Head Plate Research Articles

Experimental Investigation of Global Combustion Characteristics in an Effusion Cooled Single Sector Model Gas Turbine Combustor

This paper presents experimental investigations in an effusion cooled single sector gas turbine combustor under close-to-reality boundary conditions, i.e. elevated pressure and combustor inlet temperature, under varying staging conditions. Flow field, flame structure and gas-phase temperature measurements are performed using particle image velocimetry (PIV), planar laser induced fluorescence of the hydroxyl radical (OH-PLIF) and coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (CARS), respectively. Additionally, isothermal mixing of the pilot and main stage is investigated using Acetone-PLIF. The influence of the pilot on the measured quantities can be identified up to 30 mm downstream of the burner head plate. These measurements are conducted within a novel test rig dedicated to the investigation of swirl-stabilized pressurized flames and effusion-cooling. The rig features full optical access for non-intrusive laser diagnostics from three sides and a modular effusion liner geometry. Important process parameters can be controlled independently in a wide range, providing a high versatility and reliability in terms of boundary conditions. Oxidizer and cooling air mass flows can be conditioned independently to 773 K and 973 K, respectively. Fuel staging can be gradually varied between 0% (fully premixed) and 100% (pilot only) at thermal loads up to 150 kW and a maximum pressure of 1,0 MPa. A movable block radial swirler allows for varying geometrical swirl numbers.

Modelling of thickness distribution of a head plate based on forming process simulation analysis

Modelling of thickness distribution of a head plate based on forming process simulation analysis

Experimental characterization and component-based modeling of deck-to-pier connections for composite bridges

Higher stiffness and strength achieved with a reduced overall weight together with an extensive use of prefabrication justify the growing diffusion of Steel-Concrete Composite (SCC) bridges since the early 2000s, especially for the 20 ÷ 80 m span range. Former experimental campaigns aimed at investigating the static response of simply supported continuous composite decks subjected to gravity loads, highlighted deck-to-pier connections, which typically experience negative moments, as critical elements. More precisely, tensile stresses occurring in the concrete slab and compression of bottom flanges of steel girders may cause concrete cracking and steel buckling, respectively. The adoption of Concrete Cross Beams (CCBs) allows for circumventing such issues and represents an enhanced solution for deck-to-pier connections in SCC bridges with continuous deck. In detail, steel girder head plates provided with shear studs transfer compression and shear loads to the CCB whilst additional steel rebars bring tension forces coming from adjacent concrete slabs. Although deck-to-pier connection based on CCBs can be designed with the support of Eurocodes, guidelines are limited to vertical loads and no standard exist for design against earthquakes. In order to investigate the seismic response of deck-to-pier connections based on CCBs and provide relevant design guidelines, an extensive research program was developed within the European Project SEQBRI, which is summarized in this paper.

Three new species of Entomobryoidea (Collembola: Entomobryomorpha)from Brazilian Caatinga-Cerrado transition, with identification keys to Brazilian Cyphoderus, Pseudosinella and Trogolaphysa species.

Three new species of Entomobryoidea from Brazilian Caatinga-Cerrado transitional zone are described and illustrated, all from Sete Cidades National Park. Cyphoderus equidenticulati sp. nov. resembles C. javanus Börner and C. songkhlaensis Jantarit, Satasook Deharveng in number of mucro teeth, one inner distal tooth on unguis and four ciliated chaetae between the two rows of feathered scales of dens, but differs in claw with a pair of equally developed inner basal teeth, collophore, labial and dorsal chaetotaxy. Pseudosinella triocellata sp. nov. is mostly similar to P. stewartpecki Katz, Soto-Adames Taylor in number of eyes, presence of apical bulb on antennomere IV and one macrochaeta on mesothorax, but differs in head with S2 macrochaeta, anterior and posterior collophore chaetotaxy and empodial complex morphology. Trogolaphysa piracurucaensis sp. nov. is quite similar to the recently described T. ernersti Cipola Bellini in overall dorsal chaetotaxy but differs in ventral head, collophore and manubrial plate chaetotaxy. Identification keys for Brazilian species of Cyphoderus, Pseudosinella and Trogolaphysa are also provided.

