bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fear of intimacy with helping professionals and its impact on elderly Chinese
Authors: Lau Ying , Chow Aloysius , Chan Sally , Wang Wenru
Published: July 2013

Aim

The present study aimed to investigate the attitudes of Chinese older adults toward seeking help from healthcare professionals, and its impact on their self‐care ability and medication adherence.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study using a questionnaire survey was carried out. A convenience sample of 301 older adults was recruited from six health centers in Macao, People's Republic of China. The Chinese versions of Fear of Intimacy with Helping Professionals (C‐FIHP), Exercise of Self‐care Agency (C‐ESCA) and Morisky 4‐Item Self‐Report Measure of Medication‐Taking Behavior (C‐MMAS) were used to measure the study variables.

Results

Chinese older adults who were married and had comorbidity with arthritis showed significantly negative attitudes toward seeking help form healthcare professional than those who were not married (P < 0.05) and did not have arthritis (P < 0.01). There are significant negative correlations between C‐FIHP with C‐ESCA (P < 0.01) and C‐MMAS‐4 (P < 0.01). Regression analysis identified three predicative factors of fear of intimacy with helping professionals: marital status, comorbidity with arthritis and self‐care agency, which accounted for 23.9% of variance.

Conclusions

The present study suggests that Chinese older adults' fear of intimacy with helping professionals impacts their perceived self‐care ability and medication adherence. The three predictive factors identified in the present study might provide useful pointers for healthcare professionals to customize an effective approach to encourage and engage older adults. This might improve the self‐care ability and medication adherence of older adults, which will result in a better quality of life and psychosocial well‐being. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2014; 14: 474–480.
Effects of azithromycin on intracellular cytokine responses and mucocutaneous manifestations in Behçet's disease
Authors: Mumcu Gonca , İnanç Nevsun , Özdemir Filiz T. , Tulunay Aysın , Ekşioğlu‐Demiralp Emel , Ergun Tülin , Direskeneli Haner
Published: July 2013

Objective

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of azithromycin on mucocutaneous manifestations and ex vivo intracellular cytokine responses in patients with Behçet's disease (BD).

Methods

Ten BD patients with active manifestations and nine healthy controls (HCs) were included in the study. Patients were treated with azithromycin (1500 mg/week) for four weeks. Clinical and immunological responses were evaluated in the pre‐ and post‐azithromycin treatment periods. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of patients and controls were stimulated by Streptococcus sanguinis, lipopolysaccharide (LPS), lipoteichoic acid (LTA), and heat shock protein‐60 (HSP‐60) for three hours. Ex vivo intracellular interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ) and tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) levels were measured.

Results

Follicular lesions and genital ulcers completely healed, and the number of oral ulcers decreased after treatment (P = 0.000). The stimulated intracellular IFN‐γ response to S. sanguinis was higher in BD patients (5.75%) than in HCs (3.9%) before treatment (P = 0.05). Likewise, the pretreatment IFN‐γ response was significantly higher than the post‐treatment response (1.95%). In BD patients, pretreatment stimulated intracellular IFN‐γ responses to LTA (5.8%) were also higher than post‐treatment responses (3.15%), but the difference did not reach statistical significance (P = 0.07).

Conclusions

Azithromycin treatment decreased the mucocutaneous manifestations in BD patients and suppressed the intracellular IFN‐γ responses of PBMCs to S. sanguinis ex vivo, which suggests this treatment has an immunomodulatory effect.
Role of smoking in floor of the mouth leukoplakias
Authors: PlNDBORG J. J. , ROED‐PETERSEN B. , RENSTRUP G.
Published: July 2013

Abstract. On the basis of 48 patients with leukoplakia on the floor of the mouth, the study has shown that (1) of the patients with leukoplakias in this location, two‐thirds are female, as opposed to a ratio of one‐third females for other locations, (2) the habit of cheroot smoking is often associated with the floor of the mouth leukoplakia. (3) 6 % of the 36 biopsies exhibited epithelial atypia, and (4) the floor of the mouth leukoplakias should not be considered epithelial nevi.
Mitostatic action of vinblastine sulphate on oral epithelia of hamsters
Authors: THILAGARATNAM C. N. , MAIN J. H. P.
Published: July 2013

Abstract. Vinblastine sulphate at doses of 1 mg, 2 mg and 4 mg/kg body weight were administered intraperitoneally to 30 golden hamsters that were sacrificed after 1/2, 1, 2, 4 and 8 hours. The percentage of basal cells in each phase of mitosis was computed from epithelium of the cheek pouch, palate and tongue at the various time intervals. It was found that vinblastine at a dose of 4 mg/kg body weight produced total metaphase block in these epithelia from 1 hour after administration for at least 8 hours. The drug did not affect the rate of entry of basal cells into mitosis.
A histological study of tooth grafts in an inbred strain of mice
Authors: ATKINSON M. E.
Published: July 2013

