bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gas Turbine Operation Under Long Term PFB Conditions
Authors: Boericke Ralph R.
Published: March 2015

A key issue in pressurized fluidized bed combustion (PFBC) is the durability of the gas turbine when operated on combustion gases containing coal ash, attrited sorbent bed material, and corrosive alkali compounds. The tolerance of industrial gas turbines to erosion by dust particles has been estimated based on data from a variety of sources which are reviewed briefly in this paper. It is shown, based on experimental data, that conventional cyclones can remove sufficient dust particles to meet the projected turbine erosion tolerance. In addition, advanced clean-up devices under development by the U.S. Department of Energy which would effectively remove gas turbine erosion as an issue in PFBC are described. An overview of ongoing materials work is presented which summarizes recent experimental results and assesses the suitability of existing and new turbine alloys to survive this environment. Particular attention is given to a PFB Long Term Materials Test currently in progress which will demonstrate materials corrosion resistance for exposure times up to 14,000 hr. Preliminary results from this test are discussed.
A Comparison of Techniques for Measuring Particulate Emissions of a Gas Turbine Engine
Authors: Rutter Stephen
Published: March 2015

The particulate emissions of an AVCO Lycoming vehicular gas turbine were measured by several techniques — two for determining smoke number and three for measurement of true smoke density. There was little agreement among the different techniques, with smoke numbers varying between 16 and 31 and true smoke density ranging from 6 to 19 milligrams per cubic meter at one engine test condition. The differences were attributed to timewise variation in engine performance, effects of different sampling techniques and the presence of volatile matter in the particulates. Particulate measurements were made during steady state and transient operation using a new instrument called a Tapered Element Oscillating Microbalance.
Combined Cycles for Hybrid Fossil/Geothermal Power Generation
Authors: Khalifa H. Ezzat
Published: March 2015

The paper presents a preliminary technical and economic assessment of a combined cycle in which the bottoming cycle is fed both by the exhaust energy from a combustion engine topping loop and by moderate-temperature energy from a geothermal resource. It is shown that this arrangement offers significant performance and economic advantages over the separate utilization of the two energy inputs. A gas-turbine-topped dual pressure toluene bottoming system matched to a 300 F (∼150 C) hydrothermal resource can produce 10 to 20% more power than would be obtained from two separate plants; a conventional flash or binary power plant for the geothermal fluid, and a 35%-efficient combustion power plant for the oil or natural gas burned in the topping loop. The superior performance of the hybrid plant results in a commensurate reduction in the cost of electricity.
Combined Cycle and Waste Heat Recovery Power Systems Based on a Novel Thermodynamic Energy Cycle Utilizing Low-Temperature Heat for Power Generation
Authors: Kalina Alexander I.
Published: March 2015

A new thermodynamic energy cycle has been developed, using a multicomponent working agent. Condensation is supplemented with absorption, following expansion in the turbine. Several combined power systems based on this cycle have been designed and cost-estimated. Efficiencies of these new systems are 1.35 to 1.5 times higher than the best Rankine Cycle system, at the same border conditions. Investment cost per unit of power output is about two-thirds of the cost of a comparable Rankine Cycle system. Results make cogeneration economically attractive at current energy prices. The first experimental installation is planned by Fayette Manufacturing Company and Detroit Diesel Allison Division of General Motors.
Centrifugal Fan Performance With Distorted Inflows
Authors: Wright T. , Madhavan S. , DiRe J.
Published: March 2015

Efforts to quantify degradation of the performance of a centrifugal fan subjected to distorted inflows are presented. The study centered on examination of pressure rise, efficiency, and onset of stall for a backwardly-inclined, airfoil-bladed fan. Nonuniform flow patterns were generated in an adjustable countervane damper assembly installed upstream of the inlet box, and systematic families of performance curves were generated. Results of these tests show that significant degradation in efficiency and pressure rise — as much as 10 to 15 percent — may result from moderately to severely distorted inflow patterns. Onset of stall was significantly influenced by severely distorted inflows.
Unsteady Flow at the Outlet of the High Specific Speed Centrifugal Compressor Impeller
Authors: Kano Fumikata , Shirakami Takafumi
Published: March 2015

The unsteady flow at the outlet of the high specific speed mixed flow Impeller was studied. The specific speed is 500 (m3/min)1/2 · rpm · m−3/4. The flow is strongly influenced by the impeller blading. The other hand, the flow influences the performance of the stationary vanes downstream of the impeller. The flow path at the outlet of the mixed flow impeller is inclined to the axial direction and is curved in the meridional plane.

The study was carried out to develop the 30 MW centrifugal compressor. This compressor is used in the field of the coal gasification, the geothermal power generation, etc. The distributions of flow velocity, pressure and temperature of three dimensional flow were measured using a high sensitive pressure transducer and a total temperature probe. The flow was surveyed across the entire passage at about ten axial locations including endwall boundary layer. A theoretical analysis was also carried out using the linearized Navier-Stokes equation.
Utility Combustion Turbine Evaluation of Coal Liquid Fuels
Authors: Ambrose Michael J. , Costello Rocco F. , Schreiber Henry
Published: March 2015

A comprehensive field test was performed to evaluate the suitability of H-Coal middle distillate and full-range Exxon Donor Solvent (EDS) coal derived liquids (CDLs) as utility combustion turbine fuels. A Westinghouse W251AA 26 MW combustion turbine operated by the Philadelphia Electric Company was the test engine. No. 2 petroleum distillate fuel was also fired to establish baseline data. This program was sponsored by the Electric Power Research Institute.

