bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
MicroRNAs in diabetic nephropathy: functions, biomarkers, and therapeutic targets
Authors: Kato Mitsuo , Natarajan Rama 
Published: April 2015

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short noncoding RNAs that regulate gene expression by posttranscriptional and epigenetic mechanisms and thereby affect many cellular processes and disease states. Over 2,000 human mature miRNAs have been identified, and at least 60% of all human protein‐coding genes are known to be regulated by miRNAs. MicroRNA biogenesis involves classical transcription regulation and processing by key ribonucleases, as well as other protein factors and epigenetic mechanisms. Diabetic nephropathy (DN), a severe microvascular complication frequently associated with diabetes mellitus, is a major cause of renal failure. Although several mechanisms of regulation of key renal genes implicated in DN pathogenesis have been identified, a greater understanding is needed to develop better treatment modalities. Recent studies show that miRNAs induced in renal cells in vivo and in vitro under diabetic conditions can promote the accumulation of extracellular matrix proteins related to fibrosis and glomerular dysfunction. In this review, we highlight the significance of the expression of miRNAs in various stages of DN and emerging approaches to exploit them as biomarkers for early detection or novel therapeutic targets to prevent progression of DN.
Hiatal hernias are correlated with increased severity of non‐cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis
Authors: McDonnell Melissa Jane , Ahmed Mohammad , Das Jeeban , Ward Chris , Mokoka Matshediso , Breen David P. , O'Regan Anthony , Gilmartin John J. , Bruzzi John , Rutherford Robert M. 
Published: April 2015

AbstractBackground and objectiveHiatal hernias (HH) are associated with gastro‐oesophageal reflux and may contribute to lung disease severity. We aimed to evaluate the prevalence of HH among stable non‐cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis (NCFB) patients and determine associations with disease severity.MethodsA retrospective cross‐sectional cohort study of 100 consecutive NCFB patients in our institution was performed. Data were collected on baseline variables, microbiology, lung function and radiology, according to the modified Bhalla score. Disease severity was assessed using the Bronchiectasis Severity Index (BSI) and FACED severity scores.ResultsFollowing expert radiological review, 81 patients were deemed suitable for study inclusion (mean age (SD) 62.6 (12.4), females 55 (67.9%), body mass index (BMI) 26.9 (5.7)); 29 (35.8%) were HH positive (HH+). HH+ patients had a trend towards higher BMI (P = 0.07), and a significantly higher proportion had reflux symptoms (HH+ 62.1% vs HH− 28.8%, P < 0.01). The presence of HH+ was associated with cystic bronchiectasis (HH+ 30.1%, HH− 11.5%; P = 0.03), increased number of lobes involved (HH+ 2.62 (1.54), HH− 2.17 (1.42); P = 0.03), increased extent of bronchiectasis, (HH+ 6.2 (4.7), HH− 4.5 (3.1); P = 0.04), decreased parenchymal attenuation (HH+ 1.0 (1.8), HH− 0.2 (0.5); P = 0.03) and reduced per cent predicted forced expiratory volume in 1 s (HH+ 75.4% (24.5), HH− 90.4% (25.5); P = 0.02). There was no lobar predilection. HH+ was associated with increased disease severity scores: BSI (HH+ 4.93 (1.65), HH− 3.25 (2.13); P < 0.001) and FACED (HH+ 2.21 (1.52), HH− 1.35 (1.43); P < 0.01).ConclusionsHH+ was associated with worse disease severity in NCFB patients, characterized by decreased lung function, increased extent and severity of radiological disease, and increased composite disease severity scores.
The Revenge of History – The Institutional Roots of Post‐Communist Family Policy in the Czech Republic, Hungary and Poland
Authors: Hašková Hana , Saxonberg Steven 
Published: April 2015

