bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Enhancement of the Ammonia Kinetic Mechanism for Nitrogen-Based Pollutant Chemistry
Authors: Ou Juan , Yan Yuchao , Yang Ruomiao , Liu Zhentao , Liu Jinlong 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Ammonia is a promising carbon-neutral fuel for internal combustion engines. However, its widespread application requires accurate ammonia kinetic models for numerical simulations used in engine development. Current development of ammonia kinetics mainly focuses on predicting fundamental combustion parameters such as ignition delay and laminar flame speed. Yet, significant discrepancies remain among different kinetics in predicting nitrogen-based pollutants (such as NOx and N2O). To improve the immature ammonia kinetics, especially for nitrogen-based pollutant chemistry, this study applies the Reaction Mechanism Generator (RMG) tool to enhance existing kinetics from the literature. Additionally, the kinetics is further optimized by incorporating advanced theoretical calculations of key reaction rates from the latest literature. The results show that the RMG-derived models excel in predicting species concentrations, ignition delay times, and laminar flame speeds. Moreover, the RMG-improved kinetics significantly enhances model robustness and applicability by automatically generating and expanding chemical reaction networks and iteratively adding new reactions and species that are essential according to the flux analysis. Further, kinetic analysis reveals the presence of an important species, HN2O, missing in the chemical mechanism from existing literature, which shows high sensitivity in the ammonia oxidation pathway. Overall, these findings highlight the need for more fundamental studies to improve immature ammonia oxidation kinetics by identifying new oxidation pathways and key species under a wider range of conditions representative of engine in-cylinder conditions, which is vital for predicting ammonia engine nitrogen-based emissions and finding strategies to control them.
A Study on Factors Affecting Oil Film Thickness on Sliding Surface of Three-Piece Oil Control Ring
Authors: Miura Ken , Kikuhara Koji , Tsukamoto Kazuki , Kumar Ayush , Ito Akemi 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Oil consumption of an engine causes particulate matter generation, catalyst poisoning in an aftertreatment device, and abnormal combustion such as pre-ignition. Oil control rings (OCRs) play a role of controlling amount of oil on the sliding surface and are important engine components in reducing oil consumption. Since the OCR has the highest ring tensions in the piston ring pack, the OCR is expected to fit into the cylinder bore. However, measurement data of the oil film thickness on the sliding surface of the OCR has shown that the actual oil film was thicker than the theoretical value.
In this study, factors which affect the oil film thickness on the sliding surface of a three-piece oil control ring (TPOCR) were investigated by the direct measurement of the oil film thickness on the sliding surface and the lower flank of the TPOCR. Piston secondary motion in the actual engine was also measured to analyze the effect of lateral and tilting motion of the piston on the oil film thickness. Those effects were also analyzed using a rig tester. Posture of the OCR rails were also considered to analyze oil film thickness data.
It was found that the lateral and the tilting motion of the piston affects the oil film thickness. It was shown that a certain posture of the OCR rail restrained expander movement and also caused a thicker oil film. The bore distortion in the circumferential direction was one of factors. Those findings suggest that piston, OCR motion and bore shape must be considered in the case of calculation of oil film thickness for TPOCR.
Experimental Characterization of Superheated Ammonia Spray From a Single-Hole ECN Spray M Injector
Authors: Bjørgen Karl Oskar , Desclaux Anthony , Mounaïm-Rousselle Christine , Hespel Camille 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
The growing recognition of ammonia as a carbon-free alternative fuel for both transportation and power generation is underscored by numerous studies. While the use of gaseous ammonia injection has been extensively considered, research on the direct injection of liquid ammonia remains relatively scarce, especially in the case of internal combustion engines (ICE). The application of liquid ammonia in gas turbines offers economic and size-related advantages over gaseous ammonia injection. But the liquid ammonia’s instantaneous spray flash-boiling and its high latent heat of vaporization induce the necessity of employing preheated swirling air to enhance flame stability, mitigating the strong cooling effect induced. The preference for direct injection of liquid ammonia is driven by its efficacy in controlling in-cylinder air-fuel ratios and optimizing thermal efficiency. This study presents macroscopic and near-field Schlieren measurements of a 1-hole ECN Spray M, representative of direct liquid injector for engine, with ammonia for different degrees of super-heating. Spray angles and penetration length are provided as a function of the superheat degree with also a focus near the injector nozzle. Additionally, in-spray temperature measurements are presented, providing the first valuable information for modeling purposes.
