bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CFD Analysis and Full Scale Testing of a Complex Auxiliary Power Unit Intake System
Authors: Bouldin Bruce , Vunnam Kiran , Hernanz-Manrique Jose-Angel , Ambit-Marin Laura
Published: May 2012

Auxiliary Power Units (APU’s) are gas turbine engines which are located in the tail of most commercial and business aircraft. They are designed to provide electrical and pneumatic power to the aircraft on the ground while the main propulsion engines are turned off. They can also be operated in flight, when there is a desire to reduce the load on the propulsion engines, such as during an engine-out situation. Given an APU’s typical position in the back of an airplane, the intake systems for APU’s can be very complex. They are designed to provide sufficient airflow to both the APU and the cooling system while minimizing the pressure losses and the flow distortion. These systems must perform efficiently during static operation on the ground and during flight at very high altitudes and flight speeds. An APU intake system has been designed for a new commercial aircraft. This intake system was designed using the latest Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) techniques. Several iterations were performed between the APU supplier and the aircraft manufacturer since each of their components affects the performance of the other. For example, the aircraft boundary layer impacts APU intake performance and an open APU flap impacts aircraft drag. To validate the effectiveness of the CFD analysis, a full scale intake rig was designed and built to simulate the tailcone of the aircraft on the ground. This rig was very large and very detailed. It included a portion of the tailcone and rudder, plus the entire APU and cooling intake systems. The hardware was manufactured out of fiberglass shells, stereolithogrophy components and machined plastic parts. Three different airflows for the load compressor, engine compressor and cooling system had to be measured and throttled. Fixed instrumentation rakes were located to measure intake induced pressure losses and distortion at the APU plenum and cooling ducts. Rotating pressure and swirl survey rakes were located at the load compressor and engine compressor eyes to measure plenum pressure losses and distortion. Static pressure taps measured the flow pattern along the intake and flap surfaces. The intake rig was designed to be flexible so that the impact of rudder position, intake flap position, APU plenum baffle position and compressor airflow levels could be evaluated. This paper describes in detail the different components of the intake rig and discusses the complexity of conducting a rig test on such a large scale. It also presents the impact of the different component positions on intake performance. These results were compared to CFD predicted values and were used to calibrate our CFD techniques. The effectiveness of using CFD for APU intake design and its limitations are also discussed.
Neural Networks for Gas Turbine Fault Identification: Multilayer Perceptron or Radial Basis Network?
Authors: Loboda Igor , Feldshteyn Yakov , Ponomaryov Volodymyr
Published: May 2012

Efficiency of gas turbine condition monitoring systems depends on quality of diagnostic analysis at all its stages such as feature extraction (from raw input data), fault detection, fault identification, and prognosis. Fault identification algorithms based on the gas path analysis may be considered as an important and sophisticated component of these systems. These algorithms widely use pattern recognition techniques, mostly different artificial neural networks. In order to choose the best technique, the present paper compares two network types: a multilayer perceptron and a radial basis network. The first network is being commonly applied to recognize gas turbine faults. However, some studies note high recognition capabilities of the second network. For the purpose of the comparison, both networks were included into a special testing procedure that computes for each network the true positive rate that is the probability of a correct diagnosis. Networks were first tuned and then compared using this criterion. Same procedure input data were fed to both networks during the comparison. However, to draw firm conclusions on the networks’ applicability, comparative calculations were repeated with different variations of these data. In particular, two engines that differ in an application and gas path structure were chosen as a test case. By way of summing up comparison results, the conclusion is that the radial basis network is a little more accurate than the perceptron, however the former needs much more available computer memory and computation time.
More Electric Engine Architecture for Aircraft Engine Application
Authors: Morioka Noriko , Oyori Hitoshi , Kakiuchi Daiki , Ozawa Kanji
Published: May 2012

This paper describes the system design and evaluation of a noble MEE (More Electric Engine) system. The results show that the proposed MEE system can significantly reduce the fuel burn of engines and CO2 emissions from aircraft and also improve the safety, reliability and maintainability of engines. The MEE is advanced engine control technology utilizing recent innovations in electrical motors, motor controllers and power electronics. It replaces conventional engine accessories, such as AGB (Accessory Gear Box)-driven pumps, hydraulic actuators with electrical pumps and EMAs (Electro-Mechanical Actuators), which are powered by generators. The first step of the MEE is supposed to be the motor-driven fuel pump system, which can improve engine efficiency by reducing power extraction from the engine and eliminating ACOCs (Air-Cooled Oil Coolers) which worsen fuel efficiency by wasting fan discharge air. The goal of the MEE consists of eliminating the heavy AGB via electrical accessories and an engine-embedded starter/generator. The incorporation of a unique redundant Active-Active control architecture and a fault-tolerant design for the dual motor system successfully achieves a highly reliable and complete one fail operational/two fail safe engine control system.
Repair Process Technology Development and Experience of Frame 7FA+E, Stage 1 Turbine Buckets
Authors: Miglietti Warren , Escudero Juan , Lanza Julio , Summerside Ian , Zainuddin Zaki
Published: May 2012

