bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Clinical, molecular, physiologic, and therapeutic feature of patients with CHRNA4 and CHRNB2 deficiency: A systematic review
Authors: Jalaiei Abbas , Asadi Mohammad Reza , Daneshmandpour Yousef , Rezazadeh Maryam , Ghafouri‐Fard Soudeh 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThe α4β2 nAChRs are crucial ion channels that control neurotransmitter release and play a role in various physiologic and pathologic processes. CHRNA4 encodes the α4‐nAChRs, while CHRNB2 encodes the β2‐nAChRs. Recent studies have found different variants of α4β2‐nAChRs in individuals with conditions such as AD, ADHD, ALS, PD, and brain abnormalities. We conducted a scoping review following a six‐stage methodology structure and adhering to PRISMA guidelines. We systematically reviewed articles using relevant keywords up to October 2, 2023. In this summary, we cover the clinical symptoms reported, the genes and protein structure of CHRNA4 and CHRNB2, mutations in these genes, inheritance patterns, the functional impact of mutations and polymorphisms in CHRNA4 and CHRNB2, and the epidemiology of these diseases. Recent research indicates that nAChRs may play a significant role in neurodegenerative disorders, possibly impacting neuronal function through yet undiscovered regulatory pathways. Studying how nAChRs interact with disease‐related aggregates in neurodegenerative conditions may lead to new treatment options for these disorders.
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Why do famines still occur in the 21st Century? A review on the causes of extreme food insecurity
Authors: Tezanos‐Vázquez Sergio 
Published: August 2024

AbstractWhy do famines persist in the 21st century, despite significant advances in agricultural productivity? Throughout human history, famines have been – and continue to be – among the harshest manifestations of destitution. They result from the exacerbation of human vulnerabilities caused by the synergistic interaction of multiple anthropogenic and natural determinants. Famines are humanitarian emergencies that sharply increase mortality and/or morbidity among destitute families. This article reviews the academic debate on the causes of famines. The literature is organized into six main “families” of theories: (i) classical economic explanations (Smith's and Malthus’ theses); (ii) food availability decline approach; (iii) entitlement approach; (iv) political perspectives (political regime and political accountability approaches); (v) new variant famine hypothesis; and (vi) systemic explanations. The article identifies the main gaps and limitations in this literature and highlights relevant development policy implications for reducing extreme food insecurity. The conclusion drawn is that the persistence of famines is attributable to ongoing mismanagement of significant triggers of extreme human vulnerability, both at the national and international levels. Extreme poverty, violent conflicts, economic shocks, climate change, governmental negligence, famine crimes, and pandemics contribute to the complexity of famine and require a comprehensive development strategy.
A unilateral increase in the occlusal vertical dimension of growing rats results in mandibular deviation
Authors: Cai Senxin , Liu Jing , Chen Yao , Yang Xinhan , Yan Yuxiang , Zheng Dali , Lu Youguang , Xu Linyu 
Published: August 2024

AbstractObjectiveThe effects of unilateral increased occlusal vertical dimension (iOVD) on bilateral craniofacial, mandibular and alveolar development in growing rats were investigated via cone‐beam computed tomography (CBCT). The role of Wnt/β‐catenin signalling in this process was examined.Materials and MethodsForty‐eight female Sprague–Dawley rats were randomly allocated into unilateral iOVD and sham groups. At 2, 4 and 8 weeks, the rats were scanned via CBCT to analyse cranial, maxillary, mandibular and dental morphology. Changes in temporomandibular joint (TMJ) cartilage histology and Wnt/β‐catenin signalling were assessed by histochemical and immunohistochemical staining and qRT–PCR.ResultsDorsal cephalograms revealed that the mandible in the iOVD group tilted approximately 4° to the right. Unilateral iOVD had little effect on cranial and maxillary growth but inhibited mandibular growth (mandibular length and ramal height), especially on the deviated side (DS). Moreover, unilateral iOVD increased the length of the lower incisors and decreased the height of the molars on the DS. Unilateral iOVD induced bilateral osteoarthritis‐like changes in the bilateral TMJ condylar cartilage and activated Wnt/β‐catenin signalling in the condylar cartilage, especially on the contralateral side (CLS).ConclusionOcclusion with unilateral iOVD induced mandibular deviation, significantly inhibited mandibular growth and produced compensatory changes in the alveolar bone. In the iOVD group, the mandibular body length and ramal height were greater on the CLS than on the DS. Moreover, the greater β‐catenin protein expression in the TMJ condylar cartilage on the CLS than on the DS may account for the difference in asymmetrical mandibular development.
