bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Unsteady 360 Computational Fluid Dynamics Validation of a Turbine Stage Mainstream/Disk Cavity Interaction
Authors: Mirzamoghadam A. V. , Kanjiyani S. , Riahi A. , Vishnumolakala Reddaiah , Gundeti Lavan
Published: August 2014

The amount of cooling air assigned to seal high pressure turbine (HPT) rim cavities is critical for performance as well as component life. Insufficient air leads to excessive hot annulus gas ingestion and its penetration deep into the cavity compromising disk or cover plate life. Excessive purge air, on the other hand, adversely affects performance. Experiments on a rotating turbine stage rig which included a rotor–stator forward disk cavity were performed at Arizona State University (ASU). The turbine rig has 22 vanes and 28 blades, while the cavity is composed of a single-tooth lab seal and a rim platform overlap seal. Time-averaged static pressures were measured in the gas path and the cavity, while mainstream gas ingestion into the cavity was determined by measuring the concentration distribution of tracer gas (carbon dioxide) under a range of purge flows from 0.435% (Cw = 1540) to 1.74% (Cw = 6161). Additionally, particle image velocimetry (PIV) was used to measure fluid velocity inside the cavity between the lab seal and the rim seal. The data from the experiments were compared to time-dependent computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations using fluent CFD software. The CFD simulations brought to light the unsteadiness present in the flow during the experiment which the slower response data did not fully capture. An unsteady Reynolds averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS), 360-deg CFD model of the complete turbine stage was employed in order to increase the understanding of the swirl physics which dominate cavity flows and better predict rim seal ingestion. Although the rotor–stator cavity is geometrically axisymmetric, it was found that the interaction between swirling flows in the cavity and swirling flows in the gas path create nonperiodic/time-dependent unstable flow patterns which at the present are not accurately modeled by a 360 deg full stage unsteady analysis. At low purge flow conditions, the vortices that form inside the cavities are greatly influenced by mainstream ingestion. Conversely at high purge flow conditions the vortices are influenced by the purge flow, therefore ingestion is minimized. The paper also discusses details of meshing, convergence of time-dependent CFD simulations, and recommendations for future simulations in a rotor–stator disk cavity such as assessing the observed unsteadiness in the frequency domain in order to identify any critical frequencies driving the system.
Characterization and Modeling of a Spinning Thermoacoustic Instability in an Annular Combustor Equipped With Multiple Matrix Injectors
Authors: Bourgouin Jean-François , Durox Daniel , Moeck Jonas P. , Schuller Thierry , Candel Sébastien
Published: August 2014

Oscillations in fully annular systems coupled by azimuthal modes are often observed in gas turbine combustors but not well documented. One objective of the present study is to characterize this type of oscillation in a laboratory scale system, allowing detailed pressure measurements and high speed visualization of the flame motion. The experiment is designed to allow detailed investigations of this process at a stable limit cycle and for an extended period of time. Experiments reported in the present article are carried out in the MICCA facility which was used in our previous work to analyze instabilities arising when the chamber backplane was equipped with multiple swirling injectors (Bourgouin et al., 2013, “Self-Sustained Instabilities in an Annular Combustor Coupled by Azimuthal Acoustic Modes,” ASME Paper No. GT2013-95010). In the present study, these units are replaced by a set of matrix injectors. The annular plenum feeds 16 such devices confined by two cylindrical quartz tubes open to the atmosphere. The multiple flames formed by the matrix injectors are laminar and have a well documented describing function. This constitutes an ideal configuration allowing systematic investigations of thermo-acoustic oscillations coupled by longitudinal or azimuthal modes while avoiding complexities inherent to swirling turbulent flames studied previously. Optical access to the chamber allows high speed imaging of light emission from the flames providing instantaneous flame patterns and indications on the heat release rate fluctuations. Eight waveguide microphones record the pressure signal at the combustor injection plane and in the plenum. Among the unstable modes observed in this setup, this analysis focuses on situations where the system features a spinning azimuthal mode. This mode is observed at a frequency which is close to that associated with the 1A mode of the plenum. A theoretical analysis is then carried out to interpret the angular shift between the nodal lines in the plenum and chamber, and the measured flame describing function (FDF) is used to quantify this shift and determine the linear growth rate.
Study on Erosion Characteristics of Solid Particles in the First Reheat Stage Blades of a Supercritical Steam Turbine
Authors: Cai Liu-xi , Wang Shun-sen , Mao Jing-ru , Di Juan , Feng Zhen-ping , Zhang Jun-jie , Xu Ya-tao
Published: August 2014

