Showing papers on "Energy source published in 2017"
TL;DR: In this paper, a review article summarizes the very recent efforts in the field of OER electrocatalysis along with the faced challenges and solutions to these challenges also outline with appropriate examples of scientific literatures.
1,121 citations
TL;DR: How cancer cells reprogramme their metabolism and that of other cells within the tumour microenvironment in order to survive and propagate, thus driving disease progression is discussed; in particular, potential metabolic vulnerabilities that might be targeted therapeutically are highlighted.
Abstract: Awareness that the metabolic phenotype of cells within tumours is heterogeneous - and distinct from that of their normal counterparts - is growing. In general, tumour cells metabolize glucose, lactate, pyruvate, hydroxybutyrate, acetate, glutamine, and fatty acids at much higher rates than their nontumour equivalents; however, the metabolic ecology of tumours is complex because they contain multiple metabolic compartments, which are linked by the transfer of these catabolites. This metabolic variability and flexibility enables tumour cells to generate ATP as an energy source, while maintaining the reduction-oxidation (redox) balance and committing resources to biosynthesis - processes that are essential for cell survival, growth, and proliferation. Importantly, experimental evidence indicates that metabolic coupling between cell populations with different, complementary metabolic profiles can induce cancer progression. Thus, targeting the metabolic differences between tumour and normal cells holds promise as a novel anticancer strategy. In this Review, we discuss how cancer cells reprogramme their metabolism and that of other cells within the tumour microenvironment in order to survive and propagate, thus driving disease progression; in particular, we highlight potential metabolic vulnerabilities that might be targeted therapeutically.
982 citations
01 Mar 2017
TL;DR: This article reviews recent progress and future perspectives of micro/nanorobots in biomedicine, with a special focus on their potential advantages and applications for directed drug delivery, precision surgery, medical diagnosis, and detoxification.
Abstract: Micro- and nanoscale robots that can effectively convert diverse energy sources into movement and force represent a
rapidly emerging and fascinating robotics research area. Recent advances in the design, fabrication, and operation of micro/nanorobots have greatly enhanced their power, function, and versatility. The new capabilities of these tiny untethered machines indicate immense potential for a variety of biomedical applications. This article reviews recent progress and future perspectives of micro/nanorobots in biomedicine, with a special focus on their potential advantages and applications for directed drug delivery, precision surgery, medical diagnosis, and detoxification. Future success of this technology, to be realized through close collaboration between robotics, medical, and nanotechnology experts, should have a major impact on disease diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.
937 citations
TL;DR: The authors found that ATP at concentrations found in cells could act as a hydrotrope to help solubilize hydrophobic proteins and propose that millimolar concentrations of ATP may act to keep proteins soluble.
Abstract: Hydrotropes are small molecules that solubilize hydrophobic molecules in aqueous solutions Typically, hydrotropes are amphiphilic molecules and differ from classical surfactants in that they have low cooperativity of aggregation and work at molar concentrations Here, we show that adenosine triphosphate (ATP) has properties of a biological hydrotrope It can both prevent the formation of and dissolve previously formed protein aggregates This chemical property is manifested at physiological concentrations between 5 and 10 millimolar Therefore, in addition to being an energy source for biological reactions, for which micromolar concentrations are sufficient, we propose that millimolar concentrations of ATP may act to keep proteins soluble This may in part explain why ATP is maintained in such high concentrations in cells
611 citations
TL;DR: In this article, a summary of various solar thermal energy storage materials and TES systems that are currently in use is presented and the properties of solar thermal storage materials are discussed and analyzed.
