bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Understanding the Relationship between Inflation and Growth: A Wavelet Transformation Approach in the Case of Bangladesh
Authors: Uddin Gazi Salah , Muzaffar Ahmed Taneem , Arouri Mohamed , Sjö Bo 
Published: November 2016

AbstractThis paper re‐examines the relationship between inflation and economic growth in developing countries. Both the theoretical and the empirical literature are extremely divided on this issue. We apply a relatively new empirical technique – the continuous wavelet transform – to Bangladesh. Bangladesh is of interest because of its remarkable economic growth and poverty reduction during the last 30 years in combination with, for a developing country, a controlled inflation. The wavelet analysis is a contribution because it displays how the correlation and the lead–lag structure between variables change over timescales, taking into account that growth and inflation can follow several different cycles. Comovements between variables are generally studied in the time domain. Results from studies in the time‐domain study can be sensitive to the frequency of observations. On the other hand, studies in the frequency domain are not easily translated into time domains that can be associated with economic policies. The wavelet methodology finds a balance between time and frequency domains. Our study finds that growth Granger causes inflation at all frequency scales, starting from the short run to the very long run. Inflation, on the other hand, Granger causes growth in the long run but not in the short run. This result has implications for Bangladesh, and as such for similar developing countries, where some policymakers believe that inflation must be kept at very low levels for sustained economic growth.
Laboratory tests for diagnosing and monitoring canine leishmaniasis
Authors: Paltrinieri Saverio , Gradoni Luigi , Roura Xavier , Zatelli Andrea , Zini Eric 
Published: November 2016

AbstractAlthough several reviews on canine leishmaniasis have been published, none thoroughly described clinicopathologic abnormalities and their clinical usefulness. The aim of this review was to provide information concerning current diagnostic tests relevant for clinical pathologists and from a practical perspective. Specifically, in canine leishmaniasis, nonregenerative normocytic normochromic anemia, thrombocytopenia, or leukogram changes may be present. Clinical chemistry and urinalysis may indicate renal dysfunction (azotemia, decreased urine specific gravity, proteinuria) and an inflammatory/immune response (increased acute phase proteins [APP] or α2‐ and/or γ‐globulins). Although a potential gammopathy is usually polyclonal, it may also appear oligo‐ or monoclonal, especially in dogs coinfected by other vector‐borne pathogens. When lesions are accessible to fine‐needle aspiration (lymphoadenomegaly, nodular lesions, joint swelling), cytology is strongly advised, as the presence of Leishmania amastigotes in a pattern of pyogranulomatous inflammation or lymphoplasmacytic hyperplasia is diagnostic. If the cytologic pattern is inconclusive, the parasite should be identified by histology/immunohistochemistry or PCR on surgical biopsies. Alternatively, cytology and PCR may be performed on bone marrow samples where amastigotes, along with erythroid hypoplasia, myeloid hyperplasia, plasmacytosis, or secondary dysmyelopoiesis can be observed. Dogs with overt leishmaniasis generally have high antibody titers, while low titers predominate in immunologically resistant infected dogs or in exposed dogs with no parasite confirmation. Quantitative serology is recommended in clinically suspect dogs as high‐titer antibodies titers may confirm the clinical diagnosis. In confirmed and treated dogs, renal function and inflammatory/immune response variables should be periodically monitored.
Utilizing Waste Heat From Hybrid Energy Systems for Pyrolysis and Other Processes
Authors: Verner Kelley M. , Ostrom Lee T. , McKellar Michael G. 
Published: November 2016

Nuclear reactor systems present a promising sustainable energy source for the future. Simply, a nuclear reactor heats a coolant that powers a turbine to create electricity. The coolant then can either be re-cooled or can be used for process heat applications. By utilizing the heat off the reactor less energy is wasted. A few of the proposed uses of the wasted heat are water desalination, hydrogen production, or pyrolysis. Nuclear power plants most often provide baseload power and are very inflexible. One way to address this is to use nuclear hybrid energy systems.
The goal of this research is to create a system that mimics the waste heat from a reactor, demonstrates how to utilize that heat, and shows that when energy demand is low the reactor does not need to reduce power; the energy can be directed elsewhere to create goods. We have developed an Energy Conversion Loop to act as a testbed for experimentation of the aforementioned processes and test the possibility of nuclear hybrid energy systems.
The current design consists of a series of heat exchangers that transfer heat between hot air 427 °C (800 °F) and room temperature water. Each loop of the system mimics a type of process that can be tested with a waste heat application. Early models show the system is capable of producing air temperatures near 427 °C (800 °F) and steam temperatures of 154.4 °C (310 °F). These temperatures match needed process heat temperatures for pyrolysis, multi-effect distillation, and multi-stage flash distillation and can be used to simulate other processes for lab scale testing of wasted process heat. Physical testing will be completed in the future to confirm these results.
Performance Characterization of Bi-Directional Turbines for Use in Thermoacoustic Generator Applications
Authors: Boessneck Eric T. , Salem Thomas E. 
Published: November 2016

