bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Are trade unions learning?
Authors: Siebert Sabina
Published: July 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to consider whether a university‐based conception of learning in the workplace might bridge the differences that separate the critics and advocates of workplace learning promoted by trade unions.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper discusses the role of work‐based learning in trade unions.

Findings

For trade unions the meaning of workplace learning is a contested area. Critics associate it with a corporate oriented policy of upskilling the workforce, premised on a simplified, firm‐specific notion of the human capital theory. In contrast, advocates of workplace learning promoted by trade unions consider it an opportunity to develop the basic and higher level skills of members while revitalising the movement. This paper proposes a way forward for union involvement in work‐based learning that tackles the concerns of radical trade unionists and fulfils the hopes of advocates, namely to work in collaboration with universities.

Originality/value

The literature on the role of trade unions in promoting workplace learning focuses on the tension between critics who challenge a unitarist and consensual view of learning, and advocates who believe that learning partnerships between employers and trade unions facilitate more conciliatory employment relations and create a positive learning environment for the members. This paper assumes a different perspective by proposing a way forward for union involvement in workplace learning, namely to work in collaboration with universities.
Paradigms at play and implications for validity in social marketing research
Authors: Brennan Linda , Voros Joseph , Brady Erica
Published: July 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to shed light on concepts of validity and validation of social marketing research (SMR) with a view to enhancing SMR design and to inform SMR practice.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper defines and presents concepts of validity in a manner that sheds light on the unique issues facing SMR and sets the stage for future research.

Findings

The paper introduces an integrated model representing the variety of relationships that exist amongst a range of validity concepts that will assist methodological practice and increased rigor in future studies. The authors also introduce a matrix on research paradigms that can support the integration of a range of philosophical considerations to SMR research design.

Research limitations/implications

The “quality” of research is being determined by those at the leading edge of their own paradigm without reference to other points of view. The authors argue that these sub‐processes of determining the validity of research outcomes are a challenge to the “discipline” of SMR and that SMR is at risk of becoming too narrowly focussed. Furthermore, the authors believe this is limiting SMR's potential to contribute to the broader domain of business or social research.

Social implications

Social marketing is an interdisciplinary practice. The paradigms of research within the social marketing domain are still being argued and are the subject of much debate. The authors believe that the conceptual frameworks developed for this paper will enhance the practices of research in the field of social marketing.

Originality/value

The paper provides a new conceptual framework for those developing SMR. This framework aims to integrate others' theories and provide a simplified framework for consideration of issues of validation in SMR.
Editorial: integrating “infrastructure project management” with its “built asset management”
Authors: Kumaraswamy Mohan
Published: July 2011

Purpose

This paper aims to convey the rationale underpinning this new journal and its timeliness in addressing emerging imperatives in our built environment, to highlight the range of the papers in this first issue and to encourage readers and potential contributors to join theBEPAMjourney, towards improved built infrastructure.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing attention to the silos within which “project management” research and practice have been largely isolated from those in “asset management”, recent initiatives to bridge this divide are spotlighted, synerigised and built upon.

Findings

A critical need is identified for a niche one‐stop forum to address increasingly important interfaces between project management and asset management of building and civil engineering infrastructure. It is also found to be important to link leading‐edge research to cutting‐edge practice in physical infrastructure development, while empowering and inspiring authors and readers from many relevant disciplines and diverse regions towards synergistic research, development and dissemination.

Originality/value

Articulating theBEPAMvision in supplying the missing link between built environment project management and asset management, this paper aims to attract researchers and practitioners from hitherto compartmentalised sub‐sectors to engage with, learn from and improve each other in a common mission to efficiently deliver and sustain better built infrastructure worldwide.
A real options framework to evaluate investments in toll road projects delivered under the two‐phase development strategy
Authors: Ashuri Baabak , Lu Jian , Kashani Hamed
Published: July 2011

Purpose

This paper aims to present a financial valuation framework based on the real options theory to evaluate investments in toll road projects delivered under the two‐phase development plan.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach is based on applying the real options theory to evaluate investments in toll road projects. In particular, the risk‐neutral valuation method is used for pricing flexibility embedded in the two‐phase development plan. Risk‐neutral binomial lattice is used to model traffic uncertainty and to find the optimal time for the toll road expansion. Probabilistic life cycle cost and revenue analysis is conducted to characterize the investor's financial risk profile and determine the flexibility value of the expansion option.

Findings

The flexible, two‐phase development plan can improve the investor's financial risk profile in the toll road project through limiting the downside risk of overinvestment (i.e. decreasing the probability of investment loss) and increasing the expected investment value in a highway project.

Social implications

Private and public sectors can benefit from this valuation framework and use tax dollars and users' fees effectively through avoiding overinvestment in toll road projects.

