bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Influence of Combustor Hot Streaks on the Aerodynamic Performance of a Turbine Center Frame
Authors: Badžek Ena , Patinios Marios , Farisco Federica , Heitmeir Franz , Göttlich Emil 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
This paper investigates the influence of combustor temperature non-uniformities on modern engine turbine center frames (TCFs). Due to their position in an engine, coupled with the trends of more aggressive designs, increased turbine inlet temperatures (TIT), and utilization of lean-burn combustors, turbine center frames are exposed to even higher temperatures and non-uniform temperature flow fields. These temperature non-uniformities, or hot streaks (HS), were previously studied at the combustor—high-pressure turbine (HPT) interface, but there is no available research in the open literature that clarifies their influence on the TCF performance. A new test bench, designed specifically for fundamental research on hot streaks, was set up at the Institute for Thermal Turbomachinery and Machine Dynamics at the Graz University of Technology, Austria. The test bench features a 90 deg sector cascade of an engine representative TCF geometry, equipped with a hot streak generator and a flow conditioning grid. Experimental data were gathered by means of five-hole probe area traverses at the TCF inlet and outlet planes. Two individual clocking positions of hot streaks were investigated, as well as three different radial positions for each of the clocking scenarios. Hot streaks were injected upstream of the flow conditioning grid, generating a representative temperature ratio at the TCF inlet plane. Results show that the hot streaks have migrated radially outwards and are characterized by different temperature distributions, depending on the injection position. An increase in pressure loss and thermal loading of the strut and the shroud are observed.
High-Fidelity Simulation Study of the Unsteady Flow Effects on High-Pressure Turbine Blade Performance
Authors: Leggett John , Zhao Yaomin , Sandberg Richard D. 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Unsteadiness, in the form of both broadband background disturbances and discrete coherent wakes, can have a strong effect on the performance of turbomachinery blades. The influence of the incoming flow has received much interest as it inevitably affects the blade boundary layers and develops as it passes through the machine. In the present work, we investigate the effect of unsteady flow on high-pressure turbines (HPTs), using high-fidelity datasets produced by wall resolved large-eddy simulation of an HPT stage. The effects of incident wakes from an upstream stator, compounded by the presence of freestream turbulence, on the downstream rotor are investigated. Based on analyzing cases with different turbulence intensities and length scales prescribed at the inlet, we show that changing the freestream turbulence characteristics has a direct effect on the unsteady behavior of the stator wakes. As a result, the performance of the rotor is also significantly affected. By detailing the influence of the wake–turbulence interaction, we aim to distinguish driving forces on rotor performance, be it changes in the incident wakes or direct influence from the freestream turbulence. Furthermore, the aerothermal behaviors of the rotor blades have been extensively investigated, showing that the blade boundary layers on the suction and pressure sides respond differently to external disturbances. The insights gained can provide designers with guidelines in understanding the unsteady flow effects of a given flow state, and how the unsteadiness present, either broadband or deterministic, will affect the performance of downstream blades.
Changes in the Carbon Stocks, Microbial and Enzyme Activities of Retic Albic Podzol in Southern Taiga during Postagrogenic Evolution
Authors: Kurganova I. N. , Telesnina V. M. , Lopes de Gerenyu V. O. , Lichko V. I. , Ovsepyan L. A. 
Published: September 2022

AbstractSoil organic matter largely controls the ecosystem functions of soil and is a source of energy and a nutrient substrate for the soil microbial community as well. The postagrogenic dynamics of organic matter stock (content of organic carbon, Corg; total nitrogen, Ntot; and their ratio, C/N), basic soil properties, and indicators of soil microbial and enzyme activities are analyzed for the chronosequence of Retic Albic Podzol (southern taiga zone, Kostroma oblast, Russia). Different plots of the chronosequence have been withdrawn from agricultural use 11, 16, and 40 years ago. The stratification ratios (SRs) 0–5 : 5–10, 0–10 : 10–20, and 0–10 : 20–30 cm layers for Corgand Ntotcontents are also estimated. A statistically significant increase in the contents of Corgand Ntotduring the postagrogenic succession is observed in the topsoil layer of the old arable horizon (0–5 and 5–10 cm) as well as an increase in the stratification of their distribution, especially after a closed tree canopy has developed on the former arable land. Postagrogenic succession promotes an increase in the soil basal respiration rate and the content of microbial biomass, the maximum values of which are most often recordable in the soil under a 40-year-old secondary small-leaved forest. During the natural reforestation of the former arable lands, a statistically significant increase in the phosphatase activity is observed within the entire old arable horizon. The peaks of oxidoreductase activity correspond to the stages of succession with the maximum uptake of easily decomposable plant litter. Over the 40 years of postagrogenic succession, all analyzed parameters (except for pHKCl) have increased in a statistically significant manner at all considered depths of the old arable layer, with the highest annual increase in 0–5-cm layer, most enriched for organic matter.
Ensemble neural network model for detecting thyroid eye disease using external photographs
Authors: Karlin Justin , Gai Lisa , LaPierre Nathan , Danesh Kayla , Farajzadeh Justin , Palileo Bea , Taraszka Kodi , Zheng Jie , Wang Wei , Eskin Eleazar , Rootman Daniel 
Published: September 2022

