bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Entropy Generation Minimization Analysis of Solar Salt, Sodium, and Lead–Bismuth Eutectic as High Temperature Heat Transfer Fluids
Authors: Flesch Jonathan , Marocco Luca , Fritsch Andreas , Niedermeier Klarissa , Wetzel Thomas 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
The amount of entropy generation in heat transfer devices impacts their operation economy and should therefore be minimized during the design phase. Entropy generation also depends on the individual thermophysical properties of the heat transfer fluid (HTF). An entropy generation minimization analysis of three different liquid coolants, namely, solar salt (SS), sodium, and lead-bismuth eutectic (LBE) is thus performed for fully turbulent flow in a circular tube under circumferentially uniform heat flux by considering a heat rate, inlet and outlet temperatures and heat flux densities typical of a concentrated solar tower plant. The Reynolds number is determined at which the proper combination of Nusselt number and friction factor minimizing the entropy generation, and consequently the exergy loss, is obtained as well as the best thermodynamically performing coolant fluid over the operating range of Reynolds numbers. Sodium can operate at 60% lower entropy generation than solar salt while providing a smaller wall-to-bulk temperature difference. Despite its high thermal conductivity, LBE performs similarly to solar salt. However, it can be advantageous compared to solar salt if operated at higher temperatures that cannot be achieved by the latter due its thermal stability limit.
Enhanced Tire Blowout Modeling Using Vertical Load Redistribution and Self-Alignment Torque
Authors: Li Ao , Chen Yan , Du Xinyu , Lin Wen-Chiao 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Tire blowout impacts vehicle stability and creates challenges to vehicle control. To accurately evaluate the impact of tire blowout in different driving scenarios, a new tire blowout model is developed in this work with explicit considerations of the tire vertical load redistribution and self-alignment torque (SAT). A two-stage vertical force redistribution model is employed for the vertical load variations instead of the one-stage model in the literature. Moreover, the SAT is formulated, and the impact on the steering system is investigated. The developed tire blowout model is validated through both simulation and experiment using a scaled test vehicle. The results indicate that the proposed tire blowout model can evaluate the tire blowout impacts on vehicle dynamics more accurately, which will benefit the evaluation of tire blowout impact and the future development on model-based fault tolerant control.
Numerical Simulations of Two Back-To-Back Horizontal Axis Tidal Stream Turbines in Free-Surface Flows
Authors: Yan Jinhui , Deng Xiaowei , Xu Fei , Xu Songzhe , Zhu Qiming 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
We simulate two back-to-back full-scale tidal turbines using an in-house computational free-surface flow code. We briefly present the mathematical formulation of the computational framework. We first validate the proposed method on a single turbine configuration. A mesh refinement study is conducted to ensure the result is converged. We then quantify the wake effect and free-surface effect on tidal turbine performance by a case study. To investigate the free-surface effect, we perform both pure hydrodynamics and free-surface simulations. The time history of thrust and production coefficients is quantified. In both pure hydrodynamics and free-surface flow simulations, thrust and production coefficients of the downstream turbines drop significantly due to the velocity deficit in the wake. By comparing the result between free-surface flow and pure hydrodynamics simulations for the configuration considered here, we find that the free-surface does not affect the upstream turbine but significantly affects the downstream turbine.
Effect of partial posterior vitreous detachment on spectral-domain optical coherence tomography retinal nerve fibre layer thickness measurements
Authors: Liu Yao , Baniasadi Neda , Ratanawongphaibul Kitiya , Chen Teresa C 
Published: February 2020