Reducing solid particle erosion (SPE) of blades is one of the most urgent problems for supercritical steam turbine power generation technology. Based on the erosion rate models and the particle rebound models of blade materials obtained through the accelerated erosion test under high temperature, erosion characteristics of the first reheat stage blades in a supercritical steam turbine was simulated and analyzed by three-dimensional numerical simulation method in this paper. The influence of operating conditions, particle size distribution in the inlet of nozzle, and axial clearance between vanes and rotating blades on the erosion distribution of cascade were explored quantitatively. Results show that the erosion damage of the first-reheat stage stator is mainly caused by suction surface impingement from oxide particles. In designed loading condition, small and medium size of particles mainly eroded the trailing edge (TE) of nozzle pressure surface, while large particles mainly impinge the leading edge (LE) of rotating blades and the TE of vane suction surface, and erosion increase along the blade height. When the turbine is running under part-load condition, particle impingement angle on stator pressure surface is basically unchanged, while impingement velocity slightly reduced. However, the amount of particles that impinge the stator TE suction side after their first-time impingement on rotor LE increase rapidly, leading to the more severe erosion damage of stator suction surface. The particle size distribution in the inlet of nozzle has a significant effect on the erosion simulation of first reheat stage blades, and the size distribution sampled in one unit may not be used to other units. When axial clearance changes, the erosion weight loss of vane pressure surface near TE is basically held constant, while the erosion weight loss in vane suction surface near TE decreases with the increase of axial clearance. For the supercritical 600 MW unit simulated in this article, the antiSPE performance and the unit efficiency can be balanced well when the axial clearance increases to 13 mm. The results in this paper will provide a technology basis for reducing oxide particle erosion in the first reheat stage blades of supercritical steam turbine.
Comparative Study of Using R-410A, R-407C, R-22, and R-134a as Cooling Medium in the Condenser of a Steam Power Plant
Authors: Yousef Khaled , Assefa Abebayehu , Hegazy Ahmed , Engeda Abraham
Published: August 2014

A step-by-step technique has been implemented in the analytical study of heat transfer and pressure gradient characteristics of refrigerants R-410A, R-407C, R-22, and R-134a used as cooling media in the condenser of a steam power plant. Refrigerants are optimized to replace water/air as coolant in the condenser of a steam power plant. Refrigerants have much lower temperatures and much higher heat transfer rates than water or air. The thermal resistances that affect heat transfer characteristics and surface condenser performance are included. The effect of inlet refrigerant temperature and mass flow rate are reported for the four refrigerants. Calculations are performed at two inlet refrigerant temperatures −21 °C and −30 °C and mass flow rate ranging from 92.905 to 132.905 kg/s. The results revealed that the overall heat transfer coefficient, heat transfer rate, and condensation rate increased with refrigerant mass flow rate, with higher values at lower inlet refrigerant temperatures. For a given refrigerant mass flow rate and inlet temperature, the analytical study indicated that R-410A has higher values of overall heat transfer coefficient, heat transfer rate and condensation rate than R-407C, R-22, and R-314a, respectively. Moreover, it is found that R-410A, at −30 °C and 132.905 kg/s, is superior in condensing all steam entering the condenser than the other refrigerants; this corresponds to higher exergy efficiency. The condenser pressure was observed to be slightly higher for R-410A than the other refrigerants.
Effects of belowground herbivory on the survival and biomass of Lolium perenne and Plantago lanceolata plants at various growth stages
Authors: Tsunoda Tomonori , Kachi Naoki , Suzuki Jun-Ichirou
Published: August 2014

We examined the effects of a root-feeding beetle larva (Anomala cuprea Hope) on the survival and biomass of Lolium perenne L. and Plantago lanceolata L. plants at various ages. We hypothesized that belowground herbivory would kill more juveniles than mature plants because of greater root damage. We predicted that for juvenile plants, mortality would be higher for P. lanceolata than for L. perenne, because the thin taproot of P. lanceolata is less tolerant to herbivory. We hypothesized that for mature plants, herbivory of fibrous roots would negatively affect biomass; thus, L. perenne would be less tolerant than P. lanceolata. Plants of L. perenne or P. lanceolata at four ages were grown in pots with or without a herbivore. Herbivores killed juvenile plants, but not mature plants, of both species. More juveniles of P. lanceolata than L. perenne were killed by herbivory. In P. lanceolata, the low biomass of juveniles was attributed to herbivory, but herbivory did not affect the biomass of mature plants. In contrast, herbivory negatively affected the biomass of L. perenne plants of all ages. We concluded that the effects of belowground herbivory depend on plant age and, thus, on plant growth stage and root architecture.
Time evolution law of the Laguerre-polynomial-weighted chaotic photon field in an amplitude-damping channel
Authors: Da Cheng , Chen Qian-Fan , Zhang Peng-Fei , Fan Hong-Yi
Published: August 2014

We examine how a Laguerre-polynomial-weighted chaotic photon field (LPWCPF), whose density operator is [Formula: see text], evolves in an amplitude-damping channel. By using a newly derived generating function of two-variable Hermite polynomials we obtain the evolution law of LPWCPF, which turns out to be a new LPWCPF with a new parameter, depending on 1 − e−2κt, where κ represents decay rate. The technique of integration (summation) within an ordered product of operators is used in our discussions.
Pistacia chinensis: A Potent Ameliorator of CCl4Induced Lung and Thyroid Toxicity in Rat Model
Authors: Naz Kiran , Khan Muhammad Rashid , Shah Naseer Ali , Sattar Saadia , Noureen Farah , Awan Madeeha Latif
Published: August 2014

