bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dopamine physiology in the basal ganglia of male zebra finches during social stimulation
Authors: Ihle Eva C. , van der Hart Marieke , Jongsma Minke , Tecott Larry H. , Doupe Allison J. 
Published: April 2015

AbstractAccumulating evidence suggests that dopamine (DA) is involved in altering neural activity and gene expression in a zebra finch cortical–basal ganglia circuit specialized for singing, upon the shift between solitary singing and singing as a part of courtship. Our objective here was to sample changes in the extracellular concentrations of DA in Area X of adult and juvenile birds, to test the hypothesis that DA levels would change similarly during presentation of a socially salient stimulus in both age groups. We used microdialysis to sample the extracellular milieu of Area X in awake, behaving adult and juvenile male zebra finches, and analysed the dialysate using high‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with electrochemical detection. The extracellular levels of DA in Area X increased significantly during both female presentation to adult males and tutor presentation to juvenile males. DA levels were not correlated with the time spent singing. We also reverse‐dialysed Area X with pharmacologic agents that act either on DA systems directly or on norepinephrine, and found that all of these agents significantly increased DA levels (3‐ to 10‐fold) in Area X. These findings suggest that changes in extracellular DA levels can be stimulated similarly by very different social contexts (courtship and interaction with tutor), and influenced potently by dopaminergic and noradrenergic drugs. These results raise the possibility that the arousal level or attentional state of the subject (rather than singing behavior) is the common feature eliciting changes in extracellular DA concentration.
New Methods in Tornado Climatology
Authors: Widen Holly M. , Fricker Tyler , Elsner James B. 
Published: April 2015

AbstractHow climate change might affect tornadoes remains an open scientific question. Climatological studies are often contested due to inconsistencies in the available data. Statistical methods are used to overcome some of the data limitations. A few of these methods including using the proportion of tornadoes occurring on big tornado days, estimating tornado energy from the damage path, and modeling counts spatially are described here. The methods move beyond analyses of occurrences by damage ratings and spatial smoothing. Applications of these and related methods will help grow the nascent field of tornado climatology.
Serum levels of adipocytokines in psoriasis patients receiving tumor necrosis factor‐α inhibitors: results of a retrospective analysis
Authors: Campanati Anna , Ganzetti Giulia , Giuliodori Katia , Marra Maurizio , Bonfigli Annarita , Testa Roberto , Offidani Annamaria 
Published: April 2015

AbstractBackgroundAdipocytokines are bioactive molecules that are deeply involved in the occurrence of atherosclerosis, obesity, and autoimmune inflammatory diseases.ObjectivesThis study was conducted to evaluate the effects of tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) inhibitors on serum levels of adipocytokines in patients with chronic plaque psoriasis.MethodsSerum levels of adiponectin, resistin, visfatin, leptin, TNF‐α, and interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) were evaluated in sera obtained from 47 patients with psoriasis, both at baseline and after they had received TNF‐α inhibitors for 24 weeks. Equivalent data were obtained for 39 control subjects matched by age, sex, body mass index, waist : hip ratio, geographical origin, Mediterranean dietary habits, and smoking habits.ResultsAt baseline, mean serum levels of TNF‐α, IL‐6, leptin, resistin, and visfatin were higher in the psoriasis group than in healthy controls; these differences were statistically significant (P < 0.05). Conversely, mean serum levels of adiponectin were significantly lower in patients with psoriasis than in controls (P < 0.0001). Serum levels of adipocytokines did not linearly correlate with anthropometric indices in psoriasis patients (P > 0.05), except in the case of leptin, for which serum levels were related to waist : hip ratio in both men and women (P < 0.05). After 24 weeks of treatment, although serum levels of proinflammatory adipocytokines were decreased, only that of leptin showed a statistically significant reduction (P = 0.0003). Serum levels of adiponectin, an anti‐inflammatory adipocytokine, were only mildly increased and persisted at a significantly lower level than in healthy controls (P > 0.005).ConclusionsPatients with psoriasis show an imbalance between pro‐ and anti‐inflammatory adipocytokines, which is reduced but not normalized after administration of TNF‐α inhibitors for 24 weeks. This partial rebalancing seems to be mainly related to a reduction in proinflammatory adipocytokines, rather than an increase in anti‐inflammatory adipocytokines.
Environmental Impact of Public Charging Facilities for Electric Two‐Wheelers
Authors: Mendoza Joan‐Manuel F. , Josa Alejandro , Rieradevall Joan , Gabarrell Xavier 
Published: April 2015

