bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
European recommendations for management of immune checkpoint inhibitors‐derived dermatologic adverse events. The EADV task force ‘Dermatology for cancer patients’ position statement
Authors: Apalla Z. , Nikolaou V. , Fattore D. , Fabbrocini G. , Freites‐Martinez A. , Sollena P. , Lacouture M. , Kraehenbuehl L. , Stratigos A. , Peris K. , Lazaridou E. , Richert B. , Vigarios E. , Riganti J. , Baroudjian B. , Filoni A. , Dodiuk‐Gad R. , Lebbé C. , Sibaud V.
Published: December 2021

The introduction of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) opened a new era in oncologic therapy. The favourable profile of ICIs in terms of efficacy and safety can be overshadowed by the development of immune‐related adverse events (irAEs). Dermatologic irAEs (dirAEs) appear in about 40% of patients undergoing immunotherapy and mainly include maculopapular, psoriasiform, lichenoid and eczematous rashes, auto‐immune bullous disorders, pigmentary disorders, pruritus, oral mucosal lesions, hair and nail changes, as well as a few rare and potentially life‐threatening toxicities. The EADV task force Dermatology for Cancer Patients merged the clinical experience of the so‐far published data, incorporated the quantitative and qualitative characteristics of each specific dirAEs, and released dermatology‐derived, phenotype‐specific treatment recommendations for cutaneous toxicities (including levels of evidence and grades of recommendation). The basic principle of management is that the interventions should be tailored to serve the equilibrium between patients’ relief from the symptoms and signs of skin toxicity and the preservation of an unimpeded oncologic treatment.
Worst itch numerical rating scale for prurigo nodularis: a psychometric evaluation
Authors: Ständer S. , Zeidler C. , Pereira M. , Szepietowski J.C. , McLeod L. , Qin S. , Williams N. , Sciascia T. , Augustin M.
Published: December 2021

Background

Study TR03 evaluated the safety and efficacy of nalbuphine ER for prurigo nodularis (PN; NCT02174419).

Objective

We conducted supplementary analyses to assess the psychometric properties of the Worst Itch Numeric Rating Scale (WI‐NRS), the TR03 primary endpoint.

Methods

Study TR03 was a double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, phase 2 trial in PN patients with documented scores ≥5 on the WI‐NRS (0 [no itch]–10 [worst itch imaginable]) on ≥5 of 7 days before baseline. Using TR03 data, the WI‐NRS's psychometric properties, including reliability, validity and ability to detect change, were evaluated. A responder threshold was estimated to facilitate interpretation of WI‐NRS score changes.

Results

Amongst 62 treated patients, improvements in mean [SD] (median) WI‐NRS scores were observed between baseline (8.2 [1.21] (8.1)) and week 10 (5.8 [2.43] (6.0)). The WI‐NRS had an intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.96 (95% confidence interval, 0.93–0.98) in 42 patients who had stable Itch verbal rating scale (VRS) scores from week 9–10, supporting strong test–retest reliability. Construct validity was supported, with strong correlations at week 10 with Average Itch NRS (r = 0.87) and Itch VRS single‐day/weekly mean scores (r = 0.81/0.89) and moderate correlations with ItchyQoL™ total/domain scores (r = 0.41–0.43). The WI‐NRS discriminated between predefined severity subgroups based on the Itch VRS and detected changes in itching severity (effect‐size estimate: −2.05; standardized response mean: −1.21). An anchor‐based threshold based on a two‐category improvement in the single‐day Itch VRS suggests a responder threshold of ≥3.8 points (~40% improvement).

Conclusions

The WI‐NRS demonstrates good measurement properties, supporting its use in evaluating treatment change in PN.
Detection of early bruises on apples using hyperspectral imaging combining with YOLOv3 deep learning algorithm
Authors: Pang Qi , Huang Wenqian , Fan Shuxiang , Zhou Quan , Wang Zheli , Tian Xi
Published: December 2021

The bruise on apples is a common damage mainly caused during the picking and transportation stages, but its detection robustness has not been satisfactory using the traditional machine learning method, and the precision of bruise detection with short formation time and light degree of bruise is low, and it is easily affected by the variable and complex environment, especially the bright spots. In this paper, a long‐wave near infrared (LW‐NIR 930–2,548 nm) hyperspectral imaging system for acquiring reflectance images of bruised apples were developed in this study. Then the regions of interest (ROIs) of sound and bruised tissues were analyzed and three specific spectral regions were determined. The segmented principal component analysis was performed to select characteristic wavelengths from the three regions. In order to verify the superiority over original hyperspectral data onto deep learning algorithms, the gray‐scale images of characteristic wavelengths (dataset I) and their PC images (dataset II) were input into YOLOv3 network to develop a bruise detection model, respectively. The results showed that all 110 bruise spots of testing set were identified correctly with the YOLOv3 model of dataset I and achieved a F1‐sore of 100% and FPS of 68, while the YOLOv3 model of dataset II and traditional detection method could not eliminate the interference of bright spots and misidentified them as bruises. In short, the YOLOv3 model based on the selected characteristic wavelengths has an excellent potential for on‐line detection of apple bruises.

