bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Reference values for salivary cortisol in healthy young infants by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Saito‐Abe Mayako , Yamamoto‐Hanada Kiwako , Nakayama Shoji F. , Hashimoto Yuki , Natsume Osamu , Fukami Maki , Hasegawa Tomonobu , Ohya Yukihiro 
Published: January 2020

AbstractBackgroundSampling of salivary cortisol is non‐invasive and important for the evaluation of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis function and stress levels. However, the reference values for salivary cortisol measured by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS) in healthy infants are unclear. The aim of this study was to establish the reference values for salivary cortisol levels in healthy infants.MethodsThis study was a prospective observational cohort study following the participants until the age of 6 months. We analyzed 71 healthy, full‐term infants at age 1 month between December 2017 and March 2018. We repeated saliva sampling every month, measured the salivary cortisol levels in the early morning by LC‐MS/MS, and took the subjects’ medical history by questionnaire.ResultsThe minimum, 25th, 50th, 75th percentile, and maximum salivary cortisol levels were 0.08, 1.11, 2.21, 5.18, and 30.35 nmol/L, respectively.ConclusionsWe established the reference values for salivary cortisol in young infants using LC‐MS/MS.
Hesperetin as an adjuvant augments protective anti‐tumour immunity responses in B16F10 melanoma by stimulating cytotoxic CD8+ T cells
Authors: Jiang Shasha , Wang Shuang , Zhang Lina , Tian Le , Li Ling , Liu Zeyuan , Dong Qiwen , Lv Xue , Mu Haiyu , Zhang Qianwen , Wang Bin 
Published: January 2020

AbstractHesperetin (HES) is a dihydroflavone with the molecular formula of C16H14O6. It has been reported that Hesperetin has antioxidant and anticancer effects. Recent studies showed that it can also regulate immune responses. To assess its potential function as a vaccine adjuvant, we formulated HES with inactivated B16F10 melanoma cells and determined whether it would enhance the activation of antigen‐presenting cells by experiments in vivo and in vitro. We found that HES activated the PI3K‐Akt signalling pathway in antigen‐presenting cells (APCs), enhanced cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) responses and deactivated tolerogenic T cells. We also observed that inactivated B16F10 cells in combination with HES vaccine inhibited the growth of mice tumours, resulting in improved overall survival compared to the effects of inactivated B16F10 cell vaccine. To verify that CD8+T cells play a key role in inhibiting the development of melanoma, we transferred the sorted CD8+T cells from immunized mice to B16F10 challenged models and found that the survival rate of tumour‐bearing mice was significantly prolonged. Taken together, these results suggest that hesperetin can be used as a potential adjuvant to improve tumour immune responses and antigen immunogenicity.
Effect of exercise on key pharmacokinetic parameters related to metformin absorption in healthy humans: A pilot study
Authors: Nikolaidis Stefanos , Virgiliou Christina , Vekiou Magdalini , Skari Ariadni , Kechagidou Anna , Gika Helen , Theodoridis Georgios , Pappas Periklis , Leondaritis George , Mougios Vassilis 
Published: January 2020

Exercise is widely accepted as having therapeutic effects; thus, it is important to know whether it interacts with medications. The aim of the present pilot study was to examine the effect of high‐intensity interval exercise (known to have antidiabetic action) on key pharmacokinetic parameters related to absorption of metformin (the first‐line medication against type 2 diabetes). Ten healthy men participated in two sessions, spaced one to two weeks apart in random, counterbalanced order. In both sessions, participants received 1000 mg of metformin orally, 1‐1.5 hours after breakfast. Then, they either ran for 60 minutes at alternating intensity, starting at 40 minutes after metformin administration, and rested without food consumption over the next 3 hours or they rested without food consumption during the entire testing period. Venous blood samples were collected before and at 0.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, and 4.5 hours after metformin administration for metformin determination by liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry. Capillary blood samples were also collected for lactate and glucose measurements. Data from the two sessions were compared through Wilcoxon or Student's t test, as appropriate. Maximum plasma concentration of metformin (Cmax) was higher at exercise compared to rest (P = .059). Time to reach Cmax (Tmax) decreased with exercise (P = .009), and the area under the metformin concentration vs time curve was higher at exercise (P = .047). The addition of exercise to metformin administration did not cause hypoglycemia or lactic acidosis. In conclusion, our results provide the first evidence that pharmacokinetic values related to metformin absorption are affected by exercise.
