bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Regulation of atherosclerotic plaque inflammation
Authors: Bäck M. , Weber C. , Lutgens E. 
Published: March 2015

AbstractThe immune reactions that regulate atherosclerotic plaque inflammation involve chemokines, lipid mediators and costimulatory molecules. Chemokines are a family of chemotactic cytokines that mediate immune cell recruitment and control cell homeostasis and activation of different immune cell types and subsets. Chemokine production and activation of chemokine receptors form a positive feedback mechanism to recruit monocytes, neutrophils and lymphocytes into the atherosclerotic plaque. In addition, chemokine signalling affects immune cell mobilization from the bone marrow. Targeting several of the chemokines and/or chemokine receptors reduces experimental atherosclerosis, whereas specific chemokine pathways appear to be involved in plaque regression. Leukotrienes are lipid mediators that are formed locally in atherosclerotic lesions from arachidonic acid. Leukotrienes mediate immune cell recruitment and activation within the plaque as well as smooth muscle cell proliferation and endothelial dysfunction. Antileukotrienes decrease experimental atherosclerosis, and recent observational data suggest beneficial clinical effects of leukotriene receptor antagonism in cardiovascular disease prevention. By contrast, other lipid mediators, such as lipoxins and metabolites of omega‐3 fatty acids, have been associated with the resolution of inflammation. Costimulatory molecules play a central role in fine‐tuning immunological reactions and mediate crosstalk between innate and adaptive immunity in atherosclerosis. Targeting these interactions is a promising approach for the treatment of atherosclerosis, but immunological side effects are still a concern. In summary, targeting chemokines, leukotriene receptors and costimulatory molecules could represent potential therapeutic strategies to control atherosclerotic plaque inflammation.
DEEP Study: does EQ‐5D‐5L measure the impacts of persistent oro‐facial pain?
Authors: Durham J. , Steele J.G. , Breckons M. , Story W. , Vale L. 
Published: March 2015

SummaryThe EQ‐5D‐5L is a generic quality of life (QOL) measure widely used throughout the world, which has the advantage that it allows health‐state preferences to be elicited. The aim of this study was to examine whether: a) variation in the standardised reference period for EQ‐5D‐5L from ‘today’ to ‘the last month’ had a minimal clinically meaningful difference; (b) EQ‐5D‐5L had convergent validity with a multidimensional pain measure in quantifying the impacts of pain. As part of a larger study into the effectiveness and efficiency of care pathways for persistent orofacial pain (POFP) (http://research.ncl.ac.uk/deepstudy), participants with POFP (n = 100) completed two versions of the EQ‐5D‐5L at the same time with different reference periods (‘today’ vs. ‘last month’). Participants also completed the first section of the West Haven–Yale Multidimensional Pain Inventory (v3) to assess convergent validity. Two‐tailed nonparametric inferential statistics, intra‐class correlation coefficients (ICC), and within‐subject change scores were used to compare the two EQ‐5D‐5L versions. Convergent validity was assessed using Spearman's rho correlation coefficients. Health‐state valuations were significantly different (P < 0·01), and there was good similarity between the two versions' ICC 0·86 (95% CI 0·79–0·91). The within‐subject mean change was 0·03 (95% CI 0·01–0·06). For convergent validity, all relationships were significant (P < 0·05) and in the expected directions. EQ‐5D‐5L demonstrates sufficient convergent validity to be used with POFP, and a change in the standard reference period may be unnecessary if a multidimensional pain measure is also used.
Effectiveness of a self‐management support program for Thais with type 2 diabetes: Evaluation according to the RE‐AIM framework
Authors: Jaipakdee Jamabhorn , Jiamjarasrangsi Wiroj , Lohsoonthorn Vitool , Lertmaharit Somrat 
Published: March 2015

