bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Skin involvement as the first manifestation of breast implant‐associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma
Authors: Alcalá Rebeca , Llombart Beatriz , Lavernia Javier , Traves Víctor , Guillén Carlos , Sanmartín Onofre
Published: March 2016

Breast implant‐associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) is a newly described clinical and pathologic entity that typically presents as seroma in the fibrous scar around the implant. Less frequently, it presents as a solid peri‐implant mass, and there have been no reports to date of cutaneous lesions as the presenting manifestation.

We report the case of a 56‐year‐old woman with a history of bilateral breast reconstruction following breast cancer of the right breast who consulted with several papules on the right breast suggestive of metastasis. Histopathology showed a proliferation of large epithelioid lymphocytes with highly pleomorphic cells and nuclei. The neoplastic cells were CD15 and CD30 positive and ALK‐1 negative. The epithelial markers were all negative except for epithelial membrane antigen (EMA), which was weakly positive. Molecular analysis showed monoclonal T‐cell receptor γ gene rearrangement, confirming a diagnosis of breast implant‐associated ALCL.

The non‐specific morphology of the skin lesions, the epithelioid nature of the neoplastic cells and the expression of EMA can lead to an erroneous diagnosis of skin metastases from a poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma of the breast. We recommend immunohistochemical staining for CD30 and ALK‐1 for patients with breast implants who develop anaplastic lesions.
Diversity and bioactivity of bacterial endophyte community of Cupressaceae
Authors: Soltani J. , Zaheri‐Shoja M. , Hamzei J. , Hosseyni‐Moghaddam M. S. , Pakvaz S.
Published: March 2016

The plant family Cupressaceae (Coniferales) harbours diverse endophytic fungi with antifungal, antibacterial and antiproliferative activities. Here, endophytic association of a broad bacterial community with the healthy foliar tissues of Cupressus arizonica, Cupressus sempervirens, Juniperus communis and Thuja orientalis (Cupressaceae) is shown. We isolated over 69 endophytic bacterial strains of Proteobacteria, Bacilli and Actinobacteria from Cupressaceae. The initial screening for antifungal activity against Pyricularia oryzae identified eleven superior bacterial strains which were identified as Brevundimonas diminuta CAE24 (G−, Caulobacteraceae, Alphaproteobacteria); Stenotrophomonas maltophilia CAE23, CSE4, CSE12, CSE42, CSE49 and CSE62 (G−, Xanthomonadaceae, Gammaproteobacteria); Bacillus pumilus CSE66 and Bacillus subtilis POE26 (G+, Bacillaceae, Bacilli); and Microbacterium resistens CSE19 (G+, Microbacteriaceae, Actinobacteria). The dominant isolated bacterial species was S. maltophilia. This species represented 63.6% of the superior strains which was ubiquitous and also non‐host specific. In addition, the superior bacterial strains produced bioactive secondary metabolites and volatile compounds (VOCs) with antifungal activity against the fungal pathogens of Cupressaceae, that is Diplodia seriata, Phaeobotryon cupressi and Spencermartinsia viticola. The antagonistic activity of the endophytic bacteria on the target fungi was also confirmed in vitro. To our knowledge, this is the first to document such an endophytic bacterial community in Cupressaceae and its bioactivity. These findings may find application in organic agroforestry for plant disease biocontrol and in biopharmacy for lead molecule discovery.
Comparative analysis of pathways to early intervention services and duration of untreated psychosis in two Canadian cities
Authors: Flora Nina , Anderson Kelly K. , Ferrari Manuela , Tuck Andrew , Archie Suzanne , Kidd Sean , McKenzie Kwame ,   behalf of the ACE Project Team
Published: March 2016

Aim

Understanding pathways to early intervention services for psychosis in the local context is crucial, as the structure and organization of services need to be considered. This study compared pathways to early intervention services in two Canadian cities.

Methods

Data on pathways to care and duration of untreated psychosis were collected from 171 people admitted to early intervention services in Toronto (n = 150) and Hamilton (n = 21). We compared the cities on several indicators of pathway to care and duration of untreated psychosis.

Results

Pathways to care were more complex in Toronto, where people saw a greater number of health care services (median = 6, interquartile range = 3–9) than those in Hamilton (median = 3, IQR = 1–4). General practitioner involvement was higher in Toronto (56.0% vs. 33.3%). We did not find differences in the median duration of untreated psychosis.

Conclusions

Pathways to early intervention services could be streamlined, and general practitioners may be a target for strategies to improve pathways to care.
Trends and management implications of human‐influenced life‐history changes in marine ectotherms
Authors: Audzijonyte Asta , Fulton Elizabeth , Haddon Malcolm , Helidoniotis Fay , Hobday Alistair J , Kuparinen Anna , Morrongiello John , Smith Anthony DM , Upston Judy , Waples Robin S
Published: March 2016

