bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Tribological Behavior of Direct Metal Laser Sintering–Manufactured Ti6Al4V Alloy in Different Biofluids for Orthopedic Implants
Authors: Goyal Vipin , Verma Girish 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Ti6Al4V alloy is widely used in several engineering applications, especially in the biomedical field, because of its excellent biocompatibility, mechanical strength, and corrosion resistance. However, the Ti6Al4V alloy possesses poor tribological properties, which may lead to premature failure of the implants. From the available literature, it has been found that the wear properties of direct metal laser sintering (DMLS)-produced Ti6Al4V alloy in different lubrications have not been explored in detail. The present study tries to evaluate the tribological behavior of DMLS-manufactured Ti6Al4V alloy in different biofluid conditions, such as physiologic saline solution, simulated body fluid, and phosphate-buffered saline against an Al2O3 ball. Apart from the fluids, the effect of different load conditions like 5 N, 10 N, and 20 N at 0.157 m/s (500 rpm @ 6 mm track dia.) was also evaluated on the ball-on-disk tribometer. The experimental results have shown that the DMLS-produced Ti6AL4V alloy yields a 23% lower coefficient of friction and a 68% lower wear rate as compared to the cast Ti6Al4V. Additionally, cast and DMLS-produced Ti6Al4V alloys have followed the same wear trend for biofluids phosphate-buffered saline &gt; simulated body fluid &gt; physiologic saline solution. Analysis of variance (on the obtained results), field emission scanning electron microscopy, and electron dispersive spectroscopy were performed to investigate the reason behind the obtained wear behavior. The results have confirmed that the lesser wear of DMLS-produced Ti6Al4V is mainly due to its hydrophilic nature and higher hardness. Additionally, adhesion, abrasion, and oxidation were found to be the dominant wear mechanisms in both types of samples.
Alternative Spark Plug Electrode Materials for Economical, Reliable Engine Operation
Authors: Tilz Anton , Gruber Manuel , Harrer Walter , Engelmayer Michael , Fimml Wolfgang , Wimmer Andreas 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Large gas engines used for power generation or transport rely on spark plugs to ignite the fuel-air mixture in the combustion chamber. One focus of recent development work has been on reducing emissions while enhancing the performance of the engine, and spark plugs have been identified as playing a crucial role in this evolution process. Spark plug development has contributed to reducing emissions and lowering fuel consumption. One key factor is the electrode material. For conventional high-performance spark plugs, which consist of precious metal electrodes (e.g., based on platinum or iridium), the potential for improvement is becoming limited. Due to their outstanding high-temperature stability, ceramic electrodes appear to be a promising alternative. The need for electrically conductive materials significantly limits the number of useable ceramics; further obstacles are their inherent brittleness and the challenge of attaching them to metals, which is indispensable for the intended application. This publication presents experiments in laboratory conditions with spark plugs equipped with ceramic electrodes. Ignition behavior tests and analysis of the secondary voltage trace of these spark plugs have yielded positive results, indicating the potential for future developments.
The Application of Argon-Oxygen Atmosphere to Investigate the Formation and Evolution of Fuel Nitrogen Oxides During the Oxidation of Hydrogen-Ammonia Fuel Mixtures Under Representative Engine In-Cylinder Conditions
Authors: Yan Yuchao , Yang Ruomiao , Ou Juan , Liu Zhentao , Liu Jinlong 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
In the face of climate change, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and transitioning to renewable energy sources is crucial. Ammonia, as a carbon-free and renewable fuel, exhibits significant potential as an alternative energy source. By incorporating hydrogen as an additive, its flammability can be improved to meet the requirements of existing spark ignition engines. However, comprehending the characteristics of nitrogen oxides (NOx) emissions resulting from the combustion of ammonia-hydrogen fuel blends poses challenges due to the contribution of both fuel NOx and thermal NOx. Therefore, gaining a comprehensive understanding of the fuel NOx behavior during ammonia-hydrogen combustion is of great importance. This paper focuses on investigating fuel NOx exclusively by utilizing an argon-oxygen atmosphere, which eliminates nitrogen from the oxidizer and its role in thermal NOx formation. The study conducts a fundamental investigation into the formation and evolution characteristics of fuel NOx during ammonia-hydrogen combustion under engine-like conditions. The findings indicate that fuel NOx acts as intermediate products, potentially originating from chemical equilibrium calculations. While fuel NO predominantly forms in the burning zone, it undergoes reduction in the burned zone, despite being the primary NOx species. N2O, absent in thermal NOx mechanisms, exhibits significant concentrations within the burning zone and is mostly converted to N2, resulting in limited N2O concentration in the ultimate NOx concentration. Lean burn conditions, hydrogen addition, and oxyfuel combustion all promote fuel NOx formation. Furthermore, the equivalence ratio influences the structure of the ammonia-hydrogen premixed flame due to the de-NOx effect of ammonia. Collectively, these findings highlight that fuel NOx mechanisms differ from thermal NOx mechanisms, necessitating distinct NOx reduction technologies to achieve low-NOx-emission spark ignition engines.
Cycle-by-Cycle Modeling of Integral Compressor Engines for Real-Time Emissions Control
Authors: Wallace Kevin , Jacobs Timothy J. 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