Bi-directional turbines convert oscillating axial fluid flow into uniform radial rotation and have proven effective in wave energy harvesting applications, like ocean wave generators. Two of the most widely studied designs for these scenarios are the Wells and axial turbines. This study characterizes the effectiveness of these turbines for use with a thermoacoustic generator; which is a relatively new technology that uses an induced temperature gradient to propagate acoustic waves within an enclosed, looped chamber. These generators are widely applied to refrigeration cycle systems; yet when paired with a bi-directional turbine, the resulting sound wave can be harnessed to generate electricity.
This paper begins with a discussion of the thermoacoustic application covering relevant issues for the turbine. Next, the Wells, axial, and a combined hybrid turbine are presented in thorough detail including governing design features that were explored. Fabrication of a test fixture and turbine prototypes and experimental results from a broad ranging study of the performance of the turbine designs is shown. Finally, conclusions from the obtained results are discussed.
Effects of Irradiance and Ambient Temperature on a Decision-Making Tool for Rooftop PV Array Sizing for Commercial Buildings
Authors: Bianchi Carlo , Smith Amanda D. 
Published: November 2016

Reducing global emissions and meeting the electricity generation needs of urban areas are compelling energy issues. Rooftop and small-scale photovoltaic (PV) technology is a quickly growing sector of the distributed generation market. The array size chosen for a PV installation is one of the main factors affecting its ability to meet a building’s electrical needs and reduce its operational emissions.
The rooftop area available for placement of PV can be a constraint on the optimization of PV array size. If the optimal array area for a specific building is larger than the area available on the rooftop, optimization using demand-matching methods is not necessary.
A new parameter EUI-R has been introduced to describe the building’s annual electrical demand with respect to the building rooftop area. It is a decision-making tool presented to help a system designer choose whether to employ an optimization method or not in selecting a PV system. The EUI-R depends on 2 general parameters, building electric demand and building rooftop area, that should be easily accessible for any system designer. This paper presents an extended study of EUI-R applied to 10 commercial building types in 3 different climate zones throughout the U.S. These cities are characterized by different latitudes and varying amounts of available solar radiation. The results show a linear dependency between optimal PV size obtained with a simple demand-matching algorithm, and building rooftop area, applicable to any building type. Any distributed energy technology serving a single building should be sized based on the specific conditions unique to the building, including electric demand and physical space available.
On-Sun Evaluation of the PHLUX Method for Heliostat Beam Characterization
Authors: Yellowhair Julius , Ho Clifford K. 
Published: November 2016

Flux distributions from solar field collectors are typically evaluated using a beam characterization system, which consists of a digital camera with neutral density filters, flux gauge or calorimeter, and water-cooled Lambertian target panel. The pixels in camera image of the flux distribution are scaled by the flux peak value measured with the flux gauge or the total power value measured with the calorimeter. An alternative method, called PHLUX developed at Sandia National Laboratories, can serve the same purpose using a digital camera but without auxiliary instrumentation. The only additional information required besides the digital images recorded from the camera are the direct normal irradiance, an image of the sun using the same camera, and the reflectivity of the receiver or target panel surface.
The PHLUX method was evaluated using two digital cameras (Nikon D90 and D3300) at different flux levels on a target panel. The performances of the two cameras were compared to each other and to measurements from a Kendall radiometer. For consistency in comparison of the two cameras, the same focal length lenses and same number of neutral density filters were used. Other camera settings (e.g., shutter speed, f-stop, etc.) were set based on the aperture size and performance of the cameras. The Nikon D3300 has twice the number of pixels as the D90. D3300 provided higher resolution, however, due to the smaller pixel sizes the images were noisier, and the D90 with larger pixels had better response to low light levels. The noise in the D3300, if not corrected, could result in gross overestimation of the irradiance calculations. After corrections to the D3300 flux images, the PHLUX results from the two cameras showed they agreed to within 8% for a peak flux level of 1000 suns on the target, and less than 10% error in the peak flux when compared to the Kendall radiometer.
Multifunctional Energy Storage Composites: Design, Fabrication, and Experimental Characterization
Authors: Ladpli Purim , Nardari Raphael , Rewari Raunaq , Liu Hongjian , Slater Michael , Kepler Keith , Wang Yinan , Kopsaftopoulos Fotis , Chang Fu-Kuo 
Published: November 2016

