bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Use of Insulated Concrete Form (ICF) Construction for Energy Conservation in Residential Construction
Authors: Arthur J. Howard , Ribando Robert J.
Published: December 2008

As a nation the United States must reduce its dependence on imported energy resources. Net imports of foreign oil as a percentage of total U.S. oil demand have increased from 37% in 1980 to 55% in 2001 and are predicted to increase to 65% by the year 2016. Since heating and air conditioning account for 44% of the energy usage in a typical U.S. home, residential energy conservation techniques hold great promise for significant savings. Insulated concrete form (ICF) construction is a promising construction technique for both residential and commercial construction. Some advantages of ICF construction include: reduced construction time, compatibility with any inside or outside surface finish, insect resistance, strength, noise reduction, reduced infiltration, significant and continuing energy savings, lower HVAC capital costs for the building, and 12” (30 cm) wide window sills. Disadvantages of ICF construction include: resistance from builders and sub-contractors unfamiliar with the construction technique, higher material costs, the necessary custom window and door openings, and the difficulty and expense of making changes once the walls are in place. Even though the material costs are higher than typical (stick-frame) construction, labor savings might result in overall savings. In this paper actual energy usage for an ICF house constructed in 1998 is compared to the energy usage for a 1988 conventional stick-frame building. Comparison of these two buildings indicates a 75% reduction in energy usage per square foot per degree-day for the ICF building when compared to the stick-frame building. During this same time period, energy (gas) usage for heating and hot water decreased 85%. Computer simulations were made for both an ICF wall and for a conventional frame wall. These computer simulations indicate significant saving potential for the ICF wall when compared to a conventional frame wall section. In addition these simulations illustrate dramatically the effect of separating the thermal resistance and thermal capacitance inherent in this “sandwich” construction.
Experimental Verification of a Combined Power and Cooling Thermodynamic Cycle
Authors: Martin Chris , Goswami D. Yogi
Published: December 2008

A novel combined power-cooling thermodynamic cycle, for use with low-temperature, sensible heat sources, is under experimental investigation. In this power-cooling cycle, absorption condensation is used to regenerate the working fluid. This allows the expander exhaust temperature to drop significantly below the temperature at which absorption is taking place. This is an obvious departure from pure working fluid, Rankine cycle operation and is the source of cooling. Expander exhaust temperatures are controlled by the cycle parameters of expander exit pressure (absorption pressure), expander isentropic efficiency, and the vapor properties (temperature, pressure, and concentration) at expander inlet. Experiments have been performed that show the power-cooling concept to be valid by measuring the expander exit-absorber temperature difference and they highlight the direction for future work.
Design and Construction of a Parabolic Dish in Mexico
Authors: Berumen Carlos Ramos , Beni´tez Rafael Rami´rez , Mendoza Javier Lagunas , Villamar Jorge Huacuz , Rojas Ivan Vilar , Romano Jorge Aguirre
Published: December 2008

A parabolic dish concentrator for electricity generation is currently under development at the Instituto de Investigaciones Ele´ctricas (IIE) of Mexico, a government-owned research organization. The concentrator is 7.5 meters in diameter with focal length to diameter ratio of 0.6. The reflective surface consists of 12 facets made of fiberglass with a reflecting surface made of aluminum sheet with a solar reflectance of 86%. The system will use a 9 kW Stirling engine to produce electricity from concentrated solar radiation. The paper describes preliminary and final design characteristics of the parabolic dish structure. Criteria for facet design, material selection, and structural configuration are reviewed. A detail explanation of tooling, substrate preparation and facets assembly is also presented. The key features and requirements of the tracking system, Stirling motor and control unit are also described.
Performance Evaluation of Photovoltaic Power-Generation System Equipped With a Cooling Device Utilizing Siphonage
Authors: Furushima Kaoru , Nawata Yutaka
Published: December 2008

Recently, the photovoltaic (PV) power generation system has attracted attention as one of clean energies. Especially, residential roofing PV system connected with power grids has been popularized as a result of increasing concerns over global warming and continuing decline in PV manufacturing costs. The power generated by the PV module increases with irradiance, but it decreases as PV module temperature becomes high. The PV temperature depends on ambient temperature, and becomes more than 60°C in summer. Therefore, the power generated does not necessarily increase even if the irradiance increases in summer. However, if the PV modules were cooled under such a high PV temperature condition, more electrical power would be obtained from PV modules. In this study, a PV power generating system equipped with a cooling device has been developed. The major components of the system are an array of PV modules and cooling panels attached to the backside of the PV modules. The respective PV module is cooled with cooling water flowing through a narrow gap in each cooling panel. Hot water discharged from the cooling panel is delivered to a storage tank and can be reused in anywhere. In order to save energy for introducing cooling water into the panel, a siphonage from an upper level of a building to the ground level is utilized. A siphon tube is connected to a discharge port of the cooling panel, thus the pressure at the discharge port becomes negative. Cooling water enters into the bottom end of the cooling panel at atmospheric pressure and goes up to the top, discharge side. By adopting this cooling water system, we could spread the cooling water evenly over the entire backside of the PV module and thus realized an effective cooling device. In addition, we could make the cooling device light and smaller because no auxiliary pumping system is needed for introducing cooling water. To provide field performance data for the present PV power generation system equipped with the special cooling device mentioned above, long-term monitoring tests in a natural environment were conducted in summer for a test facility constructed at the Yatsushiro National College of Technology (YNCT), Japan. As a result, it was confirmed that the cooling of the PV modules increases the electric power and that the reuse of hot water from the cooling panel contributes very much for saving energy consumed for heating water.
The Green Energy Fraction Parameter for Solar Thermal Power Systems
Authors: Roy Aharon
Published: December 2008

