Showing papers on "Energy source published in 1976"

An Intercountry Translog Model of Energy Substitution Responses

Abstract: Results of earlier transcendental logarithmic (translog) production function are challenged on the basis of the limited time-series used. The same methodology is applied to a pool of international manufacturing data to test whether long-run price elasticities can be generated with intercountry samples. Both the time-series and international cross-section methods agree that there is some elasticity of substitution between energy demand and non-energy inputs and that energy forecasting should not be based on the assumption that substitutions between energy and nonenergy inputs are trivial. The international method finds, however, that capital and energy are substitutes rather than complements in the long-run and that there is a difference between short-run and long-run effects of substitution. 29 references. (DCK)

An infall model for the T Tauri phenomenon

Abstract: An infall model which produces P Cygni type II emission lines is presented. The blueshifted apparent absorption feature in these emission lines is interpreted in this model as the overlap region between a strong emission line centered near the rest velocity of the star and a weaker emmission line at a velocity near -150 km s/sup -1/. According to this model the energy source for the continuum and line-emission features observed in T Tauri stars is the kinetic energy of the infalling matter. A weak flux of soft X-rays is produced in the high-temperature postshock gas. These X-rays may be responsible for producing the nebulae observed near some T Tauri stars. (AIP)

Desulfuromonas acetoxidans gen. nov. and sp. nov., a new anaerobic, sulfur-reducing, acetate-oxidizing bacterium

Abstract: Anaerobic sea or fresh water media with acetate and elemental sulfur yielded enrichments of a new type of strictly anaerobic, rod-shaped, laterally flagellated, Gram-negative bacterium. Three pure culture-strains from different sulfide-containing sea water sources were characterized in detail and are described as a new genus and species Desulfuromonas acetoxidans. The new bacterium is unable to ferment organic substances; it obtains energy for growth by anaerobic sulfur respiration. Acetate, ethanol or propanol can serve as carbon and energy source for growth; their oxidation to CO2 is stoichiometrically linked to the reduction of elemental sulfur to sulfide. Organic disulfide compounds, malate or fumarate are the only other electron acceptors used. Butanol and pyruvate are used in the presence of malate only; no other organic compounds are utilized. Biotin is required as a growth factor. The following dry weight yields per mole of substrate are obtained: in the presence of sulfur: 4.21 g on acetate, 9.77 g on ethanol; in the presence of malate: 16.5 g on acetate, 34.2 g on ethanol and 46.2 g on pyruvate. Accumulations of cells are pink; cell suspensions exhibit absorption spectra resembling those of c-type cytochromes (abs. max. at 419, 523 and 553 nm). Malate-ethanol grown cells contain a b-type cytochrome in addition. In the presence of acetate, ethanol or propanol, Desulfuromonas strains form robust growing syntrophic mixed cultures with phototrophic green sulfur bacteria.

Evaluation of candidate solids for high-temperature desulfurization of low-Btu gases

Abstract: High-temperature processes for desulfurization of low-Btu gases are receiving increased attention. In this study, results of thermodynamic screening of the high-temperature desulfurization potential of 28 solids, primarily metal oxides, are reported. By use of the free energy minimization method, equilibrium sulfur removal and solid compound stability were determined at temperatures to 1500/sup 0/C. Eleven candidate solids based upon the metals Fe, Zn, Mo, Mn, V, Ca, Sr, Ba, Co, Cu, and W show thermodynamic feasibility for high-temperature desulfurization of low-Btu gas.

A general weight vs. length relationship for insects

Abstract: A generalized regression equation was developed for insects, permitting an estimate of dry wt (mg) based on length (mm). Independent data indicate that this relationship may hold for insects in general.

Extraction from underground coal deposits

Abstract: A method of extracting hydrocarbons, energy and other products in situ from an underground coal deposit. A selected part of the coal deposit is heated by electrical induction to temperatures high enough to effect the destructive distillation of coal. The gases and liquids so produced are collected. Next, air or oxygen is injected into the remaining deposit which consists primarily of coke in order to burn it in place. The hot combustion gases thereby yielded are led to the surface of the deposit to generate energy. Lastly, the heat remaining underground after the coke has been burned is extracted by injecting water or steam into the deposit. The resulting steam is conducted to the surface to drive a steam turbine. The electrical induction heating is conveniently effected by passing a selected time varying current through a conductive path encompassing that part of the coal deposit to be heated.

The age of substitutability.

