bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
TaWRKY55–TaPLATZ2 module negatively regulate saline–alkali stress tolerance in wheat
Authors: Wei Lin , Ren Xinman , Qin Lumin , Zhang Rong , Cui Minghan , Xia Guangmin , Liu Shuwei
Published: October 2024

Saline–alkaline soils are a major environmental problem that limit plant growth and crop productivity. Plasma membrane H+‐ATPases and the salt overly sensitive (SOS) signaling pathway play important roles in plant responses to saline–alkali stress. However, little is known about the functional genes and mechanisms regulating the transcription of H+‐ATPases and SOS pathway genes under saline–alkali stress. In the present study, we identified that the plant AT‐rich sequence and zinc‐binding (TaPLATZ2) transcription factor are involved in wheat response to saline–alkali stress by directly suppressing the expression of TaHA2/TaSOS3. The knockdown of TaPLATZ2 enhances salt and alkali stress tolerance, while overexpression of TaPLATZ2 leads to salt and alkali stress sensitivity in wheat. In addition, TaWRKY55 directly upregulated the expression of TaPLATZ2 during saline–alkali stress. Through knockdown and overexpression of TaWRKY55 in wheat, TaWRKY55 was shown to negatively modulate salt and alkali stress tolerance. Genetic analyses confirmed that TaPLATZ2 functions downstream of TaWRKY55 in response to salt and alkaline stresses. These findings provide a TaWRKY55–TaPLATZ2–TaHA2/TaSOS3 regulatory module that regulates wheat responses to saline–alkali stress.
Inpatient hospitalisations for patients with Prader–Willi syndrome: a 2019–2021 National Inpatient Sample analysis
Authors: Luccarelli J. , Strong T. V. , McCoy T. H.
Published: October 2024

Background

Prader–Willi syndrome (PWS) is a genetic disorder characterised by hyperphagia, intellectual disability and increased propensity to a range of medical disorders. To better characterise the clinical presentation of PWS across the lifespan, this study reports on the demographics and clinical diagnosis of individuals with PWS hospitalised in the United States.

Methods

The National Inpatient Sample, an all‐payor administrative claims database of hospitalisations in the United States, was queried for patients with a coded diagnosis of PWS from October 2019 through December 2021. Hospitalisations for patients with PWS were matched to five non‐PWS hospitalisations based on age, sex, year and hospital characteristics.

Results

There were 4400 (95% CI: 3,885 to 4,915) PWS hospitalisations, with a median age of 24. Compared to controls, PWS hospitalisations had longer hospital stays (median 5 vs. 3 days) and higher in‐hospital mortality (2.2% vs. 1.3%). Infectious (19.0%) and respiratory (16.2%) diagnoses were most common for PWS patients. Codes for overweight or obesity were present in 38.1% of PWS hospitalisations, with Hispanic ethnicity was associated with a higher odds of overweight/obesity in PWS patients (aOR 1.73; 95% CI: 1.11–2.71).

Conclusions

PWS hospitalisations are characterised by higher healthcare utilisation and complexity compared to matched controls. The high prevalence of obesity and significant rates of infectious and respiratory conditions highlight specific health challenges for PWS patients. Validation of the Q87.11 administrative claims code is an essential step for ongoing health services research in this condition.
Neck triangle nerve enlargement in hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis correlates with changes in the autonomic, cardiac, and gastrointestinal systems
Authors: Hsueh Hsueh‐Wen , Chao Chi‐Chao , Lin Yen‐Hung , Tseng Ping‐Huei , Su Mao‐Yuan , Hsieh Sung‐Tsang
Published: October 2024

Background

Hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis (ATTRv) is a hereditary disease that affects multiple bodily systems. Although sonography generally reveals enlargement of nerves in the limbs, the brachial plexus, and vagus nerve, the clinical significance of these findings remains unclear.

Methods

We performed sonographic measurements of the median nerve, cervical spinal nerves at the C5–C7 level, and the vagus nerve in patients with ATTRv and healthy controls. Clinical profiles and cardiac and gastrointestinal examination results were also collected for linear regression analysis.

Results

We recruited 47 patients with ATTRv (males/females: 34/13, age: 65.6 ± 5.3 years). The sampled segments were all significantly larger than those of the controls. In the clinical profiles, the sum of the Z scores of the neck triangle nerves (cervical spinal nerves and vagus nerve) and of all nerves (cervical spinal nerves, vagus nerve, and median nerve at the wrist) significantly correlated with the familial amyloid polyneuropathy stage, onset of autonomic nervous system (ANS) symptoms, and autonomic symptom scores. On cardiac examinations, several ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging parameters (primarily those that reflect heart volume) were found to be significantly correlated with the sum of the Z scores of the cervical spinal nerves but not with the Z score of the vagus nerve. In gastrointestinal evaluation, the cross‐sectional area of the vagus nerve was correlated with gastric emptying time parameters on scintigraphy.