The discovery of Lepidocyrtoides Schött, 1917 (Collembola, Entomobryidae, Entomobryinae) from the New World, including three new species from Brazil and one from Australia

Herein four new species of Lepidocyrtoides are described and illustrated: three from Brazilian Amazon, L. caeruleomaculatus sp. nov., L. colormutatus sp. nov. and L. bicolorangelus sp. nov., all similar to each other by macrochaetotaxy reduced; and L. hopkini sp. nov. from New South Wales, Australia. Lepidocyrtoides tapuia comb. nov. (Arlé & Guimarães) and L. villasboasi comb. nov. (Arlé & Guimarães) are redescribed and transferred from Lepidosira Schött due to projection of mesothorax over head and manubrial plate with blunt macrochaetae. Neotypes are designated to both species. The holotype of L. oliveri Liu, Chen & Greenslade is analyzed and details of the dorsal chaetotaxy are added. Keys to the five species of the genus from Brazil and six from Australia are provided. Lepidocyrtoides now is recorded from the New World, South and Southeast Asia and Oceania, and the records of Lepidosira in the American continent are excluded.

The discovery of Lepidocyrtoides Schött, 1917 (Collembola, Entomobryidae, Entomobryinae) from the New World, including three new species from Brazil and one from Australia

Herein four new species of Lepidocyrtoides are described and illustrated: three from Brazilian Amazon, L. caeruleomaculatus sp. nov., L. colormutatus sp. nov. and L. bicolorangelus sp. nov., all similar to each other by macrochaetotaxy reduced; and L. hopkini sp. nov. from New South Wales, Australia. Lepidocyrtoides tapuia comb. nov. (Arlé & Guimarães) and L. villasboasi comb. nov. (Arlé & Guimarães) are redescribed and transferred from Lepidosira Schött due to projection of mesothorax over head and manubrial plate with blunt macrochaetae. Neotypes are designated to both species. The holotype of L. oliveri Liu, Chen & Greenslade is analyzed and details of the dorsal chaetotaxy are added. Keys to the five species of the genus from Brazil and six from Australia are provided. Lepidocyrtoides now is recorded from the New World, South and Southeast Asia and Oceania, and the records of Lepidosira in the American continent are excluded.

Heat Compensation Calorimeter as a Process Analytical Tool To Monitor and Control Bioprocess Systems

Biocalorimetry is a process analytical tool extensively employed to measure metabolic heat in order to track cellular activity. To eliminate the inherent demerits in conventional biocalorimeters, an advanced bench-scale heat compensation fermentation biocalorimeter was designed. Improvement in calorimetric signal sensitivity for bioprocess monitoring was achieved by ensuring isothermal condition in the reactor, by operating two independent proportional, integral, and derivative (PID) controls in tandem. Significant reduction in heat loss to the environment was accomplished by incorporating a secondary cascade loop into the cryostat controller. Nonbiological heat measured under different process conditions was calibrated and taken into account as part of the dynamic heat balance. Sensitivity of the system was further improved by incorporating two individual theromostating setups in the reactor housing, viz, a preheated bubble column and a circulating thermal bath fluid in the head plate. Sensitivity and stability of the calorimetric signal were improved to 6.73 mW/L and 0.43 mW/(L h), respectively. The performance of the developed calorimeter was evaluated via real-time monitoring of hyaluronic acid (HA) fermentation by S. zooepidemicus MTCC 3523 and aerobic growth of P. pastoris GSM 115, respectively. The calorimetric signals fingerprinted the changes in cellular metabolism and process behavior with viable precision. Experimentally determined oxy-calorific coefficients, for HA fermentation (684.4 kJ/mol) and P. pastoris growth (471.6 kJ/mol), were in good agreement with theoretical predictions, which validated the reliability and reproducibility of the developed application. Therefore, the developed high-sensitivity calorimeter offered a wide scope for its application as a process analytical technology (PAT) tool for bioprocess monitoring.

A new species of the genus Comidoblemmus Storozhenko & Paik (Orthoptera: Gryllidae) from Xizang, China

A new species is described from China, Comidoblemmus yigongensis sp. nov. (Xizang: Bomi), which is illustrated with habitus, head and supra anal plate of both sexes and genitalia of male. A key for identification of all species of the genus Comidoblemmus is presented.

Bryochoerus liupanensis sp. nov. and Pseudechiniscus chengi. sp. nov. (Tardigrada: Heterotardigrada: Echiniscidae) from China

Two new species from China, Bryochoerus liupanensis sp. nov. and Pseudechiniscus chengi sp. nov. (Tardigrada: Heterotardigrada: Echiniscidae), are reported. Bryochoerus liupanensis sp. nov. is characterized by median plates 1 and 2 divided into four parts while median plate 3 is divided into three parts, and by two lateral plates on each side of all median plates. The new species differs from Bryochoerus intermedius in having a different cuticular sculpture and different lateral plates. Pseudechiniscus chengi sp. nov. is characterized by: head plate faceted, cephalic papilla dome-shaped, pseudosegmental plate with a longitudinal median fold, all plates including the dorsal plates and plates on legs with ornamentation composed of dense round dots, differing in size, and lacking striae between the dots. Pseudechiniscus chengi sp. nov. is most similar to Pseudechiniscus santomensis but differs by: lacking striae between the round dots on dorsal plates, lacking the tiny projections on the caudal margin of pseudosegmental plate, and the divided pseudosegmental plate.