Demonstrating Diesel Pilot Combustion of Methane-Hydrogen Blends in a Single-Cylinder Compression Ignition Research Engine
Authors: Sirna Amanda , Ristow Hadlich Rodrigo , Loprete Jason , Yamalis Stelios , Trelles Juan Pablo , Van Dam Noah , Mack J. Hunter , Assanis Dimitris 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Medium and heavy-duty (MHD) diesel engine applications are currently facing technical challenges in accomplishing decarbonization goals due to the lack of readily available technological solutions that can meet the large power density requirements needed. For example, while electrification may show promise for certain light-duty vehicle applications, the benefits are greatly reduced in energy-dense MHD vehicle applications and thus additional decarbonization pathways need to be considered. A promising strategy is the adoption of low/zero carbon fuels that can make use of the abundant number of traditional engine architectures available (and corresponding manufacturing supply chains) to meet both power requirements and decreased emissions requirements. Gaseous fuels of this type include green hydrogen and renewable methane, both of which exhibit characteristics that make them difficult to auto-ignite and combust through increased compression alone. For engines equipped with a direct injector, it is possible to fumigate these engines mainly with gaseous fuel blends in the cylinder head port and use a small volume of renewable diesel directly injected in the combustion chamber (i.e., a pilot injection) to ignite the fumigated gaseous blend mixture. This study builds upon previous work focusing on methane combustion with diesel pilot injection and introduces hydrogen blending, exploring the effects of such fumigated blends at varying start of injection timings and at a constant equivalence ratio. The fuel blend used in this investigation was a diesel pilot injection accounting for ≃2% of the total fuel volume; the other 98% was split between the gaseous fuels, methane and hydrogen, in varying volume blend ratios. The study found that the introduction of any amount of hydrogen reduced carbon dioxide and unburned hydrocarbon concentrations in the exhausted emissions stream when compared to a diesel pilot with pure methane. The presence of hydrogen overall also increased combustion efficiency, peak pressures, and shortened ignition delay time. All blend ratios with hydrogen saw advanced CA50 and shorted CA10 to CA90 duration. This study concluded that tri-fuel blends can be run in a compression ignition engine and a combination of the start of injection timings and volume fraction of hydrogen can be used to control efficiencies and emissions.
Psychological interventions for weight reduction and sustained weight reduction in adults with overweight and obesity: a scoping review
Authors: Hamer Oliver , Kuroski Jennifer A , Bray Emma P , Harris Cath , Blundell Amy , Schneider Emma , Watkins Caroline 
Published: December 2024

IntroductionOverweight and obesity are growing public health problems worldwide. Both diet and physical activity have been the primary interventions for weight reduction over the past decade. With increasing rates of overweight and obesity, it is evident that a primary focus on diet and exercise has not resulted in sustained obesity reduction within the global population. There is now a case to explore other weight management strategies such as psychological therapies. However, there is a dearth of literature that has mapped the types of psychological interventions and the characteristics of these interventions as a means of achieving weight reduction.ObjectivesThe key objectives focused on mapping the types and characteristics of psychological interventions versus usual care for weight reduction and sustained weight reduction in adults with overweight or obesity. The study followed the scoping review methodology by Arksey and O’Malley and was reported in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews guidelines.Eligibility criteriaIntervention studies were included if participants were 18 years and over, classified as overweight or obese (body mass index ≥25 kg/m2) and had received a psychological therapy intervention. Studies were excluded if they included a comparison with other active lifestyle interventions (unless classified as usual care), were not available in English, were not full-text articles or were non-peer-reviewed articles.Sources of evidenceSix electronic databases were searched from inception to April 2023 to identify relevant articles.Charting methodsThe study employed a systematic charting method and narrative synthesis to organise and synthesise the data.ResultsA total of 31 studies met the eligibility criteria and were included in the review. 13 unique psychological interventions for weight reduction in adults with overweight or obesity were identified, with cognitive–behavioural therapy and motivational interviewing being the most common. Eight types of usual care were identified, which largely included education and training on nutrition and physical activity. Gaps in the current research were also identified.ConclusionThe findings highlighted several gaps within the existing literature, largely due to a lack of evidence relating to adults with low socioeconomic status, non-white participants, individuals under 40 years of age and the integration of digital health technologies.
