal than 12 months) and ‘long’ DUP (longer than 12 months), assessed at baseline and after the 4‐month intervention.

Methods

Fifty‐six young subjects affected by early psychosis were assessed on psychopathology, social functioning, neurocognitive, and metacognitive measures. The primary outcome was the reduction of psychopathology. Secondary outcomes included reduction of cognitive and emotional dysfunction and improvement of social functioning.

Results

At the end of the 4‐month MCT, both groups showed significant improvements in many variables: positive symptoms, cognitive functions, as verbal memory, attention and mental flexibility, and metacognitive functions, as cognitive insight. Significant and positive changes were found in theory of mind abilities and social perception.

Conclusions

The difference in DUP between the two groups of young subjects of our sample did not seem to influence the intervention outcomes, still taking into account that the average difference between the two groups in terms of DUP is 12.6 months.

Practitioner points

Metacognition refers to the general ability ‘to think about thinking,’ that is, the ability to think about one's mental state and the mental states of others. Persons with schizophrenia experience different metacognitive impairments.

The metacognitive training for patients with schizophrenia – young version can be applied to young people affected by psychosis and seems to improve symptomatology, social functioning, cognitive, and metacognitive abilities, independently by their Duration of Untreated Psychosis over a 2‐year period.
Patency and Complications of Translumbar Dialysis Catheters
Authors: Liu Fanna , Bennett Stacy , Arrigain Susana , Schold Jesse , Heyka Robert , McLennan Gordon , Navaneethan Sankar D.
Published: March 2015

Translumbar tunneled dialysis catheter (TLDC) is a temporary dialysis access for patients exhausted traditional access for dialysis. While few small studies reported successes with TLDC, additional studies are warranted to understand the short‐ and long‐term patency and safety of TLDC. We conducted a retrospective analysis of adult patients who received TLDC for hemodialysis access from June 2006 to June 2013. Patient demographics, comorbid conditions, dialysis details, catheter insertion procedures and associated complications, catheter patency, and patient survival data were collected. Catheter patency was studied using Kaplan–Meier curve; catheter functionality was assessed with catheter intervals and catheter‐related complications were used to estimate catheter safety. There were 84 TLDCs inserted in 28 patients with 28 primary insertions and 56 exchanges. All TLDC insertions were technically successful with good blood flow during dialysis (>300 ml/minute) and no immediate complications (major bleeding or clotting) were noted. The median number of days in place for initial catheter, secondary catheter, and total catheter were 65, 84, and 244 respectively. The catheter patency rate at 3, 6, and 12 months were 43%, 25%, and 7% respectively. The main complications were poor blood flow (40%) and catheter‐related infection (36%), which led to 30.8% and 35.9% catheter removal, respectively. After translumbar catheter, 42.8% of the patients were successfully converted to another vascular access or peritoneal dialysis. This study data suggest that TLDC might serve as a safe, alternate access for dialysis patients in short‐term who have exhausted conventional vascular access.
Failed MILLER Banding Complicated by Pseudoaneurysm: Report of a Case
Authors: Ladenheim Eric D.
Published: March 2015

We present a case in which Minimally Invasive Limited Ligation Endoluminal‐assisted Revision (MILLER) banding was complicated by the development of a pseudoaneurysm at the site of attempted banding. A patient with a high‐flow fistula and symptoms of distal arterial hypoperfusion underwent Miller banding. Six weeks post‐Miller banding, the patient's symptoms of hand pain returned gradually and a pseudoaneurysm appeared at the banding site. The remedial surgical procedure revealed a banding suture that had passed through one wall of the vessel and was floating in the pseudoaneurysm cavity. A primary lateral repair of the pseudoaneurysm was performed and the inflow was rebanded over a 4 mm balloon. The patient is now 51 months postpseudoaneurysm repair and the fistula continues to be used for dialysis access. Perforation of the fistula should be suspected when there is more bleeding than usual during the MILLER banding procedure.
Interim Rig Test Results of an Advanced-Cooled Utility Turbine Combustor Burning a CDL Fuel
Authors: Kuznar R. J. , Ambrose M. J. , Ladlow C. C. , Cohn A.
Published: March 2015

Under the “Advanced Cooling Full-Scale Engine Demonstration” Program, the Electric Power Research Institute, Inc. is developing a combustor fabricated from Lamilloy, to be used in a Westinghouse W501 industrial combustion turbine on coal derived or residual fuel, which is aimed at using less cooling air and improving reliability.

A Full-Scale Rig Test Program of the Lamilloy combustor is being conducted at the Westinghouse Combustion Turbine Systems Division. Combustion rig tests have been performed on the full-size Lamilloy combustor on a low hydrogen coal-derived liquid and on standard #2 distillate fuel.

