bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Heat Exchanger Design and System Balance of an Air Source Heat Pump/Chiller Using Brazed Plate Heat Exchangers
Authors: Tolouee Changiz
Published: December 2014

Air Source heat pump/chiller is used to provide chilled water for cooling and hot water for heating purposes. This is one investment for both applications with no requirement for boiler and fuel with the advantage of heat pump efficiency.

In this paper we are going to analyse both air side and water side heat exchangers used in air source heat pump/chiller with special attention and emphasis on brazed plate heat exchanger which is used in refrigerant to water side of this unit in order to achieve optimum performance in both the heat pump and chiller operations. Due to compactness of brazed plate heat exchangers it is very important to balance system volume in both operating conditions which will also be examined in this paper.
Hydrothermal Energy Systems Development in the USA
Authors: Tolman Radon , Timpe Ronald C.
Published: December 2014

A revolutionary hydrothermal steam generator is being developed by a federal, state university and industry partnership in the US to enhance economic growth and trade. The new generator is designed to accept solutions and slurries without corrosion and deposition on heat transfer surfaces up to the supercritical conditions of water, above 221 bar (3205 psia) and 374 C (705 F). The generator will produce steam from low quality water, such as from geothermal sources, for increased electric power generation. Water treatment costs and effluents will be eliminated for “zero discharge.” To improve efficiency and limit carbon dioxide and other emissions, the new steam generator will be tested for converting wastewater slurries of low-cost fuels and “negative value” wastes such as hazardous wastes, composted municipal wastes and sludges, to clean gas turbine fuel, hydrocarbon liquids, and activated carbon. Bench-scale results at sub- and supercritical conditions for lignite, refuse derived fuel, tire rubber and activated carbon are presented. An advanced continuous-flow pilot plant is being designed to test the generator over a wide range of operating conditions, including slurry feed up to 30 percent solids. Demonstration of the hydrothermal steam generator will be followed by design and construction of combined-cycle energy systems.
Evaporation Heat Transfer and Pressure Drop of Refrigerant R134a in a Plate Heat Exchanger
Authors: Yan Yi-Yie , Lin Tsing-Fa , Yang Bing-Chwen
Published: December 2014

The characteristics of evaporation heat transfer and pressure drop for refrigerant R134a flowing in a plate heat exchanger were investigated experimentally in this study. Two vertical counter flow channels were formed in the exchanger by three plates of commercialized geometry with a corrugated sine shape of a chevron angle of 60°. Upflow boiling of refrigerant R134a in one channel receives heat from the hot downflow of water in the other channel. The effects of the heat flux, mass flux, quality and pressure of R134a on the evaporation heat transfer and pressure drop were explored. The preliminary measured data for the water to water single phase convection showed that the heat transfer coefficient in the plate heat exchanger is about 9 times of that in a circular pipe at the same Reynolds number. Even at a very low Reynolds number, the present flow visualization in a plate heat exchanger with the transparent outer plate showed that the flow in the plate heat exchanger remains turbulent. Data for the pressure drop were also examined in detail. It is found that the evaporation heat transfer coefficient of R134a in the plates is quite different from that in circular pipe, particularly in the convective evaporation dominated regime at high vapor quality. Relatively intense boiling on the corrugated surface was seen from the flow visualization.

More specifically, the present data showed that both the evaporation heat transfer coefficient and pressure drop increase with the vapor quality. At a higher mass flux the pressure drop is higher for the entire range of the vapor quality but the heat transfer is only better at high quality. Raising the imposed wall heat flux was found to slightly improve the heat transfer. While at a higher system pressure the heat transfer and pressure drop are both slightly lower.
Parametric Equations for Maximum Stresses in Cylindrical Vessels Subjected to Thermal Expansion Loading
Authors: Ong L. S. , Cheung J. S. T. , Ng H. W. , Tooth A. S.
Published: December 2014

This paper derives a set of parametric equations for finding the maximum stresses developed in the cylindrical vessel which is supported by two saddles firmly secured to the foundation and subjected to thermal expansion loading. Three types of stresses are considered: maximum stress intensity, maximum circumferential stress and maximum axial stress. The maximum stresses in the vessel are found to be governed by the height and width of the saddle, the spacing between the two supports and the relative structural rigidity between the support and the vessel. This paper is an extension of the work reported by Tooth, et.al (1996).

Using a least square curve fitting procedure, parametric equations for the maximum stresses developed in the vessel have been established. Raw data used for the curve fitting were obtained from a carefully-planned finite element study which covers a wide range of key dimensions. A total of 900 finite element runs have been performed.