Practical Applications

Detection of apple bruises is essential to ensure the fruit quality of the same batch and the income of the farmers. In the past, most bruises were detected using traditional machine learning algorithms combined with hyperspectral imaging technology. This requires a series of cumbersome preprocessing and is susceptible to uneven brightness distribution of reflected image. Compared with the traditional method, our proposed detection model using hyperspectral imaging combining with YOLOv3 deep learning algorithm could obtain better detection accuracy and robustness, and avoid the problem of false detection caused by the interference of bright spots. Simultaneously, the method based on neural network provides a new idea for future multispectral online detection technology.
Factors associated with healthcare utilization and trajectories in retirement village residents
Authors: Bloomfield Katherine , Wu Zhenqiang , Broad Joanna B. , Tatton Annie , Calvert Cheryl , Hikaka Joanna , Boyd Michal , Peri Kathy , Bramley Dale , Higgins Ann‐Marie , Connolly Martin J.
Published: December 2021

Background

To study healthcare utilization and trajectories, and associated factors, in older adults in retirement villages (RVs), also known as continuing care retirement communities.

Methods

Prospective cohort study of 578 cognitively intact residents from 34 RVs in Auckland, New Zealand (NZ). Measurement: InterRAI‐Community Health Assessment (includes core items that may trigger functional supplement (FS) completion in those with higher needs, and generates clinical assessment protocols (CAPs) in those with potential unmet needs). Outcomes: time to acute hospitalization, long‐term care (LTC), and death during average 2.5 years follow‐up.

Results

Three hundred seven (53%) residents had acute hospitalizations, 65 (11%) moved to LTC, and 51 (9%) died over a mean of 2.5 years. Factors associated with increased risk of acute hospitalization included CAP‐falls (high risk) triggered, number of comorbidities, not having left RV in 2 weeks prior, moderate/severe hearing impairment, CAP‐cardiorespiratory conditions triggered, acute hospitalization in year prior and age, with significant hazard ratios (HR) ranging between 1.03 and 2.90. Factors associated with reduced risk of hospitalization included other (non‐NZ) European ethnicity (HR 0.73, 95% CI 0.55–0.98, p = 0.04), presence of on‐site clinic (HR 0.62, 95% CI 0.45–0.85, p = 0.003), no influenza vaccination (HR 0.56, 95% CI 0.38–0.83, p = 0.004). Factors associated with LTC transition included FS triggered (HR 3.84, 95% CI 1.92–7.66, p < 0.001), CAP‐instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) (HR 2.62, 95% CI 1.22–5.62, p = 0.01), CAP‐social relationship triggered (HR 2.00, 95% CI 1.13–3.55, p = 0.02), and age (HR 1.13, 95% CI 1.07–1.18 p < 0.001). Factors associated with mortality included number of comorbidities (HR 3.75, 95% CI 1.54–9.10, p = 0.004 for 3–5 comorbidities), CAP‐IADL triggered (HR 3.05, 95% CI 1.30–7.16, p = 0.01), and age (HR 1.11, 95% CI 1.05–1.18, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

A large proportion of cognitively intact RV residents are admitted to hospital in mean 2.5 years of follow‐up. Multiple factors were associated with acute hospitalization risk. On‐site clinics were associated with reduced risk and should be considered in RV development.
Care Coordination for Children with Special Health Care Needs: A Scoping Review to Inform Strategies for Students with Traumatic Brain Injuries
Authors: Davies Susan C. , Lundine Jennifer P. , Justice Ann F.
Published: December 2021

BACKGROUND

Chronic and complex medical issues, including traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), have significant educational implications. The purpose of this study was to identify and summarize the literature on care coordination strategies among health care professionals, educators, and caregivers for children with special health care needs (CSHCN). Clarifying factors that influence care coordination for CSHCN can inform future studies on care coordination for students with TBI. Improved understanding of these factors may lead to better communication, reduction of unmet needs, more efficient service access, and improved long‐term outcomes for children.

METHODS

A scoping review was conducted, guided by PRISMA‐ScR methodology. Five databases (CINAHL, PSYCINFO, EMBASE, ERIC, PubMed) were searched to identify relevant studies that focused on care coordination and educational settings.

RESULTS

Twelve articles met inclusion criteria. Care coordination interventions for CSHCN used in educational settings focused on relationship‐building strategies, clear procedures and roles, and education of members of the school community.

CONCLUSIONS

Findings highlight strategies to coordinate care for CSHCN and factors that may moderate effects of these interventions. Key stakeholders should now study these strategies specifically in children with TBI.
Optimal redistributive policies by publicly provided inputs and income taxation
Authors: Bassetti Thomas , Greco Luciano
Published: December 2021

Governments redistribute income through taxes, transfers, and public services. Using three key statistics, we characterize the conditions under which nonlinear income taxation is optimally combined with a publicly provided input in economies where individual wages are driven by households' exogenous abilities and unobservable input investments. A universal scheme in which all households opt for a large and uniform level of publicly provided input optimally compounds with nonlinear income taxation if input and ability are substitutes in households' earnings. Calibrating our model with US data, we find that this scheme represents the optimal policy regime for a wide spectrum of plausible parameter values.
Abnormal hsa_circ_0003948 expression affects chronic periodontitis development by regulating miR‐144‐3p/NR2F2/PTEN signaling
Authors: Li Wei , Zhang Zhi , Li Yizi , Wang Zuomin
Published: December 2021

Background and Objective

This study aimed to investigate the correlation between chronic periodontitis (CP) and abnormal circular RNA (circRNA) expression and to identify the role of hsa_circ_0003948 in the progression of CP.

