bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Numerical Prediction of Turbine Vane-Blade Aerodynamic Interaction
Authors: Lewis J. P. , Delaney R. A. , Hall E. J.
Published: November 2009

A time-accurate analysis for turbine vane-blade interaction is presented. The analysis simultaneously solves the unsteady isentropic Euler equations in the vane and blade rows on a blade-to-blade surface of revolution. The equations are integrated on overlapped O-type grids using a rapid and robust explicit hopscotch algorithm. Vane and blade rows with unequal numbers of airfoils in each row are treated using a single passage model with phase-lagged periodic boundary conditions. Boundary conditions between the rows are set by a combination of bilinear interpolation and a reference plane method of characteristics. Nonreflective inflow and outflow boundary point calculation procedures are incorporated to ensure that outward-radiating planar waves pass out of the solution domain without reflection. Presented results for a turbine stage show significant effects of the interaction on the time-mean airfoil surface pressure distributions.
A Study of Unsteady Rotor–Stator Interactions
Authors: Mankbadi Reda R.
Published: November 2009

This work is concerned with simulations of rotor-generated unsteady response of the turbulent flow in a stator. The rotor’s effect is represented by moving cylinders of equivalent drag coefficient that produce passing wakes at the entrance of the stator. The unsteady incompressible Navier–Stokes equations are solved on a staggered grid and eddy viscosities are obtained using a k–ε model. The rotor-generated wakes were found to produce a pressure field at the stator’s entrance that increases in the direction of the wake traverse. At a streamwise distance equal to the distance between the stator blades, the pressure becomes uniform across the channel and the oscillations in the pressure field decay. Because of the initial asymmetry of the pressure field, the time-averaged mean velocity is no longer symmetric. This asymmetry of the mean flow continues along the passage even after the pressure has regained its symmetry. As a result of the passing of the rotor-generated wakes, large periodic oscillations are introduced into the mean velocity and turbulence energy. The time-averaged turbulence energy and the wall shear stress increases in the direction of the rotor traverse.
Sensitivity Analysis and Optimum Design Method for Reduced Rotor-Stator-Strut Flow Interaction
Authors: Cerri G. , O’Brien W. F.
Published: November 2009

A potential flow model based on the Douglas–Neumann formulation that can handle interaction problems has been used to analyze the pressure distribution produced by a stator-strut system at the rotor trailing edge. A pressure disturbance sensitivity analysis of some stator and strut parameters was performed and results are discussed in both space and frequency domains. A method for pressure distribution optimization is presented and the outcome analyzed. The optimum stator-strut configuration brings about reduced potential flow disturbances. The pressure wave amplitude produced by the strut is lowered to the same order of magnitude as that induced by the stator alone.
Numerical Results for Axial Flow Compressor Instability
Authors: McCaughan F. E.
Published: November 2009

Using Cornell’s supercomputing facilities, we have carried out an extensive study of the Moore–Greitzer model, which gives accurate and reliable information about compressor instability. The bifurcation analysis in the companion paper shows the dependence of the mode of compressor response on the shape of the rotating stall characteristic. The numerical results verify and extend this with a more accurate representation of the characteristic. The effect of the parameters on the shape of the rotating stall characteristic is investigated, and it is found that the parameters with the strongest effects are the inlet length, and the shape of the compressor pressure rise versus mass flow diagram (i.e., tall diagrams versus shallow diagrams). We also discuss the effects of inlet guide vane loss on the characteristic. An evaluation is made of the h′ = −g approximation, and a spectral analysis of the rotating stall cell given by the full model suggests why this breaks down.
The Vortex-Filament Nature of Reverse Flow on the Verge of Rotating Stall
Authors: Chen Y. N. , Haupt U. , Rautenberg M.
Published: November 2009

On the verge of rotating stall, very orderly reverse flow forms from the outlet of the rotor/impeller along the casing/shroud toward the inlet in axial/centrifugal compressors (Koch, 1970; Haupt, et al., 1987). The experiment on a centrifugal compressor reveals furthermore that the reverse flow is composed of stable spiral vortex filaments. Their vorticity can be transferred to the inlet tip vortex, known as prerotation. The behavior of these vortex filaments is examined based on the fundamental research work on rotating bodies available in the literature. This result shows that the vortex filaments are composed of Taylor’s vortex pairs, but with unequal vortex strengths within the pair. They form the transition range from a laminar to a turbulent three-dimensional boundary layer with a very steep tangential velocity profile. This profile is associated with the appearance of a toroidal ring vortex in the rotor/impeller, acting as a recirculatig secondary flow. It can be further shown from the analysis of the extensive literature that the orderly path of the reverse flow is enabled by the cessation of the leakage flow of the rotor tip clearance. The reason for this is that the growing tangential flow field extends beyond the rotor tip up to the close proximity of the endwall, so that the tip clearance is blocked.
Flutter of a Fan Blade in Supersonic Axial Flow
Authors: Kielb R. E. , Ramsey J. K.
Published: November 2009

An application of a simple aeroelastic model to an advanced supersonic axial flow fan is presented. Lane’s cascade theory is used to determine the unsteady aerodynamic loads. Parametric studies are performed to determine the effects of mode coupling, Mach number, damping, pitching axis location, solidity, stagger angle, and mistuning. The results show that supersonic axial flow fan and compressor blades are susceptible to a strong torsional mode flutter having critical reduced velocities that can be less than one.
A Quasi-Steady Approach of Wake Effects on Leading Edge Transfer Rates
Authors: Van Dresar N. T. , Mayle R. E.
Published: November 2009

