bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Recurrence of gastroesophageal reflux disease correlated with a short dinner‐to‐bedtime interval
Authors: Yang Jae Hoon , Kang Ho Suk , Lee Sun‐Young , Kim Jeong Hwan , Sung In‐Kyung , Park Hyung Seok , Shim Chan Sup , Jin Choon Jo 
Published: November 2013

AbstractBackground and AimGastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can be classified into erosive reflux disease (ERD) and nonerosive gastroesophageal reflux disease (NERD). We aimed to compare the recurrence rates of ERD and NERD and determine the risk factors related to the recurrence.MethodsThis prospective study comprised 337 consecutive adults who completed questionnaires on their GERD symptoms, height, weight, sleeping position, dinner time, and bedtime. During upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, the presence of a hiatal hernia and mucosal breaks in the low esophagus, esophageal length (the distance between the Z‐line and the incisors), and the esophageal length‐to‐height ratio were recorded. Recurrence was diagnosed when the patient required additional proton pump inhibitor medication after initial recovery with 4–8 weeks of treatment.ResultsRecurrence was experienced by 47 (26.0%) of 181 GERD patients. The recurrence rate did not differ between the 48 ERD (27.1%) and 133 NERD (25.6%) patients (P = 0.849). Of the various factors studied, recurrence was found to be correlated with a dinner‐to‐bedtime interval of less than 3 h (P = 0.002), globus sensation (P = 0.031), and old age (P = 0.047). Logistic regression analysis revealed that a short interval between dinner and bedtime was the only factor significantly related to the recurrence (P = 0.002).ConclusionBoth ERD and NERD patients who sleep within 3 h after eating have a higher risk of GERD recurrence. Our findings highlight the impact of a short dinner‐to‐bedtime interval on the recurrence of GERD (ClinicalTrials.gov ID: KCT0000134).
Hepatocyte growth factor in dampening liver immune‐mediated pathology in acute viral hepatitis without compromising antiviral activity
Authors: Aguilar‐Valenzuela Renan , Carlsen Eric D. , Liang Yuejin , Soong Lynn , Sun Jiaren 
Published: November 2013

AbstractBackground and AimHepatocyte growth factor (HGF) is a pleiotropic cytokine related with cell proliferation and survival; however, its role in viral hepatitis is not elucidated. In this study, we studied HGF immune role in viral hepatitis.MethodsMice received hydrodynamically delivered HGF plasmid or control plasmid and then infected with adenovirus, and parameters of immune‐mediated liver damage were evaluated. We studied dendritic cell (DC) activation in the presence of HGF. T cells collected from infected mice were restimulated with virally infected DC to measure cytokine production in vitro.ResultsHGF ameliorated the liver inflammation during viral hepatitis as alanine transferase, intrahepatic lymphocytes, and splenocyte counts were diminished by HGF. Lower histological scores of liver pathology were observed in the HGF group. DC from the HGF group expressed reduced CD40. The hepatic expression and serum concentration of IL‐12p40 were diminished in HGF‐transfected mice. In vitro experiments with DC confirmed that HGF diminished CD40 expression and IL‐12p40 production. The expression and serum levels of IFN‐γ, IL‐6 and CXCL9 were significantly decreased in the HGF group. HGF overexpression diminished the expression and concentration of IL‐10 and TGF‐β. The frequency of PD‐1+Tim‐3+ in CD8 T cells was decreased by HGF overexpression. Moreover, T cells in the HGF group at day 14 secreted more IFN‐γ and TNF‐α than those in the control group when restimulated with virally infected DC.ConclusionHGF modulated DC activation and T cell priming, thereby limiting the immune‐mediated damage in the liver. However, viral clearance was not compromised by HGF.
Israeli emergency department nurses' attitudes to an extension of their role and powers
Authors: Azuri Pazit , Haron Yafa , Riba Shoshana 
Published: November 2013

