bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact of Varying High- and Low-Pressure Turbine Purge Flows on a Turbine Center Frame and Low-Pressure Turbine System
Authors: Sterzinger P. Z. , Zerobin S. , Merli F. , Wiesinger L. , Peters A. , Maini G. , Dellacasagrande M. , Heitmeir F. , Göttlich E. 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
This paper presents the experimental and numerical evaluation and comparison of the different flow fields downstream of a turbine center frame duct and a low-pressure turbine (LPT) stage, generated by varying the inlet flow conditions to the turbine center frame (TCF) duct. The measurements were carried out in an engine-representative two-stage two-spool test turbine facility at the Institute for Thermal Turbomachinery and Machine Dynamics at Graz University of Technology. The rig consists of a high-pressure turbine (HPT) and a LPT turbine stage, connected via a TCF with non-turning struts. Four individual high-pressure turbine purge flowrates and two low-pressure turbine purge flowrates were varied to achieve different engine-relevant TCF and LPT inlet flow conditions. The experimental data were acquired by means of five-hole-probe (5HP) area traverses upstream and downstream of the TCF and downstream of the LPT. A steady Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) simulation taking all purge flows in account was used for comparison, and additional insights are gained from a numerical variation of the HPT and LPT purge flowrates. The focus of this study is on the impact of the variations in TCF inlet conditions on the secondary flow generation through the TCF duct and the carryover effects on the exit flow field and performance of the LPT stage. Existing work is limited by either investigating multistage LPT configurations with generally very few measurements behind the first stage or by not including relevant HPT secondary flow structures in setting up the LPT inflow conditions. This work addresses both of these shortcomings and presents new insight into the TCF and LPT aerodynamic behavior at varying the HPT and LPT purge flows. The results demonstrate the importance of the HPT flow structures and their evolution through the TCF duct for setting up the LPT inflow conditions and ultimately for assessing the performance of the first LPT stage.
Unsteady Flow Interactions Between a High- and Low-Pressure Turbine
Authors: Sterzinger P. Z. , Zerobin S. , Merli F. , Wiesinger L. , Dellacasagrande M. , Peters A. , Maini G. , Heitmeir F. , Göttlich E. 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
This paper presents the unsteady flow interactions between an engine-representative high-pressure turbine (HPT) and low-pressure turbine (LPT) stage, connected by a turbine center frame (TCF) duct with nonturning struts. The setup was tested at the high-speed two-spool test turbine facility at the Institute for Thermal Turbomachinery and Machine Dynamics at Graz University of Technology and includes relevant purge and turbine rotor tip leakage flows. Due to the complexity of such a test, the unsteady component interactions in an HPT–TCF–LPT module have not received much attention in the past and require additional analysis to determine new approaches for further performance improvements on the system level. The flow downstream of an HPT is highly unsteady and dominated by stator–rotor interactions, which affect the flow behavior through the downstream TCF and LPT. To capture the unsteady flow structures, time-resolved aerodynamic measurements were carried out with a fast-response aerodynamic pressure probe (FRAPP) at three different measurement planes. In this paper, the time-resolved and phase-averaged flow fields with respect to the HPT and LPT trigger are studied. Since the two rotors are uncorrelated, the applied method allows the identification of the flow structures induced by either of them. Upstream of the LPT stage, the HPT flow structures evolving through the TCF duct dominate the flow fields. Downstream of the LPT stage, the flow is affected by both the HPT and the LPT secondary flow structures. The interactions between the various stator rows and the two rotors are detected by means of time-space plots and modal decomposition. To describe the fluctuations induced by both rotors, particularly the rotor–rotor interaction, the rotor synchronic averaging (RSA) is used to analyze the flow field downstream of the LPT. This paper highlights the need to account for the HPT-induced unsteady mechanisms in addition to the LPT flow structures and the interaction of both to arrive at improved LPT designs.
Effect of Additive Manufacturing Process Parameters on Turbine Cooling
Authors: Snyder Jacob C. , Thole Karen A. 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Turbine cooling is a prime application for additive manufacturing because it enables quick development and implementation of innovative designs optimized for efficient heat removal, especially at the micro-scale. At the micro-scale, however, the surface finish plays a significant role in the heat transfer and pressure loss of any cooling design. Previous research on additively manufactured cooling channels has shown surface roughness increases both heat transfer and pressure loss to similar levels as highly engineered turbine cooling schemes. What has not been shown, however, is whether opportunities exist to tailor additively manufactured surfaces through control of the process parameters to further enhance the desired heat transfer and pressure loss characteristics. The results presented in this paper uniquely show the potential of manipulating the parameters within the additive manufacturing process to control the surface morphology, directly influencing turbine cooling. To determine the effect of parameters on cooling performance, coupons were additively manufactured for common internal and external cooling methods using different laser powers, scan speeds, and scanning strategies. Internal and external cooling tests were performed at engine relevant conditions to measure appropriate metrics of performance. Results showed the process parameters have a significant impact on the surface morphology leading to differences in cooling performance. Specifically, internal and external cooling geometries react differently to changes in parameters, highlighting the opportunity to consider process parameters when implementing additive manufacturing for turbine cooling applications.
Computational Fluid Dynamics Modeling of Gaseous Cavitation in Lubricating Vane Pumps: An Approach Based on Dimensional Analysis
Authors: Stuppioni Umberto , Suman Alessio , Pinelli Michele , Blum Alessandro 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
This paper addresses the problem of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling of gaseous cavitation (GC) in lubricating positive-displacement pumps (PDPs). It is important for designers and analysts to predict the dynamic features of air release/dissolution processes which characterize this phenomenon, along with their effects on filling capability and noise-vibration-harshness behavior of the machine. The focus is on the empirical tuning of the commercial homogeneous-flow cavitation model known as dissolved gas model (DGM). Considering an automotive case study of a balanced vane pump (BVP), the effects of air modeling on numerical predictions of discharge flow/pressure ripple and volumetric efficiency have been studied. The tuning time parameters of the model have been correlated to the machine Reynolds number as part of a simplified theoretical background based on dimensional analysis. Considering experimental data at different operating conditions, the tuned model has shown a good capacity in predicting the pressure ripple and the flowrate at the discharge of the pump.
Improved Inkjet-Printed Pattern Fidelity: Suppressing Bulges by Segmented and Symmetric Drop Placement
Authors: Abunahla Ragheb , Rahman Md Saifur , Naderi Paria , Grau Gerd 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Inkjet printing is a promising technique for printed micro-electronics due to low cost, customizability and compatibility with large-area, flexible substrates. However, printed line shapes can suffer from bulges at the start of lines and at corner points in 2D line patterns. The printed pattern can be multiple times wider than the designed linewidth. This can severely impact manufacturing accuracy and achievable circuit density. Bulging can be difficult to prevent without changing the ink-substrate-system, the drying conditions or the circuit design, all of which can be undesirable. Here, we demonstrate a novel printing methodology that solves this issue by changing the order in which drops are placed on the substrate. The pattern is split up into segments of three drops where the central drop is printed last. This symmetric printing prevents the unwanted ink flow that causes bulging. Larger bulge-free patterns are created by successively connecting segments. Line formation in both traditional linear printing and our novel segmented and symmetric printing was analyzed to understand and optimize results. The printing of X-, T-, and L-shapes is considerably improved compared with the traditional linear printing methodology.
Kinematic Analysis of the Planar Motion of Vehicles when Traveling Along Tractrix Curves
Authors: Figliolini Giorgio , Lanni Chiara , Angeles Jorge 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
The kinematic analysis of the planar motion of vehicles, such as common cars, buses, and trucks, when traveling along linear and circular tractrices at low speeds, is proposed here based on the fundamentals of the kinematics of planar mechanisms. In particular, the analysis of the vehicle chassis motion, with chassis represented as a drawbar connecting the back and front-wheel centers, is developed and formulated by determining the moving and the fixed centrodes. The proposed formulation was implemented in matlab to simulate and analyze the vehicle motion at low speeds, as the front-wheel center follows a straight line or a circle and, correspondingly, the back-wheel center traces a linear tractrix or one of the inner and outer circular tractrices, according to the exit from or entrance of the vehicle into a roundabout. Significant numerical and graphical results allow the validation of the proposed formulation, which represents useful tool to predict the vehicle behavior at low speeds during parking, changing of lanes, and entering and leaving roundabouts, thereby increasing the safety for bicycles, motorcycles, and pedestrians, along with the design of safe roads and highways.
<p class="Default"><strong>Five new eriophyid mite species from Egypt (Acari: Eriophyidae) associated with the weeds of the family Poaceae</strong></p>
Authors: Elhalawany Ashraf S. , Xue Xiao-feng , Amrine Jr James W. 
Published: February 2020