AbstractThe authors combine historical and sociological institutional analysis to show that despite the political and socio‐economic transformation in 1990s, the institutional development during and before the communist era provides the best explanation for current childcare policies in Central Europe. While most authors have concentrated on policy changes that have taken place in the region since 1989, this article concentrates on the historical roots of these policies and shows that today's policies are highly influenced by a certain dynamics that had already emerged under communist rule. It shows that a historical institutional approach, which analyses the ‘gendered logic of appropriateness’ and policy legacies at various critical junctures, can explain why family policies in Central Europe had already begun to differ during the communist era, why these main differences continue and why even the changes that have taken place follow logically from historical‐institutional developments.
Service delivery interventions to improve adolescents' linkage, retention and adherence to antiretroviral therapy and HIV care
Authors: MacPherson Peter , Munthali Chigomezgo , Ferguson Jane , Armstrong Alice , Kranzer Katharina , Ferrand Rashida A. , Ross David A. 
Published: April 2015

AbstractObjectivesAdolescents living with HIV face substantial difficulties in accessing HIV care services and have worse treatment outcomes than other age groups. The objective of this review was to evaluate the effectiveness of service delivery interventions to improve adolescents' linkage from HIV diagnosis to antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation, retention in HIV care and adherence to ART.MethodsWe systematically searched the Medline, SCOPUS and Web of Sciences databases and conference abstracts from the International AIDS Conference and International Conference on AIDS and STIs in Africa (ICASA). Studies published in English between 1st January 2001 and 9th June 2014 were included. Two authors independently evaluated reports for eligibility, extracted data and assessed methodological quality using the Cochrane risk of bias tool and Newcastle–Ottawa Scale.ResultsEleven studies from nine countries were eligible for review. Three studies were randomised controlled trials. Interventions assessed included individual and group counselling and education; peer support; directly observed therapy; financial incentives; and interventions to improve the adolescent‐friendliness of clinics. Most studies were of low to moderate methodological quality.ConclusionsThis review identified limited evidence on the effectiveness of service delivery interventions to support adolescents' linkage from HIV diagnosis to ART initiation, retention on ART and adherence to ART. Although recommendations are qualified because of the small numbers of studies and limited methodological quality, offering individual and group education and counselling, financial incentives, increasing clinic accessibility and provision of specific adolescent‐tailored services appear promising interventions and warrant further investigation.
Gestational diabetes mellitus in sub‐Saharan Africa: systematic review and metaregression on prevalence and risk factors
Authors: Mwanri Akwilina W. , Kinabo Joyce , Ramaiya Kaushik , Feskens Edith J. M. 
Published: April 2015

AbstractObjectiveWe systematically reviewed publications on prevalence and risk factors for gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in the 47 countries of sub‐Saharan Africa.MethodsWe conducted a systematic search in PUBMED and reviewed articles published until June 2014 and searched the references of retrieved articles. We explored sources of heterogeneity among prevalence proportions with metaregression analysis.ResultsOf 1069 articles retrieved 22 studies were included. Half were from West Africa, specifically Nigeria, five from South Africa and six from East and Central Africa. There were differences in screening methods and diagnosis criteria used, even between studies carried out in the same country and same time period. Metaregression analysis indicated high heterogeneity among the studies (I2 = 100, P < 0.001), which could not be sufficiently explained by study setting, population, diagnostic criteria or time trend, although we observed a relatively higher prevalence in studies carried out after 2000 (5.1% vs. 3.2%), when women at risk were selected (6.5% vs. 3.8%) and when more current diagnostic criteria were used (5.1% vs. 4.2%). Associations with risk factors were reported in six studies. Significant risk factors reported in more than one study were overweight and/or obesity, family history for type 2 diabetes, previous stillbirth, previous macrosomic child and age >30 years.ConclusionsThere are few studies on prevalence and risk factors for GDM in Sub‐Saharan Africa and heterogeneity is high. Prevalence was up to about 14% when high‐risk women were studied. Preventive actions should be taken to reduce the short‐ and long‐term complications related to GDM in Sub‐Saharan Africa.
Mesenchymal stem cell–based therapy for nonhealing wounds: today and tomorrow
Authors: Li Meirong , Zhao Yali , Hao Haojie , Han Weidong , Fu Xiaobing 
Published: April 2015