A new solar power parameter, the green energy fraction is proposed as a useful metric for project assessment. Its concept is elucidated and the application to solar/fuel hybrid power plants is exhibited by numerical illustrations. This parameter is a simple tool for tracking the actual green energy performance of a particular plant. It proves to serve a significant yardstick for evaluating fuel avoidance, hence the environmental consequences of solar hybrid power plants. The green energy fraction provides a summation of the fuel avoidance for the whole system, simple or complex, and allows comparative evaluation between power plants for upright green energy (fuel avoidance), and thus enables standard assessments of various systems on an equal basis. It has both thermodynamic and engineering meaning and signifies one of the essential figures of merit for solar power systems. It should assist R&D management to improve technologies. Green energy entitles substantial financial benefits.
Model and Simulation on Thermal Performance of Shape-Stabilized Phase Change Material Floor
Authors: Xu Xu , Zhang Yinping , Lin Kunping , Di Hongfa , Yang Rui
Published: December 2008

Shape-stabilized phase change material (PCM) is a kind of novel PCM. It has the following salient features: large apparent specific heat for phase change temperature region, suitable thermal conductivity, no container. In the present paper, a kind of floor based upon shape-stabilized PCM is put forward which can adsorb the solar radiation energy in the daytime and release the heat at night in winter. Therefore, in winter the indoor climate can be improved and the energy consumption for space heating may be greatly reduced. A model of analyzing the thermal performance of this shape-stabilized PCM is developed. By using the model, the influence of various factors (thickness of PCM layer, melting temperature, heat of fusion, thermal conductivity of PCM etc.) on the thermal performance is analyzed. The model is verified with the experimental results. The model and the analysis are helpful for the application of shape-stabilized PCM based floor in solar energy buildings.
Parametric Analysis of Active and Passive Building Thermal Storage Utilization
Authors: Zhou Guo , Krarti Moncef , Henze Gregor P.
Published: December 2008

Cooling of commercial buildings contributes significantly to the peak demand placed on an electrical utility grid. Time-of-use electricity rates encourage shifting of electrical loads to off peak periods at night and on weekends. Buildings can respond to these pricing signals by shifting cooling-related thermal loads either by precooling the building’s massive structure or by using active thermal energy storage systems such as ice storage. While these two thermal batteries have been engaged separately in the past, this paper investigates the merits of harnessing both storage media concurrently in the context of optimal control for a range of selected parameters. A parametric analysis was conducted utilizing an EnergyPlus-based simulation environment to assess the effects of building mass, electrical utility rates, season and location, economizer operation, central plant size, and thermal comfort. The findings reveal that the cooling-related on-peak electrical demand and utility cost of commercial buildings can be substantially reduced by harnessing both thermal storage inventories using optimal control for a wide range of conditions.
Trade-Off Between Energy Consumption and Utility Cost in the Optimal Control of Active and Passive Building Thermal Storage Inventory
Authors: Henze Gregor P.
Published: December 2008

In contrast to building energy conversion equipment, less improvement has been achieved in thermal energy distribution, storage and control systems in terms of energy efficiency and peak load reduction potential. Cooling of commercial buildings contributes significantly to the peak demand placed on an electrical utility grid. Time-of-use electricity rates are designed to encourage shifting of electrical loads to off-peak periods at night and weekends. Buildings can respond to these pricing signals by shifting cooling-related thermal loads either by precooling the building’s massive structure (passive storage) or by using active thermal energy storage systems such as ice storage. Recent theoretical and experimental work showed that the simultaneous utilization of active and passive building thermal storage inventory can save significant amounts of utility costs to the building operator, yet in many cases at the expense of increased electrical energy consumption. This article investigates an approach to ensure that a commercial building utilizing both thermal batteries does not incur excessive energy consumption. The model-based predictive building controller is modified to trade off energy cost against energy consumption. This work shows that buildings can be operated in a demand-responsive fashion to substantially reduce utility costs, however, at the expense of increased energy consumption. Placing a greater emphasis on energy consumption led to a reduction in the savings potential. In the limiting case of energy-optimal control, the reference control was replicated, i.e., if only energy consumption is of concern, neither active nor passive building thermal storage should be utilized. On the other hand, cost-optimal control suggests strongly utilizing both thermal storage inventories.
Photogrammetry: A Powerful Tool for Geometric Analysis of Solar Concentrators and Their Components
Authors: Pottler Klaus , Lu¨pfert Eckhard , Johnston Glen H. G. , Shortis Mark R.
Published: December 2008