Variation in the angular heat flux of the oxide pool with Rayleigh number

The experiments were performed on natural convection heat transfer of an oxide pool using a three-dimensional hemispheric test rig. To achieve a high Ra, mass transfer experiments were conducted based on the analogy between heat and mass transfers. A CuSO4-H2SO4 electroplating system was used. The range of modified Ra was from 8.63×1012 to 1.45×1015 with a cooling top plate and from 2.44×1012 to 4.73×1014 with an insulating top plate. The Sc was 2014. The mean and local Nu values of the lower head and top plate were measured and compared with previous reports. The total Nu values agreed well with existing studies, within 10%. The split ratio of the heat fluxes between the lower head and top plate was affected by the difference in the Pr. Heat flux distributions at the lower head and top plate were not affected significantly by the modified Ra, except for the uppermost location of the lower head. The heat flux distribution at the lower head was not affected by the top cooling condition. Heat transfer correlations for mean and local Nu values were developed from the experimental results.

Using an anatomically preshaped low-profile locking plate system leads to reliable results in comminuted radial head fractures.

For comminuted and displaced fractures of the radial head open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) is recommended nowadays as the treatment of choice. Due to the development of locking plates the possibilities of ORIF in complex fracture types were extended. The purpose of this retrospective survey therefore was to review the preliminary subjective and objective results in patients treated by anatomically preshaped locked plating. A reliable fracture healing for these recently introduced plating devices was hypothesized. Subjective and objective criteria included patient's satisfaction, pain rating on a visual analogue scale (VAS) and active range of motion (ROM) compared to the contralateral armside. Functional scoring included the Morrey elbow performance score (MEPS), the QuickDASH and the elbow self-assessment score (ESAS). Furthermore, follow-up radiographs were reviewed. Between 2011 and 2014 a total of 24 patients were managed with ORIF using anatomically preshaped low-profile locking plates. All patients had suffered from comminuted radial head fractures (type III-IV according to Mason classification). Twenty of 24 patients returned for follow-up examination after a mean of 30months (range 18-53months). Patients' satisfaction was rated as highly satisfied in 17 cases and satisfied in 3 cases. An unrestricted ROM for extension-flexion arc and pronation-supination arc was rated in 10 cases. Minor ROM deficiencies with a 5° limited extension compared to the contralateral side was evaluated in 6 cases. Only four patients were rated with and extension and supination deficiency of 10°, one of whom with an additional pronation deficiency of 10°. The calculated MEPS was Ø 98±4 (range 85-100), and the QuickDASH was Ø 3±6 (range 0-21). The ESAS was completed by 18 patients with a mean of Ø 96.54±2.95 (range 94-100) indicating a non-restricted elbow function. The treatment of comminuted radial head fractures using anatomically preshaped locking radial head plates represents a reliable and safe surgical approach, leading to good to excellent functional results. Being aware of the importance of the radial head for elbow stability, open reduction and internal fixation should be preferred prior to radial head resection or replacement in complex radial head fractures. Further trials with a higher number of patients are needed to confirm the advantages of preshaped radial head plates.

A short term outcome of septic arthritis of hip in children

Introduction: Despite recent clinical and scientific advances in orthopaedic care, pyogenic arthritis of hip in infancy and childhood remains a vexing and controversial problem. Although advent of antibiotic therapy decreased mortality and morbidity, but disastrous results still occur mainly in infancy and early childhood with delayed presentation. The sequelae of septic hip in children have been well documented in literature. Septic arthritis of the hip can lead to severe deformity by dislocating or damaging the femoral head and/or epiphyseal plate. Prognosis is associated with delay in treatment such as surgical decompression of the joint and administration of appropriate antibiotics. Permanent sequelae due to septic arthritis can be prevented by early diagnosis and aggressive treatment. Materials & Methods: Prospective interventional study consisted of 24 patients with 25 Hips. Study carried out at Department of Orthopaedics of a tertiary care centre during Aug 2005 to Dec 2007. Risk factors and related laboratory investigations were carried out. Treatment completed by aspiration and anterior arthrotomy. Data entry and analysis was done by M.S. Excel 3.0. Results: In our study about 63% patients were less than 3 months of age and 75% patients were up to 3yrs of age. More than 70% patients presented after one week and three were presented after 1 month. In many of our patients there were more than one risks factors likes septicemia, low birth weight, jaundice and ventilator support. Most of the children (88%) had high CRP level at the time of admission. Elevated CRP was seen in 81.3% patients and suspension test was positive among all neonates and infants. Normalization of movement comparable to normal side in most of the patients was observed. Conclusion: Septic arthritis of the hip in infancy and early childhood can be devastating and can lead to serious musculoskeletal sequelae, so all NICU neonates should be handling with strict aseptic precaution and should be screened daily. Early proper detection and adequate treatment can avert serious complications such as avascular necrosis and destruction of the hip especially in early childhood. We hypothesized that socio-economic problems and access to health-care facilities, as well as previous visit to traditional healers, may delay presentation.