The 60 Hz, Frame 7F engine has been in commercial operation for more than two decades now with approximately 600 Frame 7 (F, FA, FA+ and FA+e models) machines existing in North America and a total of over 1100 F-class machines throughout the world. Volatile market dynamics in the electrical power generation field continues to force power companies to identify prudent material cost reductions opportunities in their Operations and Maintenance (O&M) business. Today, there is an industry-recognized need for advanced hot gas path component repair and reconditioning capability for operators of F-Class gas turbines that can be highly cost effective with short cycle times. The first stage buckets of the Frame 7F engine are unshrouded; whereas the next 2 stages are shrouded. Out of these rotating components, the first stage buckets show the worst degradation and thus repair of these components have been a focus point for Power Systems Mfg., LLC (PSM). The technical objective is to develop a comprehensive set of repair schemes for the stage 1 buckets since these components have the highest frequency of replacement. Listed below are some of the special repair processes that have been developed for the first stage bucket: a) Acid stripping of the MCrAlY coating (and internal aluminide coating having endured 48,000 hours of service). b) High speed grinding off of the electron beam (EB) or laser beam (LB) welded tip cover plates. c) High frequency gas tungsten arc (GTA) weld repairs of platform cracks using a new and novel developed high strength yet ductile weld filler metal. d) High frequency gas tungsten arc weld attachment of new tip cover plates. e) Laser metal forming/cladding of new squealer tips. f) Rejuvenation heat treatment for buckets that have reached 48,000 hours. g) Application of new internal aluminide coating. h) Application of upgrade design features, such as platform cooling and platform undercut. i) Application of a superior MCrAlY bond coating to that of the Original Engine Manufacturer (OEM). j) Application of a vertically cracked high density (VCHD) strain tolerant thermal barrier coating (TBC). This technical paper describes the repair development process, the implementation of the different stages of the repair schemes and presents metallurgical and mechanical characteristics of the repaired regions of the component.
Separation Control Using Plasma Actuators: Steady Flow in Low Pressure Turbines
Authors: Burman Debashish , Simon Terrence W. , Kortshagen Uwe , Ernie Douglas
Published: May 2012

A Dielectric Barrier Discharge plasma actuator is operated in flow over the suction surface of a Pack-B Low Pressure Turbine (LPT) airfoil at a Reynolds number of 50,000 (based on exit velocity and suction surface length) and inlet free-stream turbulence intensity of 2.5%. Measurements of total pressure using a glass total-pressure tube are taken. Corrections for streamline displacement due to shear and wall effects are made, and comparisons with previous hot-wire measurements are used to validate data. Measurements from previous work have shown that separation control is possible without stream-wise momentum addition, by adding disturbances that cause transition in the separated shear layer. The present results are from measurements taken using a glass dielectric, with a conventional two-electrode geometry, and a new three-electrode geometry. The region of high momentum flow produced due to the presence of the actuator is found to be above the shear layer, and not at the wall. The near-suction-surface total pressure field in the trailing part of the airfoil passage and its wall-normal gradient are used to demonstrate effective prevention of flow separation using the plasma actuator.
Drop Size and Velocity Measurements in Bio-Oil Sprays Produced by the Flow-Blurring Injector
Authors: Simmons Benjamin M. , Agrawal Ajay K.
Published: May 2012

This study seeks to assess the performance of cold sprays of refined soybean oil produced by the Flow-Blurring (FB) atomization process. A cold diesel spray is also investigated for comparison. Drop size and velocity measurements for different fuels and operating conditions are acquired by a Phase Doppler Particle Analyzer (PDPA). Results show that the pressure drop in the fuel and atomizing airline of the FB injector is independent of the fuel. Radial profiles of Sauter Mean Diameter (SMD) were however affected by the fuel properties. For an Air to Liquid mass Ratio (ALR) of 2.0, the average SMD at an axial plane was about 38 μm for the VO sprays and 34 μm for the diesel spray. Increasing the ALR to 4.0 decreased the SMD in the VO spray to about 32 μm.
Annular Cascade for Radial Compressor Development
Authors: Aalburg Christian , Sezal Ismail , Haigermoser Christian , Simpson Alexander , Michelassi Vittorio , Sassanelli Giuseppe
Published: May 2012

A full-annulus cascade for radial compressor stator development has been designed and commissioned. The cascade has been developed for the rapid screening of novel stator concepts to facilitate risk mitigation in the early design phase and the validation/calibration of numerical predictions. The rig consists of two main parts. The first part is comprised of an exchangeable set of stationary preswirl vanes that have been designed to mimic discrete points on the operating characteristic of the impeller. The second part consists of a diffuser, bend and return channel with return channel vanes that can also be quickly exchanged. All exchangeable parts are manufactured by rapid prototyping, allowing rapid turnaround times from aerodynamic design to full validation. This is achieved at a significantly lower cost than that of a full rotating test. This investigation summarizes the experimental results and numerical predictions of two test rigs that were designed to study the effect of diffusion ratio, i.e. the ratio of the maximum outer diameter at the top of the bend to the exit of the impeller, on stator performance. To further investigate the sensitivity of the aerodynamic performance to different flow conditions, metal gauzes were positioned immediately downstream of the trailing edges of the preswirl vanes. This allowed the modification of angle and pressure distributions in the diffuser and bend as well as the setting of different turbulence conditions (intensity and length scale) in the downstream sections.
Implication of Different Fuel Injector Configurations for Hydrogen Fuelled Micromix Combustors
Authors: Khandelwal Bhupendra , Li Yingchun , Murthy Priyadarshini , Sethi Vishal , Singh Riti
Published: May 2012

