bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Undergraduate Research Into Motorsports Safety at UNC Charlotte
Authors: Braun Edwin R. 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
The Mechanical Engineering Technology (MET) program at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte (UNC Charlotte) has encouraged industrial collaboration in its Senior Design capstone course. Very few projects have drawn the interest and enthusiasm as a recent set of projects in Motorsports Safety. The Senior Design course has dual purposes: to serve as an integrative capstone design experience, and to teach the basics of the engineering design process. Some of the process elements include: requirements capture, project planning and tracking, technical research, decision analysis, evaluation, and documentation.
Trends in NDE Using Thermal Inspection Methods
Authors: Meyendorf Norbert G. , Hoffmann Jochen , Shen Liming , Rösner Henrik 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
This paper gives a brief overview of present NDE techniques that use infrared cameras. Starting with physical basics, current state of the art and future trends are discussed. Two new methods for materials characterization that use heat dissipation and hot air for heat stimulation will be presented. A new technique called fan thermography, has high potential for corrosion detection under intact coatings. Using this technique, low-cost uncooled infrared cameras are sufficient for obtaining excellent, highly sensitive imaging results.
Calculations of Transport Phenomena in Solid-Oxide Fuel Cells
Authors: Beale S. B. , Dong W. , Zhubrin S. V. , Boersma R. J. 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
This paper presents the results of a collaborative research project of computer modeling of transport phenomena within the passages of solid-oxide fuel cells. From a mechanical design viewpoint, fuel cells may be considered to be similar to heat exchangers with internal heat generation due to ohmic heating. This is a function of load-driven factors. The thermomechanical design of the units is of paramount importance, as the reaction rates are a function of temperature, pressure, and species concentrations, i.e., the process is fully coupled. The design goal of the project is to ensure uniform flow and temperature distribution throughout the stack, to optimize performance and minimize the risk of failure.
We developed computer models to predict the performance of cells and stacks of cells, so as to minimize the development of expensive experimental protypes and test rigs. The standard techniques of heat transfer and computational fluid dynamics were substantially modified to be applicable in this context. Three distinct approaches were considered. In all cases two fluids; air and fuel, each containing different chemical species were considered. The equations for fluid flow, heat and mass transfer with electro-chemical reactions occurring were discretized and solved using a finite-volume method. Detailed numerical simulations of a single cell and stacks of up to 54 cells were performed using fine three-dimensional meshes of up to 4.6 million cells. Simplified models based on a distributed resistance (porous media) analogy, and also traditional presumed flow methods used in heat exchanger and furnace design, were also employed. These latter approaches have the advantage of being readily executable on small personal computers. The three methodologies are described and compared in detail.
Second Law Analysis of a Stirling Cryocooler With Optimal Design of the Regenerator and Losses
Authors: Rogdakis E. D. , Bormpilas N. A. 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
The aim of the research in this paper is a second law analysis of a Stirling cryocooler. A one-dimensional model is proposed for the simulation of the gas flow in the expansion space, the regenerator, the warm-end, the compression space and the compressor. Helium gas is selected as the working medium. An algorithm has been developed considering parametrically the most from the main operational tasks of the thermodynamic cycle.
Performance indices such as heat input, efficiency, external dimensions of the engine and technical requirements are taken into account as constraints. Engine operating parameters i.e. speed, external temperature, mean pressure are fixed. The regenerator loss has a critical influence on the cryocooler efficiency and the reduction of this kind of internal irreversibilities is extremely difficult due to the generator is subject to rapidly cycling flows accompanied by steep temperature gradients and large pressure variations.
The second flow analysis of the regenerator identifies two principal losses, the irreversible internal heat transfer into the solid matrix and the hydraulic resistance. An optimization technique leads to entropy generation charts, extremely useful for a good design of the regenerator.
Finally the main thermodynamic characteristics (net refrigeration, power input and the coefficient of performance) of the cryocooler are given both cases with and without external and internal irreversibilities.
Laying Modeling of Submarine Pipelines Using Contact Elements Into a Corotational Formulation
Authors: Martínez Cora , Goncalves Raúl 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
A new finite element formulation to analyze stresses and displacements in submarine pipelines during laying operations is presented in this paper. The method is based on the corotational formulation using Bernoulli non-linear beam elements to model the large displacements and rotations of the pipeline. The penalty method is used with spring-contact elements to accurately represent the actual boundary conditions. During the lay barge installation, the pipe rolls over the barge ramp and slides over the stinger before reaching the sea floor. The barge stinger is a ramp over floating supports that holds the pipeline in such a way that the pipe adopts an S-curve during the laying process. Since contact elements allow the pipeline to separate from the stinger at those points where the contact is lost, introducing these elements into the analysis makes it possible to accurately model the actual boundary conditions on the stinger. In addition, the use of contact elements allows the pipe to reach the sea floor at all those points, which naturally require this condition without imposing any displacement boundary condition during the convergence process. A real laying case of an oil transportation submarine pipeline is presented at the end of the paper to validate the results obtained with the developed formulation. A comparison with a finite element formulation introduced by the authors in a previous paper is also presented in order to verify the accuracy and computational effectiveness of the proposed method.
Clearance Considerations for Passenger Rolling Stock
Authors: Strong Philip M. 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Passenger rolling stock often operates with a softer suspension than used in freight cars, in order to obtain good ride quality. In order to maximize seating, interior width forces exterior width to approach Plate C freight car dimensions. Close clearance to platforms is an important safety consideration for passenger entrance and egress. The associated rolling stock and platform designs need to be considered as clearance issues, especially in mixed passenger and freight traffic operations. Some passenger railroads that operate self-propelled cars use a third rail for power collection, which presents a clearance constraint on curves, particularly for the undercar equipment that is common on these cars. Maximum height at center of cars and locomotives is constrained by catenary clearance in some operations.
Clearance considerations for passenger rolling stock on new and/or existing properties are covered using a general approach. Examples are presented which illustrate some of the factors that need to be considered in clearance investigations.
Mapping the proteo-genomic convergence of human diseases
Authors: Pietzner Maik , Wheeler Eleanor , Carrasco-Zanini Julia , Cortes Adrian , Koprulu Mine , Wörheide Maria A. , Oerton Erin , Cook James , Stewart Isobel D. , Kerrison Nicola D. , Luan Jian’an , Raffler Johannes , Arnold Matthias , Arlt Wiebke , O’Rahilly Stephen , Kastenmüller Gabi , Gamazon Eric R. , Hingorani Aroon D. , Scott Robert A. , Wareham Nicholas J. , Langenberg Claudia 
Published: November 2021

