bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The challenge of demonstrating contemporary natural selection on polygenic quantitative traits in the wild
Authors: Buggs Richard J. A.
Published: November 2022

In a From the Cover article in this issue of Molecular Ecology, Ashraf et al. (2022) apply genomic prediction methods, devised by breeders to inform artificial selection, to understand the genetic component of variation in highly polygenic quantitative traits in Soay sheep (Figure 1). These methods have allowed them to investigate the effects of contemporary natural selection on genetic variation underlying these traits in the wild (Hunter et al., 2022). Genomic prediction approaches promise to enhance our understanding of the evolution of highly polygenic quantitative traits in the wild and may allow us to document concrete examples of their natural selection in real time in systems that would otherwise be intractable.
Somatic mosaicism of the PI3K‐AKT‐MTOR pathway is associated with hemimegalencephaly in fetal brains
Authors: Itoh Kyoko , Pooh Ritsuko , Shimokawa Osamu , Fushiki Shinji
Published: November 2022

It is known that somatic activation of PI3K–AKT–MTOR signaling causes malformations of cortical development varying from hemimegalencephaly to focal cortical dysplasia. However, there have been few reports of fetal cases. Here we report two fetal cases of hemimegalencephaly, one associated with mosaic mutations in PIK3CA and another in AKT1. Both brains showed polymicrogyria, multiple subarachnoidal, subcortical, and subventricular heterotopia resulting from abnormal proliferation of neural stem/progenitor cells, cell differentiation, and migration of neuroblasts. Scattered cell nests immunoreactive for phosphorylated‐S6 ribosomal protein (P‐RPS6) (Ser240/244) were observed in the polymicrogyria‐like cortical plate, intermediate zone, and arachnoid space, suggesting that the PI3K–AKT–MTOR pathway was actually activated in these cells. Pathological analyses could shed light on the mechanisms involved in disrupted brain development in the somatic mosaicism of the PI3K‐AKT–MTOR pathway.
Salivary levels of NLRC4 inflammasome in different periodontal clinical status
Authors: Toraman Ayşe , Sağlam Ebru , Savran Levent , Sağlam Mehmet , Köseoğlu Serhat
Published: November 2022

Objective

Nucleotide‐binding and oligomerization domain (NOD)‐like receptor family CARD domain‐containing protein 4 (NLRC4) has a critical role in the regulation of interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β), an important cytokine in the pathogenesis of the periodontal diseases. In this study, we aimed to evaluate levels of salivary NLRC4 inflammasomes in different periodontal clinical statuses.

Methods

The individuals with 20 periodontally healthy (healthy), 20 gingivitis, and 20 periodontitis were periodontally examined. Saliva samples were collected, after the clinical measurements (plaque index, gingival index, gingival bleeding index, probing depth, and clinical attachment level). The levels of salivary NLRC4, IL‐1β, and interleukin 10 (IL‐10) were examined by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.

Results

The results demonstrated that levels of salivary NLRC4 (p < 0.01), and IL‐1β (p < 0.001) were significantly higher in gingivitis and periodontitis than in the healthy group. No significant difference was salivary IL‐10 levels between the groups (p > 0.05). Positive significant correlations among NLRC4 and IL‐1β salivary levels and clinical parameters were detected (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

The findings of this study suggest that the NLRC4 is elevated in periodontal disease. Larger randomized controlled clinical studies are needed to use salivary NLRC4 levels as a potential marker for detecting the presence and/or severity of the periodontal disease.
Management and behavior‐modifying recommendation effects in childhood headache
Authors: Gungor Mesut , Guler Muhammet Akif , Karagoz Yuksel Sumeyra
Published: November 2022

Background

Headaches are common in childhood. Recently, there has been an increasing trend toward pharmacological treatment.

Methods

Secondary causes were excluded first in patients who attended our clinic with headache. Those without a secondary cause were evaluated as primary headache and classified into subgroups. Behavior‐modifying recommendations (adequate and regular sleep, adequate and regular nutrition, adequate fluid intake, and restriction of screen exposure) were given to all patients. Patients were re‐evaluated at 1, 3, and 6 months. Pharmacologic treatment was started at the end of the first month with follow‐up at the third and sixth months for those who did not benefit from the behavior‐modifying recommendations.

Results

A total of 875 patients presented with headache complaints, of which 30.6% were evaluated as primary headache. Behavior‐modifying recommendations were beneficial for 23.1% with migraine with aura; 20.3% with migraine without aura, and 36.8% with tension‐type headache.