Site modifications included a temporary CDL storage and fuel transfer system, water storage and injection equipment, an instrumented combustor, engine and emissions instrumentation and data acquisition systems, and industrial hygiene facilities required for the proper handling of the CDLs.

The overall results of testing were positive for using such CDL fuels in combustion turbines for power generation. With the exception of higher combustor metal temperatures with the CDLs, and persistent fuel filter plugging with the EDS fuel, (which occurred even with increased fuel temperature and filter size), the engine operated satisfactorily during approximately 80 hours of total running over the standard range of load and water injection conditions.
On Prediction of Off-Design Multistage Turbine Pressures by Stodola’s Ellipse
Authors: Cooke David H.
Published: March 2015

The variation of extraction pressures with flow to the following stage for high backpressure, multistage turbine designs is highly non-linear in typical cogeneration applications where the turbine nozzles are not choked. Consequently, the linear method based on Constant Flow Coefficient, which is applicable for uncontrolled expansion with high vacuum exhaust as is common in utility power cycles, cannot be used to predict extraction pressures at off-design loads. The paper presents schematic examples and brief descriptions of cogeneration designs, with background and theoretical derivation of a more generalized “nozzle analogy” which is applicable in these cases. This method is known as the Law of the Ellipse. It was originally developed experimentally by Professor Stodola and published in English in 1927. The paper shows that the Constant Flow Coefficient method is really a special case of the more generalized Law of the Ellipse. Graphic interpretation of the Law of the Ellipse for controlled and uncontrolled expansions, and variations for sonic choking and reduced number of stages (including single stage) are presented. The derived relations are given in computer codable form, and methods of solution integral with overall heat balance iteration schemes are suggested, with successful practical experience. The pressures predicted by the relations compare favorably with manufacturers’ data on four high-backpressure, cogeneration cycle turbines and three large utility low-pressure ends.
A Nonradioactive Replacement for the Sodium-24 Tracer in Turbine Performance Tests
Authors: Irwin Patricia C. , McCloskey Thomas H.
Published: March 2015

In the past, expensive measuring devices were used to determine performance and efficiency on nuclear turbine cycles. More recently, sodium-24 replaced these devices because of the reduced cost, increased accuracy and improved precision. While radioactive sodium-24 has significant advantages, it brings with it several disadvantages such as:

1. limited useful working time,

2. exposure of testing personnel to ionizing radiation,

3. limited availability,

4. the need for government licensing which for all practical purposes precludes its use in fossil plants,

5. unacceptable radioactive release to the environment during boiler blow-down,

6. complex analysis procedure.

Thus, a nonradioactive replacement for sodium-24 has become economically desirable as well as necessary from the ease of use point of view.

In this paper, the procedure for choosing a nonradioactive replacement tracer will be discussed with reference to the criteria needed to be satisfied for an adequate tracer e.g., a suitable and sensitive analytical detection technique that would be already available to power plants. Necessary refinements to the sodium-24 testing procedure will also be discussed as well as a unique means of preconcentrating the tracer prior to analysis. The laboratory evaluation and method development to be discussed in the paper was funded by EPRI.

The potential applications for the new tracer, which include all sodium-24 uses, will be noted. These uses include, but are not limited to component performance, heater leakage, and moisture calculations. Because federal licensing of the nonradioactive tracer is not necessary, tests in a fossil plant are possible and will also be discussed.

The completed laboratory experiments indicate high promise for success in actual field tests which are scheduled for mid-1984 for fossil plant testing, and mid-1985 for nuclear station testing.
Experimental Evaluation of Simplified IGCC
Authors: Horner M. W. , Corman J. C.
Published: March 2015

Integrated gasification combined cycle (IGCC) power plants offer the opportunity to burn coal in an environmentally sound manner at a competitive cost of output energy. Advanced simplified IGCC systems have been identified which offer reduced fuel system capital costs and complexity as well as improved thermal efficiency of coal to fuel conversion. These systems, however, must utilize hot gas cleanup devices to remove particulates, alkali metals, and sulfur to permit utilization of the product fuel gas in a gas turbine. Technology and component development are underway to prepare the hot fuel gas cleanup and gas turbine systems for subsequent integration and verification testing at pilot scale.

An experimental testing program is underway to address fuel system and gas turbine components technology for a simplified IGCC configuration. Gas turbine nozzle sectors have been adapted for installation in a turbine simulator for development testing. A low-Btu gas combustor installed upstream of the nozzle sectors is utilized to burn a hot coal gas. Modifications have been made to an existing pilot scale coal gasifier to deliver 1000°F low-Btu coal gas to the gas turbine combustor after partial cleanup by a hot cyclone to remove particulate matter carried over from the coal gasifier. The results from this experimental program will resolve technical issues related to corrosion, deposition and erosion phenomena related to fuel quality, turbine inlet temperature, and nozzle metal surface temperature.
Influence of Gas Turbine Combustor Design and Operating Parameters on Effectiveness of NOx Suppression by Injected Steam or Water
Authors: Touchton G. L.
Published: March 2015

Steam or water injection has become the state-of-the-art abatement technique for NOx, with steam strongly preferred for combined-cycle application. In combined-cycle plants, the degradation of the plant efficiency due to steam injection into the gas turbine combustor provides a powerful incentive for minimizing this flow over the entire plant operating map.