Detangling gene-disease connectionsMany diseases are at least partially due to genetic causes that are not always understood or targetable with specific treatments. To provide insight into the biology of various human diseases as well as potential leads for therapeutic development, Pietzneret al. undertook detailed, genome-wide proteogenomic mapping. The authors analyzed thousands of connections between potential disease-associated mutations, specific proteins, and medical conditions, thereby providing a detailed map for use by future researchers. They also supplied some examples in which they applied their approach to medical contexts as varied as connective tissue disorders, gallstones, and COVID-19 infections, sometimes even identifying single genes that play roles in multiple clinical scenarios. —YN
Measuring antibody titres following rabies postexposure prophylaxis in immunosuppressed patients: a norm rather than the exception
Authors: Mohindra Ritin , Suri Vikas , Chatterjee Debajyoti , Rana Kirtan 
Published: November 2021

We present a case of a 51-year-old immunosuppressed man with underlying chronic lymphoproliferative leukaemia (CLL), who presented to us in emergency with breathlessness, hydrophobia, anxiety and restlessness. He had a history of category 3 dog bite 2 months ago and had received a full course of rabies immunoglobulin and antirabies vaccine (ARV) as per the national schedule. As there were frank clinical reports of rabies, the patient was managed according to Milwaukee regimen. The patients died within a week of the appearance of symptoms. The brain autopsy revealed Negri bodies conforming the mortality due to rabies.Immunosuppressed patients, like our patient who had CLL have low antibody formation after rabies prophylaxis. Antibody titres in immunosuppressed patients need to be measured after the 2–4 weeks of the last injection of ARV to decide whether a booster of ARV needs to be administered or not.
SARS-CoV-2 antibody prevalence in Sierra Leone, March 2021: a cross-sectional, nationally representative, age-stratified serosurvey
Authors: Barrie Mohamed Bailor , Lakoh Sulaiman , Kelly J Daniel , Kanu Joseph Sam , Squire James Sylvester , Koroma Zikan , Bah Silleh , Sankoh Osman , Brima Abdulai , Ansumana Rashid , Goldberg Sarah A , Chitre Smit , Osuagwu Chidinma , Frankfurter Raphael , Maeda Justin , Barekye Bernard , Numbere Tamuno-Wari , Abdulaziz Mohammed , Mounts Anthony , Blanton Curtis , Singh Tushar , Samai Mohamed , Vandi Mohamed , Richardson Eugene T 
Published: November 2021