Originality/value

The framework consists of several integrated features, which distinguish it from existing investment valuation models. The risk‐neutral valuation method for pricing flexibility embedded in the two‐phase development plan is applied. This real options framework is capable of characterizing traffic boundary, at which it is optimal for the investor to expand the toll road. Further, this framework provides the likelihood distribution of when the investor may expand the toll road.
A new future for the past: a model for adaptive reuse decision‐making
Authors: Bullen Peter , Love Peter
Published: July 2011

Purpose

Adaptive reuse is an effective strategy for optimizing the operational and commercial performance of built assets. While the benefits of adaptive re‐use have been widely espoused, it would appear that owners and practitioners lack a point of reference to justify and evaluate their decision‐making with regard to reusing existing assets. This paper therefore aims to develop a model to assist practitioners with their decision‐making when considering to re‐use or demolish an existing built asset.

Design/methodology/approach

To gain an understanding of the issues that owners and practitioners are confronted with when considering adaptive re‐use, demolition and issues pertaining to sustainability, an interpretative research approach was adopted. A total of 81 in‐depth interviews were conducted over a six‐month period with a variety of stakeholders such as architects, developers, planners, building managers/owners and property consultants. Content analysis was used as the primary analysis technique on the collected data.

Findings

The analysis of the interviews revealed three key criteria are used to examine adaptive reuse decision making: capital investment; asset condition; and regulation. While financial criteria such as development and construction costs were the primary determinants influencing the decision reuse or demolish, the physical condition of the asset juxtaposed with regulations were also considered. Additionally, issues associated with the environmental, economic and social tenets of sustainability were identified as being important but had been given less priority when considering reuse. As current building stock is rapidly becoming obsolete, increasing emphasis is beginning to be placed on them during the adaptive reuse decision‐making process to ensure sustainable outcomes.

Practical implications

The developed model identifies the critical areas that owners, developers and key project stakeholders need to consider when deciding to either reuse or demolish an existing building. It also can be used to evaluate the economic, physical and social implications of undertaking a heritage project. Project and asset managers need to be aware of the impact that different variables have on a reuse project's construction and operational performance as well as long term commercial performance.

Originality/value

The proposed adaptive reuse decision‐making model is grounded in practice and therefore encompasses the real‐life dilemmas and issues facing practitioners. The model captures the complexity associated with the adaptive reuse process and provides an important reference point for developing future ex‐ante evaluation models for its investment justification.
Phase I study of dasatinib (BMS‐354825) in Japanese patients with solid tumors
Authors: Takahashi Shunji , Miyazaki Masaki , Okamoto Isamu , Ito Yoshinori , Ueda Kyoji , Seriu Taku , Nakagawa Kazuhiko , Hatake Kiyohiko
Published: July 2011

Dasatinib is a potent oral inhibitor of tyrosine kinases including the SRC family kinases, which are activated in tumors, and implicated in invasion and bone metastasis. This phase I dose‐escalation study assessed safety, tolerability, maximum tolerated dose (MTD), antitumor activity, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics in Japanese patients with refractory, advanced solid tumors. Dasatinib was administered once daily at 100, 150 and 200 mg/day. Sixteen patients were treated with dasatinib in the following doses: 100 mg (nine patients), 150 mg (three patients) and 200 mg (four patients). The most frequent adverse events (AE; ≥50%) were anorexia, fatigue, pleural effusion, anemia, constipation, diarrhea, vomiting and increased aspartate aminotransferase (AST). The most frequent AE of grade ≥3 (≥10%) were anemia, decreased lymphocyte count, fatigue and increased blood magnesium. Dose‐limiting toxicities were observed in two patients: grade 2 pleural effusion and bronchial wall thickening at the 100‐mg level and grade 3 dyspnea at the 200‐mg level. In addition, grade 2 pleural effusion was observed in all four patients treated with 200 mg. Therefore, 150 mg was determined to be the MTD. The pharmacokinetic parameters were comparable among the dose levels. As a pharmacodynamic study, markers of bone metabolism were assessed. Bone resorption markers, NTx and TRACP‐5b, showed a decrease of 46.3% and 22.2%, respectively. No objective responses were observed, but three patients had stable disease that lasted for over 6 months. In this study population, the safety profile of dasatinib was generally acceptable and 150 mg of dasatinib administered once daily was determined to be the MTD. (Cancer Sci 2011; 102: 2058–2064)
Acute hepatic injury following treatment of a long‐acting insulin analogue overdose necessitating urgent insulin depot excision
Authors: Warriner D. , Debono M. , Gandhi R. A. , Chong E. , Creagh F.
Published: July 2011

Diabet. Med. 29, 232–235 (2012)

Background  A 26‐year‐old man with Type 1 diabetes presented with an overdose of 4800 units of the long‐acting insulin analogue, glargine (Lantus). Glucose supplementation of approximately 800 g/day was associated with acute hepatic injury.

Methods  On day 4, a depot of insulin was excised from the patient’s abdominal wall; this was followed by a reduction in his glucose requirements and improvement in liver function.

Conclusions  This report highlights the risk of acute hepatic injury during the treatment of insulin overdose and the importance of careful glucose supplementation. It also demonstrates how earlier excision of an insulin depot could potentially prevent this problem and hasten recovery.
Family history of diabetes and effectiveness of lifestyle counselling on the cardio‐metabolic risk profile in individuals at high risk of Type 2 diabetes: 1‐year follow‐up of the FIN‐D2D project
Authors: Rautio N. , Jokelainen J. , Oksa H. , Saaristo T. , Peltonen M. , Puolijoki H. , Tuomilehto J. , Vanhala M. , Moilanen L. , Uusitupa M. , Keinänen‐Kiukaanniemi S.
Published: July 2011

Diabet. Med. 29, 207–211 (2012)

Aims  To investigate whether a positive family history of diabetes is associated with the effectiveness of lifestyle counselling on cardio‐metabolic risk factors and glucose tolerance status in a 1‐year follow‐up in a cohort of Finnish men and women at high risk for Type 2 diabetes.