Conclusions

Neck triangle nerve enlargement on sonography correlated with parameters related to ANS dysfunction, indicating that nerve enlargement observed on ultrasonography may serve as a potential surrogate biomarker of ATTRv.
Changes in Language Learners’ Affect: A Complex Dynamic Systems Theory Perspective
Authors: Piniel Katalin , Albert Ágnes
Published: October 2024

This study investigated changes in motivation, self‐efficacy beliefs, and a range of emotions, including enjoyment, hope, pride, curiosity, anxiety, boredom, apathy, confusion, and shame, from a complex dynamic systems theory (CDST) perspective over a 2‐year period in the Hungarian English as a Foreign Language (EFL) context. Using the same questionnaire, we collected data four times throughout 4 semesters from 101 participants studying English in two Hungarian high schools. For data analysis, we used latent growth curve modeling (LGCM) to detect the group‐level changes in learners’ motivation, self‐efficacy, and emotions. We also employed dynamic cluster analysis to identify trends in learners’ trajectories regarding these variables. In our panel data, linear models described the data well concerning the ought‐to second language (L2) self, language learning experience, boredom, apathy, and confusion, and for enjoyment, curiosity, anxiety, and shame, nonlinear models had the best fit. We could also identify trajectories depicting attractor states and learner paths that featured influences of perturbations.
Heat shock protein 70 promotes the progression of type 2 diabetic nephropathy by inhibiting T‐cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain‐3 and thereby promoting Th17/Treg imbalance
Authors: Zhang Juntai , Cai Yan , Qin Yan , Liu Jie , Ding Jie , Xu Mengying , Yang Li , Zheng Yuanxin , Zhang Xi
Published: October 2024

Aim

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is the most common complication of diabetes mellitus. We aimed to investigate the role of regulatory T cells (Tregs) and helper T cells 17 (Th17) in the development and progression of DN.

Methods

A mouse type 2 diabetic nephropathy (T2DN) model was established. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the expression of HSP70 and Tim‐3 in mouse kidney tissues, and western blotting was used to detect the expression levels of HSP70 and Tim‐3. PAS staining and Masson's trichrome staining were used to detect the degree of kidney injury. Flow cytometry was used to detect the number of Th17 and Treg cells in blood and kidney tissues. The expression levels of interleukin 17 (IL‐17) and interleukin 10 (IL‐10) in the serum were measured via ELISA.

Results

The expression of HSP70 was significantly increased while the expression of Tim‐3 was significantly decreased in the kidneys of mice in the T2DN group compared with those in the control (NC) group. Additionally, the inhibition of HSP70 upregulated the expression of Tim‐3 in T2DN mice. The Th17/Treg ratio was significantly greater in the blood and kidneys of the mice in the T2DN group than in those of the NC group, the expression of serum IL‐17 was increased, and the expression of IL‐10 was decreased.

Conclusion

Increased HSP70 inhibits Tim‐3 expression in T2DN mouse kidney tissues, and subsequently causes a Th17/Treg imbalance and an inflammatory response, ultimately leading to kidney injury. The inhibition of HSP70 may alleviate the progression of T2DN.

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Efficacy of Combined vs. Monotherapy in Oral Lichen Planus: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Rodriguez‐Galvez Rocio , Tvarijonaviciute Asta , Peres‐Rubio Camila , Lopez‐Jornet Pia
Published: October 2024

Objectives

The aim of this study was to compare the topical therapeutic efficacy of triamcinolone acetonide (TA) (0.2%) plus hyaluronic acid (HA) (0.1%) versus monotherapy in patients with symptomatic oral lichen planus (OLP), as well as to investigate the oxidative stress of saliva under the different treatments.

Materials and Methods

Sixty OLP patients were included in a randomized, double‐blind, singlecenter study with a treatment duration of 28 days and 3‐month follow‐up period. Participants were randomized into three groups: Group I (TA + HA), Group II (TA), and Group III (HA). Treatment efficacy was assessed by means of Thongprasom scale, Oral Health Impact Profile‐14 (OHIP‐14), and visual analog scale (VAS). In addition, biochemical analyses were performed in order to determine the level of antioxidant biomarkers in saliva, including superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC).

Results

All treatments seem to exhibit a significant effect in accordance with Thongprasom scale (p < 0.001), VAS reduction (p < 0.001), and OHIP14 (p < 0.05), which maintains over time. No significant changes in salivary oxidative stress in any of the three groups occurred.

Conclusions

The results exhibited a significant improvement in the treated patients in all three groups. There were no significant changes in salivary stress biomarkers under treatment condition.
Comparing Low‐to‐Zero Fluoroscopic Navigation Systems for AVNRT Catheter Ablation: A Network Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Thamthanaruk Akaravit , Nokkhuntong Vanit , Pajareya Patavee , Siranart Noppachai , Simadibrata Daniel Martin , Techasatian Witina , Chokesuwattanaskul Ronpichai , Jongnarangsin Krit , Chung Eugene Ho‐Joon
Published: October 2024

Background

Low‐to‐zero fluoroscopic navigation systems lower radiation exposure which improves health outcomes. Conventional x‐ray fluoroscopy (CF) has long been the standard to guide to catheter location for cardiac ablation. With advancements in technology, alternative safety navigation systems have been developed. Three primary modalities commonly utilized are three‐dimensional electroanatomic mapping (3D‐EAM), magnetic navigation system (MNS), and intracardiac echocardiography (ICE), all of which can reduce radiation exposure during the procedure.

Objective

We aim to compare the efficacy and safety among ICE, EAM, MNS, and CF in ablation of atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia (AVNRT).

