bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Windage Torque Reduction in Low-Pressure Turbine Cavities Part II: Experimental and Numerical Results
Authors: Jackson Richard W. , Li Zhihui , Christodoulou Loizos , Ambrose Stephen , Sangan Carl M. , Jefferson-Loveday Richard , Lock Gary D. , Scobie James A. 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Minimizing the losses within a low-pressure turbine (LPT) system is critical for the design of next-generation ultra-high bypass ratio aero-engines. The stator-well cavity windage torque can be a significant source of loss within the system, influenced by the ingestion of mainstream annulus air with a tangential velocity opposite to that of the rotor. This paper presents experimental and numerical results of three carefully designed Flow Control Concepts (FCCs)—additional geometric features on the stator surfaces, which were optimized to minimize the windage torque within a scaled, engine-representative stator-well cavity. FCC1 and FCC2 featured rows of guide vanes at the inlet to the downstream and upstream wheel-spaces, respectively. FCC3 combined FCC1 and FCC2. Superposed flows were introduced to the upstream section of the cavity, which modelled the low-radius coolant and higher radius leakage between the rotor blades. In addition to torque measurements, total and static pressures were collected, from which the cavity swirl ratio was derived. Additional swirl measurements were collected using a five-hole aerodynamic probe, which traversed radially at the entrance and exit of the cavity. A cavity windage torque reduction of 55% on the baseline (which has no flow control) was measured for FCC3, at the design condition with superposed flow. For this concept, an increase in the cavity swirl in both the upstream and downstream wheel-spaces was demonstrated experimentally and numerically. With increasing superposed flow, the contribution of FCC1 surpassed FCC2, due to more mass flow entering the downstream wheel-space across the rotor fins (passing FCC1), and less ingestion from the annulus into the upstream wheel-space (passing FCC2). The torque changes from the concepts are explained using the fluid dynamic evidence from experimental swirl measurements and computational simulations. The simulations allow translation to engine-operating conditions and practical information to the engine designer.
Design of Aerodynamically Balanced Transonic Compressor Rotors
Authors: Lefas Demetrios , Miller Robert J. 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
This paper describes a simple and efficient physics-based method for designing optimal transonic multistage compressor rotors. The key to this novel method is that the spanwise variation of the parameter which controls the three-dimensional shock structure, the area ratio between the throat and the inlet, “Athroat /Ainlet”, is extracted directly from the 3D computational fluid dynamics (CFD). The spanwise distribution of the area ratio is then adjusted iteratively to balance the shock structure across the blade span. Because of this, the blade design will be called “aerodynamically balanced.” The new design method converges in a few iterations and is physically intuitive because it accounts for the real changes in the 3D area ratio that directly controls the shock structure. Specifically, changes in both the spanwise 3D flow and the rotor’s operating condition; thus aiding designer understanding. To demonstrate this, two example design cases are shown in the paper: a transonic rotor within a multistage civil compressor with variable upstream stator vanes, and an embedded rotor within a multistage military fan. The method is shown to (1) improve both the operating range and the design efficiency while retaining the compressor’s overall matching, and (2) allow a balanced design to be simultaneously achieved at multiple shaft speeds. The result is a method which simplifies the multistage transonic compressor rotor design process and therefore has great practical utility.
Biodegradation of the methylenedioxyphenyl group in piperine and its derivatives: discovery of a novel methylenetransferase in an actinomycete
Authors: Jian Pu , Kumano Takuto , Kimura Mio , Kurisaki Makoto , Hashimoto Yoshiteru , Kobayashi Michihiko 
Published: October 2023