SummaryThe environmental characterization of the charging infrastructure required to operate electric vehicles (EVs) is usually overlooked in the literature. Only rudimentary life cycle inventories of EV charging facilities are available. This lack of information is especially noticeable in environmental studies of the environmental performance of electric two‐wheelers (E2Ws), none of which have included an analysis of charging facilities, even though they constitute the most successful electric‐drive market in the world. This article focuses on characterizing the life cycle of the global warming potential (GWP) and primary energy demand (PED) of two conventional charging facility designs that are widely implemented for charging E2Ws in public spaces. The relative environmental relevance of charging facilities per kilowatt‐hour (kWh) supplied to E2Ws is determined by considering a range of use scenarios (variability in the service ratio) and the effect of upgrading the electricity mix to include more renewable energy sources. Savings of over 3 metric tons (tonnes) of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions and 56 equivalent gigajoules can be achieved by implementing an optimized charging facility design. The internalization of the relative environmental burden from the charging facility per kWh supplied to E2Ws can increase the GWP of E2Ws’ use phase from 1% to 20% and the PED from 1% to 13%. Although the article focuses on one particular case scenario, the research is intended to provide complementary criteria for further research on the life cycle management of electric mobility systems. Thus, a series of factors that can influence the environmental performance of EV charging networks at the macro scale are discussed.
Using a Rebound Matrix to Estimate Consumption Changes from Saving and its Environmental Impact in Japan
Authors: Kawajiri Kotaro , Tabata Tomohiro , Ihara Tomohiko 
Published: April 2015

SummaryWe investigate the extent to which Japanese people can change their consumption and the corresponding environmental impact. We propose a new analytical framework with a rebound matrix that captures the monetary flow from potential savings to their respending (referred to as rebound). A questionnaire is used to derive the matrix. On average, respondents spent 3.4 million Yen annually, resulting in 12.4 tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions in their daily lives. The survey results suggest that acceptable spending reductions would correspond to a CO2emissions reduction of nearly 6%. However, the CO2emissions would increase by nearly the same amount when the respondents respend their savable money (rebound CO2emissions). The annual CO2emissions and the annually reducible CO2emissions both increase with the increase in annual expenditure. Consequently, the net CO2emissions also increase with the increase in annual expenditure. The rebound spending is approximated using the rebound matrix. Finally, it is suggested that the net CO2emissions can be reduced through lifestyle changes whereby spending on energy items is reduced and the resulting savings are spent on telecommunication, clothes, shoes, education, and housing.
Directions of Existence: Indigenous Women Domestics in the Paris of the Tropics1
Authors: Chernela Janet M. 
Published: April 2015

ResumenEnquanto a maior parte da literatura sobre populações indígenas enfatiza o apego aos lugares, tomando qualquer movimento fora dos territórios tradicionais como uma perda de identidade, o caso da mobilidade das mulheres Tukano do Alto Rio Negro para a cidade de Manaus, no Brasil, ilustra a importância da mobilidade e agilidade, mais que permanência ou territorialidade, como importantes recursos. Fugindo de condições de trabalho forçado, as mulheres Tukano encontram na cidade vários meios de subsistência através de hábeis negociações de vários tipos. Este artigo revisa suas trajetórias urbanas, a partir da formação de uma organização sem fins lucrativos, a AMARN. Com base nesta associação, as mulheres encontram agência na criação de espacialidades que utilizam ao mesmo tempo a visibilidade do centro urbano e o anonimato da periferia. Ao defrontar‐se com os desafios da vida urbana, na cidade conhecida como a “Paris dos Trópicos”, as mulheres da AMARN direcionam ativamente sua própria existência.
Cytomegalovirus‐related childhood mortality in Australia 1999–2011
Authors: Smithers‐Sheedy Hayley , Raynes‐Greenow Camille , Badawi Nadia , Khandaker Gulam , Menzies Robert , Jones Cheryl A 
Published: April 2015