Digital close range photogrammetry has proven to be a precise and efficient measurement technique for the assessment of shape accuracies of solar concentrators and their components. The combination of high quality mega-pixel digital still cameras, appropriate software and calibrated reference scales in general is sufficient to provide coordinate measurements with precisions of 1:50,000 or better. The extreme flexibility of photogrammetry to provide high accuracy 3-D coordinate measurements over almost any scale makes it particularly appropriate for the measurement of solar concentrator systems. It can also provide information for the analysis of curved shapes and surfaces, which can be very difficult to achieve with conventional measurement instruments. The paper gives an overview of quality indicators for photogrammetric networks, which have to be considered during the data evaluation to augment the measurement precision. A selection of measurements done on whole solar concentrators and their components are presented. The potential of photogrammetry is demonstrated by presenting measured effects arising from thermal expansion and gravitational forces on selected components. The measured surface data can be used to calculate slope errors and undertake raytrace studies to compute intercept factors and assess concentrator qualities.
Demonstration of Thermophotovoltaics for a Full-Spectrum Solar Energy System
Authors: Dye Dan , Wood Byard , Fraas Lewis , Kretschmer Jeanette
Published: December 2008

A non-imaging (NI) device and thermophotovoltaic (TPV) array for use in a full-spectrum solar energy system has been designed, built, and tested [1,2,3]. This system was designed to utilize the otherwise wasted infrared (IR) energy that is separated from the visible portion of the solar spectrum before the visible light is harvested. The IR energy will be converted to electricity via a gallium antimonide (GaSb) TPV array. The experimental apparatus for the testing of the IR optics and TPV performance is described. Array performance data will be presented, along with a comparison between outdoor experimental tests and laboratory flash tests. An analysis of the flow of the infrared energy through the collection system will be presented, and recommendations will be made for improvements. The TPV array generated a maximum of 26.7 W, demonstrating a conversion efficiency of the IR energy of 12%.
Evacuated Tube Heat Pipe Solar Collectors Applied to Recirculation Loop in a Federal Building: SSA Philadelphia
Authors: Walker Andy , Mahjouri Fariborz , Stiteler Robert
Published: December 2008

This paper describes design, simulation, construction and measured initial performance of a solar water heating system (360 Evacuated Heat-Pipe Collector tubes, 54 m2 gross area, 36 m2 net absorber area) installed at the top of the hot water recirculation loop in the Social Security Mid-Atlantic Center in Philadelphia. Water returning to the hot water storage tank is heated by the solar array when solar energy is available. This new approach, as opposed to the more conventional approach of preheating incoming water, is made possible by the thermal diode effect of heat pipes and low heat loss from evacuated tube solar collectors. The simplicity of this approach and its low installation costs makes the deployment of solar energy in existing commercial buildings more attractive, especially where the roof is far removed from the water heating system, which is often in the basement. Initial observed performance of the system is reported. Hourly simulation estimates annual energy delivery of 111 GJ/year of solar heat and that the annual efficiency (based on the 54 m2 gross area) of the solar collectors is 41%, and that of the entire system including parasitic pump power, heat loss due to freeze protection, and heat loss from connecting piping is 34%. Annual average collector efficiency based on a net aperture area of 36 m2 is 61.5% according to the hourly simulation.
Cumulative Frequency Distributions for Daily Global Illuminance
Authors: Satyamurty V. V. , RaviKumar P.
Published: December 2008

The present article describes the development of cumulative frequency distributions (similar to clearness index distributions) for daily global horizontal illuminance based on the modeled data of 56 US locations. Normalized variables have been employed to account for seasonal and location dependencies. The normalized variables contain the maximum and minimum illuminance values in the array of daily values in addition to the daily illuminance (the variable to be related to cumulative frequency) and the monthly average daily illuminance. The distributions thus developed discrete in terms of the normalized monthly average daily global illuminance have been presented in a convenient linear form which accommodates continuous values for the parameter. When data are not available, the maximum and minimum of the daily values needed in estimating the parameter first and eventually the daily illuminance values have been correlated to other more readily available predictors. Present distributions have been validated by comparing against the daily illuminance values available in the large data base employed. Daily global illuminance has been predicted with a standard deviation of 23.44 klux and rms difference of 4.64%. The present correlations can be conveniently applied to obtain the 30 or 31 daily illuminance values in a month from the monthly average value.
The Case for WTE as a Renewable Source of Energy
Authors: Themelis Nickolas J. , Millrath Karsten
Published: December 2008

The combustion of municipal solid wastes for generating electricity (Waste-To-Energy) has been recognized by several states as a renewable source of energy. Yet, there has been determined opposition by some environmental groups to including WTE in the portfolio of renewable energy sources that will benefit from a tax credit designed to decrease reliance on non-renewable fossil fuels. While WTE is considered worldwide as a solid waste management option, the recognition and acceptance of WTE as a clean source of energy still requires public involvement and education. This paper will examine the “pro” and “con” arguments for considering WTE as a renewable energy source.
Next Generation Waste-to-Energy: Will There Be One?
Authors: Beaumont E. Larry
Published: December 2008