Evidence is accumulating that many marine ectotherms are undergoing rapid changes in their life‐history characteristics. These changes have been variously attributed to fisheries‐induced evolution, inhibited adult growth rate due to oxygen limitation at higher temperatures, and plastic responses to density dependence or changes in ocean productivity. Here, we review the diverse underlying mechanisms by which plastic and evolutionary responses to climate change and fisheries are likely to produce similar life‐history trends in harvested marine ectotherms, leading to faster life‐histories with earlier maturation and smaller adult size‐at‐age. While mechanistically understanding these growth and maturation changes may be difficult, it is becoming clear that changing life‐histories will lead to modified population dynamics, productivity and natural mortality of the affected species. We discuss how the observed and expected life‐history changes could affect the assumptions and uncertainty within single and multispecies models currently used in marine ecosystem management, highlighting that models which allow for dynamic life‐history traits often report significantly different estimates of stock biomass. Given that both climate‐ and harvest‐induced life‐history changes are likely to intensify and possibly amplify each other, there is an urgent need to adequately assess the implications of faster life‐histories for marine ecosystem management. This is especially true for data‐poor stocks, where growth and maturation are not regularly assessed. Targeted monitoring can be used to inform responsive management, but for improved sustainability outcomes, a precautionary approach to management that is robust to life‐history trends is advised.
Leaf litter decomposition in remote oceanic island streams is driven by microbes and depends on litter quality and environmental conditions
Authors: Ferreira Verónica , Raposeiro Pedro M. , Pereira Ana , Cruz Ana M. , Costa Ana C. , Graça Manuel A. S. , Gonçalves Vítor
Published: March 2016

Leaf litter decomposition is an important process in many streams. The flow of carbon and nutrients to higher trophic levels generally depends on litter characteristics and environmental conditions, and is driven by the activities of microbes and invertebrate shredders. However, little is known about what drives litter decomposition in oceanic islands, where invertebrate communities are species‐poor.

In this study, we assessed the relative importance of litter quality and environmental conditions on the biological colonisation and decomposition of litter exposed to and protected from macroinvertebrates, in the Azores archipelago, North Atlantic Ocean. Three leaf litter species with distinct physical and chemical characteristics (Acacia melanoxylon, Clethra arborea and Pittosporum undulatum) were incubated in six streams with distinct water characteristics. Coarse and fine mesh bags were used to isolate the relative role of macroinvertebrates on litter decomposition. Incubation of litter took place in late spring – early summer and lasted for up to 56 days.

No significant differences in litter decomposition rates were found between coarse and fine mesh bags suggesting that microbes, especially aquatic hyphomycetes, are the key players in litter decomposition in these island streams.

Litter decomposition rates were inversely proportional to initial lignin concentration: A. melanoxylon 0.0080 day−1, C. arborea 0.0121 day−1, P. undulatum 0.0292 day−1, on average across streams.

Litter decomposition rates and associated decomposers differed among streams, suggesting that environmental conditions (e.g. nutrient concentration) may be important moderators of biological activities in these streams, as found for continental streams.

Species richness, fungal biomass and reproductive activity of aquatic hyphomycetes on decomposing litter were recorded in Atlantic islands for the first time and were at levels similar to those found for continental streams.

High microbial activities in Atlantic island streams ensure litter decomposition when shredder abundance is low.
Evidence for horizontal transfer of a recently active Academ transposon
Authors: Zhang H.‐H. , Shen Y.‐H. , Xiong X.‐M. , Han M.‐J. , Qi D.‐W. , Zhang X.‐G.
Published: March 2016

Horizontal transfer (HT), the exchange of genetic material between species, plays important roles in transposon biology and genome evolution. In this study, we provide the first documented example of a new Academ transposon involved in recent and distant HTs into the genomes of species belonging to seven different orders of insects: Lepidoptera, Hymenoptera, Neuroptera, Embioptera, Dermaptera, Trichoptera and Zoraptera. These results suggest that HT of DNA transposons amongst insects has occurred on a broader scale than previously appreciated. The Academ transposon discovered in the Lepidoptera and parasitic wasps is of particular interest because the intimate association between wasps and their lepidopteran hosts might provide an opportunity for HT of transposons.
Sublethal effect of beta‐cypermethrin on development and fertility of the Asian multicoloured ladybird beetle Harmonia axyridis
Authors: Xiao D. , Zhao J. , Guo X. , Li S. , Zhang F. , Wang S.
Published: March 2016

The Asian multicoloured ladybird beetle, Harmonia axyridis, is utilized as a major natural enemy of aphids in the field, greenhouses and orchards. However, it has been looked as invasive predator distributing in worldwide. To refine integrated pest management (IPM) against aphids, it is important to evaluate the effects of insecticides on physiology and behaviour of the high adapted predators. Beta‐cypermethrin, a broad‐spectrum insecticide, not only kills aphids at lethal concentrations but also affects natural enemy of aphids. In our study, the age‐stage, two‐sex life table was used to evaluating sublethal effects of beta‐cypermethrin on the predatory ladybird beetle H. axyridis. In the parent generation, the pre‐oviposition period of H. axyridis was significantly shortened (8.93 days) after exposure to LC5 beta‐cypermethrin (5% lethal concentration) as compared with control (10.06 days). However, the oviposition period was significantly longer (46.17 days instead of 43.90 days), and fecundity (eggs per female) was significantly increased by 49.64% when compared with control. In the F1 generation, the length of the juvenile stage was not affected, but the oviposition period increased significantly (38.19 days compared to 31.39 days in the control). This positive effect was translated to the fecundity that increased significantly by 62.27% as compared with control. According to the life‐table analysis, the intrinsic rate of increase (rm) was significantly higher in treatment (0.140 per day) than that in the control (0.123 per day). In addition, the net reproductive rate (R0) increased significantly by 91.53%. These results would be useful in assessing the overall effects of beta‐cypermethrin on H. axyridis and even for discussing the ecological mechanism of the unexpected extension of H. axyridis during IPM programme.
Early‐stage sea lice recruits on Atlantic salmon are freshwater sensitive
Authors: Wright D W , Oppedal F , Dempster T
Published: March 2016