Abstract. Male adult mice of the C57B1 strain were grafted subcutaneously with two maxillary molar teeth extracted from 10‐day‐old mice of the same strain. The grafts were removed at intervals of 2 to 50 days after transplantation and examined histologically. The cellular components of the grafts degenerated rapidly until by four days only a narrow strip of viable tissue remained at the cervix. Blood vessels entered the cervix at five days and spread throughout the pulp during the following week. At the same time, the pulp was repopulated. Cellular dentin was deposited at the cervix at five days, and condensations of cells were visible adjacent to these deposits. These cells differentiated into odontoblasts which gradually formed a continuous layer in the transplants and secreted varying amounts of secondary dentin. The derivatives of the dental papilla thus recovered their function after a time, whereas the enamel organ derivatives formed epithelial cysts around the crowns of the transplanted teeth. No root growth occurred in any of the grafts. It is thought that the initial loss of blood supply and subsequent establishment of vascular connections between host and graft influenced the pattern and type of degeneration and repair.
Peripheral giant cell granulomas: an ultrastructural study of three lesions
Authors: SOSKOLNE W. A.
Published: July 2013

Abstract. The infrastructure of three peripheral giant cell granulomas has been described. The structure of multinucleated giant cells has been shown to be compatible with that of cells actively engaged in synthesis and secretion, while features of phagocytosis did not appear prominent. Some cells of the stroma resembled fibroblasts while others appeared phagocytic. The vast majority of stromal cells seemed to be undifferentiated. The structure of the dilated vascular channels, with which these lesions are so richly endowed, was shown to be compatible with the structure of lymphatic vessels.
Noise coefficients of backscattered electron detectors for low voltage scanning electron microscopy
Authors: HEJNA J.
Published: July 2013

Noise coefficients of backscattered electron (BSE) detectors for low voltage scanning electron microscopy were studied theoretically and experimentally. The conversion method of BSE detection, the scintillation detector with an acceleration of BSE and detectors with electron multipliers were considered. Formulae for noise coefficients were derived and noise coefficients of detectors were computed for different values of gains of detectors’ components. Theoretical predictions of noise coefficients were compared with experimental results.
Atrial fibrillation prevalence revisited
Authors: Friberg L. , Bergfeldt L.
Published: July 2013

Background

The estimate of 0.4–1.0% prevalence of atrial fibrillation in the most recent American guidelines is based mainly on studies including patients with permanent atrial fibrillation (AF), although recent evidence shows that the stroke risk is similar with paroxysmal and persistent AF. Our objective was to determine the prevalence of AF in Sweden, irrespective of type and to what extent patients with AF receive adequate stroke prophylaxis.

Method

Retrospective study of patients with a clinical diagnosis of atrial fibrillation between 2005 and 2010 in the national Swedish Patient Register matched with data from the National Prescribed Drugs Register.

Results

We identified 307 476 individuals with a diagnosis of atrial fibrillation. Of these, 209 141 were still alive on the last day of the inclusion period, signifying a prevalence of clinically diagnosed AF in Sweden of 2.9% of the total adult (≥20 years) population. Only 42% of them had purchased an oral anticoagulant within 6 months of the first presentation with AF during the study period. Those at the highest risk of stroke were those least likely to receive anticoagulant treatment. Undertreatment was common amongst women and individuals >80 years, whilst overtreatment was common amongst young men without risk factors.

Conclusion

The prevalence of atrial fibrillation is at least 2.9% of the Swedish adult population, not counting ‘silent atrial fibrillation’. The official US figures probably underestimate the magnitude of the problem by a factor of 3–5. More than 80% had risk factors motivating anticoagulation therapy.
Patterns of Physical Activity Outside of School Time Among Japanese Junior High School Students
Authors: He Li , Ishii Kaori , Shibata Ai , Adachi Minoru , Nonoue Keiko , Oka Koichiro
Published: July 2013

BACKGROUND

Physical activity is beneficial for adolescent health. The physical activity patterns of Japanese adolescents are relatively unknown. Therefore, this study aimed to describe the current patterns of physical activity and to identify sex and grade differences among them.

METHODS

The participants comprised 714 Japanese adolescents aged 12 to 15 years old (boys N = 372, girls N = 342) from a public junior high school in Okayama, Japan. Physical activity at school, outside of school after hours, and during lunch recess as well as the total leisure time in a usual week was assessed with a 5‐item questionnaire. To assess the differences in the physical activity patterns by sex and grade, independent t tests and analysis of variance (ANOVA) were conducted, respectively.

RESULTS

Boys spent significantly more time in physical activity both inside and outside of school settings than girls (p < .05). Higher grade students were significantly less active than lower grade students (p < .05). Furthermore, the physical activity patterns across the grades differed between settings (at school, outside of school during the after‐school period, lunchtime recess, and at home).

CONCLUSION

To increase physical activity levels among Japanese adolescents, implementation of after‐school programs or environmental modifications developed within the school setting could be effective strategies.
Data Collection Procedures for School‐Based Surveys Among Adolescents: The Youth in Europe Study
Authors: Kristjansson Alfgeir Logi , Sigfusson Jon , Sigfusdottir Inga Dora , Allegrante John P.
Published: July 2013

BACKGROUND

Collection of valid and reliable surveillance data as a basis for school health promotion and education policy and practice for children and adolescence is of great importance. However, numerous methodological and practical problems arise in the planning and collection of such survey data that need to be resolved in order to ensure the validity of the data and to maximize the response rate without being prohibitively costly.