The derived parametric equations are subsequently validated against the raw data and their error bounds are established. In all cases the maximum errors are found to be within 20%. The established parametric equations can be used directly in design calculations. The curve fitting procedure outlined in this paper has wide application for any set of generated or measured data.
Flaw Detection and Characterization Using Shearography
Authors: Toh Siew-Lok , Chau Fook-Siong
Published: December 2014

Shearography is a laser interferometric method developed originally for full field observation of surface strains of components. Since flaws usually induce strain concentrations around them, shearography can be employed to detect the flaws. Conventional shearography involves exposing high resolution films before and after the components are loaded. The exposed films are developed and then viewed via a high-pass filtering optical setup. Though the images obtained are good, this method is time-consuming. With the advent of high-speed computers, associated sophisticated imaging hardware and software, the Digital Speckle Shearing Interferometry (DSSI) method which employs a CCD (charged-coupled device) camera and computer image processing to produce the interferometric fringe patterns has been developed. In contrast with the conventional shearography, the electronic version does not require any film and is faster. The techniques are used to detect and characterise (a) flaws simulating delaminations in composites and (b) thinning in pipes.
Interfacing Virtual Reality, CFD and the Internet
Authors: Freeman David J.
Published: December 2014

Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) is a valuable tool for the process and petroleum industries. CFD reduces development timescales and costs by replacing expensive and lengthy laboratory investigation with numerical predictions of processes.

However, there are several reasons why some companies are unwilling to use CFD. These include the cost of the software and hardware, the need for in-house CFD expertise and the time required to solve complex simulations.

CHAM has developed a solution to these problems, in the form of a Virtual Reality Interface linked via the Internet to powerful parallel-processor computers. Virtual reality makes CFD accessible to non-CFD experts and allows the engineer to concentrate on the solution of his problem. Remote computing makes it possible to access from a PC the necessary computing power to solve the problem.

Several examples will be shown, demonstrating the application and benefits of the PHOENICS-VR interface and the advantages of remote computing to the process and petroleum industries.
A Comparative Study of Signal Processing Techniques for Monitoring and Diagnostics
Authors: Andrade F. A. , Esat I. I.
Published: December 2014

This paper presents a brief review of the signal processing techniques being used in industrial condition monitoring and diagnostics. Four main types of monitoring methods are discussed; Neural Networks, Wavelets, Time-Frequency methods, and Non-linear series. References to existing applications are also included throughout the paper. This aims to introduce the most common techniques which are being used today, namely the multilayer perceptron network, orthogonal and non-orthogonal wavelets, spectrogram, Wigner and Choi-Williams distributions, and Volterra series.
A Study of Calculational Model for Predicting Surge Line in a Centrifugal Compression System With Cooler and Condenser
Authors: Gu Chuangang , Wen Suping , Zhang Moujin , Ji Dai
Published: December 2014

A calculational model for predicting the surge line of a turbocompressor system has been established which is composed of a centrifugal compressor, duct, coolers and condensers (gas-liquid separator). The influences of various parts of the system on the surge point have been studied in detail, and some discussion has been focused on the coolers and condensers. The influences of cooler, condenser and thermodynamic parameters of working medium on stability of the system is calculated and explained. This analysis is useful for predicting system character during the of design compressors and systems, as well as safety for operation of practical industry process.
Vertical Design HRSG With Natural Circulation Successfull in Operation
Authors: Rath D. , Koller A.
Published: December 2014

At the beginning of the Sixties the concept of Combined Cycle Power Plants (CCPP) was introduced to the market in parallel to the Standard Steam Power Plants.

Based on the experience of Waste Heat Boilers, built behind the blast oxygen furnaces of steel mills, Heat Recovery Steam Generators (HRSG) with forced or assisted circulation as well as of the natural circulation type were developed.

The latest version of HRSG’s, the vertical type with heating surfaces horizontally arranged and natural circulation only, was put into succesfull operation in 1995.

Development and experiences shall be presented.
Gas Turbine Cleaning Upgrade (Compressor Wash)
Authors: Asplund Peter
Published: December 2014

The influence of gas turbine degradation on operating costs is high. Gas turbine cleaning is one of many actions taken for power recovery and is considered preventive maintenance. It is generally performed within the industrial and occasionally within the aero sector. Following a survey about potential for cost reduction in gas turbine operation the cleaning issue appears to be overlooked from an engineering point of view and there is a large potential for efficiency improvements. Engine development with corresponding high blade loads and ever-increasing temperatures require more efficient and careful cleaning methods. Together with emission taxes and environmental regulations, optimized cleaning methods will play an ever-growing role in future gas turbine operation. In order to achieve cost effectiveness regarding hardware, man-hour and consumables a new cleaning method has been evaluated for a standard process. The economic evaluations show that a standardisation of cleaning with the new method would enable the aviation sector to perform engine cleaning on a routine basis as well as the stationary sector to make significant cost savings in equipment purchase and operation.
Convective Flow in Annuli of Stationary and Rotating Horizontal Cylinders
Authors: Lee T. S.
Published: December 2014

Heat transfer and fluid flow processes in enclosed spaces have been extensively studied due to their importance in energy conversion, storage and transmission systems. Concentric and eccentric annular geometries are most commonly encountered in solar collector-receiver system, cooling system in nuclear reactors etc. For mixed flow in the annulus between concentric or eccentric cylinders in a rotating system, most work were performed for the cases of vertical cylindrical annulus. More recently, the effects of recirculation on the natural convection between the annular region in horizontal rotating cylinders have become a topic of interest to researchers. The applications of these studies include food processing and the interest in seeking improved methods for crystallographic perfection in industrial processes, above studies are for air with Pr≅1.0. However, other effects of rotation on heat transfer characteristics for low Prandtl number fluids are encountered in high power electric machines with heated shafts, such as a mercury slip ring assembly. For the present study, natural convection is driven by vertical temperature gradient and vertical gravity force. The interaction with the effect of rotation of the inner cylinder is expected to lead to complicated flows. Studies show that the mean Nusselt number increases with Rayleigh number. At a Prandtl number of order 1.0 with a fixed Rayleigh number, when the inner cylinder is made to rotate, the mean Nusselt number decreases through out the flow. At lower Prandtl number of the order 0.1 to 0.01, the mean Nusselt number remained fairly constant with respect to the rotational Reynolds number.
Development of the Advanced EV (AEV) Burner for the ABB GTX100 Gas Turbine
Authors: Jansohn Peter , Ruck Thomas , Steinbach Christian , Knöpfel Hans-Peter , Sattelmayer Thomas , Troger Christian
Published: December 2014

