bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of a Combustor–Turbine Interface on Turbine Vane Aerodynamics and Film Cooling
Authors: Lerch Andreas , Bauer Rainer , Krueckels Joerg , Henze Marc
Published: June 2020

Optimizing the aerothermal performance of the combustor–turbine interface is an important factor in enhancing the efficiency of heavy-duty gas turbines. Also, it is a key requirement to fulfill the lifetime in this hottest area of the gas turbine. Typically transition pieces of can combustors induce a highly nonuniform swirling flow at the turbine inlet. In order to better understand the impact of the nonuniform combustor flow at the first stage vanes, a combined experimental and numerical study was carried out. The experimental facility consisted of a high-speed linear cascade with four vane passages, including an upstream transition piece, which was representative of a heavy-duty gas turbine can combustor–turbine interface geometry. The experiments were conducted at engine representative Mach numbers, and film cooling effectiveness measurements were performed at three different blowing ratios. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes simulations were undertaken using a commercial flow solver. The numerical model was first validated with the experimental data, using inlet traverse five-hole probe measurements, pressure taps along the airfoil perimeter, and oil flow visualization results. The investigation shows that the position of the vane relative to the combustor transition piece has a significant impact on the vane aerodynamics and also film cooling behavior. This understanding was important for a robust first vane aerothermal design of the GT36.
A Dual Nanoparticle Delivery Strategy for Enhancing Drug Distribution in Cancerous Tissue
Authors: Chamseddine Ibrahim M. , Kokkolaras Michael
Published: June 2020

Nanoparticle-mediated drug delivery may be a promising alternative to traditional chemotherapy of high systemic toxicity. Tumor tissue architecture poses a challenge to delivery of nanoparticles. Small and spherical nanoparticles have poor adherence to the tumor vasculature, while larger and more eccentric ones create high heterogeneity in tissue-to-drug exposure. In previous work, we quantified these tradeoffs using numerical optimization. In this study, we demonstrate that simultaneous delivery of multiple nanoparticle designs can enhance drug distribution in the cancerous tissue without compromising nanoparticle tumoral accumulation. We formulate and solve optimization problems to find the optimal constituent of the heterogeneous injection in terms of nanoparticle design diversity that increases drug distribution by 14%.
A Shaker Rig-Based Testing of Perceived Ride Comfort for Various Configurations of Active Suspensions
Authors: Cvok Ivan , Hrgetić Mario , Deur Joško , Hrovat Davor , Tseng H. Eric
Published: June 2020

Benefits of introducing active suspension in autonomous vehicles in terms of improving the driver's work/leisure ability can be tested under laboratory conditions using a high-performance shaker rig. In this paper, five different suspension configurations, including passive, semi-active, and fully active suspensions (FAS) and related optimal controls with or without road preview information, are implemented in vehicle dynamics simulator. They are experimentally examined having the driver in the loop to obtain objective and subjective measures of ride comfort and ability to do certain tasks. In total, 44 drivers of various age, gender, and driving experience performed three different tasks while being driven on shaker-rig (reading and writing, drawing, and subjective grading). The examination results show that FAS with road preview control offers highest ride comfort improvement, which can be perceived by the driver and greatly improves his/her ability to text and particularly draw.
Laminar Vortex Shedding in the Wake of a Cube
Authors: Khan Majid Hassan , Khan Hamid Hassan , Sharma Atul , Agrawal Amit
Published: June 2020

Flow around a cube is numerically studied in the laminar vortex shedding regime. The objective is to examine the three-dimensional vortex shedding mechanism and understand the temporal behavior of the wake. Vortices were identified using λ2 criterion for Re = 250–770. The wake of the cube sheds paired hairpin vortices, which moves in the streamwise direction and attains a constant shape with time. The analysis of separation distance and angular orientation of hairpin vortices for flow around a cube are presented here for the first time in the literature. The separation (d) between the paired hairpin vortices scales as t−1/2. The orientation of hairpin vortices changes with time and attains a near-normal orientation with respect to the axial direction. At Re ≥ 339, the hairpin twists with respect to axial direction losing the axisymmetry in one plane noted for 276 ≤ Re ≤ 300. The hairpin vortices disintegrate into smaller vortices at higher Re = 570 and 770. A quasi-periodic nature of the flow has been revealed by the phase plots. The drag and side forces generated due to the flow are studied with pressure force mostly contributing to the drag. One of the side force coefficients dominates owing to the asymmetry of the wake in one plane and symmetry in the other orthogonal streamwise plane. These results clearly bring out the asymmetric nature of flow in the shedding regime.
Pressure Drop of Horizontal Air–Water Slug Flow in Different Configurations of Corrugated Pipes
Authors: Santana Ana Luiza B. , Marcelino Neto Moisés A. , Morales Rigoberto E. M.
Published: June 2020

Corrugated pipes (CP) have regularly shaped and spaced cavities on their internal walls that can induce dynamic changes in the flow, such as increased pressure drops. Offshore petroleum production pipelines are an example of an industrial application of CPs, known as flexible lines. Slug flow is the most challenging flow pattern in those lines due to its complex hydrodynamics. A number of previous studies proposed correlations to predict the two-phase flow pressure drops in smooth pipes (SPs). However, limited researches have evaluated the pressure drops associated with liquid–gas slug flow in CPs. In this work, experiments to analyze the pressure drops in horizontal air–water slug flow under different configurations of CPs were carried out. The tests were performed in three different CP internal diameters (IDs) (26, 40, and 50 mm) with different cavity widths (1.2, 1.6, and 2.0 mm). The effects of the internal diameters and the cavity widths on the pressure drops associated with slug flow were analyzed. Results demonstrated that the pressure drops increase with increasing cavity widths. The experimental data were fitted and a pressure drop correlation using the concept of multiplier factor was proposed. Comparisons between predictions and the experimental data proved to be within ±10% accuracy.
Prey stage preference and functional and numerical responses of Neoseiulus barkeri Hughes (Acari: Phytoseiidae) to eggs of Raoiella indica Hirst (Acari: Tenuipalpidae)