Abstract: Usage of renewable and clean solar energy is expanding at a rapid pace Applications of thermal energy storage (TES) facility in solar energy field enable dispatchability in generation of electricity and home space heating requirements It helps mitigate the intermittence issue with an energy source like solar energy TES also helps in smoothing out fluctuations in energy demand during different time periods of the day In this paper, a summary of various solar thermal energy storage materials and thermal energy storage systems that are currently in use is presented The properties of solar thermal energy storage materials are discussed and analyzed The dynamic performances of solar thermal energy storage systems in recent investigations are also presented and summarized
608 citations
01 Feb 2017
TL;DR: Current lower limb robotic exoskeletons are described, with specific regard to common trends in the field, and a number of emerging technologies could deliver substantial advantages to existing and future exoskeleton designs.
Abstract: Research on robotic exoskeletons has rapidly expanded over the previous decade. Advances in robotic hardware and energy supplies have enabled viable prototypes for human testing. This review paper describes current lower limb robotic exoskeletons, with specific regard to common trends in the field. The preponderance of published literature lacks rigorous quantitative evaluations of exoskeleton performance, making it difficult to determine the disadvantages and drawbacks of many of the devices. We analyzed common approaches in exoskeleton design and the convergence, or lack thereof, with certain technologies. We focused on actuators, sensors, energy sources, materials, and control strategies. One of the largest hurdles to be overcome in exoskeleton research is the user interface and control. More intuitive and flexible user interfaces are needed to increase the success of robotic exoskeletons. In the last section, we discuss promising future solutions to the major hurdles in exoskeleton control. A number of emerging technologies could deliver substantial advantages to existing and future exoskeleton designs. We conclude with a listing of the advantages and disadvantages of the emerging technologies and discuss possible futures for the field.
592 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, a review article summarizes progress in high-performance supercapacitors based on carbon nanomaterials with an emphasis on the design and fabrication of electrode structures and elucidation of charge-storage mechanisms.
Abstract: The advancement of modern electronic devices depends strongly on the highly efficient energy sources possessing high energy density and power density. In this regard, supercapacitors show great promise. Due to the unique hierarchical structure, excellent electrical and mechanical properties, and high specific surface area, carbon nanomaterials (particularly, carbon nanotubes, graphene, mesoporous carbon and their hybrids) have been widely investigated as efficient electrode materials in supercapacitors. This review article summarizes progress in high-performance supercapacitors based on carbon nanomaterials with an emphasis on the design and fabrication of electrode structures and elucidation of charge-storage mechanisms. Recent developments on carbon-based flexible and stretchable supercapacitors for various potential applications, including integrated energy sources, self-powered sensors and wearable electronics, are also discussed.
561 citations
TL;DR: The layered structures of bismuth oxyhalides can stimulate an internal electric field that is capable of efficiently separating electrons and holes after their formation and of precisely channeling their migration from the bulk to the surface along the different directions, thus enabling more electrons to reach the surface for water splitting and nitrogen fixation.
Abstract: ConspectusHydrogen and ammonia are the chemical molecules that are vital to Earth’s energy, environmental, and biological processes. Hydrogen with renewable, carbon-free, and high combustion-enthalpy hallmarks lays the foundation of next-generation energy source, while ammonia furnishes the building blocks of fertilizers and proteins to sustain the lives of plants and organisms. Such merits fascinate worldwide scientists in developing viable strategies to produce hydrogen and ammonia. Currently, at the forefronts of hydrogen and ammonia syntheses are solar water splitting and nitrogen fixation, because they go beyond the high temperature and pressure requirements of methane stream reforming and Haber–Bosch reaction, respectively, as the commercialized hydrogen and ammonia production routes, and inherit the natural photosynthesis virtues that are green and sustainable and operate at room temperature and atmospheric pressure. The key to propelling such photochemical reactions lies in searching photocatalyst...
519 citations
TL;DR: In this article, a method to significantly improve the gravimetric capacitance of Ti3C2Tx MXenes by cation intercalation and surface modification is reported, and the as-prepared electrodes show above 99% retention over 10 000 cycles.
