bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Efficient ASK‐assisted system for expression and purification of plant F‐box proteins
Authors: Li Haiou , Yao Ruifeng , Ma Sui , Hu Shuai , Li Suhua , Wang Yupei , Yan Chun , Xie Daoxin , Yan Jianbin 
Published: September 2017

SummaryUbiquitin‐mediated protein degradation plays an essential role in plant growth and development as well as responses to environmental and endogenous signals. F‐box protein is one of the key components of the SCF (SKP1‐CUL1‐F‐box protein) E3 ubiquitin ligase complex, which recruit specific substrate proteins for subsequent ubiquitination and 26S proteasome‐mediated degradation to regulate developmental processes and signaling networks. However, it is not easy to obtain purified F‐box proteins with high activity due to their unstable protein structures. Here, we found that Arabidopsis SKP‐like proteins (ASKs) can significantly improve soluble expression of F‐box proteins and maintain their bioactivity. We established an efficient ASK‐assisted method to express and purify plant F‐box proteins. The method meets a broad range of criteria required for the biochemical analysis or protein crystallization of plant F‐box proteins.
Weeds for weed control: Asteraceae essential oils as natural herbicides
Authors: Benvenuti S , Cioni P L , Flamini G , Pardossi A 
Published: September 2017

SummaryThe aim of this study was to test the botanical family of Asteraceae as a source of natural herbicides. Twenty Asteraceae species were collected during flowering time and evaluated in terms of the yield and quality of essential oils (germination inhibition and growth of weeds). Half the species showed a sufficient yield of essential oil (from about 0.1% to 1.43%) when testing these phytochemicals in vitro as germination inhibitors of two typical weeds, Amaranthus retroflexus and Setaria viridis. Despite the higher tolerance of S. viridis, the concentration of 100 μg L−1 of essential oils of the two Artemisia species and Xanthium strumarium could totally inhibit germination. In addition, at 10 μg L −1, the same essential oils showed full inhibition of A. retroflexus seeds. A comparison of their effectiveness at suboptimal doses led to a further selection of the most promising sources of essential oils. After their chemical characterisation, the essential oils were tested as post‐emergence herbicides on seedlings of the above‐cited weeds. After spraying the weeds at different concentrations (10, 100 and 1000 mg L−1) during two different phenological stages of weed seedlings (cotyledons and the third true leaf), the essential oils of Artemisia annua and X. strumarium showed the best performance. The essential oils of X. strumarium were then tested again on both weeds to monitor the dynamics of plant injury. A reduction in plant fresh weight (about 20%–30% after 10 days) and chlorophyll content (destroyed, after the same amount of time) was found, thus confirming the total and rapid effectiveness of these essential oils. In summary, A. annua and X. strumarium have elicited considerable agronomic interest and appear to be suitable as a source of essential oils to act as natural herbicides.
A Modified Master Cycle Off-Design Performance and Heat Rate Improvement Optimization
Authors: Fan Chenghao , Pei Dongsheng , He Xiang , Zhou Wentai , Wei Zengtao 
Published: September 2017

Coal-fired power generation will continue to be the cornerstone of China’s energy sources in the coming decades and advanced ultra-supercritical technology is the future of coal-fired power generation. This paper selects double reheat cycle design for study and incorporates back pressure extraction steam turbine (BEST) into current cycle design, which used to drive boiler feed water pump and feed regenerative heaters. This design prevailed in US in 1960s and gradually was replaced by condensing turbine due to less efficiency benefits at subcritical steam condition. Reinvention of BEST design in current double reheat cycle is an evitable choice, because the efficiency advantage is improved at USC steam condition.
BEST configuration incorporated into current double reheat cycle and advanced cycle is developed to compare with other two conventional systems in this study. Thermodynamic simulation at design and off-design condition shows that BEST configuration has an obvious efficiency advantage at design load, but the advantage decreases at partial load. BEST expansion line and reheat pressure is integrated in cycle heat rate optimization. Genetic algorithm is chosen to implement the optimization and exergy analysis method is utilized to evaluate BEST expansion line optimization results. Finally, BEST design limitation and future work is practically concluded.
Modular Solar Systems for 24/7 Scalable, Flexible, Affordable Electricity
Authors: Anderson Bruce N. 
Published: September 2017