Background/aimsTo assess the effect of partial posterior vitreous detachment (pPVD) on spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (OCT) peripapillary retinal nerve fibre layer thickness (RNFL) measurements.MethodsSpectral-domain OCT RNFL thickness measurements were obtained from 684 consecutive patients who were seen in the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Glaucoma Service. Of these patients, we compared RNFL thickness measurements between 101 eyes of 101 glaucoma suspects who met inclusion criteria (55 eyes with and 46 eyes without pPVD).ResultsAmong all 684 patients, 253 (37%) had pPVD in at least one eye. Among a subset of 101 eyes of 101 glaucoma suspects, average RNFL thickness was greater in eyes with compared to eyes without pPVD (p=0.02). Measurements were significantly greater in the inferior (p=0.004) and superior quadrants (p=0.008), but not in the nasal (p=0.10) and temporal quadrants (p=0.25). The difference in average RNFL thickness remained significant (p=0.05) even when corrected for expected age-related decline in RNFL thickness.ConclusionOver a third of patients were found on peripapillary spectral-domain OCT to have a pPVD, which was associated with greater RNFL thickness measurements. Judicious clinical interpretation of this finding on spectral-domain OCT RNFL thickness scans should be factored into the assessment of glaucoma suspects.
Three-year follow-up of accelerated transepithelial corneal cross-linking for progressive paediatric keratoconus
Authors: Tian Mi , Jian Weijun , Zhang Xiaoyu , Sun Ling , Zhou Xingtao 
Published: February 2020

PurposeTo investigate the long-term safety and efficacy of accelerated transepithelial corneal cross-linking (ATE-CXL) in children with progressive keratoconus.MethodsFifty-three eyes of 41 paediatric patients (34 boys, 7 girls; mean age 14.81±1.96 years) undergoing ATE-CXL were enrolled in the study. Corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) and manifest refraction were assessed preoperatively and 36 months postoperatively. Corneal keratometry, corneal thickness and posterior elevation were measured using Pentacam preoperatively and 1, 6, 12 and 36 months postoperatively. Pachymetry and epithelial thicknesses were measured using optical coherence tomography preoperatively and 6, 12, and 36 months postoperatively.ResultsThirty-six months postoperatively, CDVA improved from 0.32±0.28 to 0.26±0.25 in logarithm of the minimum angle resolution (p=0.025). Maximum keratometry was 58.73±9.70 D preoperatively and 59.20±10.24, 58.28±9.33, 57.88±9.99 and 58.98±10.79 D at 1, 6, 12 and 36 months postoperatively throughout the 36-month follow-up period (p>0.05). Similarly, corneal central thickness, which was 492.42±33.83 µm postoperatively, also remained stable during the 36-month follow-up (p>0.05). Both posterior central elevation and posterior highest elevation were stable at 12 months after ATE-CXL (p>0.05), but increased at 36 months postprocedure (p<0.05). Corneal pachymetry and epithelial thicknesses remained stable throughout the follow-up period (p>0.05).ConclusionsATE-CXL is a safe and effective treatment in paediatric progressive keratoconus patients, leading to stable keratometry and corneal thickness throughout the 36-month follow-up.
Three-year follow-up of choroidal neovascularisation in eyes of chronic central serous chorioretinopathy
Authors: Chen Yen-Chih , Chen San-Ni 
Published: February 2020

AimsThis study aimed to report the 3-year follow-up results of the clinical course and structural changes of choroidal neovascularisation (CNV) by optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT-A) in eyes with a history of chronic central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC).MethodsThis is a retrospective study of patients with chronic CSC complicated with CNV. Patients were recorded of best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and treatment modalities. OCT was used to evaluate the presence of subretinal fluid (SRF), type of CNV, changes in central retinal thickness (CRT) and subfoveal choroidal thickness (SFCT). Changes in the size, vessel density (VD) and morphology of CNV were evaluated by OCT-A. Comparison between baseline and final parameters was made.ResultsA total of 30 eyes in 26 patients, most of whom had previous treatment for chronic CSC, were included with a mean follow-up period of 40.37±4.11 months. No changes in BCVA were noted (p=0.562). During the 3-year follow-up period with OCT-A, five eyes had SRF noted. The other 25 eyes remained SRF free throughout the course. Regarding the morphological changes, the size of CNV enlarged significantly (p<0.01); VD of CNV decreased significantly (p=0.01); and the number of CNV with visible core vessel significantly increased (p<0.01). A significant reduced SFCT was noted (p=0.02), while the CRT remained unchanged (p=0.855).ConclusionFor most eyes infected with chronic CSC receiving previous treatment for the activity of chronic CSC, with CNV subsequently found on OCT-A, a midterm stable clinical course up to 3 years was noted, despite significant structural changes of CNV evaluated by OCT-A.
The quality of malaria care in 25 low-income and middle-income countries
Authors: Macarayan Erlyn , Papanicolas Irene , Jha Ashish 
Published: February 2020