Authors: Filgueiras Rosenya Michely Cintra , Mendes Jairo De Almeida , Da Silva Francisco Wesller Batista , Sousa Neto Eduardo Pereira De , Silva Melo José Wagner Da
Published: June 2020

Raoiella indica Hirst (Acari: Tenuipalpidae) is a polyphagous pest widely dispersed worldwide and a particular threat to crops from the Arecaceae family. Control measures are still being evaluated in recently invaded countries. A possible control strategy for this pest is the use of predatory mites. A recent study has suggested Neoseiulus barkeri Hughes (Acari: Phytoseiidae) as a potential biological control agent of R. indica. In the present study we determined the prey stage preference of N. barkeri when offered different stages of R. indica besides its functional response and numerical over its prey stage preferred. The predatory mite N. barkeri showed a marked preference for eggs over other stages of the prey. The regression analysis indicated that the predatory mite N. barkeri exhibited a Type II functional response. The prey density needed to start the oviposition was 10 R. indica eggs. The number of eggs laid by N. barkeri females increased with an increase in the prey density and tended to stabilize when prey availability was greater than 80 R. indica eggs, with average oviposition of 2 eggs/female. Our study suggests that N. barkeri shows potential to reduce populations of R. indica, especially at low prey densities. However, further studies are needed to investigate whether R. indica supports the development of immature stages of N. barkeri.
New species of the genera Belbodamaeus and Epidamaeus (Acari, Oribatida, Damaeidae) from Russia

Authors: Ermilov Sergey G. , Ryabinin Nikolay A.
Published: June 2020

Two new species of oribatid mites of the family Damaeidae collected from the Russian Far East, are described. Belbodamaeus gobilliensis sp. nov. is most similar to Belbodamaeus rarituberculatus Bayartogtokh, 2004, but differs from the latter by the larger body size, the absence of propodolateral apophyses and ventrosejugal tubercles, and the presence of prodorsobasal tubercles Ba, neotrichy on epimere II and five setae on femora III and IV. Epidamaeus chopeensis sp. nov. is most similar to Epidamaeus nortoni Bayartogtokh, 2004, but differs from the latter by the smaller body size, the presence of comparatively long and narrowly phylliform dorsal notogastral setae, parastigmatic apophyses Sa and leg tarsi formula 22-18-18-15, and the absence of thick setae on leg segments.
How to select the appropriate method(s) of cytotoxicity analysis of mammalian cells at biointerfaces: A tutorial
Authors: Nguyen Phuong Anh H. , Clark Emily Rhoades , Ananthakrishnan Sudha , Lenz Kiersten , Canavan Heather E.
Published: June 2020

Many individuals perform cell viability assays as a measure of biocompatibility whether the focus of their research is on novel drug discovery, development of novel biomedical devices, or the study of biointerfacial phenomena. In this tutorial paper, the most commonly used methods available to users to perform biocompatibility testing are discussed. This includes a brief introduction into the benefits and drawbacks of the techniques, including which are best used as screening assays, which are better suited to experienced users, the relative cost of the assays per unit, and what detection techniques are most appropriate for use in conjunction with the assays. In addition to helping users ensure the rigor and reproducibility of their research design, this tutorial is meant to assist reviewers of interdisciplinary journals (such as Biointerphases itself), whose expertise is in other areas of this research but do not have the experience with cell-based assays themselves.
New connections: Neurodevelopmental switches
Authors: Ferrarelli Leslie K.
Published: June 2020

Protein modifications in neurons during early development regulate pain sensation and cognition.
Development of a New Bead Movement-Based Computational Framework Shows that Bacterial Amyloid Curli Reduces Bead Mobility in Biofilms
Authors: Malhotra K. , Hunter T. , Henry B. , Ishmail Y. , Gaddameedi P. , Tursi S. , Tükel Ç. , Hoffer M. , Buttaro B. A. , Queisser G.
Published: June 2020

Mathematical models are necessary to understand how the material composition of biofilms can influence their physical properties. Here, we developed a 4D computational toolchain for the analysis of bead trajectories, which laid the groundwork for establishing critical parameters for mathematical models of particle movement in biofilms. Using this open-source trajectory analyzer, we determined that the presence of bacterial amyloid curli changes the material properties of a biofilm, making the biofilm matrix rigid. This software is a powerful tool to analyze treatment- and environment-induced changes in biofilm structure and cell movement in biofilms. The open-source analyzer is fully adaptable and extendable in a modular fashion using VRL-Studio to further enhance and extend its functions.
Ketoacidosis associated with ketogenic diet in a non-diabetic lactating woman
Authors: Alkhayat Ali , Arao Kevin , Minami Taro , Manzoor Kamran
Published: June 2020

A 37-year-old woman who had 8 weeks post partum, breast feeding and on a low carbohydrate and high protein (ketogenic) diet, was admitted to the hospital with acute onset of nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain of 1-day duration. On admission, she was found to have high anion gap metabolic acidosis, elevated beta-hydroxybutyric acid level, normal glucose level and evidence of ketoacidosis. She was treated with lactated Ringer solution, along with dextrose 5% solution with the resolution of symptoms and metabolic derangement.
Imido silyl complexes of molybdenum: synthesis, structure, and unusual H2/silane exchange
Authors: Sherbrooke Oleg , Kuzmina Lyudmila G. , Howard Judith A.K. , Nikonov Georgii I.
Published: June 2020

