bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inactivation of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS‐CoV) in plasma products using a riboflavin‐based and ultraviolet light‐based photochemical treatment
Authors: Keil Shawn D. , Bowen Richard , Marschner Susanne
Published: November 2016

BACKGROUND

Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS‐CoV) has been identified as a potential threat to the safety of blood products. The Mirasol Pathogen Reduction Technology System uses riboflavin and ultraviolet (UV) light to render blood‐borne pathogens noninfectious while maintaining blood product quality. Here, we report on the efficacy of riboflavin and UV light against MERS‐CoV when tested in human plasma.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

MERS‐CoV (EMC strain) was used to inoculate plasma units that then underwent treatment with riboflavin and UV light. The infectious titers of MERS‐CoV in the samples before and after treatment were determined by plaque assay on Vero cells. The treatments were initially performed in triplicate using pooled plasma (n = 3) and then repeated using individual plasma units (n = 6).

RESULTS

In both studies, riboflavin and UV light reduced the infectious titer of MERS‐CoV below the limit of detection. The mean log reductions in the viral titers were ≥4.07 and ≥4.42 for the pooled and individual donor plasma, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Riboflavin and UV light effectively reduced the titer of MERS‐CoV in human plasma products to below the limit of detection, suggesting that the treatment process may reduce the risk of transfusion transmission of MERS‐CoV.
Who Supports the ECB? Evidence from Eurobarometer Survey Data
Authors: Farvaque Etienne , Hayat Muhammad Azmat , Mihailov Alexander
Published: November 2016

This paper studies the determinants of the support for the European Central Bank (ECB) in the member countries of the European Monetary Union (EMU) and their evolution from 1999 to 2015. Our contribution is to examine micro‐level sociodemographic characteristics from the Eurobarometer surveys jointly with macroeconomic indicators of trust in a central bank in order to evaluate econometrically their relative importance over time. Pseudo‐panel logit estimates reveal that the former have a dynamically stable, and generally stronger influence taken altogether, when compared with the latter. Interestingly, we find that while expected inflation becomes a positive determinant of trust in the ECB after the global financial crisis (GFC), actual inflation gets no statistical significance. Having taken centre stage in the monetary policy debate in the Euro‐area post‐GFC and especially since 2013, excessive disinflation and risk of deflation attracted strong attention by the public and have consequently affected its perceptions about the ECB. Accordingly, our results emphasise forward lookingness of the EMU population with regard to ‘deflation scares’ in determining trust in the ECB, in addition to disentangling the contributions of the key individual‐level sociodemographic factors, and can duly inform ECB's communication strategy.
Cerebral haemodynamic response to somatosensory stimulation in near‐term fetal sheep
Authors: Nakamura S. , Walker D. W. , Wong F. Y.
Published: November 2016

Key points

Cerebral haemodynamic response to neural stimulation has been extensively investigated in animal and clinical studies, in both adult and paediatric populations, but little is known about cerebral haemodynamic functional response in the fetal brain.

The present study describes the cerebral haemodynamic response measured by near‐infrared spectroscopy to somatosensory stimulation in fetal sheep.

The cerebral haemodynamic response in the fetal sheep brain changes from a positive (increase in oxyhaemoglobin (oxyHb)) response pattern to a negative or biphasic response pattern when the duration of somatosensory stimulation is increased, probably due to cerebral vasoconstriction with prolonged stimulations.

In contrast to adult studies, we have found that changes in fetal cerebral blood flow and oxyHb are positively increased in response to somatosensory stimulation during hypercapnia. We propose this is related to reduced vascular resistance and recruitment of cerebral vasculature in the fetal brain during hypercapnia.

Functional hyperaemia induced by a localised increase in neuronal activity has been suggested to occur in the fetal brain owing to a positive blood oxygen level‐dependent (BOLD) signal recorded by functional magnetic resonance imaging following acoustic stimulation. To study the effect of somatosensory input on local cerebral perfusion we used near‐infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) in anaesthetised, partially exteriorised fetal sheep where the median nerve was stimulated with trains of pulses (2 ms, 3.3 Hz) for durations of 1.8, 4.8 and 7.8 s. Signal averaging of cerebral NIRS responses to 20 stimulus trains repeated every 60 s revealed that a short duration of stimulation (1.8 s) increased oxyhaemoglobin in the contralateral cortex consistent with a positive functional response, whereas longer durations of stimulation (4.8, 7.8 s) produced more variable oxyhaemoglobin responses including positive, negative and biphasic patterns of change. Mean arterial blood pressure and cerebral perfusion as monitored by laser Doppler flowmetry always showed small, but coincident increases following median nerve stimulation regardless of the type of response detected by the NIRS in the contralateral cortex. Hypercapnia significantly increased the baseline total haemoglobin and deoxyhaemoglobin, and in 7 of 8 fetal sheep positively increased the changes in contralateral total haemoglobin and oxyhaemoglobin in response to the 7.8 s stimulus train, compared to the response recorded during normocapnia. These results show that activity‐driven changes in cerebral perfusion and oxygen delivery are present in the fetal brain, and persist even during periods of hypercapnia‐induced cerebral vasodilatation.
Interplay among distinct Ca2+ conductances drives Ca2+ sparks/spontaneous transient outward currents in rat cerebral arteries
Authors: Hashad Ahmed M. , Mazumdar Neil , Romero Monica , Nygren Anders , Bigdely‐Shamloo Kamran , Harraz Osama F. , Puglisi Jose L. , Vigmond Edward J. , Wilson Sean M. , Welsh Donald G.
Published: November 2016

Key points

Distinct Ca2+ channels work in a coordinated manner to grade Ca2+ spark/spontaneous transient outward currents (STOCs) in rat cerebral arteries.