IntroductionEven with accessible and effective diagnostic tests and treatment, malaria remains a leading cause of death among children under five. Malaria case management requires prompt diagnosis and correct treatment but the degree to which this happens in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs) remains largely unknown.MethodsCross-sectional study of 132 566 children under five, of which 25% reported fever in the last 2 weeks from 2006 to 2017 using the latest Malaria Indicators Survey data across 25 malaria-endemic countries. We calculated the per cent of patient encounters of febrile children under five that received poor quality of care (no blood testing, less or more than two antimalarial drugs and delayed treatment provision) across each treatment cascade and region.ResultsAcross the study countries, 48 316 (58%) of patient encounters of febrile children under five received poor quality of care for suspected malaria. When comparing by treatment cascade, 62% of cases were not blood tested despite reporting fever in the last 2 weeks, 82% did not receive any antimalarial drug, 17% received one drug and 72% received treatment more than 24 hours after onset of fever. Of the four countries where we had more detailed malaria testing data, we found that 35% of patients were incorrectly managed (26% were undertreated, while 9% were overtreated). Poor malaria care quality varies widely within and between countries.ConclusionQuality of malaria care remains poor and varies widely in endemic LMICs. Treatments are often prescribed regardless of malaria test results, suggesting that presumptive diagnosis is still commonly practiced among cases of suspected malaria, rather than the WHO recommendation of ‘test and treat’. To reach the 2030 global malaria goal of reducing mortality rates by at least 90%, focussing on improving the quality of malaria care is needed.
Non-urgent visits to emergency departments: a qualitative study in Iran exploring causes, consequences and solutions
Authors: Bahadori Mohammadkarim , Mousavi Seyyed Meysam , Teymourzadeh Ehsan , Ravangard Ramin 
Published: February 2020

ObjectiveTo explore the causes and consequences of non-urgent visits to emergency departments in Iran and then suggest solutions from the healthcare providers’ viewpoint.DesignQualitative descriptive study with in-depth, open-ended, and semistructured interviews, which were inductively analysed using qualitative content analysis.SettingA territorial, educational and military hospital in Iran.ParticipantsEleven healthcare providers including eight nurses, two emergency medicine specialists and one emergency medicine resident.ResultsThree overarching themes of causes and consequences of non-urgent visits to the emergency department in addition to four suggested solutions were identified. The causes have encompassed the specialised services in emergency department, demand-side factors, and supply-side factors. The consequences have been categorised into three overarching themes including the negative consequences on patients, healthcare providers and emergency departments as well as the health system in general. The possible solutions for limiting and controlling non-urgent visits also involved regulatory plans, awareness-raising plans, reforms in payment mechanisms, and organisational arrangements.ConclusionWe highlighted the need for special attention to the appropriate use of emergency departments in Iran as a middle-income country. According to the complex nature of emergency departments and in order to control and prevent non-urgent visits, it can be suggested that policy-makers should design and implement a combination of the possible solutions.
Cost-effectiveness analysis of cetuximab combined with chemotherapy as a first-line treatment for patients with RAS wild-type metastatic colorectal cancer based on the TAILOR trial
Authors: Wang Huijuan , Huang Lingfei , Gao Peng , Zhu Zhengyi , Ye Weifeng , Ding Haiying , Fang Luo 
Published: February 2020