A design of a hydrogen fuelled micromix concept based combustor is proposed in this paper. The proposed micromix concept based combustor yields improved mixing, which leads to wider flammability range of the hydrogen-air flames compared to conventional kerosene and micromix concept based combustors. This improved mixing allows the combustion zone to operate at a much lower equivalence ratio than the conventional kerosene based and micromix concept based combustors considered in this study. Furthermore, when burning hydrogen the thermal energy radiated to the surroundings is lower (as the result of using lower equivalence ratio) than that of kerosene, consequently resulting in an increased liner life and lower cooling requirement. The aim of this paper is to highlight the impact of using hydrogen as a fuel in gas turbine combustors. It is perceived that this new micromix concept based combustor would also help in achieving low emissions and better performance. Possibilities for lowering NOx emissions when using hydrogen as a fuel in new designs of micromix combustor are also discussed.
Evolution of the DDG 51 Machinery Control System to Support SSGTG Local Controller Upgrades
Authors: Shah Parag , Kade Scott
Published: May 2012

The US NAVY DDG 51 Class Machinery Control System (MCS) provides control and monitoring capability of the ship’s auxiliary, damage control, electrical, and propulsion systems. As part of its electrical capability, MCS interfaces with the ship’s power generation and electrical distribution system. This paper focuses on MCS’ interface with the ship’s power generation equipment and how the interface has evolved since the class’ inception. The DDG 51 class has been in-service for nearly 2 decades and consists of over 60 ships. Over this period, a number of enhancements have been made to equipment on the ship to increase its functionality, enhance its operator interfaces, and address obsolescence issues. The Ship’s Service Gas Turbine Generator (SSGTG) local controller is one such piece of equipment that has evolved throughout the years. Each SSGTG local controller upgrade has provided an opportunity for MCS to evolve to provide additional capability and data to the end user.
Flexible Non-Intrusive Heat Flux Instrumentation for the AFRL Research Turbine
Authors: Anthony Richard J. , Clark John P. , Kennedy Stephen W. , Finnegan John M. , Johnson Dean , Hendershot James , Downs James
Published: May 2012

This paper describes a large scale heat flux instrumentation effort for the AFRL HIT Research Turbine. The work provides a unique amount of high frequency instrumentation to acquire fast response unsteady heat flux in a fully rotational, cooled turbine rig along with unsteady pressure data to investigate thermal loading and unsteady aerodynamic airfoil interactions. Over 1200 dynamic sensors are installed on the 1 & 1/2 stage turbine rig. Airfoils include 658 double-sided thin film gauges for heat flux, 289 fast-response Kulite pressure sensors for unsteady aerodynamic measurements, and over 40 thermocouples. An overview of the instrumentation is given with in-depth focus on the non-commercial thin film heat transfer sensors designed and produced in the Heat Flux Instrumentation Laboratory at WPAFB. The paper further describes the necessary upgrade of data acquisition systems and signal conditioning electronics to handle the increased channel requirements of the HIT Research Turbine. More modern, reliable, and efficient data processing and analysis code provides better handling of large data sets and allows easy integration with the turbine design and analysis system under development at AFRL. Example data from cooled transient blowdown tests in the TRF are included along with measurement uncertainty.
Detailed State of the Art Review for the Different On-Line/In-Line Oil Analysis Techniques in Context of Wind Turbine Gearboxes
Authors: Hamilton Andrew , Quail Francis
Published: May 2012

The main driver behind developing advanced condition monitoring (CM) systems for the wind energy industry is the delivery of improved asset management regarding the operation and maintenance of the gearbox and other wind turbine components and systems. Current gearbox CM systems mainly detect faults by identifying ferrous materials, water and air within oil by changes in certain properties such as electrical fields. In order to detect oil degradation and identify particles, more advanced devices are required so allow a better maintenance regime to be established. Current technologies available specifically for this purpose include Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and ferrography. There are also several technologies that have not yet been or have been recently applied to CM problems. After reviewing the current state of the art, it is recommended that a combination of sensors would be used that analyse different characteristics of the oil. The information individually would not be highly accurate but combined, it is fully expected that greater accuracy can be obtained. The technologies that are suitable in terms of cost, size, accuracy and development are online ferrography, selective fluorescence spectroscopy, scattering measurements, FTIR, photoacoustic spectroscopy and solid state viscometers.
An Innovative Two-Phase Flow Pump and Separator Solution
Authors: Gruselle Franc¸ois , Steimes Johan , Hendrick Patrick
Published: May 2012

The Aero-Thermo-Mechanics (ATM) department of Universite´ Libre de Bruxelles (ULB) develops a new system to simultaneously pump and separate a two-phase flow, in particular oil/air mixtures. Two-phase flows are encountered in many applications (oil extraction, flow in nuclear power plant pumps, pulp and paper processing) but the study is mainly focused on aeroengine lubrication systems. The main objective is to obtain a compact and efficient system that can both extract the gas of a two-phase flow and increase the pressure of the liquid phase. Particular care is given to the liquid flow rate lost at the gas outlet of the system. A large range of gas/liquid volume ratio has been studied, leading to different two-phase flow regimes at the inlet of the system (slug, churn or annular flow). After successful tests with water-air prototypes, which have allowed to identify the key design and working parameters, the technology has been implemented for a hot oil-air mixture. This paper presents the test results of the first oil/air prototype under real in-flight operating conditions. The tests with oil/air mixtures were performed on the aeroengine lubrication system test bench of the ATM department. The identification and implementation of appropriate two-phase flow rate measurement systems is an essential contribution to the project. Two attractive measurement systems have been considered: a Coriolis density meter for the volume fraction at the liquid outlet and radio-tracing elements for the measurement of the oil consumption at the air outlet. In parallel, the flow field in the pump and separator system has been studied with commercial CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) software packages. The choice of the two-phase flow model is highly dependent on the two-phase flow regime. But different regimes can simultaneously exist in the pump and separator system. So, the Eulerian two-phase flow model, the most complex and general model, seems to be the most appropriate. A coupling of this model with a dispersed phase model is under investigation to take all two-phase flow phenomena into account.
Bending and branching of anodic aluminum oxide nanochannels and their applications
Authors: Kasi Ajab Khan , Kasi Jafar Khan , Afzulpurkar Nitin , Hasan Md Mahadi , Mahaisavariya Banchong
Published: May 2012