Methods

This is a meta‐analysis consisting of observational studies and randomized controlled trials, which evaluated the performance of navigation systems of catheter ablation in AVNRT patients. Primary endpoint was to access the AVNRT recurrence after the procedure during follow‐up periods. Secondary endpoints were technical success, fluoroscopic time, fluoroscopic dose area product, radiofrequency ablation time, and adverse events. Random‐effect model was applied for pooled estimated effects of included studies.

Results

A total of 21 studies (21 CF, 2 ICE, 9 EAM, 11 MNS) including 1716 patients who underwent catheter ablation for AVNRT treatment were analyzed. Of these, 16 were observational studies and 5 were randomized controlled trials.

Primary outcome

Point estimation of AVNRT recurrence showed ICE exhibited a pooled odds ratio (ORs) of 1.06 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.064–17.322), MNS with ORs of 0.51 (95% CI: 0.214–1.219], and EAM with ORs of 0.394 (95% CI: 0.119–1.305) when compared to CF.

Secondary outcomes

EAM had significant higher technical success with ORs of 2.781 (95% CI: 1.317–5.872) when compared to CF. Regarding fluoroscopy time, EAM showed the lowest time with mean differences (MD) of −10.348 min (95% CI: −13.385 to −7.3101) and P‐score of 0.998. It was followed by MNS with MD of −3.712 min (95% CI: −7.128 to −0.295) and P‐score of 0.586, ICE with MD of −1.150 min (95% CI: −6.963 to 4.662) with a P‐score of 0.294 compared to CF, which has a P‐score of 0.122. There were insignificant adverse events across the procedures.

Conclusion

AVNRT ablation navigated by low‐to‐zero fluoroscopic navigation systems achieves higher efficacy and comparable safety to conventional fluoroscopywhile also reducing risk of radiation exposure time.
His‐Bundle Pacing for Pulmonary Hypertension With Bradycardia in Congenital Heart Disease: A Case Report
Authors: Takeuchi Daiji , Fujii Takashi , Nishimura Tomomi , Inai Kei , Shoda Morio
Published: October 2024

Bradycardia, atrial tachyarrhythmia, heart failure, residual shunts, and pulmonary hypertension (PH) are significant problems after congenital heart disease surgery. We performed His‐bundle pacing (HBP) for drug‐resistant PH with bradycardia in a woman post‐total anomalous pulmonary venous return repair complicated by bradycardia, hypertension, PH, residual atrial shunts, and heart failure. Significant improvement in PH post‐HBP was achieved without exacerbation of left ventricular function. We successfully closed the atrial shunts 12 months after HBP.
Is there synchronicity between brachiopod diversity changes and palaeobiogeographical shifts across the Late Ordovician mass extinction?
Authors: Shi Kaiyan , Huang Bing
Published: October 2024

As the first major biotic event in the Phanerozoic, the two‐phased Late Ordovician mass extinction (LOME) resulted in a substantial decline in marine benthic biodiversity and heralding shifts in palaeobiogeography. However, the interplay between palaeobiogeographical distribution and biodiversity dynamics during this event remains unknown. Drawing upon brachiopod occurrence data from five intervals pre‐ and post‐LOME, extracted from the Paleobiology Database, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of palaeogeographic units across the extinction event. Through examination of generic diversity, origination and extinction rates, and biogeographic connectedness, we elucidate the evolutionary trajectories of both endemic and cosmopolitan taxa throughout the extinction. Our findings indicate increased vulnerability of endemic taxa to biotic events and their aftermath relative to their cosmopolitan counterparts. Notably, we observe a concordance between shifts in the palaeogeographic distribution of brachiopods and fluctuations in their diversity during and after the LOME. Moreover, the extinction and subsequent recovery dynamics of brachiopods during this event demonstrate temporal symmetry concerning biodiversity change and palaeobiogeographic structural shifts. Shortly after the extinction event, within a timeframe similar to the decline in diversity and contraction of palaeogeographic distribution, both aspects revert to pre‐extinction levels, suggesting the limited intensity of the LOME event.
Better guesses
Authors: Linnemann Niels , Azhar Feraz
Published: October 2024

It has recently become popular to analyze scenarios in which we guess, in terms of a trade‐off between the accuracy of our guess (namely, its credence) and its specificity (namely, how many answers it rules out). Dorst and Mandelkern describe an account of guessing, based on epistemic utility theory (EUT), in which permissible guesses vary depending on how one weighs accuracy against specificity. We provide a minimal formal account of guessing that: (i) does not employ EUT, but rests on how such trade‐offs are treated in the sciences; (ii) is relatively parsimonious; and (iii) is consistent with a variety of more specific models that describe what an agent is doing when they (rationally) guess. Our account also recovers patterns of guessing and predictions about typical outcomes of guessing, as identified by Dorst and Mandelkern. Furthermore, we focus on how permissible guesses can be improved upon, via changes in an agent's credence distribution. Such better permissible guesses can be generated in solving Fermi problems—guessing problems of a type that has received almost no attention in the philosophical literature—which we also analyze. Our account strengthens the case for understanding guessing (now, very broadly considered) in terms of accuracy‐specificity trade‐offs.
Ideological origins of resistance against gender‐inclusive language reforms: Singular they as a de‐gendering or multi‐gendering strategy
Authors: Renström Emma A. , Klysing Amanda
Published: October 2024