Besides coping with decreasing emissions limits set by international standards, it is necessary in today’s competitive gas turbine industry to design combustion systems, that do not only meet the emission requirements, but also provide an efficient and reliable burner operation performance. Since 1984, when the first Dry-Low-NOx combustor of ABB was put in service, the combustor development program at ABB continued to serve these needs. An important step in that development was the introduction of the EV-burner /1/ which is now available for the entire ABB gas turbine family.
The Economics of Firing Heavy Fuels in Utility Gas Turbines
Authors: Singh R. , Baker M. S.
Published: December 2014

Heavy fuel oil is of interest for firing in utility gas turbine and combined cycle plant, particularly in the developing economies of Asia and Latin America. There are few detailed studies published, which justify in commercial terms the use of heavy fuels in utility gas turbine plant or indicate the scenarios when this should be considered. Whilst this technology/fuel combination is mature and can be considered proven, awareness of the option and the technical and commercial implications is not widespread.

This paper outlines the technical and commercial implications of firing heavy fuels in open cycle peaking and base load combined cycle plant. An economic comparison is made with the alternative fuel and technology options. It is demonstrated that firing heavy fuels in base load combined cycle plant can yield significant cost savings compared to using alternative technologies and liquid fuels, provided the emissions limits are not restrictive.
Spray Combustion Spectral Characteristics
Authors: Chang S. S. , Lee T. S. , Chiu H. H.
Published: December 2014

Spray combustion in an axisymmetric combustor is analyzed numerically with three droplet models; (1) Ranz and Marshall droplet law (2) droplet laws by canonical droplet theory, accounting for the droplet blowing effect and flow convecting effect, and (3) renormalized canonical droplet theory, which accounts for the drop-drop short range interaction as well as convection and blowing. Results are compared to assess the effects of the droplet models on the combustion and aerodynamic characteristics of a spray. The concept of droplet state spectra are proposed to aid in understanding the state of droplet and its evolution at different locations. Spray combustion is classified into “core combustion”, “transition combustion”, and “wall-bound combustion” patterns, with “transition combustion” spray generally giving the highest combustion efficiency for a given mass flow rate and mixture ratio.
Pharmacokinetic-Pharmacodynamic Model To Evaluate Intramuscular Tetracycline Treatment Protocols To Prevent Antimicrobial Resistance in Pigs
Authors: Ahmad Amais , Græsbøll Kaare , Christiansen Lasse Engbo , Toft Nils , Matthews Louise , Nielsen Søren Saxmose
Published: December 2014

High instances of antimicrobial resistance are linked to both routine and excessive antimicrobial use, but excessive or inappropriate use represents an unnecessary risk. The competitive growth advantages of resistant bacteria may be amplified by the strain dynamics; in particular, the extent to which resistant strains outcompete susceptible strains under antimicrobial pressure may depend not only on the antimicrobial treatment strategies but also on the epidemiological parameters, such as the composition of the bacterial strains in a pig. This study evaluated how variation in the dosing protocol for intramuscular administration of tetracycline and the composition of bacterial strains in a pig affect the level of resistance in the intestine of a pig. Predictions were generated by a mathematical model of competitive growth ofEscherichia colistrains in pigs under specified plasma concentration profiles of tetracycline. All dosing regimens result in a clear growth advantage for resistant strains. Short treatment duration was found to be preferable, since it allowed less time for resistant strains to outcompete the susceptible ones. Dosing frequency appeared to be ineffective at reducing the resistance levels. The number of competing strains had no apparent effect on the resistance level during treatment, but possession of fewer strains reduced the time to reach equilibrium after the end of treatment. To sum up, epidemiological parameters may have more profound influence on growth dynamics than dosing regimens and should be considered when designing improved treatment protocols.
Preclinical Activity of VX-787, a First-in-Class, Orally Bioavailable Inhibitor of the Influenza Virus Polymerase PB2 Subunit
Authors: Byrn Randal A. , Jones Steven M. , Bennett Hamilton B. , Bral Chris , Clark Michael P. , Jacobs Marc D. , Kwong Ann D. , Ledeboer Mark W. , Leeman Joshua R. , McNeil Colleen F. , Murcko Mark A. , Nezami Azin , Perola Emanuele , Rijnbrand Rene , Saxena Kumkum , Tsai Alice W. , Zhou Yi , Charifson Paul S.
Published: December 2014