Redescription of Xenodasys riedli (Gastrotricha: Macrodasyida) based on SEM analysis, with first report of population density data

During surveys of the Gastrotricha of the Tropical Northwestern Atlantic (TNWA, Caribbean Sea), we came across numerous specimens of the uncommon macrodasyidan, Xenodasys riedli (Xenodasyidae). Abundance data on gastrotrichs is rare and entirely absent for this species; moreover, there are no data on morphological variation of X. riedli outside its type locality (North Carolina, USA). Here, we provide new abundance data on specimens collected from St. John Island (US Virgin Islands), as well as new metric and morphological data from specimens collected on San Salvador Island (Bahamas), Tobago, and a sublittoral environment on the Atlantic Coast of Florida (USA). In the interstitial environments of St. John, X. riedli was most abundant at 0.8 m depth in moderately well-sorted sediments. It reached maximum abundance of 89.5 ± 42.7 ind./102 cm and made up 69.7% of the total taxocoenosis. Metric variation revealed that specimens at all sites in the TNWA and Florida had smaller body sizes than those recorded at the type locality, but showed only limited variation in the size and number of taxonomic characters. Observations of specimen from Florida using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed details that were overlooked in the type description. For example, we observed 8 dorsal head plates (11 in the original description), 1 pair of anterior medial plates, and 3 ventral plates, the latter of which were not described in the type specimens. We confirm the existence of round scales on the dorsolateral margins, and note that spineless-scales are also present in between the spined scales on the lateral body wall. We also determined that the lateral spined scales possess dorsal and ventral spines instead of anterior and posterior spines, which was their original assumed position. This research reveals that SEM remains the best diagnostic tool for characterizing gastrotrich morphology, and should be part of all future studies of gastrotrich taxonomy.

Morphological characteristics of worm lizard, Diplometopon zarudnyi (Squamata: Trogonophidae), in the central region of Saudi Arabia.

We report morphometric data for 133 specimens of Diplometopon zarudnyi (Squamata: Trogonophidae) collected across its range within Riyadh province of Saudi Arabia. One-way analyses of variance revealed that differences exist in most characters. Snout-vent length and vent-tail length showed slight and inconsistent differences among samples. D. zarudnyi is characterized by 164–175 body annuli; 165–178 dorsal annuli; 13–17 caudal annuli with absence of caudal autotomy. In addition, 2–4 lateral annuli; 45–54 mid-body segments; 39–50 posterior segments; 4–5 head’s plates and 4–6 pre-cloacal pores were recorded in both males and females without gender difference. The present study revealed the widespread distribution of this species in the studied region, since land topography in this area is characterized by the absence of any natural barriers which could restrict the spread of this amphisbaenian lizard D. zarudnyi.

Ossicular replacement prostheses from banked bone with ergonomic and functional geometry.

This study shows the fabrication of innovative ossicular replacement prostheses (ORPs) based on banked cortical bone using computer numerically controlled ultraprecision micromilling, as a substantial improvement of "second generation" ORPs. Our aim is to combine optimal middle ear compatibility and surgical manageability in a single device, by releasing off-the-shelf homograft ORPs provided with the appealing features of synthetic ORPs, such as lightness, safety, measurement accuracy, surface decoration, and geometric plasticity. The new total ORP prototype was 13.1 ± 0.1 mg, leading to 81% weight reduction with respect to the previous model. Surface motifs of the head plate were applied to prevent slipping and migration after surgery, as shown by finite element modeling analysis. In addition, bone ORPs were provided with holed head plates to facilitate their surgical positioning while reducing their mass. A comparative measurement of acoustic responses of bone against synthetic partial ORPs in the 250-8000 Hz frequency range demonstrated their superior behavior. This study showed that banked compact bone can be optimally manufactured, eventually enabling the fabrication of light, standardized, and highly performant ORPs. The new bone ORPs may represent the ideal combination of biocompatibility and technology which can ultimately accomplish unmet otosurgical needs. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 105B: 2495-2506, 2017.

