Showing papers on "Energy source published in 1985"

Modern DC-to-DC switchmode power converter circuits

Abstract: As each area of technology with a potential for significantly impacting any major segment of the electronics industry evolves, it often is accompanied by the development of a succession of new circuits. Each new circuit indeed appears different, employing different components in differing configurations, and claims an assortment of distinct features of "improved performance. " Without a considerable investment of laboratory time to construct, evaluate, and compare each candidate circuit, it usually is difficult to realistically appraise the relative merits of one approach over another. It often is even more difficult to identify the underlying principles which point up basic similarities and differences. Such is the situation in the new and rapidly expanding area known as electronic power processing or switching mode power supplies. The area of switching power supplies has been spurred by the need for power sources of higher performance, smaller volume, and lighter weight in order to achieve compatibility with the shrinking size of all forms of communication and data handling systems, and particularly with the portable battery-operated equipment in everything from horne appliances and handtools to mobile com munication equipment. Static dc-to-dc converters and dc-to-ac inverters provide a natural interface with the new direct energy sources such as solar cells, fuel cells, thermoelectric generators, and the like, and form the central ingredient in most uninterruptable power sources."

Blue light activates electrogenic ion pumping in guard cell protoplasts of Vicia faba

Abstract: Transmembrane ion exchange and blue-light dependent responses are central processes in plants in general1,2 and stomatal guard cells in particular3. Stimuli, including light, cause H+ extrusion by stomatal guard cells4,5, K+ uptake, osmotic swelling and enlarged stomatal pore apertures, resulting in increased leaf conductance for CO2 influx and water efflux6. The mechanisms under-lying ion movement and the specific response of stomata to blue light7–9 remain, however, unknown. We have now investigated these phenomena using gas-exchange techniques on leaves and whole-cell patch clamping10,11 of protoplasts. Blue light-stimulated stomatal opening in the leaf is correlated with activation of an electrogenic pump in the guard cell plasmalemma which results in hyperpolarizations as large as 45 mV and outward currents as large as 5.5 pA. The pump functions in the absence of K+; in the presence of K+ an increase in voltage noise upon light-induced hyperpolarization more negative than the K+ equilibrium potential implies K+ flow through K+-selective channels12. The data are in accord with a chemiosmotic model of stomatal response13 whereby active H+ extrusion creates an electrochemical gradient for passive ion fluxes. A 25–35-s delay in the onset of hyperpolarization, and its peak several minutes after application of a blue light pulse suggest that blue light functions as an activator, rather than a direct energy source, for ion pumping.

Protein and Amino Acid Requirements

Abstract: Over the past 25 years, considerable progress has been made in the study of the dietary nutrient requirements of fishes (for reviews see Cowey & Sargent, 1972, 1979; Halver, 1972; National Research Council, 1981, 1983; and Millikin, 1982). Despite some obvious similarities between fishes and other vertebrates in basic qualitative nutrient needs, the two groups have markedly different quantitative nutrient requirements. For example, the optimal dietary protein level required for maximal growth in farmed fishes is reported to be 50–300% higher than that of terrestrial farm animals (Cowey, 1975). In the main, these quantitative differences have been attributed to the carnivorous/omnivorous feeding habit of fishes and their apparent preferential use of protein over carbohydrate as a dietary energy source. However, the common expression by nutritionists (including major review authors) of nutrient requirements solely in terms of a ‘dietary percentage’ has itself limited value unless it is related to the feed intake and subsequent growth of the animal. This chapter attempts to relate the protein and amino acid requirements of fishes to the ‘growing animal’ with respect to its dietary feeding regime, developmental status, position in the aquatic food chain, and its physical environment. In addition, this chapter critically assesses the methodology employed by researchers for the measurement of nutrient requirements.

Global Energy: Assessing the Future

Abstract: The energy problem is one of cost; i.e., the financial costs of developing resources and the real costs of maintaining an acceptable environmental quality. In forecasting the future of global energy production and use, the authors examine alternative means of producing and transforming energy (including nuclear and solar power, shale oil, biomass, coal, and synthetic fuels), and the key factors influencing energy consumption, such as population and gross national product. Using the IEA/ORAU Long-Term Global Energy Model, they develop a baseline forecast of global energy production and use, but explore alternate futures. They conclude that the long-term global energy system will slowly evolve into a diversity of options that will grow rather than shrink. They also conclude that we must learn to live and plan with uncertainty about the details of the future. 60 figures, 120 tables.