Mass transfer experiments are described for a circular cylinder with a steady incident wake flow. Measurements of the velocity, turbulence intensity, intermittency, and integral length scale within the wake are presented together with measurements of the stagnation mass transfer as a function of the cylinder’s position in the wake. Comparison of the results indicates that although the increase in mass transfer occurring along the wake centerline depends on the turbulence intensity, length scale, and possibly other factors, the functional relation with respect to the cylinder’s lateral position in the wake depends on the intermittency and not turbulence level. In addition, a simple quasi-steady theory is developed to account for the unsteady effects caused by the passing of wakes in the incident flow on the stagnation transfer rate at the leading edge of a gas turbine airfoil.
The Effect of Free-Stream Turbulence on Gas Turbine Blade Heat Transfer
Authors: Krishnamoorthy V. , Sukhatme S. P.
Published: November 2009

This paper describes the results of systematic investigations undertaken to study the effect of free-stream turbulence on the heat transfer coefficient distribution around gas turbine rotor blades and nozzle guide vanes. The heat transfer coefficient distribution around the blade surface was obtained under a uniform heat flux boundary condition. Experiments were conducted in the Reynolds number range 2.0–8.1 × 105 (exit Mach number range 0.182 to 0.600) with the free-stream turbulence level in the range 1.0–21.3 percent. A new type of active turbulence generator was used for generating high turbulence levels. Correlations were obtained for the effect of free-stream turbulence on the local heat transfer coefficient in the laminar, transitional, and turbulent boundary layer regions.
Optimum Trailing Edge Ejection for Cooled Gas Turbine Blades
Authors: Schobeiri T.
Published: November 2009

The effect of trailing edge ejection on the flow downstream of a cooled gas turbine blade is investigated. Parameters that affect the mixing losses and therefore the efficiency of cooled blades are the ejection velocity ratio, the cooling mass flow ratio, the slot-width ratio, and the ejection angle. For ejection velocity ratio μ = 1, the trailing edge ejection reduces the mixing losses downstream to the cooled blade. For given cooling mass flow ratios, optimum slot-width/trailing edge ratios are found, which correspond to the minimum mixing loss coefficients.
Preswirl Blade-Cooling Effectiveness in an Adiabatic Rotor–Stator System
Authors: El-Oun Z. B. , Owen J. M.
Published: November 2009

Blade-cooling air for a high-pressure turbine is often supplied from preswirl nozzles attached to a stationary casing. By swirling the cooling air in the direction of rotation of the turbine disk, the temperature of the air relative to the blades can be reduced. The question addressed in this paper is: Knowing the temperatures of the preswirl and disk-cooling flows, what is the temperature of the blade-cooling air? A simple theoretical model, based on the Reynolds analogy applied to an adiabatic rotor–stator system, is used to calculate the preswirl effectiveness (that is, the reduction in the temperature of the blade-cooling air as a result of preswirling the flow). A mixing model is used to account for the “contamination” of the blade coolant with disk-cooling air, and an approximate solution is used to estimate the effect of frictional heating on the disk-cooling air. Experiments were conducted in a rotor–stator rig that had preswirl nozzles in the stator and blade-cooling passages in the rotating disk. A radial outflow or inflow of disk-cooling air was also supplied, and measurements of the temperature difference between the preswirl and blade-cooling air were made for a range of flow rates and for rotational Reynolds numbers up to Reθ = 1.8 × 106. Considering the experimental errors in measuring the small temperature differences, good agreement between theory and experiment was achieved.
Modeling Piezoresponse Force Microscopy for Low-Dimensional Material Characterization: Theory and Experiment
Authors: Salehi-Khojin Amin , Bashash Saeid , Jalili Nader , Thompson Gary Lee , Vertegel Alexey
Published: November 2009

Piezoresponse force microscopy (PFM) is an atomic force microscopy-based approach utilized for measuring local properties of piezoelectric materials. The objective of this study is to propose a practical framework for simultaneous estimation of the local stiffness and piezoelectric properties of materials. For this, the governing equation of motion of a vertical PFM is derived at a given point on the sample. Using the expansion theorem, the governing ordinary differential equations of the system and their state-space representation are derived under applied external voltage. For the proof of the concept, the results obtained from both frequency and step responses of a PFM experiment are utilized to simultaneously identify the microcantilever parameters along with local spring constant and piezoelectric coefficient of a periodically poled lithium niobate sample. In this regard, a new parameter estimation strategy is developed for modal identification of system parameters under general frequency response. Results indicate good agreements between the identified model and the experimental data using the proposed modeling and identification framework. This method can be particularly applied for accurate characterization of mechanical and piezoelectric properties of biological species and cells.
Influence of proton irradiation on the structure and stability of poly(dimethylsiloxane) and poly(dimethylsiloxane)-nanodiamond composite
Authors: Borjanović V. , Bistričić L. , Vlasov I. , Furić K. , Zamboni I. , Jakšić M. , Shenderova O.
Published: November 2009