IntroductionAs of 26 March 2021, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention had reported 4 159 055 cases of COVID-19 and 111 357 deaths among the 55 African Union member states; however, no country has published a nationally representative serosurvey as of October 2021. Such data are vital for understanding the pandemic’s progression on the continent, evaluating containment measures, and policy planning.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional, nationally representative, age-stratified serosurvey in Sierra Leone in March 2021 by randomly selecting 120 Enumeration Areas throughout the country and 10 randomly selected households in each of these. One to two persons per selected household were interviewed to collect information on sociodemographics, symptoms suggestive of COVID-19, exposure history to laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 cases, and history of COVID-19 illness. Capillary blood was collected by fingerstick, and blood samples were tested using the Hangzhou Biotest Biotech RightSign COVID-19 IgG/IgM Rapid Test Cassette. Total seroprevalence was estimated after applying sampling weights.ResultsThe overall weighted seroprevalence was 2.6% (95% CI 1.9% to 3.4%). This was 43 times higher than the reported number of cases. Rural seropositivity was 1.8% (95% CI 1.0% to 2.5%), and urban seropositivity was 4.2% (95% CI 2.6% to 5.7%).DiscussionOverall seroprevalence was low compared with countries in Europe and the Americas (suggesting relatively successful containment in Sierra Leone). This has ramifications for the country’s third wave (which started in June 2021), during which the average number of daily reported cases was 87 by the end of the month:this could potentially be on the order of 3700 actual infections per day, calling for stronger containment measures in a country with only 0.2% of people fully vaccinated. It may also reflect significant under-reporting of incidence and mortality across the continent.
Antibodies to neurofilament light as potential biomarkers in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Puentes Fabiola , Benkert Pascal , Amor Sandra , Kuhle Jens , Giovannoni Gavin 
Published: November 2021

Background and objectiveThe concentration of neurofilament light (NfL) protein in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and blood is widely considered as a quantitative measure of neuro-axonal injury. Immune reactivity to NfL released into extracellular fluids induces specific autoantibody response. We investigated the levels and avidity of antibodies to NfL in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) treated with disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) and their correlation with disease worsening and NfL protein concentration.MethodsWe conducted a prospective longitudinal study in 246 patients with MS (125 DMT-treated and 121 untreated at baseline). Serum levels of NfL antibodies, antibody avidity and immune complexes were determined by ELISA. NfL protein was measured using the Simoa platform. Clinical variables were tested for their association with the measured parameters in multivariate generalised estimating equation models.ResultsMultivariate analysis showed that levels of NfL antibodies were higher in progressive MS compared with clinically isolated syndrome (CIS)/relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) (p=0.010). Anti-NfL levels drop with increasing disability score (Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS)) (p=0.002), although conversely, were significantly elevated in CIS/RRMS after a recent EDSS increase (p=0.012). Patients receiving DMTs showed decreased levels of anti-NfL (p=0.008), high-avidity antibodies (p=0.017) and immune-complexes compared with untreated CIS/RRMS. Patients with MS switching to natalizumab showed lower levels of anti-NfL but higher immune complexes compared with healthy controls (p=0.0071). A weak association was observed between the levels of NfL protein and NfL antibodies.ConclusionsThese results support the potential usefulness of quantifying antibody response to NfL as potential markers of progression and treatment response in MS and need to be considered when interpreting peripheral blood NfL levels.
Glyphosate- and acetolactate synthase inhibitor-resistant kochia (Bassia scoparia) control in field pea
Authors: Torbiak Alysha T. , Blackshaw Robert E. , Brandt Randall N. , Hamman Bill , Geddes Charles M. 
Published: November 2021