Methods

Next‐generation sequencing was utilized to investigate abnormal expression of circRNA in gingival tissues from CP patients and healthy control subjects. Bioinformatics and luciferase reporting analyses were used to clarify the interactive relationship among circRNA, miRNA, and mRNA. Periodontal ligament cells (PDLCs) were employed to analyze proliferation and apoptosis after lipopolysaccharide (LPS) treatment using the cell counting kit 8 (CCK8) assay and flow cytometry detection.

Results

High‐throughput sequencing and RT‐qPCR analyses confirmed that hsa_circ_0003948 expression decreased dramatically in gingival samples of CP patients. Overexpression of hsa_circ_0003948 alleviated LPS‐induced PDLC injury by regulating NR2F2/PTEN signaling. The miR‐144‐3p and NR2F2 were determined to be hsa_circ_0003948 downstream targets. NR2F2 downregulation or miR‐144‐3p overexpression reversed the protective effect of hsa_circ_0003948 in PDLCs after treatment with LPS. Upregulation of NR2F2 reversed the inhibitory effect of miR‐144‐3p on surviving PDLCs after LPS treatment.

Conclusion

Overexpression of hsa_circ_0003948 exerts a protective effect in CP via miR‐144‐3p/NR2F2/PTEN signaling regulation.
Making America great (the first time): U.S. economic nationalism in historical perspective
Authors: Wraight Tom
Published: December 2021

Supporters of Donald Trump often frame his protectionist policies as part of a venerable economic nationalist tradition. This paper examines the process which allowed this historical narrative to form. Examining the history of U.S. economic nationalism, it argues that during the nineteenth century, that tradition became increasingly defined by ‘tariff fixation’, an emphasis on high tariffs to the exclusion of other more effective means for supporting national development. This led the reduction of high tariffs after the 1930s to be viewed as a ‘great betrayal’ of the United States, a narrative that has been of great use to contemporary right‐wing populists.
A MADS‐box gene with similarity to FLC is induced by cold and correlated with epigenetic changes to control budbreak in kiwifruit
Authors: Voogd Charlotte , Brian Lara A. , Wu Rongmei , Wang Tianchi , Allan Andrew C. , Varkonyi‐Gasic Erika
Published: December 2021

Temperate perennials require exposure to chilling temperatures to resume growth in the following spring. Growth and dormancy cycles are controlled by complex genetic regulatory networks and are governed by epigenetic mechanisms, but the specific genes and mechanisms remain poorly understood.

To understand how seasonal changes and chilling regulate dormancy and growth in the woody perennial vine kiwifruit (Ac, Actinidia chinensis), a transcriptome study of kiwifruit buds in the field and controlled conditions was performed. A MADS‐box gene with homology to Arabidopsis FLOWERING LOCUS C (FLC) was identified and characterized.

Elevated expression of AcFLC‐like (AcFLCL) was detected during bud dormancy and chilling. A long noncoding (lnc) antisense transcript with an expression pattern opposite to AcFLCL and shorter sense noncoding RNAs were identified. Chilling induced an increase in trimethylation of lysine‐4 of histone H3 (H3K4me3) in the 5′ end of the gene, indicating multiple layers of epigenetic regulation in response to cold. Overexpression of AcFLCL in kiwifruit gave rise to plants with earlier budbreak, whilst gene editing using CRISPR‐Cas9 resulted in transgenic lines with substantially delayed budbreak, suggesting a role in activation of growth.

These results have implications for the future management and breeding of perennials for resilience to changing climate.
A reduction in metabolism explains the tradeoffs associated with the long‐term adaptation of phytoplankton to high CO2 concentrations
Authors: Jin Peng , Ji Yan , Huang Quanting , Li Peiyuan , Pan Jinmei , Lu Hua , Liang Zhe , Guo Yingyan , Zhong Jiahui , Beardall John , Xia Jianrong
Published: December 2021

Phytoplankton are responsible for nearly half of global primary productivity and play crucial roles in the Earth’s biogeochemical cycles. However, the long‐term adaptive responses of phytoplankton to rising CO2 remains unknown.

Here we examine the physiological and proteomics responses of a marine diatom, Phaeodactylum tricornutum, following long‐term (c. 900 generations) selection to high CO2 conditions.

Our results show that this diatom responds to long‐term high CO2 selection by downregulating proteins involved in energy production (Calvin cycle, tricarboxylic acid cycle, glycolysis, oxidative pentose phosphate pathway), with a subsequent decrease in photosynthesis and respiration. Nearly similar extents of downregulation of photosynthesis and respiration allow the high CO2‐adapted populations to allocate the same fraction of carbon to growth, thereby maintaining their fitness during the long‐term high CO2 selection.