Methods  Altogether, 10 149 individuals who had high risk of Type 2 diabetes participated in the implementation programme of the national diabetes prevention programme at baseline. One‐year follow‐up data were available for 2798 individuals without diabetes. Family history of diabetes was based on self‐report. Lifestyle interventions were individual or groups sessions on lifestyle changes. The effectiveness of lifestyle intervention was measured as changes in cardiovascular risk factors, glucose tolerance status and incidence of Type 2 diabetes.

Results  Family history was associated with the effectiveness of lifestyle intervention in men, but not in women. During the 1‐year follow‐up, body weight, BMI, systolic blood pressure, total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and score for 10‐year risk for fatal cardiovascular disease (SCORE) decreased and glucose tolerance status improved more in men without a family history of diabetes than in men with a family history of diabetes. Of the participating men and women, 10% and 5% developed Type 2 diabetes, respectively. Family history was not related to the incidence of Type 2 diabetes in either gender.

Conclusions  Men without a family history of diabetes were more successful in responding to lifestyle counselling with regard to cardio‐metabolic measurements and glucose tolerance than those with a family history of diabetes. Similar results were not seen in women. In keeping with findings from earlier studies, the prevention of Type 2 diabetes is not influenced by a family history of diabetes.
Using soil E horizon in salvaged topsoil material – effect on soil texture
Authors: Hass A. , Zobel R. W.
Published: July 2011

Soil is a limited natural resource that needs to be efficiently salvaged during landscape construction operations for its further use as topsoil. To avoid inclusion of undesirable subsoil material (e.g. excess clay from Bt horizon), the majority of current guidelines define borrowed topsoil material as the surface layer of native soil, or the soil A horizon. Using information from over 7000 soil pedons from the 48 contiguous United States, we characterized selected topsoil properties and simulated the mixing of A and E horizons. The selected soil properties were compared among four different operationally defined topsoils: A surface layer, ASL; AP surface layer, APL; A horizon, A; and a mix of A and E horizons, AE. Average topsoil depth decreases in the order: AE > A > APL > ASL; sand content decreases in the order: ASL > AE > A > APL; clay decreases in the order: APL > A > ASL > AE; and organic carbon decreases in the order: ASL > A > APL > AE. On average, mixing of A and E horizons increases excavation depth by over 2.5 fold while having minor effects on soil texture; with AE/A ratio of 1.03, 1.00 and 1.07 for sand, silt and clay content, respectively. Yet, average soil organic matter content decreases by 38% upon mixing A and E horizons. Given the marked increase in soil volume and minor effect on soil texture, it is our suggestion that, for landscaping purposes, protocols for salvaging excavated soil material, for reuse as topsoil material include the E horizon (where it exists). Supplementing the recovered soil material with organic matter, such as compost, to overcome its dilution due to the incorporation of E horizon is recommended.
Exercise and melatonin in humans: reciprocal benefits
Authors: Escames Germaine , Ozturk Guler , Baño‐Otálora Beatriz , Pozo María J. , Madrid Juan A. , Reiter Russel J. , Serrano Eric , Concepción Melquiades , Acuña‐Castroviejo Dario
Published: July 2011

Abstract:  The aim of this review is to update the reader as to the association between physical exercise and melatonin, and to clarify how the melatonin rhythm may be affected by different types of exercise. Exercise may act as a zeitgeber, although the effects of exercise on the human circadian system are only now being explored. Depending on the time of the day, on the intensity of light, and on the proximity of the exercise to the onset or decline of the circadian production of melatonin, the consequence of exercise on the melatonin rhythm varies. Moreover, especially strenuous exercise per se induces an increased oxidative stress that in turn may affect melatonin levels in the peripheral circulation because indole is rapidly used to combat free radical damage. On the other hand, melatonin also may influence physical performance, and thus, there are mutually interactions between exercise and melatonin production which may be beneficial.
Beneficial effects of endogenous and exogenous melatonin on neural reconstruction and functional recovery in an animal model of spinal cord injury
Authors: Park Sookyoung , Lee Sang‐Kil , Park Kanghui , Lee Youngjeon , Hong Yunkyung , Lee Seunghoon , Jeon Je‐Cheol , Kim Joo‐Heon , Lee Sang‐Rae , Chang Kyu‐Tae , Hong Yonggeun
Published: July 2011

