bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of Using Different Equations of State in the Analysis of Rotary Displacer Stirling Engine
Authors: Bagheri AmirHossein , Williams Pavlina J. I. , Foster Phillip R. , Bostanci Huseyin 
Published: October 2018

The ideal gas equation of state is defined for a theoretical gas composed of molecules that have perfect elastic collisions and no intermolecular interchange forces. However, it has been widely reported that such an ideal model may not be a realistic representation under certain circumstances, in particular when the compressibility factor (Z) is not close to unity, and the consideration of other equations of state (real models) is imperative.
This study investigates the effect of using different equations of state, namely, the van der Waals, Redlich-Kwong, and Peng-Robinson equations, in the ideal isothermal analysis of a rotary displacer Stirling engine with the most commonly used gases, helium and air. The results are obtained numerically considering two major SE applications (cryocooling and distributed power generation) and two sets of operating conditions, and plotted in the form of Pressure-Volume diagrams. The amount of work per cycle based on the ideal gas model is taken as reference to compare the results from other models. The data show that at low pressure or high temperature conditions (corresponding to low density), the ideal gas equation is suitable for both gases, and using different models has no significant impact in the overall analysis. Additionally, while the use of ideal gas model is rather practical and fast, implementation of other models necessitate intensive computational processes.
Study of Surface Tension and Natural Evaporation of Aqueous Surfactant Solutions
Authors: Dikici Birce , Lehman Matthew J. 
Published: October 2018

Surface tension and solution evaporation of aqueous solutions of sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), ECOSURF™ EH-14, and ECOSURF™ SA-9 under natural convection is examined through experimental methods. SLS is an anionic surfactant while EH-14 and SA-9 are environmentally-friendly nonionic surfactants.
Surfactants are known to affect evaporation performance of solutions and are studied in relation to water loss prevention and heat dissipation. Surfactants could be useful under drought conditions which present challenges to water management on a yearly basis in arid areas of the world. Recent water scarcity in the greater Los Angeles area, south eastern Africa nations, eastern Australia and eastern Mediterranean countries has high cost of water loss by evaporation. Surfactants are studied as a potential method of suppressing evaporation in water reservoirs. Surfactants are also studied as performance enhancers for the working fluid of heat dissipation devices, such as pulsating heat pipes used for electronics cooling. Some surfactants have been shown to lower thermal resistances and friction pressure in such devices and thereby increase their efficiency.
The static surface tensions of the aqueous-surfactant solutions are measured with surface tensiometer using Wilhelmy plate method. The surfactants are shown to lower surface tension significantly from pure water. The surface tension values found at the Critical Micelle Concentration are 33.8 mN/m for SLS, 30.3 mN/m for EH-14, and 30.0 mN/m for SA-9. All three surfactants reduced natural convection water loss over 5 days with SLS showing the greatest effect on evaporation rates. The maximum evaporation reduction by each surfactant from distilled water with no surfactants after 5 days is 26.1% for SLS, 20.8% for EH-14, and 18.4% for SA-9.
Modeling of a New Crank-Less Rotary Heat Engine Concept for Solar Power Utilization
Authors: Rashad Muhammad I. , Faiad Hend A. , Elzouka Mahmoud 
Published: October 2018

This paper presents the operating principle of a novel solar rotary crank-less heat engine. The proposed engine concept uses air as working fluid. The reciprocating motion is converted to a rotary motion by the mean of unbalanced mass and Coriolis effect, instead of a crank shaft. This facilitates the engine scaling and provides several degrees of freedom in terms of structure design and configuration. Unlike classical heat engines (i.e. Stirling), the proposed engine can be fixed to the ground which significantly reduce the generation unit cost.
Firstly, the engine’s configuration is illustrated. Then, order analysis for the engine is carried out. The combined dynamics and thermal model is developed using ordinary differential equations which are then numerically solved by Simulink™. The resulting engine thermodynamics cycle is described. It incorporates the common thermodynamics processes (isobaric, isothermal, isochoric processes). Finally, the system behavior and performance are analyzed along with studying the effect of various design parameters on operating conditions such as engine speed, output power and efficiency.
Enhancing Prediction Accuracy in the Evaluation of Power Plant Uprates Utilizing a Novel ‘Big Data’ Approach
Authors: Pechtl Peter , Scheinecker Christian , Petek Josef 
Published: October 2018