A successful transition to a low carbon future requires that power be generated all of the time, 24/7, not just when the sun is shining. But few clean emissions power technologies can operate 24/7. Concentrated solar power (CSP) can because it can store thermal energy at 10–20% of the cost of batteries1 and can then burn fuel when its solar resource is exhausted. However, many see first generation CSP as too costly, complex, risky, and economical only at utility scale.
Alternatively, by mimicking the all-factory, standardized, modular approach of wind and PV, next generation CSP with low-cost dry thermal storage (e.g., firebrick, not molten salts), and using no water/steam (just hot air) may give CSP the potential to fulfill on its promise of baseload affordability.
This technical paper summarizes an Engineering and Cost Feasibility Study2 funded by the US Department of Energy as well as presents a new breakthrough power generation product based on the Brayton power tower system called 247Solar Plants™. Design, construction, and operation are all simplified with greatly reduced costs and increased deployment speeds.
Such modular CSP systems can be installed as single units or 100s of modules at utility scale. The microturbines used by the system stabilize grids by responding nearly instantly, similar to battery response time, to changing power demands and voltage fluctuations, while offering dispatchable, reliable electricity. The redundancy of multiple modules in a single project increases capacity factor, operational flexibility, and project reliability.
The DOE Study shows that such a system may be able to achieve the two key DOE targets included: 1) a capacity factor of at least 75%, of which >85% would be solar with <15% from fuels; and LCOE3s <9ȼ/kWh. Indeed, LCOEs under 6ȼ/kWh may be possible with further development and widespread deployment.
Numerical Simulation of High Temperature Solar Receiver and Thermal Receiver for Solar Micro Gas Turbine
Authors: Matsubara Koji , Isojima Sho , Nakakura Mitsuho , Yamada Yuji , Kawagoe Shota 
Published: September 2017

Numerical simulation was made for high-temperature solar and thermal receivers of pressurized air for solar micro gas turbine system. The solar / biomass hybrid gas turbine was considered to generate 30kW to 100kW power. The gas turbine system was provided with the concentrated solar light from the dish reflector at the solar receiver and the combustion heat from the biomass synthesis gas at the thermal receiver. Numerical model was developed to the solar receiver and the thermal receiver to reveal their thermal potential.
The solar receiver was a close loop concentric annuli to receive highly condensed solar light of 1,000kW/m2. The inner cylinder was made of high-temperature resistance ceramic irradiated by the condensed light on the inner side. The liner was inserted between the inner cylinder and the outer shell. The pressurized air passes the many holes of the liner to impinge the outer surface of the irradiation wall. These impinging jets caused high heat transfer coefficient on the irradiation wall and alleviates the thermal distribution in the receiver aisle. The liner and the outer shell were made by the high temperature resistance INCONEL alloy.
The thermal receiver was also a close loop annuli. This uses the same part as the solar receiver and the biomass gas combustor combined to it. The combustor comprises of the liner and the center tube, installed to the inside of the ceramic cylinder. The biomass gas was provided to the gap between liner and the center tube, and the oxidant air to the outer side of the liner. The biomass gas was spouted from the many holes of the liner and mixed with the oxidant air. The resulted hot combustion gas impinged directly to the inner side of the ceramic cylinder. The impingement of the hot combustion gas thinned the thermal boundary layer and enhanced the heat transfer on the ceramic wall. The thermal receiver was designed to attain the preferable heat transfer performance by the inner impinging jet of the hot combustion gas as well as the outer impinging jet of the pressurized air.
Three dimensional numerical model was developed to the solar receiver and the thermal receiver considered in the present study using ANSYS FLUENT. Parameter study showed that the exit air from the solar receiver was heated above 1200K or higher presently, and was continued to search better condition and better configuration of the system to obtain higher temperature. The numerical simulation revealed that the distance from the jet nozzle (linear holes) and the heat transfer surface is critical to the thermal distribution. The concept of the new solar and thermal receivers was confirmed on their usefulness; the multiple impinging jet effectively enhanced the heat transfer on the ceramic wall of the solar receiver and the thermal receiver to reduce the thermal inhomogeneity near the heat transfer surface with pressure loss of order 800Pa.
Experimental Study of Mercury Removal and Electrolytic Regeneration by Ca(ClO)2 Solutions
Authors: Luo Qinlan , Jia Ruiya , Feng Bin , Zhou Qulan , Li Na 
Published: September 2017