In the current study protective effect of ethanol extract ofPistacia chinensisbark (PCEB) was investigated in rats against CCl4induced lung and thyroid injuries. PCEB dose dependently inhibited the rise of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances, hydrogen peroxide, nitrite, and protein content and restored the levels of antioxidant enzymes, that is, catalase, peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione-S-transferase, glutathione reductase, glutathione peroxidase,γ-glutamyl transpeptidase, and quinone reductase in both lung and thyroid tissues of CCl4treated rats. Decrease in number of leukocytes, neutrophils, and hemoglobin and T3and T4content as well as increase in monocytes, eosinophils, and lymphocytes count with CCl4were restored to normal level with PCEB treatment. Histological study of CCl4treated rats showed various lung injuries like rupture of alveolar walls and bronchioles, aggregation of fibroblasts, and disorganized Clara cells. Similarly, histology of CCl4treated thyroid tissues displayed damaged thyroid follicles, hypertrophy, and colloidal depletion. However, PCEB exhibited protective behaviour for lungs and thyroid, with improved histological structure in a dose dependant manner. Presence of three known phenolic compounds, that is, rutin, tannin, and gallic acid, and three unknown compounds was verified in thin layer chromatographic assessment of PCEB. In conclusion,P. chinensisexhibited antioxidant activity by the presence of free radical quenching constituents.
Cardiovascular Risk Factors and Total Serum Antioxidant Capacity in Healthy Men and in Men with Coronary Heart Disease
Authors: Gawron-Skarbek Anna , Chrzczanowicz Jacek , Kostka Joanna , Nowak Dariusz , Drygas Wojciech , Jegier Anna , Kostka Tomasz
Published: August 2014

Whether the incidence of coronary heart disease (CHD) is related to a decrease in total antioxidant capacity (TAC) has not yet been completely clarified. We assessed TAC of blood serum in a group of 163 men with CHD aged 34.8–77.0 years and in 163 age-matched peers without CHD. Two spectrophotometric methods were applied to assess TAC: ferric reducing ability of serum (TAC-FRAS) and 2.2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl (TAC-DPPH) tests. In the CHD group, multivariate analysis revealed that uric acid (UA), triglycerides, and systolic blood pressure contributed independently to the TAC-FRAS variance. TAC-DPPH was favorably predicted by UA concentration, but negatively so by current smoking and glucose levels. In men without CHD, UA was the only independent determinant of both TAC-FRAS and TAC-DPPH. Presence of CHD was not an independent predictor of TAC—observed between-group differences (higher TAC in CHD patients) disappeared after adjustment for other confounders. We conclude that UA is the main determinant of TAC of blood serum in men. TAC is not directly influenced by age or CHD but is related to several indices of overweight/obesity and laboratory measures of metabolic syndrome, especially in patients with CHD.
Alemtuzumab Plus Cyclosporine Treatment of the Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia in an Adult Bowel Transplant
Authors: Lauro A. , Stanzani M. , Finelli C. , Zanfi C. , Morelli M. C. , Pasqualini E. , Dazzi A. , Ravaioli M. , Di Simone M. , Giudice V. , Pironi L. , Pinna A. D.
Published: August 2014

An adult male underwent a bowel transplant for tufting enteropathy, receiving alemtuzumab, tacrolimus, and steroids as immunosuppressants. Five years later, he developed an autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA), anti-IgG positive, with reduced reticulocyte count, leukopenia, and thrombocytopenia with antiplatelet antibodies. After an unsuccessful initial treatment with high dose steroids, reduction in tacrolimus dose, and intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG), a bone marrow biopsy revealed absence of erythroid maturation with precursor hyperplasia. The patient was switched to sirolimus and received four doses of rituximab plus two courses of plasmapheresis, which decreased his transfusion requirements. After a febrile episode one month later, the AIHA relapsed with corresponding decreases in platelet and leukocyte count: cyclosporine A (CsA) was started with a second course of rituximab and IVIG without response, even though repeat bone marrow biopsy did not reveal morphology correlated to an acquired pure red cell aplasia (APRCA). Considering the similarity in his clinical and laboratory findings to APRCA, alemtuzumab was added (three doses over a week) with CsA followed by steroids. The patient was eventually discharged transfusion-independent, with increasing hemoglobin (Hb) levels and normal platelet and leukocyte count. One year later he is still disease-free with functioning graft.
Multitracer Stable Isotope Quantification of Arginase and Nitric Oxide Synthase Activity in a Mouse Model of Pseudomonas Lung Infection
Authors: Grasemann Hartmut , Jaecklin Thomas , Mehl Anne , Huang Hailu , Rafii Mahroukh , Pencharz Paul , Ratjen Felix
Published: August 2014

Cystic fibrosis airways are deficient for L-arginine, a substrate for nitric oxide synthases (NOSs) and arginases. The rationale for this study was to quantify NOS and arginase activity in the mouse lung. Anesthetized unventilated mice received a primed constant stable isotope intravenous infusion containing labeled L-arginine, ornithine, and citrulline. The isotopic enrichment of each of the infused isotopomers and its product amino acids were measured in plasma and organ homogenates using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. The effect of infection was studied three days after direct tracheal instillation of Pseudomonas-coated agar beads. In the infusion model, lung infection resulted in a significant (28-fold) increase in NOS activity in lung but not in trachea, kidney, liver, or plasma. Absolute rates of arginase activity in solid tissues could not be calculated in this model. In an isolated lung perfusion model used for comparison increased NOS activity in infected lungs was confirmed (28.5-fold) and lung arginase activity was increased 9.7-fold. The activity of L-arginine metabolizing enzymes can be measured using stable isotope conversion in the mouse. Accumulation of L-ornithine in the whole mouse model hindered the exact quantification of arginase activity in the lung, a problem that was overcome utilizing an isolated lung perfusion model.
Serum Micronutrient Status of Haart-Naïve, HIV Infected Children in South Western Nigeria: A Case Controlled Study
Authors: Anyabolu H. C. , Adejuyigbe E. A. , Adeodu O. O.
Published: August 2014