Reaction of complex (ArN)Mo(H)(Cl)(PMe3)3 (1) with BPh3 and silane H3SiPh affords a new silyl complex (ArN)Mo(SiH2Ph)(Cl)(PMe3)2 (3) that catalyses facile H–H/Si–H exchange. EXSY experiments suggest that this exchange does not involve the classical pathways such as oxidative addition of hydrogen or silane to the complex or σ-bond metathesis. It is suggested that the exchange may occur in an FLP cage comprised by the complex and the silane.
Thinning response of ‘Redhaven’ peaches to 1-aminocyclopropane carboxylic acid (ACC)
Authors: Cline John A. , Bakker Catherine J. , Beneff Amanda
Published: June 2020

Peach trees bear an abundance of flowers which produce a surplus of fruit that the tree is unable to support. A self-regulatory mechanism enhances the abscission of immature fruitlets leading to a reduced fruit load, but this is often insufficient to achieve fruit of marketable size. Supplementary manual fruit thinning is typically required to optimize economic fruit load. This 2-yr study investigated the response of ‘Redhaven’ peach trees to sprays of 300 and 600 mg L−11-aminocyclopropane carboxylic acid (ACC) during the phenological stages of full bloom, shuck split, and ∼20 mm fruitlet diameter. The objective was to determine the efficacy of ACC on fruit set, fruit size, and yield at harvest and the amount of hand-thinning required at “June drop”. Although the response to ACC varied between the 2 yr, 600 mg L−1ACC spray at full bloom (2018) and at ∼20 mm fruit size (2019) reduced fruit set, the need for hand-thinning by 59%–66%, and crop load. Treatments also had varying but significant effects on leaf yellowing and leaf drop when measured shortly after application. ACC reduced total yield and number of fruit per tree in both study years and increased fruit weight in 2019. Overall, peaches were responsive to ACC at a range of timings from bloom to ∼20 mm fruit size. This study enhances our understanding of ACC on fruitlet abscission of peaches and is one of few studies to demonstrate the effectiveness of a chemical fruitlet thinner for peaches.
Performance Evaluation of Effective Controller for Buck-Boost DC-DC DSNIBBC
Authors: Veeranna G. , Vaisakh K. , Rao R. S.
Published: June 2020

This paper deals about the development of intelligent controllers (ICs) for load voltage regulation of a double switch noninverting buck-boost DSNIBBC operated in pseudo continuous coil current (PCCC). The DSNIBBC is a kind of DC-DC converter, which converts the positive DC source voltage into the positive DC load voltage (buck to boost mode and boost to buck mode). Due to the time changing, ON/OFF characteristics along with its transient and dynamic characteristics of DSNIBBC have become nonlinear. Since the classical linear controllers are inappropriate to enhance the transient and dynamic performances of DSNIBBC, ICs are designed to improve the load control of the same DSNIBBC operated in transient and dynamic regions. In this paper, two ICs, namely, fuzzy logic controller (FLC) and neuro controller (NC) incorporated in the load voltage regulation loop are utilized. The performance comparison between the ICs and the classical proportional integral (PI) controller is discussed and validated at various regions through both software and prototype field programmable gate array [FPGA] plants. The responses are depicted to support the designed ICs.
Optical properties of Einstein–Born–Infeld gravastar models in plasmas
Authors: Cirilo-Lombardo D. J. , Ridao L. S.
Published: June 2020

Gravastar models have recently been proposed as an alternative to black holes, mainly to avoid the problematic issues associated with event horizons and singularities. Recently, in [D. J. Cirilo-Lombardo and C. D. Vigh, Int. J. Mod. Phys. D 28 (2019) 1950108], a regular variety of gravastar models within the context of Einstein–Born–Infeld (EBI) nonlinear electrodynamics were built. These original models are truly regular in the sense that both the metric and its derivatives are continuous throughout spacetime, contrary to other cases in the literature where matching conditions are necessary in the interior and exterior regions of the event horizon. In this work, in the same theoretical context from [D. J. Cirilo-Lombardo and C. D. Vigh, Int. J. Mod. Phys. D 28 (2019) 1950108], we study some optical phenomena, such as the weak gravitational lens for the case of the magnetized plasma and the influence of working with a nonlinear field of BI in observables such as the Einstein ring or the total delay time. These important issues allow us to compare the results obtained in the context of these new static Born–Infeld gravastars with the standard linear ones (e.g. Reissner–Nordström).
COMPRESSION SCREWS IN THE TREATMENT OF FRACTURES: A SCOPING REVIEW
Authors: Vannabouathong Christopher , George Annie , Chiu Justin , Li Pei Ye , Akhter Shakib , Hussain Nasir , Sholapur Naushin , Bhandari Mohit
Published: June 2020

The purpose of this scoping review was to identify and describe the current body of evidence on internal fracture fixation devices that require compression screws. Electronic literature searches were conducted and 665 unique studies were included. Investigations on avulsion fractures represented a small proportion of these studies (45 studies), the remainder being those on patients with fractures with vascular compromise risk. The most common type of avulsion injury investigated was tibial avulsion fractures, followed by fifth metatarsal and calcaneal avulsions. For vascular compromised fractures, greater than half of the studies were on femoral neck injuries while scaphoid injury studies also represented a substantial proportion of this evidence base. Most of the studies were case series and there was limited randomized clinical trial evidence. A total of 429 studies provided sufficient information on the devices used in their investigation; DePuy-Synthes and Acumed ranked as the top two companies in cumulative publications over the last decade. There is a large body of evidence on internal fixation compression screw devices used in the management of fractures; however, the literature is generally dominated by non-comparative research studies. Opportunities to improve the evidence base are large. Manufacturer priority on evidence-based product development is key to ongoing research inquiry.
A classification of the finite non-solvable minimal non-CA-groups
Authors: Jafari Leyli , Kohl Stefan , Zarrin Mohammad
Published: June 2020