In the present study, pure poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) polymer and PDMS-detonation nanodiamond (PDMS-DND) composite with 1wt.% of DND were irradiated under vacuum at room temperature with a 2MeV proton beam with fluences in the 1013–1015cm−2 range. Modification of the structures and properties of the pure polymer and the nanocomposite material were monitored as a function of proton fluence. Specifically, the vibrational dynamics of pure PDMS and PDMS-DND nanocomposites, both unirradiated and irradiated samples, were investigated using Raman and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The Raman and FTIR spectra of the PDMS and PDMS-DND composites exhibit an overall reduction in intensity of all vibrational bands of the irradiated samples. The changes in relative intensities of the characteristic vibrational bands as a function of irradiation fluence indicate that cleavage of the backbone (Si–O–Si) PDMS chains was most pronounced. Importantly, structural degradation of PDMS-DND composites takes place at an order of magnitude higher fluence than for pure PDMS, indicating the potential of using DND-based polymer composites for application in high radiation environments. The appearance of strong photoluminescence following irradiation was more pronounced for PDMS-DND composites as compared to pure PDMS.
Ubiquitous Presenter: A Tablet PC-based System to Support Instructors and Students
Authors: Price Edward , Simon Beth
Published: November 2009

Digital lecturing systems (computer and projector, often with PowerPoint) offer physics instructors the ability to incorporate graphics and the power to share and reuse materials. But these systems do a poor job of supporting interaction in the classroom. For instance, with digital presentation systems, instructors have limited ability to spontaneously respond to student questions. This limitation is especially acute during classroom activities such as problem solving, Peer Instruction,1 and Interactive Lecture Demonstrations (ILDs).2 A Tablet PC, a laptop computer with a stylus that can be used to “write” on the screen, provides a way for instructors to add digital ink spontaneously to a presentation in progress. The Tablet PC can be a powerful tool for teaching,3,4 especially when combined with software systems specifically designed to leverage digital ink for pedagogical uses. Ubiquitous Presenter (UP) is one such freely available system.5 Developed at the University of California, San Diego, and based on Classroom Presenter,6 UP allows the instructor to ink prepared digital material (such as exported PowerPoint slides) in real time in class. Ink is automatically archived stroke by stroke and can be reviewed through a web browser (by both students and instructors). The system also supports spontaneous in-class interaction through a web interface—students with web-enabled devices (Tablet PCs, regular laptops, PDAs, and cell phones) can make text-, ink-, or image-based submissions on the instructor's slides. The instructor can review and then project submitted slides to the class and add additional ink, so that material generated by students can be a focus for discussion. A brief video showing UP in action is at http://physics.csusm.edu/UP. In this article, we describe UP and give examples of how UP can support the physics classroom.
A Christmas Book from 1875
Authors: Greenslade Thomas B.
Published: November 2009

This is a story about a book that I found in my collection, its author, and the boy who owned it. The book is The Boy's Playbook of Science, first published in 1860 by John Henry Pepper (1821–1900). On the flyleaf is written “Arthur G. Webster; Christmas/75; from Mama.” Arthur Gordon Webster (1863–1923) was one of the founders of the American Physical Society, and was 12 when he was given this book.
Inexpensive Resonance Analysis
Authors: Moran Timothy J. , Hill Bradford K.
Published: November 2009

A Barton's Pendulums device is a great tool for teaching students about resonance.1 Such a setup typically has several pendulums attached to a single string or solid support, where each pendulum is excited at a single frequency. The excitation can be produced by a large pendulum mass or by a motor. If a pendulum has a natural frequency that closely matches the excitation frequency, it swings with a large amplitude; otherwise, it does not. While these visual demonstrations are helpful, resonance behavior can be even better understood by graphically displaying the responses of oscillators to different excitations.
H
2
S Signals Through Protein S-Sulfhydration
Authors: Mustafa Asif K. , Gadalla Moataz M. , Sen Nilkantha , Kim Seyun , Mu Weitong , Gazi Sadia K. , Barrow Roxanne K. , Yang Guangdong , Wang Rui , Snyder Solomon H.
Published: November 2009

The gaseous messenger hydrogen sulfide regulates target proteins through S-sulfhydration of cysteine residues.
A Hierarchical Immune Response
Authors: Adler Elizabeth M.
Published: November 2009

HMGBs are necessary for innate immune responses mediated by different types of nucleic acid–sensitive receptors.
Novel Ambler Class A Carbapenem-Hydrolyzing β-Lactamase from a
Pseudomonas fluorescens
Isolate from the Seine River, Paris, France
Authors: Girlich Delphine , Poirel Laurent , Nordmann Patrice
Published: November 2009

A
Pseudomonas fluorescens
isolate (PF-1) resistant to carbapenems was recovered during an environmental survey performed with water from the Seine River (Paris). It expressed a novel Ambler class A carbapenemase, BIC-1, sharing 68 and 59% amino acid identities with β-lactamases SFC-1 from
Serratia fonticola
and the plasmid-encoded KPC-2, respectively. β-Lactamase BIC-1 hydrolyzed penicillins, carbapenems, and cephalosporins except ceftazidime and monobactams. The
bla
BIC-1
gene was chromosomally located and was also identified in two other
P. fluorescens
strains isolated from the Seine River 3 months later.
In Vitro
Activity of Fosfomycin against
bla
KPC
-Containing
Klebsiella pneumoniae
Isolates, Including Those Nonsusceptible to Tigecycline and/or Colistin
Authors: Endimiani Andrea , Patel Gopi , Hujer Kristine M. , Swaminathan Mahesh , Perez Federico , Rice Louis B. , Jacobs Michael R. , Bonomo Robert A.
Published: November 2009