The Lamilloy combustor is a multiple laminate porous structure, formed from three diffusion bonded, etched Hastelloy-X sheets. Preliminary test results are given for both fuels and include wall temperatures, emissions and combustor performance for burner outlet temperatures up to 2200°F.

Acceptable wall temperature levels were obtained for both fuels, using cooling air flows below those required for the conventional film cooled design. Reduced cooling air requirements permitted larger diluent air flows and a corresponding reduction in pattern factor.
Techniques for Enhancing Durability and Equivalence Ratio Control in a Rich-Lean, Three-Stage, Ground Power Gas Turbine Combustor
Authors: Schultz Donald F.
Published: March 2015

This effort summarizes the work performed under Task IV, Sector Rig Tests of the CRT - Critical Research and Support Technology Program, a Department of Energy funded project. The rig tests of a can-type combustor were performed to demonstrate two advanced ground power engine combustor concepts: steam cooled rich-burn combustor primary zones for enhanced durability; and variable combustor geometry for three stage combustion equivalence ratio control. Both concepts proved to be highly successful in achieving their desired objectives. The steam cooling reduced peak liner temperatures to less than 800 K. This offers the potential of both long life and reduced use of strategic materials for liner fabrication. Three degrees of variable geometry were successfully implemented to control airflow distribution within the combustor. One was a variable blade angle axial flow air swirler to control primary airflow while the other two consisted of rotating bands to control secondary and tertiary or dilution air flow.
Design of a Catalytic Combustor for Heavy Duty Gas Turbines
Authors: Touchton G. L. , Szema L. C. , Cutrone M. B. , Cellamare R. , Vonkleinsmid W.
Published: March 2015

Laboratory tests of catalytic combustors with distillate fuel have achieved ultra low NOx formation at catalytic reactor exit temperatures and combustion efficiencies consistent with state-of-the-art gas turbine requirements. Concomitant with these features, however, are design limitations such as narrow turn down range and unique reactor mounting requirements. This paper presents fully analyzed conceptual design solutions to these problems within the constraints of fixed geometry, full catalytic combustion over 80% of the turbine load range, and retrofit to an existing gas turbine. The combustor design incorporates (a) a gutter stabilized pilot burner downstream of the reactor for operation from ignition to full speed no load, (b) a segmented fuel-air preparation system for fuel staging of the reactor, (c) a reactor mounting system which accommodates thermal growth and start-up and shutdown transients, and (d) a graded cell reactor. These features were achieved while maintaining low reactor face velocities and system pressure drops.
NOx Results From Two Combustors Tested on Medium BTU Coal Gas
Authors: Sherlock T. P. , Carl D. E. , Vermes G. , Schwab J. , Notardonato J. J.
Published: March 2015

This paper describes the results of combustion tests of two scaled burners using actual coal gas from a 25 ton/day fluidized bed coal gasifier. The two combustor configurations studied were a ceramic-lined, staged rich/lean burner and an integral, all metal multi-annular swirl burner (MASB). The tests were conducted over a range of temperatures and pressures representative of current industrial combustion turbine inlet conditions. Tests on the rich lean burner were conducted at three levels of product gas heating values: 104, 197 and 254 Btu/Scf. Corresponding levels of NOx emissions were 5, 20 and 70 ppmv. Nitrogen was added to the fuel in the form of ammonia, and conversion efficiencies of fuel nitrogen to NOx were found to be on the order of 4 to 12 percent, which is somewhat lower than the 14 to 18 percent conversion efficiency when SRC-II liquid fuel was used. The MASB was tested only on medium Btu gas (220 to 270 Btu/Scf), and produced approximately 80 ppmv NOx at rated engine conditions. It is concluded that both burners operated similarly on actual coal gas and ERBS fuel, and that all heating values tested can be successfully burned in current machines.
NASA Advanced Low Emissions Combustor Program
Authors: Goyal A. , Ekstedt E. E. , Szaniszlo A. J.
Published: March 2015

The purpose of this program is to conduct combustion tests on lean, premixed, and prevaporized (LPP) combustor concepts designed for use in commercial aircraft engines to attain improved performance, durability, and lower pollutant emissions levels relative to current technology combustor designs. Four full annular combustors were designed for the CF6–50 engine. These concepts utilize premixing of the fuel and air, variable geometry, and fuel staging to control the equivalence ratios of the burning zone. The testing is being conducted on these four full annular combustors over a wide range of operating conditions at pressures up to actual subsonic cruise (1.16 MPa). The test results for the most promising of these combustor concepts are reported in this paper.
Dry Low NOx Combustion System for Utility Gas Turbine
Authors: Washam R. M.
Published: March 2015