Background. Though micronutrients are vital in the pathogenesis of human immunodeficiency virus infection, most studies have been conducted in adults. Knowledge of the status of key micronutrients in HIV infected African children will indicate if supplementation may be beneficial to these children living in this resource-poor region.Objectives. We sought to determine the micronutrient status and associated factors of HAART-naïve HIV infected children and compare them with those of the HIV negative controls.Methods. We enrolled 70 apparently stable HAART naïve HIV infected children. Seventy age and sex matched HIV negative children were equally enrolled as the controls. Their social class, anthropometry, clinical stage, CD4 counts, serum zinc, selenium, and vitamin C were determined.Results. The prevalence of zinc, selenium, and vitamin C deficiency in HIV infected subjects was 77.1%, 71.4%, and 70.0%, respectively, as compared to 44.3%, 18.6%, and 15.7% in HIV negative controls. Among the HIV infected subjects, 58.6% were deficient in the three micronutrients. Micronutrient status was related to the weight, clinical, and immunological stages but not BMI or social class.Conclusion. Deficiency of these key micronutrients is widely prevalent in HAART naïve HIV infected children irrespective of social class. This suggests that supplementation trial studies may be indicated in this population.
A Case of Ocular Syphilis in a 36-Year-Old HIV-Positive Male
Authors: Nguyen Amy , Berngard Samuel Clark , Lopez Jay Patrick , Jenkins Timothy C.
Published: August 2014

The incidence of syphilis in the United States has increased markedly over the last decade, particularly among men who have sex with men (MSM). Although uncommon, ocular involvement is a potentially devastating clinical manifestation of syphilis. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection appears to increase the risk of ocular syphilis. Because of the lack of pathognomonic features for ocular syphilis and its ability to occur in both immunocompetent and immunosuppressed individuals, prompt diagnosis requires a high index of suspicion. Ocular syphilis should therefore be considered in MSM and HIV-infected patients presenting with unexplained visual complaints. Herein, we present a case of ocular syphilis in a patient with newly diagnosed HIV.
Allergic Contact Dermatitis Is Associated with Significant Oxidative Stress
Authors: Kaur S. , Zilmer K. , Leping V. , Zilmer M.
Published: August 2014

Background. Research has confirmed the involvement of oxidative stress (OxS) in allergic contact dermatitis whilst other inflammation-related biomarkers have been less studied.Objective. To evaluate systemic levels of selected inflammatory markers, OxS indices and adipokines as well as their associations in allergic contact dermatitis.Methods. In 40 patients, interleukin- (IL-) 6, monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP-1), and IL-10 levels were measured in sera with the Evidence Investigator Cytokine & Growth factors High-Sensitivity Array, total peroxide concentration (TPX) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) by means of spectrophotometry, and the plasma concentrations of adiponectin and leptin by the quantitative sandwich enzyme immunoassay technique.Results. TNF-αlevel (P< 0.01) and TPX (P< 0.0001) were increased whilst IL-10 (P< 0.05) and TAC (P< 0.0001) were decreased in the patients as compared to controls. Correlation and multiple linear regression analysis identified both, TPX and TAC (inversely), as possible independent markers for evaluating allergic contact dermatitis. Adiponectin level in patients was increased (P< 0.0001), but neither adiponectin nor leptin correlated significantly with the biomarkers of inflammation or OxS.Conclusion. OxS parameters, especially TPX and OSI, reflect the degree of systemic inflammation associated with allergic contact dermatitis in the best way. The relation between OxS and adiponectin level warrants further studies.
Cytogenetic as an Important Tool for Diagnosis and Prognosis for Patients with Hypocellular Primary Myelodysplastic Syndrome
Authors: Corrêa de Souza Daiane , de Souza Fernandez Cecília , Camargo Adriana , Apa Alexandre Gustavo , Sobral da Costa Elaine , Bouzas Luis Fernando , Abdelhay Eliana , de Souza Fernandez Teresa
Published: August 2014

We analyzed cytogenetically 105 patients with hypocellular primary MDS and their clinical implications. The main chromosomal abnormalities found were del(5q)/−5, del(6q)/+6, del(7q)/−7, del(11q), and del(17p). Pediatric patients had a higher frequency of abnormal karyotypes compared with adult patients (P< 0,05). From our patients, 18% showed evolution of the disease. The chromosomal abnormalities presented in the diagnosis of patients who evolved to AML included numerical (−7, +8) and structural del(6q), del(7q), i(7q), t(7;9), i(9q), and del(11q) abnormalities and complex karyotypes. Although the frequency of evolution from hypocellular MDS to AML is low, our results suggest that some chromosomal alterations may play a critical role during this process. We applied the IPSS in our patients because this score system has been proved to be useful for predicting evolution of disease. When we considered the patients according to group 1 (intermediate-1) and group 2 (intermediate-2 and high risk), we showed that group 2 had a high association with respect to the frequency of abnormal karyotypes (P< 0,0001), evolution of disease (P< 0,0001), and mortality (P< 0,001). In fact, the cytogenetic analysis for patients with hypocellular primary MDS is an important tool for diagnosis, prognosis, in clinical decision-making and in follow-up.
A Simple and Advantageous Synthesis of the Privileged 1,4-Benzodiazepine Nucleus
Authors: Jain Neetu , Kishore Dharma
Published: August 2014