In vitro
activity of fosfomycin was evaluated against 68
bla
KPC
-possessing
Klebsiella pneumoniae
(KpKPC) isolates, including 23 tigecycline- and/or colistin-nonsusceptible strains. By agar dilution, 93% of the overall KpKPC were susceptible (MIC
50/90
of 16/64 μg/ml, respectively). The subgroup of 23 tigecycline- and/or colistin-nonsusceptible strains showed susceptibility rates of 87% (MIC
50/90
of 32/128 μg/ml, respectively). Notably, 5 out of 6 extremely drug-resistant (tigecycline and colistin nonsusceptible) KpKPC were susceptible to fosfomycin. Compared to agar dilution, disk diffusion was more accurate than Etest.
Improved Survival of Mice Deficient in Secretory Immunoglobulin M following Systemic Infection withCryptococcus neoformans
Authors: Subramaniam Krishanthi S. , Datta Kausik , Marks Matthew S. , Pirofski Liise-anne
Published: November 2009

Cryptococcus neoformanscauses severe, and often fatal, disease (cryptococcosis) in immunocompromised patients, particularly in those with HIV/AIDS. Although resistance to cryptococcosis requires intact T-cell immunity, a possible role for antibody/B cells in protection against natural disease has not been definitively established. Previous studies of the antibody response to theC. neoformanscapsular polysaccharide glucuronoxylomannan (GXM) have demonstrated that patients who are at increased risk for cryptococcosis have lower serum levels of GXM-reactive IgM than those who are not at risk, leading to the hypothesis that IgM might contribute to resistance to cryptococcosis. To determine the influence of IgM on susceptibility to systemic cryptococcosis in a murine model, we compared the survival of mice deficient in serum IgM (secretory IgM deficient [sIgM−/−]) and C57BL/6 × 129Sv (control) mice after intraperitoneal infection withC. neoformansstrain 24067 and analyzed the splenic B- and T-cell subsets by flow cytometry and the serum and splenic cytokine/chemokine and serum antibody profiles of each mouse strain. The results showed that sIgM−/−mice survived significantly longer than control mice when challenged with 105CFU ofC. neoformans24067. Naïve sIgM−/−mice had higher levels of B-1 (CD5+) B cells, proinflammatory mediators (interleukin-6 [IL-6], IL-1β, MIP-1β, tumor necrosis factor alpha [TNF-α], and gamma interferon [IFN-γ]), and anti-inflammatory mediators (IL-10 and IL-13) and significantly higher titers of GXM-specific IgG2a 3 weeks postinfection. In addition, CD5+splenocytes from both mouse strains had fungicidal activity againstC. neoformans. Taken together, these results suggest that the inflammatory milieu in sIgM−/−mice might confer enhanced resistance to systemic cryptococcosis, stemming in part from the antifungal activity of B-1 B cells.
Mouse Strain-Dependent Differences in Susceptibility toNeisseria gonorrhoeaeInfection and Induction of Innate Immune Responses
Authors: Packiam Mathanraj , Veit Sandra J. , Anderson Deborah J. , Ingalls Robin R. , Jerse Ann E.
Published: November 2009

Acute gonorrhea in women is characterized by a mucopurulent exudate that contains polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) with intracellular gonococci. Asymptomatic infections are also common. Information on the innate response toNeisseria gonorrhoeaein women is limited to studies with cultured cells, isolated immune cells, and analyses of cervicovaginal fluids. 17β-Estradiol-treated BALB/c mice can be experimentally infected withN. gonorrhoeae, and a vaginal PMN influx occurs in 50 to 80% of mice. Here, we compared the colonization loads and proinflammatory responses of BALB/c, C57BL/6 and C3H/HeN mice toN. gonorrhoeae. BALB/c and C57BL/6 mice were colonized at similar levels following inoculation with 106CFU ofN. gonorrhoeae. BALB/c, but not C57BL/6, mice exhibited a marked vaginal PMN influx. Tumor necrosis factor alpha, interleukin-6, macrophage inflammatory protein 2 (MIP-2), and keratinocyte-derived chemokine were elevated in vaginal secretions from infected BALB/c mice, but not in those from C57BL/6 mice. MIP-2 levels positively correlated with a vaginal PMN influx. In contrast to BALB/c and C57BL/6 mice, C3H/HeN mice were resistant to infection, and there was no evidence of an inflammatory response. We conclude thatN. gonorrhoeae causes a productive infection in BALB/c mice that is characterized by the induction of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines and the recruitment of PMNs. Infection of C57BL/6 mice, in contrast, is more similar to asymptomatic infection. C3H/HeN mice are inherently resistant toN. gonorrhoeaeinfection, and this resistance is not due to an overwhelming inflammatory response to infection. Host genetic factors can therefore impact susceptibility and the immune response toN. gonorrhoeae.
Polyfunctional T Lymphocytes Are in the Peripheral Blood of Donors Naturally Immune to Coccidioidomycosis and Are Not Induced by Dendritic Cells
Authors: Nesbit Lance , Johnson Suzanne M. , Pappagianis Demosthenes , Ampel Neil M.
Published: November 2009