AbstractDelivering diabetes self‐management support is an enormous challenge for healthcare providers with limited human resources. We conducted a cluster randomized controlled trial to assess the effectiveness of a DSMS program incorporating the computer‐assisted instruction. The RE‐AIM (Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, and Maintenance) framework was applied to evaluate the DSMS program. Ten Public Health Centers in Bangkok, Thailand were randomized into either DSMS program or usual care. Forty eligible patients with type 2 diabetes in each Public Health Center were randomly selected. Totally, 403 patients (200 controls and 203 interventions) participated. About 93.8% participants completed the six‐month follow‐up. Over six months, adjusted mean changes of hemoglobin A1c (−0.14%, 95% confidence interval = −0.02 to −0.26, fasting plasma glucose (−6.37 mg/dL, −1.95 to −10.78), health behaviors (3.31 score, 2.27 to 4.34), and quality of life (1.41 score, 0.69 to 2.12) were significantly improved in intervention compared to control group. In conclusion, the DSMS program facilitates Public Health Centers to accomplish their support for people with diabetes.
Use of jet ventilation in thoracoscopic tracheo‐esophageal fistula repair—can both surgeons and anesthesiologists be happy?
Authors: Ehlers Melissa , Pezzano Chad , Leduc Laura , Brooks John , Silva Plinio , Oechsner Helena , Crnkovic Anica , Galay Igor , Afroze Farzana 
Published: March 2015

SummaryLaparoscopic and open thoracic surgery in the neonate typically results in hypercapnea and low cardiac output with often poor surgical visualization as the anesthesiologist attempts to correct the respiratory derangements usually seen. We describe three cases in which jet ventilation provided not only superior ventilation with a return to normocapnea but also ideal operating conditions. In addition, jet ventilation utilizes lower mean airway pressures which typically results in improved cardiac output.
Zircon U–Pb, Molybdenite Re–Os and K‐feldspar 40Ar/39Ar Dating of the Bolong Porphyry Cu–Au Deposit, Tibet, China
Authors: Zhu Xiangping , Li Guangming , Chen Huaan , Ma Dongfang , Huang Hanxiao 
Published: March 2015

AbstractThe Bolong porphyry Cu–Au deposit is a newly discovered deposit in the central Tibetan Plateau, and is ranked as the second largest copper deposit discovered to date in the Bangong‐Nujiang metallogenic belt in China. Three granodiorite porphyry phases occur within the Bolong porphyry Cu–Au deposit. Phyllic alteration is widespread on the surface of the deposit, and potassic alteration occurs at depth, associated with granodiorite porphyries. The copper and gold mineralization is clearly related to the potassic and phyllic alteration. Multiple chronometers were applied to constrain the timing of magmatic–hydrothermal activity at the Bolong deposit. Zircon U–Pb geochronology reveals that the granodiorite porphyry phases were emplaced at ca. 120 Ma. Re–Os data of four molybdenite samples from quartz–molybednite veinlets yielded an isochron age of 119.4 ± 1.3 Ma. The plateau age of hydrothermal K‐feldspar from the potassic alteration zone, analyzed by 40Ar/39Ar dating, is 118.3 ± 0.6 Ma, with a similar reverse isochron age of 118.5 ± 0.7 Ma. Therefore, the magmatic–hydrothermal activity occurred at ca. 120–118 Ma, which is similar in age to the neighboring Duobuza porphyry copper deposit. The period of 120–118 Ma is therefore important for the development of porphyry Cu–Au mineralization in the central Tibetan Plateau, and these porphyry deposits were formed during the final stages of the northward subduction of the Neo‐Tethys Ocean.
The Nature of Ore‐forming Fluids of the Carlin‐type Gold Deposit in Southwest China: A Case from the Zimudang Gold Deposit
Authors: Liu Yin , Hu Kai , Han Shanchu , Sun Zehang 
Published: March 2015