This paper presents the results of extensive tests carried out on a variety of gas turbine combustor designs. Both test stand and field test data are presented. The usual fuel in the tests is methane; however, some data are presented for combustion of No. 2 distillate oil and intermediate Btu gas fuel. Similarly, the usual inert injected is steam, but some water injection data are included for comparison.

The results support the conclusions:

1. Steam and water injection suppress NOx exclusively through thermal mechanisms, i.e., by lowering the peak flame temperature.

2. Design changes have little effect on NOx suppression effectiveness of steam or water in jet-stirred or swirl-mixed combustors.

3. Primary zone injection of steam in methane-fueled, jet-stirred combustors is equally effective whether the steam enters with an air stream or with the fuel stream.

4. Water-to-fuel ratio corrected to equivalent energy content correlates NOx suppression effectiveness for turbulent diffusion flame combustors.
A Developed Model for the Prediction of Soot Formation and Oxidation in the Gas Turbine
Authors: Najjar Yousef S. H.
Published: March 2015

Soot formation and oxidation are important in the field of gas turbine combustion in as much as they affect the flame tube durability and the pollution problem.

Therefore, an analytical model was designed and it is here developed further to increase its predictive capability.

Results show very good agreement between the model and the measurements at both idle and full loading conditions.
Advanced Coal Gasification Combined Cycle Power Plant
Authors: Pavel J. , Blinn M. B. , Haldipur G. B.
Published: March 2015

This paper describes the conceptual design of an advanced technology coal gasification combined cycle power plant which has significant advantages over other power generation technologies. The plant is expected to provide lower capital and operating costs and superior environmental acceptability than other modes of generation.

The design is based on the KRW Energy Systems Inc.’s pressurized fluidized bed coal gasification system. Hot cleaning of the fuel gas is accomplished using concepts being developed at the Waltz Mill pilot plant. Desulfurization of the fuel gas is by injection of dolomite into the gasifier bed. Final particulate removal is accomplished by an external filter. Net power output from the plant is 73 MW and the overall plant heat rate is 8760 Btu/KWh (HHV).
Exergy Analysis of Combined Cycles: Part 1 — Air-Cooled Brayton-Cycle Gas Turbines
Authors: El-Masri M. A.
Published: March 2015

Quantitative analytical tools based upon the second law of thermodynamics provide insight into the complex optimization tradeoffs encountered in the design of a combined cycle. Those tools are especially valuable when considering approaches beyond the existing body of experience, whether in cycle configuration or in gas turbine cooling technology. A framework for such analysis was provided by the author in references [1]-[3] using simplified, constant-property models.

In this paper, this theme is developed to include actual chemical and thermodynamic properties as well as relevant practical design details reflecting current engineering practice. The second law model is applied to calculate and provide a detailed breakdown of the sources of inefficiency of a combined cycle. Stage-by-stage turbine cooling flow and loss analysis calculations are performed using the GASCAN program and examples of the resulting loss-breakdowns presented. It is shown that the dominant interaction governing the variation of cycle efficiency with turbine inlet temperature is that between combustion irreversibility and turbine cooling losses. Compressor and pressure-drop losses are shown to be relatively small. A detailed analysis and loss-breakdown of the steam bottoming cycle is presented in Part 2 of this paper.
Nitrogen Oxides Control Selection for a Utility Combined Cycle Power Plant
Authors: Hetz Andrew A. , Shotts David J.
Published: March 2015

Recently, the combined cycle gas turbine has become a leading candidate among generating alternatives. Under the Clean Air Act, all utility-scale gas turbines must undergo air quality permitting before construction. Owners of these turbines must satisfy the requirements of either the federal Non-attainment program or the Prevention of Significant Deterioration program, depending on the air quality of the region. Both programs require that an analysis of applicable pollutant controls be included in the permit application. This paper presents a determination of the best available control technology for nitrogen oxide emissions from two proposed combined cycle gas turbines. Each possesses a 210 MW generating capability: 145 MW are produced by a GE MS-7001F gas turbine and 65 additional megawatts by a heat recovery steam generator and steam turbine. Detailed analyses of economic, environmental, and energy impacts are given for two technologies: selective catalytic reduction and steam injection. The study concludes that steam injection to meet the Environmental Protection Agency’s New Source Performance Standards provides the most effective means of control for nitrogen oxides. Other means of nitrogen oxides control are eliminated on the basis of technical feasibility.
GTPRO: A Flexible, Interactive Computer Program for the Design and Optimization of Gas Turbine Power Systems
Authors: Elmasri Maher A.
Published: March 2015