Coccidioidomycosis is a fungal infection endemic in the southwestern United States that is increasing in incidence. While cellular immunity correlates with protection from clinical illness, the precise elements of that response are undefined. Using the coccidioidal antigen preparation T27K and multiparametric flow cytometry, the in vitro frequency of polyfunctional T lymphocytes in the peripheral blood of naturally immune healthy donors and those who were nonimmune was determined. Polyfunctional CD4 lymphocytes, defined as producing intracellular interleukin 2 (IL-2), gamma interferon (IFN-γ), and tumor necrosis factor alpha simultaneously, had a frequency of 137 per 400,000 events among peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) of immune donors compared to 11 per 400,000 PBMC from nonimmune donors (P= 0.03). When monocyte-derived mature dendritic cells pulsed with T27K (mDCT27K) were used for antigen presentation, the frequency of polyfunctional CD4 T lymphocytes did not significantly increase for either group, although mDCT27Kdid significantly increase the concentrations of IL-2 and IFN-γ released by PBMC from nonimmune donors (P= 0.02). After in vitro stimulation with T27K, polyfunctional CD4 and CD8 lymphocytes of PBMC from immune donors had a mixture of low- and high-expression CCR7 cells, suggesting both effector and central memory, compared with predominantly high-expression CCR7 cells when PBMC were incubated with the mitogen phytohemagglutinin (P= 0.03). These data demonstrate the presence of polyfunctional T lymphocytes in the peripheral blood of individuals with coccidioidal immunity and suggest a model for the in vitro testing of vaccine candidates for coccidioidomycosis.
On the undrained unloading behaviour of gassy sands
Authors: Amaratunga A. , Grozic J. L.H.
Published: November 2009

Soils that contain large amounts of dissolved gas within the pore fluid are called gassy soils. Gassy soils are common in marine environments and it is important to further our understanding of the unloading behaviour of gassy soils because of their potential to initiate and propagate submarine slope failures. This paper focuses on the pore-pressure responses and volumetric strains of loose gassy sands under different undrained unloading stress paths in laboratory specimens. Special attention was given to the constant deviatoric stress (q-constant) undrained unloading stress path as it simulates the stress condition imposed by tidal drawdown — one of the potential triggers of landslides in gaseous marine sediments. Gas exsolution was observed when the pore pressure was reduced below the liquid gas saturation pressure. Upon further decreases in total stress, the resulting pore-pressure change was much less than the total stress change; hence, effective stress decreased rapidly and at a certain point the samples tested under the q-constant stress path collapsed. This paper has experimentally and theoretically shown that gas in free and (or) dissolved form is detrimental in undrained unloading stress paths.
Case studies of three-dimensional effects on the behaviour of test embankments
Authors: Qu Guangfeng , Hinchberger Sean D. , Lo K. Y.
Published: November 2009

This paper uses both two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) finite element (FE) analyses to examine three cases involving the construction of full-scale test embankments to failure on soft clay deposits. By comparing the calculated fill thickness at failure from 2D and 3D analyses, it is shown that 3D effects are significant for all test fills, despite the dramatically different locations, fill thicknesses, and underlying clay deposits. In addition, the calculated undrained displacement and extent of failure from 3D analysis agree well with those measured in each case. The risk of neglecting 3D effects is highlighted by the analyses, where it is shown that failure to account for 3D effects while interpreting the response of a test embankment can lead to unsatisfactory performance of the actual long embankment. Finally, by comparing FE analysis results with well-known bearing capacity factors, it is shown that test embankments with a base length to width ratio less than 2 are more strongly influenced by 3D effects than spread footings on similar soil profiles. The analyses presented in this paper provide practical insight into some factors that should be taken into account for the design and construction of embankments and test fills on soft clay deposits.
Impact of initial state on the fabric and permeability of a lime-treated silt under long-term leaching
Authors: Le Runigo B. , Cuisinier O. , Cui Y.-J. , Ferber V. , Deneele D.
Published: November 2009

The long-term performance of lime-treated soil is still in question, especially in the case of the use of such soils to build earthen structures in permanent contact with water (i.e., dams, river levees, etc.) Indeed, water circulation may induce significant alteration of the improvements brought by the lime treatment. In this context, the main objective of this work is to study the long-term behaviour (durability) of lime-treated soils submitted to water circulation as well as to determine the most favourable initial soil compaction in terms of lime-treated soil durability. First, the impact of lime addition on soil microstructure is investigated with mercury intrusion porosimetry tests. This was done to highlight the effect of curing time, lime dosage, and compaction on soil initial permeability, a critical parameter in terms of long-term behaviour of the lime-treated soil. Then, lime-treated soil samples were submitted to an accelerated circulation of water over a period of 150 days. The obtained results show that soil permeability did not fluctuate with circulation time. This has been confirmed by the results obtained on the samples’ microstructure that remained stable throughout the experiments.
PERFECT SYMMETRIC RINGS OF QUOTIENTS
Authors: VAŠ LIA
Published: November 2009

Perfect Gabriel filters of right ideals and their corresponding right rings of quotients have the desirable feature that every module of quotients is determined solely by the right ring of quotients. On the other hand, symmetric rings of quotients have a symmetry that mimics the commutative case. In this paper, we study rings of quotients that combine these two desirable properties.