The relative contribution of each Ca2+ channel to Ca2+ spark/STOC production depends upon their biophysical properties and the resting membrane potential of smooth muscle.

Na+/Ca2+ exchanger, but not TRP channels, can also facilitate STOC production.

Ca2+ sparks are generated in a voltage‐dependent manner to initiate spontaneous transient outward currents (STOCs), events that moderate arterial constriction. In this study, we defined the mechanisms by which membrane depolarization increases Ca2+ sparks and subsequent STOC production. Using perforated patch clamp electrophysiology and rat cerebral arterial myocytes, we monitored STOCs in the presence and absence of agents that modulate Ca2+ entry. Beginning with CaV3.2 channel inhibition, Ni2+ was shown to decrease STOC frequency in cells held at hyperpolarized (−40 mV) but not depolarized (−20 mV) voltages. In contrast, nifedipine, a CaV1.2 inhibitor, markedly suppressed STOC frequency at −20 mV but not −40 mV. These findings aligned with the voltage‐dependent profiles of L‐ and T‐type Ca2+ channels. Furthermore, computational and experimental observations illustrated that Ca2+ spark production is intimately tied to the activity of both conductances. Intriguingly, this study observed residual STOC production at depolarized voltages that was independent of CaV1.2 and CaV3.2. This residual component was insensitive to TRPV4 channel modulation and was abolished by Na+/Ca2+ exchanger blockade. In summary, our work highlights that the voltage‐dependent triggering of Ca2+ sparks/STOCs is not tied to a single conductance but rather reflects an interplay among multiple Ca2+ permeable pores with distinct electrophysiological properties. This integrated orchestration enables smooth muscle to grade Ca2+ spark/STOC production and thus precisely tune negative electrical feedback.
Experimental Study on Analytical Models for Predicting the Horn Effect of a Tire/Road Interface
Authors: Zhang Yong-Bin , Chen Hua , Bi Chuan-Xing , Ma Gang , Gao Yu
Published: November 2016

The phenomenon that the tire/road noise is amplified when propagating outward from the hornlike geometry enveloped by the tire belt and the ground surface is referred to as the horn effect. In the present paper, three analytical models for predicting this so-called horn effect, which are a spherical model, a cylindrical model, and a model that combines the previous two models, are examined. Results from the three analytical models are compared with experimental results. Three different sizes of cylinders are designed for the measurements of the horn effect. Comparisons between predicted and measured results show that the cylindrical model gives comparatively accurate predictions of the horn amplification and interference pattern, but overestimates the horn amplifications at low frequencies. The spherical model can predict the general trend of the horn amplification, but underestimates the horn amplification and gives less accurate interference pattern. The combined model can accurately predict the horn amplification and interference pattern at frequencies below approximately 2 kHz.
Slip Flow in Eccentric Annuli
Authors: Alassar R. S.
Published: November 2016

A solution of the problem of Poiseuille slip flow through an eccentric cylindrical annulus is obtained in bipolar coordinates. The solution is in excellent agreement with the two published limiting cases of slip flow through concentric annuli and no-slip flow through eccentric annuli. It is shown that for a fixed aspect ratio, fully eccentric channels sustain the maximum average velocity (flow rate) under the same pressure gradient and slip conditions. For a given channel geometry, the average velocity varies linearly with Knudsen number except for small aspect ratio. It is also shown that the extrema of the friction factor Reynolds number product is determined by how this product is defined or scaled.
A Case Study of Augmenting Solar Power Generation With Thermal Energy Storage
Authors: Abutayeh Mohammad , Alazzam Anas , El-Khasawneh Bashar
Published: November 2016

A previously developed control scheme for thermal energy storage systems was coded and integrated into a previously developed annual performance model of Shams I to evaluate the consequences of incorporating a 2 GWhth capacity thermal energy storage system into the operation of the 100 MWe concentrated solar power plant. The existing solar field of Shams I was doubled in size to accommodate the proposed thermal energy storage system augmentation resulting in 157 GWhth of extra heat sent directly to the power block as well as 564 GWhth of residual heat sent to the thermal energy storage system for later use. Gross power generation was increased from 337 to 671 GWhe. The overall outcome of integrating the proposed thermal energy storage system into Shams I and applying its developed control scheme is increased and more streamlined supply of electricity in addition to reduced idle time. Despite integrating a 2 GWhth capacity thermal energy storage system into the operation of Shams I, model results showed that a non-stop 24-hour operation running at full load was difficult to achieve. In order to attain a non-stop operation, the size of the thermal energy storage must be increased or night time generation should be decreased.
Active Fluidized Bed Technology Used for Thermal Energy Storage
Authors: Steiner Peter , Schwaiger Karl , Walter Heimo , Haider Markus
Published: November 2016

