bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Flow characterization in the near‐wake region of a horizontal axis wind turbine
Authors: Hashemi Tari Pooyan , Siddiqui Kamran , Hangan Horia 
Published: September 2015

AbstractAn experimental study is conducted to investigate the flow dynamics within the near‐wake region of a horizontal axis wind turbine using particle image velocimetry (PIV). Measurements were performed in the horizontal plane in a row of four radially distributed measurement windows (tiles), which are then patched together to obtain larger measurement field. The mean and turbulent components of the flow field were measured at various blade phase angles. The mean velocity and turbulence characteristics show high dependency on the blade phase angle in the near‐wake region closer to the blade tip and become phase independent further downstream at a distance of about one rotor diameter. In the near‐wake region, both the mean and turbulent characteristics show a systemic variation with the phase angle in the blade tip region, where the highest levels of turbulence are observed. The streamlines of the instantaneous velocity field at a given phase allowed to track a tip vortex which showed wandering trend. The tip vortices are mostly formed at r/R > 1, which indicates the wake expansion. Results also show the gradual movement of the vortex region in the axial direction, which can be attributed to the dynamics of the helical tip vortices which after being generated from the tip, rotate with respect to the blade and move in the axial direction because of the axial momentum of the flow. The axial velocity deficit was compared with other laboratory and field measurements. The comparison shows qualitative similarity. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
On‐site inspection of potential defects in wind turbine rotor blades with thermography
Authors: Doroshtnasir Manoucher , Worzewski Tamara , Krankenhagen Rainer , Röllig Mathias 
Published: September 2015

AbstractRecurrent non‐destructive testing inspections are necessary to prevent damages in wind turbine rotor blades, but so far, there is no established method that detects defects in blades from greater distances – although this becomes increasingly important in the context of hardly accessible offshore wind parks.Thermography is a promising method for detecting subsurface defects, but various challenges arise when this method is applied on‐site to turbine blades in operation. Disturbing influences from the environment easily lead to a misinterpretation of thermograms (i.e. thermographic images), such as thermal signatures caused by reflections, dirt and other superficial inhomogeneities. This study explores several problems and effects that arise, when (rotating) blades are monitored with thermography.It will then be demonstrated that a meaningful defect inspection in this scenario is essentially restricted to a procedure following three steps: Firstly, calculating the so‐called difference thermograms of all blade pairs for eliminating disturbing reflections. Secondly, identifying potentially relevant signals, which are associated neither with structural features nor with dynamical effects, and the identification of these signals' allocations (through comparison of all difference thermograms with each other). And thirdly, comparing these signals with (processed) photos for excluding incorrect indications by surface effects. Unlike common thermographic analysis methods, which typically only include an aspect of this procedure, the composition presented in this contribution constitutes an advanced technique for minimizing disturbing influences in thermograms. The proposed thermographic technique enables the detection of potential subsurface defects within rotating rotor blades from greater distances – such as from the ground, air crafts or vessels. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Roles of microRNAs and long‐noncoding RNAs in human immunodeficiency virus replication
Authors: Rice Andrew P. 
Published: September 2015

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) and long‐noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are involved in many biological processes, including viral replication. In this review, the role of miRNAs and lncRNAs in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) replication will be discussed. The review focuses on miRNAs that target cellular proteins involved in HIV replication—proteins that mediate steps in the viral life cycle, as well as proteins of the innate immune system that inhibit HIV replication. Given the large number of miRNAs encoded in the human genome, as well as the large number of cellular proteins involved in HIV replication, the number of miRNAs identified to date that affect viral replication are certainly only the ‘tip of the iceberg’. The review also discusses two lncRNAs that are involved in HIV gene regulation—7SK RNA and NEAT1 RNA. 7SK RNA is involved in HIV Tat protein stimulation of RNA polymerase II elongation of the integrated provirus, while NEAT1 RNA is involved in HIV Rev protein export of incompletely spliced viral transcripts. WIREs RNA 2015, 6:661–670. doi: 10.1002/wrna.1308This article is categorized under:

RNA Interactions with Proteins and Other Molecules > RNA–Protein Complexes
RNA Export and Localization > Nuclear Export/Import
Regulatory RNAs/RNAi/Riboswitches > Regulatory RNAs
RNA in Disease and Development > RNA in Disease
Forms of n‐3 (ALA, C18:3n‐3 or DHA, C22:6n‐3) Fatty Acids Affect Carcass Yield, Blood Lipids, Muscle n‐3 Fatty Acids and Liver Gene Expression in Lambs
Authors: Ponnampalam Eric N. , Lewandowski Paul A. , Fahri Fahri T. , Burnett Viv F. , Dunshea Frank R. , Plozza Tim , Jacobs Joe L. 
Published: September 2015

AbstractThe effects of supplementing diets with n‐3 alpha‐linolenic acid (ALA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) on plasma metabolites, carcass yield, muscle n‐3 fatty acids and liver messenger RNA (mRNA) in lambs were investigated. Lambs (n = 120) were stratified to 12 groups based on body weight (35 ± 3.1 kg), and within groups randomly allocated to four dietary treatments: basal diet (BAS), BAS with 10.7 % flaxseed supplement (Flax), BAS with 1.8 % algae supplement (DHA), BAS with Flax and DHA (FlaxDHA). Lambs were fed for 56 days. Blood samples were collected on day 0 and day 56, and plasma analysed for insulin and lipids. Lambs were slaughtered, and carcass traits measured. At 30 min and 24 h, liver and muscle samples, respectively, were collected for determination of mRNA (FADS1, FADS2, CPT1A, ACOX1) and fatty acid composition. Lambs fed Flax had higher plasma triacylglycerol, body weight, body fat and carcass yield compared with the BAS group (P < 0.001). DHA supplementation increased carcass yield and muscle DHA while lowering plasma insulin compared with the BAS diet (P < 0.01). Flax treatment increased (P < 0.001) muscle ALA concentration, while DHA treatment increased (P < 0.001) muscle DHA concentration. Liver mRNA FADS2 was higher and CPT1A lower in the DHA group (P < 0.05). The FlaxDHA diet had additive effects, including higher FADS1 and ACOX1 mRNA than for the Flax or DHA diet. In summary, supplementation with ALA or DHA modulated plasma metabolites, muscle DHA, body fat and liver gene expression differently.
Socio‐structural and behavioral risk factors associated with trafficked history of female bar/spa entertainers in the sex trade in the Philippines
Authors: Urada Lianne A. , Halterman Sonja , Raj Anita , Tsuyuki Kiyomi , Pimentel‐Simbulan Nymia , Silverman Jay G. 
Published: September 2015

AbstractObjectiveTo explore factors associated with trafficking (deceptive/coercive entry to sex trade) among female bar/spa entertainers who traded sex in the Philippines.MethodFemale bar/spa entertainers who traded sex in the past 6 months were recruited from 25 bar/spa venues in Metro Manila (April 2009–January 2010) and assessed via cross‐sectional survey data collection for HIV‐risk‐related socio‐structural factors associated with deceptive/coercive entry into the sex trade. The study employed hierarchical linear modeling.ResultsOf 166 bar/spa entertainers assessed, 19 (11.4%) reported being deceived/coerced (i.e. trafficked) into their first jobs. Trafficking history was independently associated with current drug use (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 2.05; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.00–3.97) decreased availability of condoms at venues for entertainers (AOR 0.18; 95% CI 0.05–0.71) and, conversely, increased peer support for practicing safer sex behaviors (AOR 3.08; 95% CI 1.63–5.09). Those deceived/coerced into their positions were more likely than non‐trafficked women to have been recruited by an agency who came to their rural province (AOR 12.07; 95% CI 1.77–82.25) as opposed to getting the job from advertisement (AOR 0.10; 95% CI 0.02–0.65) or a friend/acquaintance (AOR 0.02; 95% CI 0.00–0.48).ConclusionThe findings have implications for designing interventions to prevent and target trafficked women in the Philippines who may be more vulnerable to substance use and, potentially, HIV infection.
Experimental Evidence for the Existence of an External World
Authors: SCHWITZGEBEL ERIC , MOORE ALAN T. 
Published: September 2015