Conclusion

Secondary causes should be excluded first in patients who present to the pediatric neurology clinic with headache. Behavioral modifications to change the lifestyle of patients diagnosed with primary headache should be tried before giving pharmacologic treatment.
Genetic structure of Plasmopara halstedii populations across Europe and South Russia
Authors: Kitner Miloslav , Thines Marco , Sedlářová Michaela , Vaculná Lucie , Bán Rita , Körösi Katalin , Iwebor Maria , Antonova Tatiana , Ali Tahir , Nádvorník Petr , Lebeda Aleš , Spring Otmar
Published: November 2022

Plasmopara halstedii is a biotrophic parasite of sunflower (Helianthus annuus). We genetically analysed 162 P. halstedii samples collected between 1982 and 2018, representing a 3500 km west–east transect across Europe, from France to the Krasnodar region in southern Russia. To assess the population genetic structure among P. halstedii isolates, we sequenced two mitochondrial regions (cox1 and cox2), in addition to analysing eight polymorphic simple sequence repeat (SSR, microsatellite) markers. Sequencing of cox2 enabled comparison of our data with recent SSR‐based studies to provide further evidence for differences among P. halstedii strains infecting different hosts (H. annuus, H. × laetiflorus, Rudbeckia spp.). There are two different lineages infecting H. annuus that we resolved on a neighbour‐joining tree, which also corresponded to a discriminant analysis of principal components. This suggests at least two independent introductions of P. halstedii on sunflower. We observed no relationship between the phylogenetic placement of the individual samples and virulence characteristics, indicating independent evolution of virulence phenotypes. Both genetic markers clearly separated P. halstedii samples originating from H. annuus and H. × laetiflorus, suggesting these might represent distinct species.
The effect of inherently threatening contexts on visuocortical engagement to conditioned threat
Authors: Stegmann Yannik , Andreatta Marta , Wieser Matthias J.
Published: November 2022

Fear and anxiety are crucial for adaptive responding in life‐threatening situations. Whereas fear is a phasic response to an acute threat accompanied by selective attention, anxiety is characterized by a sustained feeling of apprehension and hypervigilance during situations of potential threat. In the current literature, fear and anxiety are usually considered mutually exclusive, with partially separated neural underpinnings. However, there is accumulating evidence that challenges this distinction between fear and anxiety, and simultaneous activation of fear and anxiety networks has been reported. Therefore, the current study experimentally tested potential interactions between fear and anxiety. Fifty‐two healthy participants completed a differential fear conditioning paradigm followed by a test phase in which the conditioned stimuli were presented in front of threatening or neutral contextual images. To capture defense system activation, we recorded subjective (threat, US‐expectancy), physiological (skin conductance, heart rate) and visuocortical (steady‐state visual evoked potentials) responses to the conditioned stimuli as a function of contextual threat. Results demonstrated successful fear conditioning in all measures. In addition, threat and US‐expectancy ratings, cardiac deceleration, and visuocortical activity were enhanced for fear cues presented in threatening compared with neutral contexts. These results are in line with an additive or interactive rather than an exclusive model of fear and anxiety, indicating facilitated defensive behavior to imminent danger in situations of potential threat.
A spatial data model for accessibility with indoor temporal changes
Authors: Liu Liu , Zlatanova Sisi
Published: November 2022

Indoor accessibility is often evaluated with the networks extracted from buildings. For instance, circulation networks with depth cost are applied to floor design. A group of data models supports the extraction of indoor networks from buildings, and these networks are widely used to evaluate the accessibility of users. However, the existing cases are mostly devised for static environments, that is, without consideration of dynamic obstacles. This assumption may contradict the fact of daily changes such as pedestrian flow and temporal blockage. Except emergency scenarios, these daily temporal changes can interrupt the continuous movement of a user, and they shall be considered for data modeling of indoor networks. Thus, this article proposes a concise data model which can manage daily temporal changes of accessibility and support related accessibility queries. In the data model, we consider indoor accessibility on two levels of detail, that is, the room and sub‐room levels. On the room level, we revise a gravity model to measure the accessibility variation of rooms influenced by temporal obstacles. On the sub‐room level, we continuously update obstacle‐avoiding networks adapted to temporal obstacles. In this case, the accessibility of a user at any location can be assessed and time‐dependent accurate routes can be planned at different moments. We implemented this spatial data model in the DBMS PostgreSQL and its feasibility was demonstrated with the test in a campus building. The data model can be applied to daily checks of user accessibility and can be further incorporated with indoor sensor systems and simulation models to predict accessibility variation.
Equivariant quadratic forms in characteristic 2
Authors: Nebe Gabriele , Parker Richard
Published: November 2022

Let be a finite group and a finite field of characteristic . Denote by the ‐rank of the commutator factor group and by the number of isomorphism classes of self‐dual simple ‐modules. Then the Witt group of equivariant quadratic forms is isomorphic to an elementary abelian ‐group of rank .
Central limit theorems for counting measures in coarse negative curvature
Authors: Gekhtman Ilya , Taylor Samuel J. , Tiozzo Giulio
Published: November 2022

We establish central limit theorems for an action of a group $G$ on a hyperbolic space $X$ with respect to the counting measure on a Cayley graph of $G$. Our techniques allow us to remove the usual assumptions of properness and smoothness of the space, or cocompactness of the action. We provide several applications which require our general framework, including to lengths of geodesics in geometrically finite manifolds and to intersection numbers with submanifolds.
Mechanisms of Hebbian‐like plasticity in the ventral premotor – primary motor network
Authors: Casarotto Andrea , Dolfini Elisa , Cardellicchio Pasquale , Fadiga Luciano , D'Ausilio Alessandro , Koch Giacomo
Published: November 2022