The trace element mercury (Hg0) released from fossil fuel combustion in thermal power plants is difficult to be collected by pollution control equipment as its high volatility, high volatility and low solubility. The removal of Hg0 is the most critical part of mercury removal technology. The existing technologies of mercury removal include activated carbon adsorption, fly ash adsorption, calcium-based adsorbent adsorption, and wet scrubbing method. While these existing technologies have some disadvantages, like high absorbent consumption, high absorption cost and existence of secondary pollution. Much attention has been devoted to the development of new mercury removal technology in recent years.
In this study, the Ca(ClO)2 solution was proposed for the absorption of elemental mercury as its strong oxidizing property and low expenditure. The chemical reaction mechanism, reaction kinetics and reaction thermodynamic in both absorption and regeneration processes were explored, which verified the feasibility of mercury removal and absorbent regeneration. Effects of solution concentration, absorption temperature and solution pH value on absorption performance of Ca(ClO)2 solution were investigated in micro bubbling reactor. The experimental results revealed that acid environment (pH = 1–5) and high solution concentration were beneficial to mercury removal. A high removal efficiency (over 90%) and a low outlet mercury concentration (below 0.01mg·m3) was obtained under optimal experimental parameters (with the pH value of 3, the solution concentration of 15 mmol·L−1 and the temperature of 25 °C). The performance of electrolytic regeneration in Ca(ClO)2 rich solutions were carried out, and the effect of electrolysis time on current efficiency and energy consumption in electrolytic regeneration processes were specifically studied. The regeneration results showed that the oxidation reaction of Cl− with a series of other oxidation reactions will occur at the anode, and the reduction reaction of Hg2+ will occur at the cathode. The results verified the feasibility of the electrolytic regeneration of Ca(ClO)2 rich solution using an ion-exchange membrane insulating the catholyte and the anolyte. The Ca(ClO)2 solution is a promising absorbent for elemental mercury which can accomplish the cyclic utilization of solution and the reuse of mercury.
Wind Effects on Air-Cooled Condensers: Wind-Tunnel 2-D Flow Fields for Base Case, Wind Screens, and Louvers
Authors: Parker Ryan S. 
Published: September 2017

Detailed 2-axis hot-wire anemometry measurements were conducted around a scale Air-Cooled Condenser (ACC) model within an atmospheric boundary layer wind-tunnel. The measurements were taken for the “standard” flow field, as well as the effects of using partial wind screens and louvers as mitigation measures. This provides a representation of the complex 2-D flow field present underneath an operating ACC when subjected to various speed cross winds.
Optimal ACC operation is achieved when all fans generate a uniform flow pattern into the plenum chamber of the ACC, and this is dependent on the speed and direction of the air at the inlet. The wind-tunnel measurements support the assertion that wind screens reduce the horizontal wind speed directly downstream; however, this comes with a marked increase in turbulence. The results suggest a wind-screen covering a smaller portion (6% tested) of the ACC inlet may be more beneficial than the more common 50% coverage.
Effective coverage of primary care services in eight high-mortality countries
Authors: Leslie Hannah H , Malata Address , Ndiaye Youssoupha , Kruk Margaret E 
Published: September 2017