Kochia [Bassia scoparia (L.) A.J. Scott] is an invasive C4 tumbleweed in the Great Plains of North America, where it impedes crop harvest and causes significant crop yield losses. Rapid evolution and spread of glyphosate- and acetolactate synthase (ALS) inhibitor-resistant kochia in western Canada limit the herbicide options available for control of these biotypes in field pea (Pisum sativum L.); one of the predominant pulse crops grown in this region. Field experiments were conducted near Lethbridge, Alberta, in 2013–2015 and Coalhurst, Alberta, in 2013–2014 to determine which herbicide options effectively control glyphosate- and ALS inhibitor-resistant kochia in field pea. Visible injury of field pea was minor (0%–4%) in all environments except for Lethbridge 2013, where pre-plant (PP) flumioxazin and all treatments containing post-emergence (POST) imazamox/bentazon resulted in unacceptable (14%–23%) visible injury in field pea. Herbicide impacts on field pea yield were minor overall. Carfentrazone + sulfentrazone PP and saflufenacil PP followed by imazamox/bentazon POST resulted in ≥80% visible control of kochia in all environments, while POST imazamox/bentazon alone resulted in ≥80% reduction in kochia biomass in all environments compared with the untreated control (albeit, absent of statistical difference in Coalhurst 2014). These results suggest that layering the protoporhyrinogen oxidase-inhibiting herbicides saflufenacil or carfentrazone + sulfentrazone PP with the ALS- and photosystem II-inhibiting herbicide combination imazamox/bentazon POST can effectively control glyphosate- and ALS inhibitor-resistant kochia in field pea while also mitigating further selection for herbicide resistance through the use of multiple effective herbicide modes-of-action.
Thermal WIMPs and the scale of new physics: global fits of Dirac dark matter effective field theories
Authors: Athron Peter , Kozar Neal Avis , Balázs Csaba , Beniwal Ankit , Bloor Sanjay , Bringmann Torsten , Brod Joachim , Chang Christopher , Cornell Jonathan M. , Farmer Ben , Fowlie Andrew , Gonzalo Tomás E. , Handley Will , Kahlhoefer Felix , Kvellestad Anders , Mahmoudi Farvah , Prim Markus T. , Raklev Are , Renk Janina J. , Scaffidi Andre , Scott Pat , Stöcker Patrick , Vincent Aaron C. , White Martin , Wild Sebastian , Zupan Jure ,   GAMBIT Collaboration
Published: November 2021

AbstractWe assess the status of a wide class of WIMP dark matter (DM) models in light of the latest experimental results using the global fitting framework . We perform a global analysis of effective field theory (EFT) operators describing the interactions between a gauge-singlet Dirac fermion and the Standard Model quarks, the gluons and the photon. In this bottom-up approach, we simultaneously vary the coefficients of 14 such operators up to dimension 7, along with the DM mass, the scale of new physics and several nuisance parameters. Our likelihood functions include the latest data from Planck, direct and indirect detection experiments, and the LHC. For DM masses below 100 GeV, we find that it is impossible to satisfy all constraints simultaneously while maintaining EFT validity at LHC energies. For new physics scales around 1 TeV, our results are influenced by several small excesses in the LHC data and depend on the prescription that we adopt to ensure EFT validity. Furthermore, we find large regions of viable parameter space where the EFT is valid and the relic density can be reproduced, implying that WIMPs can still account for the DM of the universe while being consistent with the latest data.
Baseline surface- and groundwater monitoring prior to an onshore shale gas operation in the Vale of Pickering, UK
Authors: Raper Eleanor , Banks David , Shipperbottom Joe , Ham Phil 
Published: November 2021