PurposeTo describe an artificial intelligence platform that detects thyroid eye disease (TED).DesignDevelopment of a deep learning model.Methods1944 photographs from a clinical database were used to train a deep learning model. 344 additional images (‘test set’) were used to calculate performance metrics. Receiver operating characteristic, precision–recall curves and heatmaps were generated. From the test set, 50 images were randomly selected (‘survey set’) and used to compare model performance with ophthalmologist performance. 222 images obtained from a separate clinical database were used to assess model recall and to quantitate model performance with respect to disease stage and grade.ResultsThe model achieved test set accuracy of 89.2%, specificity 86.9%, recall 93.4%, precision 79.7% and an F1 score of 86.0%. Heatmaps demonstrated that the model identified pixels corresponding to clinical features of TED. On the survey set, the ensemble model achieved accuracy, specificity, recall, precision and F1 score of 86%, 84%, 89%, 77% and 82%, respectively. 27 ophthalmologists achieved mean performance of 75%, 82%, 63%, 72% and 66%, respectively. On the second test set, the model achieved recall of 91.9%, with higher recall for moderate to severe (98.2%, n=55) and active disease (98.3%, n=60), as compared with mild (86.8%, n=68) or stable disease (85.7%, n=63).ConclusionsThe deep learning classifier is a novel approach to identify TED and is a first step in the development of tools to improve diagnostic accuracy and lower barriers to specialist evaluation.
Differential impact of opt-in, opt-out policies on deceased organ donation rates: a mixed conceptual and empirical study
Authors: Molina-Pérez Alberto , Rodríguez-Arias David , Delgado Janet 
Published: September 2022

ObjectivesTo increase postmortem organ donation rates, several countries are adopting an opt-out (presumed consent) policy, meaning that individuals are deemed donors unless they expressly refused so. Although opt-out countries tend to have higher donation rates, there is no conclusive evidence that this is caused by the policy itself. The main objective of this study is to better assess the direct impact of consent policy defaults per se on deceased organ recovery rates when considering the role of the family in the decision-making process. This study does not take into account any indirect effects of defaults, such as potential psychological and behavioural effects on individuals and their relatives.DesignBased on previous work regarding consent policies, we created a conceptual model of the decision-making process for deceased organ recovery that included any scenario that could be directly influenced by opt-in or opt-out policies. We then applied this model to internationally published data of the consent process to determine how frequently policy defaults could apply.Main outcome measuresWe measure the direct impact that opt-in and opt-out policies have per se on deceased organ recovery.ResultsOur analysis shows that opt-in and opt-out have strictly identical outcomes in eight out of nine situations. They only differ when neither the deceased nor the family have expressed a preference and defaults therefore apply. The direct impact of consent policy defaults is typically circumscribed to a range of 0%–5% of all opportunities for organ recovery. Our study also shows that the intervention of the family improves organ retrieval under opt-in but hinders it under opt-out.ConclusionsThis study may warn policy makers that, by emphasising the need to introduce presumed consent to increase organ recovery rates, they might be overestimating the influence of the default and underestimating the power granted to families.
Evaluation of the shielding initiative in Wales (EVITE Immunity): protocol for a quasiexperimental study
Authors: Evans Bridie Angela , Akbari Ashley , Bailey Rowena , Bethell Lesley , Bufton Samantha , Carson-Stevens Andrew , Dixon Lucy , Edwards Adrian , John Ann , Jolles Stephen , Kingston Mark Rhys , Lyons Jane , Lyons Ronan , Porter Alison , Sewell Bernadette , Thornton Catherine A , Watkins Alan , Whiffen Tony , Williams Victoria , Snooks Helen 
Published: September 2022