We propose the concept of Multifunctional-Energy-Storage Composites (MES Composites) which highlights a unique integration technique for embedding lithium-ion battery materials in structural carbon-fiber-reinforced-polymers (CFRP). Unlike standard lithium-ion pouch cells, the MES Composites maximizes material utilization by using CFRP facesheets to house the electrochemistry. Through-thickness polymer reinforcements are implemented to allow load transfer between the two facesheets, analogous to the sandwich structure construction.
In this work, the design rationale, materials and fabrication techniques, experimental evaluation, and performance of the first-generation MES Composites will be presented. MES Composite cells with a nominal capacity of approximately 4 Ah, with various reinforcements-array configurations, were fabricated and first tested through a series of electrochemical reference performance tests (RPT) under a strain-free condition. The MES Composite cells then underwent a mechanical-electrical-coupling test, where a quasi-static three-point-bending load was applied at increasing increments. Mechanical testing was interrupted after each increment to perform a sequential RPT to quantify any non-catastrophic degradation in the electrochemical performance.
The obtained results verify the feasibility of the concept showing that the electrochemical performance of the MES Composites can be maintained at the same level as the regular lithium-ion battery. The reinforcement architecture of the MES Composite constrains the relative motion of the battery electrodes and increases the bending rigidity, resulting in a higher load carrying capacity and inhibiting non-fatal injury of the cell under mechanical loads. This multifunctional material system can also be scaled up and ultimately provide considerable weight and volume saving at the system level.
Cost Optimal Strategies of High Temperature Thermal Energy Storage Systems in Combined Heat and Power Applications
Authors: Wells Parker , Nithyanandam Karthik , Wirz Richard 
Published: November 2016

As variable generation electricity sources, namely wind and solar, increase market penetration, the variability in the value of electricity by time of day has increased dramatically. In response to increase in electricity demand, natural gas “peaker plants” are being added to the grid, and the need for spinning and nonspinning reserves have increased. Many natural gas, and other heat source based, power plants exist as combined heat and power (CHP), or cogeneration, plants. When built for industrial use, these plants are sized and run based on heat needs of an industrial facility, and are not optimized for the value of electricity generated. With the inclusion of new, less expensive thermal energy storage (TES) systems, the heating and electricity usage can be separated and the system can be optimized separately. The use of thermal energy storage with CHP improves system economics by improving efficiency, reducing upfront capital expenditures, and reducing system wear.
This paper examines the addition of thermal energy storage to industrial natural gas combined heat and power (CHP) plants. Here a case study is presented for a recycled paper mill near Los Angeles, CA. By implementing thermal energy storage, the mill could decouple electric and heat production. The mill could take advantage of time-of-day pricing while producing the constant heat required for paper processing. This paper focuses on plant economics in 2012 and 2015, and suggests that topping cycle industrial CHP plants could benefit from the addition of high temperature (400–550°C) energy storage. Even without accounting for the California incentives associated with implementing advanced energy storage technologies and distributed generation, the addition of energy storage to CHP plants can drastically reduce the payback period below the 25 year expected economic lifetime of a plant. Thus thermal energy storage can make more CHP plants economically viable to build.
Comparison Analysis for TES System in Solar-Aided 600 MW Coal-Fired Power Generation System and Solar-Alone Power Generation System
Authors: Wu Junjie , Hou Hongjuan , Yang Yongping 
Published: November 2016

With the shortage of fossil fuels and its negative effects on the environment, solar energy as one type of renewable energy has attracted increasing attention both socially and politically. There are two approached to use solar energy for generating electricity, i.e., using solar energy to directly to make work or integrating solar energy into fossil-fueled plant. The solar-aided coal-fired power generation (SACPG) mechanism is proven an effective way to use solar energy efficiently. In this paper, SACPG system and solar-alone parabolic trough CSP plant are modelled respectively. A comparison discussion related to TES system between SACPG system and solar-alone CSP plant is presented. The aim is to find what role of TES system will play in these two different systems.
Through analysis, the role TES system plays varies in solar-alone power generation system and SACPG system. For solar-alone power generation system, the main function for TES system lies in storing surplus solar heat. Besides, there exists an optimum loop number with highest annual SEE with a specific TES hour. However, TES system for SACPG system not only stores the surplus solar heat, but also adjusts working condition. With the help of TES system, the working condition could be set as the high-pressure extraction steam could be totally replaced by solar heat. By doing so, annual solar power generation and annual SEE could be improved compared with that without TES system.
Small-Scale Thermal Energy Storage With Capillary Conductivity Enhancement
Authors: Hays A. , Borquist E. , Bailey D. , Wood D. , Weiss L. 
Published: November 2016