Aims and objectivesTo investigate the opinions of Israeli ED nurses as to (1) an expansion of their powers and autonomy in treating commonly presenting ED conditions, (2) whether nurses or physicians should be responsible for giving ED patients necessary information and (3) whether ED nurses should perform triage.BackgroundThe development of the new emergency nurse practitioner role has relieved the pressure on emergency departments, reduced patient waiting times and raised patient satisfaction. Israel has yet to introduce either this role or the triage approach into its emergency departments.DesignThis investigation was designed as a cross‐sectional study by self‐administered questionnaire.MethodsThe researchers distributed a questionnaire they had developed and validated to 270 registered nurses working in 18 general hospital emergency departments. The responses were analysed by chi‐square and t‐tests and anova.ResultsOf respondents 60–90% agreed that they should be granted 10 out of a list of 12 new powers, and a large majority thought nurses should be responsible for performing triage. They wanted to increase the information they gave to patients, both on general ED functioning and on specific medically related matters.ConclusionsThe contribution of this study is the positive response of a large representative sample of ED nurses to extending their powers. It will be necessary to establish postregistration training courses and draw up new regulations reshaping the delivery of emergency medicine.Relevance to clinical practiceThe study demonstrates that ED nurses are convinced that they need the authority to diagnose and treat commonly presenting ED conditions and perform triage and discharge in order for their department to optimally exploit the resources available to it. The study should promote the development of the emergency nurse practitioner role in Israel and so reduce patient waiting times.
Cirrhosis but not neutropenia is associated with the development of infection in patients with chronic hepatitis C undergoing treatment with pegylated interferon‐alpha and ribavirin
Authors: Striki A. , Manolakopoulos S. , Deutsch M. , Mela M. , Kalafateli M. , Schini M. , Anagnostou O. , Triantos C. , Andreadis I. , Ketikoglou I. , Papatheodoridis G. , Pectasides D. 
Published: November 2013

SummaryPeginterferon‐alpha (PegIFNa) frequently causes neutropenia, mainly due to bone marrow suppression. The aim of this study was to explore factors that are associated with infections during antiviral treatment. We analysed data from 275 chronic hepatitis C (CHC) patients with compensated liver disease who underwent 318 courses of PegIFNa and ribavirin. Neutropenia was defined as neutrophils <1000 cells/μL. Mean leucocytes count significantly decreased from baseline to treatment nadir (7081 ± 2182 vs 3293 ± 1331 cells/μL, P < 0.001), while neutropenia was observed in 32% during treatment. Thirty‐one infections were observed. The incidence rate for infection was assessed at 1.46 infections per 100 person‐months of therapy. The hazard rate for infection did not correlate with the neutrophils' nadir or the decrease in white blood cells. In multivariate Cox's regression analysis, cirrhosis was the only factor that was significantly associated with the occurrence of infection. Our data show that the development of bacterial infections during treatment with PegIFNa and ribavirin in patients with compensated CHC is not associated with reduction or the nadir of white cells or neutrophil counts. Baseline cirrhosis is the only factor related with infection during treatment. The common practice of dose adjustment or discontinuation of interferon should be revised; careful assessment of liver damage before therapy and close monitoring during therapy are essential in all patients receiving interferon‐based regimes, to minimize the detrimental consequences of infections.
Predictors of early treatment discontinuation in a cohort of patients treated with boceprevir‐based therapy for hepatitis C infection
Authors: Majid A. , McAninch J. , Morgan D. J. , El Kamary S. S. , Zhan M. , Kapelusznik L. , Talwani R. 
Published: November 2013

SummaryIn this real‐world cohort, 49% of patients stopped boceprevir‐based hepatitis C therapy early, with only 20% stopping due to treatment futility. Having more comorbidities was significantly associated with early discontinuation. Tolerability of boceprevir‐based regimens may be substantially worse than reported in clinical trials, particularly for patients with comorbidities.
An essential enzyme for phospholipid synthesis associates with the Bacillus subtilis divisome
Authors: Takada Hiraku , Fukushima‐Tanaka Sanae , Morita Masato , Kasahara Yasuhiro , Watanabe Satoru , Chibazakura Taku , Hara Hiroshi , Matsumoto Kouji , Yoshikawa Hirofumi 
Published: November 2013