ABSTRACT

Piperine is a methylenedioxyphenyl (MDP) group-containing alkaloid that is found in black pepper. Although piperine has multiple physiological effects on the human body that make it a suitable supplement, little is known about its natural metabolism. In this study, we isolated microorganisms that can grow using piperine as the sole nitrogen source. One of these microorganisms (strain no. 14) was identified as
Rhodococcus ruber
. In this strain, a homolog of a sesamin-metabolizing enzyme (SesA) named PipA was discovered. We succeeded in the cloning and expression of PipA in
Escherichia coli
. PipA was found to be able to decompose the MDP group to produce catechols using tetrahydrofolate as a coenzyme. This enzyme showed the highest specificity toward one of the piperine derivatives, piperonylic acid, among all the substrate candidates examined in the study. The following kinetic parameters of PipA were determined:
K
m
= 0.024 ± 0.004 mM;
V
max
= 1.314 ± 0.059 (μmol·min
−1
·mg
−1
); and
k
cat
= 1.752 ± 0.079 s
−1
. PipA also showed weak activity toward piperine, piperic acid, 3,4-methylenedioxycinnamic acid, and piperonal. A partial amino-acid sequence of PipA exhibited similarity to that of a large protein family of glycine cleavage T-proteins (GcvTs), which catalyze glycine degradation and are present in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes. This study provides new insights into the unique functions of GcvT members and the piperine metabolism in nature.

IMPORTANCE
Pepper is a spice that has been used worldwide since the Age of Discovery. The substance that is responsible for the spiciness in pepper is piperine, a type of alkaloid. It has never been reported how piperine is degraded by microorganisms. In this study, we discovered a bacterium in the soil that is capable of catabolizing piperine as its sole nitrogen source. Furthermore, we discovered the enzyme involved in piperine metabolism. This enzyme decomposed the methylenedioxyphenyl group, which is the common structure in various plant-derived bioactive compounds such as sesamin, piperonal, safrole, and berberin. By utilizing this enzyme, piperine can be converted into a useful antioxidant compound. The findings about previously unknown metabolic pathways in nature can lead to the discovery of new enzymes and provide methods for the enzymatic synthesis of useful compounds.
Polyamine signaling communications play a key role in regulating the pathogenicity of
Dickeya fangzhongdai
Authors: Xie Congcong , Gu Weihan , Chen Zhongqiao , Liang Zhibin , Huang Shufen , Zhang Lian-Hui , Chen Shaohua 
Published: October 2023

ABSTRACT

Dickeya fangzhongdai
is a devastating bacterial pathogen infecting a wide range of crops and ornamental plants worldwide. As a newly identified bacterial species in 2016, the regulatory mechanisms that govern its virulence are still a mystery. In this study, we explored the potential roles of polyamine-mediated cell-to-cell communication in regulation of
D. fangzhongdai
virulence. Null mutation of
speA
and
speC
in
D. fangzhongdai
strain ZXC1, which encodes polyamine biosynthesis through arginine and ornithine pathways, respectively, dramatically reduced bacterial motility, decreased production of plant cell wall degradation (PCWD) enzymes, and attenuated the bacterial virulence on taro and potato. We then tested the effect of various polyamine molecules in the restoration of the mutant phenotypes and showed that putrescine was the most potent signal in the regulation of virulence traits in strain ZXC1. In addition, we found that taro extract contained active signals to rescue putrescine-deficient phenotypes. High-performance liquid chromatography mass spectrometry analysis validated the
speA
was essential for production of putrescine in
D. fangzhongdai
ZXC1. We further showed that the putrescine transporters PotF and PlaP are required for putrescine-mediated cell-to-cell communication and virulence against taro and potato tubers. quantitative reverse transcription-PCR analysis demonstrated that putrescine influences the pathogenicity of
D. fangzhongdai
ZXC1 by regulating the expression of PCWD enzymes, bacterial chemotaxis, and flagellar-related genes. The findings from this study shed a new light for elucidating the pathogenic mechanisms of
D. fangzhongdai
and present useful clues for developing relevant disease control strategies.

IMPORTANCE

Dickeya fangzhongdai
is a newly identified plant bacterial pathogen with a wide host range. A clear understanding of the cell-to-cell communication systems that modulate the bacterial virulence is of key importance for elucidating its pathogenic mechanisms and for disease control. In this study, we present evidence that putrescine molecules from the pathogen and host plants play an essential role in regulating the bacterial virulence. The significance of this study is in (i) demonstrating that putrescine signaling system regulates
D. fangzhongdai
virulence mainly through modulating the bacterial motility and production of PCWD enzymes, (ii) outlining the signaling and regulatory mechanisms with which putrescine signaling system modulates the above virulence traits, and (iii) validating that
D. fangzhongdai
could use both arginine and ornithine pathways to synthesize putrescine signals. To our knowledge, this is the first report to show that putrescine signaling system plays a key role in modulating the pathogenicity of
D. fangzhongdai
.
Matter growth perturbations and cosmography in modified torsion cosmology
Authors: Usman Muhammad , Jawad Abdul 
Published: October 2023