Solar thermal energy storage

Abstract: 1 Importance and modes of energy storage.- 1.1 The importance of energy storage.- 1.2 Influence of type and extent of mismatch on storage.- 1.3 Size and duration of storage.- 1.4 Applications.- 1.4.1 Stationary applications.- 1.4.2 Transport applications.- 1.5 Quality of energy and modes of energy storage.- 1.6 Thermal energy storage.- 1.6.1Sensible heat storage.- 1.6.2 Storage in phase change materials (PCM).- 1.7 Mechanical energy storage.- 1.7.1 Storage as potential energy.- 1.7.2 Storage as kinetic energy.- 1.7.3 Energy storage in a compressed gas.- 1.8 Electrical and magnetic energy storage.- 1.8.1 Storage in electrical cap ac i tors.- 1.8.2 Storage in electromagnets.- 1.8.3 Storage in magnets with superconducting coils.- 1.8.4 Storage in a battery.- 1.9 Chemical energy storage.- 1.9.1 Synthetic fuels.- 1.9.2 Thermochemical storage.- 1.9.3 Electrochemical storage.- 1.9.4 Photochemical storage.- References.- 2 Sensible heat storage.- 2.1 Sensible heat storage basics.- 2.2 Sensible heat storage and type of load.- 2.3 Sensible heat storage media.- 2.4 Well-mixed liquid storage.- 2.5 Stratified liquid storage.- 2.5.1 Analytical studies on thermally stratified hot water tanks.- 2.5.2 Experimental studies on thermally stratified hot water storage tanks.- 2.5.3 Forced stratification in liquids.- 2.6 Containers for water storage.- 2.7 Packed bed storage system.- References.- Appendix -I.- Appendix - II.- 3 Latent heat or phase change thermal energy storage.- 3.1 Basics of latent heat storage.- 3.1.1 Heat of fusion (Latent heat).- 3.1.2 Employment of latent heat storage system.- 3.2 Liquid-solid transformation.- 3.2.1 Nucleation and supercooling.- 3.2.2 The rate of crystal growth.- 3.2.3 Types of solidification or crystallization.- 3.2.4 Melting and freezing characteristics.- 3.2.5 Interpretation of freezing curves.- 3.2.6 Relative rates of heat and mass transport.- 3.2.7 Binary phase diagrams.- 3.3 Phase change materials (PCM).- 3.3.1 Solid-solid transitions.- 3.3.2 Solid-liquid transformations.- i) Salt hydrates.- ii) Other inorganic compounds.- iii) Paraffins.- iv) Non paraffin organic solids.- v) Clathrate and semi-clathrate hydrates.- vi)Eutectics.- 3.4 Selection of PCM.- 3.5 Storage in salt hydrates.- 3.5.1 Nucleation and crystallization.- 3.5.2 Incongruent melting.- 3.5.3 Thickening agents.- 3.5.4 Some promising salt hydrates and the binary phase diagrams.- 3.6 Prevention of incongruent melting and thermal cycling.- 3.6.1 Thickening agents.- 3.6.2 Extra water principle.- 3.6.3 Rolling cylinder method.- 3.6.4 Adding SrCl2 6H2 C in CaCl2 H2O system.- 3.7 Storage in paraffins.- 3.8 Heat transfer in PCM.- 3.8.1 Freezing of tops of ponds.- 3.8.2 An approximate analytical model for a periodic process.- 3.8.3 Heat-exchange with fluid-flow between trays holding PCM.- 3.9 Heat exchange arrangement and containment of PCM.- 3.9.1 Encapsulation of PCM.- 3.9.2 Containment.- 3.9.3 Compatibility.- 3.9.4 Special heat exchangers for PCM.- (A) Passive systems.- (B) Active systems.- 3.10 Storage in PCM undergoing solid-solid transition.- 3.10.1 Storage in modified high density polyethylene (HDPE).- 3.10.2 Storage in layer perovskites and other organometallic compounds.- 3.11 Heat of solution storage and heat exchangers.- 3.11.1 Crystallization from saturated solution.- 3.11.2 Heat exchangers in heat-of-solution storage system.- References.- 4 Chemical energy storage.- 4.1 Introduction.- 4.2 Selection Criterion.- 4.2.1 Thermodynamic considerations.- 4.2.2 Reversibility.- 4.2.3 Reaction rates.- 4.2.4 Controllability.- 4.2.5 Ease of storage.- 4.2.6 Safety.- 4.2.7 Availability and Cost.- 4.2.8 Product separation.- 4.2.9 Reaction with water and oxygen.- 4.2.10 Technology.- 4.2.11 Catalyst availability and lifetime.- 4.3 Energy storage in thermal dissociation type of reactions.- 4.3.1 Thermal dissociation of SO3.- 4.3.2 Dissociation of Ammonia.- 4.3.3 Thermal dissociation of inorganic hydroxides.