A higher number of research institutions work on solutions for energy storage systems. Therefore a large number of differing approaches in competition among each other to develop storage technologies. At the TU-Wien, Institute for Energy Systems and Thermodynamics a novel thermal energy storage concept based on an active fluidized bed technology — the so called sandTES-heat exchanger technology — has been developed. The present paper describes the basic idea behind the key technology and the design methodology of a test rig in semi-industrial scale. In addition the results of selected preliminary experimental and numerical investigations are presented and discussed.
Study of Heat and Mass Transfer in MgCl2/NH3 Thermo-Chemical Batteries
Authors: Hedayat Mofidi Seyyed Ali , Udell Kent S.
Published: November 2016

Intermittency of sustainable energy or waste heat availability calls for energy storage systems such as thermal batteries. Thermo-chemical batteries are particularly appealing for energy storage applications due to their high energy densities and ability to store thermal energy as chemical energy for long periods of time without any energy loss. Thermo-chemical batteries based on a reversible solid-gas (MgCl2 - NH3) reactions and NH3 liquid-gas phase change are of specific interest since the kinetics of absorption are fast and the heat transfer rates for liquid — vapor phase change are high. Thus, a thermo-chemical battery based on reversible reaction between magnesium chloride and ammonia was studied.

Experimental studies were conducted on a reactor in which temperature profiles within the solid matrix and pressure and flow rates of gas were obtained during charging processes. A numerical model based on heat and mass transfer within the salt and salt-gas reactions was developed to simulate the absorption processes within the solid matrix and the results were compared with experimental data. The studies were used to determine dominant heat and mass transfer processes within the salt.

It is shown that for high permeability materials, heat transfer is the dominant factor in determining reaction rates. However increasing thermal conductivity might decrease permeability and reduce reaction rates. The effect of constraining mass flow rate on the temperature and reaction propagation is also studied. These results show that optimized heat and mass transfer within the solid-gas reactor will lead to improved performance for heating and air conditioning applications.
Design and Modeling of Light-Trapping Tubular Receiver Panels
Authors: Christian Joshua M. , Ortega Jesus D. , Ho Clifford K. , Yellowhair Julius
Published: November 2016

Multiple receiver designs have been evaluated for improved optics and efficiency gains including flat panel, vertical-finned flat panel, horizontal-finned flat panel, and radially finned. Ray tracing using SolTrace was performed to understand the light-trapping effects of the finned receivers. Re-reflections of the fins to other fins on the receiver were captured to give an overall effective solar absorptance.

The ray tracing, finite element analysis, and previous computational fluid dynamics showed that the horizontal-finned flat panel produced the most efficient receiver with increased light-trapping and lower overall heat loss. The effective solar absorptance was shown to increase from an intrinsic absorptance of 0.86 to 0.96 with ray trace models. The predicted thermal efficiency was shown in CFD models to be over 95%. The horizontal panels produce a re-circulating hot zone between the panel fins reducing convective loss resulting in a more efficient receiver. The analysis and design of these panels are described with additional engineering details on testing a flat panel receiver and the horizontal-finned receiver at the National Solar Thermal Test Facility. Design considerations include the structure for receiver testing, tube sizing, surrounding heat shielding, and machinery for cooling the receiver tubes.
Self-Sufficiency in an MCHP System Based on Local Demand and Supply Analysis
Authors: Ummenhofer Christoph D. , Olsen John , Page John , Roediger Tim
Published: November 2016

Micro-combined heat and power (MCHP) systems generate heat and electricity concurrently, making them an ideal addition for home and small/medium business owners to generate their own electricity and replace conventional natural gas-burning boilers. Combining MCHP units with thermal and electric storage systems can aid in decoupling supply and demand of energy. In such a combined setup, MCHP units can run for prolonged periods when they not only cover existing demand but charge storage systems for deferred consumption of energy. In the present work, we analyzed such an MCHP system, with a particular focus on integrating electrical storage systems and the resulting degree of electrical self-sufficiency achievable under realistic working conditions. We implemented a system control logic to optimize MCHP unit run time geared towards taking energy storage system charging levels into account. We demonstrate that an MCHP unit and electrical storage system can complement each other benefitting overall system performance. Separating days according to their respective degree of electrical self-sufficiency enabled us to identify supply composition characteristics that result in higher electrical load coverage by MCHP-generated electricity.
A Numerical Simulation Study for the Performance of a Multi-Purpose Large Solar Hot Water System Operated in Taiwan
Authors: Yang Ru , Yen Yu-Ting
Published: November 2016