These results indicate an important role of metabolism reduction under high CO2 and shed new light on the adaptive mechanisms of phytoplankton in response to climate change.
Selective Inference for Effect Modification Via the Lasso
Authors: Zhao Qingyuan , Small Dylan S. , Ertefaie Ashkan
Published: December 2021

Effect modification occurs when the effect of the treatment on an outcome varies according to the level of other covariates and often has important implications in decision-making. When there are tens or hundreds of covariates, it becomes necessary to use the observed data to select a simpler model for effect modification and then make valid statistical inference. We propose a two-stage procedure to solve this problem. First, we use Robinson's transformation to decouple the nuisance parameters from the treatment effect of interest and use machine learning algorithms to estimate the nuisance parameters. Next, after plugging in the estimates of the nuisance parameters, we use the lasso to choose a low-complexity model for effect modification. Compared to a full model consisting of all the covariates, the selected model is much more interpretable. Compared to the univariate subgroup analyses, the selected model greatly reduces the number of false discoveries. We show that the conditional selective inference for the selected model is asymptotically valid given the rate assumptions in classical semiparametric regression. Extensive simulation studies are conducted to verify the asymptotic results and an epidemiological application is used to demonstrate the method.
Overexpression of UDP‐sugar pyrophosphorylase leads to higher sensitivity towards galactose, providing new insights into the mechanisms of galactose toxicity in plants
Authors: Althammer Martina , Regl Christof , Herburger Klaus , Blöchl Constantin , Voglas Elena , Huber Christian G. , Tenhaken Raimund
Published: December 2021

Galactose toxicity (Gal‐Tox) is a widespread phenomenon ranging from Escherichia coli to mammals and plants. In plants, the predominant pathway for the conversion of galactose into UDP‐galactose (UDP‐Gal) and UDP‐glucose is catalyzed by the enzymes galactokinase, UDP‐sugar pyrophosphorylase (USP) and UDP‐galactose 4‐epimerase. Galactose is a major component of cell wall polymers, glycolipids and glycoproteins; therefore, it becomes surprising that exogenous addition of galactose leads to drastic root phenotypes including cessation of primary root growth and induction of lateral root formation. Currently, little is known about galactose‐mediated toxicity in plants. In this study, we investigated the role of galactose‐containing metabolites like galactose‐1‐phosphate (Gal‐1P) and UDP‐Gal in Gal‐Tox. Recently published data from mouse models suggest that a reduction of the Gal‐1P level via an mRNA‐based therapy helps to overcome Gal‐Tox. To test this hypothesis in plants, we created Arabidopsis thaliana lines overexpressing USP from Pisum sativum. USP enzyme assays confirmed a threefold higher enzyme activity in the overexpression lines leading to a significant reduction of the Gal‐1P level in roots. Interestingly, the overexpression lines are phenotypically more sensitive to the exogenous addition of galactose (0.5 mmol L−1 Gal). Nucleotide sugar analysis via high‐performance liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry revealed highly elevated UDP‐Gal levels in roots of seedlings grown on 1.5 mmol L−1 galactose versus 1.5 mmol L−1 sucrose. Analysis of plant cell wall glycans by comprehensive microarray polymer profiling showed a high abundance of antibody binding recognizing arabinogalactanproteins and extensins under Gal‐feeding conditions, indicating that glycoproteins are a major target for elevated UDP‐Gal levels in plants.
Effect of Process Parameters on Interfacial Temperature and Shear Strength of Ultrasonic Additive Manufacturing of Carbon Steel 4130
Authors: Han Tianyang , Headings Leon M. , Hahnlen Ryan , Dapino Marcelo J.
Published: December 2021

Ultrasonic additive manufacturing (UAM) is a solid state manufacturing process capable of producing near-net-shape metal parts. Recent studies have shown the promise of UAM welding of steels. However, the effect of weld parameters on the weld quality of UAM steel is unclear. A design of experiments study based on a Taguchi L16 design array was conducted to investigate the influence of parameters including baseplate temperature, amplitude, welding speed, and normal force on the interfacial temperature and shear strength of UAM welding of carbon steel 4130. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) and main effects analyses were performed to determine the effect of each parameter. A Pearson correlation test was conducted to find the relationship between interfacial temperature and shear strength. These analyses indicate that a maximum shear strength of 392.8 MPa can be achieved by using a baseplate temperature of 400°F (204.4°C), amplitude of 31.5 μm, welding speed of 40 in/min (16.93 mm/s), and normal force of 6000 N. The Pearson correlation coefficient is calculated as 0.227, which indicates no significant correlation between interfacial temperature and shear strength over the range tested.
Prediction of Surface Profile Evolution of Workpiece and Lapping Plate in Lapping Process
Authors: Geng Zhichao , Zhou Ping , Meng Lei , Yan Ying , Guo Dongming
Published: December 2021

Lapping has a history of hundreds of years, yet it still relies on the experience of workers. To improve the automaticity and controllability of the lapping process, a modeling method of friction and wear is developed to predict the surface profile evolution of the workpiece and lapping plate in the lapping process. In the proposed method, by solving the balance equations of resultant force and moment, the inclination angles of the workpiece can be calculated; thus, a more accurate contact pressure distribution of the workpiece/lapping plate interface can be calculated. Combined with the material removal rate model, the continuous evolution process of the workpiece and lapping plate can be predicted in the lapping process. The modeling method was validated by a lapping test of a flat optical glass workpiece (Φ 100 mm) with a composite copper plate. The results show that the proposed method can predict the evolution of the surface profile of the workpiece and lapping plate with high accuracy. Consequently, the lapping plate can be dressed at the right time point. Benefit from this, in the validation test the Peak to Valley (PV) value of the workpiece (with 5 mm edge exclusion) was reduced from 5.279 µm to 0.267 µm in 30 min. The proposed surface profile evolution modeling method not only improves the lapping efficiency but also provides an opportunity to understand the lapping process.
Design of a Tensegrity Servo-Actuated Structure for Civil Applications
Authors: Scoccia Cecilia , Carbonari Luca , Palmieri Giacomo , Callegari Massimo , Rossi Marco , Munafó Placido , Marchione Francesco , Chiappini Gianluca
Published: December 2021

