Propulsion and airframe aerodynamic interactions of supersonic V/STOL configurations, phase 1

A wind tunnel model of a supersonic V/STOL fighter configuration has been tested to measure the aerodynamic interaction effects which can result from geometrically close-coupled propulsion system/airframe components. The approach was to configure the model to present two different test techniques. One was a coventional test technique composed of two test modes. In the Flow-Through mode, absolute configuration aerodynamics are measured, including inlet/airframe interactions. In the Jet-Effects mode, incremental nozzle/airframe interactions are measured. The other test technique is a propulsion simulator approach, where a subscale, externally powered engine is mounted in the model. This allows proper measurement of inlet/airframe and nozzle/airframe interactions simultaneously

The fracture behavior of Cr2AlC coatings

The erosion - and self-healing - behavior of Cr2AlC MAX phase coatings has been investigated [1]. It is well known that Cr2AlC coatings can be deposited at temperatures of around 450 °C [2], which is significantly lower than for other MAX phase systems, which often require growth temperatures around 900 °C [3]. To further explore the applicability of the Cr2AlC system in harsh environments, it is necessary to determine its mechanical response. Recent advances in micromechanical testing allow investigating the mechanical properties of hard coatings, especially the fracture behavior, which is of particular interest for several thin film applications. Furthermore, it is possible to deposit the Cr2AlC system with different microstructures, e.g. nanocrystalline or amorphous [2]. Preliminary results revealed a fracture toughness of ~2 MPam1/2 for a coating with columnar morphology. In this investigation, the effect of morphology and microstructure on the fracture toughness of Cr2AlC coatings will be presented. References [1] D. Eichner, A. Schlieter, C. Leyens, L. Shang, S. Shayestehaminzadeh, J.M. Schneider, Solid particle erosion behavior of nanolaminated Cr2AlC films, Wear. 402–403 (2018) 187–195. doi:10.1016/j.wear.2018.02.014. [2] C. Walter, D.P. Sigumonrong, T. El-Raghy, J.M. Schneider, Towards large area deposition of Cr2AlC on steel, Thin Solid Films. 515 (2006) 389–393. doi:10.1016/j.tsf.2005.12.219. [3] P. Eklund, M. Beckers, U. Jansson, H. Högberg, L. Hultman, The Mn+1AXn phases: Materials science and thin-film processing, Thin Solid Films. 518 (2010) 1851–1878. doi:10.1016/j.tsf.2009.07.184

Novel insights into the cardio-protective effects of FGF21 in lean and obese rat hearts

Aims: Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) is a hepatic metabolic regulator with pleotropic actions. Its plasma concentrations are increased in obesity and diabetes; states associated with an increased incidence of cardiovascular disease. We therefore investigated the direct effect of FGF21 on cardio-protection in obese and lean hearts in response to ischemia. Methods and Results: FGF21, FGF21-receptor 1 (FGFR1) and beta-Klotho (βKlotho) were expressed in rodent, human hearts and primary rat cardiomyocytes. Cardiac FGF21 was expressed and secreted (real time RT-PCR/western blot and ELISA) in an autocrine-paracrine manner, in response to obesity and hypoxia, involving FGFR1-βKlotho components. Cardiac-FGF21 expression and secretion were increased in response to global ischemia. In contrast βKlotho was reduced in obese hearts. In isolated adult rat cardiomyocytes, FGF21 activated PI3K/Akt (phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Akt), ERK1/2(extracellular signal-regulated kinase) and AMPK (AMP-activated protein kinase) pathways. In Langendorff perfused rat [adult male wild-type wistar] hearts, FGF21 administration induced significant cardio-protection and restoration of function following global ischemia. Inhibition of PI3K/Akt, AMPK, ERK1/2 and ROR-α (retinoic-acid receptor alpha) pathway led to significant decrease of FGF21 induced cardio-protection and restoration of cardiac function in response to global ischemia. More importantly, this cardio-protective response induced by FGF21 was reduced in obesity, although the cardiac expression profiles and circulating FGF21 levels were increased. Conclusion: In an ex vivo Langendorff system, we show that FGF21 induced cardiac protection and restoration of cardiac function involving autocrine-paracrine pathways, with reduced effect in obesity. Collectively, our findings provide novel insights into FGF21-induced cardiac effects in obesity and ischemia