VX-787 is a novel inhibitor of influenza virus replication that blocks the PB2 cap-snatching activity of the influenza viral polymerase complex. Viral genetics and X-ray crystallography studies provide support for the idea that VX-787 occupies the 7-methyl GTP (m
7
GTP) cap-binding site of PB2. VX-787 binds the cap-binding domain of the PB2 subunit with a

K
D

(dissociation constant) of 24 nM as determined by isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC). The cell-based EC
50
(the concentration of compound that ensures 50% cell viability of an uninfected control) for VX-787 is 1.6 nM in a cytopathic effect (CPE) assay, with a similar EC
50
in a viral RNA replication assay. VX-787 is active against a diverse panel of influenza A virus strains, including H1N1pdm09 and H5N1 strains, as well as strains with reduced susceptibility to neuraminidase inhibitors (NAIs). VX-787 was highly efficacious in both prophylaxis and treatment models of mouse influenza and was superior to the neuraminidase inhibitor, oseltamivir, including in delayed-start-to-treat experiments, with 100% survival at up to 96 h postinfection and partial survival in groups where the initiation of therapy was delayed up to 120 h postinfection. At different doses, VX-787 showed a 1-log to >5-log reduction in viral load (relative to vehicle controls) in mouse lungs. Overall, these favorable findings validate the PB2 subunit of the viral polymerase as a drug target for influenza therapy and support the continued development of VX-787 as a novel antiviral agent for the treatment of influenza infection.
Identification and Characterization of Rvs162/Rvs167-3, a Novel N-BAR Heterodimer in the Human Fungal Pathogen Candida albicans
Authors: Gkourtsa Areti , van den Burg Janny , Strijbis Karin , Avula Teja , Bijvoets Sietske , Timm Dave , Hochstenbach Frans , Distel Ben
Published: December 2014

Membrane reshaping resides at the core of many important cellular processes, and among its mediators are the BAR (Bin, Amphiphysin, Rvs) domain-containing proteins. We have explored the diversity and function of the Rvs BAR proteins in
Candida albicans
and identified a novel family member, Rvs167-3 (orf19.1861). We show that Rvs167-3 specifically interacts with Rvs162 to form a stable BAR heterodimer able to bind liposomes
in vitro
. A second, distinct heterodimer is formed by the canonical BAR proteins Rvs161 and Rvs167. Purified Rvs161/Rvs167 complex also binds liposomes, indicating that
C. albicans
expresses two functional BAR heterodimers. We used live-cell imaging to localize green fluorescent protein (GFP)-tagged Rvs167-3 and Rvs167 and show that both proteins concentrate in small cortical spots. However, while Rvs167 strictly colocalizes with the endocytic marker protein Abp1, we do not observe any colocalization of Rvs167-3 with sites of endocytosis marked by Abp1. Furthermore, the
rvs167-3
Δ/Δ mutant is not defective in endocytosis and strains lacking Rvs167-3 or its partner Rvs162 do not display increased sensitivity to high salt concentrations or decreased cell wall integrity, phenotypes which have been observed for
rvs167
Δ/Δ and
rvs161
Δ/Δ strains and which are linked to endocytosis defects. Taken together, our results indicate different roles for the two BAR heterodimers in
C. albicans
: the canonical Rvs161/Rvs167 heterodimer functions in endocytosis, whereas the novel Rvs162/Rvs167-3 heterodimer seems not to be involved in this process. Nevertheless, despite their different roles, our phenotypic analysis revealed a genetic interaction between the two BAR heterodimers, suggesting that they may have related but distinct membrane-associated functions.
On Nonlocal Computation of Eigenfrequencies of Beams Using Finite Difference and Finite Element Methods
Authors: Challamel Noël , Picandet Vincent , Elishakoff Issac , Wang Chien Ming , Collet Bernard , Michelitsch Thomas
Published: December 2014

In this paper, we show that two numerical methods, specifically the finite difference method and the finite element method applied to continuous beam dynamics problems, can be asymptotically investigated by some kind of enriched continuum approach (gradient elasticity or nonlocal elasticity). The analysis is restricted to the vibrations of elastic beams, and more specifically the computation of the natural frequencies for each numerical method. The analogy between the finite numerical approaches and the equivalent enriched continuum is demonstrated, using a continualization procedure, which converts the discrete numerical problem into a continuous one. It is shown that the finite element problem can be transformed into a system of finite difference equations. The convergence rate of the finite numerical approaches is quantified by an equivalent Rayleigh's quotient. We also present some exact analytical solutions for a first-order finite difference method, a higher-order finite difference method or a cubic Hermitian finite element, valid for arbitrary number of nodes or segments. The comparison between the exact numerical solution and the approximated nonlocal approaches shows the efficiency of the continualization methodology. These analogies between enriched continuum and finite numerical schemes provide a new attractive framework for potential applications of enriched continua in computational mechanics.
Analysis of an Attenuator Artifact in an Experimental Attack by Gunn–Allison–Abbott Against the Kirchhoff-Law–Johnson-Noise (KLJN) Secure Key Exchange System
Authors: Kish Laszlo B. , Gingl Zoltan , Mingesz Robert , Vadai Gergely , Smulko Janusz , Granqvist Claes-Göran
Published: December 2014