The use of glass elements in civil engineering is spreading in the last years beyond merely esthetic functions for their ease of installation and production. Nonetheless, the structural performance of such materials in any condition of use is the object of investigation. In this scenario, the paper analyses the performance of an innovative concept of tensegrity floor (patent no. 0001426973) characterized by a particular steel–glass adhesive junction that permits a profitable structural cooperation between such basically different materials. As known, at the base of the effectiveness of tensegrity structures lies the correct tensioning of metal strands which are devoted at keeping the rigid elements compressed. The tensioning level is then responsible of the actual deformation of the structure, which is of course of uttermost importance while speaking of civil applications. To address this issue with the adequate level of confidence required by construction practice, a mechatronic servo-system is proposed, aimed at maintaining, and modifying when needed, the stress state of the metal cables to adjust the deformation of the upper plane in response to varying loads. Three different actuation schemes, with different levels of realization complexity, are analyzed and compared in simulated environment by means of a hybrid multibody-finite elements model.
Microstructural Evolution Of LPBF AlSiMg – Effect Of Water Quenching Vs Furnace Cooling Vs Direct Aging
Authors: Srinivasan Dheepa , Narayana Dayananda
Published: December 2021

The heat treatment response of AlSi10Mg via laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) has been studied via detailed microstructural characterization. The effect of solutioning (S) and water quenching (WQ) vs furnace cooling (FC), and direct aging (DA) vs solutioning and aging (SA), has been analysed, for microstructure and tensile properties. 11 heat treatments were carried out to map the partitioning of Si, starting with stress relieving at 200 °C vs 300 °C, followed by solution heat treatment at 430°C vs 530 °C, water quenching vs furnace cooling, aging at 160 °C vs direct aging at 160 °C, to establish the microstructure of LPBF AlSi10Mg alloys for potential applications. The microstructure at 430 °C and 530 °C shows Si precipitate fractions of 25% and 14%, respectively. Room temperature mechanical properties, revealed the 300 °C, 2 h stress relieved sample with the highest strength and ductility (YS of 230 MPa and 16%). At 430 °C, both water quenching and furnace cooling showed similar strengths and 16% elongation, while at 530 °C, there was a much lower elongation (8–9%) with the T6 (53 °C, WQ, SA) showing higher strength and elongation. This study brings out the importance of being able to choose the heat treatments suitable to AlSiMg part geometry, via LPBF additive manufacturing for various applications.
Effect of Airfoil Vortex Generator on the Performance and Stability of a Transonic Axial Compressor
Authors: Shivaramaiah Subbaramu , Varpe Mahesh K.
Published: December 2021

In the present research work, effect of airfoil vortex generator on performance and stability of transonic compressor stage is investigated through CFD simulations. In turbomachines vortex generators are used to energize boundary and generated vortex is made to interact with tip leakage flow and secondary flow vortices formed in rotor and stator blade passage. In the present numerical investigation symmetrical airfoil vortex generator is placed on rotor casing surface close to leading edge, anticipating that vortex generated will be able to disturb tip leakage flow and its interaction with rotor passage core flow. Six different vortex generator configuration are investigated by varying distance between vortex generator trailing edge and rotor leading edge. Particular vortex generator configuration shows maximum improvement of stall margin and operating range by 5.5% and 76.75% respectively. Presence of vortex generator alters flow blockage by modifying flow field in rotor tip region and hence contributes to enhancement of stall margin. As a negative effect, interaction of vortex generator vortices and casing causes surface friction and high entropy generation. As a result compressor stage pressure ratio and efficiency decreases.
Numerical Investigations on Effect of Inflow Parameters on Development of Secondary Flow Field for Linear LP Turbine Cascade
Authors: Darji Anand P. , Baloni Beena D. , Mistry Chetan S.
Published: December 2021

End wall flows contribute the most crucial role in loss generation for axial flow turbine and compressor blades. These losses lead to modify the blade loading and overall performance in terms of stable operating range. Present study aimed to determine the end wall flow streams in a low speed low pressure linear turbine cascade vane using numerical approach. The study includes two sections. The first section includes an attempt to understand different secondary flow streams available at end wall. Location of generation of horseshoe vortex streams and subsequent vortex patterns are identified in the section. The selection of suitable turbulence model among SST (Shear Stress Transport) k–ω and SST γ–θ to identify end wall flow streams is studied in prior in the section. The steady state numerical study is performed using Reynolds Averaged Navier-Stoke’s Equations closed by SST γ–θ turbulence model. The computational results are validated with experimental results available in the literature and are found to be in good agreement. The study is extended for different inflow conditions in later section. The second section includes effect of flow incidence and turbulence intensity on the end wall secondary flow field. Inflow incidences considered for the study are −20°, −10°, 0° (design incidence), +10° and +20°. The inlet turbulence intensities are varied by 1% and 10% for each case. The results revealed different secondary flow patterns at an end wall and found the change in behavior with an inflow conditions. SST γ–θ turbulence model with lower turbulence intensity is more suitable to identify such flow behavior.
Identification of the Mathematical Model of a Gas Turbine Engine Taking Into Account the Uncertainty of the Initial Data
Authors: Baturin Oleg , Popov Grigorii , Nicolalde Paúl , Korneeva Anastasia
Published: December 2021