AbstractWe examine the cosmic evolution of the growth of perturbations with respect to matter content at early and recent past era of the Universe under the framework of non-zero torsion cosmology. Some cosmographic parameters are also discussed. To analyze this cosmic scenario, we formulate the cosmic models with two dark matter considerations and apply spherical collapse formalism. We explore that for model-1 (pressureless matter), the density contrast starts growing in early era of the Universe and with the Universe’s overall expansion, density contrast grows faster for different choices of torsion parameter. In model-2 (matter with non-zero pressure), the density contrast shows enormous growth as compared to overall expansion of the Universe for the perturbed region, which indicates the collapse of the perturbed region and formulation of new large scale matter or galaxy. Further, we analyze the behavior of the growth function for both models with different values of torsion parameter. For model-1, the growth function increases smoothly for different choices of torsion parameter but for the model-2 the behavior of the growth function with nonzero DM and torsion significantly deviates from pressureless DM with zero torsion ($$\Lambda $$
Λ
CDM). We also investigate different cosmographic parameters for both models and analyze their behavior with different choices of torsion parameter and $$\Lambda $$
Λ
CDM. The results show the power-law expansion rate of the accelerating Universe with respect to redshift function.
Adult sex ratios affect mating behaviour in the common housefly Musca domestica L. (Diptera; Muscidae)
Authors: ter Haar Stefan , Francuski Ljubinka , Billeter Jean-Christophe , Schenkel Martijn A. , Beukeboom Leo W. 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Adult sex ratio determines the level of mate availability and intrasexual competition for each sex. Sex ratio biases have been proposed to enhance the productivity of animal rearing procedures. However, behaviour may change in response to sex ratio manipulations that may counteract potential benefits. We investigated how sex ratios affected mating behaviour of the housefly Musca domestica, a species used in the animal feed industry. We hypothesized a reduced courtship effort and mating latency and increased ejaculate allocation (copulation duration) under male-biased sex ratios, whereas female-biased sex ratios would lead to the opposite effects. However, courtship effort was reduced in female-biased groups, implying reduced male harassment. Mating latency was lower and copulation lasted longer in female-biased groups, which may reduce reproduction time and increase female fecundity and lifespan. Our results indicate that in houseflies, female-biased sex ratios cause behavioural changes in both sexes that could positively contribute to reproductive output.
Vulnerable Landscapes
Authors: Kisiel Michał 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
This article focuses on Samuel Beckett’s selected short prose works “The Lost Ones” and “Ping,” which both present ruinous landscapes that have witnessed an unspeakable catastrophe. Both texts attempt to reflect such deterioration in the collapse of language. Following environmental criticism and new materialism, this paper analyses Beckett’s texts as potential representatives of a poetics for the Anthropocene. Such a project withdraws from evoking spectacular images of an ecocide witnessed by narrators unaffected by the deteriorating reality; instead, it grasps the necessary crisis of narration as a part of a world that is falling apart.
Nickel-related hypersensitivity reactions following endovascular interventions: A review of current evidence
Authors: Tjen Vanessa H , Yang Paul Zichu 
Published: October 2023