The Ficus erecta genome aids Ceratocystis canker resistance breeding in common fig (F. carica)
Authors: Shirasawa Kenta , Yakushiji Hiroshi , Nishimura Ryotaro , Morita Takeshige , Jikumaru Shota , Ikegami Hidetoshi , Toyoda Atsushi , Hirakawa Hideki , Isobe Sachiko 
Published: January 2020

SummaryFicus erecta, a wild relative of the common fig (F. carica), is a donor of Ceratocystis canker resistance in fig breeding programmes. Interspecific hybridization followed by recurrent backcrossing is an effective method to transfer the resistance trait from wild to cultivated fig. However, this process is time consuming and labour intensive for trees, especially for gynodioecious plants such as fig. In this study, genome resources were developed for F. erecta to facilitate fig breeding programmes. The genome sequence of F. erecta was determined using single‐molecule real‐time sequencing technology. The resultant assembly spanned 331.6 Mb with 538 contigs and an N50 length of 1.9 Mb, from which 51 806 high‐confidence genes were predicted. Pseudomolecule sequences corresponding to the chromosomes of F. erecta were established with a genetic map based on single nucleotide polymorphisms from double‐digest restriction‐site‐associated DNA sequencing. Subsequent linkage analysis and whole‐genome resequencing identified a candidate gene for the Ceratocystis canker resistance trait. Genome‐wide genotyping analysis enabled the selection of female lines that possessed resistance and effective elimination of the donor genome from the progeny. The genome resources provided in this study will accelerate and enhance disease‐resistance breeding programmes in fig.
The nature of trade, global production fragmentation and inflationary dynamics: Cross‐country evidence
Authors: Saygılı Hülya 
Published: January 2020

AbstractThis study investigates under which circumstances trade has impact on inflation dynamics by examining the independent effects of trade intensity, intra‐industry trade and trade on value added. Trade in goods is decomposed into consumption (final) goods and intermediate inputs to deepen the assessment of the role of the globalisation of production activities on inflation dynamics. Open‐economy new Keynesian Phillips curve (NKPC) analyses suggest that inflation is sensitive to domestic factors and that the relevance of external factors changes with respect to the nature of trade, country groups and time. Vertical intra‐industry trade in intermediate inputs and value‐added trade play important role, whereas final goods trade has no statistically significant effect on inflation dynamics.
Treatment of phenobarbital intoxication using hemodialysis in two dogs
Authors: Basile Jessica Kielb , Vigani Alessio 
Published: January 2020

AbstractObjectiveTo describe the use of hemodialysis in 2 dogs with severe clinical signs from phenobarbital intoxication.Series SummaryTwo dogs ingested a toxic dose of phenobarbital, leading to severe neurological dysfunction and a comatose state. Both dogs received a 3‐hour session of hemodialysis with complete resolution of clinical signs and returned to normal mentation by the end of the therapy. No negative side effects occurred and phenobarbital concentrations returned to therapeutic range during treatment.New Information ProvidedThis is the first report on the utility and safety of using hemodialysis for phenobarbital intoxication in dogs.
Evidence for a physiological role of pulmonary arterial baroreceptors in sympathetic neural activation in healthy humans
Authors: Simpson Lydia L. , Meah Victoria L. , Steele Andrew , Thapamagar Suman , Gasho Christopher , Anholm James D. , Drane Aimee L. , Dawkins Tony G. , Busch Stephen A. , Oliver Samuel J. , Lawley Justin S. , Tymko Michael M. , Ainslie Phillip N. , Steinback Craig D. , Stembridge Mike , Moore Jonathan P. 
Published: January 2020

Key points
In an anaesthetised animal model, independent stimulation of baroreceptors in the pulmonary artery elicits reflex sympathoexcitation.
In humans, pulmonary arterial pressure is positively related to basal muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA) under conditions where elevated pulmonary pressure is evident (e.g. high altitude); however, a causal link is not established.