AbstractThe Zimudang gold deposit is a large Carlin‐type gold deposit in the Southwest Guizhou Province, China, with an average Au content of 6.2 g/t. Gold is mainly hosted in the fault zone and surrounding strata of the F1 fault and Permian Longtan Formation, and the ore bodies are strictly controlled by both the faults and strata. Detailed mineralogy and geochemistry studies are conducted to help judge the nature of ore‐forming fluids. The results indicate that the Au is generally rich in the sulfides of both ores and wall rocks in the deposit, and the arsenian pyrite and arsenopyrite are the main gold‐bearing sulfides. Four subtypes of arsenian pyrite are found in the deposit, including the euhedral and subhedral pyrite, framboidal pyrite, pyrite aggregates and pyrite veins. The euhedral and subhedral pyrite, which can take up about 80% of total pyrite grains, is the dominant type. Au distributed unevenly in the euhedral and subhedral pyrite, and the content of the Au in the rim is relatively higher than in the core. Au in the pyrite veins and pyrite aggregates is lower than the euhedral and subhedral pyrite. No Au has been detected in the points of framboidal pyrites in this study. An obvious highly enriched As rim exists in the X‐ray images of euhedral pyrites, implying the ore‐forming fluids may be rich in As. The relationship between Au and As reveals that the Au may host as a solid solution (Au+) and nanoparticles of native gold (Au0) in the sulfides. The high Co/Ni ratio (>1) of sulfides and the enrichment of W in the ores all reflect that the gold‐bearing minerals and ore‐forming process were mainly related to the hydrothermal fluids, but the magmatic and volcanic activities cannot be neglected. The general existence of Au and As in the sulfides of both ores and wall rocks and the REE results suggest that the ore‐forming fluids may mainly be derived from the basin itself. The enrichment of Tl suggests that the ore‐forming fluids may be enriched in Cl. The Ce and Eu show slightly or apparently negative anomalies, which means the ore fluids were probably formed under reducing environment. The Y/Ho ratios of ore samples fluctuate around 28, implying the bicarbonate complexation and fluorine were both involved in the ore‐forming process. Combined with the previous studies and our results, we infer that the ore‐forming fluids enriched Au, As, HS− and halogen (F, Cl) were derived from the mixture of reducing basinal fluids and magmatic or volcanic hydrothermal fluids.
Valganciclovir versus valacyclovir prophylaxis for prevention of cytomegalovirus: an economic perspective
Authors: Kacer M. , Kielberger L. , Bouda M. , Reischig T. 
Published: March 2015

AbstractIntroductionValganciclovir (vGCV) and valacyclovir (vACV) are used in cytomegalovirus (CMV) prophylaxis in renal transplant recipients. The aim of this study was to compare the economic impact of both regimens during 1‐year follow‐up.MethodsA total of 117 renal transplant recipients at risk for CMV were randomized to 3‐month prophylaxis either with vGCV (900 mg/day, n = 60) or vACV (8 g/day, n = 57) and their data used in a pharmacoeconomic analysis. The pharmacoeconomic evaluation involved all direct CMV‐related expenses in the first year after transplantation. Sensitivity analysis was employed to examine the effects of various prices of antiviral drugs and diagnostic procedures on overall CMV‐related costs. Simulation of the more expensive US healthcare perspective was performed, and a scenario involving costs of acute rejection (AR) was examined.ResultsOverall CMV‐related costs were significantly lower in the vACV arm; median United States dollars (USD) 3473 (3108–3745) vs. USD 5810 (4409–6757; P < 0.001) per patient, respectively. Our data showed that the critical determinant of the major disparity between the prophylactic regimens was the prophylaxis price. Median cost of prophylaxis in the vACV group was USD 1729 (1527–2173) compared to USD 3968 (2683–4857) in the vGCV group (P < 0.001). In sensitivity analysis of the overall CMV‐related costs, the least and the most expensive pharmacotherapy and diagnostic scenarios were used; nevertheless, the vACV arm remained markedly less expensive. Simulation considering the higher physician/nurse and hospitalization fees of the US healthcare system and the scenario including expenditure associated with AR episodes also favored vACV.ConclusionVACV prophylaxis for CMV is associated with a significant 44% lower cost than vGCV at the first year after renal transplantation.
Measurements of Secondary Flows and Turbulence in a Turbine Cascade Passage
Authors: Zunino Pietro , Ubaldi Marina , Satta Antonio 
Published: March 2015