Five new eriophyoid mites infesting weeds of the family Poaceae are described and illustrated from Egypt. They are Abacarus stagninis sp. nov. from Echinochloa stagnina (Retz.) P. Beauv., vagrants in grooves between veins on the upper leaf surface, causing discoloration of the leaves; and four new species from genus Aceria (A. echinochloae sp. nov., A. barnyardi sp. nov., and A. stagninis sp. nov.) from E. stagnina and E. crus–galli (L.) Beauv., and Aceria pennisetosa sp. nov., from Pennisetum purpureum Schumach. These species are vagrants underneath inner surface of the leaf sheath around stem and no symptoms were observed. However, A. barnyardi sp. nov. is a vagrant underneath inner surface of the leaf sheath around stem and are endoparasitic inside tissue of leaves causing rusted leaves.
Combined therapy of photobiomodulation and adipose-derived stem cells synergistically improve healing in an ischemic, infected and delayed healing wound model in rats with type 1 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Ebrahimpour-Malekshah Roohollah , Amini Abdollah , Zare Fatemeh , Mostafavinia Atarodsadat , Davoody Samin , Deravi Niloofar , Rahmanian Mohammad , Hashemi Seyed Mahmoud , Habibi Malihe , Ghoreishi Seyed Kamran , Chien Sufan , Shafikhani Sasha , Ahmadi Houssein , Bayat Sahar , Bayat Mohammad 
Published: February 2020