A group is called a CA-group if the centralizer of every non-central element is abelian. Furthermore, a group is called a minimal non-CA-group if it is not a CA-group itself, but all of its proper subgroups are. In this paper, we give a classification of the finite non-solvable minimal non-CA-groups.
WELFARE GAINS FROM MACRO-HEDGING
Authors: ALGHALITH MOAWIA , WONG WING-KEUNG
Published: June 2020

Macro-hedging is one of the most important issues in hedging, but there are very few studies on the welfare impact of macro-hedging. To bridge a gap in the literature of macro-hedging, this paper introduces a method that generalizes and extends existing models of macro-hedging in several significant ways. We first assume the existence of basis risk in a small country to hedge in futures markets instead of forward contracts and relax the full-hedging assumption. We use the quantity being hedged in futures contracts as a decision variable. We also relax the restrictive assumption regarding the form of the spot price. We then derive the formula to estimate the welfare gain which can be easily implemented in any empirical case. In contrast to quasi-simulation being used in some existing approaches, our proposed method can be used for any real data, including future data, but existing methods in the literature cannot. Our approach is for investors for their investment decision-making when they use macro-hedging as their trading strategy.
Anion Radical of Carbonyl Compounds as Electrochemically Generated Base in Henry Reactions: 1,2-Acenaphthenedione
Authors: Mendkovich Andrey S. , Nasybullina Darya V. , Elinson Michail N. , Mikhalchenko Ludmila V.
Published: June 2020

Using 1,2-Acenaphthenedione as an example, cyclic voltammetry, chronoamperometry, coulometry, electrolysis and digital simulation were used to show that electroreduction of carbonyl compounds in the presence of nitromethane in 0.1 M Bu4NClO4/DMF proceeds via the ECE mechanism gives rise nitromethane anion initiating cyclic nitroaldol (Henry) process leading to β-nitroalcohols.
Emerging roles of extracellular vesicles in the intercellular communication for exercise-induced adaptations
Authors: Denham Joshua , Spencer Sarah J.
Published: June 2020

Complex organisms rely heavily on intercellular communication. The rapidly expanding field of extracellular vesicle biology has made it clear that the necessary intercellular communication occurs partly through their paracrine and endocrine actions. Extracellular vesicles are nanoscale lipid membranes (30–2,000 nm in diameter) that shuttle functional biological material between cells. They are released from numerous tissues and are isolated from nearly all biofluids and cell cultures. Although their biogenesis, cell targeting, and functional roles are incompletely understood, they appear to have crucial roles in physiological and disease processes. Their enormous potential to serve as sensitive biomarkers of disease and also new therapeutic interventions for diseases have gained them considerable attention in recent years. Regular physical exercise training confers systemic health benefits and consequently prevents many age-related degenerative diseases. Many of the molecular mechanisms responsible for the salubrious effects of exercise are known, yet a common underlying mechanism potentially responsible for the holistic health benefits of exercise has only recently been explored (i.e., via extracellular vesicle transport of biological material). Here, we provide an overview of extracellular vesicle biology before outlining the current evidence on the capacity for a single bout and chronic exercise to elicit changes in extracellular vesicle content and modulate their molecular cargo (e.g., small RNAs). We highlight areas for future research and emphasize their potential utility as biomarkers and therapeutic strategies of disease and its prevention.
Impact of human visceral and glutealfemoral adipose tissue transplant on glycemic control in a mouse model of diet-induced obesity
Authors: Tsiloulis Thomas , Raajendiran Arthe , Keenan Stacey N. , Ooi Geraldine , Taylor Renea A. , Burton Paul , Watt Matthew J.
Published: June 2020

Regional distribution of adipose tissue is an important factor in conferring cardiometabolic risk and obesity-related morbidity. We tested the hypothesis that human visceral adipose tissue (VAT) impairs glucose homeostasis, whereas subcutaneous glutealfemoral adipose tissue (GFAT) protects against the development of impaired glucose homeostasis in mice. VAT and GFAT were collected from patients undergoing bariatric surgery and grafted onto the epididymal adipose tissue of weight- and age-matched severe, combined immunodeficient mice. SHAM mice underwent surgery without transplant of tissue. Mice were fed a high-fat diet after xenograft. Energy homeostasis, glucose metabolism, and insulin sensitivity were assessed 6 wk later. Xenograft of human adipose tissues was successful, as determined by histology, immunohistochemical evaluation of collagen deposition and angiogenesis, and maintenance of lipolytic function. Adipose tissue transplant did not affect energy expenditure, food intake, whole body substrate partitioning, or plasma free fatty acid, triglyceride, and insulin levels. Fasting blood glucose was significantly reduced in GFAT and VAT compared with SHAM, whereas glucose tolerance was improved only in mice transplanted with VAT compared with SHAM mice. This improvement was not associated with differences in whole body insulin sensitivity or plasma insulin between groups. Together, these data suggest that VAT improves glycemic control and GFAT does not protect against the development of high-fat diet-induced glucose intolerance. Hence, the intrinsic properties of VAT and GFAT do not necessarily explain the postulated negative and positive effects of these adipose tissue depots on metabolic health.
Introducing Our New Chief Editor
Authors: Trigo-Rodríguez Josep M.
Published: June 2020