Abstract:  The purpose of this study was to investigate the beneficial effects of endogenous and exogenous melatonin on functional recovery in an animal model of spinal cord injury (SCI). Eight‐week‐old male Sprague‐Dawley (SD, 250–260 g) rats were used for contusion SCI surgery. All experimental groups were maintained under one of the following conditions: 12/12‐hr light/dark (L/D) or 24:0‐hr constant light (LL). Melatonin (10 mg/kg) was injected subcutaneously for 4 wk, twice daily (07:00, 19:00). Locomotor recovery, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), glial fibrillary acidic protein gene expression, and muscle atrophy‐related genes, including muscle atrophy F‐box (MAFbx) and muscle‐specific ring‐finger protein 1 (MuRF1) gene expression were evaluated. Furthermore, autophagic signaling such as Beclin‐1 and LC3 protein expression was examined in the spinal cord and in skeletal muscle. The melatonin treatment resulted in increased hind‐limb motor function and decreased iNOS mRNA expression in the L/D condition compared with the LL condition (P < 0.05), indicating that endogenous melatonin had neuroprotective effects. Furthermore, the MAFbx, MuRF1 mRNA level, and converted LC3 II protein expression were decreased in the melatonin‐treated SCI groups under the LL (P < 0.05), possibly in response to the exogenous melatonin treatment. Therefore, it seems that both endogenous and exogenous melatonin contribute to neural recovery and to the prevention of skeletal muscle atrophy, promoting functional recovery after SCI. Finally, this study supports the benefit of endogenous melatonin and use of exogenous melatonin as a therapeutic intervention for SCI.
The Effect of Atenolol on NT‐proBNP and Troponin in Asymptomatic Cats with Severe Left Ventricular Hypertrophy because of Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy: A Pilot Study
Authors: Jung S.W. , Kittleson M.D.
Published: July 2011

Background: Atenolol often is used empirically in cats with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) before the onset of heart failure, although evidence of efficacy is lacking. Cardiac biomarkers play a critical role in the early detection of subclinical cardiac disease, in the prediction of long‐term prognosis, and in monitoring the response to therapy in humans.

Hypothesis: Circulating concentrations of the biomarkers N‐terminal pro‐B type natriuretic peptide (NT‐proBNP) and cardiac troponin I (cTnI) will decrease after chronic administration of atenolol PO to cats with severe HCM but no signs of heart failure.

Animals: Six Maine Coon or Maine Coon cross cats with severe HCM.

Methods: Cats were treated with atenolol (12.5 mg PO q12 h) for 30 days. No cat had left ventricular dynamic outflow tract obstruction caused by systolic anterior motion of the mitral valve. The concentrations of NT‐proBNP and cTnI were assayed before and on the last day of drug administration.

Results: There was no statistically significant change in NT‐proBNP (median before, 394 pmol/L; range, 71–1,500 pmol/L; median after, 439 pmol/L; range, 24–1,500 pmol/L; P = .63) or in cTnI (median before, 0.24 ng/mL; range, 0.10–0.97 ng/mL; median after, 0.28 ng/mL; range, 0.09–1.0 ng/mL; P = .69) after administration of atenolol.

Conclusions: Atenolol administration did not decrease NT‐proBNP or cTnI concentrations in cats with severe left ventricular hypertrophy caused by hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. These results suggest that atenolol did not decrease myocardial ischemia and myocyte death in these cats. A larger clinical trial is warranted to verify these findings.
Retrospective Evaluation of Urethral Bovine Cross‐Linked Collagen Implantation for Treatment of Urinary Incontinence in Female Dogs
Authors: Byron J.K. , Chew D.J. , McLoughlin M.L.
Published: July 2011

Background: Transurethral collagen injections are an alternative treatment for canine urinary incontinence. There is controversy regarding the long‐term effectiveness of collagen and the impact urethral coaptation and injection site have on outcome.

Hypothesis/Objectives: To evaluate outcome and client satisfaction after urethral collagen injections, and correlation between degree of urethral coaptation and collagen placement with outcome.

Animals: Thirty‐six procedures on 31 dogs, 10 with ureteral ectopia.

Methods: Retrospective review of records and video evaluation of injection procedures. Follow‐up communication with owners was performed between 1 and 56 months after bovine cross‐linked collagen implantation to evaluate duration of continence, need for additional medical therapy, and owner satisfaction. Continence score was evaluated before and after the procedure, and after additional medical therapy, if needed. Injection location and degree of urethral coaptation was assessed with respect to duration of continence.

Results: Dogs had a significant increase in continence score after the procedure. Mean (SD) duration of continence in dogs without addition of medication was 16.4 (15.2) months, and 5.2 (4.3) months in dogs needing additional medical therapy. No significant difference was found with respect to degree of coaptation. Median client satisfaction with the procedure was 100%.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Transurethral collagen implantation may be a viable option for treatment of female dogs with urethral sphincter mechanism incompetence, particularly after medical failure. Duration and degree of improvement are variable. Client satisfaction was excellent despite lack of complete continence in some dogs, and highlights the importance of discussing outcome expectations with owners.
Systemic Effects of a Prolonged Continuous Infusion of Ketamine in Healthy Horses
Authors: Elfenbein J.R. , Robertson S.A. , Corser A.A. , Urion R.J. , Sanchez L.C.
Published: July 2011

Background:Ketamine as continuous rate infusion (CRI) provides analgesia in hospitalized horses.

Objective:Determine effects of prolonged CRI of ketamine on gastrointestinal transit time, fecal weight, vital parameters, gastrointestinal borborygmi, and behavior scores in healthy adult horses.