During fabrication of anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) membranes, it is observed that sometimes their nanochannels experience bending and branching. In this research the bending and branching behavior of AAO nanochannels was studied. AAO nanochannels were fabricated in 99.56% pure aluminum (Al) in which Si and Fe impurities blocked the propagation of some nanochannels. It was observed that the neighboring channels bend and make branches for anodizing the Al beneath impurities. The authors developed a model that explains the bending and branching of AAO nanochannels. Our experiments show that AAO nanochannel can bend and divide into branches if it experiences nonanodized Al on one side of the nanochannel. Bending and branching effects were also observed when AAO was fabricated using Al with nonplanar surfaces. The authors found that the bending and branching behavior of AAO nanochannels minimizes impurity defects in the AAO membrane. Based on experimental results, a model has been developed for making 3D structure using AAO nanochannels.
Echolocation behavior of franciscana dolphins (Pontoporia blainvillei) in the wild
Authors: Melcón, Mariana L. , Failla, Mauricio , Iñíguez Miguel A.
Published: May 2012

Franciscana dolphins are small odontocetes hard to study in the field. In particular, little is known on their echolocation behavior in the wild. In this study we recorded 357 min and analyzed 1019 echolocation signals in the Rio Negro Estuary, Argentina. The clicks had a peak frequency at 139 kHz, and a bandwidth of 19 kHz, ranging from 130 to 149 kHz. This is the first study describing echolocation signals of franciscana dolphins in the wild, showing the presence of narrow-band high frequency signals in these dolphins. Whether they use other vocalizations to communicate or not remains uncertain.
Science Signaling
Podcast: 8 May 2012
Authors: Nelson Mark T. , VanHook Annalisa M.
Published: May 2012

Maximal blood vessel dilation can be induced by calcium influx through just a few channel molecules in vascular endothelial cells.
Synchronizing Developmental Timing with Growth
Authors: VanHook Annalisa M.
Published: May 2012

A secreted insulin-like peptide couples developmental timing to organ growth in the fruit fly.
Draper Doppelganger
Authors: Wong Wei
Published: May 2012

A receptor that mediates engulfment of damaged neurons is inhibited by an alternatively spliced isoform.
Substrate Spectrum Extension of PenA in Burkholderia thailandensis with a Single Amino Acid Deletion, Glu168del
Authors: Yi Hyojeong , Kim Karan , Cho Kwang-Hwi , Jung Oksung , Kim Heenam Stanley
Published: May 2012

We describe a deletion mutation in a class A β-lactamase, PenA, of
Burkholderia thailandensis
that extended the substrate spectrum of the enzyme to include ceftazidime. Glu168del was located in a functional domain called the omega loop causing expansion of the space in the loop, which in turn increased flexibility at the active site. This deletion mutation represents a rare but significant alternative mechanical path to substrate spectrum extension in PenA besides more common substitution mutations.
Activities of Moxifloxacin in Combination with Macrolides against Clinical Isolates of Mycobacterium abscessus and Mycobacterium massiliense
Authors: Choi Go-Eun , Min Ki-Nam , Won Choul-Jae , Jeon Kyeongman , Shin Sung Jae , Koh Won-Jung
Published: May 2012

Infections caused by
Mycobacterium abscessus
and
Mycobacterium massiliense
are on the rise among humans. Although macrolides, including clarithromycin (CLR) and azithromycin (AZM), are key antibiotics for the treatment of
M. abscessus
and
M. massiliense
infections, treatment regimens for these infections are still largely undefined. In this study, we evaluated the
in vitro
,
ex vivo
, and
in vivo
activities of moxifloxacin (MXF) in combination with macrolides against clinically isolated
M. abscessus
and
M. massiliense
strains. Overall, CLR, AZM, and MXF alone showed activity against both species
in vitro
,
ex vivo
, and
in vivo
. When MXF was combined with a macrolide against
M. abscessus
isolates, antagonism was observed in 65.4% (17/26) of the strains with CLR and 46.2% (12/26) of the strains with AZM
in vitro
as well as in 66.7% (10/15) of the strains with CLR and 40.0% (6/15) of the strains with AZM in macrophages as determined by the fractional inhibitory concentration index. In contrast, either indifferent or synergistic effects of the MXF-macrolide combinations were observed against only
M. massiliense
strains. Moreover, a murine infection model showed similar results. Antagonism between the MXF and macrolide combinations was observed in five out of seven
M. abscessus
strains, while indifferent and synergistic effects for these combinations were observed for three of the six
M. massiliense
strains tested, respectively. In conclusion, the activity of MXF in combination with a macrolide differed for
M. abscessus
and
M. massiliense
infections and the addition of MXF to macrolide therapy had no benefit for the treatment of
M. abscessus
infections.
Deciphering the Function of the Outer Membrane Protein OprD Homologue of Acinetobacter baumannii
Authors: Catel-Ferreira Manuella , Nehmé Rony , Molle Virginie , Aranda Jesús , Bouffartigues Emeline , Chevalier Sylvie , Bou Germán , Jouenne Thierry , Dé Emmanuelle
Published: May 2012