ABSTRACT:In this essay I attempt to refute radical solipsism by means of a series of empirical experiments. In the first experiment, I exhibit unreliable judgment about the primeness or divisibility of four-digit numbers, in contrast to a seeming Excel program. In the second experiment, I exhibit an imperfect memory for seemingly arbitrary three-digit number and letter combinations, in contrast to my seeming collaborator with seemingly hidden notes. In the third experiment, I seem to suffer repeated defeats at chess. In all three experiments, the most straightforward interpretation of the experiential evidence is that something exists in the universe that is superior in the relevant respects—theoretical reasoning (about primes), memorial retention (for digits and letters), or practical reasoning (at chess)—to my own solipsistically conceived self.
How A-theoretic Deprivationists Should Respond to Lucretius
Authors: DENG NATALJA 
Published: September 2015

ABSTRACT:What, if anything, makes death bad for the deceased themselves? Deprivationists hold that death is bad for the deceased iff it deprives them of intrinsic goods they would have enjoyed had they lived longer. This view faces the problem that birth too seems to deprive one of goods one would have enjoyed had one been born earlier, so that it too should be bad for one. There are two main approaches to the problem. In this paper, I explore the second approach, by Anthony Brueckner and John Martin Fischer, and suggest that it can be developed so as to meet deprivationists’ needs. On the resulting view, metaphysical differences between the future and the past give rise to a corresponding axiological difference in the intrinsic value of future and past experiences. As experiences move into the past, they lose their intrinsic value for the person.
Fugitive Pleasure and the Meaningful Life: Nietzsche on Nihilism and Higher Values
Authors: KATSAFANAS PAUL 
Published: September 2015

ABSTRACT:Nietzsche's discussions of nihilism are meant to bring into view an intriguing pathology of modern culture: that it is unable to sustain ‘higher values’. This paper attempts to make sense of the nature and import of higher values. Higher values are a subset of final values and are distinct from foundational values. Higher values are characterized by six features: demandingness, susceptibility toward creating tragic conflicts, recruitment of a characteristic set of powerful emotions, perceived import, exclusionary nature, and their tendency to instantiate a community. The paper considers Nietzsche's arguments for the claim that we are committed to instituting some set of higher values. The cost of not doing so is vitiating our deepest aim and precluding a central form of happiness.
Estimating Post-Emergency Fertility Among Disaster-Affected Adolescents: Findings From a Case-Control Study in Aceh Province, Indonesia
Authors: Kinoshita Mari , Suhardan Suhardan , Danila Danila Damsyik , Chiang Chifa , Aoyama Atsuko 
Published: September 2015

AbstractObjectiveWe aimed to retrospectively estimate adolescent fertility rates before and after a large-scale natural disaster.MethodsA case-control study was conducted in Aceh Province, Indonesia, 2 years after the Indian Ocean tsunami in 2004. The age-specific fertility rates of 15–19-year-old-women (ASFR 15–19) was estimated each year from 2004 to 2006 by creating hypothetical age cohorts. The results were compared with data from the closest edition of the Indonesian Demographic Health Survey (IDHS).ResultsThe pre-disaster ASFR 15–19 (4.4% in 2004) was not significantly different from the 2002–2003 IDHS data (P=0.49), whereas the post-disaster ASFR 15–19 (1.1% in 2005–2006) was significantly lower than the provincial estimation in the 2007 IDHS (P<0.01). ASFR 15–19 was reduced by 76% in the post-disaster period compared with the pre-disaster period (rate ratio: 0.24, P=0.02).ConclusionsThe creation of hypothetical age cohorts enabled valid and useful estimation of the ASFR in disaster-affected areas where reliable vital statistics are not available. For pre-disaster fertility estimation, however, we suggest excluding data from the 40-week period preceding the disaster, because the data may be biased by excess mortality in childbearing mothers and newborn babies in the disaster. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2016;10:80–86)
The epigraphy of Sidi Khrebish, Benghazi (Berenice): an update
Authors: Reynolds Joyce , Kenrick Philip 
Published: September 2015