A fast, interactive, flexible computer program has been developed to facilitate system selection and design for gas turbine based power and cogeneration plants. A data base containing ISO performance information on forty-two gas turbines is coupled to an off-design model to predict engine characteristics for different site and installation parameters. A heat recovery steam generator (HRSG) model allows boiler size and cost to be estimated as a function of the system’s technical parameters. The model can handle HRSG’s with up to two live steam pressures plus a third feedheating/deaerating drum. Five basic types of combined cycle are covered with up to four different process steam streams for cogeneration or gas turbine injection. Two additional feedheating steam bleeds are supported for condensing combined cycles. The program is intelligent with some internal decision making capabilities regarding process steam sourcing and flow directions and will automatically select the appropriate heat and mass balance procedures to cover a wide variety of process flow schematics. The program provides plotter outputs to show the cycle process flow schematic, T-s and h-s diagrams, and HRSG temperature profiles. An application of GTPRO in analyzing some technical and economic performance trade-offs for two-pressure combined cycles is presented.
An Integrated Steam/Gas Turbine-Generator for Combined-Cycle Applications
Authors: Moore J. H.
Published: March 2015

Combined-cycle power plants have been built with the gas turbine, steam turbine, and generator connected end-to-end to form a machine having a single shaft. To date, these plants have utilized a nonreheat steam cycle and a single-casing steam turbine of conventional design, connected to the collector end of the generator through a flexible shaft coupling. A new design has been developed for application of an advanced gas turbine of higher rating and higher firing temperature and exhaust gas temperature with a reheat steam cycle. The gas turbine and steam turbine are fully integrated mechanically, with solid shaft couplings and a common thrust bearing. This paper describes the new machine, with emphasis on the steam turbine section where the elimination of the flexible coupling created a number of unusual design requirements. Significant benefits in reduced cost and reduced complexity of design, operation, and maintenance are achieved as a result of the integration of the machine and its control and auxiliary systems.
Fuels for Heat Engines From Mild Gasification of Coal
Authors: Longanbach James R.
Published: March 2015

The amount of oil imported into the United States in the last few years has increased sharply, and has again reached the point where the U.S. may be faced with an oil embargo by foreign oil suppliers. A large part of this oil is used in heat engines, for transportation and for the production of power during periods of peak demand.
Effect of transition metal salts on the initiated chemical vapor deposition of polymer thin films
Authors: Kwong Philip , Seidel Scott , Gupta Malancha
Published: March 2015

In this work, the effect of transition metal salts on the initiated chemical vapor deposition of polymer thin films was studied using x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The polymerizations of 4-vinyl pyridine and 1H,1H,2H,2H-perfluorodecyl acrylate were studied using copper(II) chloride (CuCl2) and iron(III) chloride (FeCl3) as the transition metal salts. It was found that the surface coverages of both poly(4-vinyl pyridine) (P4VP) and poly(1H,1H,2H,2H-perfluorodecyl acrylate) were decreased on CuCl2, while the surface coverage of only P4VP was decreased on FeCl3. The decreased polymer surface coverage was found to be due to quenching of the propagating radicals by the salt, which led to a reduction of the oxidation state of the metal. The identification of this reaction mechanism allowed for tuning of the effectiveness of the salts to decrease the polymer surface coverage through the adjustment of processing parameters such as the filament temperature. Additionally, it was demonstrated that the ability of transition metal salts to decrease the polymer surface coverage could be extended to the fabrication of patterned cross-linked coatings, which is important for many practical applications such as sensors and microelectronics.
Characterization of the nanoDot OSLD dosimeter in CT
Authors: Scarboro Sarah B. , Cody Dianna , Alvarez Paola , Followill David , Court Laurence , Stingo Francesco C. , Zhang Di , McNitt‐Gray Michael , Kry Stephen F.
Published: March 2015

Purpose:

The extensive use of computed tomography (CT) in diagnostic procedures is accompanied by a growing need for more accurate and patient‐specific dosimetry techniques. Optically stimulated luminescent dosimeters (OSLDs) offer a potential solution for patient‐specific CT point‐based surface dosimetry by measuring air kerma. The purpose of this work was to characterize the OSLD nanoDot for CT dosimetry, quantifying necessary correction factors, and evaluating the uncertainty of these factors.

Methods:

A characterization of the Landauer OSL nanoDot (Landauer, Inc., Greenwood, IL) was conducted using both measurements and theoretical approaches in a CT environment. The effects of signal depletion, signal fading, dose linearity, and angular dependence were characterized through direct measurement for CT energies (80–140 kV) and delivered doses ranging from ∼5 to >1000 mGy. Energy dependence as a function of scan parameters was evaluated using two independent approaches: direct measurement and a theoretical approach based on Burlin cavity theory and Monte Carlo simulated spectra. This beam‐quality dependence was evaluated for a range of CT scanning parameters.

Results:

Correction factors for the dosimeter response in terms of signal fading, dose linearity, and angular dependence were found to be small for most measurement conditions (<3%). The relative uncertainty was determined for each factor and reported at the two‐sigma level. Differences in irradiation geometry (rotational versus static) resulted in a difference in dosimeter signal of 3% on average. Beam quality varied with scan parameters and necessitated the largest correction factor, ranging from 0.80 to 1.15 relative to a calibration performed in air using a 120 kV beam. Good agreement was found between the theoretical and measurement approaches.