Harnessing immune priming: A double‐edged defence mechanism in insects
Authors: Subhagan Seena R. , Pathrose Berin , Chellappan Mani 
Published: August 2024

AbstractInsects are known to dominate adverse ecological conditions due to their diverse adaptations and resilient biological traits, with their immune systems playing a crucial role in this dominance. Traditionally, insects were thought to lack adaptive immune responses due to their inability to produce antibodies and transfer immunity across generations. However, recent research using insects as model organisms has challenged this notion, revealing that prior exposure to sublethal doses of pathogens or pathogen‐derived materials can protect against subsequent lethal exposures—a phenomenon known as ‘immune priming’. Evidence of bacterial, fungal and viral immune priming across different insect species highlights various types of priming, including trans‐stadial (across life stages) and trans‐generational (across generations) priming. Despite differing views on immune priming, its potential applications in agriculture are considerable, especially in biological control, the utilization of beneficial insects and sustainable pest management. This review explores the intricate dynamics of immune priming in insects, comparing it to vertebrate immunity and investigates its mechanisms, potential agricultural applications and future prospects.
Nutrition for all? Input subsidies and equitable diets
Authors: Ng'ombe John N. , Prah Stephen , Kiwanuka‐Lubinda Rebecca N. , Nkonde Chewe 
Published: August 2024

AbstractWhile agricultural input subsidies can improve productivity and nutrition, a key unanswered question is whether such government initiatives influence equitable nutrition access across genders. We study gender disparities in dietary diversity among 7783 smallholder farms in Zambia, evaluating the potential of subsidies to mitigate gaps. Using Oaxaca‐Blinder decomposition methods, results reveal female‐headed households (FHHs) have significantly lower dietary diversity than male‐headed ones, with gaps ranging from 6% to 12% along the distribution. Male‐headed households (MHHs) also show 9% higher input subsidy participation, influenced by education and agricultural extension access among others. Crucially, increased FHHs' participation in input subsidies could potentially close the gendered dietary diversity gap, even surpassing MHHs by 17.8%, underscoring the promise of targeted efforts to improve gender equity. However, achieving socioeconomic parity with MHHs further amplifies positive impacts. Given these findings, facilitating FHHSs' access to input subsidies can promote more equitable nutrition outcomes between genders. Broader participation could be enabled by strengthening agricultural extension and education to equip farmers, especially marginalized female‐headed and remote households, to leverage subsidized inputs. Overall, this study demonstrates that prioritizing female‐headed households' inclusion in input subsidy programs, alongside integrated support, holds strong potential to narrow gendered disparities in dietary diversity among smallholder farms in Zambia. It provides key insights to inform the design of nutrition‐sensitive, gender‐aware agricultural policies.
Differential effect of lead and cadmium on mitochondrial function and NLRP3 inflammasome activation in human trophoblast
Authors: Dai Yifeng , Xu Xijin , Huo Xia , Schuitemaker Joost H. N. , Faas Marijke M. 