The increasing number of carbapenem-resistant
Acinetobacter baumannii
isolates is a major cause for concern which restricts therapeutic options to treat severe infections caused by this emerging pathogen. To identify the molecular mechanisms involved in carbapenem resistance, we studied the contribution of an outer membrane protein homologue of the
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
OprD porin. Suspected to be the preferred pathway of carbapenems in
A. baumannii
, the
oprD
homologue gene was inactivated in strain ATCC 17978. Comparison of wild-type and mutant strains did not confirm the expected increased resistance to any antibiotic tested. OprD homologue sequence analysis revealed that this protein actually belongs to an OprD subgroup but is closer to the
P. aeruginosa
OprQ protein, with which it could share some functions, e.g., allowing bacterial survival under low-iron or -magnesium growth conditions or under poor oxygenation. We thus overexpressed and purified a recombinant OprD homologue protein to further examine its functional properties. As a specific channel, this porin presented rather low single-channel conductance, i.e., 28 pS in 1 M KCl, and was partially closed by micro- and millimolar concentrations of Fe
3+
and Mg
2+
, respectively, but not by imipenem and meropenem or basic amino acids. The
A. baumannii
OprD homologue is likely not involved in the carbapenem resistance mechanism, but as an OprQ-like protein, it could contribute to the adaptation of this bacterium to magnesium- and/or iron-depleted environments.
Complete Genome Sequence of Cronobacter sakazakii Bacteriophage CR3
Authors: Shin Hakdong , Lee Ju-Hoon , Kim Yeran , Ryu Sangryeol
Published: May 2012

Due to the high risk of
Cronobacter sakazakii
infection in infants fed powdered milk formula and the emergence of antibiotic-resistant strains, an alternative biocontrol agent using bacteriophage is needed to control this pathogen. To further the development of such an agent, the
C. sakazakii
-targeting bacteriophage CR3 was isolated and its genome was completely sequenced. Here, we announce the genomic analysis results of the largest
C. sakazakii
phage known to date and report the major findings from the genome annotation.
Characterization of alien chromosomes in backcross derivatives of Triticum aestivum × Elymus rectisetus hybrids by using molecular markers and sequential multicolor FISH/GISH
Authors: Dou Quan-Wen , Lei Yunting , Li Xiaomei , Mott Ivan W. , Wang Richard R.-C.
Published: May 2012

Wild Triticeae grasses serve as important gene pools for forage and cereal crops. Based on DNA sequences of genome-specific RAPD markers, sequence-tagged site (STS) markers specific for W and Y genomes have been obtained. Coupling with the use of genomic in situ hybridization, these STS markers enabled the identification of the W- and Y-genome chromosomes in backcross derivatives from hybrids of bread wheat Triticum aestivum L. (2n = 42; AABBDD) and Elymus rectisetus (Nees in Lehm.) Á. Löve & Connor (2n = 42; StStWWYY). The detection of six different alien chromosomes in five of these derivatives was ascertained by quantitative PCR of STS markers, simple sequence repeat markers, rDNA genes, and (or) multicolor florescence in situ hybridization. Disomic addition line 4687 (2n = 44) has the full complement of 42 wheat chromosomes and a pair of 1Y chromosomes that carry genes for resistance to tan spot (caused by Pyrenophora tritici-repentis (Died.) Drechs.) and Stagonospora nodorum blotch (caused by Stagonospora nodorum (Berk.) Castellani and Germano). The disomic addition line 4162 has a pair of 1St chromosomes and 21 pairs of wheat chromosomes. Lines 4319 and 5899 are two triple substitution lines (2n = 42) having the same chromosome composition, with 2A, 4B, and 6D of wheat substituted by one pair of W- and two pairs of St-genome chromosomes. Line 4434 is a substitution–addition line (2n = 44) that has the same W- and St-genome chromosomes substituting 2A, 4B, and 6D of wheat as in lines 4319 and 5899 but differs by having an additional pair of Y-genome chromosome, which is not the 1Y as in line 4687. The production and identification of these alien cytogenetic stocks may help locate and isolate genes for useful agronomic traits.
Origin of leaf rust adult plant resistance gene Rph20 in barley
Authors: Hickey Lee T. , Lawson Wendy , Platz Greg J. , Dieters Mark , Franckowiak Jerome
Published: May 2012