Conclusions:

Correction factors for the measurement of air kerma were generally small for CT dosimetry, although angular effects, and particularly effects due to changes in beam quality, could be more substantial. In particular, it would likely be necessary to account for variations in CT scan parameters and measurement location when performing CT dosimetry using OSLD.
Gamma ray spectroscopy with a silicon photomultiplier and a LYSO crystal
Authors: Kryemadhi Abaz , Chrestay Kyler
Published: March 2015

Gamma ray spectroscopy has traditionally been expensive for undergraduate physics laboratories due to needs of a multichannel analyzer, gamma-ray detector, and associated electronic modules. We have designed a low-cost, gamma-ray spectroscopy apparatus for physics labs using a silicon photomultiplier as a photodetector, a Cerium Lutetium-Yttrium OxyorthoSilicate crystal for scintillation, and a digital oscilloscope driven by LabVIEW. The setup could be used either alongside traditional gamma-ray detectors or as a standalone for educating students with techniques used in nuclear and particle physics.
Wavefunction exchange and entanglement in one-dimensional collisions
Authors: Rag Hemlin Swaran , Gea-Banacloche Julio
Published: March 2015

We show that when two quantum-mechanical particles of the same mass, interacting through a hard-core repulsive potential, collide in one dimension, they exchange their wavefunctions, making them look as if they had passed through each other. We give a simple explanation of this phenomenon, and compare to its classical analog, which can be demonstrated using the “Newton's cradle” toy. We also consider briefly what happens when the masses are unequal, showing how entanglement arises in this case.
Fluctuations in particle number for a photon gas
Authors: Leff Harvey S.
Published: March 2015

The fluctuation-compressibility theorem of statistical mechanics states that fluctuations in particle number are proportional to the isothermal compressibility. Given that the compressibility of a photon gas does not exist, this seems to suggest that fluctuations in photon number similarly do not exist. However, it is shown here that the fluctuation-compressibility theorem does not hold for photons and, in fact, that fluctuations do exist.
Subatomic resolution force microscopy reveals internal structure and adsorption sites of small iron clusters
Authors: Emmrich Matthias , Huber Ferdinand , Pielmeier Florian , Welker Joachim , Hofmann Thomas , Schneiderbauer Maximilian , Meuer Daniel , Polesya Svitlana , Mankovsky Sergiy , Ködderitzsch Diemo , Ebert Hubert , Giessibl Franz J.
Published: March 2015

Metal clusters really close-up

Atomic force microscopy (AFM) can be used to reveal subatomic structures. By this means, Emmrich
et al.
found that individual copper and iron atoms formed toroidal structures on a copper surface. These shapes arise from the electrostatic attractions in the center of the atoms and Pauli repulsions at their edges. Individual atoms within clusters have underlying surface symmetry and can bind to different surface sites as clusters form.

Science
, this issue p.
308
The mutagenic chain reaction: A method for converting heterozygous to homozygous mutations
Authors: Gantz Valentino M. , Bier Ethan
Published: March 2015

Generating homozygous mutations

Loss-of-function mutations may only produce a mutant phenotype when both copies of the gene are mutated. Gantz and Bier developed a method they call mutagenic chain reaction (MCR) that autocatalytically produces homozygous mutations. MCR uses the initial mutated allele to cause a mutation in the allele on the opposing chromosome and thus the homozygosity of the trait. MCR technology could have broad applications in diverse organisms.

Science
, this issue p. 442
Complete Genome Sequence of Francisella guangzhouensis Strain 08HL01032
T
, Isolated from Air-Conditioning Systems in China
Authors: Svensson Daniel , Öhrman Caroline , Bäckman Stina , Karlsson Edvin , Nilsson Elin , Byström Mona , Lärkeryd Adrian , Myrtennäs Kerstin , Stenberg Per , Qu Ping-hua , Trygg Johan , Scholz Holger C. , Forsman Mats , Sjödin Andreas
Published: March 2015

We present the complete genome sequence of Francisella guangzhouensis strain 08HL01032
T
, which consists of one chromosome (1,658,482 bp) and one plasmid (3,045 bp) with G+C contents of 32.0% and 28.7%, respectively.
De Novo
Assembly of a Bell Pepper Endornavirus Genome Sequence Using RNA Sequencing Data
Authors: Jo Yeonhwa , Choi Hoseng , Cho Won Kyong
Published: March 2015

The genus
Endornavirus
is a double-stranded RNA virus that infects a wide range of hosts. In this study, we report on the
de novo
assembly of a bell pepper endornavirus genome sequence by RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq). Our result demonstrates the successful application of RNA-Seq to obtain a complete viral genome sequence from the transcriptome data.
Draft Genome Sequences of Six Bordetella hinzii Isolates Acquired from Avian and Mammalian Hosts
Authors: Register Karen B. , Ivanov Yury V. , Harvill Eric T. , Brinkac Lauren , Kim Maria , Losada Liliana
Published: March 2015

Bordetella hinzii
is a Gram-negative bacterium known to infect poultry, humans, rabbits, and rodents. It is an opportunistic pathogen in immunocompromised humans, and some strains cause mild to moderate respiratory disease in turkeys. Little is known as to the degree of genetic diversity within the species or the genetic basis for virulence. Here, we report the genome sequences of six isolates of B. hinzii acquired from humans, rabbits, or turkeys. These data provide a framework for refining the population structure of the genus, establishing relationships among genetically distinct isolates, and developing an understanding of the possible virulence mechanisms of the bacterium.
Draft Genome Sequence of a Highly Virulent Strain of the Plant Pathogen Dickeya solani, IFB0099
Authors: Golanowska M. , Galardini M. , Bazzicalupo M. , Hugouvieux-Cotte-Pattat N. , Mengoni A. , Potrykus M. , Slawiak M. , Lojkowska E.
Published: March 2015