As emissions regulations become increasingly stringent, the natural gas industry is seeking to retrofit their integral compressor engine fleet with real-time emissions control technology. The primary pollutants of concern for these engines are oxides of nitrogen (NOx) and methane. Unfortunately, there is often a tradeoff in abating these two chemical species. This paper discusses a potential control strategy for reducing both simultaneously.
The strategy proposed in this work is two-tiered, consisting of slow-speed and cycle-by-cycle control of the fuel-air ratio. Its success hinges upon the ability to rapidly diagnose, learn, and predict the cycle-by-cycle thermodynamics and emissions of the engine. This work describes a zero-dimensional simulation created for this purpose. Simulated results for in-cylinder pressure and emissions are compared to experimental data for an actual engine.
The simulation achieved very good agreement with the measurements and performed very well as a diagnostic tool, which bodes well for both the first and second tiers of the proposed control strategy. Future work will involve cycle-by-cycle NOx modeling and investigating how the simulation can be used to learn and rapidly predict cycle-by-cycle composition.
Propyl Oxymethylene Ether-Ignited Natural Gas Dual Fuel Low Temperature Combustion – a Low Carbon Pathway for High Efficiencies and Low Emissions
Authors: Narayanan Abhinandhan , Mundy Stephen , Thothadri Hariraja , Gray Justin , Babu Yamini Baskara , Lucas Stephen , Windom Bret , Srinivasan Kalyan Kumar , Krishnan Sundar Rajan 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Climate change concerns persisting with petroleum-based fuels and their propensity to produce high NOx and soot emissions have led researchers to investigate renewable low carbon fuels to power medium- and heavy-duty vehicles. The ease of synthesis and the highly oxygenated nature of oxymethylene ethers (OMEs with chemical structure: R-O-(CH2O)n-R’, where R and R’ are alkyl groups) have positioned them as a viable low soot producing, low carbon alternative to diesel. Previous investigations have shown that methyl-terminated OMEs such polyoxymethylene di-methyl ether (POMDME) can be used to ignite natural gas, virtually eliminating soot emissions while retaining the very low engine-out NOx emissions possible with diesel – natural gas dual fuel low temperature combustion (LTC). Substituting methyl groups with higher alkyl groups (e.g., propyl or butyl groups) to terminate these OMEs have shown an improvement in diesel blending properties while maintaining higher oxygen content and cetane number than diesel. In this study, the combustion characteristics of diesel and propyl oxymethylene ether (also known as P-1-P) were experimentally compared on a single cylinder engine. Engine performance and emissions were measured at different loads for pure diesel and pure P-1-P before proceeding to dual fuel RCCI of natural gas. P-1-P – natural gas RCCI experiments were performed at a constant load of 10 bar IMEPg and engine speed of 1339 rev/min. At this speed-load condition, the effect of engine operating parameters such as P-1-P injection timing, intake pressure, and rail pressure, on engine performance and emissions with P-1-P – natural gas dual fuel RCCI were characterized with a specific focus on identifying pathways for improving fuel conversion efficiencies without significant penalties in engine-out emissions or engine stability. The optimum efficiency-emissions tradeoff was achieved at a boost pressure of 1.75 bar, rail pressure of 1000 bar and 90% PES. An IFCE of ∼ 47% was observed at that operating condition, while maintaining ISCO and ISHC emissions at ∼5 and ∼11 g/kWh, respectively. ISNOx emissions were ∼0.05 g/kWh and smoke emissions in the range of 0.001 FSN were measured by an AVL smokemeter.
Combustion Performance and Emissions Characterization of Methane-Hydrogen Blends (Up to 50% by Vol.) in a Spark-Ignited CFR Engine
Authors: Loprete Jason , Ristow Hadlich Rodrigo , Sirna Amanda , Shaalan Amr , Assanis Dimitris 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Finding alternatives to carbonaceous fuels has become a prime focus to support the global goal of decarbonizing the transportation sector. Hydrogen is a promising alternative fuel given that it is lightweight, and its combustion produces zero carbon dioxide. However, the absence of widespread dedicated hydrogen infrastructure for transportation, distribution and storage greatly limit its potential as the sole source of fuel for future vehicles. Instead, hydrogen can be readily blended with existing low-carbon fuels, such as natural gas, to enhance overall transportability and additionally improve combustion characteristics of operating devices. This manuscript explores the performance and emissions output of various methane-hydrogen blends, from pure methane to 50% hydrogen, by vol., performed over a range of fuel-air equivalence ratios ranging from the lean misfire limit to ϕ = 1.2. Tests were performed on a single-cylinder spark-ignited Cooperative Fuel Research (CFR) engine at a fixed compression ratio and engine speed. Even with hydrogen’s lower energy density, initial results show an ability to maintain the same output as the pure methane case over several different blend ratios. A two-phase heat release was observed and attributed to the differences in methane and hydrogen’s reactivity. Notably, peak cylinder temperatures and NOx emissions increased as hydrogen blend ratio increased. Lower overall CO emissions were observed with increasing hydrogen blend ratio as the combustion efficiency increased with increasing hydrogen blend percentage. CO2 emissions were observed to decrease in proportion to the amount of carbon displacement in the fuel blend as the hydrogen blend percentage increased. Overall, using hydrogen as a combustion-enhancer for low-carbon fuels is a viable option as both combustion performance improves and emissions are reduced — all while resolving the significant infrastructure issues pure hydrogen faces.
Antiviral action of a functionalized plastic surface against human coronaviruses
Authors: Shroff Sailee , Haapakoski Marjo , Tapio Kosti , Laajala Mira , Leppänen Miika , Plavec Zlatka , Haapala Antti , Butcher Sarah J. , Ihalainen Janne A. , Toppari J. Jussi , Marjomäki Varpu 
Published: January 2024