The market for new waste-to-energy (WTE) facilities in the United States has been extremely limited because the playing field has become uneven. The industry’s traditional playing field has been defined by economics on one end of the field and public perception on the other. However, a third, nearly impenetrable “red zone” has appeared, defined by government policy inconsistency. Examples include landfill gas being given tax credit status while WTE continues to be excluded; the removal of the moratorium on landfill capacity in Massachusetts while maintaining the moratorium on new WTE capacity; and DOE’s support of unproven gasification technologies without parallel support for optimizing long-proven WTE technologies. This record of inconsistency keeps WTE on the back porch of public perception and separated from political acceptance as an important renewable energy strategy. This paper challenges the WTE industry to collectively pursue a more aggressive stance with governments to prove that the playing field has become uneven and to shift public policy, including test program funding, as a means to level the playing field. Presented in the paper are overviews of EAC’s next-generation large-scale and small-scale resource recovery technologies, including patent-pending features for the achievement of zero disposal and zero pollutant emissions, all of which are based on practical answers to real-world problems and perceptions. The paper concludes that the WTE industry has accepted as conventional wisdom barriers that are not valid constraints to new project development. Examples of current conventional wisdom include the assumption that WTE facilities must always be sited away from commercial centers at the expense of thermal efficiencies offered by co-generation of electricity and district heating/cooling; WTE will always be landfill dependent at the expense of real consumer products from byproducts; and emissions will never be able to compete in the future because of certain pollutants. All of these barriers can be breached on an even playing field with creativity, cooperation, and credibility.
Waste-to-Energy Residues: The Search for Beneficial Uses
Authors: Millrath Karsten , Roethel Frank J. , Kargbo David M.
Published: December 2008

In the U.S., about 28.5 million tons of municipal solid waste are combusted annually in waste-to-energy facilities that generate 25–30% of ash by weight of the MSW feed. Since some residues were found to contain high levels of lead and cadmium prior to the 1990s, they were commonly associated with environmental pollution. However, for the last years nearly all ash samples have been tested non-hazardous. Research on the beneficial use of combustion residue has been conducted for the past few decades yet the actual ash reuse rate in the U.S. has remained close to 10%. Currently most of the ash is landfilled at considerable cost to the waste-to-energy industry. A consortium of researchers at Columbia University, the State University of New York at Stony Brook, Temple University, and other institutions seeks to develop and to advance the beneficial uses of combustion residues, such as in construction materials or remediation of contaminated abandoned mines and brownfields. This paper describes the search for beneficial use applications and provides an overview of the first year of this consortium.
Corrosion Mechanisms and Alloy Performance in Waste-to-Energy Boiler Combustion Environments
Authors: Lai George Y.
Published: December 2008

The combustion of municipal solid waste in a boiler for power generation produces a very corrosive environment for the boiler tube materials. The environment contains HCl, SO2, various metal chlorides and sulfates along with typical combustion products. Due to their low melting points and high vapor pressures, metal chlorides are believed to be primarily responsible for the boiler tube corrosion problems encountered in waste-to-energy (WTE) boilers. Without some sort of corrosion protection method, the standard materials of the construction for the boiler, such as carbon and Cr-Mo steels, are subject to severe high temperature corrosion attack. The present paper discusses the possible modes of high temperature corrosion for waterwalls and boiler tubes in the convection section, and the prevailing protection method for these components as well as the performance of various alloys in these hostile combustion environments.
The eco/Tech Sludge Recycling System: Two Years of Experience
Authors: Champagne Edward P.
Published: December 2008

The eco/Technologies Sludge Recycling System (eco/Tech SRS) was introduced at NAWTEC 10 and has now been operating commercially for two years at the Pioneer Valley Resource Recovery Facility (PVRRF), located in Agawam, Massachusetts. A second system will be installed at the Pittsfield Resource Recovery Facility (PRRF), located in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, in 2004 and EnergyAnswers is now marketing the system to other power plant owners. Presented in this paper is an overview of: • Operating and maintenance history at PVRRF; • Market conditions and challenges; • Air emissions results; • Design enhancements planned for PRRF. The data presented support the potential for waste-to-energy plants, and by extension all solid fuel power plants, to benefit from additional revenue streams while using a waste product to achieve air emissions reductions.
Video Analysis with a Web Camera
Authors: Wyrembeck Edward P.
Published: December 2008

Recent advances in technology have made video capture and analysis1 in the introductory physics lab even more affordable and accessible. The purchase of a relatively inexpensive web camera is all you need if you already have a newer computer and Vernier's2 Logger Pro 3 software. In addition to Logger Pro 3, other video analysis tools such as Videopoint3 and Tracker,4 which is freely downloadable, by Doug Brown could also be used. I purchased Logitech's5 QuickCam Pro 4000 web camera for $99 after Rick Sorensen6 at Vernier Software and Technology recommended it for computers using a Windows platform. Once I had mounted the web camera on a mobile computer with Velcro and installed the software, I was ready to capture motion video and analyze it.
Significance of raised immunoglobulin M levels in cord blood of small-for-gestational-age infants.
Authors: Matthews T G , O'Herlihy C
Published: December 2008