The functional connection between ventral premotor cortex (PMv) and primary motor cortex (M1) is critical for the organization of goal‐directed actions. Repeated activation of this connection by means of cortico‐cortical paired associative stimulation (cc‐PAS), a transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) protocol, may induce Hebbian‐like plasticity. However, the physiological modifications produced by Hebbian‐like plasticity in the PMv‐M1 network are poorly understood. To fill this gap, we investigated the effects of cc‐PAS on PMv‐M1 circuits. We hypothesized that specific interactions would occur with I2‐wave interneurons as measured by the short intracortical facilitation protocol (SICF). We used different paired‐pulse TMS protocols to examine the effects of PMv‐M1 cc‐PAS on SICF, on GABAergic circuits as measured by short (SICI) and long (LICI) intracortical inhibition protocols, and varied the current direction in M1 to target different M1 neuronal populations. Finally, we examined the effects of cc‐PAS on PMv‐M1 connectivity using a dual coil approach. We found that PMv‐M1 cc‐PAS induces both a long‐term potentiation (LTP)‐ or long‐term depression (LTD)‐like after‐effect in M1 neuronal activity that is strongly associated with a bidirectional‐specific change in I2‐wave activity (SICF = 2.5 ms ISI). Moreover, cc‐PAS induces a specific modulation of the LICI circuit and separately modulates PMv‐M1 connectivity. We suggest that plasticity within the PMv‐M1 circuit is mediated by a selective mechanism exerted by PMv on M1 by targeting I2‐wave interneurons. These results provide new mechanistic insights into how PMv modulates M1 activity that are relevant for the design of brain stimulation protocols in health and disease.

image

Key points

The I2‐wave is specifically modulated by the induction of ventral premotor cortex – primary motor cortex (PMv‐M1) plasticity.

After PMv‐M1 cortico‐cortical paired associative stimulation (cc‐PAS), corticospinal excitability correlates negatively with I2‐wave amplitude.

Different cc‐PAS coil orientations can lead to a long‐term potentiation‐ or long‐term depression‐like after‐effect in M1.
Virtual Centrifugal Pump Test Rig for Laboratory Classes Based on IoT Technology
Authors: Roclawski Harald , Sterle Laura , Böhle Martin
Published: November 2022

In the project IoT for Supervision and Control of Water Systems (IoT.H2O) the potential of the Internet of Things concept for operating pump systems is investigated. As a result of the project, a pump test rig which can be controlled by an open source IoT platform was developed. Because of COVID 19 students are currently not able to access the test rig in their laboratory class. In the paper, a virtual pump test rig is presented. The model of the test rig is based on the physical IoT pump test rig and consists of models for pump, control valve, piping system and electric motor. By modeling the electric motor, the operating behavior of the pump becomes much more realistic since effects of inertia can be included. The communication of the IoT platform with the model is based on the MQTT protocol and is identical to the real rig. The test rig can be operated with any web browser through a dashboard. On the dashboard, the operating frequency of the electric motor, the control valve position, the static head of the system and the tank pressure before the pump can be set with predefined control widgets which are already available in the IoT platform. Also, through buttons, measurements of speed, static pressure and torque are possible. The data can be downloaded after the measurements are taken.

In different assignments, the students, can measure the head and efficiency curves and system curves and compare speed control and throttle control. Also, different types of pumps can be assessed easily by exchanging the pump curves in the model.

A big advantage of the virtual lab tests is that the students can run the tests by themselves and obtain their own data. Before, the tests were only run in groups because of time constraints. Based on the laboratory class, they are able to assess the behavior of pumps in systems and to design pump systems efficiently. Also, they are introduced to the concept of IoT.
Numerical Investigation of Bladeless Compressor on Different Disk Spaces and Diffuser Configurations
Authors: Tiwari Ravi Nath , Eleftheriou Konstantinos , Ferrari Mario Luigi , Efstathiadis Theofilos , Traverso Alberto , Kalfas Anestis
Published: November 2022

The cost-effectiveness of turbomachinery is a key aspect within the small-size compressor market. For this reason, Tesla turbomachinery, invented by Nikola Tesla in 1913, could be a good solution, particularly for low volumetric flow applications, where volumetric compressors are usually used. It consists of a bladeless rotor which stands out for its ease of construction and its ability to maintain almost the same performance as size decreases. One of its advantages is that it can run either as a turbine or as a compressor with minor modifications at the stator. The objective of this paper is to investigate a 3kW Tesla compressor, which design was derived from an analogous Tesla expander prototype (59% isentropic efficiency from the numerical study), by conducting a computational fluid dynamic analysis for different disk gaps and diffuser configurations.