Dickeya solani
is an important bacterial pathogen of potato cultivars in Europe. Here, we present the draft genome of D. solani strain IFB0099 isolated from potato in Poland that shows a high level of pectinolytic activity and a high virulence. This genome sequence is 5,094,121 bp and contains 4,365 protein-coding sequences.
The First Papillomavirus Isolated from Vulpes vulpes (VvulPV1) Is Basal to the
Gammapapillomavirus
Genus
Authors: Mengual-Chuliá Beatriz , Wittstatt Ulrich , Bravo Ignacio G.
Published: March 2015

We report the complete genomic sequence of
Vulpes vulpes
papillomavirus type 1 (VvulPV1), isolated from the hair follicles of a red fox. VvulPV1 does not cluster with other carnivoran papillomaviruses, and is instead a sister taxon to the
Gammapapillomavirus
genus, thus sustaining the scenario of a biphasic evolution of papillomaviruses.
Emergence of New Insect-Restrictive Viruses in the Amazon Region
Authors: Nunes Márcio R. T. , Silva Sandro P. , Carvalho Valéria L. , Vasconcelos Janaina M. , Da Silva Daisy E. A. , Oliveira Layanna F. , Nunes Neto Joaquim P. , Rodrigues Sueli G. , Azevedo Raimunda S. S. , Monteiro Hamilton A. O. , Cardoso Jedson F. , Guzman Hilda , Tesh Robert , Vasconcelos Pedro F. C. , Vianez-Júnior João L. S. G. , Martins Lívia C.
Published: March 2015

The complete genome was determined for 12 viruses isolated from 8 different pools of mosquitoes (
Culex
sp. and
Psorophora ferox
) collected at Brejeira farm, Canaan dos Carajas, Para state in northern Brazil. Eight of the viruses were distantly related to Piura virus, hereafter designated as Brejeira virus; the other 4 were similar to Wallerfield virus.
Genome Assembly of Schlumbergera Virus X Infecting Prickly Pear (Opuntia cochenillifera) in Brazil
Authors: Sanches Márcio Martinello , Lamas Natalia Silva , Reis Marcelo Banho A. , Arieta-Sosa Juan Gabriel , Romano Eduardo , Melo Fernando Lucas , Ribeiro Simone Graça
Published: March 2015

Potexviruses frequently infect plants from the family Cactaceae. We report the complete genome sequence of a new Schlumbergera virus X (SchVX) isolate. The genome has 6,615 nucleotides and shares 94% nucleotide identity with SchVX-K11 from Schlumbergera. This is the first sequence of an isolate of SchVX from the genus Opuntia
.
Whole Genome Sequence of the Non-Microcystin-Producing Microcystis aeruginosa Strain NIES-44
Authors: Okano Kunihiro , Miyata Naoyuki , Ozaki Yasuo
Published: March 2015

Microcystis aeruginosa
is a typical algal bloom-forming cyanobacterium. This report describes the whole-genome sequence of a non-microcystin-producing strain of
Microcystis aeruginosa
, NIES-44, which was isolated from a Japanese lake.
Draft Genome Sequence of Pseudomonas fluorescens SRM1, an Isolate from Spoiled Raw Milk
Authors: Lo Raquel , Stanton-Cook Mitchell J. , Beatson Scott A. , Turner Mark S. , Bansal Nidhi
Published: March 2015

Pseudomonas fluorescens
is considered a major milk spoilage organism due to its psychrotrophic nature and ability to produce heat-stable proteases and lipases. Here, we report the draft genome and annotation of
P. fluorescens
SRM1 isolated from spoiled raw milk and the presence of an operon encoding spoilage enzymes.
Draft Genome Sequence of the Polychlorinated Biphenyl-Degrading Bacterium Pseudomonas putida KF703 (NBRC 110666) Isolated from Biphenyl-Contaminated Soil
Authors: Suenaga Hikaru , Yamazoe Atsushi , Hosoyama Akira , Kimura Nobutada , Hirose Jun , Watanabe Takahito , Fujihara Hidehiko , Futagami Taiki , Goto Masatoshi , Furukawa Kensuke
Published: March 2015

Pseudomonas putida
KF703 (NBRC 110666) utilizes biphenyl as a sole source of carbon and degrades polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). Here, we report the draft genome sequence of the KF703 strain, which provides insight into the molecular mechanisms of adaptation to an environment polluted by aromatic compounds.
Analysis of Pectate Lyase Genes in Dickeya chrysanthemi Strain L11, Isolated from a Recreational Lake in Malaysia: a Draft Genome Sequence Perspective
Authors: Chan Kok-Gan , Kher Heng-Leong , Chang Chien-Yi , Yin Wai-Fong , Tan Kian-Hin
Published: March 2015

Dickeya chrysanthemi
is well known as a plant pathogen that caused major blackleg in the European potato industry in the 1990s. D. chrysanthemi strain L11 was discovered in a recreational lake in Malaysia. Here, we present its draft genome sequence.
Whole-Genome Sequence of “Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus” from a Huanglongbing-Affected Citrus Tree in Central Florida
Authors: Zheng Z. , Sun X. , Deng X. , Chen J.
Published: March 2015