AimCytomegalovirus (CMV) is an important cause of congenital infection, which can result in neonatal deaths or contribute to deaths in later childhood. Post‐natally acquired CMV is a less common cause of disease and mortality, and only in preterm infants or immunocompromised children. Here we sought to describe CMV as a direct or secondary contributor to childhood mortality in Australia.MethodWe searched national mortality data sets between1999 and 2011 for cases <15 years with CMV recorded as an underlying or contributing cause of death.ResultsEighty‐three CMV‐associated deaths in children <15 years were identified (0.2 cases per 100 000 <15 years; 95% confidence interval 0.16–0.24). Childhood deaths associated with CMV were evenly distributed between males and females, and the majority (n = 57; 68%) occurred in children less than 12 months of age, with 22 cases <1 month of age. Over the 13‐year study period, the mortality rate remained stable and CMV resulted in an estimated age‐adjusted 5925 years of potential life lost.ConclusionsCMV makes a small but important contribution to childhood mortality in Australia. Most CMV‐related deaths occurred in infants <12 months of age. These infant deaths may be an indirect marker of the burden of severe intrauterine CMV disease given the natural history of this infection.
Adjunctive traditional Chinese medicine therapy improves survival of liver cancer patients
Authors: Liao Yueh‐Hsiang , Lin Cheng‐Chieh , Lai Hsueh‐Chou , Chiang Jen‐Huai , Lin Jaung‐Geng , Li Tsai‐Chung 
Published: April 2015

AbstractBackgroundTraditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is an alternative treatment for cancer with its effect by stimulating host immune response for cytotoxic activity against liver cancer. No studies evaluated TCM treatment on survival of liver cancer patients.Patients and methodsThis study determined whether the combination of TCM and conventional cancer treatment affects the survival of liver cancer patients. A retrospective cohort study was conducted in 127 237 newly diagnosed liver cancer patients from 2000 to 2009 in the National Health Insurance Program database.ResultsAmong these patients, 30 992 (24.36%) used TCM for liver cancer care. All patients were followed up until 2011. The mean follow‐up was 5.67 years (SD 1.47) for TCM users and 5.49 years (SD 3.64) for non‐TCM users. Compared with patients without TCM use, patients with TCM use were significantly associated with a decreased risk of death [hazard ratio (HR) = 0.65, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.64–0.66] with multivariate adjustment. A similar significant protective effect of TCM use across various subgroups of chronic liver diseases was also observed. Jia Wei Xiao Yao San (HR = 0.89, 95% CI = 0.81–0.96) and Chai Hu Shu Gan Tang (HR = 0.86, 95% CI = 0.78–0.95) were the most effective TCM agents that improved survival.ConclusionsThis cohort study provided information that adjunctive therapy with TCM may improve the survival in liver cancer patients. Further studies are needed to confirm the potential role of TCM in HCC.
High Relapse Rates Despite Early Intervention with Intravenous Methylprednisolone Pulse Therapy for Severe Childhood Alopecia Areata
Authors: Smith Alexandra , Trüeb Ralph M. , Theiler Martin , Hauser Valérie , Weibel Lisa 
Published: April 2015