Rph20 is the only reported, simply inherited gene conferring moderate to high levels of adult plant resistance (APR) to leaf rust ( Puccinia hordei Otth) in barley ( Hordeum vulgare L.). Key parental genotypes were examined to determine the origin of Rph20 in two-rowed barley. The Dutch cultivar ‘Vada’ (released in the 1950s) and parents, ‘Hordeum laevigatum’ and ‘Gull’ (‘Gold’), along with the related cultivar ‘Emir’ (a derivative of ‘Delta’), were assessed for APR to P. hordei in a disease screening nursery. The marker bPb-0837-PCR, co-located with Rph20 on the short arm of chromosome 5H (5HS), was used to screen genotypes for the resistance allele, Rph20.ai. Results from phenotypic assessment and DNA analysis confirmed that Rph20 originated from the landrace ‘H. laevigatum’ (i.e., Hordeum vulgare subsp. vulgare). Tracing back this gene through the pedigrees of two-rowed barley cultivars, indicated that Rph20 has contributed APR to P. hordei for more than 60 years. Although there have been no reports of an Rph20-virulent pathotype, the search for alternative sources of APR should continue to avoid widespread reliance upon a single resistance factor.
Molecular cytogenetic characterization and stripe rust response of a trigeneric hybrid involvingTriticum,Psathyrostachys, andThinopyrum
Authors: Kang Houyang , Zeng Jian , Xie Quan , Tao Shan , Zhong Meiyu , Zhang Haiqin , Fan Xing , Sha Lina , Xu Lili , Zhou Yonghong
Published: May 2012

Trigeneric hybrids offer opportunities to transfer alien traits into cultivated wheat. In this study, a new trigeneric hybrid involving species of Triticum , Psathyrostachys , and Thinopyrum was synthesized by crossing Triticum aestivum L. (wheat) – Thinopyrum intermedium (Host) Barkworth & D.R. Dewey amphiploid Zhong 3 with wheat – Psathyrostachys huashanica Keng ex Kuo amphiploid PHW-SA. Crossability of the two amphiploids was 19.74%, and the fertility of the hybrid was 16.20%. The mean meiotic configuration of the trigeneric hybrid (2n = 56) was 13.06 I + 17.24 IIring + 3.73 IIrod + 0.28 III + 0.04 IV. GISH analysis indicated that the trigeneric F1had seven P. huashanica chromosomes and seven Th. intermedium chromosomes. The mean chromosome numbers of F2, F3, and F4progenies were 2n = 49.24, 2n = 48.13, and 2n = 46.78, respectively, a gradual decrease. GISH analysis revealed that most F2and F3plants had 2–10 Th. intermedium chromosomes and 0–4 P. huashanica chromosomes. In the F4progenies, 1–7 Th. intermedium chromosomes were labeled, but no P. huashanica chromosomes were detected. It seems that Th. intermedium chromosomes are more likely than P. huashanica chromosomes to be transmitted to the progenies. The stripe rust response of PHW-SA was expressed in the F1and some F2and F3progenies. The trigeneric hybrid could be a useful bridge for transfering P. huashanica and Th. intermedium chromosomes to common wheat.
A genetic linkage map of tetraploid orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerataL.) and quantitative trait loci for heading date
Authors: Xie Wengang , Robins Joseph G. , Bushman B. Shaun
Published: May 2012

Orchardgrass ( Dactylis glomerata L.), or cocksfoot, is indigenous to Eurasia and northern Africa, but has been naturalized on nearly every continent and is one of the top perennial forage grasses grown worldwide. To improve the understanding of genetic architecture of orchardgrass and provide a template for heading date candidate gene search in this species, the goals of the present study were to construct a tetraploid orchardgrass genetic linkage map and identify quantitative trait loci associated with heading date. A combination of SSR markers derived from an orchardgrass EST library and AFLP markers were used to genotype an F1population of 284 individuals derived from a very late heading Dactylis glomerata subsp. himalayensis parent and an early to mid-heading Dactylis glomerata subsp. aschersoniana parent. Two parental maps were constructed with 28 cosegregation groups and seven consensus linkage groups each, and homologous linkage groups were tied together by 38 bridging markers. Linkage group lengths varied from 98 to 187 cM, with an average distance between markers of 5.5 cM. All but two mapped SSR markers had homologies to physically mapped rice (Oryza sativa L.) genes, and six of the seven orchardgrass linkage groups were assigned based on this putative synteny with rice. Quantitative trait loci were detected for heading date on linkage groups 2, 5, and 6 in both parental maps, explaining between 12% and 24% of the variation.
Aggregation equilibria of amphiphilic phthalocyanines substituted by polyethylene oxide in dichloromethane
Authors: Kobayashi Midori , Satoh Keiichi , Sawada Kiyoshi
Published: May 2012

The aggregation equilibria of metal-free and copper(II) phthalocyanine compounds substituted by polyethylene oxide at β (2 or 3, 9 or 10, 16 or 17, 23 or 24) positions, TDEO6-MPc, in deuterated dichloromethane were studied by means of 1H NMR spectroscopy. Where the side chain polyethylene oxide is hexaethyleneglycolmonododecylether (DEO6). The results of concentration dependence of 1H NMR signals reveal that the metal-free phthalocyanine TDEO6-H2Pc and copper complex TDEO6-CuPc successively form the aggregates up to trimer and tetramer in the concentration range of Pc, C Pc = 10-5.5–10-1.5 M , respectively. Formation constants and chemical shifts of each aggregate were determined by non-linear regression analysis of chemical shift change. The structures of TDEO6-MPc aggregates were estimated as TDEO6-MPc is successively stacked face to face. The phthalocyanine rings in the aggregate is slipped between them, the slippage, however, is not so large. DEO6 side chains are flexible and move freely.
Pseudohalogenido complexes of iron-2,2′-bidipyrrins
Authors: Bröring Martin , Köhler Silke , Pietzonka Clemens
Published: May 2012