A novel domino approach has been described for an easy access of the privileged nucleus of 5-carbomethoxy substituted 1,4-benzodiazepin-2-ones 4(a–i) from an in situ methanolic hydrolysis of an incipient species formed from the interaction of 1-chloroacetylisatin 2(a–i), hexamethyldisilazane, and n-butyl lithium. The reaction is believed to take place through a consecutive series of intramolecular reactions in a cascade to first generate a highly reactive carbene intermediate 3(a–i) from 1-chloroacetylisatin and n-butyl lithium which is simultaneously trapped by hexamethyldisilazane before undergoing its in situ hydrolysis with methanol to initiate its concomitant cyclocondensation to produce 4(a–i) in high yield and purity.
Dental Fear Survey: A Cross-Sectional Study Evaluating the Psychometric Properties of the Brazilian Portuguese Version
Authors: Oliveira Maurício Antônio , Vale Miriam Pimenta , Bendo Cristiane Baccin , Paiva Saul Martins , Serra-Negra Júnia Maria
Published: August 2014

Objective. The aim of this study was to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Brazilian version of the Dental Fear Survey (DFS), previously translated to the Brazilian Portuguese language and validated.Methods. A cross-sectional study with 1,256 undergraduates from the city of Belo Horizonte, Brazil, was carried out. The DFS and a questionnaire about previous dental experiences were self-administered. Data analysis involved descriptive statistics, principal components analysis (PCA), confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), internal consistency and test-retest reliability, and construct, discriminant, and convergent validity.Results. PCA identified a three-factor structure. CFA confirmed the multidimensionality of the Brazilian version of the DFS. A modified model of the Brazilian version of the DFS fits better than the hypothesized model. The Cronbach’s alpha coefficient for the total DFS scale was 0.95.Conclusion. The DFS demonstrated acceptable construct validity, convergent validity, and discriminant validity. These results supported the reliability and validity of the DFS among Brazilian undergraduates.
High Grade Myofibroblastic Sarcoma of Paratesticular Soft Tissues
Authors: Anastasiou Ioannis , Levis Panagiotis K. , Katafigiotis Ioannis , Karaolanis Georgios , Palla Viktoria-Varvara , Felekouras Evangelos , Athanasiou Antonios , Perdiki Marina , Mitropoulos Dionysios , Constantinides Constantinos A.
Published: August 2014

Tumors of the paratesticular region most often arise from the soft tissue surrounding the spermatic cord and the epididymis or from the soft tissue (dartos muscle) of the scrotal wall. Paratesticular tumors, despite their rarity, present a high incidence of malignancy (30%), and the therapeutic approach of choice is surgical resection with negative margin. The grade, the histology type, the presence of metastases during the diagnosis, the size of the tumor, the age of the patients, and the surgical margins are all important prognostic factors. We present a case report of a 86-year-old patient with a high grade paratesticular and scrotum sarcoma of soft tissues which was presented as a hard painful mass of the scrotum. The patient was subjected to high ligation of the spermatic cord and received no further treatment and 6 months after the operation no local or systematic recurrence was observed.
A New Class of Meromorphic Functions Involving the Polylogarithm Function
Authors: Alhindi Khadeejah Rasheed , Darus Maslina
Published: August 2014

We introduce a new operator Dcf(z) associated with polylogarithm function. By making use of the new operator, we define a certain new class of meromorphic functions and discussed some important properties of it.
A Novel Algorithm for Imbalance Data Classification Based on Neighborhood Hypergraph
Authors: Hu Feng , Liu Xiao , Dai Jin , Yu Hong
Published: August 2014

The classification problem for imbalance data is paid more attention to. So far, many significant methods are proposed and applied to many fields. But more efficient methods are needed still. Hypergraph may not be powerful enough to deal with the data in boundary region, although it is an efficient tool to knowledge discovery. In this paper, the neighborhood hypergraph is presented, combining rough set theory and hypergraph. After that, a novel classification algorithm for imbalance data based on neighborhood hypergraph is developed, which is composed of three steps: initialization of hyperedge, classification of training data set, and substitution of hyperedge. After conducting an experiment of 10-fold cross validation on 18 data sets, the proposed algorithm has higher average accuracy than others.
Using SEM-EDX and ICP-OES to Investigate the Elemental Composition of Green MacroalgaVaucheria sessilis
Authors: Michalak Izabela , Marycz Krzysztof , Basińska Katarzyna , Chojnacka Katarzyna
Published: August 2014

The biomass ofVaucheria sessilisforms algal mats in many freshwaters. There is a need to find the method of algal biomass utilization.Vaucheria sessilisis a rich source of micro- and macronutrients and can be used as a soil amendment. In the paper, the elemental composition of enriched, via bioaccumulation process, macroalga was investigated. For this purpose, two independent techniques were used: scanning electron microscopy with an energy dispersive X-ray analytical system (SEMEDX) and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES). The biomass was exposed to two microelemental solutions, with Cu(II) and Zn(II) ions. After two weeks of the experiment, macroalga accumulated 98.5 mg of Zn(II) ions in 1 g of dry biomass and 68.9 mg g−1of Cu(II) ions. Micrographs performed by SEM proved that bioaccumulation occurred. Metal ions were bound on the surface and in the interior of cells. Mappings of all cations showed that in the case of the surface of biomass (biosorption), the elements constituted aggregations and in the case of the cross section (bioaccumulation) they were evenly distributed. The algal biomass with permanently bound microelements can find an application in many branches of the industry (feed, natural fertilizers, etc.).
Organoporosity Evaluation of Shale: A Case Study of the Lower Silurian Longmaxi Shale in Southeast Chongqing, China
Authors: Chen Fangwen , Lu Shuangfang , Ding Xue
Published: August 2014