METHOD

This article builds on a 15‐yearlong experience of such annual data collections in Iceland and describes the preparation, process, and collection of data that provide a common methodologic framework for the school‐based survey, Youth in Europe, a population‐based survey of 14‐ to 16‐year‐old adolescents, being collected across 18 European cities now participating in the European Cities Against Drugs (ECAD) program.

RESULTS

We identified 11 critical steps for developing and implementing the surveys in light of the recent literature on the preparation and implementation practices in school‐based data collection among adolescents.

CONCLUSION

Limiting the disruption of daily operations in schools while at the same time ensuring both quality and clarity of data collection procedures in school‐based surveys are of paramount importance for researchers, school personnel, and students.
An inexpensive and worldwide available digital image analysis technique for histological fibrosis quantification in chronic hepatitis C
Authors: Campos C. F. F. , Paiva D. D. , Perazzo H. , Moreira P. S. , Areco L. F. F. , Terra C. , Perez R. , Figueiredo F. A. F.
Published: July 2013

Hepatic fibrosis staging is based on semiquantitative scores. Digital imaging analysis (DIA) appears more accurate because fibrosis is quantified in a continuous scale. However, high cost, lack of standardization and worldwide unavailability restrict its use in clinical practice. We developed an inexpensive and widely available DIA technique for fibrosis quantification in hepatitis C, and here, we evaluate its reproducibility and correlation with semiquantitative scores, and determine the fibrosis percentage associated with septal fibrosis and cirrhosis. 282 needle biopsies staged by Ishak and METAVIR scores were included. Images of trichrome‐stained sections were captured and processed using Adobe® Photoshop® CS3 and Adobe® Bridge® softwares. The percentage of fibrosis (fibrosis index) was determined by the ratio between the fibrosis area and the total sample area, expressed in pixels calculated in an automated way. An excellent correlation between DIA fibrosis index and Ishak and METAVIR scores was observed (Spearman's r = 0.95 and 0.92; P < 0.001, respectively). Excellent intra‐observer reproducibility was observed in a randomly chosen subset of 39 biopsies with an intraclass correlation index of 0.99 (95% CI, 0.95–0.99). The best cut‐offs associated with septal fibrosis and cirrhosis were 6% (AUROC 0.97, 95% CI, 0.95–0.99) and 27% (AUROC 1.0, 95% CI, 0.99–1), respectively. This new DIA technique had high correlation with semiquantitative scores in hepatitis C. This method is reproducible, inexpensive and available worldwide allowing its use in clinical practice. The incorporation of DIA technique provides a more complete evaluation of fibrosis adding the quantification to architectural patterns.
Botched Executions and the Struggle to End Capital Punishment: A Twentieth-Century Story
Authors: Sarat Austin , Blumstein Katherine , Jones Aubrey , Richard Heather , Sprung-Keyser Madeline , Weaver Robert
Published: July 2013

Why have accounts of botched executions not played a larger role in the struggle to end capital punishment in the United States? In the twentieth century, when methods of execution became increasingly controlled and sterilized, botched executions would seem to have had real abolitionist potential. This article examines newspaper coverage of botched executions to determine and describe the way they were presented to the public and why they have contributed little to the abolitionist cause. Although botched executions reveal pain, violence, and inhumanity associated with state killing, newspaper coverage of these events neutralizes the impact of that revelation. Throughout the last century, newspapers presented botched executions as misfortunes rather than injustices. We identify three distinct modes by which newspaper coverage neutralized the impact of botched executions and presented them as misfortunes rather than as systemic injustices: (1) the dual narratives of sensationalism and recuperation in the early years of the twentieth century, (2) the decline of sensationalism and the rise of “professionalism” in the middle of the century, and (3) the emphasis on “balanced” reporting toward the end of the century.
A functional glycogen biosynthesis pathway in Lactobacillus acidophilus: expression and analysis of the glg operon
Authors: Goh Yong Jun , Klaenhammer Todd R.
Published: July 2013

Glycogen metabolism contributes to energy storage and various physiological functions in some prokaryotes, including colonization persistence. A role for glycogen metabolism is proposed on the survival and fitness of Lactobacillus acidophilus, a probiotic microbe, in the human gastrointestinal environment. L. acidophilus NCFM possesses a glycogen metabolism (glg) operon consisting of glgBCDAP‐amy‐pgm genes. Expression of the glg operon and glycogen accumulation were carbon source‐ and growth phase‐dependent, and were repressed by glucose. The highest intracellular glycogen content was observed in early log‐phase cells grown on trehalose, which was followed by a drastic decrease of glycogen content prior to entering stationary phase. In raffinose‐grown cells, however, glycogen accumulation gradually declined following early log phase and was maintained at stable levels throughout stationary phase. Raffinose also induced an overall higher temporal glg expression throughout growth compared with trehalose. Isogenic ΔglgA (glycogen synthase) and ΔglgB (glycogen‐branching enzyme) mutants are glycogen‐deficient and exhibited growth defects on raffinose. The latter observation suggests a reciprocal relationship between glycogen synthesis and raffinose metabolism. Deletion of glgB or glgP (glycogen phosphorylase) resulted in defective growth and increased bile sensitivity. The data indicate that glycogen metabolism is involved in growth maintenance, bile tolerance and complex carbohydrate utilization in L. acidophilus.
Mediation and Culture: The Example of the ICC International Commercial Mediation Competition
Authors: Bond Greg
Published: July 2013