A comprehensive programme of baseline groundwater hydrochemical monitoring has been carried out in connection with the proposed hydraulic fracturing of a 2–3 km deep Bowland Shale gas reservoir in borehole KM8 at Kirby Misperton, North Yorkshire, UK. The monitoring infrastructure encompassed five on-site boreholes with hydraulically open intervals ranging from shallow weathered cover to a
c.
200 m deep Corallian limestone aquifer, six off-site wells (hydraulically open in superficial materials and/or Kimmeridge Clay) and four surface-water monitoring stations. Groundwater chemistry was high stratified with depth, ranging from slightly acidic, fresh, very hard Ca–HCO
3
–SO
4
waters in shallow weathered cover, to brackish, calcium-depleted, highly alkaline waters in the Corallian aquifer. Dissolved methane was detected in most boreholes, with 10

μ

g l
−1
being typical of shallow boreholes and around 50 mg l
−1
in the Corallian. Low ethane concentrations and isotopic evidence suggest that the methane was predominantly microbial in origin (carboxylate fermentation at shallow depth, natural methanogenic CO
2
reduction at greater depth). Elevated dissolved ethane (20–30

μ

g l
−1
) was found in one well of intermediate depth, suggesting admixture of a possible thermogenic component, although this could be derived directly from the Kimmeridge Clay penetrated by the well.
On the Correlation between the Oxygen in Hydrogen Content and the Catalytic Activity of Cathode Catalysts in PEM Water Electrolysis
Authors: Martin Agate , Trinke Patrick , Pham Chuyen Van , Bühler Melanie , Bierling Markus , Holzapfel Peter Karl Rüdiger , Bensmann Boris , Thiele Simon , Hanke-Rauschenbach Richard 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Altogether five platinum group metal (PGM) and PGM-free cathode catalysts were investigated in full PEM water electrolysis cells regarding their polarisation behaviour and their hydrogen and oxygen recombination properties. It was shown that the recombination activity of permeated oxygen and evolved hydrogen within the cathodic catalyst layer correlates with the activity of the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) which was determined ex situ with linear sweep voltammetry. We found that the investigated PGM-free cathode catalysts had a low activity for the ORR resulting in higher measurable oxygen in hydrogen volume fractions compared to the PGM catalysts, which are more active for the ORR. Out of the three investigated PGM-free catalysts, only one commercially available material based on a Ti suboxide showed a similar good polarisation behaviour as the state of the art cathode catalyst platinum, while its recombination activity was the lowest of all catalysts. In addition to the recombination of hydrogen and oxygen on the electrocatalysts, we found that the prevalent carbon-based cathodic porous transport layers (PTL) also offer catalytically active recombination sites. In comparison to an inactive PTL, the measurable oxygen flux using carbon-based PTLs was lower and the recombination was enhanced by microporous coatings with high surface areas.
Experimental Study on the Resistance of Synthetic Penicillin Solid Lipid Nanoparticles to Clinically Resistant Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Zhao Enliang , Yi Tonghui , Du Juan , Wang Jing , Cong Shan , Liu Yunlong 
Published: November 2021

Background. With the increasing resistance of antibiotics to bacteria, new and effective methods are needed to transform existing antibiotics to solve the problem of long development cycles for new drugs. The antibiotic nanodelivery system has proven to be a promising strategy. Aim. The purpose of this study is to synthesize penicillin solid lipid nanoparticles (penicillin SLNs) to enhance the antibacterial activity of penicillin against drug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Materials and Methods. Penicillin SLNs were synthesized. And particle size, the polydispersity index (PI), and zeta potential (ZP) of penicillin SLNs were measured. The surface morphology of penicillin SLNs was observed using a transmission electron microscope. Results. The particle size of penicillin SLNs is

112.3
±
11.9

nm

, the polydispersity index (PI) and zeta potential (ZP) of penicillin SLNs are

0.212
±
0.03

and

−
27.6
±
5.5

mV

. The encapsulation efficiency and drug loading were

98.31
±
1.2
%

and

4.98
±
0.05

(

%
w
/
w

), respectively. Penicillin SLNs had a more significant inhibitory effect on the growth of methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) after the drug and the bacteria were incubated for 12 hours. The number of MRSA colonies in the penicillin group increased after 12 hours, while the number of MRSA colonies in the penicillin SLNs group did not change significantly. Conclusion. Penicillin SLNs enhance the ability of penicillin to enter cells and increase the concentration of penicillin in the cell and also extend the residence time of penicillin in the cell. Our findings indicated that penicillin SLNs enhance the inhibitory effect of penicillin on drug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.