The potential of the Tesla compressor is shown to be quite promising, with a peak isentropic efficiency estimated at 53%. Although bladeless compressor is a simple turbomachinery device, different parts i.e., diffuser, tip clearance, and volute need to be optimized. Utilizing computational fluid dynamics algorithms, different disk gaps and different diffusers are simulated in order to increase the overall performance of the compressor and understand the flow dynamic behavior behind this technology. The dimensionless Ekman number is used to express the optimum disk space of the compressor rotor. Thus, the overall performance of the Tesla compressor is improved by 5–10% points compared to the initial model. Simultaneously, diffuser optimization strategies are applied and proved that there is a direct impact on the optimum design conditions, improving the pressure ratio at high mass flow rates.
Liquid Air Combined Cycle
Authors: Conlon William M. , Venetos Milton , Rimpel Aaron
Published: November 2022

Hybrid integration of thermal energy storage with gas turbines can provide compact, cost-effective, long-duration energy storage while reducing the fuel consumption of dispatchable resources needed for the reliability of renewable dominant electric grids. The Liquid Air Combined Cycle™ (LACC) is a hybrid energy storage system using cryogenic liquid air as an energy storage medium and gas turbine exhaust heat to extract stored energy.

The storage tank is charged using liquefaction processes employing electric motor-driven compressors to pressurize the air, heat exchangers to reject heat of compression, and expanders to reduce the temperature and liquefy the air. Proven cryogenic refrigeration processes can be selected based on capital cost (per kg/s of liquid air produced), efficiency (kJ per kg of air produced), and operating factors including startup speed and load following capability.

This paper presents results of studies undertaken for the U.S. Department of Energy to evaluate cost and performance tradeoffs for charge and discharge cycle components, optimize charge and discharge cycles, and assess the techno-economic potential of LACC technology.
The Application of an Artificial Neural Network As a Baseline Model For Condition Monitoring of Innovative Humidified Micro Gas Turbine Cycles
Authors: Colquhoun Kathryn , Nikpey Somehsaraei Homam , De Paepe Ward
Published: November 2022

Due to high penetration of renewables, the EU energy system is undergoing a transition from large-scale centralized generation towards small-scale distributed generation. The increasing share of intermittent renewables such as solar and wind has become the main driver for dispatchable distributed energy generation technologies to maintain the grid flexibility and stability. In this context, micro gas turbines (MGTs) with high fuel and operation flexibility could play a crucial role to guarantee the grid stability, enabling deeper penetration of the intermittent renewable energy sources.

Despite this, the MGT market is still considered to be niche and there are R&D&I challenges that need to be addressed to further promote this technology in distributed generation applications. Innovative MGT cycles based on a cycle humidification concept, can be considered to obtain higher system performance. However, given the fact that MGTs are installed close to the consumption points, where they are operated by non-technical prosumers with very limited access to maintenance services, they should also offer high availability and reliability to avoid unexpected outages and secure the supply. Therefore, intelligent monitoring systems are needed that can support non-expert end-users to detect degradation and plan maintenance before a breakdown occurs.

In this study we investigated and developed advanced methods based on artificial neural networks (ANNs) for condition monitoring of a humidified MGT cycle under real-life operational conditions. To create a high-performing model, extensive data preprocessing has been conducted to remove data outliers and select optimum model features, which provide best results. Additionally, the model hyperparameters such as learning rate, momentum and number of hidden nodes have been altered to achieve the most accurate predictions. The results of this study have provided a baseline ANN model capable of conducting condition monitoring of a micro-Humid Air Turbine (mHAT) system, which will be applied to additional studies in the future.
Optimal Design and Operation Planning of VPPs Based on Hydrogen Storage and Hydrogen Combined Cycle
Authors: Castelli Alessandro Francesco , Pilotti Lorenzo , Martelli Emanuele
Published: November 2022

Virtual Power Plants (VPPs) and Multi-Energy Systems (MESs) are aggregated energy systems comprising renewable energy sources, energy storage systems and dispatchable units. The presence of such diverse systems unlocks the possibility of a near-zero carbon emission energy generation while overtaking the main drawback of renewables sources that is their lack of control. Among the different energy storage systems, large scale (seasonal) H2 storages (e.g. salt cavern or depleted oil field) would allow shifting the excess solar energy from the hot to the cold season. High round-trip efficiency (electricity to electricity) and unpaired operational flexibility could be achieved using H2 in state-of-the-art combined cycles.

This work investigates the optimal design and operation of a fully renewable VPPs integrating PV panels, batteries for short-term storage, electrolyzers, H2 seasonal storage and H2-fired combined cycles. The optimal design and optimal yearly operation of such complex VPP are formulated as Mixed Integer Linear Programs (MILP) and solved to global optimality imposing to meet the highest possible fraction of the electricity demand profile. Results indicate that the optimal VPP design features a 490 MWhel of battery, 687 MWel of PV panels, 392 MWel of electrolyzer and requires a minimum H2 storage size of 168 GWhH2,LHV to power a combined cycle of 58 MWel. In case of a geological H2 seasonal storage availability, the resulting cost of generated electricity is above 430 $/MWhel, considerably higher with respect to the average electricity prices in Italy (in the range 50–80 $/MWhel) underlining the need of achieving better power-to-gas efficiencies and lower specific investment costs of conversion technologies in the next years. Furthermore, if the H2 storage needs to be built on purpose, the resulting cost of electricity would be even higher.
Interactive Learning Platform for the Preliminary Design of Axial Turbines and Its Use for Graduate Courses
Authors: Silva George Patton de Oliveira , Tomita Jesuino Takachi , Bringhenti Cleverson , Whitacker Luiz Henrique Lindquist , Tonon Daniel da Silva
Published: November 2022