Advances in Astronomy is pleased to announce the appointment of Prof Josep Trigo Rodríguez as its new Chief Editor. In this Editorial, Prof Trigo introduces himself, describes some of the journal’s journey and current status, and shares his vision and aspirations for its future.
CXCR4 in Tumor Epithelial Cells Mediates Desmoplastic Reaction in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Morita Toshihiro , Kodama Yuzo , Shiokawa Masahiro , Kuriyama Katsutoshi , Marui Saiko , Kuwada Takeshi , Sogabe Yuko , Matsumori Tomoaki , Kakiuchi Nobuyuki , Tomono Teruko , Mima Atsushi , Ueda Tatsuki , Tsuda Motoyuki , Yamauchi Yuki , Nishikawa Yoshihiro , Sakuma Yojiro , Ota Yuji , Maruno Takahisa , Uza Norimitsu , Nagasawa Takashi , Chiba Tsutomu , Seno Hiroshi
Published: June 2020

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) features abundant stromal cells with an excessive extracellular matrix (ECM), termed the desmoplastic reaction. CXCR4 is a cytokine receptor for stromal cell-derived factor-1 (CXCL12) expressed in PDAC, but its roles in PDAC and the characteristic desmoplastic reaction remain unclear. Here, we generated a mouse model of PDAC with conditional knockout of Cxcr4 (KPC-Cxcr4-KO) by crossing Cxcr4 flox mice with Pdx1-Cre;KrasLSL-G12D/+;Trp53LSL-R172H/+ (KPC-Cxcr4-WT) mice to assess the development of pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PanIN) and pancreatic cancers. Tumor cell characteristics of those two types were analyzed in vitro. In addition, CXCR4 expression in human pancreatic cancer specimens was evaluated by IHC staining. In KPC-Cxcr4-KO mice, the number and pathologic grade of PanIN lesions were reduced, but the frequency of pancreatic cancers did not differ from that in KPC-Cxcr4-WT mice. The pancreatic tumor phenotype in KPC-Cxcr4-KO mice was significantly larger and undifferentiated, characterized by abundant vimentin-expressing cancer cells, significantly fewer fibroblasts, and markedly less deposition of ECM. In vitro, KPC-Cxcr4-KO tumor cells exhibited higher proliferative and migratory activity than KPC-Cxcr4-WT tumor cells. Myofibroblasts induced invasion activity in KPC-Cxcr4-WT tumor cells, showing an epithelial–mesenchymal interaction, whereas KPC-Cxcr4-KO tumor cells were unaffected by myofibroblasts, suggesting their unique nature. In human pancreatic cancer, undifferentiated carcinoma did not express CXCR4 and exhibited histologic and IHC features similar to those in KPC-Cxcr4-KO mice. In summary, the CXCL12/CXCR4 axis may play an important role in the desmoplastic reaction in PDAC, and loss of CXCR4 induces phenotype changes in undifferentiated carcinoma without a desmoplastic reaction.

Significance:

The current study uncovers CXCR4 as a key regulator of desmoplastic reaction in PDAC and opens the way for new therapeutic approaches to overcome the chemoresistance in patients with PDAC.
LDtrait: An Online Tool for Identifying Published Phenotype Associations in Linkage Disequilibrium
Authors: Lin Shu-Hong , Brown Derek W. , Machiela Mitchell J.
Published: June 2020

Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified thousands of germline susceptibility loci associated with risk for cancer as well as a wide range of other traits and diseases. An interest of many investigators is identifying traits or diseases that share common susceptibility loci. We developed LDtrait (https://ldlink.nci.nih.gov/?tab=ldtrait) as an open access web tool for finding germline variation associated with multiple traits. LDtrait searches the NHGRI-EBI GWAS Catalog to identify susceptibility loci in linkage disequilibrium (LD) with a user-provided list of query variants. Options allow for modifying LD thresholds, calculating LD from a diverse set of reference populations, and downloading annotated variant lists. Results from example query searches highlight the utility of LDtrait in uncovering cross-trait associations for cancer risk and other traits. LDtrait accelerates etiologic understanding of cancer genetics by rapidly identifying genetic similarities with other traits or diseases.

Significance:

The new GWAS search tool LDtrait will expedite discovery of shared genetic components underlying seemingly unrelated diseases and may offer novel insights into cancer research.
Crucial Functions of the JMJD1/KDM3 Epigenetic Regulators in Cancer
Authors: Sui Yuan , Gu Ruicai , Janknecht Ralf
Published: June 2020

Epigenetic changes are one underlying cause for cancer development and often due to dysregulation of enzymes modifying DNA or histones. Most Jumonji C domain-containing (JMJD) proteins are histone lysine demethylases (KDM) and therefore epigenetic regulators. One JMJD subfamily consists of JMJD1A/KDM3A, JMJD1B/KDM3B, and JMJD1C/KDM3C that are roughly 50% identical at the amino acid level. All three JMJD1 proteins are capable of removing dimethyl and monomethyl marks from lysine 9 on histone H3 and might also demethylate histone H4 on arginine 3 and nonhistone proteins. Analysis of knockout mice revealed critical roles for JMJD1 proteins in fertility, obesity, metabolic syndrome, and heart disease. Importantly, a plethora of studies demonstrated that especially JMJD1A and JMJD1C are overexpressed in various tumors, stimulate cancer cell proliferation and invasion, and facilitate efficient tumor growth. However, JMJD1A may also inhibit the formation of germ cell tumors. Likewise, JMJD1B appears to be a tumor suppressor in acute myeloid leukemia, but a tumor promoter in other cancers. Notably, by reducing methylation levels on histone H3 lysine 9, JMJD1 proteins can profoundly alter the transcriptome and thereby affect tumorigenesis, including through upregulating oncogenes such as CCND1, JUN, and MYC. This epigenetic activity of JMJD1 proteins is sensitive to heavy metals, oncometabolites, oxygen, and reactive oxygen species, whose levels are frequently altered within cancer cells. In conclusion, inhibition of JMJD1 enzymatic activity through small molecules is predicted to be beneficial in many different cancers, but not in the few malignancies where JMJD1 proteins apparently exert tumor-suppressive functions.
Determinants and Impact of Heart Failure Readmission Following Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement
Authors: Auffret Vincent , Bakhti Abdelkader , Leurent Guillaume , Bedossa Marc , Tomasi Jacques , Belhaj Soulami Reda , Verhoye Jean-Philippe , Donal Erwan , Galli Elena , Loirat Aurélie , Sharobeem Sam , Sost Gwenaelle , Le Guellec Marielle , Boulmier Dominique , Le Breton Hervé
Published: June 2020