Sea lice are significant parasites of marine and brackish farmed fishes. Freshwater bathing is a potential control option against numerous sea lice species, although has been viewed as futile against those that are capable of tolerating freshwater for extended periods. By comparing freshwater survival times across host‐attached stages of Lepeophtheirus salmonis (Krøyer), a key parasite in Atlantic salmon farming, we show the first attached (copepodid) stage undergoes 96–100% mortality after 1 h in freshwater, whereas later attached stages can tolerate up to 8 days. Thus, regular freshwater bathing methods targeting the more susceptible attached copepodid stage may successfully treat against L. salmonis and potentially other sea lice on fish cultured in marine and brackish waters.
Stereotypes about Old Age, Social Support, Aging Anxiety and Evaluations of One's Own Health
Authors: Ramírez Luisa , Palacios‐Espinosa Ximena
Published: March 2016

As the aging population in Colombia grows, caring for older adults falls not just to family but also to the community including friends and religious organizations. While there is very little research on ageism in Colombia, it is increasingly urgent to understand the role of social support of the growing older population. Two studies were conducted with a community sample in Bogotá, Colombia. In a pilot study, we developed a measure of positive and negative stereotyping of older adults. In the main study with participants aged between 54 and 83, we explored the relations among endorsement of positive and negative stereotypes, anxiety about aging, perceived and expected physical and mental health, and expectations of social support. We found that perceived lack of social support and negative stereotyping significantly predict more anxiety towards aging, while positive evaluations of one's own mental health predict less anxiety. Surprisingly, greater expectations of social support predict more aging anxiety. In turn, aging anxiety and positive stereotyping predicted evaluations of mental (but not physical) health. Additionally, poorer evaluations of physical health, aging anxiety and negative stereotyping (though only marginally) significantly predict greater expectations of social support. Implications of the findings are discussed.
The Age of Ageism
Authors: Nelson Todd D.
Published: March 2016

This article discusses how research on ageism has gained more attention, especially as the baby boomers have started retiring, shepherding in an era that some call “the graying of America.” As the population of the country aged 65 and over is projected to double by 2030, it is especially important to study and help reduce age prejudice, so that the lives of older people can be improved. The papers presented in this issue represent some of the best empirical and theoretical work on the influence of ageism on the workplace environment and on healthcare for the older adult. These papers are summarized, and their recommendations for change in policy, law, and education are further highlighted.
Chromic oxide and acid‐insoluble ash as markers in digestibility studies with growing pigs and sows
Authors: Brestenský M. , Nitrayová S. , Heger J. , Patráš P.
Published: March 2016

The results of three experiments, focused on the determination of endogenous ileal flow (EIF) of amino acids (AA) and nitrogen (N) (Exp. 1), apparent ileal digestibility (AID) of AA and N (Exp. 2), and apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), N, calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P) (Exps. 2 and 3), were used to compare chromic oxide (Cr2O3) and acid‐insoluble ash (AIA) as digestibility markers. In Exps. 1 and 2, a total of six gilts fitted with T‐cannula in terminal ileum, and in Exp. 3, a total of 24 pregnant sows were used. In Exps. 1 and 2, the pigs were assigned into four dietary treatments according to 4 × 6 crossover design (Exp. 1; diets with 0%, 4%, 8% and 12% of casein; Exp. 2 basal diet with different levels of phytase). In Exp. 3, the sows were assigned to four dietary treatments (basal diet with different levels of phytase) of six sows. In Exps. 1 and 2 ileal digesta and in Exps. 2 and 3 faeces were collected for the determination of EIF, AID and ATTD. Differences in EIF of AA determined by Cr2O3 and AIA ranged (p ˃ 0.05) from −4.62 to 4.54%. The lowest EIF was for methionine and the greatest one for proline, determined by both markers. Apparent ileal digestibility determined by Cr2O3 was slightly greater (p ˃ 0.05) in comparison with AIA. Differences ranged from 1.88% (Arg) to 7.08% (Gly). The greatest AID was for arginine and the lowest one for glycine, determined by both Cr2O3 and AIA. Similarly for ATTD of DM, OM, N, Ca and P, there were no differences in digestibility determined by Cr2O3 and AIA. Both, Cr2O3 and AIA, are suitable and comparable markers for digestibility studies in pigs.
A computational framework for mapping the timing of vegetative phase change
Authors: Xu Meng , Jiang Libo , Zhu Sheng , Zhou Chunguo , Ye Meixia , Mao Ke , Sun Lidan , Su Xiaohua , Pan Huixin , Zhang Shougong , Huang Minren , Wu Rongling
Published: March 2016

Phase change plays a prominent role in determining the form of growth and development. Although considerable attention has been focused on identifying the regulatory control mechanisms of phase change, a detailed understanding of the genetic architecture of this phenomenon is still lacking.