Abstract: An abstract of this article, from a report by the authors, may be found in EAPA 1: 02316. It is re-announced here because of its better availability in Science. (LMT)

Recovery of hydrocarbons from partially exhausted oil wells by mechanical wave heating

Abstract: Underground viscous hydrocarbon deposits, such as the viscous residues in conventional oil wells, are heated by mechanical wave energy to fluidize the hydrocarbons thereby to facilitate extraction thereof. For uniform, circular, symmetrical dispersion of mechanical wave energy of high-power and low-frequency, a mechanical wave energy radiator is provided comprising a cylindrical elastic tube of springy steel or the like preferably dimpled or corrugated and closed at one end and containing a liquid medium. Mechanical wave energy is applied to the liquid medium by a reciprocating source or the like connected to the radiator by a rigid walled tubular pipe or the like. The axial length of the radiator tube should be an odd multiple of one-quarter wavelength of the mechanical wave energy transmitted. Cavitation within the liquid is avoided by biasing the system with a steady state pressure at least as great as the maximum negative pressure swing of the mechanical waves in the liquid. Transformers are disclosed for accommodating changes in pipe diameter and changes in liquid medium throughout the system.

Method for initiating an in-situ recovery process by the introduction of oxygen

Abstract: A method for starting a process to recover energy raw materials from a subterranean formation whereby igniters are injected into the upper region of the formation and inert gas is injected into the lower region of the formation, and thereafter an oxygen-containing gas is injected at a predetermined oxygen concentration and rate to initiate combustion, followed by increasing the oxygen concentration and/or rate of the injected gas to a maximum value.

Behavior of Chromium in Soils: II. Hexavalent Forms

Abstract: Adsorption and reduction of added Cr(VI) were characterized in soils with contrasting pH's, organic matter contents, and chemical and mineralogical properties. Presence of soil organic matter brought about spontaneous reduction of Cr(VI) to Cr(III), even at pH's above neutrality. Reduction did not occur in soils very low in organic matter unless an energy source was added. Cow manure added to practically organic-free Cecil B2 reduced Cr(IV) only after the pH had been lowered below 3 with HCl. The solubility of Cr(VI) in the presence of excess Al changed in a pattern remindful of orthophosphate. All of the soils, except a pH 7.8 Cca horizon material, adsorbed Cr(VI). Presence of orthophosphate prevented the adsorption of Cr(VI), presumably by competition for the adsorption sites. Consistent with this finding, KH₂PO₄ was found to be the best extracting agent for Cr(VI). It was concluded that behavior of Cr(VI), if it remains in soils, is similar to that of orthophosphate. However, unlike phosphate, Cr(VI) is quickly reduced by soil organic matter. Thus, Cr(VI) added to a soil will remain mobile only if its concentration exceeds both the adsorbing and the reducing capacities of the soil.

Ferric iron reduction by sulfur- and iron-oxidizing bacteria.

Abstract: Acidophilic bacteria of the genera Thiobacillus and Sulfolobus are able to reduce ferric iron when growing on elemental sulfur as an energy source. It has been previously thought that ferric iron serves as a nonbiological oxidant in the formation of acid mine drainage and in the leaching of ores, but these results suggest that bacterial catalysis may play a significant role in the reactivity of ferric iron.

Anaerobic growth of a Rhodopseudomonas species in the dark with carbon monoxide as sole carbon and energy substrate

Abstract: A species of Rhodopseudomonas that grows under strict anaerobic conditions in the dark and requires CO was isolated from lake and pond sediments. Although anaerobic growth in the dark occurs in a chemically defined mineral medium with CO as the only carbon and energy source, growth is stimulated by adding trypticase. Under these conditions, cells exhibit a generation time of 6.7 hr and reach a final concentration of 1 to 3 X 10(9) cells per ml of liquid medium. Resting suspensions of CO-grown cells metabolize about 6.7 mumol of CO per mg of protein in 1 hr and produce equimolar amounts of CO2 and H2 according to the equation CO + H2O leads to CO2 + H2. As predicted by this equation, when cells were suspended in tritium-labeled water containing potassium phosphate buffer at pH 7.0 and incubated with pure CO, 3H2 gas was produced at linear rate with a constant specific activity.