AbstractBackgroundPrevious data suggest that early application of intravenous methylprednisolone pulse therapy (IV‐MPPT) may improve the disease course of alopecia areata. The objective of this study was to investigate the outcome of IV‐MPPT in severe childhood alopecia areata, predominantly with short disease duration.MethodsEighteen children (10 girls, 8 boys) younger than 17 years old (median age 7.7 yrs, range 2.1–16.5 yrs) treated with IV‐MPPT for severe childhood alopecia areata in a referral center for pediatric dermatology over 3 years (median disease duration 4 mos, range 1–12 mos) were retrospectively evaluated. Five patients had alopecia areata totalis or universalis and 13 had alopecia multilocularis. The median scalp area affected by alopecia was 60% (range 30%–100%). All patients underwent two or three cycles of IV‐MPPT at monthly intervals (maximum 500 mg/day on three consecutive days).ResultsWithin 7 months after the last IV‐MPPT session, 10 of 18 children had good response (≥75% of hair regrowth), with eight showing improvement within the first 4 months. Of the remaining eight patients, one had moderate response (50%–74% regrowth), three had poor response (1%–49% regrowth), and four (all with alopecia areata universalis or totalis) had no response. Seven of the initial 10 good responders experienced relapses, with marked hair loss after the last IV‐MPPT session. The estimated median time to relapse was 8 months (95% confidence interval 7, 9 mos).ConclusionIV‐MPPT, even early in the course of disease, did not affect long‐term outcome of alopecia areata in our group of severely affected patients.
Use of non‐pharmaceutical interventions to reduce the transmission of influenza in adults: A systematic review
Authors: Smith Sheree M.S. , Sonego Sandra , Wallen Gwenyth R. , Waterer Grant , Cheng Allen C. , Thompson Philip 
Published: April 2015

AbstractDuring seasonal influenza epidemics and pandemics, virus transmission causes significant public health concern. Reduction of viral transmission by non‐pharmaceutical interventions (NPI) has a significant appeal and is often recommended. However, the efficacy of such interventions is unclear. A systematic literature review was undertaken to identify and evaluate the published literature on NPI efficacy to prevent human transmission of influenza virus in adults. Reviewers assessed the quality of eligible studies utilizing the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme for bias and the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network for methodological quality. Studies were assessed for risk of bias domains of random sequence generation, allocation concealment, attribution bias, selective reporting and blinding. Relevant citations of 2247 were reduced to 100 for full‐text evaluation. Only seven met all selection criteria and pooled analysis was not feasible. Of the seven studies, two were randomized controlled trials (RCT) and five were cluster RCT. The main NPI studied were disinfection and hygiene; barriers; and combined NPI. However, these seven RCT had significant design flaws. Only two studies used laboratory confirmed influenza and poor statistical power was a major problem. Positive significant interventions included professional oral hygiene intervention in the elderly and hand washing. Despite the potential for NPI in preventing influenza transmission, there is very limited data available. Hand washing and dental hygiene may be useful, but other interventions have not been fully assessed. Properly designed studies evaluating large populations including ‘at risk’ patients and in a variety of communities are needed.
Performance Comparison Between Transpiration Air Cooled Turbine 3000°F (1649°C) Stator Vanes and Solid Uncooled Vanes
Authors: Manning George B. , Moskowitz Seymour 
Published: April 2015

Testing was conducted to compare the aerodynamic performance of a turbine vane using transpiration air-cooling capable of operation at 3000°F (1649°C) gas temperature with a vane of identical profile with no cooling provisions to determine the effect of cooling on vane kinetic energy efficiency and loss coefficient. The test configuration was a 10-vane section of full scale first stage turbine stator annulus designed for 1.6 pressure ratio, cooling air flow equal to 6.1 percent of primary flow, 3000°F (1649°C) turbine inlet temperature and primary-to-coolant temperature ratio of 2.7. To enable comparison with other investigations, tests were conducted at three pressure ratios from 1.4 to 1.6, three coolant flows from 75 to 120 percent of design, and three primary-to-coolant temperature ratios from 2.70 to 1.15.
Efficiency, loss coefficient and flow capacity test results were in good agreement with predicted values for both the transpiration air cooled and uncooled vanes. The testing demonstrated that it is necessary to conduct test evaluations of transpiration air-cooled components at or near design coolant-to-gas stream temperature ratio in order to achieve correct results.
Experimental Studies of Deposition by Electrostatic Charge on Turbine Blades
Authors: Raj R. , Moskowitz S. 
Published: April 2015

Experimental tests were conducted to determine the electrical charge related deposition on turbine blades in a hot gas stream. Transpiration air cooled, water cooled, and uncooled turbine specimens were tested.
The results indicate that the gas stream charge is proportional to fluid particle velocity and particle concentration. The ionic concentration of the gas increases with increase in gas temperature in the range of 1000°F (537°C) to 2200°F (1200°C). The deposition was found to be less for the transpiration air cooled test sample at 1300°F (704°C) metal temperature and the excessively water cooled test sample at 350°F (176°C) than for the uncooled test samples. There is some evidence to indicate that by using electrostatic means, a reduction in deposition on turbine blades operating on a contaminated stream resulting from coal firing, may be possible.
Gas Turbines for Coal-Fired Turbocharged PFBC Boiler Power Plants
Authors: Wenglarz Richard , Drenker Steven 
Published: April 2015