The International Commercial Mediation Competition is organized by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) in Paris, which held the event for the eighth time in February 2013. As the competition has grown, participation has become more and more diverse and thus mediation and negotiation have become more and more cross‐cultural. This led the ICC to invite external research on culture at the competition in February 2011. In this article, I discuss this student competition, the external research project question, and the culture of the competition. I also identify some of the further cultural issues raised by referring to relevant research on conflict and mediation across cultures, and conclude with some thoughts on how better to conceptualize the field of cross‐cultural mediation in terms of a systems approach.
Integrative invasion science: model systems, multi‐site studies, focused meta‐analysis and invasion syndromes
Authors: Kueffer Christoph , Pyšek Petr , Richardson David M.
Published: July 2013

Invasion science is a very active subdiscipline of ecology. However, some scientists contend that theoretical integration has been limited and that predictive power remains weak. This paper, focusing on plants, proposes a new multi‐pronged research strategy that builds on recent advances in invasion science. More intensive studies on particular model organisms and ecosystems are needed to improve our understanding of the full suite of interacting factors that influence invasions (‘model system research’). At the same time, comparative studies across many study systems are essential for unravelling the context‐dependencies of insights that emerge from particular studies (‘multi‐site studies’); and quantitative synthesis based on large datasets should be constrained to well‐defined theoretical domains (‘focused meta‐analysis’). We also suggest ways for better integration of information about species biology and ecosystem characteristics (‘invasion syndromes’). We expect that a resulting theory of invasions will need to be conceived as a somewhat heterogeneous conglomerate of elements of varying generality and predictive power: laws that apply to well‐specified domains, general concepts and theoretical frameworks that can guide thinking in research and management, and in‐depth knowledge about the drivers of particular invasions.

ContentsSummary615I.Introduction615II.A framework for an integrative invasion science616III.Model systems: accounting for the complexity of invasions618IV.Multi‐site studies: evaluating context‐dependencies622V.Focused meta‐analysis: improving prediction through fine‐tuning synthesis625VI.Invasion syndromes: advancing theoretical integration627VII.Conclusions628Acknowledgements628References628
Recurrent BRAF kinase fusions in melanocytic tumors offer an opportunity for targeted therapy
Authors: Botton Thomas , Yeh Iwei , Nelson Tyrrell , Vemula Swapna S. , Sparatta Alyssa , Garrido Maria C. , Allegra Maryline , Rocchi Stephane , Bahadoran Philippe , McCalmont Timothy H. , LeBoit Philip E. , Burton Elizabeth A. , Bollag Gideon , Ballotti Robert , Bastian Boris C.
Published: July 2013

BRAF is the most prevalent oncogene and an important therapeutic target in melanoma. In some cancers, BRAF is activated by rearrangements that fuse its kinase domain to 5′ partner genes. We examined 848 comparative genomic hybridization profiles of melanocytic tumors and found copy number transitions within BRAF in 10 tumors, of which six could be further characterized by sequencing. In all, the BRAF kinase domain was fused in‐frame to six N‐terminal partners. No other mutations were identified in melanoma oncogenes. One of the seven melanoma cell lines without known oncogenic mutations harbored a similar BRAF fusion, which constitutively activated the MAP kinase pathway. Sorafenib, but not vemurafenib, could block MAP kinase pathway activation and proliferation of the cell line at clinically relevant concentrations, whereas BRAFV600E mutant melanoma cell lines were significantly more sensitive to vemurafenib. The patient from whom the cell line was derived showed a durable clinical response to sorafenib.
Thomistic Hylomorphism and Philosophy of Mind and Philosophy of Religion
Authors: Madden James
Published: July 2013

Contemporary philosophers of mind tend to accept either some version of dualism or physicalism when considering the mind–body problem. Likewise, recent philosophers of religion typically assume that we must work within these two categories when considering problems related to the possibility of bodily resurrection. Recently, some philosophers have reintroduced the Thomistic version of hylomorphism. In this article, we will consider the distinctive doctrines of Thomistic hylomorphism and how they can be used to address concerns about both the mind–body problem and the possibility of resurrection. We will see that hylomorphism allows for a novel version of emergent property dualism that is both metaphysically plausible and allows us to recognize the irreducibility of mental states and the possibility of resurrection without ignoring the fact of human embodiment. We will also discuss the currently lively debate among Thomistic hylomorphists who advocate opposed corruptionist and survivalist versions of the afterlife.
Influence of short‐term drought conditions and subsequent re‐watering on the physiology and proteome of Lolium multiflorum/Festuca arundinacea introgression forms, with contrasting levels of tolerance to long‐term drought
Authors: Perlikowski D. , Kosmala A. , Rapacz M. , Kościelniak J. , Pawłowicz I. , Zwierzykowski Z.
Published: July 2013