The evaluation of power plant uprates has traditionally been based on the definition of several ‘typical’ operating modes based on historical data and a — more or less detailed — model of the plant that is compared in current configuration against the same base model including the modifications under consideration. For the economic assessment of the uprate, annual operating hours are allocated to the operating points, and fuel savings and/or additional output predicted by the model due to the modifications are evaluated against the expected investment cost. In this study, the authors demonstrate that this classic approach contains risks in several aspects, in particular:
• the representativeness of the ‘typical’ operating modes,
• the accuracy of the model, and
• the correctness of the assumptions in the allocation of operating hours.
Utilizing the example of an actual uprate of a heat recovery steam generator (HRSG) in a large utility plant of an Austrian steel company, a new approach for an evaluation based on ‘big data’ is presented that uses a full year of operational data in hourly granularity for both, the verification of the accuracy of the plant model, and the evaluation of the effect of the uprate. The authors also provide details of the underlying technologies that allow for both, excellent match of operational data with a fully-fledged heat balance software and fast evaluation of tens of thousands of calculation cases.
Kansas City Power and Light (KCP&L): Hawthorn Station, Unit #5 Modular Titanium Tubed Condenser Project — A Case Study
Authors: Grogan Kim , Pearce Richard , Nightingale Darren M. 
Published: October 2018

Kansas City Power & Light’s (KCP&L) Hawthorn Unit #5 is a coal fired power plant that was originally built in 1969. In 2000, the condenser had new condenser tube bundles installed with Admiralty tubes during the Hawthorn rebuild project. An evaluation of the unit in 2014 identified the potential for the conversion from open to closed cycle cooling. At the same time of the evaluation, multiple failures, causing high silica (derates), required action again in 2016. With improvements in condenser technology, and after evaluation of all the options available — including investment payback — it was decided to rebundle the condenser once again to improve the heat transfer surface area, and to anticipate the (future) requirement for the unit to operate at a higher design pressure on the circulating water side.
The current 1″ OD Admiralty Brass tubes and Muntz metal tube sheets were replaced with 7/8″ OD Titanium tubes and solid Titanium tube sheets. The waterboxes were also replaced with new carbon steel boxes, internally coated with a high solids epoxy lining, together with sacrificial anodes for cathodic protection. The new tube bundles and waterboxes were both designed for a higher design pressure. This was due to the possibility of a future cooling tower installation that would require an increased design pressure for the circulating water system. This Case Study Paper reviews the background to the requirement for new condenser tube bundles and waterboxes, compares the existing and replacement designs, reviews the installation process, and provides a summary of the project lessons learned. It is also intended to be of use to Plants that are considering changing from open to closed cooling cycle.
Prevention of postcontrast acute kidney injury after percutaneous transluminal angioplasty by inducing RenalGuard controlled furosemide forced diuresis with matched hydration: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Bolt Lars J J , Sigterman Tim Anton , Krasznai Atilla G , Sikkink Cees-Jan J M , Schurink Geert-Willem H , Bouwman Lee Hans 
Published: October 2018

IntroductionPercutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) is often complicated due to postcontrast acute kidney injury (PC-AKI) in patients diagnosed with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Hydration therapy is the cornerstone in the prevention of PC-AKI. Furosemide forced diuresis with matched hydration using the RenalGuard system enables a steady balance between diuresis and hydration. A randomised controlled trial will be performed in order to investigate whether furosemide forced diuresis with matched hydration in combination with the RenalGuard system decreases incidence of PC-AKI in patients with CKD receiving a PTA of the lower extremities. Furthermore, we will investigate whether sampling of urine biomarkers 4 hours after intervention can detect PC-AKI in an earlier stage compared with the golden standard, serum creatinine 48–72 hours postintervention.Methods and analysisA single-centre randomised controlled trial will be conducted. Patients >18 years in need of a PTA of the lower extremities and diagnosed with CKD will be randomly assigned to receive either standard of care prehydration and posthydration or furosemide forced diuresis with matched hydration periprocedural using the RenalGuard system. Four hours postintervention, a urine sample will be collected of all participating patients. Serum creatinine will be sampled within 10 days prior to intervention as well as 1, 3 and 30 days postintervention. The primary endpoint is incidence of PC-AKI post-PTA. Secondary endpoint is the rise of urine biomarkers 4 hours postintervention.Ethics and disseminationStudy protocol is approved by the research ethics committee and institutional review board (reference number 16 T-201 and NL59809.096.16). Study results will be disseminated by oral presentation at conferences and will be submitted to a peer-reviewed journal. It is anticipated that study results will offer a solution to contrast-induced nephropathy in patients with CKD receiving a PTA of the lower extremities.Trial registration numberNTR6236; Pre-results.EudraCT number2016-005072-10
PEHO syndrome: the endpoint of different genetic epilepsies
Authors: Chitre Manali , Nahorski Michael S , Stouffer Kaitlin , Dunning-Davies Bryony , Houston Hamish , Wakeling Emma L , Brady Angela F , Zuberi Sameer M , Suri Mohnish , Parker Alasdair P J , Woods C Geoffrey 
Published: October 2018

BackgroundProgressive encephalopathy, hypsarrhythmia and optic atrophy (PEHO) has been described as a clinically distinct syndrome. It has been postulated that it is an autosomal recessive condition. However, the aetiology is poorly understood, and the genetic basis of the condition has not been fully elucidated. Our objective was to discover if PEHO syndrome is a single gene disorder.MethodChildren with PEHO and PEHO-like syndrome were recruited. Clinical, neurological and dysmorphic features were recorded; EEG reports and MRI scans were reviewed. Where possible, exome sequencing was carried out first to seek mutations in known early infantile developmental and epileptic encephalopathy (DEE) genes and then to use an agnostic approach to seek novel candidate genes. We sought intra–interfamilial phenotypic correlations and genotype–phenotype correlations when pathological mutations were identified.ResultsTwenty-three children were recruited from a diverse ethnic background, 19 of which were suitable for inclusion. They were similar in many of the core and the supporting features of PEHO, but there was significant variation in MRI and ophthalmological findings, even between siblings with the same mutation. A pathogenic genetic variant was identified in 15 of the 19 children. One further girl’s DNA failed analysis, but her two affected sisters shared confirmed variants. Pathogenic variants were identified in seven different genes.ConclusionsWe found significant clinical and genetic heterogeneity. Given the intrafamily variation demonstrated, we question whether the diagnostic criteria for MRI and ophthalmic findings should be altered. We also question whether PEHO and PEHO-like syndrome represent differing points on a clinical spectrum of the DEE. We conclude that PEHO and PEHO-like syndrome are clinically and genetically diverse entities—and are phenotypic endpoints of many severe genetic encephalopathies.
Haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis complicating pembrolizumab treatment for metastatic breast cancer in a patient with the PRF1A91V gene polymorphism
Authors: Al-Samkari Hanny , Snyder Gregory D , Nikiforow Sarah , Tolaney Sara M , Freedman Rachel A , Losman Julie-Aurore 
Published: October 2018