There is rich solar energy in Taiwan, it also has a great developing potential for solar applications. Solar hot water is able to supply the domestic hot water, the heating load, and the driving energy for absorption cooing. In this paper, a computer simulation program for a multi-purpose solar hot water system providing hot water, winter heating and summer air-conditioning is established by TRNSYS program. Simulation study is done with varying parameters including collector area, storage capacity and type of collector (flat plate and evacuated tube). In order to study the system performance in Taiwan, system simulations are made under the climate data of three representative cities (Taipei in north, Taichung in central, and Kaohsiung in southern) of Taiwan. The results of the present study can provide important reference for the development of the multi-purpose solar hot water system.
A Review on Desiccant Coated Heat Exchangers
Authors: Saeed Asadullah , Al-Alili Ali
Published: November 2016

Fixed bed and rotatory desiccant systems have been widely studied and used for dehumidification; they suffer from decreasing sorption capacity as the desiccant’s temperature increases due to the released heat of adsorption. The desiccant coated heat exchangers (DCHX) overcome this limitation. Such heat exchangers are able to deliver combined heat and mass transfer between the process air and the working fluid. The process air can be cooled and dehumidified simultaneously by pumping cooling water/refrigerant in the DCHX. The DCHX has to be heated cyclically to regenerate the desiccant material. This paper presents a review on the studies conducted on air-to-liquid DCHX. It summarizes various modeling approaches used to simulate the performance of DCHX as well as the experimental studies conducted to validate these models. It also reviews the current and potential applications of these heat exchangers. Current work in this field consists of experiments conducted on the DCHX as standalone equipment (i.e. component level) as well as an integrated component into cooling and dehumidification systems (system level). The integration of the DCHX in such systems was found to improve the COP, leading to energy savings.
Evaluation of Hybrid Nuclear Energy Systems
Authors: McDaniel Robin J.
Published: November 2016

Small Modular Reactor (SMR) technologies have been recently deemed by the DOE as clean energy, a low carbon-dioxide emitting “alternative energy” source. Recent UN Sustainability Goals and Global Climate Talks to reduce the anthropomorphic Carbon-Dioxide atmospheric concentrations signal a renewed interest and need for nuclear power. The objective of this paper is to present an improved approach to the evaluation of “Hybrid Nuclear Energy Systems”. A hybrid energy system is defined as an energy system that utilizes two or more sources of energy to be used in single or multiple applications. Traditional single sourced energy or power systems require the amount of energy creation and the production of usable power to be carefully balanced. With the introduction of multiple energy sources, loads, and energy capacitors, the design, simulation, and operation of such hybrid systems requires a new approach to analysis and control. This paper introduces three examples of “Hybrid Nuclear Energy Systems”, for large scale power, industrial heat, and electricity generation. The system component independence, reliability, availability, and dynamic control aspects, coupled with component operational decisions presents a new way to optimize energy production and availability. Additional novel hybrid hydro-nuclear systems, concentrated solar-nuclear power desalination systems, and nuclear-insitu petroleum extraction systems are compared. The design aspects of such hybrid systems suitable for process heat, electricity generation, and/or desalination applications are discussed. After a multiple-year research study of past hybrid reactor designs and recent system proposals, the following design evaluation approach is the result of analysis of the best concepts discovered.

This review of existing literature has summerized that postulated benefits of Hybrid Nuclear Sytems are; reduced greenhouse gas emissions, increased energy conversion efficiency, high reliability of electricity supply and consistent power quality, reduced fossil fuel dependence, less fresh water consumption, conversion of local coal or shale into higher value fuels, while lowering the risks and costs.

As these proposed hybrid systems are interdisciplinary in nature, they will require a new multidisciplinary approach to systems evaluation.
Design and Analysis of Low-Cost Thermal Storage System for High Efficiency Concentrating Solar Power Plants
Authors: Nithyanandam Karthik , Barde Amey , Baghaei Lakeh Reza , Wirz Richard
Published: November 2016

The ability to efficiently and cost-effectively incorporate thermal energy storage (TES) systems is an important advantage of concentrating solar power (CSP) in comparison to other intermittent forms of renewable energy, such as wind or photovoltaics. As such, TES allows CSP plants to continue to provide electricity to the grid even at times when the resource (the sun) is not available, such as cloud transients or at night. Advanced power cycle systems with supercritical carbon dioxide (sCO2) as the working fluid provide high power conversion efficiency because of high temperatures attained, and less compression work and are being explored for integration with concentrating solar power plants. Currently, there is no cost-effective way to store energy at high temperatures (>565 degree Celsius). The present work analyzes the thermal performance of a novel, cost-effective thermal storage system based on elemental sulfur as the storage media. The analysis is based on a detailed system-level computational modeling of the complex conjugate heat transfer and fluid flow phenomena at multiple scales to provide a scientific basis for engineering, designing and optimizing the novel thermal storage system for transient operation. The validation of the computational model based on data from experiments and full-scale plant operation is also reported. Our studies have shown sulfur-based TES to be a promising candidate for high temperature CSP.
Optimum Design of Standalone Hybrid Energy Systems Minimizing Waste of Renewable Energy
Authors: Perera A. T. D.
Published: November 2016