Phase I/II trial of intracerebral transplantation of autologous bone marrow stem cells combined with recombinant peptide scaffold for patients with chronic intracerebral haemorrhage: a study protocol
Authors: Kawabori Masahito , Shichinohe Hideo , Kahata Kaoru , Miura Arisa , Maeda Kenichiro , Ito Yoichi M , Mukaino Masahiko , Kogawa Ryo , Nakamura Kentaro , Gotoh Shuho , Kurisu Kota , Fujimura Miki 
Published: December 2024

IntroductionIntracerebral haemorrhage (ICH) stands as a leading global cause of death and disability, posing a significant challenge with limited treatment options, especially for chronic patients. Recent advances in stem cell therapies have opened new avenues for therapeutic potential. Our previous preclinical research has demonstrated that intracerebral transplantation of bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) combined with a recombinant human collagen type I scaffold enables higher cell survival and engraftment and holds promising potential. In this article, we present the protocol for a novel clinical trial, named ‘Research on Advanced Intervention using Novel Bone MarrOW stem cells for chronic intracerebral haemorrhage’ (RAINBOW-Hx).Methods and analysisRAINBOW-Hx is a phase I/II, open-label, uncontrolled study with the primary objective of assessing the safety and efficacy of intracerebral transplantation of autologous BMSCs combined with the scaffold (HUFF-01) in patients with chronic ICH. Eight patients, experiencing moderate to severe neurological deficits for 12 months or longer, will be enrolled. The haemorrhage location will be limited to the basal ganglia and thalamus. Approximately 50 mL of bone marrow will be extracted from the iliac bone of each patient, and BMSCs will be cultured using autologous platelet lysate. 3 days before transplantation, BMSCs will be combined with the scaffold to generate HUFF-01. Each patient will receive a 50 000 HUFF-01 dose, containing approximately 50 million BMSCs, through stereotactic transplantation into the haemorrhagic cavity. Neurological assessments, MRI,18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography and123I-Iomazenil single-photon emission CT will be performed for 1 year after administration.Ethics and disseminationThe trial protocols were reviewed and approved by the Institutional Review Board of the Hokkaido University Hospital (R5-11), and this study is conducted according to Good Clinical Practice guidelines and the principles of the Declaration of Helsinki. The results of this trial will be submitted for publication in a peer-reviewed scientific journal.Trial registration numberjRCT2013230053, Japan Registry of Clinical Trials.