- 4.3.4 Thermal decomposition of carbonates.- 4.3.5 Decomposition of sulfates.- 4.3.6 Thermal decomposition of CS2.- 4.3.7 Organic hydrogenation/dehydrogenation reaction.- 4.3.8 Thermal dissociation of ammoniated salts.- 4.3.9 Oxides-Peroxides and super oxides decomposition.- 4.3.10 Hydride decomposition.- 4.3.11 The reaction N2 O4 2N0+02.- 4.4 Methane based reactions.- 4.5 Heat transformation (HT) and chemical heat pumps (CHP).- 4.5.1 Working materials for CHP and HT.- 4.5.2 Thermal efficiency of CHP cycles.- 4.5.3 Ammoniates based CHP.- 4.5.4 Salt hydrates in chemical heat pump.- 4.5.5 Hydrides in CHP and HT.- 4.5.6 Methanolated salts.- 4.5.7 Heat of solution systems.- 4.6 Three step approach.- 4.7 Energy storage by adsorption.- References.- 5 Longterm energy storage.- 5.1 Solar ponds.- 5.1.1 Classification of solar ponds.- i) Shallow solar pond.- ii) Salt gradient solar ponds.- iii) Partitioned solar pond (PSP).- iv) Viscosity stabilized ponds.- v) Membrane stratified solar pond.- vi) Saturated solar pond.- 5.1.2 Thermal stability of solar ponds.- 5.1.3 Salt properties.- 5.1.4 Passage of solar insolation into solar pond.- 5.1.5 Creation and maintenance of solar pond.- 5.1.6 Performance analysis of a solar pond.- 5.1.7 Heat extraction.- 5.1.8 Applications.- i) Space heating.- ii) Domestic water or swimming pool heating.- iii) Industrial process heat.- iv) Power production.- v) Desalination.- 5.1.9 Some remarks.- 5.2 Energy storage in aquifers.- 5.2.1 Operational strategies.- 5.2.2 Theoretical studies.- 5.2.3 Characteristics of the aquifer.- 5.3 Heat storage in underground water tanks.- 5.4 Heat storage in the ground.- References.- 6 Energy storage in building materials.- 6.1 Introduction.- 6.2 Basic passive designs.- 6.2.1 Direct gain systems.- 6.2.2 Convective loops.- 6.2.3 Thermal storage walls.- 6.2.4 Roof ponds.- 6.2.5 Attached sunspace.- 6.3 PCM in building panels.- 6.4 Experiments on PCM building panels.- 6.5 Applications.- References.- 7 High temperature heat storage.- 7.1 Introduction.- 7.2 Techniques for thermal energy storage.- 7.3 Sensible heat storage systems.- 7.3.1 Rock bed storage system.- 7.3.2 Rock bed-liquid (Dual medium) storage system.- 7.3.3 Two stage thermal storage in unpressurized liquids.- 7.3.4 Molten slag storage system.- 7.3.5 Thermal storage in large hollow steel ingots.- 7.3.6 Thermal energy storage in sand (fluidized bed).- 7.4 Phase change energy storage systems and ceramic pellets.- 7.4.1 Phase change salt and ceramic 570 pellets with air as working fluid.- 7.4.2 Phase change salt/metal storage systems.- 7.4.3 Phase change storage material with heat exchanger.- 7.4.4 Energy storage boiler.- 7.4.5 Storage heat in PCM and use of scraper for removing solid boundary layer.- 7.5 Chemical reactions.- 7.5.1 Catalytic decomposition reactions.- 7.5.2 Thermal dissociation reactions.- References.- 8 Testing of thermal energy storage system.- 8.1 Introduction.- 8.2 Historical development.- 8.3 Related studies.- 8.4 Basis and evolution of testing procedures.- 8.5 Standard procedure.- 8.5.1 ASHRAE 94-77.- 8.5.2 NBSIR 74-634.- 8.6 Some comments.- References.- Appendices.- Appendix 1 Conversion of units.- Appendix 2 Physical properties of some solid materials.- Appendix 3 Physical properties of some building and insulating materials.- Appendix 4 Physical properties of some liquids.- Appendix 5 Physical properties of some liquid metals.- Appendix 6 Physical properties of saturated water.- Appendix 7 Physical properties of saturated steam.- Appendix 8 Physical properties of some gases.- Appendix 9 Physical properties of dry air at atmospheric pressure.- Appendix 10 Freezing points of aqueous solutions.- Appendix11 Properties of typical refrigerants.- Appendix 12 Storage capacities.- Appendix 13 Properties of some promising latent-heat thermal energy storage materials.- Appendix 14 Solubility behavior of candidate salts for salt-gradient solar pond.