AbstractThe excavations at Sidi Khrebish, Benghazi, within the Hellenistic and Roman city of Berenice, yielded a considerable variety of inscriptions on portable objects in addition to monumental epigraphy. An account of the latter was published in the first volume of the final reports in 1977, together with a very short and preliminary list of the former. Following the detailed studies of various classes of material, it seemed opportune to bring together an updated account of the inscriptions on ‘minor objects’, which range from missiles to transport amphorae, table wares, kitchen wares, and lamps.
Contribution of dietary advanced glycation end products (AGE) to circulating AGE: role of dietary fat
Authors: Davis Kathleen E. , Prasad Chandan , Vijayagopal Parakat , Juma Shanil , Adams-Huet Beverley , Imrhan Victorine 
Published: September 2015

AbstractThe purpose of this pilot study was to determine whether macronutrient content (low-fat v. high-fat diet) influences an indicator of advanced glycation end products (AGE), Nε carboxymethyl-lysine (CML), in the context of a 1-d, high-AGE diet. The effect of the diets on inflammatory markers was also assessed. A total of nineteen overweight and obese adults (nine men and ten women) without known disease were recruited to participate in a crossover challenge of a high-fat, high-AGE (HFHA) and low-fat, high-AGE (LFHA) diet. In each phase patients had fasting blood drawn, followed by consumption of a high-fat or low-fat breakfast test meal, then three postprandial blood draws at 1, 2 and 3 h after consuming the test meal. After consuming high-AGE meals for the remainder of the day, participants returned the next day for a follow-up analysis. A different pattern in the 3-h post-meal CML and soluble receptor for AGE response to the two diets was observed (P=0·01 and 0·05, respectively). No change in serum CML was observed following consumption of a LFHA breakfast (535 (25th–75th percentile 451–790) to 495 (25th–75th percentile 391–682) ng/ml; P=0·36), whereas a rise in CML occurred after the HFHA breakfast (463 (25th–75th percentile 428–664) to 578 (25th–75th percentile 474–865) ng/ml; P=0·05). High sensitivity C-reactive protein and high molecular weight adiponectin were not affected by either diet. These findings suggest that dietary CML may not be as important in influencing serum CML as other dietary factors. In addition, acute exposure to dietary CML may not influence inflammation in adults without diabetes or kidney disease. This is contrary to previous findings.
Ten years’ experience with Felix tympanoplasty: analysis of anatomical and functional results
Authors: Castelli M L , Vitiello R , Ponzo S , Evangelista A 
Published: September 2015

AbstractObjective:This paper presents our 10 years’ experience with Felix tympanoplasty. This surgical procedure is designed to repair large perforations of unhealthy tympanic membranes, providing good graft stability without blunting of the anterior tympanomeatal angle.Methods:From January 2001 to December 2011, 64 Felix tympanoplasties were performed, conducted as the only surgical procedure. This paper describes the surgical technique and analyses the functional results.Results:Graft take was achieved in 61 ears (95.31 per cent). There was air–bone gap improvement in 84.6 per cent of cases.Conclusion:Felix tympanoplasty was effective in repairing unhealthy tympanic membranes with large perforations; the avoidance of blunting at the anterior tympanomeatal angle achieved good functional results.
Diagnostic value of the wideband acoustic absorbance test in middle-ear effusion
Authors: Terzi S , Özgür A , Erdivanli Ö Ç , Coşkun Z Ö , Ogurlu M , Demirci M , Dursun E 
Published: September 2015

AbstractObjectives:This study aimed to investigate the diagnostic value of wideband acoustic absorbance testing in otitis media with effusion.Methods:This prospective study compared middle-ear wideband acoustic absorbance rates in three paediatric patient groups: a healthy group of 34 volunteers; 48 patients diagnosed with otitis media with effusion; and 28 patients with chronic effusion but no sign of effusion during myringotomy. The diagnostic value of absorbance testing was analysed with the receiver operating characteristic test.Results:The wideband acoustic absorbance rate was significantly lower in the otitis media with effusion group than in both the otitis media and healthy groups at the 0.375–2 kHz averaged mean absorbance (p < 0.017 and p < 0.001, respectively). Receiver operating characteristic analysis showed the highest diagnostic value for the 0.375–2 kHz averaged mean (area under the curve 0.984), followed by those at 1 and 1.5 kHz (area under the curve: 0.973 and 0.967, respectively).Conclusion:The wideband acoustic absorbance test is more accurate for detecting middle-ear effusion compared with conventional 226-Hz tympanometry. Its practicality and objectivity suggest that the wideband acoustic absorbance test may be a better alternative for diagnosing otitis media with effusion.
Prevalence of allergic rhinitis among elementary and middle school students in Changsha city and its impact on quality of life
Authors: Song Y , Wang M , Xie J , Li W , Zhang X , Wang T , Tan G 
Published: September 2015