ObjectiveWe assessed the therapeutic effects of photobiomodulation (PBM) and adipose-derived stem cell (ADS) treatments individually and together on the maturation step of repairing of a delayed healing wound model in rats with type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM1).Research design and methodsWe randomly assigned 24 rats with DM1 to four groups (n=6 per group). Group 1 was the control (placebo) group. In group 2, allograft human ADSs were transplanted. Group 3 was subjected to PBM (wavelength: 890 nm, peak power output: 80 W, pulse frequency: 80 Hz, pulsed duration: 180 ns, duration of exposure for each point: 200 s, power density: 0.001 W/cm2, energy density: 0.2 J/cm2) immediately after surgery, which continued for 6 days per week for 16 days. Group 4 received both the human ADS and PBM. In addition, we inflicted an ischemic, delayed healing, and infected wound simulation in all of the rats. The wounds were infected with methicillin-resistantStaphylococcus aureus(MRSA).ResultsAll three treatment regimens significantly decreased the amount of microbial flora, significantly increased wound strength and significantly modulated inflammatory response and significantly increased angiogenesis on day 16. Microbiological analysis showed that PBM+ADS was significantly better than PBM and ADS alone. In terms of wound closure rate and angiogenesis, PBM+ADS was significantly better than the PBM, ADS and control groups.ConclusionsCombination therapy of PBM+ADS is more effective that either PBM or ADS in stimulating skin injury repair, and modulating inflammatory response in an MRSA-infected wound model of rats with DM1.
Effectiveness of an audit programme for dyslipidaemia management in a primary care setting in Macau: a quality improvement study
Authors: Wong In , Tse See Fai , Kwok Chau Sha 
Published: February 2020

ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to test the effectiveness of an audit programme for dyslipidaemia management in a primary care setting in Macau.DesignA quality improvement study based on an evaluation of a before-after intervention trial was conducted in 2017–2018. Interventions comprising feedback from an audit, general practitioner (GP) training via interactive workshops and one-on-one case discussions were implemented. The primary outcome measure was the proportion of patients with reasonable management of dyslipidaemia, and the secondary outcome measure was the proportion of patients with low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) meeting the target recommended by the Adult Treatment Panel III guidelines.SettingThis study was conducted at the Sao Lourenco Health Center, one of the health centres in the Macau primary care system; this centre provides primary care services to one-tenth of the residents of Macau.ParticipantsAll GPs who worked in the Sao Lourenco Health Center participated in the study. We systematically reviewed 100 patient records from each participating physician’s patient list. In total, 1200 and 1100 patient records were reviewed before and after the intervention, respectively.ResultsAt baseline, 390 (43.5%) patients were eligible for statin therapy, while 411 (47.7%) patients were eligible for statin therapy in the reaudit group (p=0.08). After intervention, the proportion of patients with reasonable management of dyslipidaemia increased from 83.9% to 88.5% (p=0.005), and the proportion of eligible patients with LDL-C levels meeting the target increased from 55.1% to 65% (p=0.004).ConclusionsThe audits and feedback significantly improved dyslipidaemia management in the Macau primary care setting.
A fit and function analysis of the UK OSPREY body armour system for female users
Authors: Davis James Ian , Lewis E , Ellett J R 
Published: February 2020