Banded Convective Activity and Ducted Gravity Waves

Abstract: Convective activity is frequently organized into band-like structures with space and time scales appropriate to internal gravity waves. When the convective activity involves cumulonimbus, then latent heat release can form a significant energy source for the waves which in turn may organize the convection [as described, for example, by wave-CISK (Lindzen, 1974; Raymond, 1975)]. However, in other cases strong forcing is absent and the existence of the waves requires the existence of a duct from which very little wave energy leaks. We show that the energy cannot be contained by an inversion. Instead, we find that a stable duct adjacent to the surface must be capped by an unstable layer wherein the mean flow at some level either equals or comes close to the phase speed of the ducted waves. We also find that the wind amplitudes associated with the observed pressure amplitudes in these waves are consistent with observed squall winds. Finally, we find that the horizontal scales of mesoscale waves are cl...

Ferric iron reduction by sulfur- and iron-oxidizing bacteria. [Clostridium and Methanobacterium]

Abstract: Acidophilic bacteria of the genera Thiobacillus and Sulfolobus are able to reduce ferric iron when growing on elemental sulfur as an energy source. It has been previously thought that ferric iron serves as a nonbiological oxidant in the formation of acid mine drainage and in the leaching of ores, but these results suggest that bacterial catalysis may play a significant role in the reactivity of ferric iron.

Methylobacterium, a New Genus of Facultatively Methylotrophic Bacteria

Abstract: A new genus and a new species of methane-oxidizing bacteria are described. The colonies produced by these bacteria are pink, circular, and convex with entire margins. Cells are gram negative and are normally found singularly with some rosettes. Negative stains indicate polar flagellation. In thin sections, intracytoplasmic membranes, similar to those described as type II in other methylotrophs, were present when the cells were grown with methane. No such membranes were apparent when the cells were grown with the other carbon and energy sources tested. The serine pathway for formaldehyde incorporation is the pathway of C1 metabolism. The deoxyribonucleic acid base composition is 66 mol% guanine plus cytosine. Methylobacterium is proposed as the name for this new genus of rod-shaped, methane-oxidizing bacteria. The specific epithet in the name of the type species, Methylobacterium organophilum sp. nov., denotes the preference of this organism for organic carbon and energy sources more complex than methane. The type strain of M. organophilum is XX (= ATCC 27886). This bacterium differs from all previously described genera and species of methane-oxidizing bacteria in its ability to utilize a variety of organic substrates with carbon-carbon bonds as sources of carbon and energy. The pathways for methane oxidation and the assimilation of one-carbon units are repressed during growth on complex organic substrates.

Commitment and Voluntary Energy Conservation

Abstract: Homeowners were interviewed and expected to be either personally identified (public commitment) or not identified (private commitment) as having agreed to attempt energy conservation. The response measure of energy usage was provided by utility-meter readings for the month following the interview. Homeowners under public commitment showed a lower rate of increase in the use levels for both natural gas (Experiment I) and electricity (Experiment II) than under private commitment or in the control (no interview condition). Results from a set of self-monitoring conditions suggested that conservation may be related to increased attention to energy use levels.

Sliding of the epithelium in experimental corneal wounds.

Abstract: The corneal epithelial cell has a unique sliding capability. The epithelial cell spreads and migrates in an amebic fashion without mitotic activity when the continuity of the epithelium is broken. This movement is demonstrated both in vivo and in vitro. Prompt sliding for sealing the wound defect is apparently the first step of the wound healing of the superficial cornea. Cut edges of collagen fibers show no sign of activity towards healing the wound. The energy source of the sliding is provided mainly from stored glycogen in the epithelial cells. Sliding is inhibited by removal of glycogen from the cell or by adding glycolytic enzyme inhibitors.

Oil degradation during oil shale retorting

Abstract: Powdered oil shale samples of 22 gal/ton were heated at 12/sup 0/C/min to a temperature in the 150 to 450/sup 0/C range, held isothermally for 8, 80, 800 hours, and then heated again at 12/sup 0/C/min to 500/sup 0/C. The oil yields relative to assay passed through a minimum of 80 to 92% if the holding temperature was in the 350 to 450/sup 0/C range. The loss was directly related to the amount of oil produced in the isothermal period and to its residence time in the retort, i.e., the loss was smaller in nitrogen and decreased with increasing nitrogen flow rate. The loss was thus caused by decomposition of produced oil to char and gas. A kinetic equation for the first order degradation of the oil produced in a first order reaction was developed. The activation energy of degradation was 49.4 kcal/mole. 11 references.