We address this issue by deriving a computational model. The model is founded on the framework of functional mapping aimed at characterizing the interplay between quantitative trait loci (QTLs) and development through biologically meaningful mathematical equations.

A multiphasic growth equation was implemented into functional mapping, which, via a series of hypothesis tests, allows the quantification of how QTLs regulate the timing and pattern of vegetative phase transition between independently regulated, temporally coordinated processes. The model was applied to analyze stem radial growth data of an interspecific hybrid family derived from two Populus species during the first 24 yr of ontogeny. Several key QTLs related to phase change have been characterized, most of which were observed to be in the adjacent regions of candidate genes.

The identification of phase transition QTLs, whose expression is regulated by endogenous and environmental signals, may enhance our understanding of the evolution of development in changing environments.
Changes in intracuff pressure of cuffed endotracheal tubes while positioning for adenotonsillectomy in children
Authors: Olsen Griffin H. , Krishna Senthil G. , Jatana Kris R. , Elmaraghy Charles A. , Ruda James M. , Tobias Joseph D.
Published: March 2016

Background

When using cuffed endotracheal tubes (cETTs), changes in head and neck position can lead to changes in intracuff pressure.

Aim

The aim of this study was to assess the combined effect of neck extension, shoulder roll placement, and Crowe‐Davis retractor use during adenotonsillectomy on the intracuff pressure of cETTs in children.

Methods

Patients <18 years of age undergoing adenotonsillectomy under general anesthesia following the placement of a cETT were included in the study. After inflation of the cuff to seal the trachea, using the leak test, baseline intracuff pressure was recorded and then continuously monitored. After neck extension, placement of a shoulder roll, insertion of the Crow‐Davis retractor, suspension from a Mayo stand, and positioning for surgery, the intracuff pressure was recorded again.

Results

The study cohort included 84 patients, ranging in age from 0.9 to 17 years (5.7 ± 3.9 years). In 46 patients (54.8%), the intracuff pressure increased from baseline after positioning for adenotonsillectomy. In 12 of these patients (14.3%), the intracuff pressure was >30 cmH2O. The intracuff pressure decreased in 28 patients (33.3%), while no change was noted in 10 patients (11.9%). Overall, the general trend was an increase in intracuff pressure from 15.9 ± 7.8 cmH2O to 18.9 ± 11.6 cmH2O.

Conclusion

Both increases and decreases in the intracuff pressure may occur following positioning of the pediatric patient for adenotonsillectomy. An increase in intracuff pressure may result in a higher risk of damage to the tracheal mucosa. A decrease in the intracuff pressure can result in an air leak resulting in inadequate ventilation, increased risk of aspiration, and even predispose to airway fire if oxygen‐enriched gases are used. Continuous intracuff pressure monitoring or rechecking the intracuff pressure after positioning for adenotonsillectomy may be indicated.
The Family and Partisan Socialization in Red and Blue America
Authors: Lyons Jeffrey
Published: March 2016

How do competing social influences shape individual partisanship over the course of the life cycle? People enter and exit a host of environments over the course of the lifespan, and these environments provide social pressures that can conflict or reinforce early socialized attitudes. Socialization could be an agent for either opinion change or opinion stability. Using the Youth‐Parent Socialization Study and constructing partisan environmental measures at the county level, I explore this question. The findings demonstrate that environments exert significant socializing influence over the lifespan, moderating the persistence of early forces. This helps us understand when early socialized pressures persist and when they do not. When environments throughout life provide reinforcing social pressures, parental influence endures over time. However, when early socialized influence is challenged over time by the political environment that citizens reside in, the influence of early parental socialization is offset and nullified.
Structural and functional analysis of tomato β‐galactosidase 4: insight into the substrate specificity of the fruit softening‐related enzyme
Authors: Eda Masahiro , Matsumoto Takashi , Ishimaru Megumi , Tada Toshiji
Published: March 2016

Plant β‐galactosidases hydrolyze cell wall β‐(1,4)‐galactans to play important roles in cell wall expansion and degradation, and turnover of signaling molecules, during ripening. Tomato β‐galactosidase 4 (TBG4) is an enzyme responsible for fruit softening through the degradation of β‐(1,4)‐galactan in the pericarp cell wall. TBG4 is the only enzyme among TBGs 1–7 that belongs to the β‐galactosidase/exo‐β‐(1,4)‐galactanase subfamily. The enzyme can hydrolyze a wide range of plant‐derived (1,4)‐ or 4‐linked polysaccharides, and shows a strong ability to attack β‐(1,4)‐galactan. To gain structural insight into its substrate specificity, we determined crystal structures of TBG4 and its complex with β‐d‐galactose. TBG4 comprises a catalytic TIM barrel domain followed by three β‐sandwich domains. Three aromatic residues in the catalytic site that are thought to be important for substrate specificity are conserved in GH35 β‐galactosidases derived from bacteria, fungi and animals; however, the crystal structures of TBG4 revealed that the enzyme has a valine residue (V548) replacing one of the conserved aromatic residues. The V548W mutant of TBG4 showed a roughly sixfold increase in activity towards β‐(1,6)‐galactobiose, and ~0.6‐fold activity towards β‐(1,4)‐galactobiose, compared with wild‐type TBG4. Amino acid residues corresponding to V548 of TBG4 thus appear to determine the substrate specificities of plant β‐galactosidases towards β‐1,4 and β‐1,6 linkages.
Treatment with oestrogen‐receptor agonists or oxytocin in conjunction with exercise protects against myocardial infarction in ovariectomized rats
Authors: Bulut Erman Caner , Abueid Leyla , Ercan Feriha , Süleymanoğlu Selami , Ağırbaşlı Mehmet , Yeğen Berrak Ç.
Published: March 2016