ABSTRACT
Viruses may persist on solid surfaces for long periods, which may contribute to indirect transmission. Thus, it is imperative to develop functionalized surfaces that will lower the infectious viral load in everyday life. Here, we have tested a plastic surface functionalized with tall oil rosin against the seasonal human coronavirus OC43 as well as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. All tested non-functionalized plastic surfaces showed virus persistence up to 48 h. In contrast, the functionalized plastic showed good antiviral action already within 15 min of contact and excellent efficacy after 30 min over 90% humidity. Excellent antiviral effects were also observed at lower humidities of 20% and 40%. Despite the hydrophilic nature of the functionalized plastic, viruses did not adhere strongly to it. According to helium ion microscopy, viruses appeared flatter on the rosin-functionalized surface, but after flushing away from the rosin-functionalized surface, they showed no apparent structural changes when imaged by transmission electron microscopy of cryogenic or negatively stained specimens or by atomic force microscopy. Flushed viruses were able to bind to their host cell surface and enter endosomes, suggesting that the fusion with the endosomal membrane was halted. The eluted rosin from the functionalized surface demonstrated its ability to inactivate viruses, indicating that the antiviral efficacy relied on the active leaching of the antiviral substances, which acted on the viruses coming into contact. The rosin-functionalized plastic thus serves as a promising candidate as an antiviral surface for enveloped viruses.