The chlorido iron(III) complex of octaethyl-2,2′-bidipyrrin has been transformed to a series of pseudohalide complexes by ligand exchange reactions with azide, cyanate, thiocyanate and selenocyanate anions. All new complexes show the expected N-coordination of the axial ligand to the iron(III) center. In the solid state, all four species display an intermediate spin (S = 3/2) ground state, with a gradual increase of a high spin (S = 5/2) contribution at elevated temperatures for the members with the smallest ligand field strengths, i.e. the cyanato and the azido derivatives. In solution, proton NMR, and in particular IR spectroscopic studies support the interpretation of a high-spin state at ambient temperature throughout the series. The dependency of the spin state on the crystalline or dissolved state thus resembles that found for a similar series of halide derivatives before. In dichloromethane solution, the thiocyanato and selenocyanato complexes are very sensitive to aerial oxidation, forming oxacorrole and thiacorrole complexes as the only isolated products. These complexes show a S = 3/2 spin state in the solid as well as in solution, and their structural analyses prove the expected strong π-binding of the linear pseudohalide ion to the iron(III) central metal.
LASER FLUORESCENCE ANALYSIS METHOD USE FOR EXPRESS-DIAGNOSIS OF ANTIBIOTIC RESISTANCE AMONG ABDOMINAL SEPSIS PATIENTS POST-OPERATION
Authors: GOSTISHCHEV V. K. , KHOMENKO V. A. , KUZMINA A. G. , KUZMIN G. P. , IVAKHOV G. B. , GAPONENKO O. G.
Published: May 2012

The adequate method of antibiotic choice is reported using the laser fluorescence analysis of blood plasma with the laboratory diagnostic device "Spectrolux-MB". The method is based on the ability of micro-organisms and products of their vital functions (metabolism) to fluoresce under laser radiation. The method of fluorescence analysis has great prospects in urgent surgery and other medicine brunches due to its high information content, low cost (compared to other methods of express-diagnostics) and high speed of information acquisition.
Poly(ethylene glycol)-Prodrug Conjugates: Concept, Design, and Applications
Authors: Banerjee Shashwat S. , Aher Naval , Patil Rajesh , Khandare Jayant
Published: May 2012

Poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) is the most widely used polymer in delivering anticancer drugs clinically. PEGylation (i.e., the covalent attachment of PEG) of peptides proteins, drugs, and bioactives is known to enhance the aqueous solubility of hydrophobic drugs, prolong circulation time, minimize nonspecific uptake, and achieve specific tumor targetability through the enhanced permeability and retention effect. Numerous PEG-based therapeutics have been developed, and several have received market approval. A vast amount of clinical experience has been gained which has helped to design PEG prodrug conjugates with improved therapeutic efficacy and reduced systemic toxicity. However, more efforts in designing PEG-based prodrug conjugates are anticipated. In light of this, the current paper highlights the synthetic advances in PEG prodrug conjugation methodologies with varied bioactive components of clinical relevance. In addition, this paper discusses FDA-approved PEGylated delivery systems, their intended clinical applications, and formulations under clinical trials.
Effects of Xinfeng Capsules on Expression of Platelet Granule Membrane Protein 140 and Platelet Cluster of Differentiation 40 Ligand in Peripheral Blood of Adjuvant Arthritis Rats
Authors: Rui-kai Zong , Jian Liu
Published: May 2012

Platelet GMP-140 and CD40L as specific markers of platelet activation play an important role in the morbidity and development of rheumatoid arthritis. The expression of GMP-140, CD40L increases in peripheral blood of AA rats. And they have correlation with voix pedis' swelling, AI. XFC could inhibit the inflammatory response through inhibiting platelet activation of AA rats, which means decreasing the expression of GMP-140, CD40L in peripheral blood. So, the voix pedis' swelling and AI were decreased as the result.
Effect and Safety of Mycophenolate Mofetil or Sodium in Systemic Sclerosis-Associated Interstitial Lung Disease: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Tzouvelekis Argyris , Galanopoulos Nikolaos , Bouros Evangelos , Kolios George , Zacharis George , Ntolios Paschalis , Koulelidis Andreas , Oikonomou Anastasia , Bouros Demosthenes
Published: May 2012

Background. Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is the most common complication of systemic sclerosis (SSc) with treatment ineffective. Objective: The aim of this meta-analysis was to provide an estimate of the safety and efficacy profile of Mycophenolate Mofetil (MMF) or sodium (MMS) in SSc-ILD patients.Materials and Methods. All studies were reviewed systematically. The main end-points were safety and efficacy profile as estimated by forced vital capacity (FVC)% and diffusion capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide (DLCO)% of the predicted normal value (%pred.) before and after treatment in patients with SSc-ILD. Quality assessment and data extraction were performed independently by two reviewers.Results. Seventeen studies were reviewed systematically. Six studies, one prospective, were eligible for analysis encompassing 69 patients, including 10 subjects from our, yet unpublished, retrospective study. There was no statistically significant difference in both efficacy outcomes of interest, including FVC% pred. (weighted mean difference 1.48, 95% confidence interval (CI): −2.77 to 5.72,P=0.49) and DLCO% pred. (weighted mean difference −0.83, 95% CI: −4.75 to 3.09,P=0.93). No cases of clinically significant side effects were documented.Conclusions. Meta-analysis data suggest that MMF is a safe therapeutic modality which was associated with functional stabilization in patients with SSc-ILD.
Targeted In Situ Gene Correction of DysfunctionalAPOEAlleles to Produce Atheroprotective Plasma ApoE3 Protein
Authors: Papaioannou Ioannis , Simons J. Paul , Owen James S.
Published: May 2012