Method and apparatus for enhancing liquid hydrocarbon production from a single borehole in a slowly producing formation by non-uniform heating through optimized electrode arrays surrounding the borehole

Abstract: Method and apparatus for enhancing liquid hydrocarbon production through a single traditional producing borehole recognizing traditional producing well spacing from a slowly producing formation by use of non-uniform heating through interrelated electrode arrays surrounding the borehole. Heating the formation around the borehole through an interrelated electrode array designed for the formations geometry and geophysics favorably redistributes the pressure gradient throughout the formation for a substantial distance beyond the borehole permitting net energy effective production. One optimum electrode array may consist of ring electrodes or electrode segments so disposed as to electrically approximate a ring. Electrically conductive well bore casing in the formation may be used as an electrode. A return electrode of low impedance disposed close to the surface of the earth may be utilized.

Historical Causes of Postwar Oil Shocks and Recessions

Abstract: Turbulent petroleum markets and poor economic performance have been making headlines for the last decade. Three major oil shocks (1973-1974, 1979, and 1980-1981) have each been followed by major recessions. While the magnitude and violence of recent oil price changes are unique in postwar experience, the phenomenon of political instability producing disruptions in petroleum supply is not. Hamilton (1983a) observed that all but one of the recessions in the United States since World War II were preceded-typically by about nine months-by a dramatic increase in the price of crude petroleum (see Figure 1).

Nutritional Ecology of Sea Turtles

Abstract: Analysis of the nutritional ecology of sea turtles, that is, how nutrition influences their biology and determines their interactions with the environment, is necessarily restricted to the green turtle, Chelonia mydas. Our knowledge of the nutrition of the other species of sea turtles is limited to information on diet from gut content studies and a few reports on the anatomy and histology of the digestive tract. The literature on diet and gut anatomy and histology are summarized in the first two sections of this review. The remainder of this review is a discussion of the nutrition of Caribbean green turtles: their digestive efficiencies, adaptations to their major food plant Thalassia testudinum, and the effect the diet has, through nutrient limitation, on their productivity. Although Thalassia is a very abundant food source which is fairly constant in productivity and nutrient quality, few herbivores graze on it. Green turtles have two adaptations that enable them to utilize Thalassia more efficiently. First, they maintain grazing plots where, by cropping the young regrowth, they obtain blades of much higher quality because of lower lignin and higher nitrogen concentrations. Secondly, they have a hindgut microbial fermentation that digests the fiber in Thalassia and yields both an important energy source to the green turtle, in the form of volatile fatty acids, and gives the green turtle access to the highly digestible cell contents. In spite of the advantages of these adaptations-grazing plots and hindgut fermentation-they are not sufficient to prevent nutrient limitation and the resulting slow growth rates, delayed sexual maturity, and reduced reproductive output. Comparison with green turtles on high-quality, pelleted diets shows that the productivity of wild populations is well below their genetic potential. Ironically, nutrient limitation acting through delayed sexual maturity may benefit green turtles during periods of intense exploitation by man.

Transport of proteins into mitochondria: a potassium diffusion potential is able to drive the import of ADP/ATP carrier.

Abstract: The transfer of cytoplasmically synthesized precursor proteins into or across the inner mitochondrial membrane is dependent on energization of the membrane. To investigate the role of this energy requirement, a buffer system was developed in which efficient import of ADP/ATP carrier into mitochondria from the receptor-bound state occurred. This import was rapid and was dependent on divalent cations, whereas the binding of precursor proteins to the mitochondrial surface was slow and was independent of added divalent cations. Using this buffer system, the import of ADP/ATP carrier could be driven by a valinomycin-induced potassium diffusion potential. The protonophore carbonylcyanide m-chlorophenyl-hydrazone was not able to abolish this import. Imposition of a delta pH did not stimulate the import. We conclude that the membrane potential delta psi itself and not the total protonmotive force delta p is the required energy source.