ObjectivesCetuximab plus leucovorin, fluorouracil and oxaliplatin (FOLFOX-4) is superior to FOLFOX-4 alone as a first-line treatment for patients with metastatic colorectal cancer with RAS wild-type (RAS wt mCRC), with significantly improved survival benefit by TAILOR, an open-label, randomised, multicentre, phase III trial. Nevertheless, the cost-effectiveness of these two regimens remains uncertain. The following study aims to determine whether cetuximab combined with FOLFOX-4 is a cost-effective regimen for patients with specific RAS wt mCRC in China.DesignA cost-effectiveness model combined decision tree and Markov model was built to simulate pateints with RAS wt mCRC based on health states of dead, progressive and stable. The health outcomes from the TAILOR trial and utilities from published data were used respectively. Costs were calculated with reference to the Chinese societal perspective. The robustness of the results was evaluated by univariate and probabilistic sensitivity analyses.ParticipantsThe included patients were newly diagnosed Chinese patients with fully RAS wt mCRC.InterventionsFirst-line treatment with either cetuximab plus FOLFOX-4 or FOLFOX-4.Main outcome measuresThe primary outcomes are costs, quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) and incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs).ResultsBaseline analysis disclosed that the QALYs was increased by 0.383 caused by additional cetuximab, while an increase of US$62 947 was observed in relation to FOLFOX-4 chemotherapy. The ICER was US$164 044 per QALY, which exceeded the willingness-to-pay threshold of US$28 106 per QALY.ConclusionsDespite the survival benefit, cetuximab combined with FOLFOX-4 is not a cost-effective treatment for the first-line regime of patients with RAS wt mCRC in China.Trial registration numberTAILOR trial (NCT01228734); Post-results.
Increasing emergency hospital activity in Denmark, 2005–2016: a nationwide descriptive study
Authors: Fløjstrup Marianne , Bogh Soren Bie , Henriksen Daniel Pilsgaard , Bech Mickael , Johnsen Søren Paaske , Brabrand Mikkel 
Published: February 2020

ObjectivesTo describe changes in unplanned acute activity and to identify and characterise unplanned contacts in hospitals in Denmark from 2005 to 2016, including following healthcare reform.DesignDescriptive study.SettingData from Danish nationwide registers.PopulationAdults (≥18 years).ParticipantsAll adults with an unplanned acute hospital contacts (acute inpatient admissions and emergency care visits) in Denmark from 2005 to 2016.Primary and secondary outcome measuresOutcomes were annual number of contacts, length of stay, number of contacts per 1000 citizen per year, age-adjusted contacts per 1000 citizens per year, sex, age groups, country of origin, Charlson Comorbidity Index score, discharge diagnosis and time of arrival.ResultsWe included a total of 13 524 680 contacts. The annual number of acute hospital contacts increased from 1 067 390 in 2005 to 1 221 601 in 2016. The number also increased with adjustment for age per 1000 citizens. In addition, regional differences were observed.ConclusionsUnplanned acute activity changed from 2005 to 2016. The national number of contacts increased, primarily because of changes in one of the five regions.
Real-world Evaluation of glycemic control and hypoglycemic Events among type 2 Diabetes mellitus study (REEDS): a multicentre, cross-sectional study in Thailand
Authors: Satirapoj Bancha , Pratipanawatr Thongchai , Ongphiphadhanakul Boonsong , Suwanwalaikorn Sompongse , Benjasuratwong Yupin , Nitiyanant Wannee 
Published: February 2020