Gender is traditionally conceptualized as a binary construct, which is reflected in the use of binary‐gendered third‐person pronouns. Gender‐inclusive pronouns such as singular they challenge this conceptualization, which can evoke resistance against their use. Singular they can be used generically when gender is unknown (de‐gendering), or to specifically highlight an individual's non‐binary gender identity (multi‐gendering). The different uses of singular they can threaten different ideological convictions and impact the use and perception of the pronoun. Experiment 1 (N = 599) showed that in de‐gendering contexts, participants preferred to use singular they but in multi‐gendering contexts they preferred binary pronouns. Social identification with one's gender group, RWA and binary gender views predicted less use of singular they in both contexts. In Experiment 2 (N = 199), participants evaluated sentences with singular they in de‐gendering and multi‐gendering contexts. Overall, sentences with singular they in de‐gendering contexts were more positively evaluated. SDO predicted less positive evaluations of they in de‐gendering contexts, while RWA and binary gender views predicted less positive evaluations of they in multi‐gendered contexts. The findings provide important knowledge in understanding ideological motivations for resistance against gender‐inclusive language.
“It's all about trust!” a multilevel model of the effect of servant leadership on firefighters' group task performance, adaptivity and emotional exhaustion
Authors: Perrier Anthony , El Akremi Assâad , Manville Caroline , Molines Mathieu
Published: October 2024

How and why does servant leaders' behavior influence both performance (individual and collective) and emotional exhaustion within dynamic and extreme environments such as those of firefighters? We develop and test a multilevel model that integrates the principles of servant leadership with social exchange theory to explore how servant leadership positively influences collective task performance and how it strengthens adaptivity at the individual level and reduces emotional exhaustion. Our four‐wave and three‐source study sample comprised 303 firefighters nested in 45 fire stations. The results of multilevel structural equation model (MSEM) analyses indicate that at the individual level, servant leadership significantly predicts high adaptivity and low emotional exhaustion through the mediating influence of firefighters' felt trust and the trust climate. The implications of our results for theory and practice are discussed.
Recognition of the HLA‐B*55:39 Allele in a Taiwanese Individual
Authors: Yang Kuo‐Liang , Lin Py‐Yu
Published: October 2024

One nucleotide substitution in codon 118 of HLA‐B*55:02:01:01 results in a novel allele, HLA‐B*55:39.
Revolutionising High Resolution HLA Genotyping for Transplant Assessment: Validation, Implementation and Challenges of Oxford Nanopore Technologies' Q20+ Sequencing
Authors: El‐Lagta Naser , Truong Linh , Ayora Felipe , Mobegi Fredrick , Bruce Samuel , Martinez Patricia , D'Orsogna Lloyd , De Santis Dianne
Published: October 2024

The advent of third‐generation sequencing (TGS) represents a significant shift in the field of genetic sequencing, enabling single‐molecule sequencing to overcome limitations of short‐read NGS platforms. Several studies have assessed the utilisation of TGS in HLA genotyping, though many of these studies have described the high error rate as an obstacle to achieving a robust and highly accurate HLA typing assay. In 2021, Oxford Nanopore Technologies (ONT) released the high‐accuracy sequencing Kit 14 and the MinION flow cell model R10.4.1, which were reported to achieve sequencing accuracies up to 99%. The aim of this study was to validate this novel high‐accuracy sequencing kit for HLA genotyping coupled with a full‐gene HLA PCR assay. Comparison with historical data obtained using legacy flow cell models such as R9.4, R10.3 and R10.4 was also done to assess progressive improvement in sequencing performance with each sequential release. The workflow was validated based on data throughput, sequence quality and accuracy, and HLA genotyping resolution. An initial validation was performed using an internal reference panel of 42 samples representing common HLA allele groups, followed by an analysis of data obtained from 111 sequencing batch runs since the implementation, to assess assay performance and define quality control metrics to assess inter‐run variability and monitor quality. Furthermore, challenges arising from MinION flow cell stability and use, and assessment of barcode contamination are discussed. The findings of this study highlight advantages of ONT sequencing kit 14/R10.4.1 for HLA genotyping and the implementation considerations for the routine diagnostic HLA laboratory.
Does Mobility Drive Language Use? A Dual‐Spatialization Perspective
Authors: Pan Yujia , Bian Ling , Carlo Pierpaolo Di , Good Jeff
Published: October 2024

Multilingualism refers to a phenomenon where individuals routinely use three or more languages. Spatial processes, such as mobility, may shape the outcome of multilingual linguistic behaviors but are considerably under‐explored. We evaluate the effect of mobility on language use in the framework of dual spatialization in a small‐scale multilingual society. We use a footpath network to characterize mobility in absolute space, and a language network to characterize language use in relational space; we then assess the correspondence between the two networks. Redundancy analysis and the k‐means method are used to support the research goal. We found a high correspondence between mobility and language use. The results identify the absence of regional “centers of gravity” as a distinctive feature in language use, as mobility has fostered local clusters of language use. Conceptually, this study showcases the power of dual spatialization in understanding the mechanisms underlying the space–language connection.
OsAAH confers salt tolerance in rice seedlings
Authors: Xie Ting , Xu Jiangyu , Hu Wenling , Shan Silvtu , Gao Haoming , Shen Jiaxin , Chen Xinyi , Jia Yanxiao , Gao Xiuying , Huang Ji , Zhang Hongsheng , Cheng Jinping
Published: October 2024