IntroductionMeasurement of effective coverage (quality-corrected coverage) of essential health services is critical to monitoring progress towards the Sustainable Development Goal for health. We combine facility and household surveys from eight low-income and middle-income countries to examine effective coverage of maternal and child health services.MethodsWe developed indices of essential clinical actions for antenatal care, family planning and care for sick children from existing guidelines and used data from direct observations of clinical visits conducted in Haiti, Kenya, Malawi, Namibia, Rwanda, Senegal, Tanzania and Uganda between 2007 and 2015 to measure quality of care delivered. We calculated healthcare coverage for each service from nationally representative household surveys and combined quality with utilisation estimates at the subnational level to quantify effective coverage.ResultsHealth facility and household surveys yielded over 40 000 direct clinical observations and over 100 000 individual reports of healthcare utilisation. Coverage varied between services, with much greater use of any antenatal care than family planning or sick-child care, as well as within countries. Quality of care was poor, with few regions demonstrating more than 60% average performance of basic clinical practices in any service. Effective coverage across all eight countries averaged 28% for antenatal care, 26% for family planning and 21% for sick-child care. Coverage and quality were not strongly correlated at the subnational level; effective coverage varied by as much as 20% between regions within a country.ConclusionEffective coverage of three primary care services for women and children in eight countries was substantially lower than crude service coverage due to major deficiencies in care quality. Better performing regions can serve as examples for improvement. Systematic increases in the quality of care delivered—not just utilisation gains—will be necessary to progress towards truly beneficial universal health coverage.
Guideline use behaviours and needs of primary care practitioners in China: a cross-sectional survey
Authors: Zeng Linan , Li Youping , Zhang Lingli , Liu Guanjian , Zhang Yang , Zhen Shangwei , Li Honghao , Song Xue , Duan Yanjun , Yu Jiajie , Wang Xiaodong 
Published: September 2017

ObjectivesClinical guidelines have been recognised as an effective way to improve healthcare performance. However, little is known about the uptake and implementation of guidelines by general practitioners in China. The aim of this study was to investigate the guideline use behaviours and needs of practitioners in primary care settings in China.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional survey from December 2015 to May 2016 that included practitioners at 268 institutions in 15 provinces in China. Questionnaire development was informed by the execution of a literature review and consultation of experts. On-site surveys were implemented using a paper questionnaire to minimise missing responses. A multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with provider knowledge of and attitudes towards clinical guidelines.ResultsOf the respondents, 91.7% (1568/1708) were aware of clinical guidelines, but only 11.3% (177/1568) frequently used them. The main mechanism by which primary care practitioners accessed guidelines was public search engines (63.4%; 911/1438), and practitioners seldom reported using biomedical databases. The most frequently identified barriers to guideline use were lack of training (49.9%; 778/1560), lack of access (44.6%; 696/1560) and lack of awareness (38.0%; 592/1560). Less than one-quarter of respondents considered current guidelines ‘entirely appropriate’ for use in primary care (23.5%; 339/1442). Most participants (96.2%; 1509/1568) believed it was necessary to develop primary care guidelines. Provider attitudes towards current guidelines were associated with the location and level of the institution and professional title of the practitioner (p<0.05).ConclusionOur survey revealed poor knowledge and uptake of clinical guidelines in primary care, and we identified a gap between the needs of practitioners and availability of clinical guidelines for use in primary care in China. In addition, lacking access to and training in guidelines also prevented primary healthcare practitioners from using guidelines in daily practice.
Understanding symptom appraisal and help-seeking in people with symptoms suggestive of pancreatic cancer: a qualitative study
Authors: Mills Katie , Birt Linda , Emery Jon D , Hall Nicola , Banks Jonathan , Johnson Margaret , Lancaster John , Hamilton William , Rubin Greg P , Walter Fiona M 
Published: September 2017