A recent paper by Gunn–Allison–Abbott (GAA) [L. J. Gunn et al., Scientific Reports 4 (2014) 6461] argued that the Kirchhoff-law–Johnson-noise (KLJN) secure key exchange system could experience a severe information leak. Here we refute their results and demonstrate that GAA's arguments ensue from a serious design flaw in their system. Specifically, an attenuator broke the single Kirchhoff-loop into two coupled loops, which is an incorrect operation since the single loop is essential for the security in the KLJN system, and hence GAA's asserted information leak is trivial. Another consequence is that a fully defended KLJN system would not be able to function due to its built-in current-comparison defense against active (invasive) attacks. In this paper we crack GAA's scheme via an elementary current-comparison attack which yields negligible error probability for Eve even without averaging over the correlation time of the noise.
SHEAR-INDUCED PLATELET ACTIVATION IN TORTUOUS CORONARY ARTERY: A NUMERICAL STUDY
Authors: XIE XINZHOU , WANG YUANYUAN , ZHU HONGMIN , ZHOU JINGMIN
Published: December 2014

High fluid shear stresses (FSSs) were observed in tortuous coronary arteries, especially during the strenuous exercise condition. Whether these high FSSs would enhance the shear-induced platelet activation is still unknown. A computational fluid dynamics (CFD) study was conducted to evaluate the impact of coronary tortuosity (CT) on the shear-induced platelet activation during various conditions. A patient-specific left anterior descending (LAD) coronary artery model (CT model) and the corresponding non tortuous model (nCT model) were reconstructed to perform three-dimensional CFD analysis. Lagrangian particle analysis was performed to further obtain the platelet activation state (PAS) of the platelet-like particles. No significant difference was observed between CT and nCT models on the PAS values reached by the platelet-like particles at all simulated conditions. PAS values for particles within both CT and nCT models were decreased during exercise conditions, as compared to those during the rest condition. These results confirmed that CT could not enhance the platelet activation even with extreme high FSSs existing at bend sections during the strenuous exercise condition, and the results also implied that high FSSs might not be the critical factor leading to the platelet activation during the strenuous exercise for persons without the coronary obstructive.
Singular Boundary Method for Various Exterior Wave Applications
Authors: Fu Zhuo-Jia , Chen Wen , Lin Ji , Cheng Alexander H.-D.
Published: December 2014

This paper presents an improved singular boundary method (ISBM) to various exterior wave applications. The SBM is mathematically simple, easy-to-program, meshless and introduces the concept of source intensity factors to eliminate the singularity of the fundamental solutions. In this study, we first derive the source intensity factors of the exterior Helmholtz equation by means of the source intensity factors of the exterior Laplace equation due to the same order of the singularities on their fundamental solutions. The source intensity factors of the exterior Laplace equation can be determined using the reference technique [Chen, W. and Gu, Y. [2011] "Recent advances on singular boundary method," Joint international workshop on Trefftz method VI and method of fundamental solution II, Taiwan]. Numerical illustrations demonstrate the efficiency and accuracy of the proposed scheme on four benchmark exterior wave examples.
EVALUATING THE CROSS-NATIONAL TRANSFERABILITY OF POLICIES: A CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK
Authors: WILLIAMS COLIN C. , DZHEKOVA ROSITSA
Published: December 2014

When seeking to harness entrepreneurship and enterprise culture, governments often seek to transfer policy measures successful in another country to their own. Until now however, governments have often lacked a practical evaluation framework for selecting policy measures and then appraising the feasibility and transferability of such measures. The aim of this paper is to fill that gap. Reviewing the literature on cross-national policy transfer, this paper provides a pragmatic evaluation framework for selecting policy measures and appraising their feasibility and transferability from one country to another. This details how successful policy transfer and cross-national policy learning must be informed by prospective policy analysis and testing the features of the specific policy initiative against the specifics of the national context and circumstances, and then establishes the criteria and processes through which potential policy adopters can identify promising policies used elsewhere to tackle similar problems in their own country and assess their 'goodness of fit' prior to transfer to national realities.
LOW-HANGING FRUIT IN BLACK CARBON MITIGATION: CROP RESIDUE BURNING IN SOUTH ASIA
Authors: GUPTA RIDHIMA
Published: December 2014

Biomass burning in South Asia is a significant contributor to global emissions of black carbon, the second most important greenhouse agent after carbon dioxide. Emissions from domestic fires are the largest contributor to biomass burning but may be costly to mitigate. Open-field burning is the second-largest contributor to black carbon in South Asia. This study uses primary field data to identify the determinants of emissions from open-field burning of crop residue with the aim of analyzing possibilities for its regulation. The effectiveness of a new seeding machine that lets farmers plant their crops without having to burn the residue from the previous crop is assessed. A comparison of the new machine with conventional practice shows that the new technology decreases field preparation costs but does not significantly impact crop yield and profits. The use of plot-level data with farmer fixed effects enables reliable identification of the impacts of the technology. Given the considerable adverse effects on mortality and health of pollution from burning, these results imply that this source of black carbon can be mitigated at zero private cost and negative social cost. Since farmers have no strong private incentive to adopt the new technology, extension, and subsidies to accelerate adoption would be a high net-benefit policy.
Comparative transcriptome profiling in human bicuspid aortic valve disease using RNA sequencing
Authors: Padang Ratnasari , Bagnall Richard D. , Tsoutsman Tatiana , Bannon Paul G. , Semsarian Christopher
Published: December 2014