IntroductionOSPREY personal armour has been issued to UK forces since 2005. From 2015, the VIRTUS personal armour and load carriage system have been progressively replacing OSPREY. In 2016, the ban on women in ground close combat roles throughout the UK’s Armed Forces was lifted. In anticipation of this, work has been ongoing to prepare future ballistic protection programmes for a potential increase in the number of female users.MethodA human factors questionnaire was provided to 150 female users of OSPREY body armour to complete while on combat operations in Afghanistan. The questionnaire asked the users to rate the comfort of their OSPREY body armour along with their ability to carry out basic tasks. Other background data such as size of body armour worn and bra size were also collected for the analysis.ResultsThe female participants reported various types of discomfort when wearing their OSPREY body armour, with 135 instances of discomfort experienced in the hip region, for example. Challenges were reported in the ability to carry out basic movements, with the tasks rated on a Likert scale as difficult or very difficult by between 29% and 59% of participants. In addition, a restriction in ability to access personal equipment worn on the person (including pouches, trouser pockets) was commented on by 39% of participants.ConclusionsFemale users reported challenges relating to the fit and function of OSPREY body armour. The VIRTUS body armour system for UK Armed Forces Personnel has already addressed many of the reported issues with OSPREY. Further optimisation for VIRTUS with regard to female users is planned and includes sizing of ballistic hard plates.
Balloon pulmonary angioplasty for inoperable chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension: the UK experience
Authors: Hoole Stephen P , Coghlan John G , Cannon John E , Taboada Dolores , Toshner Mark , Sheares Karen , Fletcher Andrew John , Martinez Guillermo , Ruggiero Alessandro , Screaton Nicholas , Jenkins David , Pepke-Zaba Joanna 
Published: February 2020

ObjectiveInoperable chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) managed medically has a poor prognosis. Balloon pulmonary angioplasty (BPA) offers a new treatment for inoperable patients. The national BPA service for the UK opened in October 2015 and we now describe the treatment of our initial patient cohort.MethodsThirty consecutive, inoperable, anatomically suitable, symptomatic patients on stable medical therapy for CTEPH were identified and offered BPA. They initially underwent baseline investigations including Cambridge Pulmonary Hypertension Outcome Review (CAMPHOR) quality of life (QoL) questionnaire, cardiopulmonary exercise test, 6 min walk distance (6MWD), transthoracic echocardiography, N-terminal probrain natriuretic peptide (NT pro-BNP) and right heart catheterisation. Serial BPA sessions were then performed and after completion, the treatment effect was gauged by comparing the same investigations at 3 months follow-up.ResultsA median of 3 (IQR 1–6) BPA sessions per patient resulted in a significant improvement in functional status (WHO functional class ≥3: 24 vs 4, p<0.0001) and QoL (CAMPHOR symptom score: 8.7±5.4 vs 5.6±6.1, p=0.0005) with reductions in pulmonary pressures (mean pulmonary artery pressure: 44.7±11.0 vs 34.4±8.3 mm Hg, p<0.0001) and resistance (pulmonary vascular resistance: 663±281 vs 436±196 dyn.s.cm-5, p<0.0001). Exercise capacity improved (minute ventilation/carbon dioxide production: 55.3±12.2 vs 45.0±7.8, p=0.03 and 6MWD: 366±107 vs 440±94 m, p<0.0001) and there was reduction in right ventricular (RV) stretch (NT pro-BNP: 442 (IQR 168–1607) vs 202 (IQR 105–447) pg/mL, p<0.0001) and dimensions (mid RV diameter: 4.4±1.0 vs 3.8±0.7 cm, p=0.002). There were no deaths or life-threatening complications and the mild-moderate per-procedure complication rate was 10.5%.ConclusionsBPA is safe and improves the functional status, QoL, pulmonary haemodynamics and RV dimensions of patients with inoperable CTEPH.
Ammonia emission from manures treated with different rates of urease and nitrification inhibitors
Authors: Lasisi Ahmed A. , Akinremi Olalekan O. , Kumaragamage Darshani 
Published: February 2020