Introduction: Nickel is a principal alloying agent in the production of vascular endoprostheses, despite persisting as the most habitually identified allergen. Variable nickel-related hypersensitivity manifestations following endovascular intervention were reported, challenging established paradigms in treatment and accuracy of prognostic assessments. The objective of this review is to critically evaluate current metrics to maximise patient-related outcomes. Methods: A literature review was conducted in compliance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2009 statement. Patients indicative of nickel hypersensitivity reaction following endovascular intervention were discerned. A positive reaction was defined by patch testing, histological analysis, or anamnesis indicative of nickel hypersensitivity. Morphology of implicating prostheses, adverse events and postoperative complications, clinical course, diagnostic and therapeutic strategies alongside patient prognosis were recorded. Results: Nickel-related hypersensitivity reactions following endovascular repair were identified in 36 patients with a median age of 44.5 years. 20 patients received nitinol-containing intervention. 28 (77.8%) patients are female. Multi-organ adverse reactions occurred in 21 (58.3%) patients with variable latency. 14 (38.9%) patients were presented with neurological adverse reactions manifesting mainly as unilateral hemiparesis. Dermatological reactions implicated 16 (44.4%) patients. Miscellaneous manifestations include suicidal ideation. 13 (36.1%) patients displayed previous metal intolerance and 32 (88.9%) patients had positive patch testing for nickel. Histological analysis of lesions and prostheses indicated lymphocytic infiltration. 5 (13.9%) patients experienced device-specific reactions as in-stent restenosis or auxiliary distal vessel stenosis. 11 (30.1%) patients received solely medical therapy and 5 (13.9%) patients received solely surgical therapy. 19 (52.7%) patients underwent both medical (oral corticosteroid) and surgical therapy (device retrieval). 26 (77.1%) patients achieved symptomatic cessation, 6 (16.7%) patients exhibited symptomatic persistence and 0 patients died. Conclusion: Prophylactic pre-assessment for a history of metal allergy and consideration of prostheses alternatives is recommended to minimise reaction risk and severity. Despite nickel's predominant usage, information paucity urges additional studies to emphasise its implications and maximise patient outcomes.
Efficacy and safety of first-line PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitor combinations for extensive-stage small-cell lung cancer: a Bayesian network meta-analysis
Authors: Li Huijuan , Han Hedong , Li Chuling , Wu Ranpu , Wang Zhaofeng , Wang Yimin , Zhan Ping , Lv Tangfeng , Zhang Fang , Song Yong , Liu Hongbing 
Published: October 2023

Objectives: Several randomized controlled trials (RCTs) indicated that first-line programmed cell death protein-1/death-ligand 1 inhibitors plus chemotherapy (PD-1/PD-L1 + chemo) led to survival benefits in extensive-stage small-cell lung cancer (ES-SCLC) compared with platinum-based chemotherapy. This study aims to identify the optimal PD-1/PD-L1 + chemo combination strategy. Methods: We included RCTs comparing PD-1/ PD-L1 + chemo versus chemo alone in ES-SCLC. Overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), objective response rate (ORR), and grade ⩾3 treatment-related adverse events were considered. Odds ratios (ORs), hazard ratios (HRs), and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were extracted. Results: Six RCTs with 2600 patients were analyzed in this Bayesian network meta-analysis. Results showed that adding PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors to chemotherapy led to significant benefits in OS (HR = 0.72, 95% CI: 0.66–0.79), PFS (HR = 0.69, 95% CI: 0.63–0.75), and ORR (OR = 1.32, 95% CI: 1.12–1.56), and no differences in toxicity were found (OR = 1.09, 95% CI: 0.92–1.30). Serplulimab plus chemotherapy was found to provide the best OS (HR = 0.63, 95% CI: 0.49–0.82), the best PFS (HR = 0.47, 95% CI: 0.38–0.59), and the best ORR (OR = 1.7, 95% CI: 1.15–2.53). Moreover, although there were no difference between PD-L1 + chemo and PD-1 + chemo regarding OS (HR = 0.99, 95% CI: 0.91–1.08) and ORR (OR = 1.27, 95% CI: 0.91–1.78), PD-1 + chemo showed a significant benefit in PFS (HR = 0.82, 95% CI: 0.68–0.98) compared with PD-L1 + chemo. Conclusions: Serplulimab plus chemotherapy seems to be superior first-line immunotherapy combination for patients with ES-SCLC. PD-1 + chemo seems to outperform PD-L1 + chemo in PFS.
Changes in Quadriceps Rate of Torque Development After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction and Association to Single-Leg Hop Distance
Authors: Tayfur Beyza , Keneen Johnson Alexa , Palmieri-Smith Riann 
Published: October 2023