BackgroundImmune checkpoint inhibitor therapy is a modern breakthrough in medical oncology, but it can precipitate inflammatory and autoimmune adverse effects. Among the most serious of these toxicities is haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH), a life-threatening disorder of unbridled immune activation that results in injury to multiple organ systems.ObjectiveDescription of a case of pembrolizumab-associated HLH in a patient with a proposed underlying genetic risk factor for its occurrence.Methods and resultsWe describe a patient with aggressive metastatic breast cancer who developed HLH while undergoing experimental treatment with pembrolizumab, resulting in critical illness and multiorgan system failure. Pembrolizumab discontinuation and high-dose corticosteroids were effective in managing HLH. Subsequent next-generation sequencing of 15 genes associated with HLH revealed a germline polymorphism in perforin-1 (PRF1), PRFA91V, that may have predisposed the patient to develop HLH. The patient has had no evidence of malignancy for 2 years following recovery despite receiving no further cancer-directed treatment.ConclusionsHLH is a rare but serious complication of immune checkpoint blockade. Patients with underlying hypomorphic alleles in PRF1 may be predisposed to develop this toxicity. Further studies are necessary to confirm a possible link between perforin gene mutations and immune checkpoint blockade-associated HLH.
Progression from islet autoimmunity to clinical type 1 diabetes is influenced by genetic factors: results from the prospective TEDDY study
Authors: Beyerlein Andreas , Bonifacio Ezio , Vehik Kendra , Hippich Markus , Winkler Christiane , Frohnert Brigitte I , Steck Andrea K , Hagopian William A , Krischer Jeffrey P , Lernmark Åke , Rewers Marian J , She Jin-Xiong , Toppari Jorma , Akolkar Beena , Rich Stephen S , Ziegler Anette-G 
Published: October 2018

BackgroundProgression time from islet autoimmunity to clinical type 1 diabetes is highly variable and the extent that genetic factors contribute is unknown.MethodsIn 341 islet autoantibody-positive children with the human leucocyte antigen (HLA) DR3/DR4-DQ8 or the HLA DR4-DQ8/DR4-DQ8 genotype from the prospective TEDDY (The Environmental Determinants of Diabetes in the Young) study, we investigated whether a genetic risk score that had previously been shown to predict islet autoimmunity is also associated with disease progression.ResultsIslet autoantibody-positive children with a genetic risk score in the lowest quartile had a slower progression from single to multiple autoantibodies (p=0.018), from single autoantibodies to diabetes (p=0.004), and by trend from multiple islet autoantibodies to diabetes (p=0.06). In a Cox proportional hazards analysis, faster progression was associated with an increased genetic risk score independently of HLA genotype (HR for progression from multiple autoantibodies to type 1 diabetes, 1.27, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.58 per unit increase), an earlier age of islet autoantibody development (HR, 0.68, 95% CI 0.58 to 0.81 per year increase in age) and female sex (HR, 1.94, 95% CI 1.28 to 2.93).ConclusionsGenetic risk scores may be used to identify islet autoantibody-positive children with high-risk HLA genotypes who have a slow rate of progression to subsequent stages of autoimmunity and type 1 diabetes.
A comparison of CT lung voxel density analysis in a blast and non blast injured casualty.
Authors: Bourn Sebastian , E Scott T , J Hulse E 
Published: October 2018

IntroductionPrimary blast lung injury (PBLI) is a prominent feature in casualties following exposure to blast. PBLI carries high morbidity and mortality, but remains difficult to diagnose and quantify. Radiographic diagnosis of PBLI was historically made with the aid of plain radiographs; more recently, qualitative review of CT images has assisted diagnosis.MethodsWe report a novel way of measuring post-traumatic acute lung injury using CT lung density analysis in two casualties. One casualty presented following blast exposure with confirmed blast lung injury and the other presented following extremity injury without blast exposure. Three-dimensional lung maps of each casualty were produced from their original trauma CT scan. Analysis of the lung maps allowed quantitative radiological comparison exposing areas of reduced aeration of the patient’s lungs.Results45% of the blast-exposed lungs were non-aerated compared with 10% in the non-blast-exposed lungs.DiscussionIn these example cases quantitative CT lung density analysis allowed blast-injured lungs to be distinguished from non-blast-exposed lungs.
Catastrophic haemorrhage in military major trauma patients: a retrospective database analysis of haemostatic agents used on the battlefield
Authors: Winstanley Mark , Smith J E , Wright C 
Published: October 2018