The importance of integrating renewable energy sources into standalone energy systems is highlighted in recent literature. Maintaining energy efficiency is challenging in designing such hybrid energy systems (HES) due to seasonal variation of renewable energy potential. This study evaluates the limitations in minimizing the losses in renewable energy generated mainly due to energy storage limitations and minimizing fuel consumption of the internal combustion generator (ICG). A standalone hybrid energy system with Solar PV (SPV), wind, battery bank and an ICG is modeled and optimized in this work. Levelized Energy Cost (LEC), Waste of Renewable Energy (WRE) and Fuel Consumption (FC) are taken as objective functions. Results highlight the importance of considering WRE as an objective function which increase the mix of energy sources that can help to increase the reliability of the system.
Determining the Potential of Salinity Gradient Energy Source Using an Exergy Analysis
Authors: Emdadi Arash , Zenouzi Mansour , Kowalski Gregory J.
Published: November 2016

Mixing of fresh (river) water and salty water (seawater or saline brine) in a control fashion would produces an electrical energy known as salinity gradient energy (SGE). Two main conversion technologies of SGE are membrane-based processes; pressure retarded osmosis (PRO) and reverse electrodialysis (RED). In PRO, semipermeable membranes placed between the two streams of solutions allow the transport of water from low-pressure diluted solution to high-pressure concentrated solution. RED requires two alternating semipermeable membranes that allow the diffusion of the ions but not the flow of H2O. Lifetime and power density of the semipermeable membrane are two main factors affecting on deployment of PRO and RED. Semipermeable membranes with lifetime greater than 10 years and power density higher than 5 W/m2 would lead to faster development of this conversion technology.

An exergy analysis of an SGE system of sea-river can be applied to calculate the maximum potential power for electricity generation. Seawater is taken as reference environment (global dead state) for calculating the exergy of water since the seawater is the final reservoir. Once the fresh water is mixed with water of the sea or lake it becomes unuseful for human, agricultural or industrial uses loses all its exergy. Aqueous sodium chloride solution model is used in this study to calculate the thermodynamic properties of seawater. This model does not consider seawater as an ideal model and provides accurate thermodynamics properties of sodium chloride solution. As a case study, exergy calculation of Iran’s Urmia Lake-GadarChay River system. The chemical exergy analysis considers sodium chloride (NaCl) as main salt in the water of Lake Urmia. The sodium chloride concentration is more than 200 g/L in recent years. Based on the exergy results the potential power of this system is 329 MW. This results indicates a high potential for constructing power plant for salinity gradient energy conversion.
Particle Conveyer for Solar Thermo-Chemical Processes and Related Solid Heat Recovery Systems
Authors: Brendelberger Stefan , Felinks Jan , Kolb Dominik , Sattler Christian
Published: November 2016

On the way to a de-carbonized economy by 2050 new technologies have to be developed and deployed into the market. In solar driven thermochemical processes concentrated solar radiation is used as a renewable high temperature heat source to drive a chemical reaction. These processes are promising pathways for the production of gaseous and liquid fuels and therefore they can provide sustainable chemical energy carriers with inherent long-term storage capabilities. Amongst these processes, redox cycles for the production of syngas from water and carbon dioxide received considerable interest due to their high theoretical process efficiencies. In these processes a redox material is reduced using high temperature heat which is provided by concentrated solar radiation. In a second reaction, at considerably lower temperatures, the redox material is oxidized while splitting water or carbon dioxide. One requirement for the design of efficient redox processes is a high recovery rate of the sensible heat of the solid redox material. In recent redox process concepts the use of inert heat transfer particles in combination with a particulate redox material has been proposed. Amongst other benefits this methodology allows to recover heat from the redox material. A corresponding solid-solid heat recovery system is under development. In a single stage the heat recovery unit acts as a co-current heat exchanger. By combining several units and by using a proper flow path a quasi-counter-current heat exchanger can be obtained. Such a heat recovery system requires that particles are lifted at temperatures well above 1100°C. These high temperatures require a simple design, decent thermal insulation and the thermal shielding of all moving parts and engine. The present work is dealing with the development of a respective conveying system which can be operated at the targeted temperatures, while heat losses are prevented as far as possible. A lab scale version of the conveyer is constructed and tested. A numerical model of the conveyer is developed and validated using results of an experimental campaign with particles at 1150°C. The next step in the assessment of the conveyer system is the analysis of the performance of a scale up version. A generic process analysis will be conducted to obtain operational and design requirements of the scale up conveyer. A detailed scale up version is developed accordingly and the validated numerical model is applied to this design to predict the heat losses during the particle lifting and to discuss their impact on the total process performance.
Investigation of Fast Pyrolysis of Camelina Sativa Meal in an Auger Reactor
Authors: Almberg Evan R. , Michna Gregory J. , Gent Stephen P.
Published: November 2016