The gas turbine industry requires extensive knowledge in several areas of engineering, and since both industry and academy continuously develop new approaches, technologies, and models, usually, there is not enough time to cover all the relevant subjects in one or two-semester courses for undergraduate or graduate students. In previous work, the authors have presented an interactive platform for the preliminary design of single-stage axial turbines with uncooled blades, for use at the undergraduate courses offered by the Turbomachine Department at Aeronautics Institute of Technology to accelerate the learning process. The present work aims to present an expansion of this interactive learning platform, with the inclusion of a module for the thermodynamic cycle study, a module for off-design calculations, and the generation of a PDF file containing the step-by-step solution memorial with all the equations and values used in the design. The work also presents a structure for the conduction of a graduate course in turbomachines focused on the design of axial turbines. It comprehends theory and exercise classes, oriented study with the interactive learning platform, and a project in which the students have to implement some of the modules and run test cases. The authors observed more interest of the students and higher quality questions in the classes while using the interactive platform or programming, developing a better understanding of the design process until the end of the course. Also, while, in previous semesters, the preliminary design occupied almost half of the 48-hour course, it took only 12-hour to cover the same subject, granting time to more advanced topics, such as blade cooling, off-design performance and computational fluid dynamics simulations.
High Temperature Heat Pump Cascade Systems With Water (R718) as Refrigerant
Authors: Hegner R. , Abu Khass O. , Moller C. , Stathopoulos P.
Published: November 2022

The heat demand of industrial processes is still mostly covered by fossil fuels, especially at temperatures above 160°C. The installation of high temperature heat pumps (HTHP) that can operate at these temperatures is an effective way to reduce industrial CO2-emissions and primary energy consumption. Water can be an attractive refrigerant due to its high critical point and environmental sustainability. However, using water as refrigerant also requires a waste heat source of high temperature, since any heat source below 100°C would result in sub-atmospheric evaporation, leading to more expensive equipment. If low temperature heat sources or even ambient heat should be utilized, the HTHP would consist of two coupled heat pumps, a cascade system. In this theoretical study a cascade high temperature heat pump process is presented and simulated operating with water and R1336mzz(Z)e. The heat pump consists of multiple compression stages with intercooling in order to increase the COP. Heat sink temperatures of up to 250°C were investigated and an optimal process design was identified for several heat sink and -source temperatures. The calculated COPs ranged from 1.5 under challenging conditions to up to 2.2 at moderate temperature lifts. The crucial evaporation pressure of the water heat pump has been close to one bar for most of the studies, so the installation of vacuum equipment could be avoided.
Theoretical and Experimental Comparisons for Rotordynamic Coefficients of a Multi-Scratched Tilting Pad Journal Bearing
Authors: Hassini Mohamed-Amine , Zhang Silun , Chatterton Steven , Pennacchi Paolo
Published: November 2022

This paper presents a Thermos-Elasto-Hydrodynamics model (TEHD) based on a mass conservative generalized Reynolds equation, coupled with 3D energy equations for the oil film, and a full 3D thermo-mechanical model for the pads. The model uses a regularization technique to consider film thickness discontinuities created by scratches. The numerical results are compared to the experimental results obtained from a rocker-backed, five tilting pads journal bearing TPJB with single and multiple scratches. The numerical model achieved good agreement especially with respect to pad temperatures and dynamic coefficients. Discrepancies were observed at low speed but only on the stiffness in the load direction. The numerical model shows significant drop in the pressure field at the location of the scratches, and a significant pressure rise between two consecutive scratches accompanied by a decrease of film thickness.
Hybrid Power Systems: Grid Stability Through Spinning Reserve
Authors: Singh G. B.
Published: November 2022

As the variable energy sources become predominant in the energy mix, power system stability and resiliency have become the topics of prime research. Grid connected or island systems face similar challenges for multiple applications like frequency control, economic dispatch, peak shaving, black start or spinning reserve. Grid stability is interlinked with grid inertia and the reaction time of an electrical power network. We have studied an islanded microgrid application consisting of BESS (Battery Energy Storage System) and Gas Turbine Generator (GTG) system used for spinning reserve application. In this paper we present integrated architecture of Hybrid Power System and determine the control algorithm for such operation. We ascertain the response time for the power system, ensuring there is enough spinning reserve available on the grid for smooth operation of the plant. Later these results are verified through theoretical framework of Rate of Change of Frequency (RoCoF) and physical testing in Hardware in-the-Loop simulation (HIL).
Pioneering Turbomachinery Education with Multi-Platform App for Blading Design
Authors: Tsinoglou Michail D. , Chala Dionysis S. , Kalfas Anestis I.
Published: November 2022

This paper presents the development of an educational design app for turbomachinery applications. The app is operating in multiple computational platforms and is used to assist students in the understanding of turbomachinery design. The user can easily extract useful results and velocity diagrams by importing some dimensionless sizes, input-output flow angles, and general geometric features. Furthermore, this app provides the ability to compare cases with various input parameters. The thermodynamic and fluid mechanics principles have been used to develop enhanced comprehension of blade design in turbomachinery. The primary reason for the development of this app is to introduce turbomachinery education in the new era of widespread use of mobile apps among the student community. Through a quick and easy analysis of velocity triangles through a turbine or a compressor stage, the student may experiment and thus gain improved understanding of turbomachinery stage operation.