The effect of copper ions on membrane content and methane monooxygenase activity in methanol-grown cells of Methylococcus capsulatus (Bath)

Abstract: SUMMARY: Methylococcus capsulatus (Bath) was grown in continuous culture with methanol (1·0%, v/v) as sole carbon and energy source. Cells grown on methanol exhibited differences in methane monooxygenase (MMO) activity which were dependent on the concentration of copper sulphate present in the growth medium; an increase in the concentration of copper in the growth medium enhanced both in vivo and in vitro MMO activity. The MMO activity in methanol-grown Methylococcus capsulatus (Bath) was always associated with the particulate fraction of cell-free extracts; at no time was soluble MMO activity detected. In vitro MMO activity was also stimulated by the addition of copper compounds to the assay system and the stimulation was shown to be pH-dependent. The concentration of copper sulphate in the growth medium also determined the intracytoplasmic membrane content of the cells, as judged by electron microscopy of thin-sections, which could be correlated with particulate MMO activity, although it is not possible at this time to say whether the increase in MMO activity seen is due to the increased membrane content or due to the copper ions per se.

Microbial transformations of substituted benzenes during infiltration of river water to groundwater: Laboratory column studies

Abstract: The microbial transformations of dimethyl- and dichlorobenzenes have been studied in laboratory aquifer columns simulating saturated-flow conditions typical for a river water/groundwater infiltration system. The behavior of all compounds in the laboratory was qualitatively the same as that observed at a field site. Both dimethyl- and dichlorobenzenes were biotransformed under aerobic conditions, the dimethylbenzenes faster than the chlorinated analogues. Evidence is presented that dimethylbenzenes are degraded by denitrifying bacteria under anaerobic conditions. Dichlorobenzenes were not transformed under these conditions. Significant differences in the rates of transformation between isomers were found. The dimethylbenzenes and p-dichlorobenzene appeared to be utilized by bacteria as sole carbon and energy sources. Transfer of rate constants determined in the laboratory at elevated substrate concentrations to the field was difficult.

Reliability Modeling of Generation Systems Including Unconventional Energy Sources

Abstract: A method for reliability evaluation of electric power systems with unconventional energy sources, such as solar power plants and wind turbine generators, is presented. The fluctuating nature of energy produced by such unconventional units has a different effect on the overall system reliabilitv than conventional units. Methods described in the published literature appear to have several deficiencies. The method presented in this paper combines conventional and unconventional units into separate groups. The analysis proceeds by creating a generation system model for each group. The models of the unconventional groups are modified hourly depending on the limitations of energy. All the models are combined hourly to find the loss of load expectation and the frequency of capacity deficiency for the hour in question. This procedure is accomplished using a discrete state algorithm as well as the method of cumulants. Results obtained in a case study using the proposed method are described.

Growth with hydrogen, and further physiological characteristics of Desulfotomaculum species

Abstract: Growth of Desulfotomaculum orientis, D. ruminis, D. nigrificans and the Desulfotomaculum strains TEP, TWC and TWP, that were newly isolated with sulfate and fatty acids, was studied using defined mineral media. Four of these strains grew with hydrogen plus sulfate as the only energy source. Under these conditions the growth yield of D. orientis in batch culture was 7.5 g cell dry mass per mol sulfate reduced. Growth on methanol with growth yields of about 6 g cell dry mass per mol sulfate was obtained with D. orientis and strain TEP. All strains tested grew slowly with formate as electron donor. Fatty acids from propionate to palmitate were utilized by the strains TEP, TWC and TWP. D. orientis and the strains TEP and TWC were able to utilize the methoxyl groups of trimethoxybenzoate for growth. D. orientis was found to grow chemoautotrophically with hydrogen, carbon dioxide and sulfate; during growth with C1-compounds no additional organic carbon source was required. Furthermore, D. orientis was able to grow slowly in sulfate-free medium with formate, methanol, ethanol lactate, pyruvate or trimethoxybenzoate. Under these conditions acetate was excreted, indicating the function of carbon dioxide as electron acceptor in a homoacetogenic process. A growth-promoting effect of pyrophosphate added to the medium of Desulfotomaculum species was not observed. The results show a high catabolic and anabolic versatility among Desulfotomaculum species, and indicate that electron transport to sulfate can be the sole energy conserving process in this genus.

Sun, weather, and climate

Abstract: The general field of sun-weather/climate relationships, that is, apparent weather and climate responses to solar activity is introduced and theoretical and experimental suggestions for further research to identify and investigate the unknown causal mechanisms are provided. Topics of discussion include: (1) solar-related correlation factors and energy sources; (2) long-term climatic trends; (3) short-term meteorological correlations; (4) miscellaneous obscuring influences; (5) physical processes and mechanisms; (6) recapitulation of sun-weather relationships; and (7) guidelines for experiments.