IntroductionShielding aimed to protect those predicted to be at highest risk from COVID-19 and was uniquely implemented in the UK during the COVID-19 pandemic. Clinically extremely vulnerable people identified through algorithms and screening of routine National Health Service (NHS) data were individually and strongly advised to stay at home and strictly self-isolate even from others in their household. This study will generate a logic model of the intervention and evaluate the effects and costs of shielding to inform policy development and delivery during future pandemics.Methods and analysisThis is a quasiexperimental study undertaken in Wales where records for people who were identified for shielding were already anonymously linked into integrated data systems for public health decision-making. We will: interview policy-makers to understand rationale for shielding advice to inform analysis and interpretation of results; use anonymised individual-level data to select people identified for shielding advice in March 2020 and a matched cohort, from routine electronic health data sources, to compare outcomes; survey a stratified random sample of each group about activities and quality of life at 12 months; use routine and newly collected blood data to assess immunity; interview people who were identified for shielding and their carers and NHS staff who delivered healthcare during shielding, to explore compliance and experiences; collect healthcare resource use data to calculate implementation costs and cost–consequences. Our team includes people who were shielding, who used their experience to help design and deliver this study.Ethics and disseminationThe study has received approval from the Newcastle North Tyneside 2 Research Ethics Committee (IRAS 295050). We will disseminate results directly to UK government policy-makers, publish in peer-reviewed journals, present at scientific and policy conferences and share accessible summaries of results online and through public and patient networks.
Level of sedation in critically ill adult patients: a protocol for a systematic review with meta-analysis and trial sequential analysis
Authors: Ceric Ameldina , Holgersson Johan , May Teresa , Skrifvars Markus B , Hästbacka Johanna , Saxena Manoj , Aneman Anders , Delaney Anthony , Reade Michael C , Delcourt Candice , Jakobsen Janus , Nielsen Niklas 
Published: September 2022

IntroductionIt is standard of care to provide sedation to critically ill patients to reduce anxiety, discomfort and promote tolerance of mechanical ventilation. Given that sedatives can have differing effects based on a variety of patient and pharmacological characteristics, treatment approaches are largely based on targeting the level of sedation. The benefits of differing levels of sedation must be balanced against potential adverse effects including haemodynamic instability, causing delirium, delaying awakening and prolonging the time of mechanical ventilation and intensive care stay. This systematic review with meta-analysis aims to investigate the current evidence and compare the effects of differing sedation levels in adult critically ill patients.Methods and analysesWe will conduct a systematic review based on searches of preidentified major medical databases (eg, MEDLINE, EMBASE, CENTRAL) and clinical trial registries from their inception onwards to identify trials meeting inclusion criteria. We will include randomised clinical trials comparing any degree of sedation with no sedation and lighter sedation with deeper sedation for critically ill patients admitted to the intensive care unit. We will include aggregate data meta-analyses and trial sequential analyses. Risk of bias will be assessed with domains based on the Cochrane risk of bias tool. An eight-step procedure will be used to assess if the thresholds for clinical significance are crossed, and the certainty of the evidence will be assessed using Grades of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation.Ethics and disseminationNo formal approval or review of ethics is required as individual patient data will not be included. This systematic review has the potential to highlight (1) whether one should believe sedation to be beneficial, harmful or neither in critically ill adults; (2) the existing knowledge gaps and (3) whether the recommendations from guidelines and daily clinical practice are supported by current evidence. These results will be disseminated through publication in a peer-reviewed journal.
Cohort profile:Stop the Spread Ottawa (SSO)—a community-based prospective cohort study on antibody responses, antibody neutralisation efficiency and cellular immunity to SARS-CoV-2 infection and vaccination
Authors: Collins Erin , Galipeau Yannick , Arnold Corey , Bosveld Cameron , Heiskanen Aliisa , Keeshan Alexa , Nakka Kiran , Shir-Mohammadi Khatereh , St-Denis-Bissonnette Frederic , Tamblyn Laura , Vranjkovic Agatha , Wood Leah C , Booth Ronald , Buchan C Arianne , Crawley Angela M , Little Julian , McGuinty Michaeline , Saginur Raphael , Langlois Marc-André , Cooper Curtis L 
Published: September 2022