Urease inhibitors have been successfully used to reduce ammonia (NH3) emission from urea-based fertilizers. However, studies on its effectiveness with manures have produced inconclusive results. Field and greenhouse studies were conducted to investigate the effectiveness of different rates of urease [N-(n-butyl) thiophosphoric triamide; NBPT] with and without nitrification inhibitor (NI) in reducing NH3 emission from surface-applied liquid pig manure (LPM) and solid beef manure (SBM). Ammonia emission was measured with acid-charged discs at seven dates for 28 d. Total NH3 emission (% of applied N) ranged from 4.3% to 8.2% in untreated LPM and 8.2% in untreated SBM. The corresponding NH3 emission was 6.8%–7.4% in LPM treated with NBPT, 5.0%–12.3% in LPM treated with NBPT + NI (double inhibitor; DI), and 6.0%–10.8% in SBM treated with DI. In the field study, NH3 emission was not significantly different between either LPM or SBM treated with and without DI. In the greenhouse, NBPT did not significantly reduce NH3 emission from LPM, whereas DI applied at a lower rate significantly increased NH3 emission from LPM. In conclusion, addition of NBPT to manure did not have any significant environmental benefit, whereas a combination of NBPT and NI increased NH3 emission from manure.
Long Noncoding RNA MRPL23-AS1 Promotes Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma Lung Metastasis
Authors: Chen Chu-Wen , Fu Min , Du Zhi-Hao , Zhao Fei , Yang Wen-Wen , Xu Li-Hua , Li Sheng-Lin , Ge Xi-Yuan 
Published: February 2020

Abstract

Lung metastasis is a major factor affecting long-term survival in patients with adenoid cystic carcinoma. Here, we showed that the long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) MRPL23 antisense RNA 1 (MRPL23-AS1) was highly expressed and correlated with lung metastasis and overall survival in patients with salivary adenoid cystic carcinoma (SACC). MRPL23-AS1 positively regulated epithelial–mesenchymal transition by forming an RNA–protein complex with enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2). MRPL23-AS1 increased the binding of EZH2 and H3K27me3 on the E-cadherin promoter region. Moreover, MRPL23-AS1 levels were higher in exosomes isolated from the blood plasma of patients with SACC, and exosomal MRPL23-AS1 affected pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells in an “exosomecrine” manner. MRPL23-AS1–enriched exosomes increased microvascular permeability and facilitated the metastasis of SACC in vivo. Collectively, these findings highlight a molecular mechanism of lung metastasis in SACC. MRPL23-AS1 may represent a biomarker and target for clinical intervention to control this intractable disease.

Significance:
This study identifies a novel metastasis-promoting lncRNA MRPL23-AS1, which mediates the transcriptional silencing of E-cadherin through forming an RNA–protein complex with EZH2.
Inactivation of NF1 Promotes Resistance to EGFR Inhibition in KRAS/NRAS/BRAFV600-Wild-Type Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Georgiou Alexandros , Stewart Adam , Cunningham David , Banerji Udai , Whittaker Steven R. 
Published: February 2020

Abstract

Through the use of an unbiased, genome-scale CRISPR modifier screen, we identified NF1 suppression as a mechanism of resistance to EGFR inhibition in NRAS/KRAS/BRAFV600-wild-type colorectal cancer cells. Reduced NF1 expression permitted sustained signaling through the MAPK pathway to promote cell proliferation in the presence of EGFR inhibition. Targeting of MEK in combination with EGFR inhibition leads to synergistic antiproliferative activity. Human KRAS/NRAS/BRAFV600-wild-type colorectal cancer cell lines with NF1 mutations displayed reduced NF1 mRNA or protein expression and were resistant to EGFR blockade by gefitinib or cetuximab. Cooccurring loss-of-function mutations in PTEN were associated with resistance to dual EGFR/MEK inhibition but cotreatment with a PI3K inhibitor further suppressed proliferation. Loss of NF1 may be a useful biomarker to identify patients that are less likely to benefit from single-agent anti-EGFR therapy in colorectal cancer and may direct potential combination strategies.

Implications:
This study suggests that further clinical validation of NF1 status as predictor of response to anti-EGFR targeting antibodies in patients with colorectal cancer with KRAS/NRAS/BRAFV600-wild-type tumors is warranted.