Intrinsic valvular degeneration and dysfunction is the most common complication of bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) disease. Phenotypically, it ranges from calcific aortic stenosis to redundant or prolapsing regurgitant leaflets. The underlying molecular mechanism underpinning phenotype heterogeneity of valvular degeneration in BAV is poorly understood. We used RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) to identify genes and pathways responsible for the development of valvular degeneration in BAV, compared with tricuspid aortic valve (TAV). Comparative transcriptome analysis was performed on total RNA of aortic valve tissues of patients with diseased BAV ( n = 5) and calcified TAV ( n = 3). RNA-seq findings were validated by RT-qPCR. A total of 59 and 177 genes were significantly up- and downregulated, respectively, in BAV compared with TAV. Hierarchical clustering indicated heterogeneity within the BAV group, separating those with heavy calcification (BAVc) from those with redundant leaflets and/or minimal calcification (BAVr). Interestingly, the gene expression profile of the BAVc group closely resembled the TAV, with shared up- and downregulation of inflammatory and NOTCH1 signaling pathways, respectively. Downregulation of matrix protease ADAMTS9 and protein aggrecan were observed in BAVr compared with TAV. Dysregulation of fetal gene programs were also present, with notable downregulation of SEMA6B and SEMA3F in BAVr and BAVc compared with TAV, respectively. Upregulation of TBX20 was observed exclusively in BAVr compared with BAVc. In conclusion, diverging molecular mechanisms underpin phenotype heterogeneity of valvular degeneration in BAV and data from the present study suggest that there may be shared mechanisms leading to calcification in BAV and TAV. Recognition of these pathways is fundamental to improve our understanding of the molecular basis of human BAV disease.
Granulocytic Sarcoma of the Uterus: A Rare Presentation of Extramedullary Relapse of AML and Importance of MRI
Authors: Ucar Murat , Guryildirim Melike
Published: December 2014

Granulocytic sarcoma (GS) is a solid tumor that is the extramedullary presentation of acute myelogenous leukemia, other myeloproliferative disorders, or myelodysplastic syndromes. Less commonly, it also may arise as an isolated mass. In this report, we describe a 23-year-old female patient, with a GS in the uterus and we stress the value of diffusion weighted imaging for the evaluation of uterine neoplasms. To our knowledge, our case is the first in the literature to report diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) findings of GS.
Tin-Doped Indium Oxide-Titania Core-Shell Nanostructures for Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells
Authors: Li Luping , Xu Cheng , Zhao Yang , Ziegler Kirk J.
Published: December 2014

Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) hold great promise in the pursuit of reliable and cheap renewable energy. In this work, tin-doped indium oxide (ITO)-TiO2core-shell nanostructures are used as the photoanode for DSSCs. High-density, vertically aligned ITO nanowires are grown via a thermal evaporation method and TiO2is coated on nanowire surfaces via TiCl4treatment. It is found that high TiO2annealing temperatures increase the crystallinity of TiO2shell and suppress electron recombination in the core-shell nanostructures. High annealing temperatures also decrease dye loading. The highest efficiency of 3.39% is achieved at a TiO2annealing temperature of 500°C. When HfO2blocking layers are inserted between the core and shell of the nanowire, device efficiency is further increased to 5.83%, which is attributed to further suppression of electron recombination from ITO to the electrolyte. Open-circuit voltage decay (OCVD) measurements show that the electron lifetime increases by more than an order of magnitude upon HfO2insertion. ITO-TiO2core-shell nanostructures with HfO2blocking layers are promising photoanodes for DSSCs.
Severe Gastroparesis following Radiofrequency Catheter Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation: Suggestion for Diagnosis, Treatment, and Device for Gastroparesis after RFCA
Authors: Lee Dong Seok , Lee Sang Jin
Published: December 2014

Gastroparesis following radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) is a very rare complication, as only two cases have been reported in the English literature. A 42-year-old man underwent RFCA due to recurrent drug-resistant symptomatic atrial fibrillation. The patient complained of indigestion and early satiety 2 days after the procedure. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography and an upper gastrointestinal series of the abdomen showed a large amount of material remaining in the stomach area. All food material was removed by endoscopy, and the patient received medical treatment. We suggest a flow chart for diagnosis and treatment of AFGS based on the present case and previous cases. Endoscopic medical patent was designed on the basis of this case.
Treatment with Anti-EGF Ab Ameliorates Experimental Autoimmune EncephalomyelitisviaInduction of Neurogenesis and Oligodendrogenesis
Authors: Amir-Levy Yifat , Mausner-Fainberg Karin , Karni Arnon
Published: December 2014