We define the symmetric versions of a right perfect ring of quotients and a right perfect Gabriel filter — the perfect symmetric ring of quotients and the perfect symmetric Gabriel filter and study their properties. Then we prove that the standard construction of the total right ring of quotients [Formula: see text] can be adapted to the construction of the largest perfect symmetric ring of quotients — the total symmetric ring of quotients [Formula: see text]. We also demonstrate that Morita's construction of [Formula: see text] can be adapted to the construction of [Formula: see text].
Autopsy Findings of Nonacid-Fast Bacteria in Scleroderma
Authors: Cantwell, Jr. Alan R. , Kelso Dan W.
Published: November 2009

Microscopic tissue sections stained for bacteria were studied from autopsy material from a fatal case of scleroderma (progressive systemic sclerosis). Extra- and intracellular, variable-sized, pleomorphic but predominantly coccoid bacteria were observed in some organs such as in heart, lungs, adrenals, kidneys, pancreas, skin, and in the connective tissue. An attempt is made to correlate the ante-mortem skin culture material with the post-mortem histopathologic finding of bacteria. It is hypothesized that these microbes observed in tissue might represent in vivo, cell wall deficient L forms, which may be implicated in the pathogenesis of scleroderma.
Ultrasound Diagnostics as a Method of Investigation of Plastic Induration of the Penis
Authors: Mohar N. , Rukavina B. , Uremović V.
Published: November 2009

Using the ultrasound technique of visualization (grey-scale technique) and a method of ‘water bath’, the authors obtained echograms of plastic indurations of the penis. The echograms can be immediately photographed and interpreted. By their quick, painless and simple performance, without contrast medium and hazardous irradiation, the authors gain an advantage over some other diagnostic methods.
Topical Treatment of Extended Alopecia
Authors: Frentz Gerda
Published: November 2009

Two groups of patients with subtotal to universal areate type alopecia were serially treated, 6 with intralesional triamcinolone acetonide suspension and 6 with contact irradiation by ultraviolet light from a high-pressure mercury-arc source with a quartz envelope (Kromayer lamp®). The treatment was limited to one half of the scalp while the untreated half served as a control. Triamcinolone acetonide suspension gave in 2 of the 6 treated patients a temporary stimulating effect on hair growth; later, however, hair growth inhibition was noted in 3 patients. Contact irradiation with ultraviolet light from a Kromayer lamp gave in 4 of the 6 treated patients a stimulatory effect upon hair growth, but did not seem to initiate it.
Histiocytosis X in an Adult with Skin and Uncommon Central Nervous System Involvement
Authors: Amirdjazil Zarah , Esca Serban-Aurel , Konrad Klaus
Published: November 2009

Report of a case of histiocytosis X with adult onset, widespread skin lesions and rare central nervous system involvement resulting in dizziness and ataxia. On autopsy histiocytosis X infiltrates in the central nervous system were demonstrated with granuloma formation in the temporal lobe and nucleus dentatus of the cerebellum.
Follow-Up Study on the Behavioral Development of Japanese Neonates
Authors: Kato Tadaaki
Published: November 2009

The subjects were 53 healthy children from middle-class Japanese families. We examined them longitudinally with several kinds of assessment scales from 3 days to 36 months of age. The 30-day Motor score which was influenced by the mother’s attitude to childrearing also had relationships with the later development. The clustering scores of the Neonatal Behavioral Assessment Scale (NBAS) on the 3 examination points accounted for 21–47% of the variance in developmental outcome. The stronger role of the grandmother at 10 days of age related to lower scores of the NBAS, but to higher scores of developmental indexes from the long-range viewpoint.
Un cas insolite d’herpès circiné
Authors: Berson I. , Grigoriu D.
Published: November 2009

A 61-year-old patient presented with an eczematous patch on the left wrist, suspect of a contact dermatitis to his watch. This lesion did not respond to the usual topical treatment. On the contrary, new lesions appeared on both forearms. A fungous culture was positive and confirmed the diagnosis of tinea circinata. Appropriate treatment allowed a complete cure within 1 month.
Acrogeria
Authors: Hjortshøj A. , Heydenreich G.
Published: November 2009

A case of acrogeria in a 12-year-old girl is reported. Acrogeria is a rare, non-hereditary, probably congenital disease of which the main characteristic is an atrophy of the skin giving it an aged appearance. The defect is localized to the dermis and subcutis, whereas the epidermis seems not to be affected. The disease might be associated with other congenital malformations.
Xanthome bei Normolipämie
Authors: Wassilew S.W. , Rohde B.Th. , Jänner M.
Published: November 2009

A short summary of normolipemic xanthomatoses is exposed. A case of xanthoma disseminatum is reported. The typical clinical picture is described and numerous investigations are recorded. No association with any systemic disorder neither diabetes insipidus nor rheumatoid arthritis could be found. Histologically the granulomas consist of many multinuclear giant cells embedded in an infiltration of histiocytic cells and lymphocytes. Fat staining demonstrates lipid accumulation as a secondary phenomenon. Systemic corticosteroid therapy was effective in preventing the regrowth of the granulomas after their surgical removal.
Application of Emulsifiers for the Patch Test
Authors: Rudzki Edward , Zakrzewski Zdzislaw , Prokopczyk Grażyna , Kozłowska Anna
Published: November 2009

To white paraffin containing potassium dichromate in various concentrations (0.5, 0.1, 0.05 and 0.01%) the following emulsifiers were added: 10% glycerol monostearate; 10% Tween 60, and 3% Span 20. Patch tests were performed with these bases and the amount of Cr VI released in vitro was determined. All the three emulsifiers enhanced, though to a different extent, chromium release in vitro from bases containing 0.5% dichromate. In bases containing 0.05 and 0.01%, release was enhanced only by glycerol monostearate. The effect of all three emulsifiers in vivo differed: glycerol monostearate distinctly enhanced, Tween 60 somewhat reduced, and Span 20 did not visibly affect the sensitivity of the patch test.
Eruptive Xanthoma in a Patient with Type V Hyperlipoproteinemia
Authors: Feuerman E.J. , Shalit S. , Manor R.S.
Published: November 2009