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?

Could the activation of oxytocin or oestrogen receptors be protective against myocardial injury after ovariectomy? If so, would exercising have an additional ameliorating effect?

What is the main finding and its importance?

The results revealed that when accompanied by exercise, both oestrogen receptor agonists and oxytocin improved cardiac dysfunction, inhibited the generation of pro‐inflammatory cytokines and reduced myocardial injury in ovariectomized female rats, suggesting a new approach for protecting postmenopausal women against ischaemia‐induced myocardial injury.

To investigate the putative protective effects of oxytocin or oestrogen receptor agonists against myocardial injury of ovariectomized sedentary or exercised rats, female Sprague–Dawley rats assigned to sham‐operated control and ovariectomized (OVX) groups were kept sedentary or undertook swimming exercise for 4 weeks and were treated with saline, an oestrogen receptor (ER) β (DPN) or ERα agonist (PPT) or oxytocin. Ovariectomy increased weight gain and anxiety in sedentary rats, whereas exercise prevented weight gain. When accompanied by exercise, both ER agonists and oxytocin inhibited weight gain and anxiety; oxytocin, in the absence or presence of exercise, increased the left ventricular diastolic dimensions and ejection fraction, whereas ER agonists also increased left ventricular diameter when given to exercised rats. Upon the induction of myocardial ischaemia–reperfusion in the OVX rats, plasma creatine kinase‐(muscle–brain) was depressed by PPT and oxytocin, whereas DPN, PPT and OT reduced plasminogen activator inhibitor‐1 concentrations. The increased tumour necrosis factor‐α concentration in OVX rats was also suppressed by exercise or DPN, PPT or oxytocin treatments, whereas the interleukin‐6 concentration was diminished by all the treatments when given in conjunction with exercise. Disorganization of cardiac muscle fibres was reduced in all exercised rats. Oestrogen receptor agonists, as well as oxytocin, in conjunction with exercise may be effective new therapeutics to protect against myocardial ischaemia in postmenopausal women.
Comparison and Analysis of Energy Consumption and CO2 Emissions of China and ASEAN
Authors: Lu Wei , Tan Taide , Cao Cong
Published: March 2016

With the fast development of the economics, the increasing consumption and demand of energy is challenging the energy supply and energy safety of China. At the same time, the energy safety is also one of the most critical issues for the integration process of Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). This paper is tending to calculate and analyze the relation between energy consumption and carbon emission intensity for China, ASEAN and developed countries. Based on the analysis and calculations, this paper is trying to state the necessarity and importance of the further collaboration on energy between China and ASEAN. The energy consumptions and carbon emissions will be estimated for China and ASEAN for the near and long future. Based on the analysis and calculation, technical and policy suggestions have been recommended for the China government and ASEAN governments on the approaches of collaboration and to make contributions to reduce the energy consumption and carbon emission.
Simulation Based Grid Optimization to Enhance Renewable Energy Storage in Iceland
Authors: Sugar Michael , Unnthorsson Runar
Published: March 2016

Renewable energy resources are contributing evermore to the generation mix worldwide, however, expanding grids in size and complexity have given rise to unforeseen complications such as frequency oscillations, voltage sags and spikes, and power outages. In 2013, nearly 100% of electricity generation in Iceland was from hydropower and geothermal sources; there is also high potential for wind and tidal energy, both options are being explored and would benefit from additional technologies to manage fluctuations and store energy surplus. Landsnet is the sole transmission system operator (TSO) responsible for energy balance in Iceland. On the consumer side, load variations represent difficulties for utilities to meet ever-changing demand. Research indicates high-capacity electricity energy storage (EES) has the potential to be economically beneficial as well as carbon neutral, all while improving power and voltage quality, peak-shaving, reducing the number of grid failures and reducing natural fluctuations in renewable energy (RE) sources. Two complex resource deployment scenarios are modeled using GridCommand™ Distribution: (1) large-scale 10 MWh capacity EES evenly distributed across the transmission system, and (2) large-scale 10 MWh capacity EES clustered at targeted substations in the transmission system. Results reveal 10 MWh capacity battery EES at a density of 60% in the transmission model provides optimal performance conditions. Optimal conditions are defined by EES performance metrics, and signify improvements in power quality, energy balance, and peak-shaving when electricity demand is at its highest. EES technologies are presented and tested at different locations across the Icelandic grid to predict which solutions are best for the future development of the electricity system.
Study of CO2 Absorption Into Aqueous Diethanolamine (DEA) Using Microchannel Reactors
Authors: Bangerth Stefan , Ganapathy Harish , Ohadi Michael , Khan Tariq S. , Alshehhi Mohamed
Published: March 2016