Using a novel experimental approach, we demonstrate that reducing pulmonary arterial pressure lowers basal MSNA in healthy humans.
This response is distinct from the negative feedback reflex mediated by aortic and carotid sinus baroreceptors when systemic arterial pressure is lowered.
Afferent input from pulmonary arterial baroreceptors may contribute to sympathetic neural activation in healthy lowland natives exposed to high altitude.
AbstractIn animal models, distension of baroreceptors located in the pulmonary artery induces a reflex increase in sympathetic outflow; however, this has not been examined in humans. Therefore, we investigated whether reductions in pulmonary arterial pressure influenced sympathetic outflow and baroreflex control of muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA). Healthy lowlanders (n = 13; 5 females) were studied 4–8 days following arrival at high altitude (4383 m; Cerro de Pasco, Peru), a setting that increases both pulmonary arterial pressure and sympathetic outflow. MSNA (microneurography) and blood pressure (BP; photoplethysmography) were measured continuously during ambient air breathing (Amb) and a 6 min inhalation of the vasodilator nitric oxide (iNO; 40 ppm in 21% O2), to selectively lower pulmonary arterial pressure. A modified Oxford test was performed under both conditions. Pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP) was determined using Doppler echocardiography. iNO reduced PASP (24 ± 3 vs. 32 ± 5 mmHg; P < 0.001) compared to Amb, with a similar reduction in MSNA total activity (1369 ± 576 to 994 ± 474 a.u min−1; P = 0.01). iNO also reduced the MSNA operating point (burst incidence; 39 ± 16 to 33 ± 17 bursts·100 Hb−1; P = 0.01) and diastolic operating pressure (82 ± 8 to 80 ± 8 mmHg; P < 0.001) compared to Amb, without changing heart rate (P = 0.6) or vascular–sympathetic baroreflex gain (P = 0.85). In conclusion, unloading of pulmonary arterial baroreceptors reduced basal sympathetic outflow to the skeletal muscle vasculature and reset vascular–sympathetic baroreflex control of MSNA downward and leftward in healthy humans at high altitude. These data suggest the existence of a lesser‐known reflex input involved in sympathetic activation in humans.
Energy Management of Microgrid Considering Renewable Energy Sources and Electric Vehicles Using the Backtracking Search Optimization Algorithm
Authors: Li Yong , Mohammed Salim Qadir , Nariman Goran Saman , Aljojo Nahla , Rezvani Alireza , Dadfar Sajjad 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Different distributed generation (DG) technologies, active loads, and storage devices create an independent microgrid (MG). Scheduling of an MG is an important issue in renewable energy sources (RESs) based systems. In this paper, MGs include RESs, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), and electrical energy storage systems. The proposed scheduling framework utilizes the Monte Carlo simulation (MCS) to characterize the uncertain parameters of PHEVs and RESs. Three different charging strategies are investigated for modeling the impact of different behaviors of PHEVs in MGs. These schemes are smart, controlled, and uncontrolled charging. Due to the nonlinear feature of the suggested optimization problem, it needs an efficient optimization tool to tackle the problem appropriately. So, this paper uses the backtracking search optimization (BSO) algorithm for the short-term scheduling of an MG. The proper performance of the offered scheme is investigated in two scenarios with different time horizons. The BSO algorithm and other optimization algorithms are used for comparing the results to verify the presented method in solving the energy management problem of the MGs.
Phenomena Based Model for Predicting Ignition Probability for Gas-Turbine Combustors
Authors: Shrivastava Sourabh , Nakod Pravin 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
With the ever-increasing drive to design more clean and efficient gas-turbine combustors, operational conditions of the civil aero engines have been drifting towards leaner fuel-air ratio configurations. Such configurations demand careful designing of engines, keeping multiple conflicting goals in mind. One of the critical aspects is keeping the combustor designs capable of giving excellent Relight performance under all susceptible conditions.
High-fidelity simulation methods can provide comprehensive insights about Relight process but at the same time becomes computationally prohibitive to perform relevant studies of ignition-probability for real-life gas-turbine combustors. Another family of ‘Particle-based/Cellular Automation’ models comes handy to bridge this gap, as they can provide reasonable information about ignition probability for a given spark location and flow-condition, with a much lesser computational cost.