Physical and Chemical Properties of Biomass Fuels

Abstract: HEATING value and fuel proximate analyses were determined for 62 kinds of biomass. Ultimate analyses were determined for 51 kinds of biomass. Biomass samples were selected from six categories: (1) field crop residues, (2) orchard prunings, (3) vineyard prunings, (4) food and fiber processing wastes, (5) forest residues, and (6) energy crops. Higher heating values ranged from 14.56 to 23.28 MJ/kg dry basis and were lowest for the field crop residues. Ash contents ranged from 0.17% to 24.36% dry weight basis. Nitrogen concentrations were found to be high in field crop residues, vineyard prunings, and in several types of food and fiber processing wastes. Correlation models were developed relating higher heating value to ash, volatiles, carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen.

Catheter for effecting removal of obstructions from a biological duct

Abstract: A catheter for insertion into a biological duct such as an artery, comprised of a flexible aspiration tube disposed within a delivery sleeve and connected at one end to a source of vacuum for providing suction within the duct in the vicinity of a biological obstruction, such as a blood clot. An injection tube extends through the aspiration tube for injecting medication into the duct, and an ultrasonic energy source also extends through the aspiration tube for transmitting ultrasound in the vicinity of the obstruction. The transmitted ultrasound and injected medication cooperate to emulsify and fragment the obstruction, and the fragmented obstruction is removed through the aspiration tube in response to suction being applied thereto. The catheter is compact and easily manipulable, providing substantial surgical accuracy.

Starch conversion technology

Abstract: This volume with contributions by 17 international experts provides an overview of processes by which starch is converted to a form which makes it more suitable for other applications. Products from starch biochemical conversions include organic acids, alcohol, bipolymers, enzymes, amino acids, antibiotics and hormones. Alcohol produced from starch can be used to reduce dependency on petroleum for energy. Literature references and a subject index are provided.

Physiology and kinetics of autotrophic denitrification by Thiobacillus denitrificans

Abstract: A strain of Thiobacillus denitrificans was isolated after enrichment under anaerobic conditions by the continuous culture technique using thiosulfate as energy source and nitrate as electron acceptor and nitrogen source. The isolate was an active denitrifyer, the optimal conditions being 30°C and pH 7.5–8.0. Denitrification was inhibited by sulfate (the reaction product) above 5 g SO4=/l, whereas high concentrations of the substrates nitrate and thiosulfate were less harmful; nitrite affected denitrification above 0.2 g NO2−/l. During the time course of denitrification in a batch culture growth and substrate consumption slowed down already after only half the substrate was utilized due to product inhibition. The following parameters were determined in continuous culture under nitrate limitation: μmax=0.11 h−1, KS=0.2 mg NO3−/l, maximum denitrification rate=0.78 g NO3−/g cells·h, \(Y_{{\text{NO}}_{\text{3}} } = {\text{0}}{\text{.129}}\)g cells/g NO3−, \(Y_{{\text{S}}_{\text{2}} {\text{O}}_{\text{3}} } = {\text{0}}{\text{.085}}\)g cells/g S2O3=. Nitrite did not accumulate during steady state denitrification; the denitrification gas was almost pure N2. The concentrations of N2O and NO were below 1 ppm.

Alkaline treatment of wheat straw for increasing anaerobic biodegradability

Abstract: Wheat straw was treated with NaOH and anaerobically digested for methane production. Alkaline treatment resulted in a greater than 100% increase in biodegradability of wheat straw. The potential of a process flow scheme employing high alkali concentration at ambient temperature with solids separation and recycle of filtrate containing residual alkali was explored. The effect of NaOH on the solubilization of cell wall constituents and potential problems of toxicity are discussed. A solubilization model was developed which is used to predict biodegradability of whole samples based on solids and filtrate biodegradabilities. Energy requirements and chemical costs are also addressed.

The Solar Wind

Abstract: The current status of our understanding of the nature and origin of the solar wind is briefly reviewed, with emphasis being placed on the need for wave-particle interactions to account for the main energy source as well as details of the particle distribution functions. There has been considerable progress in the theoretical treatment of various aspects of the physics of the solar wind but a complete understanding is not yet in sight. Arguments concerning the ultimate fate of the solar wind are reviewed, in particular those concerning the distance to the shock wave which marks the termination of supersonic flow. This is of particular significance in view of recent observations suggesting that the termination might occur at about 50 AU from the Sun.

Degradation of the herbicide mecoprop [2-(2-methyl-4-chlorophenoxy)propionic Acid] by a synergistic microbial community.