Background. The neural stem cells (NSCs) migrate to the damaged sites in multiple sclerosis (MS) and in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). However, the differentiation into neurons or oligodendrocytes is blocked. Epidermal growth factor (EGF) stimulates NSC proliferation and mobilization to demyelinated lesions but also induces astrogenesis and glial scar.Objective. To examine the clinical and histopathological effects of EGF neutralization on EAE.Methods. EAE-induced SJL mice were intravenously treated with either anti-EGF neutralizing antibody (Ab) or isotype control or PBS. On day 9 after immunization, 3 mice of each group were daily treated for 9 days with BrdU and then sacrificed for immunohistochemical analysis.Results. Treatment with anti-EGF Ab significantly ameliorated EAE symptoms during the second relapse. Anti-EGF Ab induced a shift from BrdU+GFAP+NSCs to BrdU+DCX+neuroblasts in the subventricular zone (SVZ), increased BrdU+NeuN+neurons in the granular cell layer of the dentate gyrus, and increased BrdU+O4+oligodendrocytes in the SVZ. There was no change in the inflammatory infiltrates in response to anti-EGF Ab.Conclusions. Therapy with anti-EGF Ab ameliorates EAE via induction of neurogenesis and oligodendrogenesis. No immunosuppressive effect was found. Further investigation is needed to support these notions of beneficial effect of anti-EGF Ab in MS.
Salt-Inducible Kinase 2 Regulates Mitotic Progression and Transcription in Prostate Cancer
Authors: Bon Hélène , Wadhwa Karan , Schreiner Alexander , Osborne Michelle , Carroll Thomas , Ramos-Montoya Antonio , Ross-Adams Helen , Visser Matthieu , Hoffmann Ralf , Ahmed Ahmed Ashour , Neal David E. , Mills Ian G.
Published: December 2014

Salt-inducible kinase 2 (SIK2) is a multifunctional kinase of the AMPK family that plays a role in CREB1-mediated gene transcription and was recently reported to have therapeutic potential in ovarian cancer. The expression of this kinase was investigated in prostate cancer clinical specimens. Interestingly, auto-antibodies against SIK2 were increased in the plasma of patients with aggressive disease. Examination of SIK2 in prostate cancer cells found that it functions both as a positive regulator of cell-cycle progression and a negative regulator of CREB1 activity. Knockdown of SIK2 inhibited cell growth, delayed cell-cycle progression, induced cell death, and enhanced CREB1 activity. Expression of a kinase-dead mutant of SIK2 also inhibited cell growth, induced cell death, and enhanced CREB1 activity. Treatment with a small-molecule SIK2 inhibitor (ARN-3236), currently in preclinical development, also led to enhanced CREB1 activity in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Because CREB1 is a transcription factor and proto-oncogene, it was posited that the effects of SIK2 on cell proliferation and viability might be mediated by changes in gene expression. To test this, gene expression array profiling was performed and while SIK2 knockdown or overexpression of the kinase-dead mutant affected established CREB1 target genes; the overlap with transcripts regulated by forskolin (FSK), the adenylate cyclase/CREB1 pathway activator, was incomplete.

Implications: This study demonstrates that targeting SIK2 genetically or therapeutically will have pleiotropic effects on cell-cycle progression and transcription factor activation, which should be accounted for when characterizing SIK2 inhibitors. Mol Cancer Res; 13(4); 620–35. ©2014 AACR.
Coronary Neutrophil Extracellular Trap Burden and Deoxyribonuclease Activity in ST-Elevation Acute Coronary Syndrome Are Predictors of ST-Segment Resolution and Infarct Size
Authors: Mangold Andreas , Alias Sherin , Scherz Thomas , Hofbauer Thomas M. , Jakowitsch Johannes , Panzenböck Adelheid , Simon Daniel , Laimer Daniela , Bangert Christine , Kammerlander Andreas , Mascherbauer Julia , Winter Max-Paul , Distelmaier Klaus , Adlbrecht Christopher , Preissner Klaus T. , Lang Irene M.
Published: December 2014

Rationale:

Mechanisms of coronary occlusion in ST-elevation acute coronary syndrome are poorly understood. We have previously reported that neutrophil (polymorphonuclear cells [PMNs]) accumulation in culprit lesion site (CLS) thrombus is a predictor of cardiovascular outcomes.

Objective:

The goal of this study was to characterize PMN activation at the CLS. We examined the relationships between CLS neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs), bacterial components as triggers of NETosis, activity of endogenous deoxyribonuclease, ST-segment resolution, and infarct size.

Methods and Results:

We analyzed coronary thrombectomies from 111 patients with ST-elevation acute coronary syndrome undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention. Thrombi were characterized by immunostaining, flow cytometry, bacterial profiling, and immunometric and enzymatic assays. Compared with femoral PMNs, CLS PMNs were highly activated and formed aggregates with platelets. Nucleosomes, double-stranded DNA, neutrophil elastase, myeloperoxidase, and myeloid-related protein 8/14 were increased in CLS plasma, and NETs contributed to the scaffolds of particulate coronary thrombi. Copy numbers of Streptococcus species correlated positively with dsDNA. Thrombus NET burden correlated positively with infarct size and negatively with ST-segment resolution, whereas CLS deoxyribonuclease activity correlated negatively with infarct size and positively with ST-segment resolution. Recombinant deoxyribonuclease accelerated the lysis of coronary thrombi ex vivo.