This work reviews some of the phenomena-based models proposed in recent pasts and uses one of the flame-particle based models to validate standard experimental work published for diffusion flames involving gaseous fuels. This method is extended to improve the visualization aspect of representative flame and to track independent flares from multiple spark locations in a single setup.
The validated approach is tested on five swirled injectors designed by CORIA in the context of Knowledge for Ignition, Acoustics, and Instabilities (KIAI) project, to evaluate its applicability in predicting ignition sequence and ignition probability for complex configurations. Implemented particle-based model found to predict reasonably good results for all evaluated configurations.
CFD Simulation of Ducted Dual Rotor Wind Turbine for Small-Scale Applications
Authors: Mohamed Amr , El-Baz Ahmed , Mahmoud Nabil , Hamed Ashraf , El-kohly Ahmed 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Due to growing needs for energy in our life, research in the wind energy field has increased significantly. There has been global concern towards the development of smart techniques and devices that could optimize the energy conversion and maximize the output power from the wind. Investigating such alternative solutions are required in order to meet the continuous increase in the power demand.
The Dual Rotor Wind Turbine system (DRWT) offers higher energy extraction rates from the wind. In the present study, it is proposed to utilize the dual rotor configuration in a ducted system using wind lens in order to enable its application in regions of low wind speeds. The aerodynamic performance of ducted dual rotor wind turbine is investigated using CFD to solve three dimensional, turbulent-steady incompressible flow equations, using the k-ε Realizable and k-ω shear stress transport (SST) turbulence models. Several difficulties due to complexity of geometry and meshing requirements have been encountered. Mesh independence study was conducted to ensure the accuracy and validate the results. Power curves were obtained, detailed investigation of the wind turbine performance in different configurations are highlighted in order to explore the benefit and effect of each configuration to the output power. The final results of combined configuration for dual rotor wind turbine (DRWT) with lens show a considerable improvement to the performance of wind turbine over wide range of wind speeds.
Analysis of Cracked Rotor With Gyroscopic Effects Supported on Textured Journal Bearings
Authors: Shravankumar C. , Jegadeesan K. , Rao T. V. V. L. N. 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
This paper present the analysis of a cracked rotor shaft with an offset disc attached to it and mounted on textured journal bearings. The bearings are modelled using linearized stiffness and damping coefficients, both direct and cross-coupled. The shaft and disc are modelled using finite element theory. The shaft and disc masses, stiffnesses and their gyroscopic effects are considered. The crack is modeled based on fracture mechanics approach. The rotor dynamic modelling and analysis of the system considering the effect of crack geometry is carried out to obtain the system whirl frequencies. The system is represented in reduced order state-space form and its critical speeds are obtained by plotting the Campbell diagram.
Turbine Rear Frame Design for an Aero Derivative Gas Turbine
Authors: Chippa Anil Kumar , Babu Santhana G. , Federico Casadio , Pittella Gianfranco 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
The design of Free Power Turbine (FPT) & Aero-derivative Engine core which enables reduced foot print, high efficiency, quick engine swap, and less cost of ownership is in times of need for LNG customers. FPT as the name states, Free spinning Turbine, facilitates the gas turbine to operate at part load with varying speed & power while maintaining high efficiency and gearbox less architecture. This gas turbine is suited for both mechanical drive & also power generation applications. This paper describes the experience of Baker Hughes, a GE Company (BHGE) in design of Turbine Rear Frame (TRF) for such an Aero-derivative gas turbine which has an FPT architecture complying to the product requirement needs. The main functional requirements of TRF is to enable the hot flow path to recover back pressure, embedded reverse thrust pressurized air, bearing sump air, oil & vent piping, and structural stiffness to with stand normal operating & emergency bearing loads. Contribution of temperature gradients related to gas turbine operating profile and corresponding cooling flows on TRF is an important aspect which would drive the structural integrity and deciding factor for fatigue life of the whole configuration. During designing the TRF and its subcomponents, tradeoff study has been conducted for the strut configurations, cooling flow circuits and are evaluated against the structural integrity of the component. Such aspects on how various configurations are traded off would be dealt in this paper, with an added aspect of Manufacturability & Cost variations.