Published: August 2024

AbstractHeavy metals disrupt mitochondrial function and activate the NOD‐like receptor pyrin‐containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome. We investigated the effect of lead (Pb)/cadmium (Cd) on mitochondrial function and NLRP3 inflammasome activation in human trophoblast under normoxic, hypoxic and pro‐inflammatory conditions. JEG‐3, BeWo and HTR‐8/SVneo cells were exposed to Pb or Cd for 24 h in the absence or presence of hypoxia or pro‐inflammatory lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or poly(I:C). Then, we evaluated cell viability, apoptosis, mitochondrial DNA copy number (mtDNAcn), mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨ), NLRP3 inflammasome proteins and interleukin (IL)‐1β secretion. Although our data showed that Pb, Cd, hypoxia, poly(I:C) and LPS decreased mtDNAcn in the three cell lines, the effects of these treatments on other biomarkers were different in the different cell lines. We found that hypoxia decreased ΔΨ and promoted apoptosis in JEG‐3 cells, increased ΔΨ and prevented apoptosis in BeWo cells, and did not change ΔΨ and apoptosis in HTR‐8/SVneo cells. Moreover, Pb under hypoxic conditions reduced ΔΨ and promoted apoptosis of BeWo cells. Exposure of BeWo and HTR‐8/SVneo cells to hypoxia, Pb or Cd alone upregulated the expression of NLRP3 and pro‐caspase 1 but did not activate the NLRP3 inflammasome since cleaved‐caspase 1 and IL‐1β were not increased. To conclude, Pb and Cd affected trophoblast mitochondrial function and NLRP3 proteins in trophoblast cell lines, but in a cell line‐specific way.
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The objective of this work was an understanding of the effect of lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) on mitochondrial function and NLRP3 inflammasome activation in human trophoblast cell lines under normoxic, hypoxic and pro‐inflammatory conditions.
Apoptosis of JEG‐3 cells was increased by hypoxia, while in BeWo cells, apoptosis was decreased by hypoxia, and in HTR‐8/SVneo, apoptosis was not affected by hypoxic treatment.
Exposure to either Pb or Cd decreased mtDNAcn in three human placental trophoblast cell lines. However, Pb under hypoxia induced a decrease of ΔΨ and promoted apoptosis of BeWo cells, but Cd did not induce a reduction in ΔΨ in the three trophoblast cell lines under any conditions.
Exposure to hypoxia, Pb or Cd increased NLRP3 and pro‐caspase 1 in BeWo and HTR‐8/SVneo cells.
Our findings highlight that Pb and Cd affected trophoblast mitochondrial function and NLRP3 proteins in trophoblast cell lines but in a cell line‐specific way.
Fatigue Failure of Steam Turbine Discs – A Centenary Tribute to Wilfred Campbell
Authors: Gowreesan Vamadevan , Grebinnyk Kirill , Pemmasani Mahesh 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
The year 2024 marks one hundred years since Wilfred Campbell published his landmark work on vibrational analysis of rotating disc following a series of disc failures in steam turbines. Despite the absence of advanced engineering analytical tools, Campbell came up with an elegant method to visually demonstrate and capture the mode shapes in rotating discs. The first part of this paper reviews Campbell’s life and analytical and experimental work in this area.
Regardless of the current advanced engineering capabilities to predict nodal shapes in turbine discs, turbine discs still experience failures related to vibration. The second part of the paper discusses a recent case study where a turbine disc failure occurred as a result of vibration. The discussion includes metallurgical root cause failure analysis and engineering analysis to predict the vibrational characteristics. Metallurgical failure analysis confirmed that the primary mode of failure was fatigue and did not have any issues with the disc material or its mechanical properties. Finite element modeling and analysis were used for the engineering analysis to predict the natural frequencies of the bladed-disc. The engineering analysis showed the evidence of potential resonance, and the failure was related to nodal vibration issues.
Aerodynamic Design of Refrigeration Compressor for Optimal Range and Efficiency
Authors: Dey Sudip , Muley Nitin 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
There is an increasing trend in using oil-free centrifugal compressors in refrigeration chillers and heat pumps for superior efficiency, lower maintenance, and reduced lifecycle costs. Centrifugal compressors for chiller application are subjected to wider operating range when compared to those used in many other applications. While numerous aerodynamic and numerical design tools are either commercially available or developed by specific manufacturers and/or research institutions, designers face significant challenges in choosing appropriate design attributes and dimensions of flow path components, especially when additionally constrained by stagewise performance, bearings, rotordynamics, and overall layout.