Defining within-host SARS-CoV-2 RNA viral load kinetics during acute COVID-19 infection within different respiratory compartments and their respective associations with host infectiousness: a protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Pan Daniel , Martin Christopher A , Nazareth Joshua , Sze Shirley , Al-Oraibi Amani , Gogoi Mayuri , Grolmusova Natalia , Divall Pip , Decker Jonathan , Fletcher Eve , Williams Caroline , Hay James , Baggaley Rebecca F. , Wyllie Anne L , Stephenson Iain , Gaillard Erol , Nellums Laura B , Clark Tristan William , Van-Tam Jonathan Nguyen , Cowling Benjamin J , Hollingsworth T. Déirdre , Gray Laura , Barer Michael , Pareek Manish 
Published: December 2024

IntroductionUnderstanding how RNA viral load changes (viral load kinetics) during acute infection in SARS-CoV-2 can help to identify when and which patients are most infectious. We seek to summarise existing data on the longitudinal RNA viral load kinetics of SARS-CoV-2 sampled from different parts of the respiratory tract (nose, nasopharynx, oropharynx, saliva and exhaled breath) and how this may vary with age, sex, ethnicity, immune status, disease severity, vaccination, treatment and virus variant.Methods and analysisWe will conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis, using studies identified through MEDLINE and EMBASE (via Ovid). All research studies reporting primary data on longitudinal RNA viral load kinetics of infected patients with SARS-CoV-2 will be included. Methodological quality will be assessed using a validated checklist for longitudinal studies as well as predefined quality criteria for assessment of individual-level RNA viral load. Should the data allow, we will aim to perform individual patient-level meta-analysis. Our primary outcomes are duration to, and quantity of peak RNA viral load, and total duration of viral load shedding within different respiratory compartments. Secondary outcomes include duration of lateral flow antigen and virus culture positivity and variation of RNA viral load by age, immune status, disease severity, vaccination, treatment, lateral flow tests, viral culture positivity and SARS-CoV-2 variant. Study-level effects affecting observations, but not related to properties of the patient, such as the PCR platform and gene target will also be recorded. Random-effects models will estimate the population mean and individual-level variation in viral shedding conditional on the aforementioned variables. Finally, we will summarise the key mechanistic models used in the literature to reconstruct individual-level viral kinetics and estimate how different factors shape viral dynamics over time.Ethics and disseminationEthical approval is not needed as data will be obtained from published articles or studies with data that have already received and ethical review for analysis. Manuscript(s) will be prepared for publication.Systematic review protocol registrationPROSPERO ID: CRD42023385315
Assessing the characteristics of suicidal ideation and self-harm in a national older adult population attending emergency departments across Ireland: cohort study protocol
Authors: Hoare Fiona , O'Donoghue Ann , Sweeney Colm , McCarthy Geraldine , Kavalidou Katerina , Russell Vincent , Norton Michael John , Doherty Anne M 
Published: December 2024

IntroductionOlder people (people aged 65 years and older) have high rates of death by suicide, and self-harm is a major risk factor for suicide. While rates of self-harm decrease with age, rates of suicide increase among this age group. The overall aim of this research project is to identify real-life evidence of the characteristics associated with older people who present with self-harm and suicidal ideation to emergency departments in Ireland. In examining the variables associated with self-harm, we may be better able to identify the characteristics of older adults who are at highest risk, including those presenting with high lethality attempts.Methods and analysisOur data are a cohort study of older people in Ireland involving two workstreams. The first will use a 5-year cohort of data from the National Clinical Programme for Self-Harm and Suicide-related Ideation (NCPSHI) which comprises over 70 000 presentations. The second workstream will use a 15-year cohort of electronic patient records from the Mater Misericordiae University Hospital (MMUH) comprising over 30 491 presentations (900 aged 65 years and older) to collect more detailed information on characteristics of older people presenting with self-harm and suicidal ideation.Ethics and disseminationThis study has received full ethical approval. The Clinical Research Ethics Committee of the MMUH approved the MMUH workstream—Reference number: 1/378/2327 TMR. Ethical approval for the NCPSHI workstream has been granted by the University College Dublin’s Office of Research Ethics.Our findings will be disseminated via peer-review publications and presentations to the scientific community, along with reports for clinicians and policymakers.