The article describes the method developed by the authors and tested on the example of the AI-25 engine. The study was focused on determining the probability distribution of the output parameters of a gas turbine engine mathematical model. The distribution was obtained considering the uncertainty of the initial data. The paper describes the identified problems and possible ways to solve them. In particular, it was found that it is not possible to study the influence of more than 7..8 input parameters on the probability distribution of output parameters with the current level of development of computer technology even using simple mathematical models. For this reason, a method has been developed to obtain reliable results while reducing the number of considered input data based on sensitivity analysis.

The paper also proposed a way of comparing stochastic experimental and computational data with each other using a bivariate distribution. This method allows a precise characterisation of the calculation error using 4 numerical values. The experience obtained in the work has shown that taking into account the uncertainty of the initial data dramatically changes the process of interpreting the results.

It should be noted that the obtained results are universal and can be used with other mathematical models in various industries although they were developed on the example of the mathematical model of a gas turbine engine.
Influence of Coolant on Cooling Performance Sensitivity of Internally Convective Turbine Vane
Authors: Chotroongruang Thanapat , Prapamonthon Prasert , Thongdee Rungsimun , Thongmuenwaiyathon Thanapat , Sun Zhenxu , Yin Bo
Published: December 2021

Based on the Brayton cycle for gas-turbine engines, the high thermal efficiency and power output of a gas-turbine engine can be obtainable when the gas-turbine engine operates at high turbine inlet temperatures. However, turbine components e.g., inlet guide vane, rotor blade, and stator vane request high cooling performance. Typically, internal cooling and film cooling are two effective techniques that are widely used to protect high thermal loads for the turbine components in a state-of-the-art gas turbine. Consequently, the high thermal efficiency and power output can be obtained, and the turbine lifespan can be prolonged, also. On top of that, a comprehensive understanding of flow and heat transfer phenomena in the turbine components is very important. As a result, both experiments and simulations have been used to improve the cooling performance of the turbine components. In fact, the cooling air used in the internal cooling and film cooling is partially extracted from the compressor. Therefore, variations in the cooling air affect the cooling performance of the turbine components directly. This paper presents a numerical study on the influence of the cooling air on cooling-performance sensitivity of an internally convective turbine vane, MARK II using the computational fluid dynamics (CFD)/conjugate heat transfer (CHT) with the SST k-ω turbulence model. Result comparisons are conducted in terms of pressure, temperature, and cooling effectiveness under the effects of the inlet temperature, mass flow rate, turbulence intensity, and flow direction of the cooling air. The cooling-performance sensitivity to the coolant parameters is shown through variations of local cooling effectiveness, and area and volume-weighted average cooling effectiveness.
Stiffness Analysis of Delaminated Composite Beams Using Roller Clamps
Authors: Vivek P. G. , Saha Ankuran , Das Apurba , Inaba Kazuaki , Karmakar Amit
Published: December 2021

Composites are favored over other traditional materials in many aerospace applications because of their high stiffness and strength-to-weight ratio. Taylor made material properties can be achieved by scheming the structural parameters making the material light, high strength and durable. Present work deals with a novel approach to enhance the strength of a layered delaminated composite beam using roller clamps to improve stiffness by providing uniform transverse force. Composite beam stiffness significantly degrades due to adverse environmental condition, impact loading and delamination effect. Composite structures are prone to delamination during its life span. Therefore in depth knowledge is needed to find the effect of roller clamps on the dynamic behavior of beam with varying delamination sizes. Present approach will be useful to enhance the stiffness of composite structure with delamination. The free vibration of a clamped cantilever beam is investigated, and the results are compared to those of an unclamped and undelaminated beam. The findings are supported by experimentally obtained responses (modal analysis). Furthermore, the complex activity of the laminated structure is numerically computed and the obtained data is compared to those available in open literature to ensure correctness. The laminated composite beam’s static and free vibration responses are calculated using finite element simulation software (ANSYS).
3D CFD Approach to Predict the Performance of a Centrifugal Compressor With Surge and Choke Limits
Authors: Sriram Abishek , Schlautman Jeff , Varshney Mehul , Maiti Dipak , Pasunurthi Shyam Sundar , Ding Hui , Ranganathan Raj
Published: December 2021

Centrifugal compressor has widespread applications in areas such as aerospace, automotive, power and process industries and hence the prediction of its performance is crucial at the design stage. Traditional design, build and test are accelerated through numerical simulation as a virtual test bed for compressor development. In this work, a CFD methodology has been developed to predict the performance of a centrifugal compressor with its surge and choke limits. The transient, compressible flow in a moving domain with body-fitted unstructured mesh is solved in Simerics-MP. The distributed parallel solver of Simerics-MP enables to perform the complete performance map of a centrifugal compressor in a day.