Soil salinization is becoming a great threat that reduces crop productivity worldwide. In this study, we found that rice allantoate amidohydrolase (OsAAH) expression was significantly upregulated by salt stress, and its overexpression conferred salt tolerance at the seedling stage. Compared to wild type (WT), the contents of ureides (allantoin and allantoate) were significantly increased in Osaah mutants and reduced in OsAAH overexpression lines both before and after salt treatments. Exogenous allantoin significantly promoted salt tolerance in OsAAH overexpression, but not in Osaah mutants. Subcellular localization showed that OsAAH was also localized to the peroxisomes in addition to the previously reported endoplasmic reticulum (ER). The differential expression of peroxisome‐related genes was identified between Osaah mutants and WT. Furthermore, the contents of H2O2 and malondialdehyde (MDA) were significantly accumulated in Osaah mutants and reduced in OsAAH overexpression lines. The activities of antioxidant enzymes were significantly reduced in Osaah mutants and enhanced in OsAAH overexpression under NaCl treatment. The transcription factor OsABI5 could directly bind to OsAAH promoter and activate OsAAH expression. Our findings reveal that OsAAH could be induced by salt stress through the activation of OsABI5 and then confer salt tolerance by enhancing the scavenging capacity of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which contributes to rice breeding in salt tolerance.
Betamethasone improved near‐term neonatal lamb lung maturation in experimental maternal asthma
Authors: Robinson Joshua L. , Roff Andrea J. , Hammond Sarah J. , Darby Jack R. T. , Meakin Ashley S. , Holman Stacey L. , Tai Andrew , Moss Tim J. M. , Dimasi Catherine G. , Jesse Sarah M. , Wiese Michael D. , Davies Andrew N. , Muhlhausler Beverly S. , Bischof Robert J. , Wallace Megan J. , Clifton Vicki L. , Morrison Janna L. , Stark Michael J. , Gatford Kathryn L.
Published: October 2024

Maternal asthma is associated with increased rates of neonatal lung disease, and fetuses from asthmatic ewes have fewer surfactant‐producing cells and lower surfactant‐protein B gene (SFTPB) expression than controls. Antenatal betamethasone increases lung surfactant production in preterm babies, and we therefore tested this therapy in experimental maternal asthma. Ewes were sensitised to house dust mite allergen, and an asthmatic phenotype induced by fortnightly allergen lung challenges; controls received saline. Pregnant asthmatic ewes were randomised to receive antenatal saline (asthma) or 12 mg intramuscular betamethasone (asthma+beta) at 138 and 139 days of gestation (term = 150 days). Lambs were delivered by Caesarean section at 140 days of gestation and ventilated for 45 min before tissue collection. Lung function and structure were similar in control lambs (n = 16, 11 ewes) and lambs from asthma ewes (n = 14, 9 ewes). Dynamic lung compliance was higher in lambs from asthma+beta ewes (n = 12, 8 ewes) compared to those from controls (P = 0.003) or asthma ewes (P = 0.008). Lung expression of surfactant protein genes SFTPA (P = 0.048) and SFTPB (P < 0.001), but not SFTPC (P = 0.177) or SFTPD (P = 0.285), was higher in lambs from asthma+beta than those from asthma ewes. Female lambs had higher tidal volume (P = 0.007), dynamic lung compliance (P < 0.001), and SFTPA (P = 0.037) and SFTPB gene expression (P = 0.030) than males. These data suggest that betamethasone stimulates lung maturation and function of near‐term neonates, even in the absence of impairment by maternal asthma.
A New Cutting Mechanics Model for Improved Shear Angle Prediction in Orthogonal Cutting Process
Authors: Kazemi Farshad , Song Chunlei , Clare Adam T. , Jin Xiaoliang
Published: October 2024

In metal cutting processes, accurately determining the shear angle is essential, as it governs chip formation and cutting force generation. Despite extensive research conducted on this topic, the accurate prediction of the shear angle remains a subject of ongoing investigation. This paper presents a new analytical model for predicting the shear angle, taking into account the direction difference between the shear stress at the boundary of the primary shear zone and the maximum shear stress. The constitutive property of the workpiece material with respect to the strain, strain rate, and temperature is considered in predicting the shear angle. The results show that the solution for the shear angle is not unique for a given rake and friction angle, and is highly dependent on the flow stress response of the workpiece material. Orthogonal cutting experiments were conducted on steel and aluminum alloys under various uncut chip thicknesses, cutting speeds, and tool rake angles to characterize the chip thickness and shear angle. Based on a comparison between model predictions, experimental results, and data from the literature for various workpiece materials and cutting conditions, it is shown that the proposed model results in an improved prediction for shear angle by considering the stress transformation within the primary shear zone.
Nuclear Fusion Proposal Using the Explosive Power of Magnesium
Authors: Morishige Haruo , Kitamura Yasufumi
Published: October 2024

This paper examines the possibility of fusion between deuterium (D) and tritium (T) utilizing the explosive force of magnesium. When 1 gram of DT undergoes 100% fusion, it generates 3.4 × 1011 joules of energy. To ignite 1 gram of DT, it is required to heat it to about 100 million degrees Kelvin (above 10 keV), necessitating 1.2 × 109 joules of energy [1].