A Dry Low NOx combustion system has been developed for a 80 MW gas turbine operating on natural gas and on distillate oil. The system, employing two-stage combustion and multimode operation, meets the New Source Performance Standards (NSPS) for NOx emissions across much of the load range for both fuels. Mid-load smoke, NOx, and carbon monoxide emissions on distillate oil require further development. This paper outlines the emissions performance of the system for Dry Low NOx applications, specifically in terms of NSPS NOx requirements. Machine data, in addition to test stand data, support the conclusions.
KILnGAS Commercial Module Demonstration Program
Authors: Deacon James S.
Published: March 2015

Allis-Chalmers, in conjunction with twelve electric utilities, and the State of Illinois is completing the construction of a coal gasification demonstration plant at Illinois Power Company’s Wood River Generating Station. When it begins sustained operation later this year, the plant will gasify 600 tons (544,320 kg)/day of coal, producing clean low-Btu gas to fuel an existing 50 MW boiler at the station. The Electric Power Research Institute has joined the program and will provide a portion of the funds for the demonstration and testing activities. During its first year of operation, the plant will concentrate on the gasification of high sulfur Midwestern and Appalachian coals.

This paper seeks to review the design and construction of the plant, known as the KILnGAS Commercial Module, and to discuss the key aspects of the demonstration program.

Successful operation of the plant will permit the process developer, Allis-Chalmers Corporation, to furnish future commercial coal gasification plants with performance and equipment warranties.
Preliminary Correlation of Fuel Effects on Ignitability for Gas Turbine Engines
Authors: Naegeli D. W. , Moses C. A. , Mellor A. M.
Published: March 2015

The characteristic time model for ignition is used to correlate the spark ignition limits of fuel sprays in gas turbine combustors. The correlations are based on ignition data from several fuels in the JP-4 to JP-8 specification range and six gas turbine combustors. In the model, the criterion for ignition is that the spark energy must heat up an initial volume such that the heat release rate within that volume is greater than the loss rate. Heat generation is limited first by droplet evaporation and then the rate of hydrocarbon oxidation; heat loss is controlled by the rate of mixing (eddy diffusion). Conceptually, the rates are expressed as characteristic times in order to illustrate the relative importance of each process in the ignition event. Ignition limit correlations are given for each combustor as well as a single correlation of 322 data for four engines combined.
Methanol as a Soot Reducer in a Turbulent Swirling Burner
Authors: Izquierdo Armando J. , Hoult David P.
Published: March 2015

The combined effect of using methanol as a fuel additive together with a prototype multifuel injector has been evaluated with regard to soot formation in a tubular laboratory burner with a turbulent swirl stabilized diffusion flame.

Kerosene, ERBS fuel and Blending Stock with approximately 14, 12.8 and 10.3 wt% of hydrogen respectively were characterized in terms of soot loading at the axial positions Z/D = 2.5 and 4.0 and normalized radius r/R = ±0.67. Mixtures of ERBS fuel and Blending Stock with 15 and 7.5 wt% of methanol were also characterized in the same way.

Measurements with the plain fuels showed a drastic reduction in soot formation, in the order of one hundred and fifty fold decrease, due to the new injector design. Further reductions by a factor of 2 and 1.5 were accomplished with the mixtures of 15 and 7.5 wt% of methanol respectively.
Combustion Gas Properties of Various Fuels of Interest to Gas Turbine Engineers
Authors: Jones Robert E. , Trout Arthur M. , Wear Jerrold D.
Published: March 2015

A series of computations have been made using the gas property computational schemes of Gordon and McBride to compute the gas properties and species concentration of ASTM-Jet A and dry air. The purpose of this work was to present the computed gas thermodynamic properties in a revised graphical format that would present this information in a way very useful to combustion engineers. The plan is to publish an extensive series of reports covering the properties of many fuel and air combinations. The revised graphical presentation displays on one chart the output from hundreds of computer sheets. The published reports will contain microfiche cards, from which complete tables and graphs can be obtained. This report documents the extent of the planned effort and provides samples of the many tables and charts that will be available on the microfiche cards.
Optimal Fan Selection Based on Fan-Diffuser Interactions
Authors: Wright Terry
Published: March 2015

The interactive influence of the performance of an annular, axial diffuser on axial fan selection has been studied. A calculational model based on the empirical literature for such diffusers has been formulated. This model has been used to establish lower limits on fan size selection for a given set of performance requirements, subject to minimum requirements for static efficiency and upper limits on the size of a diffuser relative to fan size. Trade-off studies between fan size and diffuser size are presented for a range of performance requirements and hub-to-tip diameter ratios.
Staged Combustion of CWM Fuel
Authors: Rosfjord T. J.
Published: March 2015