The student interaction has been assessed using assignments and group projects. Overall, students showed extreme interest. The interaction between the students the teaching assistants and the professors has been assessed using an online questionnaire. The prime reaction of the students was that they would appreciate similar apps in the context of other engineering courses. Results showed that students would promote the use of the app to other individuals. The students came up with several brilliant ideas towards the improvement of the app. The first steps have been taken towards opening new communication channels between established engineering education practices and new generation skills and preferences.
Molecular dynamics simulation of oxide-nitride bilayer etching with energetic fluorocarbon ions
Authors: Cagomoc Charisse Marie D. , Isobe Michiro , Hudson Eric A. , Hamaguchi Satoshi
Published: November 2022

In 3D NAND devices, the number of stacked layers dictates the storage capacity. In the fabrication of such devices, hole channels with a high-aspect ratio (HAR) are etched through these layers. The higher the aspect ratio becomes, the more difficulties the HAR etching faces. In this study, molecular dynamics simulation was performed to examine the etching of silicon dioxide (SiO2), silicon nitride (SiN), and oxide-nitride (ON) stacked layers by energetic fluorocarbon ions. Good agreement of etching yields obtained from the simulations and ion beam experiments was observed for the etching of SiO2 and SiN by CF3+ ions for the incident ion energy ranging from 200 to 2000 eV. As to the etching of the ON bilayer, the SiO2 and SiN layers were observed to be etched with their own etch rates at low ion incident energy. However, at sufficiently high incident ion energy, the oxide and nitride layers were mixed by energetic ion impact and the depth of the mixing layer exceeded the thickness of the top SiO2 layer thickness, resulting in a single etch rate limited by the etch rate of a much deeper underlying SiN material. This suggests that if the incident ion energy is high enough such that the thicknesses of the multilayers are lower than the ion penetration depth, the ON stacked layer exhibits a single etch rate determined by the mixed material of the oxide and nitride.
Physical modeling of the vocal membranes and their influence on animal voice production
Authors: Kanaya Mayuka , Matsumoto Takuma , Uemura Taisuke , Kawabata Rei , Nishimura Takeshi , Tokuda Isao T.
Published: November 2022

The vocal membrane, i.e., an extended part of the vocal fold, is observed in a wide range of species including bats and primates. A theoretical study [Mergell, Fitch, and Herzel (1999). J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 105(3), 2020–2028] predicted that the vocal membranes can make the animal vocalizations more efficient by lowering the phonation threshold pressure. To examine this prediction, a synthetic model of the vocal membrane was developed, and its oscillation properties were examined. The experiments revealed that the phonation threshold pressure was lower in the vocal membrane model compared to that in a model with no vocal membrane. Chaotic oscillations were observed as well.
Atlas-based data integration for mapping the connections and architecture of the brain
Authors: Leergaard Trygve B. , Bjaalie Jan G.
Published: November 2022

Detailed knowledge about the neural connections among regions of the brain is key for advancing our understanding of normal brain function and changes that occur with aging and disease. Researchers use a range of experimental techniques to map connections at different levels of granularity in rodent animal models, but the results are often challenging to compare and integrate. Three-dimensional reference atlases of the brain provide new opportunities for cumulating, integrating, and reinterpreting research findings across studies. Here, we review approaches for integrating data describing neural connections and other modalities in rodent brain atlases and discuss how atlas-based workflows can facilitate brainwide analyses of neural network organization in relation to other facets of neuroarchitecture.
Scale matters: The nested human connectome
Authors: Axer Markus , Amunts Katrin
Published: November 2022

A comprehensive description of how neurons and entire brain regions are interconnected is fundamental for a mechanistic understanding of brain function and dysfunction. Neuroimaging has shaped the way to approaching the human brain’s connectivity on the basis of diffusion magnetic resonance imaging and tractography. At the same time, polarization, fluorescence, and electron microscopy became available, which pushed spatial resolution and sensitivity to the axonal or even to the synaptic level. New methods are mandatory to inform and constrain whole-brain tractography by regional, high-resolution connectivity data and local fiber geometry. Machine learning and simulation can provide predictions where experimental data are missing. Future interoperable atlases require new concepts, including high-resolution templates and directionality, to represent variants of tractography solutions and estimates of their accuracy.
RNA-triggered protein cleavage and cell growth arrest by the type III-E CRISPR nuclease-protease
Authors: Kato Kazuki , Okazaki Sae , Schmitt-Ulms Cian , Jiang Kaiyi , Zhou Wenyuan , Ishikawa Junichiro , Isayama Yukari , Adachi Shungo , Nishizawa Tomohiro , Makarova Kira S. , Koonin Eugene V. , Abudayyeh Omar O. , Gootenberg Jonathan S. , Nishimasu Hiroshi
Published: November 2022