The results of an experimental investigation on secondary flows in a linear cascade of turbine rotor blades are presented. To gain information on the turbulence related to the secondary flow development in turbine cascades, measurements have been carried out at eight normal sections in the passage and at a plane downstream of the trailing edge, using a constant temperature hot wire anemometer and a total pressure probe.
A high level of turbulent kinetic energy and turbulent shear stresses has been found to be associated with the passage vortex. This result confirms that secondary loss generation in cascades is related to the production of turbulent kinetic energy in the vortex flow and to its viscous dissipation.
Blade Temperature Measurements of Model V84.2 100 MW/60 Hz Gas Turbine
Authors: Schulenberg T. , Bals H. 
Published: March 2015

Numerous experimental investigations have been performed with a model V84.2 100 MW / 60 Hz gas turbine up to peak load conditions. The paper presents an overview of the most interesting experiments.
In detail, pyrometric measurements of the first stage turbine blade are described and discussed. Surface temperature distributions are presented in the form of contour plots, and a comparison with theoretical predictions is shown exemplarily. Moreover, the effect of turbulence promoters on the cooling channel side walls is demonstrated.
The Performance Estimation of Transonic Turbine at Design and Off-Design Conditions
Authors: Manchu Ge 
Published: March 2015

A performance estimation method has been developed for the transonic turbine. This method can be used for the calculation of gasdynamic parameters of turbines at design and off-design conditions. In this paper a group of simultaneous equations including the S2 stream surface equation, the simplified flow correlation between blade and blade, the loss equations and the deviation angle correlation are solved (Wu, 1950, 1950, 1965; Marsh, 1966; Smith 1973; Novak and Hearsey, 1977.) Solving these equations, the turbine performance can be obtained.
The essential difference in treating the sub-critical, critial and super-critical flow conditions is researched. The correlation between entropy and losses is deduced in this paper. For the choking flow calculation, a unified approach to solve these equations is developed. On the basis of the above research, the false choking condition will not occur and convergence will be reached rapidly with this method.
A computer program was then compiled with this method and has been used for the performance calculation of transonic turbines at design and off-design conditions.
Several examples have been calculated. Satisfactory results are obtained and the reduced flow rate, efficiency and expansion ratio are fairly consistent with the experimental results. The difference between the computational results and experimental data is within 1% near the design condition.
Gas Turbine Exhaust Systems: Design Considerations
Authors: Morris Roy A. 
Published: March 2015

The users of Gas Turbine powered equipment are very careful to ensure that they achieve their objectives in terms of power output and overall efficiency, but other important aspects of the system may be underspecified, and cause the user serviceability and maintenance problems during the systems planned operating life.
One important area, crucial to reliable operation of the Gas Turbine, is the power turbine exhaust system. If particular care is not taken on the part of the user in specifying this component, he is likely to be provided with the minimum standard of equipment from the supplier.
This paper highlights some of the areas that should be considered during the preparation of specifications, and in the evaluation of proposals. Specific problems of exhaust design will be addressed to assist the user to identify and question possible problem areas.
The paper concludes that for minimal additional input during the initial stages of a project, long term cost savings could be made and that the overall system would be more reliable.
Performance and Reliability Improvements for Heavy Duty Gas Turbines
Authors: Johnston J. R. (Bob) 
Published: March 2015

Many significant advances in technology have been applied to new unit production in the past 15 years. These technology improvements can be applied to field units to achieve increased performance, life, and/or reliability.
Several types of improvement are now available for compressors, combustion systems, hot gas path turbine parts, and turbine controls. This paper provides a summary of performance improvements available for General Electric gas turbines MS3002, MS5001, MS5002, MS6001, MS7001, and MS9001 and tabulations of performance for each improvement. Also provided are detailed descriptions of control modernization designs available for improving the operating reliability of field units.
High Performance Gearing for Modern Naval Gas Turbine Propulsion Systems
Authors: Kerpestein J. B. 
Published: March 2015