Cord IgM values were determined in small-for-gestational-age infants born at Hammersmith Hospital during a 5 1/2-year period. 121 (12.5%) infants had levels more than 0.2 g/l; in 92 these were between 0.21 and 0.3 g/l. In only 18 (14.8%) was a level of 0.4 g/l exceeded, and 5 proved cases of intrauterine infection--rubella (2), syphilis (2), and toxoplasmosis (1)--were in this group. The factor most often associated with cord IgM more than 0.4 g/l was prolonged rupture of the membranes. There was an increased incidence of blood group B among the mothers, probably reflecting the greater number of nonCaucasian women giving birth to small-for-gestational-age infants. Determination of cord IgM did not help significantly indiagnosis.
Congenital nephrogenic diabetes insipidus in a baby girl.
Authors: Schreiner R L , Skafish P R , Anand S K , Northway J D
Published: December 2008

A 6-week-old girl with fever, hypernatraemia, dehydration, and polyuria failed to concentrate urine in response to exogenous vasopressin administration. There was no family history of nephrogenic diabetes insipidus. When she was 15 months old, the infusion of vasopressin did not produce an increase in urinary cyclic-AMP.
Neonatal screening for sickle cell disease in France
Authors: Bardakdjian-Michau J , Bahuau M , Hurtrel D , Godart C , Riou J , Mathis M , Goossens M
Published: December 2008

Background:

As a result of population growth in African-Caribbean regions of overseas France, and now immigration essentially from North and sub-Saharan Africa to mainland France, neonatal screening for sickle cell disease (SCD) has been performed in France since 1985 in Guadalupe and dependencies, as a universal test. After several pilot studies, screening was gradually extended to mainland France in 1996. Since 2000, the test has been performed at national level for all newborns defined as being “at risk” for SCD based on ethnic origin.

Methods:

A dry blood sample is obtained by heel stick and analysed by isoelectric focusing as a first-line method, followed by either high-performance liquid chromatography or acid agar electrophoresis for confirmation, whenever a variant haemoglobin is observed on isoelectric focusing.

Results:

In 2007, 28.45% of all newborns in mainland France were screened for SCD. Since 1996, a total of 3890 newborns have been found to have SCD, and they have been followed up by reference paediatricians.

Conclusion:

Although screening for SCD at birth in France is not universal, it appears that missed babies are relatively infrequent. Despite obvious sociological problems inherent to the at-risk population, the follow-up of SCD babies is rather successful. Due to the birth prevalence of SCD in France, especially in comparison with other common genetic diseases, screening all newborns regardless of ethnic origin is an issue that is being addressed.
Newborn screening for sickle cell disease in the Republic of Benin
Authors: Rahimy M C , Gangbo A , Ahouignan G , Alihonou E
Published: December 2008

Aims:

To develop a strategy for neonatal screening of sickle cell disease (SCD) and effective enrolment of affected neonates in a comprehensive follow-up programme adapted to the socioeconomic conditions, health structures and cultural background of an African setting.

Methods:

The strategy implemented at the two largest maternity services of Cotonou, the economic capital of the Republic of Benin, involves a team of specifically trained midwives, first to identify pregnant women at risk, and second to provide active and repeated information and sensitisation to these women to encourage voluntary demand for newborn screening and enrolment in the follow-up programme.

Results:

Among the consecutive pregnant women studied (about 3000), 79.5% of the informed women at risk for fetal SCD asked for testing of their offspring, 85.2% of the newborns who tested positive were enrolled in the programme, and more than 80% were still being followed up after 5 years. The under-five mortality rate in this series was 15.5 per 10000, a figure that is 10 times lower than the general rate recorded in the Republic of Benin.

Conclusions:

The results demonstrate that this specifically tailored strategy is relevant to this setting, given the unique conditions of this African country.
Risk factors for work related injury among male farmers
Authors: Day L , Voaklander D , Sim M , Wolfe R , Langley J , Dosman J , Hagel L , Ozanne-Smith J
Published: December 2008

Objective:

To identify risk factors for serious farm work related injury among men.

Methods:

A case–control study was conducted in Victoria, Australia. Eligible cases (n = 252) were males aged ⩾16 years injured while working on a farm and scoring 2 or higher on the Abbreviated Injury Scale. Non-fatal injury cases were identified on presentation to hospital. Fatal cases (next of kin) were recruited via the Coroner’s Office. Two age-matched controls per case were recruited by telephone. Data were collected with a structured telephone questionnaire. Logistic regression was used to compare risk factors between cases and controls, adjusting for design factors and average weekly hours worked.

Results:

The most common external causes of injury were machinery (26%), falls (19%), transport (18%), animals (17%) and being struck by an object (11%). Increased injury risk was observed for being an employee/contractor (odds ratio 1.8, 95% CI 1.2 to 2.7), not having attended farm training courses (1.5, 95% CI 1.0 to 2.1), absence of roll-over protective structures on all/almost all tractors (2.5, 95% CI 1.7 to 3.8), absence of personal protective equipment for chemical use (4.7, 95% CI 1.6 to 13.9) and a low average annual farm income of AUD$5000 or less (2.7, 95% CI 1.3 to 5.6). Decreased injury risk was observed for several health related characteristics and some farm characteristics.