PurposeTo investigate the robustness and longevity of SARS-CoV-2 immune responses conferred by natural infection and vaccination among priority populations such as immunocompromised individuals and people with post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 in a prospective cohort study (Stop the Spread Ottawa—SSO) in adults living in the Ottawa region. In this paper, we describe the study design, ongoing data collection and baseline characteristics of participants.ParticipantsSince October 2020, participants who tested positive for COVID-19 (convalescents) or at high risk of exposure to the virus (under surveillance) have provided monthly blood and saliva samples over a 10-month period. As of 2 November 2021, 1026 adults had completed the baseline survey and 976 had attended baseline bloodwork. 300 participants will continue to provide bimonthly blood samples for 24 additional months (ie, total follow-up of 34 months).Findings to dateThe median age of the baseline sample was 44 (IQR 23, range: 18–79) and just over two-thirds (n=688; 67.1%) were female. 255 participants (24.9%) had a history of COVID-19 infection confirmed by PCR and/or serology. Over 600 participants (60.0%) work in high-risk occupations (eg, healthcare, teaching and transportation). 108 participants (10.5%) reported immunocompromising conditions or treatments at baseline (eg, cancer, HIV, other immune deficiency, and/or use of immunosuppressants).Future plansSSO continues to yield rich research potential, given the collection of pre-vaccine baseline data and samples from the majority of participants, recruitment of diverse subgroups of interest, and a high level of participant retention and compliance with monthly sampling. The 24-month study extension will maximise opportunities to track SARS-CoV-2 immunity and vaccine efficacy, detect and characterise emerging variants, and compare subgroup humoral and cellular response robustness and persistence.
Pharmacological interventions for hidradenitis suppurativa: a protocol for systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomised trials and non-randomised studies
Authors: Aroonsakul Naritthorn , Phinyo Phichayut , Lumkul Lalita , Jarupanich Nutcha , Szepietowski Jacek , Chuamanochan Mati , Nochaiwong Surapon 
Published: September 2022

IntroductionTherapeutic recommendations for hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) have recently shifted towards non-invasive pharmacological options. Recent evidence has shown promising efficacy for specific treatments. However, data regarding the comparative efficacy of these treatments in patients with HS are still limited. Therefore, we plan to conduct a systematic review and network meta-analysis (NMA) to summarise the benefits and harms of different pharmacological interventions for treating people living with HS.Methods and analysisWe will search electronic databases, including Medline, Embase, PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, CINAHL and Cochrane Library beginning from their inception dates with no language restrictions. A grey literature search will be performed to supplement the electronic databases. Both randomised trials and non-randomised studies using validated measurement tools that investigated the benefits and harms of pharmacological interventions among people living with HS will be included. The predefined primary outcomes will include treatment responses that reflect the patient’s perspective and all-cause discontinuation. Screening, selection, extraction, assessment of the risk of bias and analysis of the strength of the evidence will be performed independently by a pair of reviewers. A two-step approach of traditional pairwise and NMA will be performed. Based on a random-effects model, standardised weighted mean differences and ORs with corresponding 95% CIs will be pooled as effect estimates for the continuous and categorical endpoints, respectively. Statistical and methodological heterogeneities will be assessed. Preplanned subgroup analyses and univariate meta-regression will be conducted to quantify the potential sources of heterogeneity. Evidence-based synthesis will be based on the magnitudes of effect size, evidence certainty and the surface under the cumulative ranking curve values.Ethics and disseminationEthical approval is not required because this study is based on existing published data. These findings will be disseminated through scientific meetings and publications in peer-reviewed journals.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42022302795.
Prospective double-blind randomised controlled trial protocol comparing bone marrow aspirate concentrate intra-articular injection combined with subchondral injection versus intra-articular injection alone for the treatment of symptomatic knee osteoarthritis
Authors: Silva Simone , Andriolo Luca , Boffa Angelo , Di Martino Alessandro , Reale Davide , Vara Giulio , Miceli Marco , Cavallo Carola , Grigolo Brunella , Zaffagnini Stefano , Filardo Giuseppe 
Published: September 2022

IntroductionSubchondral and intra-articular injections of bone marrow aspirate concentrate (BMAC) showed promising results for knee osteoarthritis (OA) patients. To date, there is no evidence to demonstrate whether the combination of these treatments provides higher benefits than the intra-articular injection alone.Methods and analysisEighty-six patients with symptomatic knee OA (aged between 40 and 70 years) are randomised to BMAC intra-articular injection combined with subchondral BMAC injection or BMAC intra-articular injection alone in a ratio of 1:1. The primary outcome is the total Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index, the secondary outcomes are the International Knee Documentation Committee Subjective and Objective Knee Evaluation Form, the Tegner activity scale, the EuroQol-Visual Analogue Scale, and the health questionnaire European Quality of Life Five Dimension score. Additional CT and MRI evaluations are performed at the baseline assessment and at the final 12-month follow-up. The hypothesis is that the combined injections provide higher knee pain and function improvement compared with BMAC intra-articular injection alone. The primary analysis follows an intention to treat principle.Ethics and disseminationThe study protocol has been approved by the Emilia Wide Area Ethical Committee of the Emilia-Romagna Region (CE-AVEC), Bologna, Italy. Written informed consent is obtained from all the participants. Findings of this study will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations.Protocol versionVersion 1 (14 May 2018).Trial registration numberNCT03876795.