This paper reviews present day technology in the field of gearing for modern naval propulsion systems. It gives the Royal Schelde views on some aspects of gearing concept design and discusses gearing noise, being a most important aspect of the naval ship noise signature. The paper describes design features of a number of naval gear transmissions for gasturbine and diesel engine driven surface vessels, such as the Canadian Patrol Frigate Gear Transmission System and the Royal Netherlands Navy M-class frigate gearing.
Some future trends and the probability of more stringent requirements concerning underwater noise are discussed.
HIDEC Adaptive Engine Control System Flight Evaluation Results
Authors: Yonke W. A. , Landy R. J. , Stewart J. F. 
Published: March 2015

An integrated flight propulsion control mode called Adaptive Engine Control System (ADECS) has been developed and flight demonstrated on an F-15 test aircraft in the Highly Integrated Digital Electronic Control (HIDEC) Program, sponsored by the NASA Ames/Dryden Flight Research Center. The ADECS system provides additional engine thrust by increasing engine pressure ratio (EPR) at intermediate and afterburning power. The amount of EPR uptrim is modulated based on a unique predictor scheme for angle-of-attack and sideslip angle thus ensuring adequate fan stall margin for the engine. These predicted angles are derived from fight control and inertial navigation information.
The ADECS mode demonstrated substantial improvements in aircraft and engine performance in the flight evaluation program, even with only one engine incorporating EPR uptrim. Highlights were a 16% rate of climb increase, a 14% reduction in time to climb, and a 15% reduction in time to accelerate. Significant EPR uptrim capability was demonstrated with angles-of-attack up to 20 degrees.
An Option for High Power in Space
Authors: Boyle R. V. , Riple J. C. 
Published: March 2015

The stated objective of the Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI) introduces needs for space-based electric power ranging up to hundreds of megawatts (MWe). The SDI Organization is calling for the development of new and innovative concepts to meet these needs.
Options for multi-megawatt and multi-hundred megawatt space power generating systems are presented in this paper. These options are based upon the gas turbine, one of the most mature and time-proven technologies available. Size- and mass-reduction studies utilizing innovative designs and new materials are conducted for the gas turbine. Two significantly different power levels with two thermal sources, nuclear and chemical combustion, are addressed.
Retrofit of a Modern Control System on an Early Design Gas Turbine
Authors: Nikkels H. , Little D. 
Published: March 2015

The control systems on many older combustion turbines are often directly responsible for poor first-start reliability, low availability and high forced-outage rates. Indirectly, they may be the cause of mechanical and metallurgical problems. Dealing with aging control systems is a common experience for most turbine users and sometimes results in the premature retirement of equipment. The retrofit of a modern control system offers many advantages to the turbine user if it can be accomplished in an economic and timely manner.
The significant logistics, engineering, installation and commercial aspects of installing a modern control system on a 24-year old combustion turbine are described in this paper. The unit was restored to service with the new control system in early 1986, and the project was considered a success.
Boosting Steam Plant Thermal Efficiency and Power Output Through the Addition of Gas Turbines
Authors: Linnemeijer M. J. J. , van Buijtenen J. P. , van Loon A. U. 
Published: March 2015

This paper describes the conversion of existing conventional steam power plants into combined cycle plants.
A number of Dutch utility companies are currently performing or planning this conversion on their gas-fired power stations, mainly in order to conserve fuel.
Modifications of boiler and steam cycle, necessary for the new concept, are presented in general terms, together with a detailed description of one of the projects.
Aspects of Gas Turbine Noise Control in the Vicinity of Residential Areas
Authors: Fleischer Friedrich 
Published: March 2015

This paper deals with problems of noise control involving gas turbine plants, particularly where they are installed near residential areas already subject to noise nuisance.
Noise control measures for existing industrial or power-generating plant are often designed to achieve an overall immitted noise level only marginally below the legal maximum.
Considerably enhanced measures are thus required for additional plant. However, the noise from a gas turbine plant has numerous individual sources and it is shown that a differentiated approach is required. Generally, progressive reductions in noise levels involve disproportionately greater increases in expenditure on appropriate measures.
Stringent environmental protection requirements necessitate cost-intensive solutions.