Festuca arundinacea is a drought tolerant species. Lolium multiflorum has better forage quality but lower tolerance to abiotic stresses. Their hybrids offer an opportunity to perform research on the molecular basis of tolerance to drought. The aim of this work was to recognise the mechanisms of response to short‐term drought (11 days) in a glasshouse in two L. multiflorum/F. arundinacea introgression forms with distinct levels of tolerance to long‐term drought (14 weeks) in the field. Measurements of physiological parameters, analyses of protein accumulation profiles using two‐dimensional gel electrophoresis, and mass spectrometry identification of proteins, which were accumulated differentially between the selected genotypes during short‐term drought, were performed. Genotype 7/6, with lower yield potential during 14 weeks of drought, and lower ability to re‐grow after watering, had a higher capacity for photosynthesis during 11 days of drought. Genotype 4/10, more tolerant to long‐term drought, was able to repair damaged cell membranes after watering and was also characterised by lower transpiration during short‐term drought. A total of 455 proteins were analysed, and the 17 that were differentially accumulated between the two genotypes were identified. The results of physiological and proteomic research led to a hypothesis that the higher photosynthetic capacity of genotype 7/6 could be due to a more efficient Calvin cycle, supported by higher accumulation of crucial proteins involving chloroplast aldolase.
The 2008 National Security Council Transition: Providing Continuity in a Bipartisan Environment
Authors: Kumar Martha Joynt
Published: July 2013

The national security part of a presidential transition is perhaps the most important aspect of the changeover of administrations. In order to provide a solid framework for the transition, President Bush and National Security Council Advisor Stephen J. Hadley began early preparations for the power changeover, no matter who won the election. Under the leadership of the President‐elect Obama and General James L. Jones Jr., the incoming national security advisor, the new team prepared the way during the transition period for the organizational and policy changes to come. Through interviews with Steve Hadley and General Jones, as well as background and on the record interviews with people knowledgeable about the 2008 transition period, we see the importance to a successful transfer of power of a mix of principal‐to‐principal briefings with people at the presidential and senior staff levels representing the outgoing and incoming administrations as well as memoranda by the outgoing White House staff and administration personnel reflecting the status of current and enduring national security issues. With a solid working relationship with outgoing officials, the incoming national security team acted early to develop an organizational and decision‐making structure for the National Security Council reflecting the wishes of President Obama and General Jones.
The Historical Presidency: “Rallying Force”: The Modern Presidency, Social Movements, and the Transformation of American Politics
Authors: Milkis Sidney M. , Tichenor Daniel J. , Blessing Laura
Published: July 2013

This article analyzes the often fraught yet sometimes productive relationship between the modern presidency and social movements. Although the presidency–social movement nexus is fraught with tension, collaboration between the White House and social activists was indispensable to the important changes that occurred during the second half of the twentieth century. Focusing especially on Lyndon Johnson's uneasy but critical relationship to the civil rights movement and Ronald Reagan's enlistment of the Christian Right into the Republican Party, we trace the emergence of a novel form of politics since the 1960s that joins executive prerogative, grassroots insurgency, and party polarization. Johnson's efforts to leverage presidential power to advance civil rights played a critical role in recasting the relationship between national administration and social movements, one that paved the way for a national conservative offensive. The relationship forged between Johnson and the civil rights movement has echoes in the similar joining of the Reagan presidency and the Christian Right, an executive‐insurgency alliance that instigated the transformation of the Republican Party and spurred the development a new presidency‐centered party system by the end of the 1980s.
The significance of professional roles in collaboration on patients' transitions from hospital to home via an intermediate unit
Authors: Johannessen Anne‐Kari , Steihaug Sissel
Published: July 2013

The increasing complexity of the healthcare system and of patients' conditions, as well as resource limitations, calls for collaboration between professionals and institutions. The objective of this study was to explore the significance of professional roles in collaboration on patients' transitions from hospital to home via an intermediate care unit. We studied collaboration in the intermediate unit and between healthcare providers in the unit, a hospital and four municipalities in the hospital catchment area. Data were drawn from interviews with thirty‐eight healthcare providers within specialist and primary health care and from observations in six multidisciplinary meetings, six report meetings and four discharge meetings in the unit. Transcripts of interviews and observations were analysed using a method of systematic text condensation. The results show that collaboration inside the intermediate unit and between the healthcare institutions was primarily ‘a nursing matter’. Collaboration among the nurses was generally good. Except for the physician, all the healthcare providers experienced the collaboration in the unit as unidisciplinary rather than interprofessional. Although they wanted to collaborate interprofessionally, they were unable to do so in practice. The unit's physiotherapists and occupational therapists found themselves to be excluded from the nurses' community of practice, while the physician experienced the collaboration as excellent. The findings indicate that healthcare providers have different understandings of interprofessional collaboration and that in certain situations, they consider interprofessional collaboration to be an inappropriate working method. Interprofessional collaboration can promote a learning environment among healthcare providers. To achieve better interprofessional collaboration, it is probably necessary to create mutual understandings of interprofessionality and to reach an agreement on the situations in which it is an appropriate way to work.
Rack Level Modeling of Air Flow Through Perforated Tile in a Data Center
Authors: Arghode Vaibhav K. , Kumar Pramod , Joshi Yogendra , Weiss Thomas , Meyer Gary
Published: July 2013