This paper demonstrates how commercially available design and analyses tools are used to perform aerodynamic design and optimization of aerodynamic flow-path of a refrigeration centrifugal compressor to enhance operating range and aerothermal efficiency while maintaining pressure ratio or chiller capacity within expected operating regime. Relevant details of one-dimensional (1D) and two-dimensional (2D) design are shown along with some details of three-dimensional (3D) numerical (CFD) analysis. This paper also illustrates how selection of various components and overall layout influences design and aerodynamic optimization of the impellers. Numerical analysis is also performed to optimize axial thrust for the pair of opposed configured impellers mounted on the same shaft. Moreover, the same numerical model provides superior insight about overall performance impact for the presence of shaft seals or secondary flow paths. Finally, test findings at the in-house test facility are shared to compare overall performance of the original and the modified compressor.
Decomposition of Compressible and Thermal Contributions to the Exergy-Balance-Based Analysis of the NASA Rotor 37
Authors: Berhouni Ilyès , Petropoulos Ilias , Bailly Didier 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
This paper presents the application of a new exergy balance decomposition allowing to explicitly isolate the compressible and thermal contributions to overall efficiency for the NASA rotor 37 performance analysis. Firstly, the theoretical aspect of this new decomposition is discussed in detail, including the expressions, interpretations and figures of merit associated to the different components. Secondly, one operating regime at 98% of the choke mass flow rate of the rotor 37 is investigated. This will particularly emphasize the trends obtained for the thermally- and mechanically-recoverable components of the overall exergy outflow (respectively impacted by entropy generation and pressure/velocity differences with respect to the system’s thermodynamic dead state). Finally, the analysis of the exergy-based characteristic of the compressor is refined with respect to the one based on the original mechanical/thermocompressible decomposition. In particular, it is found that the impact of the thermally-recoverable exergy outflow on the prediction of the compressor efficiency is non-negligible, as it corresponds to roughly 0.4% of the computed compressor rotor stage overall efficiency. As this component is only convertible into mechanical work by means of a heat engine (not available in current-generation aircraft engines), isolating the thermally-recoverable component is thus essential in exergy-based performance analyses.
An Innovative and Ambitious Student Design Project: To Build a Small-Scale Brayton Cycle Engine on a Short Timeline With a Limited Budget
Authors: Keesee Charles L. , DeLong Jakob , Fig Matthew , Hibl Gaylord , Ebsch Zachariah , Homola Dustin , Mimong Isaac , Thompson Bonnie , Young Chandler 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
The Brayton Cycle is one of the primary gas power cycles taught as part of any thermodynamics course. While students learn its operation in various configurations on paper, they are not always afforded the opportunity to work with an actual gas turbine engine up close. This project allowed students to use knowledge learned in the classroom and apply it to a real design problem. Design projects early in an engineering program are less common since the focus is generally on the fundamental equations; however, solving complex engineering problems and applying these solutions to designs are among the required ABET program outcomes. Therefore, enhancing the students’ skills in these areas early and often is a motivation for early design projects. To accomplish this, students enrolled in Fluid Mechanics Laboratory, a junior-level course, were tasked with designing and building a small-scale Brayton Cycle on a limited budget in a very short timeframe. In addition to preparing students for senior design this project aimed to be truly multifaceted as it combined skills and knowledge learned in several previous courses such as: Thermodynamics, Fluid Mechanics, Instrumentation, Machine Design, and Circuits. Uniquely, this design assignment did not stop with the paper plans but required the students to build a testable prototype. This allowed them to learn firsthand how manufacturing limitations and supply chain delays can impact the final design. While it was desired that the turbine would generate enough power to ultimately drive the compressor it was understood that such a goal may be infeasible. Therefore, the focus was more on the design process as opposed to designing and fabricating a working gas turbine engine.
Gas Turbine Drives for Pipeline-Compressors: Assessing the Influence of H2-Blends on Performance, Load Dynamics, and Emissions of a Gas Turbine With DLE Technology in a Real-World Field-Study
Authors: Rudolph Charlotte , Sciancalepore Maurizio , Vesper Deborah , Schiffer Tobias , Bainier Francis , Lauzat Thorsten 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
The integration of hydrogen into the natural gas infrastructure poses new challenges for existing technologies, such as gas turbines or compressors. Investigating the behavior of those plants, especially gas turbines as mechanical drives, under future fuel requirements in a real environment is thus essential for the development of the future energy system.