Cardiovascular disease is the leading worldwide cause of death. Apolipoprotein E (ApoE) is a 34-kDa circulating glycoprotein, secreted by the liver and macrophages with pleiotropic antiatherogenic functions and hence a candidate to treat hypercholesterolaemia and atherosclerosis. Here, we describe atheroprotective properties of ApoE, though also potential proatherogenic actions, and the prevalence of dysfunctional isoforms, outline conventional gene transfer strategies, and then focus on gene correction therapeutics that can repair defectiveAPOEalleles. In particular, we discuss the possibility and potential benefit of applying in combination two technical advances to repair aberrantAPOEgenes: (i) an engineered endonuclease to introduce a double-strand break (DSB) in exon 4, which contains the common, but dysfunctional,ε2 andε4 alleles; (ii) an efficient and selectable template for homologous recombination (HR) repair, namely, an adeno-associated viral (AAV) vector, which harbours wild-typeAPOEsequence. This technology is applicable ex vivo, for example to target haematopoietic or induced pluripotent stem cells, and also for in vivo hepatic gene targeting. It is to be hoped that such emerging technology will eventually translate to patient therapy to reduce CVD risk.
The Effect of Mentoring on Career Satisfaction of Registered Nurses and Intent to Stay in the Nursing Profession
Authors: Mariani Bette
Published: May 2012

Mentoring is important in the career development of novice and experienced nurses. With the anticipated shortage in nursing, it is important to explore factors such as mentoring that may contribute to career satisfaction and intent to stay in the profession. This study explored the effects of mentoring on career satisfaction and intent to stay in nursing, and the relationship between career satisfaction and intent to stay in nursing. It was conducted through a mailed survey of RNs 55 years or younger currently in practice, education, administration, or research. Career satisfaction was measured through the use of the newly developed Mariani Nursing Career Satisfaction Scale. Findings revealed no statistically significant effect of mentoring on career satisfaction and intent to stay in nursing. There was a statistically significant relationship between career satisfaction and intent to stay in nursing. The majority of nurses reported participating in a mentoring relationship. Although the findings related to mentoring, career satisfaction, and intent to stay were not statistically significant, there was a prevalence of mentoring in nursing, thus suggesting the need for future research to identify outcomes of mentoring. In addition, the study contributed a newly developed instrument to measure the concept of career satisfaction in nursing.
Parametric Extended General Mixed Variational Inequalities
Authors: Noor Muhammad Aslam
Published: May 2012

It is well known that the resolvent equations are equivalent to the extended general mixed variational inequalities. We use this alternative equivalent formulation to study the sensitivity of the extended general mixed variational inequalities without assuming the differentiability of the given data. Since the extended general mixed variational inequalities include extended general variational inequalities, quasi (mixed) variational inequalities and complementarity problems as special cases, results obtained in this paper continue to hold for these problems. In fact, our results can be considered as a significant extension of previously known results.
QUEST Hierarchy for Hyperspectral Face Recognition
Authors: Ryer David M. , Bihl Trevor J. , Bauer Kenneth W. , Rogers Steven K.
Published: May 2012

A qualia exploitation of sensor technology (QUEST) motivated architecture using algorithm fusion and adaptive feedback loops for face recognition for hyperspectral imagery (HSI) is presented. QUEST seeks to develop a general purpose computational intelligence system that captures the beneficial engineering aspects of qualia-based solutions. Qualia-based approaches are constructed from subjective representations and have the ability to detect, distinguish, and characterize entities in the environment Adaptive feedback loops are implemented that enhance performance by reducing candidate subjects in the gallery and by injecting additional probe images during the matching process. The architecture presented provides a framework for exploring more advanced integration strategies beyond those presented. Algorithmic results and performance improvements are presented as spatial, spectral, and temporal effects are utilized; additionally, a Matlab-based graphical user interface (GUI) is developed to aid processing, track performance, and to display results.
The Association of Obesity with Walking Independent of Knee Pain: The Multicenter Osteoarthritis Study
Authors: White Daniel K. , Neogi Tuhina , Zhang Yuqing , Felson David , LaValley Michael , Niu Jingbo , Nevitt Michael , Lewis Cora E. , Torner James , Douglas Gross K.
Published: May 2012

Practice guidelines recommend addressing obesity for people with knee OA, however, the association of obesity with walking independent of pain is not known. We investigated this association within the Multicenter Osteoarthritis Study, a cohort of older adults who have or are at high risk of knee OA. Subjects wore a StepWatch to record steps taken over 7 days. We measured knee pain from a visual analogue scale and obesity by BMI. We examined the association of obesity with walking using linear regression adjusting for pain and covariates. Of 1788 subjects, the mean steps/day taken was8872.9±3543.4. Subjects with a BMI ≥35 took 3355 fewer steps per day independent of knee pain compared with those with a BMI ≤25 (95% CI −3899, −2811). BMI accounted for 9.7% of the variability of walking while knee pain accounted for 2.9%. BMI was associated with walking independent of knee pain.