Fast pyrolysis is one method of creating bio-oil from biomass such as native prairie grasses, corn stover, and other organic commercial and industrial byproducts. In this study, fast pyrolysis of camelina (Camelina sativa) meal feedstock was performed in an auger-type reactor. End products of the processing consisted of bio-char and condensed vapor in the form of bio-oil (ranging from liquid to highly viscous tar-like products). The bio-oil produced in the reactor was collected and analyzed to determine the effects of reactor and condenser temperatures on the properties of the bio-oil produced. Five reactor temperatures and two condenser temperatures were investigated in this study. The rheological properties of the bio-oil samples were analyzed, water content was determined with the Karl Fisher method, energy content was measured with a bomb calorimeter, and acidity was determined using a total acid titration test. The aging characteristics of the bio-oil were also investigated at seven days, fourteen days, and twenty-eight days after the oil was created to determine what effect, if any, time had on the its properties. Preliminary results indicated that products of the camelina meal pyrolysis process were more uniform when compared to that of other feedstocks (e.g. carinata meal, corn stover), yielding more consistent bio-oil characteristics.
Analysis of Heat Transfer From a Photobioreactor
Authors: Anderson Gary A. , Katuwal Sarmila , Kommareddy Anil , Gent Stephen
Published: November 2016

A photobioreactor (PBR) was operated for sixteen days producing S. Leopoliensis. The PBR was lit by two LED panels, one on each of the long sides of the PBR. The PBR dimensions were nominally 51mm by 273mm with a height of 319mm (273mm liquid depth). Each LED panel was powered at 14.1W (11.2V and 1.26A). Measurements of ambient temperature, ambient relative humidity, water loss from the PBR, relative humidity of the exhaust gas from the PBR, air flow rate through the PBR, air pressure in the plenum, growth medium temperature, and LED panel temperature were made approximately daily. Measurements show that the growth medium (water) temperature was relatively insensitive to the ambient temperature which varied from 22.7C to 33.6C. The medium temperature ranged from 23.9C (beginning of the test) to 40.6C. The medium temperature mirrored the LED panel temperature staying 2–4C below the LED panel temperature after the first day. The elevated LED panel temperature was likely due to the inefficiency of the LED lights and the fact that much of the light passing through the reactor volume was incident on the LED panel on the opposite side of the reactor. The panels are black in color and absorbed a significant portion of the light passing through the reactor volume. The air flow rate through the PBR ranged from 1.33×10−5m3/s to 1.67×10−5m3/s. The parallel between panel temperature and PBR medium temperature indicate that the amount of air moving through the PBR was insufficient to affect the medium temperature significantly. The heat loss from the PBR to the ambient environment was also small likely due to the small area available to heat loss to the environment when the PBR walls with the LED panels are excluded. The LED panels covered nominally 88% of the PBR reactor volume area. The measured data and measurements of light intensity passing through the two short walls of the panel will be used to estimate heat loss parameters of the PBR. The exhaust air from the PBR varied from 42.6% to 99.1% with the higher measurements occurring days 6–11. Estimates of the energy stored in the algal biomass are also evaluated in the analysis.
Thermal Management and Enhancement of Adsorption Based Onboard Hydrogen Storage System
Authors: Wang Hailei , Miller Daniel C.
Published: November 2016

Although hydrogen has one of the highest specific energies, its energy density in terms of volume is very poor compared to liquid fuels. Thus to achieve attractive energy density for hydrogen, either high pressure compression or a storage method is needed. For onboard (vehicles) hydrogen storage, up to 700 bars are needed for commercial fuel cell vehicles. This creates extreme requirements for material strength and thus safety concerns. A new metal-organic framework (MOF-5) was selected as the adsorbent for H2 storage, as it provides promising storage capacity and is commercially available. Under the same H2 storage capacity and tank volume, the adsorption system is expected several folds reduction in pressure. Under the current study, a unique Modular Adsorbing Tank Insert (MATI) design paired with conduction enhanced compressed MOF-5 beds was introduced and experimentally compared for thermal performance, which determines system charge and discharge cycle times.
Cerium oxide based nanozymes: Redox phenomenon at biointerfaces
Authors: Singh Sanjay
Published: November 2016

Cerium oxide nanoparticles (nanoceria) are known to exhibit enzymelike activity, such as biological catalase, oxidase, superoxide dismutase, and peroxidase enzymelike activities. Catalytically active nanoceria offer several advantages over natural enzymes, such as controlled synthesis at low cost, tunable catalytic activities, as well as high stability against stringent physiological conditions. Exploiting these properties, several biomedical applications, such as biosensing, immunoassay, drug delivery, radiation protection, and tissue engineering, have been maneuvered. This review article provides a comprehensive summary of reported biological enzymelike activities of nanoceria and the possible mechanism of catalysis. It is also discussed that what physicochemical properties (surface charge, size, surface chemistry, and enzymelike activity) of nanoceria are altered when exposed to biologically relevant buffers and even in the mammalian cell cytoplasm. Based on various reports provided in the literature, these important issues need to be addressed. It has also been deliberated that in mammalian cells variations in properties of nanoceria observed are due to the intrinsic catalytic activity or as a result of downstream effects that could have emerged after the particles have interacted with biologic/environmental components. Such studies could be helpful in providing a better understanding the nanoceria's multienzyme-like activities and potential applications in the biomedical fields with special reference to damaging effects of free radicals in biological systems.
Energy accommodation coefficient extracted from acoustic resonator experiments
Authors: Sharipov Felix , Moldover Michael R.
Published: November 2016