Thermal energy is a leading topic of discussion in energy conservation and environmental fields. Specifically for large-scale applications solar energy and concentrated solar power (CSP) systems use techniques that include thermal energy storage systems and phase change materials to harvest energy. However, on the smaller centimeter scale, there have been historically fewer investigations of these same techniques. The main goal of this paper is to investigate thermal energy storage (TES) as applied to a small scale system for thermal energy capture. Typical large-scale TES consists of a phase change material that usually employs a wax or oil medium held within a conductive container. The system stores the energy when the wax medium undergoes a phase change. In typical applications like buildings, the system absorbs and stores incoming thermal energy during the day, and releases it back to the surrounding environment as temperatures cool at night.
This paper presents a new TES unit designed to integrate with a thermoelectric for energy harvesting application in small, cm-scale applications. In this manner, the TES serves as a thermal battery and source for the thermoelectric, even when originating power supply is interrupted. A unique feature of this TES is the inclusion of internal heat pipes. These heat pipes are fabricated from copper tubing and filled with working fluid, mounted vertically, and immersed in the wax medium of the TES. This transfers heat to the wax by means of thermal conductivity enhancement as an element of the heat pipe operation. This represents a first of its kind in this small-scale, thermal harvesting application.
As tested, the TES rests atop a low temperature (60 °C) heat source with a heat sink as the final setup component. The heat sink serves to simulate thermal energy rejection to a future thermoelectric device. To measure the temperature change of the device, thermocouples are placed on either side of the TES, and a third placed on the heat source to ensure that the energy input is appropriate and constant. Heat flux sensors (HFS) are placed between the heat source and the TES and between the TES and heat sink to monitor heat transferred to and from the device.
The TES is tested in a variety constructions as part of this effort. Basic design of the storage volume as well as fluid fill levels within the heat pipes are considered. Varying thermal energy inputs are also studied. Temperature and heat flux data are compared to show the thermal absorption capability and operating average thermal conductivities of the TES units. The baseline average thermal conductivity of the TES is approximately 0.5 W/mK. This represents the TES with wax alone filling the internal volume. Results indicate a fully functional, heat pipe TES capable of 8.23 W/mK.
Annotating Protein Functional Residues by Coupling High-Throughput Fitness Profile and Homologous-Structure Analysis
Authors: Du Yushen , Wu Nicholas C. , Jiang Lin , Zhang Tianhao , Gong Danyang , Shu Sara , Wu Ting-Ting , Sun Ren 
Published: November 2016

ABSTRACT
Identification and annotation of functional residues are fundamental questions in protein sequence analysis. Sequence and structure conservation provides valuable information to tackle these questions. It is, however, limited by the incomplete sampling of sequence space in natural evolution. Moreover, proteins often have multiple functions, with overlapping sequences that present challenges to accurate annotation of the exact functions of individual residues by conservation-based methods. Using the influenza A virus PB1 protein as an example, we developed a method to systematically identify and annotate functional residues. We used saturation mutagenesis and high-throughput sequencing to measure the replication capacity of single nucleotide mutations across the entire PB1 protein. After predicting protein stability upon mutations, we identified functional PB1 residues that are essential for viral replication. To further annotate the functional residues important to the canonical or noncanonical functions of viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (vRdRp), we performed a homologous-structure analysis with 16 different vRdRp structures. We achieved high sensitivity in annotating the known canonical polymerase functional residues. Moreover, we identified a cluster of noncanonical functional residues located in the loop region of the PB1 β-ribbon. We further demonstrated that these residues were important for PB1 protein nuclear import through the interaction with Ran-binding protein 5. In summary, we developed a systematic and sensitive method to identify and annotate functional residues that are not restrained by sequence conservation. Importantly, this method is generally applicable to other proteins about which homologous-structure information is available.

IMPORTANCE
To fully comprehend the diverse functions of a protein, it is essential to understand the functionality of individual residues. Current methods are highly dependent on evolutionary sequence conservation, which is usually limited by sampling size. Sequence conservation-based methods are further confounded by structural constraints and multifunctionality of proteins. Here we present a method that can systematically identify and annotate functional residues of a given protein. We used a high-throughput functional profiling platform to identify essential residues. Coupling it with homologous-structure comparison, we were able to annotate multiple functions of proteins. We demonstrated the method with the PB1 protein of influenza A virus and identified novel functional residues in addition to its canonical function as an RNA-dependent RNA polymerase. Not limited to virology, this method is generally applicable to other proteins that can be functionally selected and about which homologous-structure information is available.