The organopores play an important role in determining total volume of hydrocarbons in shale gas reservoir. The Lower Silurian Longmaxi Shale in southeast Chongqing was selected as a case to confirm the contribution of organopores (microscale and nanoscale pores within organic matters in shale) formed by hydrocarbon generation to total volume of hydrocarbons in shale gas reservoir. Using the material balance principle combined with chemical kinetics methods, an evaluation model of organoporosity for shale gas reservoirs was established. The results indicate that there are four important model parameters to consider when evaluating organoporosity in shale: the original organic carbon (w(TOC0)), the original hydrogen index (IH0), the transformation ratio of generated hydrocarbon (F(Ro)), and the organopore correction coefficient (C). The organoporosity of the Lower Silurian Longmaxi Shale in the Py1 well is from 0.20 to 2.76%, and the average value is 1.25%. The organoporosity variation trends and the residual organic carbon of Longmaxi Shale are consistent in section. The residual organic carbon is indicative of the relative levels of organoporosity, while the samples are in the same shale reservoirs with similar buried depths.
Modified Hyperspheres Algorithm to Trace Homotopy Curves of Nonlinear Circuits Composed by Piecewise Linear Modelled Devices
Authors: Vazquez-Leal H. , Jimenez-Fernandez V. M. , Benhammouda B. , Filobello-Nino U. , Sarmiento-Reyes A. , Ramirez-Pinero A. , Marin-Hernandez A. , Huerta-Chua J.
Published: August 2014

We present a homotopy continuation method (HCM) for finding multiple operating points of nonlinear circuits composed of devices modelled by using piecewise linear (PWL) representations. We propose an adaptation of the modified spheres path tracking algorithm to trace the homotopy trajectories of PWL circuits. In order to assess the benefits of this proposal, four nonlinear circuits composed of piecewise linear modelled devices are analysed to determine their multiple operating points. The results show that HCM can find multiple solutions within a single homotopy trajectory. Furthermore, we take advantage of the fact that homotopy trajectories are PWL curves meant to replace the multidimensional interpolation and fine tuning stages of the path tracking algorithm with a simple and highly accurate procedure based on the parametric straight line equation.
A Broad-Spectrum Antimicrobial Activity ofBacillus subtilisRLID 12.1
Authors: Ramachandran Ramya , Chalasani Ajay Ghosh , Lal Ram , Roy Utpal
Published: August 2014

In the present study, an attempt was made to biochemically characterize the antimicrobial substance from the soil isolate designated as RLID 12.1 and explore its potential applications in biocontrol of drug-resistant pathogens. The antimicrobial potential of the wild-type isolate belonging to the genusBacilluswas determined by the cut-well agar assay. The production of antimicrobial compound was recorded maximum at late exponential growth phase. The ultrafiltered concentrate was insensitive to organic solvents, metal salts, surfactants, and proteolytic and nonproteolytic enzymes. The concentrate was highly heat stable and active over a wide range of pH values. Partial purification, zymogram analysis, and TLC were performed to determine the preliminary biochemical nature. The molecular weight of the antimicrobial peptide was determined to be less than 2.5 kDa in 15% SDS-PAGE and in zymogram analysis againstStreptococcus pyogenes. The N-terminal amino acid sequence by Edman degradation was partially determined to be T-P-P-Q-S-X-L-X-X-G, which shows very insignificant identity to other antimicrobial peptides from bacteria. The minimum inhibitory concentrations of dialysed and partially purified ion exchange fractions were determined against some selected gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria and some pathogenic yeasts. The presence of three important antimicrobial peptide biosynthesis genesituc, fend,andbmybwas determined by PCR.
Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria Is Characterized by Lower Serum Advanced Glycation End-Products
Authors: Grzanka Alicja , Damasiewicz-Bodzek Aleksandra , Machura Edyta , Szumska Magdalena , Tyrpień-Golder Krystyna , Mazur Bogdan , Kasperska-Zajac Alicja
Published: August 2014

Background.Chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) is associated with activation of acute phase response. On the other hand, it is known that systemic inflammation may lead to increased formation of advanced glycation end-products (AGEs), associated with pathogenesis of various diseases.Aim.We aim to test whether chronic inflammation manifested by activated acute phase response may provide a mechanism for increased serum AGEs concentration in CSU.Methods.Concentrations of AGEs were measured spectrofluorimetrically in serum of CSU patients and the healthy subjects.Results.Serum AGEs and albumin concentrations in CSU patients were significantly lower as compared with the healthy subjects. Serum CRP concentration was significantly higher in patients with CSU than in the controls. Significant positive correlation was observed between AGEs and albumin concentrations in the subjects.Conclusions.CSU is not associated with increased circulating AGEs concentrations, despite the enhanced systemic inflammatory response. Paradoxical decrease of serum AGEs concentrations is probably a reflection of lower concentration of “negative acute phase proteins” such as albumin.
Fluid Resuscitation in Sepsis: Reexamining the Paradigm
Authors: Madhusudan Poorna , Tirupakuzhi Vijayaraghavan Bharath Kumar , Cove Matthew Edward
Published: August 2014