On the other hand, magnesium combusts with carbon dioxide above 830 K, providing an explosive energy of 24.7 kJ/g of magnesium. For reference, this explosive energy is 5.6 times more than trinitrotoluene at 4.4 kJ/g [2]. Harnessing the explosive force of magnesium and carbon dioxide for fusion involves launching a magnesium shell filled with dry ice that contains DT into a chamber with 1200 K carbon dioxide. Initially, the outside of the magnesium shell and the carbon dioxide burn, followed by a detonation of magnesium and carbon dioxide inside the shell to compress and heat the low-density DT contained within, achieving extremely high temperature and pressure to induce fusion. As a result, it is concluded that fusion using a magnesium shell meets the Lawson criterion, an indicator of fusion ignition. This evaluation also estimates the unit cost of electricity generation, concluding that economic feasibility is achieved with magnesium, DT, and dry ice as fuel components.
The Experimental Integration of Photovoltaic Systems With Aeration Tanks in Wastewater Treatment
Authors: Al Nawafah Hamza , Kada Cheikh , Habash Omar , Abdel Hadi Ahmad , Amano Ryoichi S.
Published: October 2024

This paper presents a novel approach to enhancing energy efficiency in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) by integrating solar photovoltaic (PV) technology. Recognizing that WWTPs are major energy consumers, largely due to their aeration tanks, this study explores the potential of PV panels installed above these tanks. This innovative setup serves a dual purpose: the PV panels act as insulation, particularly in colder months, reducing heating energy needs, and the generated electricity powers the plant’s turbomachinery, potentially cutting a significant portion of energy demand. This strategy aims to reduce operational costs and support environmental sustainability. A prototype system was built to empirically test this hypothesis, focusing on the thermal interaction between PV modules and aeration tanks during winter and assessing energy savings and efficiency gains. Preliminary thermal models, created using MATLAB, guided the prototype’s design and implementation. The results indicated a 0.56% increase in PV panel efficiency due to the cooling effect of the aeration tanks and an overall improvement in the WWTP’s energy efficiency. These findings confirm the viability and advantages of integrating renewable energy into wastewater treatment. Future research will investigate the impact of this PV integration on water quality within the aeration tanks, which is crucial for determining the treatment process’s effectiveness under altered environmental conditions.
Dynamic Modeling and Performance Evaluation of Thermal Storage Tank With Packed Bed of Phase Change Capsules During Charging Processes
Authors: Wang Chang , Xu Can , Liu Ming , Yan Junjie
Published: October 2024

In order to address the issues of global energy crisis and environmental pollutions, renewable energies are being rapidly developed. However, solar energy and wind energy are intermittent, and energy storage should be applied to amid the imbalance between energy supply and demand sides. Thermal storage technology is an effective and potential way for large-scale and long-term energy storage, which can improve the stability and efficiency of power generation system driven by solar energy. To obtain the dynamic behaviors of thermal storage tank with packed-bed of phase change capsules, dynamic models of heat transfer fluid (HTF) and phase change capsules were developed based on a modified one-dimensional discrete concentric model. The governing equations were programed and validated. Then, the dynamic behaviors of the charging processes of thermal energy storage tank under variable operation conditions were simulated and analyzed. The effects of packed-bed characteristics, such as capsule diameter and porosity, on temperature distribution, thermal and exergy storage, energy and exergy efficiency during charging processes of thermal energy storage tank were studied. Moreover, influences of inlet temperature and mass flow rate variations of heat transfer fluid on charging behaviors was also studied to compare the dynamic variations of its energy and exergy efficiencies. These factors have affected the charging time, maximum heat storage capacity and efficiency to varying degrees. It is worth noting that the exergy efficiency of the charging process increases over time. The present work can provide insights into optimizing the operational strategies of thermal storage systems to achieve high charging efficiency.
A Rapid Wet-Dry State Conversion Method of the Ultra-Supercritical Coal-Fired Power Plant by Optimizing the Recirculation Water Control Strategy
Authors: Liu Zefeng , Wang Chaoyang , Liu Ming , Yan Junjie
Published: October 2024

Switching between wet and dry states occurs frequently when the ultra-supercritical coal-fired power plant operates between 15% and 30% rated load. How to keep wet-state operation stable and switching between wet and dry states rapidly becomes an increasing concern. This study established a detailed dynamic model of a 660MW ultra-supercritical coal-fired power plant, including the boiler recirculation system in low-load. During the state conversion process, the boiler components’ safe operation limitations were also considered as boundary conditions. Based on the developed model, the change trends of the key parameters were simulated when the wet-state operation and the energy distribution characteristics were analyzed during the conversion process. The results show that the temperature of separated recirculation water is greater than that of feedwater before converging, which has great potential to shorten the conversion time. The control scheme of recirculation water was revised by reconstructing the curve between the water level of the separator storage tank and the opening of the recirculation valve. The subcooling degree of feedwater entering the water wall decreased by regulating the recirculation of separated water on time and reasonably. The duration required for saturation decreased considerably with a constant water flow rate. By implementing the optimized control scheme, the operating mode switches from wet to dry in advance, and the corresponding unit load can decrease from 24.5% to 23.1% rated load. Based on the boiler components’ safe operation, the state-conversion time can be shortened by 30% at most. This research will guide the low-load flexibility and safe operation optimization.
Dielectric Nanofluid Jet-Impingement Cooling of Laptop CPU Package
Authors: Yucel Erkin , Pilipovich Sabina V. , Matos Nate C. , Sobhansarbandi Sarvenaz
Published: October 2024