Removal of CO2 from gas streams is a major step in the purification of natural gas and of interest for carbon capture and storage applications. Industrial scale implementations of the process with most state of the art technologies use aqueous alkanolamines as liquid solvents to chemically absorb CO2. Although the kinetics of the absorption process are fast, sufficient absorption performance can only be met by very large columns due to the limited interfacial area present between gas and liquid phases in these systems. In the present study we utilize micro structure surfaces in two-phase regime to provide substantially higher interfacial area and hence enhanced mass transfer characteristics. We report experimental data on the separation of CO2 from a gas stream containing 10% CO2 and 90% N2 by volume. An aqueous solution of 20% diethanolamine in water by weight was used as the solvent, and absorption performance was measured by potentiometric titration of the liquid product with potassium hydroxide. The microchannel-based reactors had circular cross-sectional geometry with an inner diameter of 762 μm and two different lengths of 10 cm and 30 cm. Additionally, blank experiments were performed for component-level analysis. Parametric studies varying the gas and liquid phase superficial velocities were conducted and discussed. The potential to use microchannel reaction systems in multiple pass configurations for scaled up implementation was investigated. The present work achieved mass transfer coefficients that are at least one order of magnitude higher than those of most conventional absorption technologies, thus indicating the substantial process intensification that can be achieved using the proposed microreactor system for CO2 separation processes.
A New Gas Path Fault Diagnostic Method of Gas Turbine Based on Support Vector Machine
Authors: Zhou Dengji , Wang Jiayun , Zhang Huisheng , Weng Shilie
Published: March 2016

As a crucial section of gas turbine maintenance decision-making process, to date, gas path fault diagnostic has gained a lot of attention. However, model-based diagnostic methods, like non-linear gas path analysis (GPA) and genetic algorithms, need an accurate gas turbine model, and diagnostic methods without gas turbine model, like artificial neural networks, need a large number of experimental data. Both are difficult to gain. Support vector machine (SVM), a novel computational learning method with excellent performance, seems to be a good choice for gas path fault diagnostic of gas turbine without engine model. In this paper, SVM is employed to diagnose a deteriorated gas turbine. And the diagnostic result of SVM is compared to the result of artificial neural networks. The comparing result confirms that SVM has an obvious advantage over artificial neural networks method based on a small sample of data, and can be employed to gas path fault diagnostic of gas turbine. Additionally, SVM with radial basis kernel function is the best choice for gas turbine gas path fault diagnostic based on small sample.
Local District Heating Network With a Small-Scale Trigeneration Plant: Energetic and Economic Analysis of Optimization Strategies
Authors: Amoruso Gabriele , Badami Marco , Portoraro Armando
Published: March 2016

District heating networks, integrated with cogeneration plants, allow primary energy savings to be obtained compared to traditional heat-generation systems. However, the management of these plants in residential applications is a complex issue, because of the fluctuations in the thermal users’ daily profiles. The proper operation of these plants therefore becomes of utmost importance in order to avoid energy dissipations and with a consequent economic profitability loss.

The paper has the aim of illustrating the experimental data of a real, local district heating network coupled to a trigeneration plant installed and in operation in Turin, Italy. The main technical characteristics of the installation are described, and the present operational strategies are presented and discussed. The study focuses on the analysis of several possible optimizations of these strategies, and the increase in energy efficiency that can be obtained for each of them, taking into account the thermal losses over the heating grid. A comparative economic analysis has also been carried out in order to highlight the effect of these optimizations on the economic profitability of the installation. The results of the study are presented in detail and discussed in the paper.
Feasibility of Using More Geothermal Energy to Generate Electricity
Authors: Wong Kaufui Vincent , Tan Nathanael
Published: March 2016

Human population is ever-increasing and thus, demand for energy is escalating. Consequently, seeking clean methods of producing electricity is a most crucial endeavor at this time. The shrinking reserves of oil have added urgency to the matter. One other recognized source of renewable energy besides wind, water and solar (WWS) is geothermal energy, which has been proven to be useful in baseload power generation, a significant advantage over WWS. As compared to fossil fuels, geothermal energy is not subjected to the supply and cost fluctuations of which fuels are at risk.

To date, there have been a number of innovative procedures explored to use geothermal energy to produce electricity. A relatively innovative yet not uncommon method has been to use hot solid rocks to heat water and pump the superheated water to use in power plants. These rocks are generally underground and at higher temperatures due to their proximity to volcanoes or natural geothermal vents. The water goes deeper down into the earth’s crust to become superheated by the rocks, and then is pumped out to power turbines, and subsequently returned into the ground to repeat the process.

In Krafla, Iceland, during their Icelandic Deep Drilling Project (IDDP) in 2009, a borehole was accidentally dug into the magma at 2100 meters. The temperature of this magma was about 900–1000°C. A steel casing with perforations on the flat side was cemented into the well bottom. This design was to slow the heat flow, and superheated steam was made for the following two years till July 2012. The steam reached temperatures of 450°C and was at high pressures. Krafla was the world’s first magma-enhanced geothermal system to generate electricity.