Animals:Seven adult Thoroughbred or Thoroughbred cross horses, with permanently implanted gastric cannulae.

Methods:Nonblinded trial. Random assignment to 1 of 2 crossover designed treatments. Ketamine (0.55 mg/kg IV over 15 minutes followed by 1.2 mg/kg/h) or lactated Ringer's solution (50 mL IV over 15 minutes followed by 0.15 mL/kg/h) treatments. Two hundred 3 × 5 mm plastic beads administered by nasogastric tube before drug administration. Every 2 hours vital parameters, behavior scores recorded, feces collected and weighed, and beads retrieved. Every 6 hours gastrointestinal borborygmi scores recorded. Study terminated upon retrieval of 180 beads (minimum 34 hours) or maximum 96 hours. Nontransit time data analyzed between hours 0 and 34.

Results:No significant (P< .05) differences detected between treatments in vital signs or gastrointestinal borborygmi. Significant (P= .002) increase in behavior score during ketamine infusion (0.381) from hours 24–34 compared with placebo (0). Ketamine caused significant delay in passage of 25, 50, and 75% of beads (ketamine = 30.6 ± 5.3, 41.4 ± 8.4, 65.3 ± 13.5 hours versus placebo = 26.8 ± 7.9, 34.3 ± 11.1, 45.8 ± 19.4 hours), and significant (P< .05) decrease in fecal weight from hours 22 (12.6 ± 3.2 versus 14.5 ± 3.8 kg) through 34 (18.5 ± 3.9 versus 12.8 ± 6.4 kg) of infusion.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance:Ketamine CRI delayed gastrointestinal transit time in healthy horses without effect on vital parameters.
Application of Thermochromic Liquid Crystal to Rotating Surfaces
Authors: Camci C. , Glezer B. , Owen J. M. , Pilbrow R. G. , Syson B. J.
Published: July 2011

Encapsulated thermochromic liquid crystal (TLC) can be used to measure the surface temperature of stationary or rotating bodies. However, some research workers have reported a “rotational shift”: When the temperature of a rotating body is measured by thermocouples and TLC, there is a difference between the two sets of temperatures, and this difference increases with increasing rotational speed. Two research groups (Camci and Glezer in the USA, and Owen, Pilbrow, and Syson in the UK) have independently examined the effect of speed on TLC applied to the surfaces of rotating disks. The USA group used narrow-band TLC on a disk of 305 mm diameter rotating up to 7500 rpm measuring the surface temperature using an infrared (IR) sensor. The UK group used wide-band TLC on a disk of 580 mm diameter rotating up to 7000 rpm, measuring the temperature with an IR thermal imager. Both groups used the so-called hue technique to evaluate the temperature of the TLC and concluded that, even for centripetal accelerations in excess of 104 g, there is no significant effect of rotational speed on either narrow-band or wide-band TLC. It is suggested that the “rotational shift” observed by some researchers was probably caused by thermal-disturbance errors, which affected the thermocouples, rather than by changes in the TLC.
Oscillating Cascade Aerodynamics at Large Mean Incidence
Authors: Buffum D. H. , Capece V. R. , King A. J. , EL-Aini Y. M.
Published: July 2011

The aerodynamics of a cascade of airfoils oscillating in torsion about the midchord is investigated experimentally at a large mean incidence angle and, for reference, at a low mean incidence angle. The airfoil section is representative of a modern, low-aspect-ratio, fan blade tip section. Time-dependent airfoil surface pressure measurements were made for reduced frequencies of up to 1.2 for out-of-phase oscillations at a Mach number of 0.5 and chordal incidence angles of 0 and 10 deg; the Reynolds number was 0.9 × 106. For the 10 deg chordal incidence angle, a separation bubble formed at the leading edge of the suction surface. The separated flow field was found to have a dramatic effect on the chordwise distribution of the unsteady pressure. In this region, substantial deviations from the attached flow data were found, with the deviations becoming less apparent in the aft region of the airfoil for all reduced frequencies. In particular, near the leading edge the separated flow had a strong destabilizing influence while the attached flow had a strong stabilizing influence.
Aspirating Probe Measurements of the Unsteady Total Temperature Field Downstream of an Embedded Stator in a Multistage Axial Flow Compressor
Authors: Suryavamshi N. , Lakshminarayana B. , Prato J.
Published: July 2011

The results from the area traverse measurements of the unsteady total temperature using a high-response aspirating probe downstream of the second stator of a three-stage axial flow compressor are presented. The measurements were conducted at the peak efficiency operating point. The unsteady total temperature data are resolved into deterministic and unresolved components. Hub and casing regions have high levels of unsteadiness and consequently high levels of mixing. These regions have significant levels of shaft resolved and unresolved unsteadiness. Comparisons are made between the total temperature and the total pressure data to examine the rotor 2 wake characteristics and the temporal variation of the stator exit flow. Isentropic efficiency calculations at the midpitch location show that there is about a 4 percent change in the algebraically averaged efficiency across the blades of the second rotor and if all the rotor 2 blades were behaving as a “best” blade, the improvement in efficiency would be about 1.3 percent. An attempt is made to create a composite flow field picture by correlating the unsteady velocity data with temperature and pressure data.
Unsteady Wake-Induced Boundary Layer Transition in High Lift LP Turbines
Authors: Schulte V. , Hodson H. P.
Published: July 2011