Effective air flow distribution through perforated tiles is required to efficiently cool servers in a raised floor data center. We present detailed computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling of air flow through a perforated tile and its entrance to the adjacent server rack. The realistic geometrical details of the perforated tile, as well as of the rack are included in the model. Generally, models for air flow through perforated tiles specify a step pressure loss across the tile surface, or porous jump model based on the tile porosity. An improvement to this includes a momentum source specification above the tile to simulate the acceleration of the air flow through the pores, or body force model. In both of these models, geometrical details of tile such as pore locations and shapes are not included. More details increase the grid size as well as the computational time. However, the grid refinement can be controlled to achieve balance between the accuracy and computational time. We compared the results from CFD using geometrical resolution with the porous jump and body force model solution as well as with the measured flow field using particle image velocimetry (PIV) experiments. We observe that including tile geometrical details gives better results as compared to elimination of tile geometrical details and specifying physical models across and above the tile surface. A modification to the body force model is also suggested and improved results were achieved.
Study of the Flow Mixing in a Novel Open-Channel Raceway for Algae Production
Authors: Xu Ben , Li Peiwen , Waller Peter
Published: July 2013

Making fuel from algae is one of the promising approaches of producing biofuels. Open channel raceway is a typical facility of growing algae in medium and large scales. The algae growth rate in water raceway is affected by conditions of water temperature, nutrients, and sunlight. These conditions are essentially associated with the fluid mixing in the flow field. A good mixing of fluid allows better diffusion of nutrients and equal opportunities of exposure to the water surface and therefore sunlight, as well as a uniform temperature everywhere in water raceway so that all algae cells grow in the same rate. While a better fluid mixing is benefit to the growth of algae, it is also desirable that the energy needed to drive the flow and mixing being the minimum. In this work, a novel flow field has been proposed and the flow field was studied through flow visualization and CFD analysis. Optimization of the flow field for better flow mixing and low energy cost for the flow has been considered.
The Effect of Solar Tracking Resolution to the Defocus of a Giant Fresnel Lens for a Solar Stove
Authors: Kane Peter , Mokler Matthew , Li Peiwen , Sanfelice Ricardo G.
Published: July 2013

A solar stove using a giant Fresnel lens has been developed in the Energy and Fuel Cell Laboratory at the University of Arizona. Solar tracking is required to control the Fresnel lens to maintain a stationary focal point on the heat transfer surface of the solar stove. A two-axis passive control system for solar tracking is adopted. Characteristics of the optical system are analyzed in order to find a reasonable tracking and adjustment frequency and overall system control accuracy. Defocus of the lens due to the angular offset (related to tracking resolution) of the lens’ axis versus the sunray and the change of the shape of the focal point on a static plate is calculated. The results of the analysis are used in the design of the control algorithm which has been implemented in the control system of the prototype solar stove. The proposed tracking scheme is expected to improve heat collection, thermal protection and thereby reduction of heat loss in the solar stove.
Operational Performance of the University of Minnesota 45kWe High-Flux Solar Simulator
Authors: Krueger Katherine R. , Lipiński Wojciech , Davidson Jane H.
Published: July 2013

This paper presents measured performance of the University of Minnesota’s 45 kWe indoor high-flux solar simulator. The simulator consists of seven radiation units, each comprised of a 6.5 kWe xenon short arc lamp coupled to a reflector in the shape of a truncated ellipsoid of revolution. Data include flux distribution at the focal plane for all seven radiation units operating in tandem and for individual radiation units. The flux distribution is measured optically by acquiring the image of radiation reflected from a Lambertian target with a CCD camera equipped with neutral density optical filters. The CCD camera output is calibrated to irradiation using a circular foil heat flux gage. It is shown that accurate calibration of the heat flux gage must account for its response to the spectral characteristics of the radiation source. The simulator delivers radiative power of approximately 9.2 kW over a 60-mm diameter circular area located in the focal plane, corresponding to an average flux of 3.2 MW m−2, with a peak flux of 7.3 MW m−2.
Data Management for a Large-Scale Smart Grid Demonstration Project in Austin, Texas
Authors: Nagasawa Kazunori , Upshaw Charles R. , Rhodes Joshua D. , Holcomb Chris L. , Walling David A. , Webber Michael E.
Published: July 2013

This paper presents a data management scheme for the Pecan Street smart grid demonstration project in Austin, Texas. In this project, highly granular data with 15-second resolution on resource generation and consumption, including total consumption of electricity, water, and natural gas and solar generation, are collected for more than 100 homes. Furthermore, this testbed, see Figure 1, of homes represents the nation’s highest density of rooftop solar PV and electric vehicles, and includes a substantial subset of homes that are highly instrumented with meters on up to 6 sub-circuits in addition to the whole-home meter. Consequently, this demonstration project generates a one-of-a-kind dataset with excellent temporal and geographic fidelity.