This paper will explore the feasibility of using geothermal power plant methods as a sustainable source of clean energy. Geothermal energy has tremendous potential if the right methods can be found to tap that potential, as well as if the cost may be brought down by innovation and demand. In addition, an innovative method which already exists in some form, is proposed in the current review, to harness more geothermal energy for use.
Design Optimization of Batteryless Photovoltaic-Powered Reverse Osmosis Water Desalination in Remote Areas
Authors: Kim Jihun , Hamza Karim , El-Morsi Mohamed , Nassef Ashraf O. , Metwalli Sayed , Saitou Kazuhiro
Published: March 2016

Reverse osmosis (RO) is one of the main technologies for water desalination, which can be used in locations with water resources that have high salinity content (such as saline ground water or seawater) to produce fresh water. Energy requirement for RO is less than other desalination processes, but is in the form of electric power, which can be scarce as fresh water in in remote areas not connected to the grid. Fortunately, many areas with fresh water shortage due to lack of rainfall have abundant sunshine. The combination of solar power and RO desalination is attractive, but remote areas usually requires small modular units, which favors photovoltaic (PV) solar energy harvesting. It is important to consider the net cost-effectiveness of the system when designing the PV-RO desalination plant. Adding battery storage to a PV-RO system has the advantage of steadier operation, but is an additional cost whose real benefit is only realized with a larger PV array that can harvest more energy during daytime. This paper compares the net unit cost of fresh water for realistic scenarios of PV-RO systems with and without battery storage. A multi-level optimization approach previously developed by the authors for time-variant power PV-RO systems is adopted; a “sub-loop” optimization determines the operating pressure and flow rate given a fixed system configuration and instantaneous power input, while an “outer loop” optimizes the configuration of the desalination plant. The sub-loop optimization is done via an enumeration approach, while the outer loop is optimized via a mixed real-coded genetic algorithm (GA). A demonstration study shows a batteryless system being approx. 30% more expensive per unit fresh water production than a fully optimized battery-backed system. However, most of the cost of a batteryless system is in initial investment, which with 7% less annual operating cost, can present a plausible design choice for remote areas.
Available Systems for the Conversion of Waste Heat to Electricity
Authors: Tauveron N. , Colasson S. , Gruss J.-A.
Published: March 2016

The conversion of heat into electricity, generally speaking heat-to-power generation, is a wide area of technologies and applications. This paper focuses on available systems, excepted the internal combustion cycles, applied to transform (waste) heat to power. Data of referenced market proved or time-to-market technologies are presented. A database of more than 1100 references has been built. The following categories can be found: Rankine Cycle plant, Organic Rankine Cycle plant, Steam engine, Kalina Cycle plant, Brayton cycle plant, micro gas turbine, closed cycle gas turbine plant, combined cycle gas turbine plant, Stirling engine, Ericsson engine and thermoelectric generator. We intentionally target a range of power from Watts to hundreds of MW, covering the range of temperature [80–1000°C] usually addressed by these systems.

The comparison of performances is hereby discussed and compared to thermodynamic principles and theoretical results in the graph Maximum temperature [°C] versus Thermodynamic efficiency. Comparison with Carnot and Chambadal-Novikov-Curzon-Ahlborn efficiencies are performed.

A more original contribution is the presentation of the graph Power [W] versus Thermodynamic efficiency. The analysis reveals a monotonous trend inside each technology. Furthermore this general behavior covers a very wide range of power, including technological transitions.

Finally, the position of each technology in the map Maximum temperature [°C] versus Power [W] is also analyzed. Explanations based on thermodynamics and techno-economic approaches are proposed.
Integration of a CaO-Based Thermal Storage System in an IGCC Plant With Carbon Capture
Authors: Vandersickel Annelies , Mitsos Alexander , Field Randall P.
Published: March 2016

Using pre-combustion CO2-capture, IGCC plants show significant potential for efficient power generation with carbon capture. The gasification and gas processing steps however have multiple temperature and flow constraints which severely limit the flexibility of IGCC plants to meet the dynamic demands of the current grid. To address this issue, a CaO-based energy storage system has recently been proposed to substantially increase the load range of a base IGCC plant without cycling the gasifier island.

In this work, further storage configurations have been assessed, addressing the inefficiencies identified in previous work. In particular, the following cases have been investigated: directly fired calciners with varying make-up flow rate to minimize the purge stream energy loss, directly fired calciners with improved heat integration to reduce the calciner syngas demand and an indirectly fired calciner to minimize the ASU penalty. Additionally, an alternative storage integration strategy after the Selexol unit has been compared both with respect to its performance and its impact on the base IGCC plant design and operation. To this end, process simulation was undertaken in Aspen Plus™. As demonstrated, the CaO based energy storage system can be effectively used to modulate the IGCC net power output by ±20–25%, while maintaining the capture capacity of 90% of the CO2-emissions. Improvement of the particle reactivity and the internal heat recuperation were found to impact the round-trip efficiency the most.
Mass Engine Cycle
Authors: Sharqawy Mostafa H.
Published: March 2016