ObjectivePancreatic cancer has poor survival rates due to non-specific symptoms leading to later diagnosis. Understanding how patients interpret their symptoms could inform approaches to earlier diagnosis. This study sought to explore symptom appraisal and help-seeking among patients referred to secondary care for symptoms suggestive of pancreatic cancer.DesignQualitative analysis of semistructured in-depth interviews. Data were analysed iteratively and thematically, informed by the Model of Pathways to Treatment.Participants and settingPancreatic cancer occurs rarely in younger adults, therefore patients aged ≥40 years were recruited from nine hospitals after being referred to hospital with symptoms suggestive of pancreatic cancer; all were participants in a cohort study. Interviews were conducted soon after referral, and where possible, before diagnosis.ResultsTwenty-six interviews were conducted (cancer n=13 (pancreas n=9, other intra-abdominal n=4), non-cancer conditions n=13; age range 48–84 years; 14 women). Time from first symptoms to first presentation to healthcare ranged from 1 day to 270 days, median 21 days. We identified three main themes. Initial symptom appraisal usually began with intermittent, non-specific symptoms such as tiredness or appetite changes, attributed to diet and lifestyle, existing gastrointestinal conditions or side effects of medication. Responses to initial symptom appraisal included changes in meal type or frequency, or self-medication. Symptom changes such as alterations in appetite and enjoyment of food or weight loss usually prompted further appraisal. Triggers to seek help included a change or worsening of symptoms, particularly pain, which was often a ‘tipping point’. Help-seeking was often encouraged by others. We found no differences in symptom appraisal and help-seeking between people diagnosed with cancer and those with other conditions.ConclusionsGreater public and healthcare professional awareness of the combinations of subtle and intermittent symptoms, and their evolving nature, is needed to prompt timelier help-seeking and investigation among people with symptoms of pancreatic cancer.
Prevalence of stroke and associated risk factors: a population based cross sectional study from northeast China
Authors: Zhang Fu-Liang , Guo Zhen-Ni , Wu Yan-Hua , Liu Hao-Yuan , Luo Yun , Sun Ming-Shuo , Xing Ying-Qi , Yang Yi 
Published: September 2017

ObjectivesEpidemiological studies aimed at stroke and its risk factors can help identify persons at higher risk and therefore promote stroke prevention strategies. We aimed to explore the current prevalence of stroke and its associated risk factors in northeast China.DesignPopulation based cross sectional study.SettingData were collected using a structured precoded questionnaire designed by the Stroke Screening and Prevention Programme of the National Health and Family Planning Commission of China, between January and March 2016.Participants4100 permanent residents, aged 40 years or older, who had lived in Dehui City of Jilin Province for more than 6 months volunteered to participate in the survey, with a response rate of 92.2%. For the purpose of the present analysis, 48 subjects were excluded due to missing values, giving a total of 4052 people included in this analysis.Main outcome measureThe questionnaire included demographic characteristics, stroke related behavioural factors, personal and family medical history of stroke, physical examination and laboratory testing.ResultsThe overall prevalence of stroke in Jilin Province was 7.2% (95% CI 6.3% to 8.2%). Of all stroke cases, 91.7% (95% CI 87.4% to 94.6%) were ischaemic stroke and 8.3% (95% CI 5.4% to 12.6%) were haemorrhagic stroke. The prevalence rates of dyslipidaemia, smoking and hypertension were ranked as the top three cerebrovascular risk factors and were 62.1%, 61.8% and 57.3%, respectively. We found that hypertension, dyslipidaemia and lack of exercise were associated with ischaemic stroke. However, only hypertension (OR=4.064, 95% CI 1.358 to 12.160) was significantly associated with haemorrhagic stroke.ConclusionsThe prevalence of stroke, especially ischaemic stroke, and associated cerebrovascular risk factors among adults aged 40 years or older in northeast China were high. A higher regional prevalence of hypertension, dyslipidaemia and lack of exercise may be responsible.