Conclusions:

PMNs are highly activated in ST-elevation acute coronary syndrome and undergo NETosis at the CLS. Coronary NET burden and deoxyribonuclease activity are predictors of ST-segment resolution and myocardial infarct size.
DNA barcoding allows the accurate assessment of European maerl diversity: a Proof-of-Concept study
Authors: Carro Belén , Lopez Lua , Peña Viviana , Bárbara Ignacio , Barreiro Rodolfo
Published: December 2014

Two non-geniculate coralline red algae (Lithothamnion corallioides and Phymatolithon calcareum) are partially protected under the assumption that they are the main components of maerl beds in Atlantic Europe. However, what we know about the composition of maerl relies mainly on morphology-based identifications that are notoriously difficult due to a lack of diagnostic features, convergence, and widespread phenotypic plasticity. Now, this state of affairs can be improved with new alternatives that, unlike morphology, allow the unambiguous partition of a large number of rhodoliths into species regardless of their size, shape, and condition (fertile or sterile). Here, we report the first DNA barcoding assessment of the relative abundance of maerl-forming algae. The plastidial gene psbA was sequenced for 1140 rhodoliths from 15 maerl beds scattered along 2000 km from the British Isles to South Portugal; rhodoliths were randomly collected along linear transects to obtain quantitative estimates of species composition. Most (97%) of our collections belonged to three, rather than two, species that often appeared intermixed along a single transect. Lithothamnion corallioides and P. calcareum dominated in the British Isles and Brittany (NW France), but they were gradually replaced by Phymatolithon sp3 in Galicia (NW Spain) and became extremely rare in Algarve (S Portugal). Morphology (rhodolith size and shape, branch diameter, habit) varied considerably between and within beds but the three species converged to a remarkably similar habit when living in sympatry. Still, P. calcareum and L. corallioides seemed to perform best in Brittany while Phymatolithon sp3 produced the largest rhodoliths with thickest branches in Algarve. Altogether, our study shows that the replacement of species of maerl seen in northern latitudes continues to the south along the coasts of Iberia. It also serves as a proof-of-concept of the benefits of DNA barcoding for ecological and biogeographic research of these taxonomically challenging taxa.
A simulation as a service methodology with application for crowd modeling, simulation and visualization
Authors: Wang Sixuan , Wainer Gabriel
Published: December 2014

Crowd modeling and simulation (M&S) has been used to support the analysis of the behavior of crowds, in order to predict the impact of pedestrian movement and to test design alternatives. In recent years, crowd M&S has become more complex, and new technologies such as CAD (computer-aided design) and BIM (building information modeling) authoring tools are being used to support the process. There are challenges in adopting these technologies due to the lack of automation and integration of these tools for crowd M&S. We propose a method based on a distributed architecture with simulation in the cloud, and composition using workflows. In particular, we adopt a model-driven engineering approach to extract data from CAD/BIM authoring tools, Cell-DEVS theory for crowd modeling, simulation as a service to execute simulation remotely, and three-dimensional visualization. Finally, we present a case study for crowd evacuation, discussing the advantages of the proposed architecture. We show the advantages obtained when using distributed deployment, simulation-based design and collaborative development and we discuss how this facilitates the crowd behavior study and improves reusability in crowd M&S.
Low-income housing in high-amenity areas: Long-run effects on residential development
Authors: Thorsnes Paul , Alexander Robert , Kidson David
Published: December 2014

Centre-left governments from the 1940s into the 1970s developed several large areas in the urban fringe of Dunedin, New Zealand, for low-density, mostly single-family public rental housing. The public housing in these areas is now accessible, well-endowed with natural amenities, and allocated to very low-income households. Analysis of the spatial variation in natural amenities with that of household incomes and house characteristics suggests large-scale effects of the public housing developments: diversion of higher-income housing to other suburban areas and possibly maintenance of older high-quality housing in central areas. Interestingly, centre-right governments may have opened the door to market forces by encouraging tenants to purchase their public rental house. We find evidence that recent general increases in house prices have encouraged relatively high-income households to purchase ex-state rentals in these high natural amenity areas.
Queer Intimacies and Structural Inequalities
Authors: Mamo Laura , Alston-Stepnitz Eli
Published: December 2014

This article examines queer intimacies produced by and within a growing industry in assisting human reproduction. Queer users of fertility biomedicine such as gay men, gender queer, and transgender people are constituted within expanded biomedical fertility services in ways similar to their heterosexual counterparts, reproduce more than humans: they reproduce consumer marketplaces, normativities, notions of belonging, and intensifying inequalities. Yet as they negotiate and, at times, reinforce these contours, they also participate in new kinship forms as they demand inclusion in one of the most durable and supported social practices: having children.
Productive Paradoxes of the Assisted Reproductive Technologies in the Context of the New Kinship Studies
Authors: McKinnon Susan
Published: December 2014

This article argues that the paradoxical, domain-crossing qualities of the assisted reproductive technologies have made them exceptionally productive in the “new kinship studies” in a number of different ways. First, the assisted reproductive technologies have collapsed the separations—between nature and culture, home and work, love and money, the domestic and the economic—that have been foundational to the conception of “modernity.” Second, they have been used creatively to generate a diverse array of new forms of kinship and kin-making around the globe. Third, their domain-crossing proclivities have made them a model and “platform” for “enterprising up” reproduction in the new bioindustrial complex. Finally, cross-cultural differences in religious, cultural, and national regulations concerning the reproductive technologies have generated complex and shifting global patterns in the commercialization and stratification of reproduction that reflect tensions between the reproductive liberties and opportunities these technologies support and the reproductive injustices they so often entail.