Abstract: A microbial community isolated from wheat root systems was capable of growth on mecoprop as the sole carbon and energy source. When exposed to fresh herbicide additions, the community was able to shorten the lag phase from 30 days to less than 24 h. The community comprised two Pseudomonas species, an Alcaligenes species, a Flavobacterium species, and Acinetobacter calcoaceticus. None of the pure cultures was capable of growing on mecoprop. Certain combinations of two or more community constituents were required before growth commenced. The mecoprop-degrading community could also degrade 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid and 2-methyl-4-chlorophenoxyacetic acid but not 2,4,5-trichlorophenoxyacetic acid.

Dimethyl sulfoxide reductase activity by anaerobically grown Escherichia coli HB101.

Abstract: Escherichia coli grew anaerobically on a minimal medium with glycerol as the carbon and energy source and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) as the terminal electron acceptor. DMSO reductase activity, measured with an artificial electron donor (reduced benzyl viologen), was preferentially associated with the membrane fraction (77 +/- 10% total cellular activity). A Km for DMSO reduction of 170 +/- 60 microM was determined for the membrane-bound activity. Methyl viologen, reduced flavin mononucleotide, and reduced flavin adenine dinucleotide also served as electron donors for DMSO reduction. Methionine sulfoxide, a DMSO analog, could substitute for DMSO in both the growth medium and in the benzyl viologen assay. DMSO reductase activity was present in cells grown anaerobically on DMSO but was repressed by the presence of nitrate or by aerobic growth. Anaerobic growth on DMSO coinduced nitrate, fumarate, and and trimethylamine-N-oxide reductase activities. The requirement of a molybdenum cofactor for DMSO reduction was suggested by the inhibition of growth and a 60% reduction in DMSO reductase activity in the presence of 10 mM sodium tungstate. Furthermore, chlorate-resistant mutants chlA, chlB, chlE, and chlG were unable to grow anaerobically on DMSO. DMSO reduction appears to be under the control of the fnr gene.

Reaction of acid gases with mixtures of amines

Abstract: Detailed thermodynamic and kinetic models are presented in this paper which were developed for acid gas reactions with mixtures of amines. The models permit the extension of the nonequilibrium-stage approach in the simulation of gas treating plants using solvent blends. The prediction of these models indicate a potentially great improvement in sour gas treating processes. The mixing concept enables one to obtain the individual advantages of each amine for absorption as well as desorption without the disadvantages of either. In the absorber, the MEA in the blend at the top of the column serves to remove residual CO2 from the gas while throughout the rest of the column MDEA does a bulk removal job. The use of blended amines to treat natural, refinery and synthesis gases brings about a considerable improvement in absorption and a great savings in energy requirements.

Bacterial degradation of vinyl chloride

Abstract: Mycobacterium L1 can grow on vinyl chloride as sole carbon and energy source. Application of this bacterium to remove vinyl chloride from waste gases is proposed. From air containing 1% vinyl chloride 93% of the vinyl chloride was removed by passing the air through a fermentor containing a growing population ofMycobacterium L1.

An Evaluation of Condition Indices for Birds

Abstract: A Lipid Index, the ratio of fat to fat-free dry weight, is proposed as a measure of fat stores in birds. The estimation of the index from field measurements of live birds is illustrated with data on the sandhill crane (Grus canadensis) and greater white-fronted goose (Anser albifrons). Of the various methods of assessing fat stores, lipid extraction is the most accurate but also the most involved. Water extraction is a simpler laboratory method that provides a good index to fat and can be calibrated to serve as an estimator. Body weight itself is often inadequate as a condition index, but scaling by morphological measurements can markedly improve its value. J. WILDL. MANAGE. 49(3):569-575 Body weight and nutrient reserves, which are often used to characterize "condition," have been related to both survival (Lack 1966:276277) and breeding performance (Jones and Ward 1976) of birds (but see King and Murphy 1984). Assessing the condition of birds is therefore important in the study and management of bird populations (Bennett and Bolen 1978). Birds are capable of storing several nutrients for mobilization during critical periods of their life cycle. Although fat, protein, and Ca have each been identified as potentially limiting for breeding females (Ankney and Maclnnes 1978), we believe that fat is the most frequent limiting nutrient during the year because of its numerous functions, including lipid source for egg synthesis (Raveling 1979), energy source during migration (Odum et al. 1964, Blem 1980) and food deprivation (Hanson 1962), and as insulation (Evans and Smith 1975). Protein and Ca requirements are relatively small except during egg production, when a larger turnover of these nutrients occurs (Robbins 1981). Our purpose is to recommend a Lipid Index that represents fat stores of birds of various sizes and to indicate how the index can be estimated from measurements taken in the field on live birds. We also evaluate the performance of several published condition indices. The methods are illustrated with data on the sandhill crane and greater white-fronted goose. 1 Present address: Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, Room 509, 820 South Street, Vicksburg, MS 39180. 2 Present address: School of Forest Resources, Nutting Hall, University of Maine, Orono, ME 04469. We thank R. Atkins, C. M. Boise, C. R. Frith, B. A. Hanson, C. Jorgenson, T. C. Tacha, and P. A. Vohs for their assistance in obtaining specimens from various study areas. R. R. Campbell, J. R. King, J. Longmuir, and D. W. Sparling provided valuable comments on an earlier draft of the report. STUDY AREAS AND METHODS Study Areas All sandhill crane specimens were collected in 1978-79. From late February to mid-April, 119 were taken in the Platte River Valley of Nebraska. Additional samples included 28 taken in late April to early May near Last Mountain Lake in Saskatchewan, 20 taken during May or early June at Clarence Rhode National Wildlife Range in Alaska, 14 taken in late August or mid-October in central North Dakota, and 15 taken in mid-February near Muleshoe National Wildlife Refuge in Texas. Most greater white-fronted geese (49) were collected from late February to early April in 1979-80 near the Platte River or in the Rainwater Basin of Nebraska. Six others were taken in late April or early May of 1979 in the Last Mountain Lake area. Field and Laboratory Methods Specimens were weighed and measured at field laboratories. Measurements included (flattened) Wing, (diagonal) Tarsus, and Culmen (post nares). External features and gonads were examined to ascertain the sex and age (young of the year and older; Lewis 1979) of each bird. Subspecies were identified according to Johnson and Stewart (1973).