ABSTRACTAlthough advancements have been made with traditional therapies, the treatment of chronic nonhealing wounds still remains a tough challenge. In the past two decades, mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)–based therapy has emerged as a promising therapeutic strategy for nonhealing wounds because of their characteristics including self‐renewal and a multidirectional differentiation ability and their easy collection and weak immunogenicity. There is a growing body of basic scientific studies that shed light on the functional mechanism of MSCs in modulating nonhealing wounds. Furthermore, critical advances have been achieved using MSC‐based therapy in preclinical animal models as well as in clinics trials. In this present review, we summarize the mechanisms of MSCs and highlight the important preclinical and clinical trials of MSC therapy for nonhealing wounds. In particular, the combination of MSCs transplantation and tissue‐engineered skin is addressed as a new strategy to optimize the delivery efficiency and therapeutic potential. Additionally, the current drawbacks of MSC therapy and the potential to further optimize the use of MSCs are implied.
Correction for Streamline Curvature and Coriolis Force in a Boundary Layer Integral Method
Authors: Van Den Braembussche R. A. , Zunino P. 
Published: April 2015

Abstract
The influence of Coriolis forces and streamwise curvature on boundary layers has been introduced into an integral method by adding a correction term to the dissipation factor. This correction term is related to Coriolis forces and streamline curvature in terms of a parameter β which was determined using existing experimental data. Theoretical calculations using this value of show good agreement with experimental results for a wide range of curvature and rotation numbers representing realistic conditions for turbomachinery applications.
Fuel Efficiency Improvements in U.S. Navy Gas Turbine Systems
Authors: Brady Eugene F. 
Published: April 2015

Major efforts are currently underway to improve the fuel consumption efficiency of gas turbines for powering of U.S. Navy surface ships. Recent efforts have focused on efficiency improvement by the recovery of waste heat, in system enhancements such as the RACER (Rankine Cycle Energy Recovery) system. More recently, however, consideration is also being given to the use of a recuperator (and possibly an intercooler) to improve basic gas turbine thermal efficiency. Furthermore, a third approach is to improve efficiency by enhancements in basic gas turbine component technology.
In this paper, current activity and progress in each of these three systems concepts are presented. First, the ship design benefits resulting from improved fuel efficiency will be described. Following this, programs in each of the above three categories are presented. This includes a general description of the hardware system, and the major performance characteristics.
Finally, appropriate comparisons of these three approaches are made. These include projected fuel efficiency improvements, and the required ship space and weight. Projected future developments are also described.
Aeroelastic Instabilities in Labyrinth Air Seal Systems
Authors: Srinivasan A. V. , Arnoldi R. A. , Dennis A. J. 
Published: April 2015

An analysis is developed that can be used to calculate the aeroelastic instabilities of labyrinth air seal systems. The formulation considers both the stator and rotor as flexible components and the fluid within the cavity has both axial and swirl components of velocity. The interaction of the leakage flow (through the clearance between lips of the seal and the stator) with the vibratory modes of the rotor and stator provides the mechanism for possible aeroelastic instability.
A limited parametric study shows that increasing the stiffness of either the rotor or the stator has the same stabilizing influence as including, in the analysis, swirl flow component of the leakage flow. Further, at frequencies where coincidence between stator and rotor modes occurs, there could be a sharp drop in available aerodynamic damping. These results, which need experimental confirmation, can influence the design of these important components of jet engines.
Load Duration Characteristics and Cogeneration Analysis
Authors: Polsky Michael P. 
Published: April 2015