Background:

Heart failure (HF) readmission is common post–transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). Nonetheless, limited data are available regarding its predictors and clinical impact. This study evaluated the incidence, predictors, and impact of HF readmission within 1-year post-TAVR, and assessed the effects of the prescription of HF therapies at discharge on the risk of HF readmission and death.

Methods:

Patients included in the TAVR registry of a single expert center from 2009 to 2017 were analyzed. Competing-risk and Cox regressions were performed to identify predictors of HF readmission and death.

Results:

Among 750 patients, 102 (13.6%) were readmitted for HF within 1-year post-TAVR. Overall, 53 patients (7.1%) experienced late readmissions (>30 days post-TAVR), and 17 (2.3%) had multiple readmissions. In ≈30% of readmissions, no trigger could be identified. Predominant causes of readmissions were changes in medication/nonadherence and supraventricular arrhythmia. Independent predictors of HF readmission included diabetes mellitus, chronic lung disease, previous acute HF, grade III or IV aortic regurgitation, and pulmonary hypertension both at discharge from the index hospitalization but not HF therapies. Overall, HF readmission did not significantly impact all-cause mortality (hazard ratio [HR], 1.36 [95% CI, 0.99–1.85]). However, late (HR, 1.90 [95% CI, 1.30–2.78]) and multiple HF readmissions (HR, 2.10 [95% CI,1.17–3.76]) were significantly associated with all-cause mortality. Prescription of renin-angiotensin system inhibitors at discharge was associated with a lower rate of all-cause mortality, especially among patients receiving doses of 25% to <50% (HR, 0.67 [95% CI, 0.48–0.94]) and 75% to 100% (HR, 0.61 [95% CI, 0.37–0.98]) of the optimal daily dose.

Conclusions:

HF readmission is common within 1-year of TAVR. Late and multiple HF readmissions associate with an increased risk of long-term all-cause mortality. Baseline comorbidities (diabetes, chronic lung disease, previous acute HF) and echocardiographic findings at discharge (grade III or IV aortic regurgitation, pulmonary hypertension) identified patients at high risk of HF readmission.
Combined Influence of Waist and Hip Circumference on Risk of Death in a Large Cohort of European and Australian Adults
Authors: Cameron Adrian J. , Romaniuk Helena , Orellana Liliana , Dallongeville Jean , Dobson Annette J. , Drygas Wojciech , Ferrario Marco , Ferrieres Jean , Giampaoli Simona , Gianfagna Francesco , Iacoviello Licia , Jousilahti Pekka , Kee Frank , Moitry Marie , Niiranen Teemu J. , Pająk Andrzej , Palmieri Luigi , Palosaari Tarja , Satu Männistö , Tamosiunas Abdonas , Thorand Barbara , Toft Ulla , Vanuzzo Diego , Veikko Salomaa , Veronesi Giovanni , Wilsgaard Tom , Kuulasmaa Kari , Söderberg Stefan
Published: June 2020

Background

Waist circumference and hip circumference are both strongly associated with risk of death; however, their joint association has rarely been investigated.

Methods and Results

The MONICA Risk, Genetics, Archiving, and Monograph (MORGAM) Project was conducted in 30 cohorts from 11 countries; 90 487 men and women, aged 30 to 74 years, predominantly white, with no history of cardiovascular disease, were recruited in 1986 to 2010 and followed up for up to 24 years. Hazard ratios were estimated using sex‐specific Cox models, stratified by cohort, with age as the time scale. Models included baseline categorical obesity measures, age, total and high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, systolic blood pressure
,
antihypertensive drugs, smoking, and diabetes mellitus. A total of 9105 all‐cause deaths were recorded during a median follow‐up of 10 years. Hazard ratios for all‐cause death presented J‐ or U‐shaped associations with most obesity measures. With waist and hip circumference included in the same model, for all hip sizes, having a smaller waist was strongly associated with lower risk of death, except for men with the smallest hips. In addition, among those with smaller waists, hip size was strongly negatively associated with risk of death, with ≈20% more people identified as being at increased risk compared with waist circumference alone.

Conclusions

A more complex relationship between hip circumference, waist circumference, and risk of death is revealed when both measures are considered simultaneously. This is particularly true for individuals with smaller waists, where having larger hips was protective. Considering both waist and hip circumference in the clinical setting could help to best identify those at increased risk of death.
Passiflora calypilosa, a new species of Passiflora sect. Elkea (Passifloraceae) from the Andes of Colombia

Authors: KUETHE J.R. , BERNAL HERNAN DARIO
Published: June 2020

A new species from the Andes of Colombia is described. Passiflora calypilosa sp. nov. from supersection Tacsonia, section Elkea is morphologically closely related to Passiflora crispolanata from Boyacá, Colombia, and the polymorphic varieties of Passiflora lanata and Passiflora adulterina. The new species clearly differs from them in the fully tomentose hypanthium after which it is named and the densely hirsute ovary. Further, it appears to be restricted to a small area South-west of Bogota, Cundinamarca, Colombia. The morphology, distribution and ecology of the new species is compared and discussed below.
The ater-group of the genus Apanteles Foerster (Hymenoptera, Braconidae, Microgastrinae) from China with the descriptions of forty-eight new species
Authors: LIU ZHEN , HE JUN-HUA , CHEN XUE-XIN , GUPTA ANKITA
Published: June 2020