Improving Upper Extremity Motor Skills in Girls with Rett Syndrome Using Virtual Reality

Introduction: Rett Syndrome is a genetic disorder that limits a girl's ability to use her upper extremities for daily activities, such as dressing and playing. One possible intervention to improve upper extremity function in this population is virtual reality, which can be used to increase activity demands during therapy sessions. Objectives: To determine the feasibility of using internet-based virtual reality intervention for Rett Syndrome (RTT-IVR), to decrease hand wringing/mouthing and increase hand and arm movements away from the midline by identifying attributes and limitations to the proposed intervention. Materials and Methods: Using FAAST Software and Microsoft Kinect sensor, RTT-IVR was trialed with 6 girls with RTT. Upper extremity movements were used to play free Internet games as means of increasing repetitions and purposeful arm movements. Data regarding attributes and limitations of the RTT-IVR intervention were collected via observation and post-session parent interviews. Results: Interviews and observation revealed successful game play when games were motivating, clearly established cause and effect, and matched level of cognitive ability of the participant. Limitations include technological glitches regarding Kinect sensor sensitivity and identifying appropriate games for each participant's interests and abilities. Conclusion: Internet based virtual reality interventions for girls with RTT should be highly individualized to increase motivation and success of intervention

An improved microRNA annotation of the canine genome

The domestic dog, Canis familiaris, is a valuable model for studying human diseases. The publication of the latest Canine genome build and annotation, CanFam3.1 provides an opportunity to enhance our understanding of gene regulation across tissues in the dog model system. In this study, we used the latest dog genome assembly and small RNA sequencing data from 9 different dog tissues to predict novel miRNAs in the dog genome, as well as to annotate conserved miRNAs from the miRBase database that were missing from the current dog annotation. We used both miRCat and miRDeep2 algorithms to computationally predict miRNA loci. The resulting, putative hairpin sequences were analysed in order to discard false positives, based on predicted secondary structures and patterns of small RNA read alignments. Results were further divided into high and low confidence miRNAs, using the same criteria. We generated tissue specific expression profiles for the resulting set of 811 loci: 720 conserved miRNAs, (207 of which had not been previously annotated in the dog genome) and 91 novel miRNA loci. Comparative analyses revealed 8 putative homologues of some novel miRNA in ferret, and one in microbat. All miRNAs were also classified into the genic and intergenic categories, based on the Ensembl RefSeq gene annotation for CanFam3.1. This additionally allowed us to identify four previously undescribed MiRtrons among our total set of miRNAs. We additionally annotated piRNAs, using proTRAC on the same input data. We thus identified 263 putative clusters, most of which (211 clusters) were found to be expressed in testis. Our results represent an important improvement of the dog genome annotation, paving the way to further research on the evolution of gene regulation, as well as on the contribution of post-transcriptional regulation to pathological conditions

The genome of the seagrass <i>Zostera marina</i> reveals angiosperm adaptation to the sea

Seagrasses colonized the sea on at least three independent occasions to form the basis of one of the most productive and widespread coastal ecosystems on the planet. Here we report the genome of Zostera marina (L.), the first, to our knowledge, marine angiosperm to be fully sequenced. This reveals unique insights into the genomic losses and gains involved in achieving the structural and physiological adaptations required for its marine lifestyle, arguably the most severe habitat shift ever accomplished by flowering plants. Key angiosperm innovations that were lost include the entire repertoire of stomatal genes, genes involved in the synthesis of terpenoids and ethylene signalling, and genes for ultraviolet protection and phytochromes for far-red sensing. Seagrasses have also regained functions enabling them to adjust to full salinity. Their cell walls contain all of the polysaccharides typical of land plants, but also contain polyanionic, low-methylated pectins and sulfated galactans, a feature shared with the cell walls of all macroalgae and that is important for ion homoeostasis, nutrient uptake and O2/CO2 exchange through leaf epidermal cells. The Z. marina genome resource will markedly advance a wide range of functional ecological studies from adaptation of marine ecosystems under climate warming, to unravelling the mechanisms of osmoregulation under high salinities that may further inform our understanding of the evolution of salt tolerance in crop plants