Sepsis results in widespread inflammatory responses altering homeostasis. Associated circulatory abnormalities (peripheral vasodilation, intravascular volume depletion, increased cellular metabolism, and myocardial depression) lead to an imbalance between oxygen delivery and demand, triggering end organ injury and failure. Fluid resuscitation is a key part of treatment, but there is little agreement on choice, amount, and end points for fluid resuscitation. Over the past few years, the safety of some fluid preparations has been questioned. Our paper highlights current concerns, reviews the science behind current practices, and aims to clarify some of the controversies surrounding fluid resuscitation in sepsis.
The Rehabilitation Role in Chronic Kidney and End Stage Renal Disease
Authors: Intiso Domenico
Published: August 2014

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) worldwide is rising markedly becoming a priority public health problem. The progression of CKD cause functional limitation and severe disability with poor quality of life. The aim of present review was to highlight the effect of rehabilitation in CKD and ESRD subjects. The rehabilitative process is unique in treating disabled people according to a holistic approach with the aim of supporting a person's independent living and autonomy. CKD are associated with an increased risk of functional impairment, independent of age, gender, and co-morbidities. Clinicians should counsel patients with CKD including frail elder people to increase physical activity levels and target that regular physical activity including aerobic or endurance exercises training benefits health. In old subjects with CKD and multiple functional impairments, the traditional disease based model should be changed to individualized patient-centered approach that prioritizes patient preferences. Patients receiving haemodialysis have a considerably lower exercise tolerance, functional capacity, and more muscle wasting than healthy subjects or patients with less severe CKD. Exercise training or comprehensive multi-dimensional strategy and goal-oriented intervention should be also provided in ESRD older subjects. Structured prevention programs based on reducing the risk factors for CKD and rehabilitative strategies could reduce disability occurrence.
Complete Penoscrotal Transposition: Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Sexton Philippa , Thomas Joseph T. , Petersen Scott , Brown Nicole , Arms Jane E. , Bryan Jenny , Harraway James , Gardener Glenn
Published: August 2014

Penoscrotal transposition is a rare congenital abnormality. We report a case presenting prenatally with ambiguous genitalia and renal anomaly on obstetric ultrasound and fetal MRI and discuss the postnatal examination and autopsy findings. We present a review of the literature, including associated gene abnormalities.
Persistent Neutrophil Dysfunction and Suppression of Acute Lung Injury in Mice following Cecal Ligation and Puncture Sepsis
Authors: Grailer Jamison J. , Kalbitz Miriam , Zetoune Firas S. , Ward Peter A.
Published: August 2014

Sepsis, both in humans and in rodents, is associated with persistent immunosuppression accompanied by defects in innate immunity during the acute phase of sepsis. Mice were rendered septic by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) followed by the induction of acute lung injury, employing distal airway deposition of IgG immune complexes, in order to quantitatively evaluate innate immune responses following the induction of sepsis. Suppression of innate immune responses in the lung occurred as early as 12 h after CLP and up to 21 days thereafter. The mechanism of innate immune defects included a reduced leak of albumin into the lungs together with reduced levels of tumor necrosis factor in bronchoalveolar lavage fluids and increased levels of interleukin-10 that were persistent. Bone marrow-derived neutrophils (polymorphonuclear neutrophils; PMNs) from CLP mice also had reduced levels of the activation marker CD11b and a depressed respiratory burst following stimulation in vitro. These results were not observed in mice with endotoxemia, where the innate inflammatory response was preserved. However, sustained lymphopenia was present in both models, suggesting differential regulation of innate and adaptive immunity in the two sepsis models. These data indicate that CLP induced a prolonged suppression of inflammatory responses both in the lung and systemically, as defined by bone marrow-derived PMN dysfunction.
Overview of Nongynecological Samples Prepared with Liquid-Based Cytology Medium
Authors: Ren Shuyue , Solomides Charalambos , Draganova-Tacheva Rossitza , Bibbo Marluce
Published: August 2014

Objective: Liquid-based cytology of nongynecological specimens is commonly used in cytology laboratories throughout the world and various processing methods, such as ThinPrep and SurePath, have been reported. The cytological features and performance of liquid-based cytology for various cytology specimens, including body cavity fluids, urine, brushing specimens and fine-needle aspiration of various lesions, were reviewed and compared with the experience of our laboratory and the literature published in PubMed. Study Design: The parameters for the evaluation of liquid-based cytology and conventional smears were described in the various types of specimens. Criteria for the interpretation of nongynecological liquid-based cytology were highlighted to show differences in cell morphology, background and artifacts. Results: The interpretation requires familiarity with the appearance of liquid-based cytology in the various types of preparations to avoid misdiagnosis. Conclusions: Cell blocks can be prepared with specimens preserved in a liquid-based cytology medium and immunocytochemical stains and molecular testing can be successfully performed. These are important adjuncts in order to reach a definitive diagnosis.
Bioimpedance in 7-Year-Old Children: Validation by Dual X-Ray Absorptiometry - Part 2: Assessment of Segmental Composition
Authors: Luque Veronica , Escribano Joaquin , Zaragoza-Jordana Marta , Rubio-Torrents Carmen , Ferré Natalia , Gispert-Llaurado Mariona , Closa-Monasterolo Ricardo ,   for the European Childhood Obesity Project Group
Published: August 2014