Here, we report the draft genome sequence of “Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus” strain FL17, isolated from a huanglongbing (HLB)-affected citrus tree in central Florida. The FL17 genome comprised 1,227,253 bp, with a G+C content of 36.5%, 1,175 predicted open reading frames, and 53 RNA genes.
Complete Genome Sequence of SS52, a Strain of Escherichia coli O157:H7 Recovered from Supershedder Cattle
Authors: Katani Robab , Cote Rebecca , Raygoza Garay Juan Antonio , Li Lingling , Arthur Terrance M. , DebRoy Chitrita , Mwangi Michael M. , Kapur Vivek
Published: March 2015

Shiga toxin-producing
Escherichia coli
O157:H7 causes foodborne infections, and cattle are the primary reservoir. Some animals, known as supershedders, excrete orders of magnitude more
E. coli
O157:H7 in the feces than normal. Here, we report the complete genome sequence of the SS52 supershedder strain of
E. coli
O157:H7.
Effect of Acupuncture on Gait in Parkinson—s Disease: A Case Report
Authors: Fukuda Shimpei , Egawa Masato
Published: March 2015

This case report describes the treatment of gait disturbance in a 64-year-old woman with Parkinson's disease. Needling for 10 min of areas of muscle stiffness and of muscle tonus areas in both lower limbs resulted in immediate temporary alleviation of muscle stiffness and muscle tonus of the bilateral anterior surface of the thigh muscle, the biceps femoris muscle, and the semitendinosus muscle for the duration of the treatment, with improvement in the disturbed gait of the patient. This response occurred regularly on repeated treatment, and was maintained between treatments.
Female genital mutilation: what every paediatrician should know
Authors: Creighton Sarah M , Hodes Deborah
Published: March 2015

Female genital mutilation (FGM) is almost always performed on children and consequently paediatricians should have a central role in the detection and prevention of FGM. FGM has no health benefits and can cause lifelong damage to physical and psychological health. Extensive migration of FGM practising communities means that FGM is now a global problem. Paediatricians worldwide need to be familiar with the identification and classification of FGM and its impact upon health as well as current trends in practice. However information about FGM is hampered by the secrecy surrounding the procedure and a lack of rigorous evidence based research. This review summarises what is currently known about the health aspects of FGM and how paediatricians should manage children with FGM in their clinical practice.
Cone beam CT assisted re-treatment of class 3 invasive cervical resorption
Authors: Krishnan Unni , Moule Alex J , Alawadhi Abdulwahab
Published: March 2015

Invasive cervical root resorption is an uncommon external root resorption which initiates at the cervical aspect of the tooth. This case report involves a case of cervical root resorption which was initially misdiagnosed and managed as cervical root caries. It was later diagnosed with cone beam CT and the lesion microsurgically removed and restored with resin modified glass ionomer cement. The importance of increasing awareness of this uncommon pathology and the role of cone beam CT in mapping the extent of the lesion is emphasised.
Large laryngeal vascular malformation in a 5-year-old child
Authors: Danstrup Christian Sander , Madsen Mette Hjørringgaard , Bille Jesper
Published: March 2015

A 5-year-old boy was admitted with stridor, which was initially interpreted as subglottic laryngitis. He had a history of prolonged hoarseness and his voice was deep for his age. The stridor persisted despite treatment with epinephrine inhalations and intravenous glucocorticoids. A direct laryngoscopy and blood work up did not support the suspected diagnosis. A MRI was then carried out, followed by angiography. The latter revealed an arteriovenous malformation (AVM) involving the lingual and superior thyroid arteries bilaterally. Owing to the rareness and extent of such an AVM, the patient was referred to Paris for further treatment. This case presents the difficulties in diagnostics and emphasises the importance of diagnostics and multidisciplinary approaches with regard to treatment of AVMs.
Diagnostic error: what Muir-Torre syndrome has taught us
Authors: Wall Dmitri , Hackett Caitriona Bridget , Healy Vourneen , Ramsay Bart
Published: March 2015

A low-grade sebaceous carcinoma was excised from a 55-year-old woman's neck. At follow-up, 11 months later, a recent diagnosis of mucinous adenocarcinoma of the colon and history of clear cell endometrial carcinoma were identified. A strong family history of bowel cancer suggested Muir-Torre syndrome. Unexpectedly, hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer had previously been genetically confirmed; the results were found loosely filed in the paper chart. The patient had not informed us about her diagnosis; having discussed the case with other physicians she felt the diagnosis would be common knowledge. In 1999, US National Institute of Medicine estimated that preventable medical error resulted in the deaths of 44–98 000 people yearly in US hospitals. Four categories of medical error, including diagnosis, treatment, preventive and ‘other’ were described, while the reasoning processes that result in these errors are outlined by Reasonet al. We utilise this rare case to illustrate these important concepts.
Facial extention of ear pathology: infected cholesteatoma causing a parotid abscess
Authors: Tornari Chrysostomos , Pal Surojit , Lingam Ravi Kumar , Kalan Ali
Published: March 2015