Semiconductors form the cornerstone of innovation, however, to maintain optimal performance and longevity of these devices, efficient thermal management is essential. Phase-I of this study aims to investigate the heat transfer potential of three different Jet Impingement (JI) flow topologies (uniflow, loopflow, and crossflow) as potential thermal solutions for use in high-powered personal laptops. The three JI flow topologies were tested using distilled water as a heat transfer fluid (HTF) at flowrates of 3 m/s, 6 m/s and 9 m/s. A computational simulation software, Ansys Fluent 2023 R1, was used to compare the performance of all three designs under various operating conditions. Of the three designs tested, uniflow showed the best cooling performance, outperforming the other two designs by an average of 20% across multiple flowrates, while keeping the chip temperature well below the threshold. In Phase-II, the thermal performance of the uniflow design was further evaluated using several different HTFs with and without nanoparticles at a flowrate of 3 m/s. The results indicate that utilizing a uniflow design with pure silicone liquid with 2% Al2O3 yielded the lowest chip temperature of 37.56 °C among all the other HTFs tested. Therefore, the said configuration can be used as a viable direct-contact thermal solution for high-power processors within personal laptops.
Extension of Solid Particle Erosion Models for the Calculation of Erosion of Pneumatic Equipment Due to Pulverized Coal
Authors: Berg Lawrence D. , Baghernejad Peyman , Grue Ann , Perera Anura , Sedrez Thiana A. , Shirazi Siamack A. , Karimi Soroor
Published: October 2024

The application of a state-of-the-art erosion model applied to the problem of erosion of pneumatic transport hardware at Pulverized Coal (PC) Power stations was previously examined and it was demonstrated numerically that erosion is being over-predicted by a factor of about 100. In this paper, jet-impingement experiments are performed using sand and coal for a development of a novel erosion model and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) is used for verification and validation of the model. This work is a result of the last two years collaboration between RJM Corporation and the Erosion/Corrosion Research Center (E/CRC) at the University of Tulsa. To accomplish the research, one experimental test facility capable of testing sand, PC, or a mixture of sand and PC was designed and fabricated. In parallel, pulverized fuel were sourced, tested (proximate and ultimate), minerals characterized, and particle distribution determined. Using the new erosion facility, experiments were accomplished that demonstrated the sudden change in erosion rate (ER) as a result of an increase in particle concentration. Additional experiments allowed for characterization of the erosion phenomena and an empirical correlation was developed and is presented in the paper. The coal was examined using Mineral Liberation Analysis (MLA) for two different particle sizes. The larger size particles were shown to have a high percentage of mineral matter distributed into the particles and smaller particles had significant “free” minerals. Testing showed that the small particles with high amounts of free minerals had a nearly ten-fold increase in ER. Finally, an empirical methodology was developed to account for variations in mineral properties. When applied to the coal analyzed, predicted material losses decreased by a factor of ten. The aggregate of the three corrections is shown to bring erosion material loss calculations closer to the approximate life expectancy (2–4 years) observed with the commercially utilized PC nozzle.
Dynamic Modeling and Frequency Regulation Performance Evaluation of a Combined Heat and Power Unit Supplying Industrial Steam
Authors: Xiong Yongsheng , Wang Na , Liu Ming , Yan Junjie
Published: October 2024

To establish a sustainable energy system, renewables, such as wind and solar energy, have been developed rapidly. However, renewable power has strong time-varying characteristics, which undoubtedly affects the safe and stable operation of the power grid. Combined heat and power plants (CHP) have higher energy efficiency than the condensing power plants that only generate power, but have restricted operational flexibility. The primary frequency regulation capacity of the CHP unit is normally smaller that the condensing power unit. To evaluate the frequency regulation performance of the CHP plants, the dynamic model of a CHP unit was developed based on the GSE software and validated with a 660 MW CHP plant as the reference case. Then, variations of the power grid frequency of the CHP unit were obtained with the step disturbances of power unit’s power load in different degrees. Besides, the frequency regulation performances of the CHP unit assisted by the heat storage of heat network pipelines were evaluated. Results show the use of combined valve regulation can shorten the primary frequency regulation time, and improve the primary frequency regulation efficiency. Under the step disturbance of 5 MW and 10 MW power loads, the combined use of heating extraction valve and high-pressure regulation valve can improve the efficiency of primary frequency regulation by 8.5% and 18.8% compared with that using the high-pressure regulation valve alone.
Different Approaches for Hybridization Between Solid Oxide Fuel Cells and Internal Combustion Engines
Authors: Elkafas Ahmed G. , Rivarolo Massimo , Mantelli Luca , Barberis Stefano , Colón Rodríguez José , Zhou Nana , Tucker David
Published: October 2024