Aim: Segmental body composition in children was assessed using the bioimpedance analyzer (BIA) TANITA BC-418 and compared with dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) values. Methods: A cross-sectional validation study in which 7-year-old children from the Spanish subsample of the EU Childhood Obesity Project were assessed through anthropometry, BIA and DXA. Main outcome measures were fat and lean masses of the trunk, left arm and left leg (in kg) assessed through BIA direct outputs (BIAoutputs) and DXA. Predictive equations for the composition of each segment were derived from raw impedance and anthropometric measurements; results obtained from these predictive equations (BIAregressions) were also compared to DXA. Results: One hundred seventy-one (84 boys) 7-year-old children were studied. BIAoutputs and DXA results showed small differences for leg lean mass (6.5%) and high differences for trunk fat and trunk lean masses (>30%). BIAregressions results showed differences of about 20% for trunk fat mass, 1.5% for trunk lean mass and 3.7% for leg lean mass compared to DXA. Conclusions: Segmental body composition measures predicted by internal algorithms of the TANITA BC-418 were not valid for clinical or epidemiological use, except for leg lean mass. The assessment of segmental composition was improved using our own predictive equations combining segmental-specific anthropometric measurements with segmental impedances.
Comparison of Paper- and Web-Based Dietary Records: A Pilot Study
Authors: Benedik Evgen , Koroušić Seljak Barbara , Simčič Marjan , Rogelj Irena , Bratanič Borut , Ding Eric L. , Orel Rok , Fidler Mis Nataša
Published: August 2014

Background/Aims: Paper-based dietary records (Paper-DR) can be replaced by web-based dietary records (Web-DR) in both epidemiological studies and clinical practice to reduce the time and logistic burden. We aimed to compare Paper-DR and Web-DR. Methods: We compared the matching of different food items (n = 1,103) from Paper-DR and Web-DR for energy and 48 nutrients among 16 pregnant volunteers, with DR for the same individuals matched for the same 4 days. Paper-DR were coded into the web-based version (referred to as Paper-Web-DR) independently by the same research dietitian. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test comparing mean rank differences, Spearman's ρ to measure associations and Bland-Altman limits of agreement to evaluate the level of agreement between the two dietary methods across the range of parameters were used. Volunteers also completed an evaluation questionnaire regarding the user acceptability of Paper-DR and Web-DR. Results: A high correlation between Paper-DR and Web-DR was noted. There were statistically insignificant differences among 45 nutrients, except for free sugars (p < 0.001), α-linolenic acid (p = 0.041), folate (p = 0.036) and pantothenic acid (p = 0.023). Volunteers found the Paper-DR equally time-consuming as the Web-DR. The majority of the volunteers (75%) preferred the Web-DR. Conclusions: Paper-DR and Web-DR were comparable across a range of nutritional parameters, with a few exceptions. The Web-DR was more convenient for the majority and has substantial logistic and cost advantages.
An Analysis of the Conceptual Foundations of the Infant Preferential Looking Paradigm
Authors: Tafreshi Donna , Thompson Joseph J. , Racine Timothy P.
Published: August 2014

The core knowledge (CK) account of human development ascribes higher-order cognition to infants on the basis of looking time measures. In this paper, we investigate the conceptual foundations of this account through an examination of the preferential looking paradigm. We focus on the use of this paradigm in social cognitive and morality research, which involves ascriptions of expectation, surprise, preference, belief understanding, and moral judgment to infant looking behavior. We compare CK researchers' usage of these terms with everyday usage, and conclude that the application of belief and morality to infant looking behavior is overzealous. Based on these considerations, we argue that a developmental systems approach may provide a more appropriate theoretical framework for studying the development of such capacities.
Expression of MIG/CXCL9 in Cystic Fibrosis and Modulation of Its Activities by Elastase of Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Jovic Sandra , Shikhagaie Medya , Mörgelin Matthias , Kjellström Sven , Erjefalt Jonas , Olin Anders I. , Frick Inga-Maria , Egesten Arne
Published: August 2014

In cystic fibrosis (CF), colonization of the airways with Pseudomonas aeruginosa is associated with disease deterioration. The mechanism behind the disease progression is not fully understood. The present work shows that the antibacterial chemokine MIG/CXCL9 is present in the airways and in sputum of CF patients. MIG/CXCL9 showed high bactericidal activity against. P. aeruginosa, including some strains from the airways of CF patients. Full-length MIG/CXCL9 was detected in sputum from healthy controls and CF patients colonized with P. aeruginosa. However, degraded MIG/CXCL9 was only found in CF sputum. In vitro, elastase of P. aeruginosa cleaved off a fragment of similar size and two additional fragments from MIG/CXCL9. The fragments showed less bactericidal activity against P. aeruginosa compared with the full-length protein. The fragments did not activate the MIG/CXCL9 receptor CXCR3 (expressed e.g. by NK cells, mast cells, and activated T cells) but instead displayed noncompetitive inhibition. In vitro, a decrease in CXCR3-bearing cells was found within and in the proximity of the bronchial epithelium of CF lung tissue compared with controls. Taken together, both bactericidal and cell-recruiting activities of MIG/CXCL9 are corrupted by P. aeruginosa through release of elastase, and this may contribute to impaired airway host defense in CF.