IMPORTANCE
During seasonal and viral outbreaks, the implementation of antiviral plastics can serve as a proactive strategy to limit the spread of viruses from contaminated surfaces, complementing existing hygiene practices. In this study, we show the efficacy of a rosin-functionalized plastic surface that kills the viral infectivity of human coronaviruses within 15 min of contact time, irrespective of the humidity levels. In contrast, non-functionalized plastic surfaces retain viral infectivity for an extended period of up to 48 h. The transient attachment on the surface or the leached active components do not cause major structural changes in the virus or prevent receptor binding; instead, they effectively block viral infection at the endosomal stage.
Determination of the strong-coupling constant from the Z-boson transverse-momentum distribution
Authors: Camarda Stefano , Ferrera Giancarlo , Schott Matthias 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThe strong-coupling constant is determined from the low-momentum region of the transverse-momentum distribution of Z bosons produced through the Drell–Yan process, using predictions at third order in perturbative QCD. The analysis employs a measurement performed in proton-antiproton collisions at a centre-of-mass energy of $$\sqrt{s} = 1.96$$

s

=
1.96

TeV with the CDF experiment. The determined value of the strong coupling at the reference scale corresponding to the Z-boson mass is $$\alpha _S(m_Z)= 0.1191^{+0.0013}_{-0.0016}$$

α
S

(

m
Z

)

=
0
.