SummaryThe mechanism by which the membrane synthetic machinery might be co‐organized with the cell‐division architecture during the bacterial cell cycle remains to be investigated. We characterized a key enzyme of phospholipid and fatty acid synthesis in Bacillus subtilis, the acyl–acyl carrier protein phosphate acyltransferase (PlsX), and identified it as a component of the cell‐division machinery. Comprehensive interaction analysis revealed that PlsX interacts with FtsA, the FtsZ‐anchoring protein. PlsX mainly localized at the potential division site independent of FtsA and FtsZ and then colocalized with FtsA. By multidirectional approaches, we revealed that the Z‐ring stabilizes the association of PlsX at the septum and pole. The localization of PlsX is also affected by the progression of DNA replication. PlsX is needed for cell division and its inactivation leads to aberrant Z‐ring formation. We propose that PlsX localization is prior to Z‐ring formation in the hierarchy of septum formation events and that PlsX is important for co‐ordinating membrane synthesis with cell division in order to properly complete septum formation.
Narrowband Ultraviolet B Light in Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis: A Case Report
Authors: Ness Molly J. , Lowe Garrett C. , Davis Dawn M. R. , Hand Jennifer L. 
Published: November 2013

AbstractLangerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) (previously called eosinophilic granuloma, Hand–Schüller–Christian syndrome, Letterer–Siwe disease, and Hashimoto–Pritzker disease) is a rare, heterogeneous disorder with highly variable presentation. LCH commonly affects the skin, as well as internal organs. Because the skin lesions appear benign, and LCH is unfamiliar to most physicians, diagnosis is often delayed. Treatment is controversial, with further clinical study needed. For persons with extensive, skin‐limited disease, the existing topical therapies are impractical. We present a child with cutaneous LCH lesions that responded to ultraviolet light phototherapy with minimal adverse effects or patient discomfort.
Human Papilloma Virus is not Prevalent in Nevus Sebaceus
Authors: Kim David , Benjamin Latanya T. , Sahoo Malaya K. , Kim Jinah , Pinsky Benjamin A. 
Published: November 2013

AbstractNevus sebaceus (NS) is a common congenital cutaneous hamartoma that typically presents on the scalp and face at birth or in early childhood. Occasionally NS can be associated with the Schimmelpenning–Feuerstein–Mims syndrome, which presents with concomitant severe neurologic, skeletal, cardiovascular, ophthalmic, and genitourologic disorders. In a previous study, maternal transmission of the human papillomavirus (HPV) and infection of ectodermal stem cells by HPV was postulated to result in the development of NS. In this study we aimed to determine the incidence of HPV infection in pediatric NS samples to further clarify the potential link between HPV and the pathogenesis of NS. NS tissue samples (N = 16) were analyzed for HPV DNA using type‐specific, real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeting HPV 6, 11, 16, and 18 and conventional PCR with modified general primers designed for broad‐range HPV detection. The tissues were also histologically evaluated for evidence of HPV infection. HPV DNA was not detected in any of the NS tissue samples using PCR and HPV‐associated histopathologic changes were absent in all 16 NS tissues. HPV infection is an unlikely etiologic cause of NS.
Axial Turbine Flow Path Design for an Organic Rankine Cycle Using R-245fa
Authors: Moroz Leonid , Kuo Chi-Ron , Guriev Oleg , Li Yi-Chen , Frolov Boris 
Published: November 2013

Limited fossil fuel resources along with the ever-increasing demand for inexpensive and environmentally friendly energy are the driving factors of geothermal and waste heat recovery technologies. In the last two decades, the Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC), has been improved and modified to better adapt the cycle to the various conditions of heat sources and has become a preferred means of exploiting low potential heat resources of various types and been widely used in many applications as an efficient and reliable energy source.
This paper represents results for the 250kW power unit, which utilizes the R-245fa refrigerant for ORC cycle in low temperature range up to 150 deg. C. The detailed design process of an ORC turbine is presented and discussed. The effect of general turbine configurations and component design on turbine efficiency and structural integrity is studied. Cost and weight cut off aspects of turbine construction also discussed. The level of efficiency achieved as a result of turbine optimization, is at the top for this class of small turbines. Final variant represents one stage axial turbine with integrally bladed disk, inlet scroll and outlet tail pipe. Structural optimization has been performed to minimize rotor weight at an acceptable level of stress and frequency safety factors.
Assessment and Characterization of Volcanic Ash Threat to Gas Turbine Engine Performance
Authors: Davison Craig R. , Rutke Tim 
Published: November 2013