Next 200 Years: A Scenario for America and the World

Abstract: In this work the authors, with assistance of the staff of the Hudson Institute, confront the issue of the second half of the twentieth century; whether technological and economic growth tends to destroy mankind or to improve the prospects for peace and prosperity The population explosion, coupled with economic growth, could prove catastrophic within a century, or so say the prophets of doom; therefore, economic growth must be severely limited Mr Kahn and his associates do not agree Not only will the world's population increase at a slower rate, but the world can afford prosperity Studies undertaken at the Hudson Institute suggest that economic growth will continue well into the next century, reaching an eventual worldwide plateau characterized by affluence and a universally high standard of living Asserting that America and the world are at the turning point in history, Mr Kahn and his associates present important facts, assumptions, analyses, and conclusions of these studies in each of the major current problem area--population, energy, mineral resources, food, and environment From these analyses they evolve an affirmative strategy for the future Their vision of the passage through a super-industrial period to a post-industrial era of abundance and fulfillment is sure tomore » be as controversial as the doomsday view it refutes« less

Molecular biology and energetics of membrane transport.

Abstract: Bacterial cytoplasmic membrane vesicles have provided a unique model system for the study of active transport (Kaback, 1970, 1972, 1974b), and have led to the development of similar experimental systems from the cells of higher organisms (Murer and Hopfer, 1974; Colombini and Johnstone, 1974; Sigrist-Nelson et al., 1975; Quinlan et al., 1976; Lever, 1976a, 1976b). Vesicles are prepared by lysis of osmotically-sensitized cells (i.e., protoplasts or spheroplasts), and consist of osmotically-intact, unit-membrane bound sacs which are approximately 0.5 to 1.0 μ in diameter (Kaback, 1971; Short et al., 1975). The sacs are devoid of internal structure, their metabolic activities are restricted to those provided by the enzymes of the membrane itself, and a number of observations demonstrate that the vesicle membrane has the same orientation as the membrane in the intact cell (see Stroobant and Kaback, 1975, for a summary of these observations). Transport by membrane vesicles per se is practically nil, and the energy source for the transport of a particular substrate can be determined by studying which compounds or experimental manipulations drive solute accumulation. Moreover, metabolic conversion of the transport substrate and the energy source is minimal.

Thermic effect of glucose in obese subjects studied by direct and indirect calorimetry.

Abstract: 1. The thermic effect of a glucose load (50 g) was studied in ten control and eleven obese female subjects, using both direct and indirect calorimetry simultaneously. Experiments were done under conditions of thermal equilbrium (28 degrees and 30% relative humidity). 2. Thermal balance (heat production measured by indirect calorimetry minus heat losses measured directly) was negative in the control group during the fasting period (heat deficit -14-2 +/- 5-0 kJ/m2 per h), whereas that of the obese group was in equilibrium (+ 1-4 +/- 4-8 kJ/m2 per h). 3. After the glucose load, metabolic rate increased 13-0 +/- 1-5 and 1-3% in the control and obese groups respectively. 4. In contrast to the metabolic rate, total heat losses were not significantly altered in either group after the glucose load. Total heat losses of the obese group were significantly lower than those of the control group throughout the experimental period. 5. During the experiments the amount of heat stored was increased in both groups. Thermal balance in the control group became positive while that of the obese group remained positive. 6. During the fasting period, the control subjects oxidized more carbohydrates (90-4 mg/min) than lipids (68-8 mg/min), whereas obese subjects oxidized more lipids (103-7 mg/min) than carbohydrates (50.2 mg/min). After the glucose load, the oxidation rate of carbohydrates was increased in both groups to 158-1 mg/min in control subjects and 95-6 mg/min in obese subjects. 7. The mean skin temperature of the control subjects was significantly higher than that of the obese subjects and remained higher throughout the postprandial period. 8. These results indicate that: (a) during the fasting period, the energy sources utilized and the thermal balance of the two groups were different; (b) the thermic effect of glucose was less in the obese subjects and, therefore, might be a factor contributing to their low energy expenditure.

A Second Iron Age Ahead

Abstract: The distribution of chemical elements in the Earth's crust sets natural limits to man's supply. The annual per capita consumption of newly mined mineral products for all the peoples of the world now totals 3.75 metric tons and includes coal, oil, iron, copper, cement, etc. The total is still rising and doubling every decade. A failure in the supply of one metal results in the application of another metal. The author contends that the natural limits of the chemical elements is more important than the energy shortages. Without metals, little of the available energy could be used. The paper explores the way metals occur, and an attempt is made to place in perspective the limitations this may ultimately impose. The decline in the availability of metals will in part be controlled by international politics. The production of scarce metals now lies in unexploited areas, mainly less-inhabited areas of Asia such as Siberia, central and northern portions of Africa, much of South America, Australia and Antarctica, and the ocean floor. The author believes that in less than a century the second iron age will dawn. (MCW)

Origin of organic compounds on the primitive earth and in meteorites.