Background:Quadriceps neuromuscular function is negatively affected after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). The specific effect that the ACLR has on the quadriceps femoris rate of force production and its impact on functional recovery is unknown.Hypothesis:The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) limb would present persistent deficits in the rate of torque development (RTD), when compared with the non-ACL limb before ACLR until 9 months (9M) post-ACLR.Study Design:Prospective cohort study.Level of Evidence:Level 3.Methods:Twenty-eight participants performed quadriceps maximum voluntary isometric contractions (MVICs) before (PRE), at 5 months (5M) and at 9M after ACLR. Single-leg hop distance was also assessed at 9M. Quadriceps RTD was calculated at 50, 100, and 200 ms after the onset of torque production. Maximum RTD was also calculated. A 2 (limb) × 3 (time) repeated-measures analysis of variance was used for RTD50, RTD100, RTD200, and RTDmax. Linear regressions were used to evaluate the associations of MVIC and RTD values at 5M and 9M with single-leg hop distance at 9M.Results:The ACL limb had lower RTD values at all times compared with the non-ACL limb ( P < 0.05). RTD of the ACL limb significantly decreased from PRE to 5M, and then recovered to PRE levels at 9M ( P < 0.05). The non-ACL limb displayed no differences from baseline to either 5M or 9M. MVIC and RTD200at 5M predicted ( R2= 0.313 and R2= 0.262, respectively) single-leg hop distance at 9M, better than the strength and RTD at 9M ( R2= 0.235 and R2= 0.128, respectively).Conclusion:Quadriceps RTD is negatively affected after ACLR, and deficits may persist at the time of return to activity. Strength and RTD during recovery at 5M may predict more than 25% of the variance in single-leg hop distance at 9M, independently; hence, both provide important information to monitor functional recovery post-ACLR.Clinical Relevance:RTD should be measured to understand the changes in neuromuscular capacity after ACLR, and rehabilitation strategies that target quick force production, ie, quick muscle activation and functional tasks, should be implemented.
Effects of Two Soluble ACE2-Fc Variants on Blood Pressure and Albuminuria in Hypertensive Mice: Research Letter
Authors: Trentin-Sonoda Mayra , Zimpelmann Joseph , Tailor Karishma , Gillard John W. , Yoganathan Nathan , Sulea Traian , Burns Kevin D. 
Published: October 2023

Background: Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) hydrolyzes angiotensin (Ang) II to Ang-(1-7), promoting vasodilatation, and inhibiting oxidative stress and inflammation. Plasma membrane ACE2 is the receptor for all known SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2) viral variants. In COVID-19 infection, soluble ACE2 variants may act as decoys to bind and neutralize the coronavirus, reducing its tissue infectivity. Furthermore, soluble ACE2 variants have been proposed as potential therapeutics for kidney disease and hypertensive disorders. Objective: Soluble ACE2 variants conjugated to human Fc domains and selected for high-potency viral SARS-CoV-2 neutralization were prepared and evaluated for ACE2 activity in vitro. Lead candidates were then tested for systemic ACE2 activity, stability, and effects on blood pressure and albuminuria in mice with Ang II-induced hypertension. Methods: ACE2 activity of 10 soluble ACE2 variants was first assessed in cell-free conditions using a fluorogenic substrate, or by Ang II hydrolysis to Ang-(1-7). Hypertension was induced in male or female mice by implantation of osmotic minipumps containing Ang II. Two lead ACE2 variants were injected intravenously (i.v.) into hypertensive mice, followed by measurements of blood pressure (tail-cuff plethysmography), albuminuria, and tissue ACE2 activity and protein (immunoblots). Results: Soluble ACE2-Fc variants demonstrated significant ACE2 enzymatic activity, with kinetics comparable with human recombinant ACE2. In hypertensive mice, single dose i.v. injection of ACE2-Fc variant K (10 mg/kg) significantly decreased systolic blood pressure at 24 hours, with partial lowering sustained to 48 hours, and tendency to reduce albuminuria at 72 hours. By contrast, ACE2-Fc variant I had no effect on blood pressure or albuminuria in hypertensive mice; ACE2-Fc variant K was detected by immunoblotting in plasma, kidney, heart, lung, liver, and spleen lysates 72 hours after injection, associated with significantly increased ACE2 activity in all tissues except kidney and spleen. Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2-Fc variant I had no effect on plasma ACE2 activity. Conclusions: Soluble ACE2-Fc variant K reduces blood pressure and tends to lower albuminuria in hypertensive mice. Furthermore, soluble ACE2-Fc variant K has prolonged tissue retention, associated with increased tissue ACE2 activity. The results support further studies directed at the therapeutic potential of soluble ACE2-Fc variant K for cardiovascular and kidney protection.