Multiple volcanoes erupt yearly propelling volcanic ash into the atmosphere and creating an aviation hazard. The plinian eruption type is most likely to create a significant aviation hazard. Plinian eruptions can eject large quantities of fine ash up to an altitude of 50,000 m (164,000 feet). While large airborne particles rapidly fall, smaller particles at reduced concentrations drift for days to weeks as they gradually descend and deposit on the ground. Very small particles, less than 1 μm, can remain aloft for years.
An average of three aircraft encounters with volcanic ash was reported every year between 1973 and 2003. Of these, 8 resulted in some loss of engine power, including a complete shutdown of all four engines on a Boeing 747. However, no crashes have been attributed to volcanic ash. The major forms of engine damage caused by volcanic ash are:
1. Deposition of ash on turbine nozzles and blades due to glassification
2. Erosion of compressor and turbine blades
3. Carbon deposits on fuel nozzles
The combination of these effects can push the engine to surge and flame out. If a flame out occurs, engine restart may be possible.
Less serious engine damage can also occur. In most cases the major damage will require an engine overhaul long before the minor damage becomes an operational issue, but under some conditions no sign of volcanic ash is evident and the turbine cooling system blockage could go unnoticed until an engine inspection is performed.
Several organizations provide aircrew procedures to respond to encounters with a volcanic ash cloud. If a volcanic ash encounter is suspected, then an engine inspection, including borescope, should be performed with particular attention given to the turbine cooling system.
An Innovative Inlet Air Cooling System for IGCC Power Augmentation: Part III — Computational Fluid Dynamic Analysis of Syngas Combustion in Nitrogen-Enriched Air
Authors: Morini Mirko , Pinelli Michele , Spina Pier Ruggero , Vaccari Anna 
Published: November 2013

In recent years, an innovative system for power augmentation has been presented by the authors. The system is based on gas turbine inlet air cooling by means of liquid nitrogen sprayers. This system is not characterized by the limits of water evaporative cooling (i.e. lower temperature limited by air saturation) and refrigeration cooling (i.e. effectiveness limited by pressure drop in the heat exchangers), but the injection of a large amount of liquid nitrogen at gas turbine inlet section can be disputable.
In fact, the air composition changes, though not considerably, after nitrogen injection. The oxygen content always seems high enough to allow a regular combustion. In any case, local effects should be further investigated.
In this paper, the effect of the increase in nitrogen molar fraction of combustion air is evaluated. A micro gas turbine combustion chamber geometry (i.e. a reverse flow tubular combustor) is taken into consideration since its model has been widely validated by the authors. The analyses are performed by considering two different fuels: methane (which is the design fuel) and syngas. The results are compared in terms of overall performance (e.g. TIT, pollutant emissions) and local distributions (e.g. flow fields, flame shape and position).
Experimental Investigation, Modeling and Simulation of a Steam Injected Gas Turbine With Water Recovery
Authors: Hoffmann Karl , Buchheim Guntram , Sander Thomas , Gampe Uwe 
Published: November 2013