The work presented here examines the compatibility of a 15-MW gas turbine equipped with dry-low-emission (DLE) technology with hydrogen-enriched natural gas blends, addressing performance, emissions, and dynamics. Further to the modification of the gas turbine and the development of a blending unit, project-related aspects are also described and discussed.
The gas turbine displayed good performance, with minimal impacts on power output, thermal efficiency, and fuel consumption in the investigated H2 range. Carbon-based emissions were negligible, while NOx emissions increased with rising H2 fraction, but remained below acceptable limits. In addition, the gas turbine control system successfully activated the DLE mode with any H2 blend. This study confirmed the gas turbine’s suitability for use in the natural gas grid with H2 fractions of up to 25%, demonstrating the potential of this gas turbine for a sustainable energy supply and the importance of thorough testing and monitoring during the transition from fossil fuels to hydrogen.
Utilisation of Evaporated Ethanol in Natural Gas Fired Lean-Premix Combustors of Power Generation Gas Turbines
Authors: Abbott David , van Eil Tijn , Klein Sikke , Goy Catherine 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
With the transition to low-carbon power generation there will be a continuing need for dispatchable power. This could be provided by gas turbines fired with low-carbon fuels.
It has been shown that micro-gas turbines with lean premix natural gas combustors can successfully fire a wide range of evaporated liquid fuels without modification. It is possible that larger power generation gas turbines will also be able to utilise evaporated liquid fuels without significant modification. Ethanol and methanol were considered by the authors, but methanol was eliminated during pre-screening.
This preliminary assessment considers the potential for power generation gas turbines to burn evaporated ethanol in lean premix burners. A Siemens SGT5-2000E gas turbine as operated in Uniper’s Killingholme plant is used as an example.
Impacts on key combustion performance parameters (emissions, combustion dynamics, flashback and blow-off) have been considered. These parameters are affected by both chemical properties of the fuels and the effect of their physical properties on burner aerodynamics, fuel placement and mixing quality. The evaluation included a combination of chemical kinetic modelling and isothermal CFD.
This analysis has concluded that the concept would be viable and warrants further investigation.
Numerical Analysis of Heat Transfer Inhomogeneity of Supercritical Pressure Carbon Dioxide in Horizontal Minichannels
Authors: Li Ni , Fang Zheng , Pu Hang , Mu Lin , Shang Yan , Dong Ming 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
To prevent local overshoot of heat exchanger wall temperature in the Brayton cycle system, this study numerically investigated the heat transfer inhomogeneity of turbulent mixed convection of SCO2 inside flow passages with different cross-sections of circular, semicircular, and rectangular cross-sections. The operating parameters corresponded to the low-pressure side of a heat exchanger (p = 8 MPa, Tin = 303 K, q/G = 41.67–250 J·kg−1). It was found that the variation of density with temperature led to the secondary flow in the cross-sections. The heat transfer inhomogeneity emerged with the development of secondary flow, and increased during the peaks of isobaric specific heat capacity (cp) and thermal conductivity (λ) moved from the buffer layer to the logarithmic-law layer. When the peaks of cp and λ converged in the logarithmic-law layer, the heat transfer inhomogeneity decreased. In a circular tube, the heat transfer inhomogeneity can be ignored when q/G = 41.67 (heat transfer enhancement), but when q/G ⩾ 125 (heat transfer deterioration) the heat transfer inhomogeneity cannot be ignored. Under the same q/G condition, the intensity of secondary flow was inversely proportional to G, so the heat transfer inhomogeneity decreased with increasing G. Affected by channel geometry, the variation of maximum wall temperature difference (ΔTmax) coincided with the wall temperature inhomogeneity (δT) for a circular channel, but not for semicircular and rectangular channels. ΔTmax was the largest for a semicircular channel while δT was the largest for a rectangular channel under identical operating conditions.