SPOON: an observational, cross-sectional study of perceptions and expectations of adults with generalised myasthenia gravis in France
Authors: Camdessanché Jean-Philippe , Sacconi Sabrina , Archer Annie , Boulanger Pierre , Crochard Anne , Bertocchio Jean-Philippe , Richard Aliénor , Villy Pierre-Edouard , Solé Guilhem 
Published: December 2024

ObjectivesTo capture patient perceptions about living with myasthenia gravis (MG) with respect to aspirations and ways to improve treatment.DesignOnline patient survey.SettingPatients recruited by MG patient associations or at MG reference treatment centres.ParticipantsAdults with physician-diagnosed generalised MG, living in France for ≥12 months, who had received ≥1 MG treatment were eligible. 291 patients opened the questionnaire, 255 were eligible and 246 completed the survey (age range 41–67 years; 187 women and 59 men).Primary and secondary outcome measuresPrimary: free-text response to the question ‘Living with your disease, what would you like to do that you currently find difficult or impossible to do?’ Secondary: free-text response to the question ‘What improvements do you think could be made to treatments for MG?’ Themes from replies to these questions were analysed using grounded theory and cluster analysis.ResultsFor the disease aspirations question, 617 citations were provided by 238 participants, which were grouped into 45 dimensions and six high-level domains (physical activity, activities of daily living, psychological burden, social activities, work/school and other). The most frequently cited dimensions were sport (82 citations), greater mobility (56 citations), being less tired (46 citations) and greater endurance (37 citations). Younger age, female gender, recent diagnosis and poorer quality of life were associated with citing more themes. For the treatment amelioration question, 263 citations were provided by 195 participants, which were grouped into 60 dimensions and three high-level domains (medication characteristics, safety and care paradigm). The most cited treatment-related dimensions were fewer side effects (40 citations), fewer daily medication intakes (21 citations) and fewer digestive side effects (20 citations).ConclusionsThese findings could help healthcare professionals to understand and better address patients’ aspirations about living with MG, notably concerning the importance of physical activity, and their expectations for improved treatments.
Irish Prostate Cancer Outcomes Research (IPCOR) registry: cohort profile
Authors: Gordon Noa , Dooley Cara , Murphy Áine , Farooq Wasfa , Sullivan Frank , McDermott Ray , Sharp Linda , Watson William , Galvin David 
Published: December 2024

PurposeTo describe the Irish Prostate Cancer Outcomes Research (IPCOR) registry. The cohort was collected to inform and improve the prostate cancer journey of men in Ireland.ParticipantsEstablished in 2015, IPCOR was a unique large-scale prospective cohort study registering men with prostate cancer in Ireland. From 2016 to 2020, IPCOR collected data on 6816 men who were newly diagnosed with prostate cancer across 16 hospitals, both public and private. A comprehensive clinical dataset was collected, capturing detailed information on men’s diagnosis, treatments and follow-up. In addition, a subset of 873 men completed patient-reported outcome measures.Findings to dateThe IPCOR study has revealed several key insights into prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment in Ireland. The data indicate a high rate of diagnosis through opportunistic Prostate-Specific Antigen screening, with many cases identified at an early stage.Future plansIPCOR invites collaboration from the global cancer research community to use this resource to advance prostate cancer research and improve patient outcomes worldwide. IPCOR aims to continue updating long-term survival follow-up data for this cohort. It also plans to continue its collaborative approach with patients, engaging with the Lived Experience Advisory Panel in interpreting results emerging from this dataset. Moving forward, IPCOR is planning its next phase of the project, IPCOR 2.0. This will be a prospective, longitudinal, multi-centre clinical quality registry and biorepository.
BLESS Behavior Correctness Proof as Convincing Verification Artifact
Authors: Larson Brian R. , Ahmad Ehsan 
Published: December 2024

Safety-critical cyber-physical systems require evidence they are indeed safe. In practice, such evidence is results of system tests. Unfortunately, tests can only demonstrate the presence of software errors, not their absence, and can practically cover a tiny fraction of system state space. Valiant efforts to formally verify program correctness have either been excruciatingly difficult (theorem proving) or incomplete (static analysis, model checking, SAT or SMT solving).
The BLESS Methodology was created specifically for engineers in industry to formally verify software controlling machines. The BLESS Methodology transforms programs that control machines, annotated with assertions to form proof outlines, into deductive proofs that every possible program execution will conform to its specification. To the extent that cyber-physical system specifications have been validated to express system safety and performance, a deductive proof can be a convincing argument to a person of program correctness.
This paper uses a simple safety-critical system to argue that behavior correctness proof under the BLESS Methodology is a convincing verification artifact in addition to customary testing.