A case of type V hyperlipoproteinemia manifested by eruptive xanthoma and lipemia retinalis is described. The patient also had an accelerated ESR, leukocytosis and hyperhidrosis. His karyotype was found to be XXY, which is typical of Klinefelter’s syndrome. The possible relationship between type V hyperlipoproteinemia and Klinefelter’s syndrome is discussed.
Norwegian Scabies in Homozygous Twins
Authors: Konstantinov D. , Stanoeva L.
Published: November 2009

Norwegian scabies in two female homozygous twins, 12 years of age, was observed. Both children were in good psychosomatical condition. Clinical signs of Norwegian scabies with appearance of verrucous and keratotic papules on the dorsal aspect of hands, elbows and knees appeared after a year of persisting typical scabies in their family. Serum vitamin A concentration was lowered. The pathogenesis of the disease is discussed. The long-standing typical scabies is thought to be a promoting factor for manifestation of the latent and hereditary predisposition to keratotic reaction of the skin.
Dermatopharmacology of Salicylic Acid
Authors: Weirich Erich G. , Longauer Josef K. , Kirkwood Alan H.
Published: November 2009

The acute contra-inflammatory effects of salicylic acid, three standard dermatocorticoids and four contact antiphlogistics have been investigated by means of a UV dermatitis inhibition test in the guinea pig. The substances tested had a distinct inhibitory effect on the development of erythema and can be ranked in the following ascending order of activity (percent of maximum possible score): bufexamac = 36%, salicylic acid = 37%, hydrocortisone = 44%, acetylsalicylic acid = 48%, flumethasone pivalate = 51%, fluocinolone acetonide = 52%, phenylbutazone = 56%, and indomethacin = 58%.
Coexistence of Peculiar Pemphigus, Myasthenia gravis and Malignant Thymoma
Authors: Tagami H. , Imamura S. , Noguchi S. , Nishitani H.
Published: November 2009

An unusual vesiculobullous disease and myasthenia gravis occurred concurrently with a malignant thymoma in a Japanese male. The bullous dermatosis had combined clinical and histological features of both dermatitis herpetiformis and pemphigus. Serum showed striated muscle antibodies and intercellular epithelial autoantibodies; the latter had been demonstrated even prior to the development of the skin lesions. Thus, immunologically, this dermatosis was confirmed to be a variety of pemphigus.
The Treatment of Psoriasis with Azarihine
Authors: Deneau David G. , Farber Eugene M.
Published: November 2009

An open study was made of 25 patients with severe, recalcitrant psoriasis treated with azaribine (6-azauridine triacetate). Most patients received 125 mg/kg/day for a period of 8 weeks. A good to excellent response with 60–100% clearing of lesions was observed in 14 patients and a fair response with 40–60% improvement in another 6 patients. Thus 20 patients (80% of the series) exhibited a favorable clinical response. 16 of these 20 patients relapsed to approximately pretreatment status within 1 month after stopping therapy. The most frequently observed side-effects were mild reversible anemia, fatigue and mild transient gastrointestinal symptoms. 8 patients (32% of the series) exhibited sufficient toxicity to necessitate the discontinuance of therapy. 1 patient experienced an unexplained femoral arterial thrombotic episode while on the drug. Azaribine may find a place in the therapy of severe psoriasis particularly in patients with hepatic disease. However, further studies of its potential for toxicity are indicated.
Comparison of Intracerebral Hemorrhage and Subarachnoid Hemorrhage in Patients with Autosomal-Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease
Authors: Chang Ming-Yang , Kuok Chi-Man , Chen Yung-Cheng , Ryu Shan-Jin , Tian Ya-Chung , Wu-Chou Yah-Huei , Tseng Fang-Ji , Yang Chih-Wei
Published: November 2009

Background/Aims: Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) and intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) are two subtypes of hemorrhagic stroke that may cause severe complications in patients with autosomal-dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD). The differences in clinical features between SAH and ICH associated with ADPKD are not known. Methods: Among 647 ADPKD patients hospitalized between 1997 and 2007 in our hospital, 11 with ICH (1.7%) and 6 with SAH (0.9%) were identified. Results: Patients with SAH were significantly younger than patients with ICH (39 ± 6 vs. 57 ± 15 years, p = 0.013). The systolic blood pressure on admission was significantly higher in patients with ICH (194 ± 26 vs. 145 ± 18 mm Hg, p = 0.001). Two patients (18.2%) with ICH died after a first episode, 6 had a second episode, and 2 had a third episode. Two patients (33.3%) with SAH died after a first episode but the survivors had no recurrence during follow-up. The 30-day survival curves comparing patients with ICH and SAH were not significantly different. Patients with a Glasgow Coma Score less than 9 on arrival had a significantly worse outcome. Conclusion: Clinical features differed between ICH and SAH associated with ADPKD. Nevertheless, blood pressure control and early recognition of hemorrhagic stroke are important in ADPKD patients.
D-Dimers Predict Stroke Subtype when Assessed Early
Authors: Isenegger Jörg , Meier Niklaus , Lämmle Bernhard , Alberio Lorenzo , Fischer Urs , Nedeltchev Krassen , Gralla Jan , Kohler Hans-Peter , Mattle Heinrich P. , Arnold Marcel
Published: November 2009