This paper describes the importance of accurate calculation of thermal and electrical energy production by cogeneration plants on the overall validity of cogeneration projects. A new simple graphical method which improves the accuracy of calculation of annual thermal and electrical energy consumption and production by various energy sources is proposed. A practical example of developing annual load duration characteristic using the proposed method is provided. Several illustrative graphs are included.
Evaluating the feasibility of an energy conservation project normally involves comparing of the saved operating cost with the additional capital costs required to implement the project. Operating costs, which can also be called running costs, include energy costs and equipment operating and maintenance costs. Normally, energy costs represent a major part of the running costs and, therefore, are the major factors affecting the overall profitability of the project. It almost goes without saying that an economic analysis of an energy conservation project is much more sensitive to the variations in the cost of energy than to changes in the capital costs. It is quite common that a 10 percent change in the energy cost can produce dramatic economic changes, while the same or a much larger change in the capital cost often has only a marginal effect on the economics.
The Use of Tandem Ejector Pumps in an Intermittent Blowdown Tunnel
Authors: Barnes N. C. , King P. I. , Oldfield M. L. G. , Daniels L. C. 
Published: April 2015

A tandem ejector pumping system has been applied to an intermittent blowdown tunnel for cascade testing to achieve sub-atmospheric exit pressures and extend the operating range substantially. The ejectors are run from the same supply as the tunnel itself, but because they are only used at low Reynolds numbers when the cascade mass flow is small the overall running costs are kept low. A conventional one-dimensional ejector theory is developed in a new way for such an application as this, where the driving mass flow needs to be known for constant Mach number of the driven stream (the cascade exit Mach number). Several ejector geometries were tested in various configurations in a one-tenth scale model before the prototype ejectors were developed. It is demonstrated that by suitable grouping of terms it is possible to correlate both model and prototype ejector performance, and that this performance can be predicted sufficiently accurately by the theoretical model to justify its use as a design tool.
The method of operating two ejectors in tandem depends on the interaction of the exit stream of the first (forming the driven stream of the second) and the driver stream of the second. This is not immediately obvious, and is discussed fully in the light of the achieved performance.
Corrosion and Corrosion Control in Gas Turbines: Part I — The Compressor Section
Authors: Kolkman H. J. , Mom A. J. A. 
Published: April 2015

Corrosion processes in the compressor and turbine section of a gas turbine are basically different and are treated separately. The subject of this first paper is the compressor section.
Firstly, the conditions controlling the corrosion behaviour in the compressor are considered. Next the different forms of corrosion in compressors and the various methods to combat these corrosion processes are considered. Special attention is paid to:
•rinsing and washing
•the properties of protective coatings with regard to corrosion and erosion.
Corrosion processes in the turbine section are discussed in part II.
CT7-5A/7/7E Turboprop Engine for Commuter Airline Service
Authors: Stewart J. D. 
Published: April 2015

To meet the requirements of the growing commuter airline market, General Electric has developed the 1700 SHP Class CT7 Turboprop family of engines derived from the current T700/CT7 Turboshaft engines. This Turboshaft family has accumulated over 300,000 hours of successful operation.
This paper discusses the engine performance and how, through the use of advanced technology, the engine has achieved specific fuel consumption better than other engines in this class. Design maturity of the T700/CT7 family of engines has been achieved by extensive factory testing prior to production introduction and has resulted in engine reliability substantially greater than earlier engines.
A description of the component redesign of the compressor, high and low pressure turbines and the inlet system is included. The design of the propeller gearbox is also discussed. The development program through certification is covered as well as information on the CT7-5A/Grumman G1 Flight Test.
Sulfur Retention of North Dakota (Beulah) Lignite Ash in P.F.B.C.
Authors: Zakkay V. , Clisset H. , Ganesh A. , Radhakrishnan P. , Sellakumar K. 
Published: April 2015