One consequence of this extensive dataset is that there are hundreds of parallel data streams that need to be remotely (wirelessly) collected, filtered, processed, managed, stored and analyzed to be useful for researchers. Cumulatively, they represent 100s of gigabytes of data after just a few months of collection, which represents a formidable barrier to conducting research.

In partnership with the Texas Advanced Computing Center (TACC), which is an NSF-sponsored cluster of supercomputers at UT-Austin, a data collection and management scheme has been developed. For storing the data, we have built a single column oriented database that so far has shown tremendous performance benefits. This paper shows the data schema, an example of MySQL query, and a developed program for rapid and automated data extraction, analysis and display. We expect that the findings of this work will be beneficial to researchers interested in grid-scale data management.
Initial Testing of the HiTek Solar Tracking Monitor
Authors: Kusek Stephen , Caraway Michael , McFarland Timothy , Lynn Matthew , Sahm Aaron , Boehm Robert , Ayubi Omer
Published: July 2013

HiTek Services, Inc. has designed, fabricated, and tested a solar monitoring system that can measure the sun’s position with high accuracy. Sun position data, measured by the University of Nevada, Las Vegas Center for Energy Research, is presented showing that the instrument’s accuracy is better than 0.004 degrees (one σ). A histogram is presented showing that nearly 100 % of the time the measurement error is less than 0.008 degrees. The capability of using multiple sun monitors with synchronized data collection to measure the structural bending of one part of a tracking structure relative to another part of the structure is discussed and data are presented. Other operating features, such as being self-contained, no external cables required, and the ability to record data for a week without recharging the batteries, are discussed.
Estimating Atmospheric Attenuation in Central Receiver Systems
Authors: Sengupta Manajit , Wagner Michael
Published: July 2013

Atmospheric attenuation loss between a heliostat field and receiver has been recognized as a significant source of loss in Central Receiver System. Methods that can improve estimation of attenuation loss using available measurements will be useful in reducing uncertainty in estimation of CSP plant production, particularly in locations and climates that differ in atmospheric composition from typical arid desert locations. In clear sky situations, Direct Normal Irradiance (DNI) is primarily impacted by aerosols in the atmosphere. Aerosols extinct direct radiation with the photons either being absorbed or scattered based on the aerosols optical characteristics. As aerosol loading is high close to the surface, the attenuation loss between heliostat and receivers is significantly influenced by amount of aerosols present on a particular day. The purpose of the study is to understand the impact of aerosols on attenuation loss and model this loss as a function of the ratio of measured DNI to a calculated DNI for an “aerosol-free” atmosphere. The assumption here is that the reduction in clear sky DNI due to aerosols when compared to a theoretical “clean environment” value can provide valuable information about aerosol loading at the surface and therefore attenuation loss between heliostat and receiver. Preliminary analysis shows that such an approach is viable.

Historically, human observers have measured visibility on a daily basis. While these observations are subject to varying levels of uncertainty they may be a good indicator of atmospheric attenuation between heliostat and receiver. In this paper we will review historical and recent publications to show how visibility observations contain useful information for estimating attenuation loss in central receiver systems. We will also present a simple relationship that uses visibility observations to estimate heliostat to receiver attenuation for varying separation distances.
Coupled Fluid Flow and Radiation Modeling of a Cylindrical Small Particle Solar Receiver
Authors: Crocker Adam , Miller Fletcher
Published: July 2013

This research expands on previous work by coupling the in-house Monte Carlo Ray Trace (MCRT) radiation model with the more sophisticated fluid dynamics modeling capabilities of ANSYS FLUENT. This allows for the inclusion of more realistic inlet and outlet geometries in the receiver, as well as a turbulence model and much finer grid sizing. Taken together, these features give a more complete picture of the heat transfer, mixing, and temperature profiles within the receiver than previous models. This flow solution is coupled to the MCRT code, by using the in-house MCRT radiation solver to provide the source term of the energy equation. The temperature data output from FLUENT is then fed back into the FORTRAN MCRT code, via a User Defined Function written in C#, and the two models iterate until convergence. The solar input has been modified from the previous model to provide a Gaussian fit to a calculated flux distribution, which is more realistic than a uniform flux. Initial results for a 5 MW solar input agree with the trend identified in Ruther’s work regarding the influence of particle mass loading on heating in the receiver. The maximum outlet temperature reached is 1430K, which is on target for driving a Brayton cycle gas turbine. Cylinder wall temperatures are consistently below those of the gas boundary layer, and significantly below the maximum gas temperature in the receiver cavity.
Impacts of a Warming Climate on Energy Demands on U.S. Northeast Region
Authors: Picon-Feliciano Ruben , Pillich Jose , Gonzalez-Cruz Jorge E.
Published: July 2013