The prognosis for electric power generating capacity and for electric power consumption forcasts a problem of power deficits in the future. A solution to that problem may be found in the conversion of existing and future oil and gas fired units to accept coal as the principle fuel. It is recognized that the gas turbine engine can represent a substantial response to the potential electric power deficit problem; consequently, providing a coal-based fuel compatible with gas turbine systems may be of great importance. Technological problems will be encountered in substituting a coal-water slurry for the currently-used more tractable gas turbine fuels. These problems include the design of both fuel injectors that provide desirable fuel distribution and atomization characteristics, and of combustors with broad ranges of stability. Moreover, it must be recognized that the bound nitrogen in coal will produce unacceptable levels of nitrogen oxides unless special combustion techniques are used. Thus, efforts must be undertaken to develop acceptable coal-water fuel specifications, establish the viability of burning coal-water mixtures in gas turbines, and establish a data base for ultimate use in combustion system design procedures.
Combustion and Deposition, Erosion, and Corrosion Tests of Coal Turbine Fuels
Authors: Wilkes C. , Wenglarz R. , Clark D. W.
Published: March 2015

This paper discusses the results obtained from the rich-quench-lean (RQL) combustion system running on distillate fuel and coal water slurry (CWS). Estimates of fuel bound nitrogen (FBN) yield indicate that rich lean combustion is successful in reducing the yield from coal water slurry fuel to between 8% and 12%. Some improvements in combustion efficiency are required when burning coal water slurry to reduce carbon monoxide and unburned hydrocarbons to acceptable levels. These improvements are achievable by increasing the lean zone residence time. Further testing is planned to investigate the effects of residence time in more detail.

The planned deposition, erosion, and corrosion (DEC) testing will evaluate alternative approaches for protection from deposition, erosion, and corrosion of turbines operating with coal derived fuels.
Exergy Analysis of Combined Cycles: Part 2 — Analysis and Optimization of Two-Pressure Steam Bottoming Cycles
Authors: Chin W. W. , El-Masri M. A.
Published: March 2015

Results of a study for selecting the optimum parameters of a dual-pressure bottoming cycle as a function of the gas turbine exhaust temperature are presented. Realistic constraints reflecting current technological practice are assumed. Exergy analysis is applied to quantify all loss sources in each cycle. Compared to a single pressure at typical exhaust gas temperatures the optimized dual-pressure configuration is found to increase steam cycle work output on the order of 3%, principally through the reduction of the heat transfer irreversibility from about 15% to 8% of the exhaust gas energy. Measures to further reduce the heat transfer irreversibility such as three-pressure systems or use of multi-component mixtures can therefore only result in modest additional gains.

The results for the efficiency of optimized dual pressure bottoming cycles are correlated against turbine exit temperature by simple polynomial fits. Sensitivity of the results to variations in the constraint envelope are presented.
Waste Energy Utilization in Regenerative Gas Turbine Cycles
Authors: Najjar Yousef S. H. , Aldoss Taha K.
Published: March 2015

One of the ways that can be used to increase the efficiency of a shaft gas turbine engine is by installing a regenerative heat exchanger in one of the following two configurations:

1. after the low pressure turbine (usual case).

2. after the high pressure turbine (suggested).

Analysis of ideal cycles as well as real cycle for both configurations is done by using a computer program, where the following parameters were studied: heat exchanger effectiveness, turbine efficiency, compressor efficiency, ratio of turbine inlet pressure to compressor delivery pressure (P3/P2), and maximum temperature ratio (T3/T1).

From the sensitivity analysis for both configurations the usual configuration is inferior to the suggested in terms of the relative effects of compressor and turbine efficiencies on the overall efficiency and turbine inlet pressure on overall thermal efficiency and power output. However, the usual method is superior with respect to the relative effects of the compressor and turbine efficiencies on power output and flow path design and manufacture.
Operating Experience of a Dry Low NOx Combustor and SCR in a Japanese Utility, and Future Developments
Authors: Yabuki M. , Fukue I. , Johnson K. W.
Published: March 2015

Over three years of successful operating experience with a dry low NOx combustor and SCR system used in a combined cycle power plant of a Japanese utility is presented. The dry low NOx combustor with pre-mix fuel nozzles was verified by field test at a NOx level of 65 ppm. The SCP system has been operated with an efficiency between 30% and 90%, and shows no degradation in 20,000 hours operation.