1191

-
0.0016

+
0.0013

.
Comparative analysis of standard mathematical modeling approaches to solve Einstein’s field equations in spherically symmetric static background for compact stars
Authors: Gedela Satyanarayana , Bisht Ravindra K. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThis study examines Einstein’s field equations in the context of general relativity, comparing five distinct methodologies: (a) vanishing complexity, (b) embedding class one or the Karmarkar condition, (c) conformally flat spacetime, (d) conformal killing symmetry, and (e) the Karmarkar scalar condition. The first four methods reveal a significant connection between two metric potentials, while the fifth method provides a coordinate-independent condition expressed in terms of structural scalars. The paper provides a comprehensive comparative analysis of a new exact solution derived by assuming a common metric function and solving the remaining metric functions through corresponding bridge equations to evaluate their effectiveness and validity. Critical parameters such as thermodynamic factors, causality conditions, stability, and mass function analysis are investigated.
Abstract A019: Neoplastic co-option of epithelial-immune interactions in pancreatic cancer
Authors: Alonso-Curbelo Direna 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is initiated by a complex interplay between genetic and environmental insults that induce a marked remodeling of the pancreatic epithelium and its immune cell landscape. These tissue changes are highly reminiscent of wound healing responses, yet they critically contribute to disease pathogenesis. How regenerative tissue plasticity is co-opted to drive PDAC pathogenesis remains poorly understood. Our recent work identified cancer-associated chromatin alterations in the pre-malignant pancreatic epithelium that are induced by cooperative effects of mutant KRAS and tissue damage (inflammation). These synergistic processes aberrantly activate several cell communication factors, such as IL-33, that establish an expansive communication network among selective KRAS-mutant subpopulations and their immune environment that contributes to tumor development (Alonso-Curbelo et al., Nature 2021; Burdziak*, Alonso-Curbelo* et al., Science 2023). These epigenetically-activated communication networks are not shared with physiological regenerative processes, and represent a molecular groundwork to understand (onco)gene-environment cooperation and identify early, tumor-specific cancer mechanisms. They also provide new opportunities at the intersection of cancer biology, epigenetics and immuno-oncology for exploiting cell-cell communication traits of early KRAS-mutant cells and their niches to block the emergence and progression of neoplastic lineages. To address these questions, we are integrating single-cell genomics profiling, functional perturbations, and multiplexed tissue analyses to identify early molecular programs responsible for co-opting immune responses in PDAC, define how these shape influence tumor evolution, and identify crosstalk networks sustaining disease maintenance. Ultimately, a deeper mechanistic understanding of how early epigenetic dysregulation directs regenerative immune responses towards cancer will expose new therapeutic concepts to selectively target pro-tumor inflammation without impairing homeostatic tissue responses.
Citation Format: Direna Alonso-Curbelo. Neoplastic co-option of epithelial-immune interactions in pancreatic cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference in Cancer Research: Pancreatic Cancer; 2023 Sep 27-30; Boston, Massachusetts. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(2 Suppl):Abstract nr A019.
Abstract A060: Metabolic patterns in pancreatic cancer cachexia
Authors: Mathur Deepti , Majem Blanca , Kalaany Nada 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Cachexia is a multi-organ pathological state characterized by physical wasting and tissue catabolism. It occurs in 80% of pancreatic cancer patients, and to date there are no preventative or early detection methods. Cachexia leads to limited tolerance to anti-cancer therapy and is a lethal disease. Here, we have characterized a mouse model of cachexia in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) in order to better understand disease progression: the physiology across stages of cachexia in the model recaptures well the progressive disease in humans. We present the first-of-its-kind systemic metabolomic analysis across cachectic stages in the tumor, interstitial fluid, liver, fats, muscles, and blood plasma. The primary source of variation in the data is the tissue type, indicating that each tissue has a unique metabolome and trajectory across cachexia stages. We use mathematical modeling to identify metabolites that may be participating in cross-tissue networks in pre-, early-, and late-stage cachexia. Pathway analysis shows a particular emphasis on lipid alterations. Strikingly, we find systemic metabolic changes prior to weight loss or other disease symptoms, and use feature selection algorithms to identify potential predictive markers of cachexia progression. Overall, we hope our work is a valuable resource for the field and will lay the foundation for metabolic insights into pancreatic cancer cachexia and its prevention and treatment.
Citation Format: Deepti Mathur, Blanca Majem, Nada Kalaany. Metabolic patterns in pancreatic cancer cachexia [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference in Cancer Research: Pancreatic Cancer; 2023 Sep 27-30; Boston, Massachusetts. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(2 Suppl):Abstract nr A060.
Abstract A079: A new vulnerability to BET inhibition due to enhanced autophagy in BRCA2-deficient pancreatic cancer
Authors: Archasappawat Suyakarn , Lee EunJung , Ji Keely , Pena Jocelyn , Fernandez-Vega Virneliz , Gangaraju Ritika , Beesabathuni Nitin Sai , Kim Martin Jean , Tian Qi , Shah Priya , Scampavia Louis , Spicer Timothy , Hwang Chang-Il 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States, with the lowest five-year survival rate of all cancers. Around 10% of pancreatic cancer diagnoses are thought to be familial pancreatic cancer (FPC). BRCA2 pathogenic variants have been identified to be closely associated with FPC. Personalized medicine approaches that are tailored to FPC patients based on their mutation profiles could improve patient outcomes and minimize adverse effects. This study aims to identify novel potential drug candidates for BRCA2-deficient PDAC and dissect its underlying molecular mechanisms. To discover new vulnerabilities for BRCA2-deficient pancreatic cancer, we performed high-throughput drug screening (HTS) using isogenic murine Brca2 knockout (KO) and control PDAC cells. The HTS assay revealed that JQ1, a small molecule inhibitor of the bromodomain and extra-terminal domain protein (BET) family, selectively induced cytotoxicity in Brca2 KO cells. JQ1 significantly decreased the cell viability of Brca2 KO cells in vitro and suppressed the growth of Brca2 KO tumors in vivo compared to the controls. The transcriptomic analyses showed that JQ1 treatment resulted in upregulation of the gene sets associated with macroautophagy. Multi-orthogonal autophagy assays, including live cell imaging of fluorescence-based autophagy reporter, also supported that Brca2 KO cells had a constitutively higher basal level of autophagic activities compared to the controls, and JQ1 further induced autophagic flux in Brca2 KO cells. Moreover, blocking the autophagy process by pharmacological inhibition or knocking down essential autophagy genes rescued JQ1-induced cell death in Brca2 KO cells, indicating that the increased autophagy is responsible for JQ1-mediated cell death in Brca2 KO cells. In conclusion, we found that BRCA2 deficiency elevated autophagic flux, and extensive autophagy was further activated by BET inhibition, culminating in autophagy-dependent cell death in Brca2-deficient pancreatic cancer cells. Our findings suggest that BET inhibition could be a promising therapeutic strategy for treating BRCA2-deficient pancreatic cancer.
Citation Format: Suyakarn Archasappawat, EunJung Lee, Keely Ji, Jocelyn Pena, Virneliz Fernandez-Vega, Ritika Gangaraju, Nitin Sai Beesabathuni, Martin Jean Kim, Qi Tian, Priya Shah, Louis Scampavia, Timothy Spicer, Chang-Il Hwang. A new vulnerability to BET inhibition due to enhanced autophagy in BRCA2-deficient pancreatic cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference in Cancer Research: Pancreatic Cancer; 2023 Sep 27-30; Boston, Massachusetts. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(2 Suppl):Abstract nr A079.