ObjectivesCatastrophic haemorrhage is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in trauma, in both military and civilian settings. There are numerous studies looking at the effectiveness of different haemostatic agents in the laboratory but few in a clinical setting. This study analyses the use of haemostatic dressings used in patients injured on the battlefield and their association with survival.MethodA retrospective database review was undertaken using the UK Joint Theatre Trauma Registry from 2003 to 2014, during combat operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. Data included patient demographics, the use of haemostatic dressings, New Injury Severity Score (NISS) and patient outcome.ResultsOf 3792 cases, a haemostatic dressing was applied in 317 (either Celox, Hemcon or Quickclot). When comparing patients who had a haemostatic dressing applied versus no haemostatic agent, there was a 7% improvement in survival. Celox was the only individual haemostatic dressing that was associated with a statistically significant improvement in survival, which was most apparent in the more severely injured (NISS 36–75).ConclusionWe have shown an association between use of haemostatic agents and improved survival, mostly in those with more severe injuries, which is particularly evident in those administered Celox. This supports the continued use of haemostatic agents as part of initial haemorrhage control for patients injured in conflict and suggests that civilian organisations that may need to deal with patients with similar injury patterns should consider their use and implementation.
Ball convergence for a three-point method with optimal convergence order eight under weak conditions
Authors: Argyros Ioannis K. , Kansal Munish , Kanwar V. 
Published: October 2018

We present a local convergence analysis of an optimal eighth-order family of Ostrowski like methods for approximating a locally unique solution of a nonlinear equation. Earlier studies [T. Lotfi, S. Sharifi, M. Salimi and S. Siegmund, A new class of three-point methods with optimal convergence and its dynamics, Numer. Algorithms 68 (2015) 261–288.] have shown convergence of these methods under hypotheses up to the eighth derivative of the function although only the first derivative appears in the method. In this study, we expand the applicability of these methods using only hypotheses up to the first derivative of the function. By this way the applicability of these methods is extended under weaker hypotheses. Moreover, the radius of convergence and computable error bounds on the distances involved are also given in this study. Numerical examples are also presented in this study.
Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex Repair and Ulna Variance: A Systematic Review
Authors: Jung Ki Jin , Nho Jae-Hwi , Kim Jin Hyeung , Kim Byung-Sung , Gong Hyun Sik 
Published: October 2018

Background: This purpose of the study was to conduct a systematic review of available literature regarding the association between ulnar variance and outcomes after repair of peripheral traumatic tears of the triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC).Methods: A systematic literature search of the medical literature about peripheral tears of the TFCC was performed. We selected seven studies comparing clinical outcome and ulnar variance in patients with peripheral TFCC tears. We evaluated quality of the articles using both the Structured Effectiveness Quality Evaluation Scale (SEQES) and Sackett’s Level of Evidence (LOE). The outcomes were objective or self-assessment scoring systems for the function of the hand, wrist, or upper extremity.Results: Seven articles were evaluated. The SEQES scores varied from 19 to 28, with a mean of 23. Five studies reported no association between ulnar variance and clinical outcome, and 2 studies reported an association. The studies reporting no association either excluded or did not mention the cases of unstable distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ).Conclusions: This systematic review did not demonstrate strong evidence regarding the association between ulnar variance and outcomes after TFCC repair. As most of the studies did not distinguish between capsular and foveal tears which can affect DRUJ stability, further studies looking at this point are necessary to determine whether ulnar shortening osteotomy has an added value for better outcomes after TFCC repair.