The authors review values of the temperature jump coefficient ζT determined from measurements of the acoustic resonance frequencies facoust of helium-filled and argon-filled, spherical cavities near ambient temperature. The authors combine these values of ζT with literature data for tangential momentum accommodation coefficient (TMAC) and the Cercignani-Lampis model of the gas–surface interaction to obtain measurement-derived values of the normal energy accommodation coefficient (NEAC). The authors found that NEAC ranges from 0 to 0.1 for helium and from 0.61 to 0.85 for argon at ambient temperature for several different surfaces. The authors suggest that measurements of facoust of gas-filled, cylindrical cavities and of the nonradial modes of quasispherical cavities might separately determine TMAC and NEAC. Alternatively, TMAC and NEAC could be determined by measuring the heat transfer and momentum transfer between parallel rotating disks at low pressure.
A preclinical microbeam facility with a conventional x‐ray tube
Authors: Bartzsch Stefan , Cummings Craig , Eismann Stephan , Oelfke Uwe
Published: November 2016

Purpose:

Microbeam radiation therapy is an innovative treatment approach in radiation therapy that uses arrays of a few tens of micrometer wide and a few hundreds of micrometer spaced planar x‐ray beams as treatment fields. In preclinical studies these fields efficiently eradicated tumors while normal tissue could effectively be spared. However, development and clinical application of microbeam radiation therapy is impeded by a lack of suitable small scale sources. Until now, only large synchrotrons provide appropriate beam properties for the production of microbeams.

Methods:

In this work, a conventional x‐ray tube with a small focal spot and a specially designed collimator are used to produce microbeams for preclinical research. The applicability of the developed source is demonstrated in a pilot in vitro experiment. The properties of the produced radiation field are characterized by radiochromic film dosimetry.

Results:

50 μm wide and 400 μm spaced microbeams were produced in a 20 × 20 mm2 sized microbeam field. The peak to valley dose ratio ranged from 15.5 to 30, which is comparable to values obtained at synchrotrons. A dose rate of up to 300 mGy/s was achieved in the microbeam peaks. Analysis of DNA double strand repair and cell cycle distribution after in vitro exposures of pancreatic cancer cells (Panc1) at the x‐ray tube and the European Synchrotron leads to similar results. In particular, a reduced G2 cell cycle arrest is observed in cells in the microbeam peak region.

Conclusions:

At its current stage, the source is restricted to in vitro applications. However, moderate modifications of the setup may soon allow in vivo research in mice and rats.
Automatic segmentation of right ventricle in cardiac cine MR images using a saliency analysis
Authors: Atehortúa Angélica , Zuluaga Maria A. , García Juan D. , Romero Eduardo
Published: November 2016

Purpose:

Accurate measurement of the right ventricle (RV) volume is important for the assessment of the ventricular function and a biomarker of the progression of any cardiovascular disease. However, the high RV variability makes difficult a proper delineation of the myocardium wall. This paper introduces a new automatic method for segmenting the RV volume from short axis cardiac magnetic resonance (MR) images by a salient analysis of temporal and spatial observations.

Methods:

The RV volume estimation starts by localizing the heart as the region with the most coherent motion during the cardiac cycle. Afterward, the ventricular chambers are identified at the basal level using the isodata algorithm, the right ventricle extracted, and its centroid computed. A series of radial intensity profiles, traced from this centroid, is used to search a salient intensity pattern that models the inner–outer myocardium boundary. This process is iteratively applied toward the apex, using the segmentation of the previous slice as a regularizer. The consecutive 2D segmentations are added together to obtain the final RV endocardium volume that serves to estimate also the epicardium.

Results:

Experiments performed with a public dataset, provided by the RV segmentation challenge in cardiac MRI, demonstrated that this method is highly competitive with respect to the state of the art, obtaining a Dice score of 0.87, and a Hausdorff distance of 7.26 mm while a whole volume was segmented in about 3 s.

Conclusions:

The proposed method provides an useful delineation of the RV shape using only the spatial and temporal information of the cine MR images. This methodology may be used by the expert to achieve cardiac indicators of the right ventricle function.
An Impacted Tibial Plateau Fracture in an Adolescent Diver: A Case Report
Authors: Edler Jessica R. , Games Kenneth E. , Eberman Lindsey E. , Kahanov Leamor
Published: November 2016

The tibial plateau is a critical load-bearing surface in humans. Although tibial plateau fractures represent only 1% of all fractures, proper management by all members of the health care team, including athletic trainers, physicians, and physical therapists, is required for successful patient outcomes. A 14-year-old national-level competitive female diver injured her right knee during the precompetition warm-up period. Upon evaluation by an athletic trainer, the patient was referred for imaging and examination by a physician. She was seen by an orthopedic surgeon for consultation. The patient elected for a surgical repair of the tibial plateau fracture. Following surgery she underwent an 11-week comprehensive therapeutic exercise program with athletic trainers and physical therapists. The patient’s return-to-play progression included dry land activities, platform diving, 1-m springboard diving, and 3-m springboard diving. The patient has successfully returned to competitive diving. Proper identification of tibial fractures can be difficult considering their low occurrence in youth and their similar clinical presentation to more common youth injuries such as anterior cruciate ligament ruptures. Clinicians providing immediate on-site medical care should be thorough in their clinical exam including palpation and axial loading of the joint.
Withdrawn Behavior, Leisure-Time Exercise Behavior, and Screen-Time Sedentary Behavior in a Clinical Sample of Youth
Authors: Schreck Meghan , Althoff Robert , Bartels Meike , Geus Eco de , Sibold Jeremy , Giummo Christine , Rubin David , Hudziak James
Published: November 2016