The type III-E CRISPR–Cas7-11 effector binds a CRISPR RNA (crRNA) and the putative protease Csx29 and catalyzes crRNA-guided RNA cleavage. We report cryo–electron microscopy structures of the Cas7-11–crRNA–Csx29 complex with and without target RNA (tgRNA), and demonstrate that tgRNA binding induces conformational changes in Csx29. Biochemical experiments revealed tgRNA-dependent cleavage of the accessory protein Csx30 by Csx29. Reconstitution of the system in bacteria showed that Csx30 cleavage yields toxic protein fragments that cause growth arrest, which is regulated by Csx31. Csx30 binds Csx31 and the associated sigma factor RpoE (RNA polymerase, extracytoplasmic E), suggesting that Csx30-mediated RpoE inhibition modulates the cellular response to infection. We engineered the Cas7-11–Csx29–Csx30 system for programmable RNA sensing in mammalian cells. Overall, the Cas7-11–Csx29 effector is an RNA-dependent nuclease-protease.
RNA-activated protein cleavage with a CRISPR-associated endopeptidase
Authors: Strecker Jonathan , Demircioglu F. Esra , Li David , Faure Guilhem , Wilkinson Max E. , Gootenberg Jonathan S. , Abudayyeh Omar O. , Nishimasu Hiroshi , Macrae Rhiannon K. , Zhang Feng
Published: November 2022

In prokaryotes, CRISPR-Cas systems provide adaptive immune responses against foreign genetic elements through RNA-guided nuclease activity. Recently, additional genes with non-nuclease functions have been found in genetic association with CRISPR systems, suggesting that there may be other RNA-guided non-nucleolytic enzymes. One such gene from
Desulfonema ishimotonii
encodes the TPR-CHAT protease Csx29, which is associated with the CRISPR effector Cas7-11. Here, we demonstrate that this CRISPR-associated protease (CASP) exhibits programmable RNA-activated endopeptidase activity against a sigma factor inhibitor to regulate a transcriptional response. Cryo–electron microscopy of an active and substrate-bound CASP complex reveals an allosteric activation mechanism that reorganizes Csx29 catalytic residues upon target RNA binding. This work reveals an RNA-guided function in nature that can be leveraged for RNA-sensing applications in vitro and in human cells.
Neutrinos unveil hidden galactic activities
Authors: Murase Kohta
Published: November 2022

An obscured supermassive black hole may be producing high-energy cosmic neutrinos
NSF to end cost-sharing requirement for some grants
Authors: Mervis Jeffrey
Published: November 2022

Instrumentation and teacher training programs will no longer ask institutions to provide matching funds
Inhalation of Low Molecular Weight Heparins as Prophylaxis against SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Eder Julia , Bermejo-Jambrina Marta , Vlaming Killian E. , Kaptein Tanja M. , Zaderer Viktoria , Kemper E. Marleen , Wilflingseder Doris , Reitsma Sietze , de Bree Godelieve J. , Cohn Danny M. , Geijtenbeek Teunis B. H.
Published: November 2022

New SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern and waning immunity demonstrate the need for a quick and simple agent to prevent infection. Low molecular weight heparins (LMWH) have been shown to inhibit SARS-CoV-2 in experimental settings.
Ubiquitination of SARS-CoV-2 ORF7a Prevents Cell Death Induced by Recruiting BclXL To Activate ER Stress
Authors: Liu Zhixin , Fu Yanan , Huang Yanping , Zeng Feng , Rao Jingjing , Xiao Xiao , Sun Xiaoguang , Jin Hao , Li Jian , Yang Jing , Du Weixing , Liu Long
Published: November 2022

Viruses struggle to reproduce after infecting cells, and the host eliminates infected cells through apoptosis to prevent virus spread. Cells adopt a special ubiquitination code to protect against viral infection, while ORF7a manipulates and exploits the ubiquitin system to eliminate host cells' effect on apoptosis and redirect cellular pathways in favor of virus survival.
Comparative Analysis of Novel Lytic Phages for Biological Control of Phytopathogenic
Xanthomonas
spp.
Authors: Domingo-Calap M. L. , Bernabéu-Gimeno M. , M. Aure C. , Marco-Noales E. , Domingo-Calap P.
Published: November 2022

Phytopathogenic bacteria represent serious losses worldwide. The lack of current treatments has focused the spotlight on phages, viruses of bacteria, as very promising biocontrol tools.
A tectonic context for fluctuations in late Paleoproterozoic oxygen content
Authors: Partin* C.A.
Published: November 2022