A new thermodynamic cycle is proposed named mass engine cycle. In the proposed cycle, mass is transferred from a high mass concentration reservoir to the cycle, mass is rejected to a low mass concentration reservoir, and a net positive work is generated. This is similar to heat engine cycles where heat is transferred from a high temperature thermal reservoir (heat source) to the cycle; heat is rejected to a low temperature thermal reservoir (heat sink), and a net positive work is generated. The heat engine cycle uses heat exchangers to transfer heat between the cycle and the thermal reservoirs, while the mass engine cycle uses membrane mass exchangers which transfer mass between the cycle and the mass reservoir. These membrane mass exchangers transfer water through a semi-permeable membrane and reject other substances. The driving force for the mass transfer is the hydrostatic and osmotic pressure differences. Similar to Carnot limit of the thermal efficiency of the heat engine cycle, a theoretical limit is obtained for the proposed mass engine cycle under reversible thermodynamic conditions.
Two Stage Atmospheric Burners: Development and Verification of a New Mass-Energy Balance Model
Authors: Teixeira José , Martins Luis S. B. , Lopes Manuel , Teixeira Senhorinha F. , Ferreira Manuel E.
Published: March 2016

Nitrogen oxides (NOx) from combustion devices are responsible for the formation of acid rain and photochemical smog. This led to a growing environmental concern resulting in the creation of rigorous legislation for harmful emissions. For domestic hot water production appliances, particularly water heaters, there are already some solutions in the market able to achieve low pollutant emissions. However, the complexity of the solutions makes the price tag significantly higher, hampering its mass adoption. It is therefore essential to design and develop simpler and low cost solutions that meet the limits imposed by legislation. This work reports the analysis and validation of the air-gas fuel mixture in a water heater low NOx gas burner element. This is based on a pre-mixed flame made of two separate fuel systems. One is a lean mixture that provides the bulk of the heat load. The other is a rich pilot flame, used to stabilize the flame. For that, a mathematical model was developed and applied, which, upon initial settings, allows for the prediction of the amount of primary air drafted. To validate the theoretical results, experimental tests were performed using a Laser Doppler Anemometer to evaluate the influence of the throat length in the amount of entrained air, as well as, the air induced in the burner element under study. Furthermore, a parametric analysis was performed which evaluated the influence of some variables (geometry, physical properties of fluids, etc.) in the amount of entrained air. The numerical results for the air-fuel equivalence ratio of a conventional burner element (between 0.645 and 0.794) proved to be reasonably close to the value announced by the manufacturer (0.7). Numerical analysis of the burner element with pilot stabilization resulted in values that verify the difference between the richness of the two mixtures. By adjusting the throat-diffuser geometry one may tune the air-fuel ratio of each mixture.
Impacts of Temperature Thresholds on Power Generation in the Upper Mississippi River Basin Under Different Climate Scenarios
Authors: Cook Margaret A. , King Carey W. , Webber Michael E.
Published: March 2016

Recent droughts and heat waves have revealed the vulnerability of some power plants to effects from higher temperature intake water for cooling. To avoid heating the cooling water beyond temperature thresholds set by the EPA, some plants have been forced to reduce their power generation. At the same time, future warming of water resources from heat waves, droughts, or climate change might increase ambient air temperature (one of the primary factors affecting intake temperature, and thus cooling effluent temperature) putting plants at risk of even greater de-rating. In this evaluation, we sought to model and predict which plants would have the greatest risk of de-rating due to thermal discharge limits. To do so, we created a regression model of average monthly intake temperatures for open loop and recirculating cooling pond systems for power plants in the Upper Mississippi River Basin using ambient air temperature, wind speed, historical intake temperatures, and historical effluent temperatures. We then integrate that information into a thermodynamic model of energy flows within each power plant to determine the change in cooling water temperature that occurs at each plant. We use these models in tandem to determine effluent temperature at 43 power plants in the Upper Mississippi River Basin. For the years modeled, 2010–2012, the model estimated the intake temperature using the linear regression within 2.2 °C of the observed values and estimated the effluent temperature within 5.0 °C of the observed values. For years outside of the estimation period, 2008–2009, the model estimated effluent temperature within 5.1 °C of the observed values.
Experimental Performance Evaluation of a Rechargeable Lithium-Air Battery Operating at Room Temperature
Authors: Das Susanta K. , Rahman Salma , Chai Jianfang , Quast Matthew , Keinath Steven E. , Berry K. Joel , Mueller Anja , Sarkar Abhijit
Published: March 2016

The effects of electrolyte, catalyst, and the process of preparation of the air-cathode on the performance of Li-air batteries were investigated. An ether based electrolyte was the best choice for Ketjen Black carbon based air cathodes and delivered high specific capacity (1050 mAh/gC) under dry air with cobalt oxide as catalyst. The introduction of an ultrasonication step in the air-cathode fabrication process improved the air-cathode microstructure. BET analyses revealed that the cathode has a higher surface area and mesopore volume when ultrasonication was used compared to those for the cathode fabricated without the ultrasonication step. With the optimized electrolyte and air-cathode, a high capacity of 2620 mAh/gC was obtained for Li-air batteries tested in dry air with a 0.1 mA/cm2 current density.