Correction: Supervillin is a Component of the Hair Cell's Cuticular Plate and the Head Plates of Organ of Corti Supporting Cells

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0158349.].

Supervillin Is a Component of the Hair Cell's Cuticular Plate and the Head Plates of Organ of Corti Supporting Cells.

The organ of Corti has evolved a panoply of cells with extraordinary morphological specializations to harness, direct, and transduce mechanical energy into electrical signals. Among the cells with prominent apical specializations are hair cells and nearby supporting cells. At the apical surface of each hair cell is a mechanosensitive hair bundle of filamentous actin (F-actin)-based stereocilia, which insert rootlets into the F-actin meshwork of the underlying cuticular plate, a rigid organelle considered to hold the stereocilia in place. Little is known about the protein composition and development of the cuticular plate or the apicolateral specializations of organ of Corti supporting cells. We show that supervillin, an F-actin cross-linking protein, localizes to cuticular plates in hair cells of the mouse cochlea and vestibule and zebrafish sensory epithelia. Moreover, supervillin localizes near the apicolateral margins within the head plates of Deiters’ cells and outer pillar cells, and proximal to the apicolateral margins of inner phalangeal cells, adjacent to the junctions with neighboring hair cells. Overall, supervillin localization suggests this protein may shape the surface structure of the organ of Corti.

Reduction and stabilization of radial neck fractures by intramedullary pinning: a technique not only for children.

BackgroundIsolated radial neck fractures occur only in rare cases. The majority of cases are non-displaced or minimally displaced and can be treated conservatively. Conservative treatment, however, might result in secondary displacement and/or malunion. On the other hand, open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) as standard surgical approach in adults is associated with non-union, implant-related complications and reduced range of motion. For isolated radial neck fractures with an intact radial head, the procedure of centromedullary pinning—as widely used in the treatment of paediatric radial neck fractures—might be an alternative operative technique in adults as well. The purpose of this retrospective case series therefore was to evaluate the functional outcome of radial neck fractures treated by intramedullary pinning.MethodsBetween 02/2009 and 12/2014, a total of eight patients with isolated radial neck fractures (Mason type-III; Judet Type II and III) were treated with centromedullary pinning using titanium elastic nails (TEN). The mean age of the patients was 39 years (range 23–90 years) with a mean interval from injury to surgery of 2.9 days (range 1–7 days). Subjective and objective criteria included patient’s satisfaction, pain rating on a visual analogue scale (VAS) and active range of motion (ROM) compared to the contralateral armside. Functional scoring included the Morrey Elbow Score (MEPS), the QuickDASH and the Elbow Self Assessment Score (ESAS). Furthermore, follow-up radiographs were evaluated.ResultsSeven of the eight patients were available for follow-up after a mean of 36 months (range 6–64 months). Patients’ satisfaction was rated very good in four cases, good in two cases and sufficient in one case. An unrestricted active ROM compared to the contralateral side for extension-flexion arc and for pronation-supination-arc with full strength was rated in all cases. The Elbow Self Assessment Score was 98.52 ± 1.95 (range 96–100), the calculated Mayo elbow performance score was 95.71 ± 7.32 (range 85–100) and the QuickDASH score was 6.81 ± 10.42 (range 0–27). There were no complications as infection, non-union, heterotopic ossifications or secondary loss of reduction of the radial head. Only one patient complained about pain resulting from an affection of the superficial radial nerve.ConclusionIn the present cohort, good to excellent results without relevant complications were seen. The technique of intramedullary pinning as described in the treatment of isolated radial neck fractures in children represents a suitable and reliable method in adults as well. In selected cases, this technique can be recommended as an alternative, minimal-invasive approach to the radial head plate osteosynthesis.

Shape variability of the head of Ophisops elegans Ménétriés, 1832 (Reptilia: Lacertidae) from Konya, Turkey

Ophisops elegans is a widely distributed lizard species. Like other lacertids, O. elegans has characteristic head plates. In this paper, the variation of the head plate morphology between sexes was studied in the subspecies Ophisops elegans centralanatoliae. According to our results, both size and shape of the head plates show sexual dimorphism. The most remarkable shape difference between sexes is observed in the parietal region. In addition, the ontogentic allometry of the head plate shapes was investigated.

First report of the land planarian Diversibipalium multilineatum (Makino & Shirasawa, 1983) (Platyhelminthes, Tricladida, Continenticola) in Europe.

First report of the land planarian Diversibipalium multilineatum (Makino & Shirasawa, 1983) (Platyhelminthes, Tricladida, Continenticola) in Europe.