The ater-group including subgroup eublemmae of genus Apanteles Foerster from China is revised, in which a total of 97 species are recorded and illustrated. Forty-eight new species are described and illustrated, i.e., A. albummacula Liu & Chen, sp. nov.; A. altus Liu & Chen, sp. nov.; A. ambultor Liu & Chen, sp. nov.; A. amotus Liu & Chen, sp. nov.; A. angustus Liu & Chen, sp. nov.; A. annosus Liu & Chen, sp. nov.; A. aphanofossa Liu & Chen, sp. nov.; A. aspersus Liu & Chen, sp. nov.; A. attenuator Liu & Chen, sp. nov.; A. bialtus Liu & Chen, sp. nov.; A. brevitempus Liu & Chen, sp. nov.; A. bulbus Liu & Chen, sp. nov.; A. cannabis Liu & Chen, sp. nov.; A. carssus Liu & Chen, sp. nov.; A. crassus Liu & Chen, sp. nov.; A. distributa Liu & Chen, sp. nov.; A. expansus Liu & Chen, sp. nov.; A. flavibasalis Liu & Chen, sp. nov.; A. fraxinus Liu & Chen, sp. nov.; A. fundum Liu & Chen, sp. nov.; A. fuscidentalis Liu & Chen, sp. nov.; A. jasmine Liu & Chen, sp. nov.; A. lateroglabris Liu & Chen, sp. nov.; A. limus Liu & Chen, sp. nov.; A. longicoxa Liu & Chen, sp. nov.; A. longidiscus Liu & Chen, sp. nov.; A. magastigma Liu & Chen, sp. nov.; A. muscosalis Liu & Chen, sp. nov.; A. ocellisublimus Liu & Chen, sp. nov.; A. plureseta Liu & Chen, sp. nov.; A. prominens Liu & Chen, sp. nov.; A. quadra Liu & Chen, sp. nov.; A. radocoxa Liu & Chen, sp. nov.; A. salsala Liu & Chen, sp. nov.; A. scrobiculatus Liu & Chen, sp. nov.; A. semicarinatus Liu & Chen, sp. nov.; A. stigmaium Liu & Chen, sp. nov.; A. tenuis Liu & Chen, sp. nov.; eublemmae-subgroup: A. alticella Liu & Chen, sp. nov.; A. aphanoiugum Liu & Chen, sp. nov.; A. cavitergita Liu & Chen, sp. nov.; A. impunctus Liu & Chen, sp. nov.; A. lineatella Liu & Chen, sp. nov.; A. longiala Liu & Chen, sp. nov.; A. palliditegula Liu & Chen, sp. nov.; A. rectala Liu & Chen, sp. nov.; A. rhombos Liu & Chen, sp. nov. and A. setosus Liu & Chen, sp. nov. Eleven newly recorded species are redescribed and illustrated, i.e., A. argiope Nixon, 1965; A. brunnistigma Abdinbekova, 1969; A. cerberus Nixon, 1965; A. chloris Nixon, 1965; A. cocotis Wilkinson, 1934; A. demades Nixon, 1965; A. medon Nixon, 1965; A. psenes Nixon, 1965; A. saravus Nixon, 1965; A. sartamus Nixon, 1965 and A. usipetes Nixon, 1965. Three new synonyms are proposed: A. chloris Nixon, 1965 = A. cornicula Chen & Song, 2004, A. cavatiptera Chen & Song, 2004 = A. glacilipes Song & Chen, 2004 = A. opacus (Ashmead, 1905). A key to Chinese species of the ater-group is provided.
Solution-Based Indium–Zinc Oxide/Indium–Gallium–Zinc Oxide Double-Channel Thin-Film Transistors with Incorporated Hydrogen Peroxide
Authors: Jeon Woojin , Choi Pyungho , Park Areum , Lee Donghyeon , Choi Donghee , Lee Sangmin , Choi Byoungdeog
Published: June 2020

We fabricated and evaluated solution-based double-channel thin-film transistors (TFTs) that consisted of an indium–zinc oxide (IZO) front layer and an indium–gallium–zinc oxide (IGZO) back channel with the addition of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2).
The devices showed superior electrical properties with regard to saturation mobility (12.9 cm2/V·s), the on-off ratio (5 × 107), and the subthreshold swing (0.21 V/decade). All the devices were subjected under bias and illumination stress for reliability
assessment. The threshold voltage shift stability of positive and negative bias illumination stress under different wavelengths was also enhanced. Thus, we achieved improved performance using IZO/IGZO TFTs with back channels that incorporated H2O2.
Analysis of CMOS Logic Inverter Based on Gate-All-Around Field-Effect Transistors with the Strained-Silicon Layer for Improving the Switching Performances
Authors: Lee Sang Ho , Cho Min Su , Jung Jun Hyeok , Jang Won Douk , Mun Hye Jin , Jang Jaewon , Bae Jin-Hyuk , Kang In Man
Published: June 2020