The phenomena of surge and choke in a centrifugal compressor is of paramount importance as it determines the limiting points of operation for a particular speed of the compressor. Surge occurs at low flow rates, and it is characterized by instabilities causing undesirable noises that lead to drop in the operational efficiency. It can also result in wear and tear of the impeller blades. Whereas choke occurs at high flow rates with no further increase in pressure and it is accompanied by aberrant vibrations. The CFD simulation predicts the instabilities occurring at surge such as pressure oscillations and flow reversal accurately, which is used as a criterion for the prediction of surge point. The choke phenomenon is characterized by fluid attaining sonic velocity in the impeller or diffuser region of the compressor. The CFD predicted results showed a fair comparison with the experimental results of pressure ratio, power, and efficiency at different speeds.
A Nonlinear Dynamic Reduced-Order Model for a Large Gas Turbine Outer Casing Low Cycle Fatigue Prediction
Authors: Dubey Aditya , Relan Rishi , Lohse Uwe , Szwedowicz Jaroslaw
Published: December 2021

The secondary stresses that result from nonlinear and transient thermal gradients during the start-up and shut down of the large gas turbine engines drive low-cycle fatigue at specific locations of the outer casing. Typical service inspection of the outer casing is primarily based on finite element analysis estimates, considering various safety factors. However, as finite element analysis includes the worst possible combination of loading scenarios and operating conditions any engine may encounter in actual operation, this results in a conservative estimation of the service interval. Therefore, a generic preventive maintenance plan for the whole fleet often underutilises the casing capability and added cost. Hence, this paper proposes a data-driven nonlinear dynamic reduced-order model developed using the temperature data from low-cycle fatigue critical casing locations, ramp rates, and the percentage load of operation to predict the stresses. As a result, a reduced-order model can assess the damage for low-cycle fatigue critical locations in real-time using the operational data and propose an appropriate service intervention plan for each casing in a fleet.
Comparative Study of Barrier Coatings on Turbine Blade Cooling
Authors: Singh Kishan A. , Labana Zozimus D.
Published: December 2021

There is a continuous growth in various sectors of engineering and technology resulting in high demand for modern and innovative steps into providing solutions to overcome all barriers. With the increase in demand of modern age technology growing rapidly, the requirement of the advanced system has to keep up with this demand. The power required to drive such technology has one of its sources from the gas turbine propulsion system, which is capable to provide thrust and power to major components. In modern gas turbine applications, high power and thermal efficiency are of essential requirement. The two parameters that play a vital role in increasing the thermal efficiency of the gas turbine are its compression ratio and high turbine inlet temperature. The advanced gas turbine has inlet temperature, which exceeds the material thermal limitation of the blade. This high temperature has an impact on the performance and life of the blade employed for energy extraction in the turbines. The current study analyzes the methods dealing with increasing the cooling effectiveness of the turbine blade, which are working under very high-temperature hot gases that exit from the combustion chamber. This gas expands into the turbine region by which power is extracted. These high-temperature gases can have a considerable effect on the stresses developed that can lead to failure under the cyclic loading of these hot gases. Cooling effectiveness can increase the system working temperature from 800K up to 1000K inlet. The current research compares the means of reducing the heat transfer and improve cooling effectiveness with the help of the latest improved material coatings such as thermal barrier coatings (TBCs) and environmental barrier coatings (EBCs). The study focuses on the effect of these TBCs and EBCs employed on the surface of the blade. Analysis of results obtained from this conjugate heat transfer (CHT) study has shown good agreement with the experimental data. The comparison revealed the use of the SST k-ω model which was efficient and predicted similar trends as that of the experimental for pressure were as with 3% of deviation for temperature.
Numerical Behaviour of Primary Air Flow Field of a Swirl Injector Under High Pressure and High Temperature Condition
Authors: Rana Rampada , Nagalingam Muthuveerappan , Basu Saptarshi
Published: December 2021

Injector plays pivotal role to meet better combustion performances requirements in terms of combustion efficiency, flame stability, ignition, lower emissions etc. In a multi-swirler injector, the primary swirler mainly dictates the airflow field inside and some extend outside the injector. Present CFD studies have been attempted to characterize the flow field of a swirl injector consisting of conical nozzle fitted with single radial swirler at its upstream. Studies are performed at high pressure and high temperature resulting to high density (increased by around 9 times compared to atmospheric condition) and its impact on the flow field in terms of location of energetic zones useful for fuel atomization. Since direct effect of increase in density lead to increase in turbulence which is helpful for mixing and atomization, this study is helpful to capture the same. Embedded LES based hybrid model has been used where the computational domain divided into 3 zones which are seamlessly connected by capturing the interface fluid dynamics. In LES zone, both the time and spatial scales have been resolved by suitably refining the grids. Analysis is carried out with CFL no. around 2, fixed time step of 1 micro second. The analysis is reasonably able to capture various unsteadiness (PVC, CTRZ, frequencies etc. useful for the atomization of the liquid fuel) which are not available beforehand.
Quantum size effects in Ag thin films grown on the fivefold surface of the icosahedral Al-Cu-Fe quasicrystal: Influence of the growth temperature
Authors: Shukla A. K. , Ledieu J. , Gaudry E. , Wu D. M. , Lograsso T. A. , Fournée V.
Published: December 2021