Few studies have explored the relation between withdrawn behavior (WB) and exercise and screen time. The current study used exploratory factor analysis to examine the factor structure of leisure-time exercise behavior (LTEB) and screentime sedentary behavior (STSB) in a clinical sample of youth. Structural equation modeling was employed to investigate the relations between WB and LTEB and STSB, conditional on gender. WB was assessed using the Child Behavior Checklist, and LTEB and STSB were measured using the Vermont Health Behavior Questionnaire. LTEB and STSB emerged as two separate factors. Gender moderated the structure of STSB only. For boys and girls, WB was inversely related to LTEB but not significantly related to STSB. LTEB and STSB are best represented as distinct, uncorrelated constructs. In addition, withdrawn youth may be at risk for poor health outcomes due to lower rates of LTEB. Mental health clinicians, sports psychologists, and related providers may be uniquely qualified to enhance motivation for sports participation in withdrawn youth.
Resolving
TYK2
locus genotype-to-phenotype differences in autoimmunity
Authors: Dendrou Calliope A. , Cortes Adrian , Shipman Lydia , Evans Hayley G. , Attfield Kathrine E. , Jostins Luke , Barber Thomas , Kaur Gurman , Kuttikkatte Subita Balaram , Leach Oliver A. , Desel Christiane , Faergeman Soren L. , Cheeseman Jane , Neville Matt J. , Sawcer Stephen , Compston Alastair , Johnson Adam R. , Everett Christine , Bell John I. , Karpe Fredrik , Ultsch Mark , Eigenbrot Charles , McVean Gil , Fugger Lars
Published: November 2016

Resolving
TYK2
locus genotype-to-phenotype differences reveals an immune signaling optimum that may be exploited therapeutically for treating autoimmune diseases.
Fetal genome profiling at 5 weeks of gestation after noninvasive isolation of trophoblast cells from the endocervical canal
Authors: Jain Chandni V. , Kadam Leena , van Dijk Marie , Kohan-Ghadr Hamid-Reza , Kilburn Brian A. , Hartman Craig , Mazzorana Vicki , Visser Allerdien , Hertz Michael , Bolnick Alan D. , Fritz Rani , Armant D. Randall , Drewlo Sascha
Published: November 2016

Fetal trophoblast cells obtained noninvasively early in gestation provided fetal DNA for comprehensive targeted sequencing across the genome.
Sleepy, leaky gut
Authors: Lucey Brendan P.
Published: November 2016

Chronic sleep disruption leads to alteration of gut microbiota, systemic and adipose tissue inflammation, and insulin resistance in mice.
An apple a day may not keep the doctor away, if you have AML
Authors: Gill Saar
Published: November 2016

When glucose demand outstrips supply, AML cells use fructose for fuel instead, as a metabolic adaptation that could represent a therapeutic vulnerability.
Ferrochelatase from Rhodopseudomonas sphaeroides: substrate specificity and role of sulfhydryl and arginyl residues
Authors: Dailey H A , Fleming J E , Harbin B M
Published: November 2016

Purified ferrochelatase (protoheme ferrolyase; EC 4.99.1.1) from the bacterium Rhodopseudomonas sphaeroides was examined to determine the roles of cationic and sulfhydryl residues in substrate binding. Reaction of the enzyme sulfhydryl residues with N-ethylmaleimide or monobromobimane resulted in a rapid loss of enzyme activity. Ferrous iron, but not porphyrin substrate, had a protective effect against inactivation by these two reagents. Quantitation with 3H-labeled N-ethylmaleimide revealed that inactivation required one to two sulfhydryl groups to be modified. Modification of arginyl residues with either 2,3-butanedione or camphorquinone 10-sulfonate resulted in a loss of ferrochelatase activity. A kinetic analysis of the modified enzyme showed that the Km for ferrous iron was not altered but that the Km for the porphyrin substrate was increased. These data suggested that arginyl residues may be involved in porphyrin binding, possibly via charge pair interactions between the arginyl residue and the anionic porphyrin propionate side chain. Modification of lysyl residues had no effect on enzyme activity. We also examined the ability of bacterial ferrochelatase to use various 2,4-disubstituted porphyrins as substrates. We found that 2,4-bis-acetal- and 2,4-disulfonate deuteroporphyrins were effective substrates for the purified bacterial enzyme and that N-methylprotoporphyrin was an effective inhibitor of the enzyme. Our data for the ferrochelatase of R. sphaeroides are compared with previously published data for the eucaryotic enzyme.