This paper analyzes the impacts of a changing climate to long-term energy activity reflected in power consumption and carbon emissions for the United States (US) Northeast (NE) region. This region represents approximately four percent of the total power consumption of the US. The paper revises the potential changes in the regional climate in the NE by analyzing long-term records of climatological data, and how these potential changes are impacting the energy demands and anthropogenic emissions due to power production. Climate records from 372 stations spread over the 9 states in the NE region were used for the period of time comprising from 1970 to 2010. The stations are part of NOAA’s Cooperative Observation Stations (COOP) that includes data for precipitation and surface maximum, minimum and average temperatures. Sea surface temperatures (SSTs) for the region were analyzed from NOAA extended reconstructed sea surface temperature (ERSST) records. Long term records for state energy profiles were generated by examining the end-use sectors: residential, commercial and industrial sector using data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA). Results from the COOP stations and SSTs reflect that the NE region presents an asymmetric warming reflected in significant coastal warming and inland cooling. A maximum land temperature variability of 1.61°C/decade was observed during this period of time with a mean value of 0.012°C/decade for the entire region. This coastal warming may be attributed to a combined effect of global warming and population growth reflected in urbanization and related effects such as the Urban Heat Island (UHI). A symmetric warming was found in minimum surface temperatures across the region with an average of 0.06°C/decade. Both land surface temperature increases are consistent with regional SSTs trends. The energy analysis suggests that a correlation may exist between the locations of highest energy consumption and urbanized coastal areas. Total energy consumption in coastal regions increased by 13 percent during 1960–2010, in contrast, inland sites consumption increased by 9 percent. At the sector level, CO2 emissions associated to residential energy demand drastically decreased over 37 percent per capita, attributed to energy efficiencies and possibly to a warmer region in winter times. Despite these trends, the NE region continues to be one of the largest CO2 sources of US accounting for more than 15% of all emissions. These results reflect the need for better understanding of the connections between climate, energy demands and production to achieve sustainable growth.
Finite Element Modeling of Parabolic Trough Mirror Shape in Different Mirror Angles
Authors: Meiser Siw , Kleine-Büning Christoph , Uhlig Ralf , Lüpfert Eckhard , Schiricke Björn , Pitz-Paal Robert
Published: July 2013

Deviations from the ideal shape of reflector panels for parabolic trough solar power plants have relevant impact on field efficiency and thus on the performance of the whole power plant. Analyzing the gravity-induced deformation of mirror shape for different mirror angles is relevant for performance calculation of solar parabolic trough collectors and identifying optimization potential of the mirror panels.

Two mirror model versions (stiff and elastic supports) are evaluated in four angles: in horizontal laboratory angle (mirrors facing upward with mounting points horizontally aligned), and in 0°, 45° and 90° collector angle. The resulting slope maps are calculated in a separate post-processing.

In order to evaluate the effect of gravity load on mirror shape, the deformed mirror in each evaluated angle is compared to the non-deformed mirror shape, and to the shapes in 0° (zenith) collector angle, respectively. The resulting slope deviation maps show the mirror deformation in different mirror angles. Stiffness of the mounting to the support structure has a relevant impact. Mirror deformation on elastic brackets (SDx up to 1.6 mrad) is much more pronounced than on an ideal stiff support structure (SDx up to 1.0 mrad).
Absorber Alignment Measurement Tool for Solar Parabolic Trough Collectors
Authors: Stynes J. Kathleen , Ihas Benjamin
Published: July 2013

As we pursue efforts to lower the capital and installation costs of parabolic trough solar collectors, it is essential to maintain high optical performance. While there are many optical tools available to measure the reflector slope errors of parabolic trough solar collectors, there are few tools to measure the absorber alignment. A new method is presented here to measure the absorber alignment in two dimensions to within 0.5 cm. The absorber alignment is measured using a digital camera and four photogrammetric targets. Physical contact with the receiver absorber or glass is not necessary. The alignment of the absorber is measured along its full length so that sagging of the absorber can be quantified with this technique. The resulting absorber alignment measurement provides critical information required to accurately determine the intercept factor of a collector.
Performance Evaluation of Experimental Rim-Drive Wind Turbine
Authors: Kosaraju Srinivas , Hovsapian Rob
Published: July 2013

The current paper discusses an on-going research effort in the performance evaluation and optimization of rim-drive wind turbines (RDWT). Unlike conventional aerofoil wind turbines, the RDWTs are designed to extract power directly from the outer rim instead of central hub. A RDWT with 25ft rotor diameter is tested for performance evaluation and maximum power extracted. The experiment is conducted at Wind Science and Engineering research center, located in Lubbock, Texas. The wind turbine is coupled to a variable speed direct drive electric generator. The induction current in the generator is optimized for different wind speeds in order to extract maximum power from the wind turbine. The experimental results are compared with two commercial aerofoil wind turbines of similar design specifications using performance evaluation data published by National Renewable Energy Laboratory. It is observed that RDWT can extract comparable and often higher amount of energy when compared with aerofoil wind turbines. The results also show that RDWT has an average power coefficient of 0.3 and can operate in wider spectrum of wind speeds than aerofoil wind turbines.