We have studied the growth and electronic structure of Ag thin films on the fivefold surface of the icosahedral (i)-Al-Cu-Fe quasicrystal using scanning tunneling microscopy, low energy electron diffraction (LEED), ultraviolet photoemission spectroscopy, and density functional theory. Upon deposition at 400 K, Ag islands grow to form crystallites with a preferred thickness for a given coverage. LEED patterns reveal five rotational domains of Ag crystallites with (111) orientation for coverages larger than approximately seven monolayers. Quantum well states are observed in the photoemission spectra of Ag/i-Al-Cu-Fe ranging from 5 to 35 monolayers, indicating electron confinement within the film thickness and, thus, confirming electronic growth of Ag thin films on quasicrystalline surfaces. Electronic structure calculations have been performed to discuss the possible origins of the confinement at the film-substrate interface.
Becoming an Occupation? A Research Agenda Into the Professionalization of the Sport for Development and Peace Sector
Authors: McSweeney Mitchell , Millington Rob , Hayhurst Lyndsay M.C. , Darnell Simon
Published: December 2021

Sport for Development and Peace (SDP) has transformed from what some termed a “social movement” to an institutionalized sector with numerous organizations and practitioners involved, resulting in trends that point toward SDP becoming a recognized category of work through professional training. The purpose of this paper is to utilize theories of professions and institutional isomorphism to advance the significance and importance of thinking about SDP as a profession. Three emerging trends that point to the professionalization of SDP are reviewed: (a) increasing opportunities to attain SDP certifications and training, (b) the growing number of SDP-specific academic degrees, and (c) the creation of a SDP knowledge base, particularly in relation to monitoring and evaluation. To conclude, theoretical and practical implications of the professionalization of SDP are discussed and a research agenda is outlined for future research on the continued institutionalization, and professionalization, of the SDP sector.
Surgical Treatment of a Symptomatic Diaphyseal Tibiofibular Synostosis in a Professional Rugby Player: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Mirouse Guillaume , Bouloussa Houssam , Silbert Hervé , Lotfalizadeh Emad , Dubory Arnaud
Published: December 2021

Context: Diaphyseal tibiofibular synostosis (DTS) is a rare pathology with unknown origin especially occurring in intensive sport athletes. No therapeutic guideline has been well established in the literature. Case Presentation: A rare case of DTS in a 26-year-old professional rugby player has been described. A 5-month exhaustive conservative treatment including physiotherapy and oral medication has been achieved but failed. Management and Outcomes: Following the conservative treatment failure, the DTS has been widely removed including the adjacent interosseous membrane, and the patient could return to competition at the same level after 5 months of convalescence. No recurrence has been revealed at a 35-month follow-up at least. Conclusion: In accordance with the literature data and even if the pathophysiology remains obscure, resection of DTS seems to be the adapted treatment to allow and to reduce professional athletes’ recovery time at the same sport level. The resection including a part of the tibiofibular interosseous membrane could avoid the occurrence of recurrence. Conservative treatment should be reserved for senior patients with a low sport activity.
Misexpression of genes lacking CpG islands drives degenerative changes during aging
Authors: Lee Jun-Yeong , Davis Ian , Youth Elliot H. H. , Kim Jonghwan , Churchill Gary , Godwin James , Korstanje Ron , Beck Samuel
Published: December 2021

Disrupted nuclear architecture triggers misexpression of genes lacking CpG islands and physiological deterioration during aging.
Mining Marine Metagenomes Revealed a Quorum-Quenching Lactonase with Improved Biochemical Properties That Inhibits the Food Spoilage Bacterium Pseudomonas fluorescens
Authors: Haramati Rami , Dor Shlomit , Gurevich David , Levy Doron , Freund Dekel , Rytwo Giora , Sharon Itai , Afriat-Jurnou Livnat
Published: December 2021

Our results emphasize the potential of sequence and structure-based identification of new QQ enzymes from environmental metagenomes, such as from the ocean, with improved stability or activity. The findings also suggest that purified QQ enzymes can present new strategies against food spoilage, in addition to their recognized involvement in inhibiting bacterial pathogen virulence factors.
Differentiating Closely Affiliated
Dehalococcoides
Lineages by a Novel Genetic Marker Identified via Computational Pangenome Analysis
Authors: Zhao Siyan , Zhang Chen , Rogers Matthew J. , Zhao Xuejie , He Jianzhong
Published: December 2021

The challenge of discriminating between phylogenetically similar but functionally distinct bacterial lineages is particularly relevant to the development of technologies seeking to exploit the metabolic or physiological characteristics of specific members of bacterial genera. A computational approach was developed to expedite screening of potential genetic markers among phylogenetically affiliated bacteria.
Genomic Landscapes of Epstein-Barr Virus in Pulmonary Lymphoepithelioma-Like Carcinoma
Authors: Wu Yan-Xia , Zhang Wen-Li , Wang Tong-Min , Liao Ying , Zhang Yi-Jun , Xiao Ruo-Wen , Jia Yi-Jing , Wu Zi-Yi , Deng Chang-Mi , Yang Da-Wei , Xue Wen-Qiong , He Yong-Qiao , Zheng Xiao-Hui , Li Xi-Zhao , Zhou Ting , Zhang Pei-Fen , Zhang Shao-Dan , Hu Ye-Zhu , Zhang Jiang-Bo , Jia Wei-Hua
Published: December 2021

Pulmonary lymphoepithelioma-like carcinoma (pLELC) is a rarely distinctive subtype of primary lung cancer closely associated with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection. Here, we gave the first overview of pLELC-derived EBV at the level of genome, methylation and transcription.