The development of the unsteady suction side boundary layer of a highly loaded LP turbine blade has been investigated in a rectilinear cascade experiment. Upstream rotor wakes were simulated with a moving-bar wake generator. A variety of cases with different wake-passing frequencies, different wake strength, and different Reynolds numbers were tested. Boundary layer surveys have been obtained with a single hotwire probe. Wall shear stress has been investigated with surface-mounted hot-film gages. Losses have been measured. The suction surface boundary layer development of a modern highly loaded LP turbine blade is shown to be dominated by effects associated with unsteady wake-passing. Whereas without wakes the boundary layer features a large separation bubble at a typical cruise Reynolds number, the bubble was largely suppressed if subjected to unsteady wake-passing at a typical frequency and wake strength. Transitional patches and becalmed regions, induced by the wake, dominated the boundary layer development. The becalmed regions inhibited transition and separation and are shown to reduce the loss of the wake-affected boundary layer. An optimum wake-passing frequency exists at cruise Reynolds numbers. For a selected wake-passing frequency and wake strength, the profile loss is almost independent of Reynolds number. This demonstrates a potential to design highly loaded LP turbine profiles without suffering large losses at low Reynolds numbers.
On the Navier–Stokes Calculation of Separation Bubbles With a New Transition Model
Authors: Sanz W. , Platzer M. F.
Published: July 2011

Laminar separation bubbles are commonly observed on turbomachinery blades and therefore require effective methods for their prediction. Therefore, a newly developed transition model by Gostelow et al. (1996) is incorporated into an upwind-biased Navier–Stokes code to simulate laminar—turbulent transition in the boundary layer. A study of the influence of the two adjustable parameters of the model, the transition onset location and the spot generation rate, is conducted and it is found that it can predict laminar separation bubbles, measured on a NACA 0012 airfoil. Additional results are presented for separation bubbles in an annular compressor cascade.
CFD Analysis of Coverplate Receiver Flow
Authors: Popp O. , Zimmermann H. , Kutz J.
Published: July 2011

The flow field in a preswirled cooling air supply to a turbine rotor has been investigated by means of CFD simulations. Coefficients for system efficiency are derived. The influences of various geometric parameters for different configurations have been correlated with the help of appropriate coefficients. For some of the most important geometric parameters of the coverplate receiver, design recommendations have been made. For the preswirl nozzles, the potential of efficiency improvement by contour design is highlighted.
Impact of the Inflow
Conditions on the Heavy-Duty Gas Turbine Exhaust Diffuser
Performance
Authors: Vassiliev Vladimir , Irmisch Stefan , Abdel-Wahab Samer , Granovskiy Andrey
Published: July 2011

The flow in exhaust diffusers along with the channel geometry strongly depends on the inflow conditions, including Mach number level, total pressure distribution, flow angle, and turbulence. In the first part of this paper, the impact of these parameters is analyzed using computational fluid dynamics, experimental data from the test rig, and field measurements. A widespread opinion is that the optimal condition for the diffuser is an axial uniform inflow. However, it is shown in this paper that nonuniform pressure distribution compared with a uniform one can lead to better diffuser performance and that a moderate residual swirl can improve the performance as well. In the second part of this paper, the minimization of exhaust losses in heavy-duty gas turbines is discussed and illustrated by two practical examples.
Effect of Hole Spacing on Deposition of Fine Coal Flyash Near Film Cooling Holes
Authors: Ai Weiguo , Murray Nathan , Fletcher Thomas H. , Harding Spencer , Bons Jeffrey P.
Published: July 2011

Particulate deposition experiments were performed in a turbine accelerated deposition facility to examine the nature of flyash deposits near film cooling holes. Deposition on both bare metal and thermal barrier coating (TBC) coupons was studied, with hole spacing (s/d) of 2.25, 3.375, and 4.5. Sub-bituminous coal ash particles (mass mean diameter of 13 μm) were accelerated to a combustor exit flow Mach number of 0.25 and heated to 1183°C before impinging on a target coupon. The particle loading in the 1 h tests was 310 ppmw. Blowing ratios were varied in these experiments from 0 to 4.0 with the density ratio varied approximately from 1.5 to 2.1. Particle surface temperature maps were measured using two-color pyrometry based on the red/gree/blue (RGB) signals from a camera. For similar hole spacing and blowing ratio, the capture efficiency measured for the TBC surface was much higher than for the bare metal coupon due to the increase of surface temperature. Deposits on the TBC coupon were observed to be more tenacious (i.e., hard to remove) than deposits on bare metal coupons. The capture efficiency was shown to be a function of both the hole spacing and the blowing ratio (and hence surface temperature). Temperature seemed to be the dominant factor affecting deposition propensity. The average spanwise temperature downstream of the holes for close hole spacing was only slightly lower than for the large hole spacing. Roughness parameters Ra and Rt decreased monotonically with increased blowing ratio for both hole spacing analyzed. The roughness for s/d=3.375 was lower than that for s/d=4.5, especially at high blowing ratio. It is thought that these data will prove useful for designers of turbines using synfuels.
Feasibility Study of an Innovative Dry-Cooling System With Phase-Change Material Storage for Concentrated Solar Power Multi-MW Size Power Plant
Authors: Pistocchini Lorenzo , Motta Mario
Published: July 2011