Conclusion:

We identified some risk factors possibly relevant to farm injury prevention programs. However, other factors were not associated with farm work injury suggesting these may not be as important as previously hypothesised.
Laboratory Modeling of Geophysical Vortices
Authors: van Heijst G.J.F. , Clercx H.J.H.
Published: December 2008

Investigators have modeled oceanic and atmospheric vortices in the laboratory in a number of different ways, employing background rotation, density effects, and geometrical confinement. In this article, we address barotropic vortices in a rotating fluid, emphasizing generation techniques, instability issues, and topography effects in particular. We then review work on vortices in shallow fluid layers, including topography effects on vortices in coastal areas and the role of vortices in tidal exchange between two connected basins.
Optimal Vortex Formation as a Unifying Principle in Biological Propulsion
Authors: Dabiri John O.
Published: December 2008

I review the concept of optimal vortex formation and examine its relevance to propulsion in biological and bio-inspired systems, ranging from the human heart to underwater vehicles. By using examples from the existing literature and new analyses, I show that optimal vortex formation can potentially serve as a unifying principle to understand the diversity of solutions used to achieve propulsion in nature. Additionally, optimal vortex formation can provide a framework in which to design engineered propulsions systems that are constrained by pressures unrelated to biology. Finally, I analyze the relationship between optimal vortex formation and previously observed constraints on Strouhal frequency during animal locomotion in air and water. It is proposed that the Strouhal frequency constraint is but one consequence of the process of optimal vortex formation and that others remain to be discovered.
The Hydrodynamics of Chemical Cues Among Aquatic Organisms
Authors: Webster D.R. , Weissburg M.J.
Published: December 2008

Chemical cues mediate many critical life processes, such as feeding, reproduction, and benthic settling, for aquatic organisms. Depending on the fluid velocity and flow regime, released chemicals are transported via diffusion, laminar advection, or turbulent advection prior to organism reception. Here, we review transport mechanisms and ecological consequences in each regime. We discuss cue structures in terms of concentration gradients, concentration fluctuations, and spatial patterns and draw conclusions about strategies that animals use to acquire information. In some cases, chemical transport occurs through a combination of mechanisms, which requires a multiscale analysis. Regime and scaling are major themes that emerge from recent research. In particular, nondimensional parameters that combine biological and physical variables reveal general principles under which organisms respond to chemical cues and facilitate defining regimes of behavior.
Hemodynamics of Cerebral Aneurysms
Authors: Sforza Daniel M. , Putman Christopher M. , Cebral Juan Raul
Published: December 2008

The initiation and progression of cerebral aneurysms are degenerative processes of the arterial wall driven by a complex interaction of biological and hemodynamic factors. Endothelial cells on the artery wall respond physiologically to blood-flow patterns. In normal conditions, these responses are associated with nonpathological tissue remodeling and adaptation. The combination of abnormal blood patterns and genetics predisposition could lead to the pathological formation of aneurysms. Here, we review recent progress on the basic mechanisms of aneurysm formation and evolution, with a focus on the role of hemodynamic patterns.
Ischemia-mediated aggregation of the actin cytoskeleton is one of the major initial events resulting in ischemia-reperfusion injury
Authors: Shi Tong , Moulton Vaishali R. , Lapchak Peter H. , Deng Guo-Min , Dalle Lucca Jurandir J. , Tsokos George C.
Published: December 2008

Ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury represents a major clinical challenge, which contributes to morbidity and mortality during surgery. The critical role of natural immunoglobulin M (IgM) and complement in tissue injury has been demonstrated. However, cellular mechanisms that result in the deposition of natural IgM and the activation of complement are still unclear. In this report, using a murine intestinal IR injury model, we demonstrated that the β-actin protein in the small intestine was cleaved and actin filaments in the columnar epithelial cells were aggregated after a transient disruption during 30 min of ischemia. Ischemia also led to deposition of natural IgM and complement 3 (C3). A low dose of cytochalasin D, a depolymerization reagent of the actin cytoskeleton, attenuated this deposition and also attenuated intestinal tissue injury in a dose-dependent manner. In contrast, high doses of cytochalasin D failed to worsen the injury. These data indicate that ischemia-mediated aggregation of the actin cytoskeleton, rather than its disruption, results directly in the deposition of natural IgM and C3. We conclude that ischemia-mediated aggregation of the actin cytoskeleton leads to the deposition of natural IgM and the activation of complement, as well as tissue injury.
Role of serotonin in intestinal inflammation: knockout of serotonin reuptake transporter exacerbates 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid colitis in mice
Authors: Bischoff Stephan C. , Mailer Reiner , Pabst Oliver , Weier Gisela , Sedlik Wanda , Li Zhishan , Chen Jason J. , Murphy Dennis L. , Gershon Michael D.
Published: December 2008