A coal-fired turbocharged boiler using fluidized bed combustion at high pressure would be more compact than a pulverized coal fired boiler. The smaller boiler size could permit the utility industry to adopt efficient modular construction methods now widely used in other industries.
A commercial turbocharger of the capacity needed to run a 250 MWe power plant doe not exist; commercial gas turbines of the correct capacity exist, but they are not matched to this cycle’s gas temperature of less than 538°C (1000°F). In order to avoid impeding the development of the technology, it will probably be desirable to use existing machines to the maximum extent possible. This paper explores the advantages and disadvantages of applying either standard gas turbines or modified standard gas turbines to the turbocharged boiler.
Ten Years of Gas Turbine Propulsion in Ships of the Royal Netherlands Navy
Authors: de Kanter J. C. F. , Lutje-Schipholt R. M. , Crommelin G. A. K. 
Published: April 2015

The paper highlights design intentions and actual achievements. Hidden bonuses as well as set backs are looked at from technical, operational and budgetarial angles.
As the RN1N is actually in the process of designing and building a so called M-frigate of 3000+ tonnes, a true frigate of the nineties, views of both past and future are presented to the gas turbine world.
Marinised gas turbines have matured considerably in the recent past, but of even greater importance is the fact that naval personnel have matured towards handling gas turbines.
The next decade will therefore see gas turbines in ships, not as some strange high performance “black boxes”, but as the relatively simple, high performance hardware side of the man-machine-symbiosis.
The unique and highly valued qualities of “marinised” aircraft engines will continue to be recognised. But since ships must have a high degree of sustainability during long months of arduous duty, ships carry engineers and self maintenance will play an ever increasing role.
IEA Grimethorpe 2 × 2M PFBC Facility: Turbine Materials Testing in a Cascade Loop
Authors: Minchener A. J. , Mainhardt P. J. , Mountford R. A. , Erbe G. , Anderson J. S. , McCarron R. L. 
Published: April 2015

The Grimethorpe pressurised fluidised bed combustor (PFBC) facility of the International Energy Agency is equipped with an off-gas loop in which gas turbine blades are being exposed to assess the potential for erosion, corrosion, or deposition in a PFBC gas turbine.
The flue gas from the PFBC is passed through four stages of cyclones before entering the cascade test section. Depending on operating conditions, the loop passes between 5.0 and 6.4 kg/sec of gas, which allows aerofoils of about the same size as the General Electric MS 1002 turbine blading to be tested.
The cascade contains four stages of nine blades each, as well as three erosion targets. The first three stages are impulse blades and experience a gas velocity in the range 200 to 230 m/sec, while the fourth stage of reaction aerofoils accelerates the gas to between 300 and 400 m/sec before it passes over the erosion targets. Both uncooled (700–850°C) and cooled (500–650°C) blades are used.
Results from initial running of the cascade loop have indicated a dust loading to the cascade of the order of 100 ppm, with median particle sizes in the range of 1 to 2 microns, and an average alkali level (K plus Na) of 1.1 ppm. The blades exhibited the aerodynamically-expected pattern of behaviour, and the results are generally considered encouraging. The continuing overall test programme design is discussed.
Initial Development of the AGT 100 Advanced Gas Turbine
Authors: Johnson Richard A. 
Published: April 2015

The first year of development of an advanced unique gas turbine engine has been completed. Mechanical shakedown, through 100% speed, was accomplished with minimum failure damage to hardware. Design changes corrected problems encountered. Significant numbers of ceramic components were engine tested. The value of a flexible electronic control system, a parallel regenerator rig program, and ceramic component proof testing has been demonstrated.
Critical test measurements, available computer models, and the totality of the engine environment were shown to be vital ingredients of the development process.