Modal Analysis and Dynamic Responses of a Hysteretically Damped Axle Shaft With a Transverse Crack
Authors: Shravankumar C. , Sarda Yash K. , Thamarai Selvan V. 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
An axle shaft supports rotating elements, and is fitted to the housing by means of bearings. It mostly does not transmit torque, with exceptions such as in train axles. Non-rotating axles are subjected to bending moments due to dynamic transverse loads. Axles such as in automobiles are marked with occasional failures due to fatigue cracks, which can prove serious, if the cracks are not detected early. Vibration based condition monitoring is the field concerned with crack detection based on the dynamic responses of the system. In this light, the present paper discusses the vibration analysis of a cracked axle. The cracked shaft is modelled using finite element method, for transverse vibration conditions. The shaft is modelled based on Euler-Bernoulli theory for bending, while the crack is modelled based on fracture mechanics approach. After modelling, modal analysis of the system is carried out, with the consideration of proportional hysteretic damping. The Eigen value problem provides the natural frequencies and mode shapes. The Frequency Response Functions (FRF’s) magnitude and phase plots are obtained, from which the natural frequencies and structural damping loss factors can be calculated. Further, the free vibration and forced vibration system time responses are obtained, using numerical integration methods. The corresponding responses in frequency domain are obtained using Fast Fourier Transformation (FFT). The FRF’s and dynamic responses of the shaft without and with crack are comparatively studied. The study provides the platform for condition monitoring of shaft cracks.
Effect of Deaerator Parameters on Simple and Reheat Gas/Steam Combined Cycle With Different Cooling Medium
Authors: Maheshwari Mayank , Singh Onkar 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Performance of gas/steam combined cycle power plants relies upon the performance exhibited by both gas based topping cycle and steam based bottoming cycle. Therefore, the measures for improving the performance of the gas turbine cycle and steam bottoming cycle eventually result in overall combined cycle performance enhancement. Gas turbine cooling medium affects the cooling efficacy. Amongst different parameters in the steam bottoming cycle, the deaerator parameter also plays its role in cycle performance. The present study analyzes the effect of deaerator’s operating pressure being varied from 1.6 bar to 2.2 bar in different configurations of simple and reheat gas/steam combined cycle with different cooling medium for fixed cycle pressure ratio of 40, turbine inlet temperature of 2000 K and ambient temperature of 303 K with varying ammonia mass fraction from 0.6 to 0.9. Analysis of the results obtained for different combined cycle configuration shows that for the simple gas turbine and reheat gas turbine-based configurations, the maximum work output of 643.78 kJ/kg of air and 730.87 kJ/kg of air respectively for ammonia mass fraction of 0.6, cycle efficiency of 54.55% and 53.14% respectively at ammonia mass fraction of 0.7 and second law efficiency of 59.71% and 57.95% respectively at ammonia mass fraction of 0.7 is obtained for the configuration having triple pressure HRVG with ammonia-water turbine at high pressure and intermediate pressure and steam turbine operating at deaerator pressure of 1.6 bar.
Scale-Adaptive Simulations of High-Pressure Turbine Guide Vane
Authors: Wang Guoliang , Zhong Dongdong , Ge Ning , Yang Rongfei 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
The flow inside a high-pressure turbine is a fully 3-D, unsteady flow, which has a great influence on the aero-thermal performance and structural strength of high-pressure turbines. In order to better understand the flow mechanism and guide the design of modern aero engines, the basic flow characteristics of transonic turbine are investigated in the present study. A modified scale-adaptive simulation (SAS) technique based on the shear stress transport (SST) turbulence model is applied here. Two test cases are carried out to assess the capability of the current model in predicting complex turbulent flows. The results show that the statistical parameters and flow structures of the modified SAS model are in good agreement with the large eddy simulation (LES) result and the experimental data, where the calculation time is significantly reduced compared to LES. In summary, the modified SAS method has demonstrated an excellent spatial resolution in unsteady simulations of turbomachinery, which shows the potential to be applied to realistic engineering applications.