This work concerns the economic potential assessment of an innovative hybrid-cooling system for steam condensation in concentrated solar power plants. The system consists of an air-cooled condenser (ACC) working in parallel to a latent heat storage with phase-change material (PCM). The purpose of the hybrid system is to store some of the latent heat of steam condensation during the turbine operation and reject it at night, in order to shift a share of the cooling work and exploit the high diurnal temperature range of desert areas. System’s energy and economic performances are assessed by the parametric analysis of a theoretical case study, referred to an existing solar power plant and based on historical meteorological data. The analysis considers an ideal “perfect” PCM storage system, namely with no technological barriers, and different cost scenarios. The simulation campaign outcome indicates how the innovative solution can provide just a slight improvement of the plant performance, which is anyway significant in qualitative terms since the risk of breakdowns of turbine operation during the hottest summer days is avoided. It is remarkable that the introduction of the heat storage allows for a reduction of the ACC installed power. The economic feasibility of the proposed solution follows on mainly from the comparison between the investment cost increase —due to the PCM storage—and savings—due to reduction of the installed ACC modules. The hybrid-cooling system would be an attractive alternative to standard systems if the PCM storage cost could be contained by increasing the conductivity of the PCM material. As an alternative, a cheaper heat storage technology (e.g., a water thermocline) could be coupled to an indirect-cooling system.
Contact Fatigue of Rough Elastic Surfaces in Two-Dimensional Formulation
Authors: Kudish Ilya I.
Published: July 2011

Solution of a contact problem for a rough elastic half-plane is considered. Surface roughness is assumed to be small and stochastic. A perturbation solution of the problem for relatively small roughness with singly connected contact region is proposed and is conveniently expressed in terms of Chebyshev polynomials. Mean distribution of pressure and mean size of the contact are obtained analytically. A pitting model for rough surfaces is considered based on a generalization of an earlier proposed contact model with some stochastic parameters. An analytical formula relating subsurface originated fatigue is considered and fatigue life of rough and smooth surfaces is obtained which shows that fatigue life of rough solids is slightly shorter than of the smooth ones. In the general case of a contact region of rough surfaces with multiple connectivity subsurface originated fatigue possesses properties similar to the case of singly connected contact region. Surface roughness may have a significant effect only on surface and near surface originated fatigue such as wear, micropitting, and shallow flaking.
The MED-CSD Project: Potential for Concentrating Solar Power Desalination Development in Mediterranean Countries
Authors: Moser Massimo , Trieb Franz , Kern Jürgen , Allal Houda , Cottret Nicolas , Scharfe Jürgen , Tomasek Marie-Luise , Savoldi Enrico
Published: July 2011

Within the MED-CSD project, feasibility studies of integrated hybrid concentrating solar power (CSP) and seawater desalination (DES) plants were carried out in selected locations in Morocco, Italy, Cyprus, Egypt and Gaza/West Bank. After a review on CSP and desalination technologies, ten typical sites within the five partner countries have been selected. For each location, a CSP-DES plant was modeled. The model bases on hourly time series of solar irradiance, ambient temperature, as well as wind speed and includes local seasonal and hourly load curves for power and water. Surplus thermal energy from the solar field is fed into the energy storage, so that operation is possible at night and during cloud transients; gaps between demand and solar power production are covered by cofiring with fossil fuel. Different plant components (solar field collectors and desalination technologies) have been compared. A techno-economic model is applied in order to analyze the economic feasibility and the required financial framework conditions of the projects. Furthermore, an analysis of the market potential of concentrating solar power for sea water desalination in the Mediterranean Region and socio-economic and environmental impact analyses were implemented.
Republished review: Cardiac stem cell therapy: progress from the bench to bedside
Authors: Lovell Matthew J , Mathur Anthony
Published: July 2011

In the rush to assess the role of stem cell therapy for cardiovascular disease the details of translation are easily overlooked. This review summarises the progress to date in translating the exciting preclinical results of cardiac repair into man and considers the questions that this area of research has stimulated about the challenges of moving from bench to bedside.
GABA-B receptor activation inhibits the in vitro migration of malignant hepatocytes
Authors: Lodewyks Carly , Rodriguez Jose , Yan Jing , Lerner Betty , Lipschitz Jeremy , Nfon Charles , Rempel Julia Darlene , Uhanova Julia , Minuk Gerald Yosel
Published: July 2011