VLA observations of the multiple jet galaxy 3C 75

Abstract: VLA observations of the central radio source in Abell 400, 3C 75, at 6 and 20 cm are presented. The VLA maps show that this radio source consists of a pair of twin jets originating in the apparently double nucleus of the central galaxy in this cluster. On larger scales the jets merge into two tails resembling the wide angle tail class of radio sources. Just as for the wide angle tail radio source, 3C 465, it is found that the standard models for bending this source fail quantitatively. The problem becomes even harder because of the low velocity dispersion and temperature for Abell 400 and the fact that the jets from both nuclei bend in the same direction. Models with jet velocities less than 1000 km/s at the first bends seem necessary if the sources are bent by the motion of the galaxy through the ICM. Particle acceleration seems necessary in the most diffuse parts of the source with the energy source likely to be the ICM itself. 10 references.

Biochemical characterization of renal epithelial cell cultures (LLC-PK1 and MDCK).

Abstract: The expression of enzymes in LLC-PK1 and MDCK cells was used to study the retention of differentiated properties of the renal epithelial cell lines by a biochemical approach. Activities of marker enzymes, for which intracellular and intranephron localization is known, were determined from crude cell homogenates of LLC-PK1 and MDCK monolayer cultures. The activity patterns of the particular enzymes found were then compared with the in vivo distribution of the enzymes along the rat nephron. LLC-PK1 cells exhibit high activities of apical membrane enzymes when compared with MDCK cells, whereas in the latter high activity of Na-K-ATPase could be detected. The activities of lysosomal enzymes, mitochondrial enzymes, and transaminases were higher in LLC-PK1 than in MDCK cells. Glycolytic enzymes, however, displayed identical activity levels in both the LLC-PK1 and MDCK cells, which may be due to the fact that these are continuous cell lines and to the culture conditions used, since glucose is a major energy source in the culture media.

Clostridium pfennigii sp. nov. Uses Methoxyl Groups of Monobenzenoids and Produces Butyrate

Abstract: The new bacterial species Clostridium pfennigii obtained energy for growth by catabolizing pyruvate to acetate and CO2; CO to acetate and butyrate; vanillin to butyrate, protocatechuic aldehyde, and protocatechuate; ferulate to butyrate, caffeate, and hydrocaffeate; and syringate and 3,4,5-trimethoxybenzoate to butyrate and gallate. This new species did not use any other energy source, such as sugars, amino acids, other organic acids (including formate), methanol, ethanol, or H2-CO2. C. pfennigii is a small, motile, anaerobic, gram-positive, monotrichous rod-shaped organism with a lateral to subterminal flagellum, oval subterminal to terminal spores, and a deoxyribonucleic acid guanine-plus-cytosine content of 38 mol%. It did not liquefy gelatin. Based on the features described above, C. pfennigii may be closely related to Acetobacterium woodii. However, strain V5-2T (T = type strain) used pyruvate but did not use sugars or one-carbon compounds other than CO; it produced acetate and butyrate. The stoichiometry of substrate utilization and the growth yields from different energy sources are discussed.