Serotonin (5-HT) regulates peristaltic and secretory reflexes in the gut. The serotonin reuptake transporter (SERT; SLC6A4), which inactivates 5-HT, is expressed in the intestinal mucosa and the enteric nervous system. Stool water content is increased and colonic motility is irregular in mice with a targeted deletion of SERT. We tested the hypotheses that 5-HT plays a role in regulating intestinal inflammation and that the potentiation of serotonergic signaling that results from SERT deletion is proinflammatory. Rectal installation of 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS) was used to induce an immune-mediated colitis, which was compared in SERT knockout mice and littermate controls. Intestinal myeloperoxidase and histamine levels were significantly increased, whereas the survival rate and state of health were significantly decreased in TNBS-treated mice that lacked SERT. Deletion of SERT thus increases the severity of TNBS colitis. These data suggest that 5-HT and its SERT-mediated termination play roles in intestinal immune/inflammatory responses in mice.
Control of breathing and volitional respiratory rhythm in humans
Authors: Haouzi Philippe , Bell Harold J.
Published: December 2008

When breathing frequency (f) is imperceptibly increased during a volitionally paced respiratory rhythm imposed by an auditory signal, tidal volume (Vt) decreases such that minute ventilation (V̇e) rises according to f-induced dead-space ventilation changes ( 18 ). As a result, significant change in alveolar ventilation and Pco2 are prevented as f varies. The present study was performed to determine what regulatory properties are retained by the respiratory control system, wherein the spontaneous automatic rhythmic activity is replaced by a volitionally paced rhythm. Six volunteers were asked to trigger each breath cycle on hearing a brief auditory signal. The time interval between subsequent auditory signals was imperceptibly changed for 10–15 min, during 1) air breathing ( condition 1), 2) the addition of a 300 ml of instrumental dead space ( condition 2), 3) an increase in the inspired level of CO2 ( condition 3), and 4) light exercise ( condition 4). We found that as f was slowly increased the elaborated Vt decreased in accordance to the background level of CO2 and metabolic rate. Indeed, for any given breath duration, Vt was shifted upward in condition 2 vs. 1, whereas the slope of Vt changes according to the volitionally rhythm was much steeper in conditions 3 and 4 vs. 1. The resulting changes in V̇e offset any f-induced changes in dead-space ventilation in all conditions. We conclude that there is an inherent, fundamental mechanism that elaborates Vt based on f when imposed by the premotor cortex in humans. The chemoreflex and exercise drive to breath interacts with this cortically mediated rhythm maintaining alveolar rather than V̇e constant as f changes. The implications of our findings are discussed in the context of our current understanding of the central generation of breathing rhythm.
Periodic Solutions of Semilinear Impulsive Periodic System with Time‐Varying Generating Operators on Banach Space
Authors: Wang JinRong , Xiang X. , Wei W.
Published: December 2008

A class of semilinear impulsive periodic systems with time‐varying generating operators
on Banach space is considered. Using impulsive periodic evolution operator given by us, the T0‐periodic PC‐mild
solution is introduced and suitable Poincaré operator is constructed. Showing the compactness of
Poincaré operator
and using a new generalized Gronwall inequality with mixed type integral operators given by us, we utilize
Leray‐Schauder fixed point theorem to prove the existence of T0‐periodic PC‐mild solutions. Our method is an innovation and it is much different from methods of other papers. At last, an example is given for demonstration.
Comparative Study of Regulatory T Cell Function of HumanCD25+CD4+T Cells from Thymocytes, Cord Blood, and Adult Peripheral Blood
Authors: Fujimaki Wakae , Takahashi Nozomu , Ohnuma Kei , Nagatsu Masayoshi , Kurosawa Hiromi , Yoshida Satoko , Dang Nam H. , Uchiyama Takehiko , Morimoto Chikao
Published: December 2008

CD25+CD4+regulatory T cells suppress T cell activation and regulate multiple immune reactions in in vitro and in vivo studies. To define the regulatory function of humanCD25+CD4+T cells at various stages of maturity, we investigated in detail the functional differences ofCD25+CD4+T cells from thymocytes, cord blood (CB), and adult peripheral blood (APB). CBCD25+CD4+T cells displayed low-FOXP3 protein expression level and had no suppressive activity. In contrast,CD25+CD4+T cells from thymocytes or APB expressed high expression level of FOXP3 protein associated with significant suppressive activity. Although CBCD25+CD4+T cells exhibited no suppressive activity, striking suppressive activity was observed following expansion in culture associated with increased FOXP3 expression and a shift from theCD45RA+to theCD45RA−phenotype. These functional differences inCD25+CD4+T cells from Thy, CB, and APB hence suggest a pathway of maturation for Treg in the peripheral immune system.
Toll‐Like Receptors and Cytokines as Surrogate Biomarkers for EvaluatingVaginal Immune Response following Microbicide Administration
Authors: Gupta Sadhana M. , Aranha Clara C. , Mohanty Madhu C. , Reddy K. V. R.
Published: December 2008