The paper explores the hybridization of Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) and Internal combustion Engine (ICE), It addresses design point analysis for SOFC-ICE hybrid system applications, considering the early adoption of technology. The study investigates different design cases for a 1 MW turbocharged SOFC-ICE system for marine applications in which the SOFC’s power contribution is fixed at 20% to reduce the risk and expenses associated with early technology adoption. The results show that the maximum efficiency of the SOFC-ICE system is 49.4% at 70% fuel utilization and 1.1% methane concentration at the anode inlet of SOFC. This integration provides an efficiency improvement of 5% over the standalone ICE. Moreover, the results demonstrated that the SOFC-ICE system might provide a maximum reduction in CO2 emissions of 17.6% over existing marine natural gas engines. However, the results prove the insensitivity of system efficiency to both SOFC fuel utilization and methane composition in the anode inlet. Because the system efficiency variation is no more than 1.41% or 1.1% when varying fuel utilization from 70% to 90% or varying methane concentration from 1.1% to 30.7%, respectively. Based on these findings, a SOFC-ICE hybrid system with complete external reforming and very low fuel consumption can be designed for optimal performance. Both would lengthen the SOFC stacks’ lifetime and lower SOFC design complexity and cost. These results are compared to an optimized hybrid design for stationary applications where the SOFC represented between 78% and 93% of the total system power. Intuitively, optimizing the power split in the system design at the highest fuel utilization (90%) provides higher efficiencies by 13% than fixing the SOFC power share at 20%.
Comparison of Ceramic Electrolyte Materials in Solid Oxide Fuel Cells for Emission Reduction
Authors: Willsey Aliza M. , Welles Thomas S. , Ahn Jeongmin
Published: October 2024

Fuel cells are a renewable energy technology that directly convert chemical energy into electrical energy. Solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) are a type of fuel cell that are composed of ceramic materials and consist of two dissimilar electrodes separated by an electrolyte layer. The components of the positive electrode on a SOFC allow for the reduction of oxygen in a typical reaction. However, this mechanism also allows for nitric oxide (NO) to be separated at the positive electrode surface. NO is a toxic pollutant released by internal combustion engines due to incomplete combustion. Although exhaust cleaning technologies are implemented into internal combustion engines, current methods of removing NO from exhaust are insufficient. Catalytic converters can break down NO, however in lean conditions the catalytic converters fail to clean exhaust. A lean nitrogen oxide trap can be implemented in lean conditions, however once the storage capacity is reached it is no longer useful in removing NO from exhaust. SOFCs are a more efficient catalyst for cleaning exhaust, as operation for breaking down NO does not depend on equivalence ratio and the fuel cell separates nitrogen and oxygen rather than capturing NO, so there is no storage capacity. Previous work has shown the SOFC’s ability to break down NO using lanthanum strontium cobalt ferrite-gadolinium doped ceria (LSCF-GDC) for the positive electrode material. This work will investigate other types of ceramics to use for the positive electrode material. This will help to find the ideal material for the catalyst to clean exhaust and will lead to a deeper understanding of the reaction occurring at the positive electrode.
Assessment of the Feasibility of District Heating Networks Crossing Multiple Cost Areas Using Profitability Maps
Authors: Balan Claudia Florentina , Zaccaria Valentina , Kyprianidis Konstantinos , Vadiee Amir
Published: October 2024

District Heating Networks have evolved in recent years, moving from transporting high-temperature heat produced in Cogeneration Heat and Power Plants, to nowadays using heat from low-temperature renewable heat sources, driving the sustainable transition in the heating sector. The percentage of heat transported by district heating networks varies widely across Europe, from 1% in Ireland to 64% in Denmark. GIS-based algorithms have emerged as design and decision tools to identify renewable heat sources, heat users, and to determine the district heating networks size to connect them.

Most of the current methods assume a constant installation cost for the entire network (Single Cost Area). However, this may not hold true for transmission lines crossing Multiple Cost Areas, such as cities, countryside, rivers, and natural reserves, which have significantly different installation costs.

This paper presents a GIS-based methodology developed in Python to adapt the existing methods to lines crossing Multiple Cost Areas. The system’s profitability is evaluated in terms of Total Investment Cost, Levelized Cost of Heat, and the Maximum Profitable Distance. The result is that using a constant average cost for a Multiple Cost Area region can lead to an error of 11–71 % on the estimation of the maximum profitable distance.

To summarize the results a newly developed concept, the Profitability Map, is introduced to highlight the regions where is profitable to transport the heat. Two case studies (100 MW waste heat, 5 MW low temperature geothermal) are presented to demonstrate the use of Profitability Maps, highlighting the advantages of the new methodology as a decision-support tool.
The Concept PATMI: A Breakthrough in High-Efficient Low-Emissions Thermo-Mechanical Power Generation, Leading to the Rapid Decarbonization of the Energy Sector
Authors: Fernando Kamal P. , Oryshchyn Danylo B. , Tucker David
Published: October 2024

The PATMI concept (Power Amplifying Thermo-Mechanical Inverter) focuses on producing AC electricity thermo-mechanically with rotational generators, even if DC electricity is produced within the system. This is achieved by powering the compressors in a Brayton-based cycle with a motor instead of mechanically coupling the compressors to the turbines. This approach could provide the next generation of thermal power plants with high efficiency, leading to low-emissions power generation in the foreseeable future. This work illustrates that a solid-oxide fuel cell (SOFC) recuperated gas turbine (GT) hybrid cycle could be modified such that the fuel cell-generated electricity is used to drive the compressor with a minimal efficiency loss over the original SOFC-GT cycle. Comparisons herein show an efficiency change of only 2.9 percentage points for 100% rotational power. Further, maximizing the portion of the power generated to the main power grid by rotary generators eliminates many issues related to inertia-less electronic inverters, bolstering voltage and frequency control during the transition to a renewable energy sector. The approach presented could enable higher part-load power generation efficiencies as well.