Background:Early classification of ischemic stroke subtype is important for secondary stroke prevention and may guide further investigations. Methods: Levels of coagulation activation [fibrinopeptide A (FPA), prothrombin fragment 1+2 (F1+2), thrombin-antithrombin complex (TAT)] and fibrinolysis activation [plasmin-α2-antiplasmin complex (PAP), D-dimers] markers were measured in 98 consecutive patients with a first-ever acute ischemic stroke admitted within 12 h after symptom onset. Results: Median age was 67 years and 44% were women. Median time from symptom onset to blood sampling was 4 h. Stroke subtype was classified as ‘cardioembolic’ (54%), ‘large-artery atherosclerosis’ (11%), ‘small-vessel disease’ (5%), ‘other determined’ (9%) or ‘undetermined etiology’ (20%). Patients with cardioembolic stroke suffered more often from coronary artery disease than patients with other stroke etiologies (40 vs. 22%, p = 0.019). There were no differences in age, sex, stroke severity, time to blood sampling, frequency of hypertension, diabetes mellitus or current smoking. D-dimers (medians) were higher in patients with cardioembolic strokes than in those with other etiologies (615 vs. 322 μg/l, p < 0.001). No differences in F1+2, FPA, TAT or PAP levels were found. After multivariate analysis, higher D-dimer levels remained independently associated with cardioembolic stroke (p = 0.022). When measured within 6 h, D-dimers below 300 μg/l excluded cardioembolic stroke with a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 52%. Conclusions: Low D-dimer levels in the first few hours make a cardioembolic stroke unlikely, and may be useful to guide further investigations. Other coagulation markers were not useful in differentiating between different stroke etiologies.
Pedestrian Fatalities and Injuries Involving Irish Older People
Authors: Martin A.J. , Hand E.B. , Trace F. , O’Neill D.
Published: November 2009

Background: It has been established internationally that road traffic accidents (RTAs) involving older drivers follow clearly different patterns of timing, location and outcomes from those of younger age groups. Older pedestrians are also a vulnerable group and fewer analyses have been undertaken of the phenomenology of their injuries and fatalities. We studied the pattern of pedestrian RTAs in Ireland over a five-year period with the aim of identifying differences between older pedestrians (aged 65 or older) and younger adults. Methods: We examined the datasets of the Irish National Road Authority (now the Road Safety Authority) from 1998–2002. We analysed patterns of crashes involving older pedestrians (aged ≥65) and compared them with younger adults (aged 18–64). Results: Older people represented 36% (n = 134) of pedestrian fatalities and 23% of serious injuries while they only account for 19% of total RTAs. Mortality in RTA is more than doubled for older pedestrians compared to younger adults (RR 2.30). Most accidents involving older pedestrians happen in daylight with good visibility (56%) and in good weather conditions (77%). Conclusions: Older pedestrians are particularly vulnerable in RTAs. These occur more frequently during daylight hours and in good weather conditions. This may point to a need for prevention strategies that are targeted at the traffic environment and other road users rather than at older people.
Human C-Reactive Protein Does Not Promote Atherosclerosis in Transgenic Rabbits
Authors: Koike Tomonari , Kitajima Shuji , Yu Ying , Nishijima Kazutoshi , Zhang Jifeng , Ozaki Yukio , Morimoto Masatoshi , Watanabe Teruo , Bhakdi Sucharit , Asada Yujiro , Chen Y. Eugene , Fan Jianglin
Published: November 2009

Background—

Although there is a statistically significant association between modestly raised baseline plasma C-reactive protein (CRP) values and future cardiovascular events, the debate is still unsettled in regard to whether CRP plays a causal role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis.

Methods and Results—

We generated 2 lines of transgenic (Tg) rabbits expressing human CRP (hCRP). The plasma levels of hCRP in hCRP-Tg-1 and hCRP-Tg-2 rabbits were 0.4±0.13 (n=14) and 57.8±20.6 mg/L (n=12), respectively. In addition, hCRP isolated from Tg rabbit plasma exhibited the ability to activate the rabbit complement. To define the role of hCRP in atherosclerosis, we compared the susceptibility of hCRP-Tg rabbits to cholesterol-rich diet-induced aortic and coronary atherosclerosis with that of non-Tg rabbits. After being fed with a cholesterol-rich diet for 16 weeks, Tg and non-Tg rabbits developed similar hypercholesterolemia and lesion sizes in both aortic and coronary arteries. Immunohistochemical staining and Western blotting revealed that hCRP was indeed present in the lesions but did not affect macrophage accumulation and smooth muscle cell proliferation of the lesions.

Conclusions—

Neither high nor low plasma concentrations of hCRP affected aortic or coronary atherosclerosis lesion formation in hCRP-Tg rabbits.
Environmental Patterns Associated with Active and Inactive Caribbean Hurricane Seasons
Authors: Jury Mark R. , Enfield David B.
Published: November 2009

This study of hurricanes passing through the Caribbean in the 1950–2005 period reveals that seasons with more intense hurricanes occur with the onset of Pacific La Niña events and when Atlantic SSTs west of Africa are above normal. Composites of NCEP reanalysis fields with regard to Caribbean hurricanes reveal development of an anomalous equatorial Atlantic zonal overturning circulation (upper easterly/lower westerly) that shifts toward the Caribbean coincident with a westward spread of the cold tongue in the east Pacific. Ocean–atmosphere coupling is promoted through interaction of the southern Hadley cell and the Atlantic ITCZ. A heat budget analysis suggests that evaporation governs SSTs in the major development region (MDR) and near Venezuela, but the signal is weak prior to May. Using the knowledge gained, statistical algorithms are developed to predict Caribbean hurricanes at seasonal lead times. These make use of equatorial Pacific SST, subtropical Atlantic SST, and the zonal Walker cell over the Atlantic.