Nearly all models of Earth’s oxygenation converge on the premise that the first notable rise of atmospheric oxygen occurred slightly above the Archean-Proterozoic boundary, with the second notable rise occurring just below the Proterozoic-Phanerozoic boundary. Plate tectonic–driven secular changes found above the Archean-Proterozoic boundary are thought to have been partly or wholly responsible for the initial rise in atmospheric O2 in the Great Oxidation Event; however, the role of plate tectonics in oxygen levels thereafter is not well defined. Modern plate tectonics undoubtedly play a role in regulating atmospheric O2 levels. Mountain building, for example, promotes high erosion rates, nutrient delivery to oceans, and efficient biogeochemical cycling of carbon, resulting in the net burial of organic carbon—thought to be the primary regulator of atmospheric O2 levels on geological time scales. The trajectory of atmospheric O2 and oceanic redox conditions in the Proterozoic Eon, representing almost 2 b.y. of geological history, shows a dynamic history with global trends that indicate overall high-low-high O2 levels throughout the Proterozoic Eon, with low-oxygen conditions established by ca. 2.0–1.8 Ga. This contravenes the tenet that major orogenic events (e.g., the Himalaya-scale Trans-Hudson orogen and other coeval orogens that formed the supercontinent Nuna) should yield higher O2 levels, not lower. The contrast of higher O2 early in the Paleoproterozoic with lower O2 later in the Paleoproterozoic is particularly striking, and mechanisms that might have caused this secular change remain unclear. This contribution explores feedbacks related to the tectonic evolution associated with the building of proto-Laurentia and Earth’s first supercontinent, Nuna, and how this impacted the trajectory of atmospheric O2 in the latest Paleoproterozoic Era.
Mortality and neurodevelopmental outcomes of infants with spontaneous intestinal perforation: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Ang Ju Li , Rath Chandra Prakash , Tan Herr , Patole Sanjay , Rao Shripada C
Published: November 2022

Background

There is limited information about the mortality and neurodevelopmental outcomes of very preterm infants (<32 weeks) with spontaneous intestinal perforation (SIP).

Objective

To explore the association between SIP and neurodevelopmental outcomes and mortality in very preterm infants.

Data sources

Medline, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, EMCARE and MedNar.

Study selection

Databases were searched until September 2021. Studies comparing outcomes of ‘SIP’ versus ‘no SIP or necrotising enterocolitis (NEC)’ were included.

Data extraction

Neurodevelopmental outcomes at ≥1 year corrected age were extracted as the main outcome measure. Data were pooled separately for adjusted and unadjusted ORs using the random-effects model. The evidence level was assessed using the GRADE (Grading of Recommendations, Assessments, Development and Evaluations) framework.

Results

Eighteen cohort studies (13 606 infants) were included. Meta-analysis of unadjusted ORs showed that SIP was significantly associated with increased odds of mortality, cerebral palsy, composite outcome of death or disability, visual impairment and hearing impairment. However, pooling of adjusted ORs (aOR) found significant associations only for mortality (aOR (95% CI) 2.27 (2.07 to 2.49); I2: 0%; four studies (n=10 695)), severe disability (aOR (95% CI) 2.06 (1.38 to 3.08); I2: 0%; two studies (n=321)) and composite outcome of ‘death or disability’ (aOR (95% CI) 2.18 (1.55 to 3.06); I2: 0%; two studies (n=321)). The level of evidence was ‘low’ or ‘very low’.

Limitations

Lack of information on aORs from many studies.

Conclusions

SIP in very preterm infants is associated with higher odds of mortality, severe disability, anddeath or disability.
Infant with Loeys-Dietz syndrome treated for febrile status epilepticus with COVID-19 infection: first reported case of febrile status epilepticus and focal seizures in a patient with Loeys-Dietz syndrome and review of literature
Authors: Akbar Asra , Ahmad Sharjeel , Creeden Sean , Huynh Huan
Published: November 2022

Loeys-Dietz syndrome (LDS) is a rare, autosomal dominant multisystem disorder that is caused by mutations of transforming growth factor-β receptors. Mutations inSMAD3andTGFB3have been recently reported.

LDS is characterised by the triad of arterial tortuosity, hypertelorism and a bifid uvula or cleft palate among other cardiovascular, craniofacial and orthopaedic manifestations. Patients with LDS show clinical and genetic variability and there is a significant risk of reduced life expectancy due to widespread arterial involvement, aortic root dilation, aneurysms and an aggressive vascular course. Thus early genetic testing is warranted if clinical signs and history are suggestive of this potentially catastrophic disorder.

LDS predisposes patients to aortic aneurysms and early death due to vascular malformations, but neurological emergencies, such as seizures and febrile status epilepticus, have not been reported.

Febrile status epilepticus is the most common neurological emergency in childhood. Neurological manifestations of COVID-19 in the paediatric population are not as well described in medical literature.

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case of febrile status epilepticus with COVID-19 infection in an infant with LDS. Our patient had focal epileptiform activity emanating over the left posterior hemisphere, which evolved into an electrographic seizure on video EEG. Such patients have a heightened risk of epilepsy in the future, and this occurrence is consistent with a diagnosis of focal epilepsy. Neurological complications such as epilepsy and status epilepticus in a patient with LDS have never been reported before.

A brief review of literature is also given here.