Combined heat and power (CHP) plants are faced with alternating heat load caused by different seasonal heating needs of users or alternating heat consumption of industrial processes. To an increasing degree these CHP plants are decentralized generation units of smaller capacity, where combined cycles reach their limits of economy. In these cases, the steam injected gas turbine (STIG) cycle is considered as a promising and efficient technology for more flexible cogeneration of electricity and heat. At decreasing or missing heat load, the process enables to feed excessive steam, generated in the heat recovery steam generator (HRSG), into the gas turbine. Therefore, a flexible response to alternating heat load is possible. At constant electricity output of the gas turbine, steam injection results in a considerable reduction of specific heat consumption. The water losses can be minimized by condensing the steam in the exhaust gas duct of the gas turbine and reconditioning to feed water quality.
Process thermodynamic investigations with focus on optimum process scheme have already been conducted for several years by the authors. As a step forward in R&D of the process and its components, a small-capacity STIG plant with water recovery has been commissioned at the Technische Universität Dresden (TUD). It is based on a 600 kW class gas turbine. Investigations are focused both on the process such as performance, process control, water recovery, water reconditioning and on the influence of steam injection on gas turbine and compressor.
First experimental results are presented in the paper. Thereby special attention is paid to the measurement instrumentation. In addition, the authors report about thermodynamic simulation of gas turbine operation with and without steam injection.
Concept for a Combustion System in Oxyfuel Gas Turbine Combined Cycles
Authors: Sundkvist Sven Gunnar , Dahlquist Adrian , Janczewski Jacek , Sjödin Mats , Bysveen Marie , Ditaranto Mario , Langørgen Øyvind , Seljeskog Morten , Siljan Martin 
Published: November 2013

A promising candidate for CO2 neutral power production is Semi-Closed Oxyfuel Combustion Combined Cycles (SCOC CC). Two alternative SCOC-CCs have been investigated both with recirculation of the Working Fluid (CO2 and H2O) but with different H2O content due to different conditions for condensation of water from the Working Fluid. The alternative with low moisture content in the re-circulated Working Fluid has shown highest thermodynamic potential and has been selected for further study.
The necessity to use recirculated exhaust gas as the Working Fluid will make the design of the gas turbine quite different from a conventional gas turbine. For a combined cycle using a steam Rankine cycle as a bottoming cycle it is vital that the temperature of the exhaust gas from the Brayton cycle is well suited for steam generation that fits steam turbine live steam conditions. For oxyfuel gas turbines with a combustor outlet temperature of the same magnitude as conventional gas turbines a much higher pressure ratio is required (close to twice the ratio as for a conventional gas turbine) in order to achieve a turbine outlet temperature suitable for combined cycle.
Based on input from the optimized cycle calculations a conceptual combustion system has been developed, where three different combustor feed streams can be controlled independently: the natural gas fuel, the oxidizer consisting mainly of oxygen plus some impurities, and the re-circulated Working Fluid. This gives more flexibility compared to air-based gas turbines, but introduces also some design challenges. A key issue is how to maintain high combustion efficiency over the entire load range using as little oxidizer as possible and with emissions (NOx, CO, UHC) within given constraints. Other important challenges are related to combustion stability, heat transfer and cooling, and material integrity, all of which are much affected when going from air-based to oxygen-based gas turbine combustion.
Matching with existing air-based burner and combustor designs has been done in order to use as much as possible of what is proven technology today. The selected stabilization concept, heat transfer evaluation, burner and combustion chamber layout will be described. As a next step the pilot burner will be tested both at atmospheric and high pressure conditions.
A Novel Method of Coupling the Steam Turbine Exhaust Hood and the Last Stage Blades Using the Non-Linear Harmonic Method
Authors: Burton Zoe , Ingram Grant , Hogg Simon 
Published: November 2013

The exhaust hood of a steam turbine is a vital area of turbomachinery research its performance strongly influences the power output of the last stage blades. It is well known that accurate CFD simulations are only achieved when the last stage blades are coupled to the exhaust hood to capture the strong interaction. This however presents challenges as the calculation size grows rapidly when the full annulus is calculated. The size of the simulation means researchers are constantly searching of methods to reduce the computational effort without compromising solution accuracy.
This work uses a novel approach, by coupling the last stage blades and exhaust hood by the Non-Linear Harmonic Method, a technique widely used to reduce calculation size in high pressure turbine blades and axial compressors. This has been benchmarked against the widely adopted Mixing Plane method. The test case used is the Generic Geometry, a representative exhaust hood and last stage blade geometry that is free from confidentiality and IP restrictions and for which first calculations were presented at last year’s conference [1]. The results show that the non-uniform exhaust hood inlet flow can be captured using the non-liner harmonic method, an effect not previously achievable with single passage coupled calculations such as the mixing plane approach. This offers a significant computational saving, estimated to be a quarter of the computation time compared with alternative methods of capturing the asymmetry with full annulus frozen rotor calculations.