There are conflicting data regarding whether activation of γ-aminobutyric acid-B (GABA-B) receptors results in inhibition of tumor growth and invasion. The objectives of this study were to document the effects of the GABA-B receptor agonist baclofen on malignant hepatocyte proliferation and migration. We also sought to determine whether any effects on cell migration were mediated by changes in cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) signaling or matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) expression. Finally, GABA-B1and -B2receptor expression was documented in 2 malignant hepatocyte cell lines (PLC/PRF/5 and Huh-7) and 12 sets of human hepatocellular carcinoma and adjacent nontumor tissues. Cell proliferative activity was documented by WST-1 absorbance, migration by wound healing assays, cAMP levels by enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA), MMP by immunohistochemistry and ELISA, and GABA-B receptor expression by flow cytometry and reverse transcriptase – polymerase chain reaction. Although baclofen had no effect on cell proliferation, wound healing was delayed, an effect that was reversed by the GABA-B receptor antagonist CGP. cAMP levels were decreased in Huh-7 but not PLC cells exposed to baclofen. MMP expression remained unaltered in both cell lines. Finally, GABA-B1receptor expression was present and consistently expressed, but GABA-B2expression was limited and varied with the number of cell passages and (or) duration of culture. In conclusion, activation of GABA-B receptors has no effect on malignant hepatocyte proliferation but does decrease cell migration. This inhibitory effect may involve cAMP signaling but not MMP expression. GABA-B2receptor expression is limited and variable, which may help to explain discrepancies with previously published results.
AN EMPIRICAL STUDY OF DEVELOPMENT VISUALIZATION FOR PROCUREMENT BY IN-PROCESS MEASUREMENT DURING INTEGRATION AND TESTING
Authors: MITANI YOSHIKI , YOSHIKAWA HIROYUKI , TSURUHO SEISHIRO , MONDEN AKITO , BARKER MIKE , MATSUMOTO KEN-ICHI
Published: July 2011

This study describes a new method of development visualization along with empirical evidence of its usefulness.

Typically, development activities such as program design, programming, and unit testing are not disclosed to the procurement organization (project owner). However, during integration and testing, various issues require collaboration between the procurement organization and developers. When this occurs, it is important to make the development process visible. Recent reports indicate the usefulness for project management of various in-process project measurements which allow visualization of the formerly invisible software project progress [1–6].

Based on this background, the authors investigated a case study where in-process measurement during the integration and test phase helped to make development issues visible. In this study, data obtained from the integration and testing phase were compared to a development process model.

This model was based on the author's experience, and provided a vivid picture of the development activity. By applying in-process measurements in collaboration during the integration test phase, the development activity was clearly visualized, and the procurement organization understood problems.
AN ASYMPTOTIC MODEL FOR THE TRANSPORT OF AN ELECTRON GAS IN A SLAB
Authors: DELEBECQUE FANNY
Published: July 2011

We study the limiting behavior of a Schrödinger–Poisson system describing a three-dimensional quantum gas that is confined along the vertical z-direction in a fine slab. The starting point is the three-dimensional Schrödinger–Poisson system with Dirichlet conditions on two horizontal planes z = 0 and z = ε, where the small parameter ε is the scale width of the slab. The limit ε → 0 appears to be an infinite system of two-dimensional nonlinear Schrödinger equations. Our strategy combines a refined analysis of the Poisson kernel acting on strongly confined densities and a time-averaging process that allows us to deal with the fast time oscillations.
PRIME ORDER AUTOMORPHISMS OF KLEIN SURFACES REPRESENTABLE BY ROTATIONS ON THE EUCLIDEAN SPACE
Authors: COSTA ANTONIO F. , HONGLER CAM VAN QUACH
Published: July 2011

Let S be a bordered orientable Klein surface and p a prime. Assume that f is an order p automorphism of S. In this work we obtain the conditions on the topological type of (S, f) to be conformally equivalent to (S′, f′) where S′ is a bordered orientable Klein surface embedded in the Euclidean space and f′ is the restriction to S′ of a prime order rotation. Our results can allow the visualization of some Riemann surfaces automorphisms by representing them as restrictions of isometries of 𝕊4 or ℝ4. We illustrate this method with the order seven automorphisms of two famous Riemann surfaces: the Klein quartic and the Wiman surface.
STICK INDEX OF KNOTS AND LINKS IN THE CUBIC LATTICE
Authors: ADAMS COLIN , CHU MICHELLE , CRAWFORD THOMAS , JENSEN STEPHANIE , SIEGEL KYLER , ZHANG LIYANG
Published: July 2011

The cubic lattice stick index of a knot type is the least number of sticks glued end-to-end that are necessary to construct the knot type in the 3-dimensional cubic lattice. We present the cubic lattice stick index of various knots and links, including all (p, p + 1)-torus knots, and show how composing and taking satellites can be used to obtain the cubic lattice stick index for a relatively large infinite class of knots. Additionally, we present several bounds relating cubic lattice stick index to other known invariants.
ON ALEXANDER MODULES AND BLANCHFIELD FORMS OF NULL-HOMOLOGOUS KNOTS IN RATIONAL HOMOLOGY SPHERES
Authors: MOUSSARD DELPHINE
Published: July 2011

In this paper, we give a classification of Alexander modules of null-homologous knots in rational homology spheres. We characterize these modules [Formula: see text] equipped with their Blanchfield forms ϕ, and the modules [Formula: see text] such that there is a unique isomorphism class of [Formula: see text], and we prove that for the other modules [Formula: see text], there are infinitely many such classes. We realize all these [Formula: see text] by explicit knots in ℚ-spheres.