ObjectivePatients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) often experience hypoglycaemia and weight gain due to treatment side effects. Sulfonylureas (SU) and the combination of SU and metformin (SU+MET) were the most common monotherapy and combination therapies used in Thailand tertiary care hospitals. This study aimed to assess the glycaemic goal attainment rates, hypoglycaemic episodes, weight gain and treatment compliance among patients with T2DM receiving SU or SU+MET.Research design and methodsA multicentre cross-sectional survey and retrospective review was conducted in five tertiary care hospitals, Thailand. Patients with T2DM aged ≥30 years were included consecutively during a 12-month period. Glycaemic control, experiences of hypoglycaemia, weight gain and compliance were evaluated. Glycaemic goal attainment was defined by HbA1clevel less than 7%.ResultsOut of the 659 patients (mean age (±SD)), 65.5 (10.0) years and median duration of T2DM (IQR), 10 (5–15) years), 313 (47.5%) achieved the glycaemic goal. HbA1clevels in the patients with goal attainment was significantly lower compared with those without (6.3%±0.5% vs 8.1%±1.2%, p<0.001). Goal attainment was significantly lower among patients treated with SU+MET than those treated with SU alone (43.5% vs 63.0%; OR 0.45, 95% CI 0.31, 0.66, p<0.001). A third of patients reported experiencing hypoglycaemia (30.7%) and weight gain (35.4%). Weight gain in the SU+MET group was lower than those receiving SU alone (33.1% vs 44.6%, p=0.015), but there was no difference in hypoglycaemic events. Major events in the previous 12 months were experienced by 68 patients, most commonly congestive heart failure and ischaemic heart disease. Approximately half of the patients (52.2%) reported not always taking their medication as prescribed.ConclusionsAmong patients with T2DM receiving SU or SU+MET, only about half of the patients achieved glycaemic goal and compliance with the treatment. Hypoglycaemia and weight gain posed a significant burden with risk of weight gain higher in the SU group.
Comparison of the airway complications of subtypes of laryngeal mask airway and i-gel in child patients under general anaesthesia: a protocol for systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomised control trials
Authors: Liu Jieting , Xu Xiaonan , Li Muyang , Cai Runjin , Yang Kehu 
Published: February 2020

IntroductionLaryngeal mask airway (LMA), an alternative to traditional tracheal intubation, is widely used in clinical practice and is considered to be an effective device for airway management. LMA and i-gel have been widely used in anaesthesia and emergency situations in children. Some systematic reviews have evaluated the efficacy of LMA and i-gel in children, but they have not shown consistent results in clinical performance. This study aims to evaluate the airway complications of all subtypes of LMA and i-gel in child patients under general anaesthesia using a Bayesian network meta-analysis (NMA).Methods and analysisPubMed, EMBASE.com, the Cochrane library, Web of Science and Chinese Biomedical Literature Database will be searched from inception to January 2019. We will include prospective randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that reported the subtypes of LMA and i-gel regardless of sample size. The risk of bias assessment of the included RCTs will be conducted according to the Cochrane Handbook V.5.1.0. A Bayesian NMA will be performed using WinBUGS V.1.4.3. Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation will be used to explore the quality of evidence.Ethics and disseminationEthics approval and patient consent are not required as this study is an NMA based on published trials. The results of this NMA will be submitted to a peer-reviewed journal for publication.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42019127668.
1000 Families Study, a UK multiwave cohort investigating the well-being of families of children with intellectual disabilities: cohort profile
Authors: Hastings Richard P , Totsika Vasiliki , Hayden Nikita K , Murray Caitlin A , Jess Mikeda , Langley Emma , Margetson Jane Kerry 
Published: February 2020

PurposeThe 1000 Families Study is a large, UK-based, cohort of families of children with intellectual disability (ID). The main use of the cohort data will be to describe and explore correlates of the well-being of families of children with ID, including parents and siblings, using cross-sectional and (eventually) longitudinal analyses. The present cohort profile intends to describe the achieved cohort.ParticipantsOver 1000 families of UK children with ID aged between 4 and 15 years 11 months (total n=1184) have been recruited. The mean age of the cohort was 9.01 years old. The cohort includes more boys (61.8%) than girls (27.0%; missing 11.1%). Parents reported that 45.5% (n=539) of the children have autism. Most respondents were a female primary caregiver (84.9%), and 78.0% were the biological mother of the cohort child with ID. The largest ethnic group for primary caregivers was White British (78.5%), over half were married and living with their partner (53.3%) and 39.3% were educated to degree level.Findings to dateData were collected on family, parental and child well-being, as well as demographic information. Wave 1 data collection took place between November 2015 and January 2017, primarily through online questionnaires. Telephone interviews were also completed by 644 primary caregivers.Future plansWave 2 data collection is ongoing and the research team will continue following up these families in subsequent waves, subject to funding availability. Results will be used to inform policy and practice on family and child well-being in families of children with ID. As this cohort profile aims to describe the cohort, future publications will explore relevant research questions and report key findings related to family well-being.