Topical microbicides are intended for frequent use by women in reproductive age. Hence, it is essential to evaluate their impact on mucosal immune function in the vagina. In the present study, we evaluated nisin, a naturally occurring antimicrobial peptide (AMP), for its efficacy as an intravaginal microbicide. Its effect on the vaginal immune function was determined by localizing Toll‐like receptors (TLRs‐3, 9) and cytokines (IL‐4, 6 , 10 and TNF‐α) in the rabbit cervicovaginal epithelium following intravaginal administration of high dose of nisin gel for 14 consecutive days. The results revealed no alteration in the expression of TLRs and cytokines at both protein and mRNA levels. However, in SDS gel‐treated group, the levels were significantly upregulated with the induction of NF‐κB signalling cascade. Thus, TLRs and cytokines appear as sensitive indicators for screening immunotoxic potential of candidate microbicides.
Peak Ground Acceleration Prediction by Artificial Neural Networks for Northwestern Turkey
Authors: Günaydın Kemal , Günaydın Ayten
Published: December 2008

Three different artificial neural network (ANN) methods, namely, feed‐forward back‐propagation (FFBP), radial basis function (RBF), and generalized regression neural networks (GRNNs) were applied to predict peak ground acceleration (PGA). Ninety five three‐component records from 15 ground motions that occurred in Northwestern Turkey between 1999 and 2001 were used during the applications. The earthquake moment magnitude, hypocentral distance, focal depth, and site conditions were used as inputs to estimate PGA for vertical (U‐D), east‐west (E‐W), and north‐south (N‐S) directions. The direction of the maximum PGA of the three components was also added to the input layer to obtain the maximum PGA. Testing stage results of three ANN methods indicated that the FFBPs were superior to the GRNN and the RBF for all directions. The PGA values obtained from the FFBP were modified by linear regression analysis. The results showed that these modifications increased the prediction performances.
CFD Approaches for Modelling Bubble Entrainment by an Impinging Jet
Authors: Schmidtke Martin , Lucas Dirk
Published: December 2008

This contribution
presents different approaches for the modeling
of gas entrainment under water by a plunging
jet. Since the generation of bubbles happens on
a scale which is smaller than the bubbles, this
process cannot be resolved in meso‐scale
simulations, which include the full length of
the jet and its environment. This is why the gas
entrainment has to be modeled in meso‐scale
simulations. In the frame of a Euler‐Euler
simulation, the local morphology of the phases
has to be considered in the drag model. For
example, the gas is a continuous phase above the
water level but bubbly below the water level.
Various drag models are tested and their
influence on the gas void fraction below the
water level is discussed.
The algebraic interface area density (AIAD) model applies a drag
coefficient for bubbles and a different drag coefficient for the
free surface. If the AIAD model is used for the simulation of
impinging jets, the gas entrainment depends on the free parameters
included in this model. The calculated gas entrainment can be
adapted via these parameters. Therefore, an advanced AIAD approach
could be used in future for the implementation of models (e.g.,
correlations) for the gas entrainment.
Erythropoietin Prevents Diabetes-Induced Podocyte Damage
Authors: Schiffer Mario , Park Joon-Keun , Tossidou Irini , Bartels Janina , Shushakova Nelli , Menne Jan , Fliser Danilo
Published: December 2008

Objective: Erythropoietin (EPO) has cytoprotective effects apart from its hematopoietic effects. We studied the effects of different EPO molecules on podocyte signaling in vitro and on podocyte survival in an experimental model of diabetic kidney injury (db/db mouse). Methods: We elucidated intracellular signaling by epoetin-β, darbepoetin-α, and the continuous erythropoietin receptor activator (CERA) in immortalized murine podocyte cultures. Moreover, we treated db/db micewith placebo or with CERA in a chronic (14-week) randomized controlled study. We also studied non-diabetic db/m mice as controls. Results: We could clearly demonstrate phosphorylation of the JAK/PI3K pathway and Akt signaling in podocytes by epoetin-β, darbepoetin-α and CERA. In the long-term animal study we found significantly reduced podocyte numbers in placebo-treated db/db mice compared to db/m control mice (7.4 ± 0.2 vs. 10.2 ± 0.9 per glomerular field; p < 0.05). Chronic CERA treatment ameliorated podocyte loss in kidneys of diabetic animals (8.5 ± 0.5 per glomerular field; p < 0.05 vs. placebo-treated db/db mice). Conclusion: EPO activates pro-survival intracellular pathways in podocytes in vitro, and ameliorates diabetes-induced podocyte loss in vivo. Chronic EPO administration may be a feasible way to protect podocyte from diabetic injury.
Drug Rash with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms after Chlorambucil Treatment in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia
Authors: Vaida I. , Roszkiewicz F. , Gruson B. , Makdassi R. , Damaj G.
Published: December 2008

Drug rash with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) is a severe cutaneous drug reaction with a long duration of eruption and serious organ involvement. The mortality rate has been estimated at about 10%. Aromatic anticonvulsants, sulphamides, minocycline and more rarely carbamazepine are the principal responsible drugs. We report the first case of chlorambucil-induced DRESS syndrome in a 70-year-old man recently diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia. He developed recurrent skin rash, fever, hypereosinophilia, and acute renal failure after rechallenge with chlorambucil. The condition improved slowly after stopping medication and systemic steroids. Prompt recognition of a chlorambucil drug reaction is essential in patients receiving chemotherapy.