Abstract: The role and relative contributions of different forms of energy to the synthesis of amino acids and other organic compounds on the primitive earth, in the parent bodies or carbonaceous chondrites, and in the solar nebula are examined. A single source of energy or a single process would not account for all the organic compounds synthesized in the solar system. Electric discharges appear to produce amino acids more efficiently than other sources of energy and the composition of the synthesized amino acids is qualitatively and quantitatively similar to those found in the Murchison meteorite. Ultraviolet light is also likely to have played a major role in prebiotic synthesis. Although the energy in the sun's spectrum that can be absorbed by the major constituents of the primitive atmosphere is not large, reactive trace components such as H2S and formaldehyde absorb at longer wavelengths where greater amounts of energy are available and produce amino acids by reactions involving hot hydrogen atoms. The thermal reaction of CO + H2 + NH3 on Fischer-Tropsch catalysts generates intermediates that lead to amino acids and other organic compounds that have been found in meteorites. However, this synthesis appears to be less efficient than electric discharges and to require a special set of reaction conditions. It should be emphasized that after the reactive organic intermediates are generated by the above processes, the subsequent reactions which produce the more complet biochemical compounds are low temperature homogenous reactions occurring in an aqueous environment.

Energy Use in Rural India

Abstract: An old saying has it, "slavery will persist until the loom weaves itself." All ancient civilizations, no matter how enlightened or creative, rested on slavery and on grinding human labor, because human and animal muscle power were the principal forms of energy available for mechanical work. The discovery of ways to use less expensive sources of energy than human muscles made it possible for men to be free. The men and women of rural India are tied to poverty and misery because they use too little energy and use it inefficiently, and nearly all they use is secured by their own physical efforts. A transformation of rural Indian society could be brought about by increasing the quantity and improving the technology of energy use.

Interfuel Substitution in Steam Electric Power Generation

Abstract: A translog normalized restricted profit function is used to study the characteristics of the production function for electric energy. The results indicate that fuel choice in existing steam electric plants responds to changes in fuel prices. The production function is also tested for separability of fuels from capital and labor, homotheticity, returns to scale, and embodied technical change.

Eta: a model for energy technology assessment

Abstract: This article explores some of the options by which the U.S. could move away from its present heavy dependence upon oil and gas toward a more diversified energy economy. Through nonlinear programming, our model incorporates both own- and cross-price elasticities of demand. In this way, it allows for price-induced interfuel substitution and energy conservation. Among the supply options studied are: direct combustion of coal to generate electricity; conversion of coal to synthetic fuels; nuclear energy--first from the light water reactor and later from the fast breeder; hydrogen via electrolysis; and distant future technical options such as fusion and central station solar power (aggregated and described only as an "advanced technology"). Each energy source has its own cost parameters and introduction date, but is interdependent with other components of the energy sector. For example, the amount of coal consumed in electric power plants can affect the marginal cost of production--and hence the cost of coal-based synthetic fuels for nonelectric energy. The converse is also true. Thus, it is not sufficient to look at individual technologies in isolation. We must attempt to compare their effects upon the system as a whole.

Analysis of mouse oogenesis in vitro. Oocyte isolation and the utilization of exogenous energy sources by growing oocytes.

Abstract: A method is described for the dissociation of mouse ovaries and the isolation of oocytes free of somatic cells by agitating pieces of ovary in collagenase and deoxyribonuclease in a calcium and magnesium free salt solution. This method yielded about 50% of the growing oocytes from immature mice. The utilization of exogenously administered 14C-labelled energy sources by oocytes in various growth stages was determined by measurement of evolved 14CO2. Little or no evolution of 14CO2 was detected from oocytes of any size incubated in 14C-glucose, lactate or succinate. The production of 14CO2 from 14C-pyruvate increased logarithmically when plotted against increasing oocyte volume with a plateau occurring after occytes reached a volume of 65,500 mum3 (50 mum diameter). Thus, the pattern of energy metabolism for oocyte maturation and early egg cleavage, wherein glucose and lactate are not utilized as efficiently as pyruvate, has been established by the earliest stages of oocyte growth.