In this paper, we adopt the vertical core–shell nanowire field-effect transistors based on the Silicon-germanium (SiGe)/strained-silicon (strained-Si) layer as a method to improve the performance of the CMOS logic inverter by using technology computer aided design simulation.
The lattice constant mismatch between the core region and the shell region causes the global strain of the Si region of the shell, which in turn changes the Si parameters. This phenomenon effects on the improvement the electrical characteristics in the p-type MOSFET (pMOSFET).
Through this variation, the asymmetry of the electrical characteristics between n-type MOSFET (nMOSFET) and pMOSFET nanowire is considerably compensated. The inverter using the proposed core–shell structure shows the improved CMOS logic inverter characteristics.
For example, the core–shell CMOS logic inverter shows performances such as NML = 0.315 V, NMH = 0.312 V, τPHL of 8.7 ps, and τPHL of 21 ps at an operating voltage of VDD = 0.7 V.
Analysis of Logic Inverter Based on Polycrystalline Silicon with Single Grain Boundary
Authors: Mun Hye Jin , Cho Min Su , Jung Jun Hyeok , Jang Won Douk , Lee Sang Ho , Jang Jaewon , Bae Jin-Hyuk , Kang In Man
Published: June 2020

In this paper, we demonstrate the characteristics of a complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) logic inverter based on a polycrystalline-silicon (poly-Si) layer with a single grain boundary (GB). The proposed nanoscale CMOS logic inverter had been constructed on a poly-Si layer
with a GB including four kind of traps at the center of the channel. The simulation variables are the acceptor-like deep trap (ADT), the donor-like deep trap (DDT), the acceptor-like shallow trap (AST) and the donor-like shallow trap (DST). The ADT and the DDT much stronger influences on the
DC characteristics of the devices than the AST and the DST. The variation of voltage-transfer-curve (VTC) for CMOS devices directly affected the CMOS logic inverter with different traps.
Influence of Thermal Evaporation Substrate Revolution Velocity on Electroluminescence Characteristics of Organic Light Emitting Diodes
Authors: Kang Shin Woo , Choi Jinnil , Ju Byeong-Kwon , Park Young Wook
Published: June 2020

In this work, we report the effect of the rotation speed of the deposited substrate on the electroluminescence (EL) efficiency of the organic light-emitting diode (OLED). Because it has been reported that the deposition angle velocity affects the growth of an organic thin film, it is
expected that the OLED EL characteristics must be affected depending on the substrate rotation velocity. Thus, in this work, the substrate rotation velocity was altered during the deposition of each organic material. The OLED devices fabricated with different depositing substrate rotation
speeds showed different EL characteristics. The film thickness of the organic materials with different substrate rotation speed was carefully controlled. It was confirmed to be the same with a surface profiler and was further field enhanced using a scanning electron microscope. The difference
in peak EQE was observed to be greater than 1.5 times. Based on this result, it is possible to conclude that the speed of the rotational deposition system should affect the film characteristics and therefore should be considered an important parameter.
Microstructure Characteristics of YBa2Cu3O7-y Nanocomposite by Shortening the Manufacturing Process
Authors: Lee Sang Heon
Published: June 2020

In this study, YBCO bulk was produced using two seeds by placing an additional seed on the upper pellet of the sample fabricated with the ISMG process. It was confirmed that the upper and lower pellets consisting of a–b sector showed a higher number of Y211 particles than
those consisting of a–c sector, and that the same tendency appeared at a spot where different interfaces existed. This can be most clearly compared at the center. Finally, it was found that although minimizing the growth of a–c sector is an important goal for fabricating
superconducting bulk magnets with high material properties, it is necessary to minimize the size of areas where different interfaces appear. It can be seen that the number of Y211 particles is the smallest inside the boundary surface, and that although they occupied a relatively smaller surface
area, large particles agglomerated together.
Superconducting and Electromagnetic Properties of YBaCuO Using Effective Melt Growth Process
Authors: Lee Sang Heon
Published: June 2020

The interior seed melting growth (ISMG) method was applied to overcome the shortcomings of the seeded melt growth. According to the results of measuring captured magnetic force at 77 K, the interior side showed a higher captured magnetic force at 2.27 kG the top side at 2.08 kG. The
combination of the top seed method and the interior seed method could improve both the magnetic levitation force and the captured magnetic force of both the interior and top sides. When the bulk samples were compared before and after neutron irradiation, the bulk samples after irradiation
showed relatively improved material properties when compared to those before irradiation. To measure changes in other material properties by ab/ab + ac sector in YBaCuO bulk single crystal growth, superconducting properties were measured by varying the ab area size area, and when seeding
was changed in a vertical direction, higher to measure different property changes in ab/ab + ac sector, it could obtain high magnetic levitation force and captured magnetic force. This result seems to because the ab area with high superconducting properties showed a relatively larger
growth.
Utilization of Zinc Oxide Nanopowder for Photocatalytic Removal of Pb++ Ions from Aqueous Wastewater
Authors: Park Sung , Park Gyeongseok , Byun Kyungmin , Lee Sang Heon , Han Min Jae
Published: June 2020

Nanometer-sized zinc oxide powders were prepared with a “solution-combustion method (SCM).” This method used zinc oxide nanopowder as a semiconductor oxide catalyst to initiate light-induced redox reactivity in the presence of 150 ppm aqueous lead-ethylenediaminetetraacetic
acid solution (Pb-EDTA) for photocatalysis under UV illumination. Removal rates of lead ions in the aqueous Pb-EDTA solution using SCM ZnO powder were compared with those of two other titanium dioxide photocatalysts, P-25 TiO2-powder (Degussa) and rutile TiO2 powder,
prepared via a homogeneous precipitation process at low temperature (HPPLT). Using SCM ZnO nanopowder, complete removal of lead ions from the aqueous Pb-EDTA solution was observed within 25 min after UV irradiation. However, HPPLT TiO2 powder and P25 TiO2 powder took
almost 45 and 65 minutes to completely remove the lead ions, respectively. Thus, lead ions removal efficiency of SCM ZnO nanopowder is at least twice higher than the efficiency of the other two titanium dioxide photocatalysts investigated.