A man in his early 30s presented with right-sided preauricular swelling and facial oedema. He had a history of acid injury to his right ear as a child resulting in pinna deformity and subsequent blind sac closure of the external auditory canal. Imaging showed abnormal ear anatomy and abnormal density of the right parotid gland. Antibiotic therapy prevented progression but did not resolve the symptoms. Therefore, the infected area was surgically drained. This showed an underlying cholesteatoma, a benign but locally destructive condition where keratinising squamous epithelium grows in the middle ear and mastoid. The infected region was drained and the cholesteatoma was excised. This led to full resolution of the infection. The patient is awaiting a follow-up diffusion-weighted MRI. This case was unusual as the disease had extended beyond the ear and we therefore wish to alert clinicians to cholesteatoma as a possible cause of facial swelling.
Trigeminal herpes zoster: early recognition and treatment are crucial
Authors: Lovell Ben
Published: March 2015

Reactivation of varicella zoster virus (VZV) is not uncommon in older patients, particularly in cases of chronic autoimmune disorders and in patients taking immunosuppressant drugs. We present a case of a 57-year-old woman presenting with severe herpes zoster infection, involving the maxillary and ophthalmic branches of the trigeminal nerve. Despite an initial delay in instigating crucial antiviral treatment, the patient achieved an excellent recovery, with only some mild scarring at 2 months postinfection. Trigeminal herpes zoster is a potentially devastating clinical occurrence, and is associated with severe long-term neurological sequelae, including encephalitis, vision loss and postherpetic neuralgia. Physicians must be aware of risk factors and treatment modalities.
Ruptured splenic abscess causing pneumoperitoneum: a rare cause revisited
Authors: Narra Rama Krishna , Jehendran Mary Varunya
Published: March 2015

We present a case report of splenic abscess causing pneumoperitoneum in a case of uncontrolled diabetes. The patient presented with chronic pain abdomen and fever which later evolved to acute abdomen during the course of hospital stay. An X-ray showed pneumoperitoneum and exploratory laparotomy was performed under a strong clinical suspicion of hollow viscus perforation. The patient was treated with antibiotics and had an uneventful recovery.
Variation between specialist uropatholgists in reporting extraprostatic extension after radical prostatectomy
Authors: Bryant Richard J , Schmitt Anne J , Roberts Ian S D , Gill Pelvender S , Browning Lisa , Brewster Simon F , Hamdy Freddie C , Verrill Clare
Published: March 2015

Aims

Extraprostatic extension of prostate cancer in radical prostatectomy specimens significantly affects patient management. We evaluated the degree of interobserver variation between uropathologists at a tertiary referral teaching hospital in assessing the extraprostatic extension of prostate cancer in radical prostatectomy specimens.

Methods

Histopathological data from a consecutive series of 293 radical prostatectomy specimens (January 2007–December 2012) were reviewed. A subset of 50 consecutive radical prostatectomy cases originally staged as tumours confined to the prostate (pT2) or tumours extending into periprostatic tissue (pT3a) during this period were reviewed by four specialist uropathologists.

Results

Five consultant histopathologists reported these specimens with significant differences in the reported stage (p=0.0164) between pathologists. Double-blind review by 4 uropathologists of 50 consecutive radical prostatectomy cases showed a lack of consensus in 16/50 (32%) cases (κ score 0.58, moderate agreement). A consensus meeting was held, but consensus could still not be reached in 9/16 cases.

Conclusions

Our findings highlight variability in the reporting of pT stage in radical prostatectomy specimens even by specialist uropathologists. Assessment of extraprostatic extension has important implications for patient management and there is a need for more precise guidance.
Intracranial aneurysms in sickle cell anemia: clinical and imaging findings
Authors: Nabavizadeh S Ali , Vossough Arastoo , Ichord Rebecca N , Kwiatkowski Janet , Pukenas Bryan A , Smith Michelle J , Storm Philip B , Zager Eric L , Hurst Robert W
Published: March 2015

Background

Cerebral aneurysm formation is one of the cerebrovascular complications of sickle cell disease.

Objective

To report the clinical and imaging findings of intracerebral aneurysms and their treatment in pediatric and adult patients with sickle cell disease.

Methods

Review of clinical data via chart abstraction and radiologic features at the University of Pennsylvania and Children's Hospital of Philadelphia from 2000 to 2014 and review of the literature since 1942.

Results

Nineteen patients with aneurysms (2.7%) were found in 709 imaged patients, including 1.2% of imaged children and 10.8% of adults. A total of 44 aneurysms were detected (52.6% with multiple aneurysms, overall 2.3 per patient), 35 (79.5%) in the anterior circulation and 9 in the posterior circulation (20.4%). Thirty-eight unruptured aneurysms ranging in size from 2 to 6 mm and six ruptured aneurysms ranging in size from 3 to 9 mm in diameter were found. Of the patients with ruptured aneurysms, two were treated by stent-assisted coiling, two by clipping, and one patient with coiling. In the group without a rupture, one patient was treated by coil embolization and one patient with a peripheral middle cerebral artery aneurysm was treated by aneurysmectomy. Three pediatric patients with a previously normal MR angiogram demonstrated new aneurysm formation during the study.

Conclusions

Adult patients with sickle cell disease have a high prevalence of aneurysm formation. Both pediatric and adult patients with sickle cell disease tend to develop multiple aneurysms with frequent involvement of atypical locations, in both anterior and posterior circulations.