New York University (NYU), under a Department of Energy (DOE) contract, has designed and constructed a sub-pilot scale Pressurized Fluidized-Bed Combustor (PFBC) Facility at the Antonio Ferri Laboratories, Westbury, Long Island. The basic feature of this experimental research facility is a well-instrumented, 780 mm diameter coal combustor capable of operating up to 1010 kPa and provided with a liberal number of ports, making it a versatile unit for study of fundamental in-bed phenomena. Further, the overall design features make it a flexible facility for solving a variety of industrial research problems. The main objectives of the facility are three-fold:
(1) to develop fundamental data and correlations in the fluid mechanics and combustion process in PFBC;
(2) to perform research in important areas of pressurized fluidized bed-combustion, like low-grade fuel combustion under pressure; and (3) to provide the PFBC community with an experimental research tool for basic and applied research in order to accelerate the commercialization of this technology.
The facility started its shakedown tests utilizing bituminous coal in September, 1982. Subsequently, experimental research was, and is, being conducted in the combustion of North Dakota lignite at 710 k Pa.
The results presented in this paper describe the research recently obtained with tests conducted at pressurized conditions (710 k Pa)utilizing North Dakota lignite. Preliminary results indicate that the agglomeration process may be suppressed due to the higher pressure.
In addition, the research indicates than an inert bed material could be used in the combustion process for controlling SO2 emissions. This is attributed to the alkali compounds present within the ash of the lignite. The research also indicates that SO2 emissions could be controlled by varying the excess air.
The Design and Development of a New 7 to 13.5 MW Industrial Two Shaft Gas Turbine (CW182)
Authors: McQuiggan G. 
Published: April 2015

This paper describes the design and development of the CW182 two shaft variable geometry industrial gas turbine. This gas turbine is a scaled down version of the existing CW352 gas turbine.
The methods used to scale the gas turbine are explained together with a detailed description of those areas that were not scaled but were completely redesigned. In addition, details of the testing carried out on the new design components are described.
Integration of the Brayton and Rankine Cycle to Maximize Gas Turbine Performance: A Cogeneration Option
Authors: Messerlie R. L. , Strother J. R. 
Published: April 2015

The Brayton and Rankine cycles are well known and widely used in their own way to generate power. A combining of the fluids of the two cycles has been proposed by International Power Technology and tested by Allison Gas Turbine Operations. Steam generated by the exhaust heat is mixed with the fuel and air in the gas turbine combustion chamber prior to expansion through the turbine.
The thermal efficiency of an existing engine can be increased by 40% and power output by 60% at constant turbine temperature. This concept is identified as the Dual Fluid Cycle (DFC).
In addition to the basic improvement in cycle performance, the DFC provides an added degree of flexibility to the power plant engineer in his effort to satisfy plant needs for power, heat, and steam.
Allison test results of this concept on a Model 501-KB engine have been correlated with a computer model of the engine and show good agreement. This paper will show how the DFC can be used to maximize thermal efficiency while meeting the requirement for power and steam in selected cases. Comparisons will be made to other options for power and steam generation.
Development of the PGT 25 High Efficiency Gas Turbine: Part 2 — Aerodynamic Design and Performance
Authors: Benvenuti E. , Innocenti B. , Modi R. 
Published: April 2015

This paper outlines parameter selection criteria and major procedures used in the PGT 25 gas turbine power spool aerodynamic design; significant results of the shop full-load tests are also illustrated with reference to both overall performance and internal flow-field measurements.
A major aero-design objective was established as that of achieving the highest overall performance levels possible with the matching to latest generation aero-derivative gas generators; therefore, high efficiencies were set as a target both for the design point and for a wide range of operating conditions, to optimize the turbine’s uses in mechanical drive applications. Furthermore, the design was developed to reach the performance targets in conjunction with the availability of a nominal shaft speed optimized for the direct drive of pipeline booster centrifugal compressors.
The results of the full-load performance testing of the first unit, equipped with a General Electric LM 2500/30 gas generator, showed full attainment of the design objectives; a maximum overall thermal efficiency exceeding 37% at nominal rating and a wide operating flexibility with regard to both efficiency and power were demonstrated.
Development of the PGT 25 High Efficiency Gas Turbine: Part 3 — Experimental Program and Testing
Authors: Lacitignola P. , Valentini E. 
Published: April 2015

This paper presents a review of the engineering testing program related to development of the PGT-25 gas turbine.
The experimental methods employed and their capability of providing information for the tuning of the engine and its parts are discussed.
Testing has continuously supported turbine design and development; integration of analytical and experimental procedures has proven to be efficient for successful final engine testing.
Full load testing, using well developed instrumentation, has made it possible to know actual component behavior and engine performance in steady and transient states, over the entire speed and power range.
The reliability of the machine has been assessed through the results of these tests.