AbstractObjectives:To investigate the prevalence of allergic rhinitis among elementary and middle school students and examine its impact on their quality of life.Methods:Stratified sampling and cluster sampling surveys were performed among 10–17-year-old students in Changsha city from June 2011 to April 2012.Results:In the stratified sampling survey, the self-reported allergic rhinitis rate was 42.5 per cent. Further examination demonstrated that the average prevalence of allergic rhinitis was 19.4 per cent. The cluster sampling survey demonstrated that 214 of 814 students appeared to be atopic (26.3 per cent). The prevalence of allergic rhinitis and asthma was 17.2 and 2.1 per cent, respectively. In total, 71 atopic individuals (8.7 per cent) were without any symptoms of allergic disease. Further analysis showed that allergic rhinitis influenced the students' sleep, emotions and memory (p < 0.001).Conclusion:The prevalence of allergic rhinitis was 15.8 –19.4 per cent, showing an increase with age. Allergic rhinitis affected students' sleep, emotions and memory.
Executive Dysfunction 25 Years after Treatment with Cranial Radiotherapy for Pediatric Lymphoid Malignancies
Authors: Schuitema Ilse , de Sonneville Leo , Kaspers Gertjan , van der Pal Helena , Uyttebroeck Anne , van den Bos Cor , Veerman Anjo 
Published: September 2015

AbstractThe first cohorts to survive childhood lymphoid malignancies treated with cranial irradiation are now aging into adulthood, and concerns are growing about the development of radiotherapy-induced cognitive deficits in the aging brain. These deficits are hypothesized to increase over time. Their impact on daily functioning of older survivors, and the accompanying need for interventions, should be anticipated. By describing a detailed profile of executive function deficits and their associations with age, specific targets for neuropsychological intervention can be identified. Fifty survivors of childhood lymphoid malignancies and 58 related controls were assessed with the Amsterdam Neuropsychological Tasks program. The survivors were on average 31.1 (4.9) years old, treated with 22.5 (6.8) Gy cranial irradiation, and examined on average 25.5 (3.1) years after diagnosis. The survivors showed significantly decreased response speed, irrespective of the task at hand. Furthermore, we found deficits in working memory capacity, inhibition, cognitive flexibility, executive visuomotor control, attentional fluctuations, and sustained attention. Older age was associated with poorer performance on executive visuomotor control and inhibition. On executive visuomotor control, 50% of female survivors performed more than 1.5 SD below average, versus 15.4% of male survivors. The combination of visuospatial working memory problems and decreasing executive visuomotor control could result in difficulty with learning new motor skills at older ages, like walking with a cane. Deterioration of executive control and inhibition may result in decreased behavioral and emotional regulation in aging survivors. Especially the deficiency in executive visuomotor control in female survivors should be considered for (prophylactic) intervention. (JINS, 2015, 21, 657–669)
Affordability of public pension benefit: a historical and empirical analysis of US state and local government pension contributions
Authors: PENG JUN , WANG QIUSHI 
Published: September 2015

AbstractAs a result of the two severe stock market declines since 2000, there has been a steady debate about the affordability of state and local public pension benefits. We measured the affordability of pension benefits in terms of governments’ ability to make the required contributions based on existing tax and revenue bases. We conducted a historical analysis of government pension contributions at national and state level over a 20-year period 1992–2011 and found that the real pension burdens have increased over this period. We also found substantial variation in pension burdens among the 50 states. The results of our empirical analysis showed that employee contribution share, investment return, size of the public workforce, and pension benefit level had significant effects on pension burdens. Based on these findings, we proposed several strategies for reducing pension burdens, including increasing employee pension contribution, reducing size of workforce, and improving pension investment performance.