Abstract: Supercapacitors attract great interest because of the increasing and urgent demand for environment-friendly high-power energy sources. Ti3C2, a member of MXene family, is a promising electrode material for supercapacitors owing to its excellent chemical and physical properties. However, the highest gravimetric capacitance of the MXene-based electrodes is still relatively low (245 F g−1) and the key challenge to improve this is to exploit more pseudocapacitance by increasing the active site concentration. Here, a method to significantly improve the gravimetric capacitance of Ti3C2Tx MXenes by cation intercalation and surface modification is reported. After K+ intercalation and terminal groups (OH−/F−) removing , the intercalation pseudocapacitance is three times higher than the pristine MXene, and MXene sheets exhibit a significant enhancement (about 211% of the origin) in the gravimetric capacitance (517 F g−1 at a discharge rate of 1 A g−1). Moreover, the as-prepared electrodes show above 99% retention over 10 000 cycles. This improved electrochemical performance is attributed to the large interlayer voids of Ti3C2 and lowest terminated surface group concentration. This study demonstrates a new strategy applicable to other MXenes (Ti2CTx, Nb2CTx, etc.) in maximizing their potential applications in energy storage.
517 citations
TL;DR: The state-of-the-art dc microgrid technology that covers ac interfaces, architectures, possible grounding schemes, power quality issues, and communication systems is presented.
Abstract: To meet the fast-growing energy demand and, at the same time, tackle environmental concerns resulting from conventional energy sources, renewable energy sources are getting integrated in power networks to ensure reliable and affordable energy for the public and industrial sectors However, the integration of renewable energy in the ageing electrical grids can result in new risks/challenges, such as security of supply, base load energy capacity, seasonal effects, and so on Recent research and development in microgrids have proved that microgrids, which are fueled by renewable energy sources and managed by smart grids (use of smart sensors and smart energy management system), can offer higher reliability and more efficient energy systems in a cost-effective manner Further improvement in the reliability and efficiency of electrical grids can be achieved by utilizing dc distribution in microgrid systems DC microgrid is an attractive technology in the modern electrical grid system because of its natural interface with renewable energy sources, electric loads, and energy storage systems In the recent past, an increase in research work has been observed in the area of dc microgrid, which brings this technology closer to practical implementation This paper presents the state-of-the-art dc microgrid technology that covers ac interfaces, architectures, possible grounding schemes, power quality issues, and communication systems The advantages of dc grids can be harvested in many applications to improve their reliability and efficiency This paper also discusses benefits and challenges of using dc grid systems in several applications This paper highlights the urgent need of standardizations for dc microgrid technology and presents recent updates in this area
505 citations
TL;DR: The data suggest that stimulating IA production could promote anti-inflammatory responses and have therapeutic benefits, and the genetic capability of microbes to utilize mucins and metabolize tryptophan is diminished in IBD patients.
TL;DR: A broad overview of the field of photocatalysis can be found in this paper, where a detailed analysis of simple and integrated photocatalytic systems are presented. But the authors focus on the roles played by surface and interface chemical phenomena.
Abstract: Photocatalysis promises a solution to challenges associated with the intermittent nature of sunlight which is considered as renewable and ultimate energy source to power activities on Earth. This review aims to provide a broad overview of the field. Insight into natural photosynthesis is discussed first, which provides a scientific basis for most efforts on photocatalysis. Afterwards, the details of four existing types of photocatalysis are presented, namely photosynthesis by plants, photosynthesis by microalgae, photocatalysis by suspension and photoelectrocatalysis. Detailed analyses of simple photocatalysts and integrated photocatalytic systems are followed to shed light on the different functionalities of different components in a working photocatalyst. Special attention is given to the roles played by surface and interface chemical phenomena. Lastly, perspectives on artificial photosynthesis are discussed briefly at the end.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors identify two key areas that require greater attention and scrutiny in order to enact energy justice within a more democratized energy system, and they use the fossil fuel divestment movement as a way to shift energy justice policy attention upstream to focus on the under-researched injustices relating to supply-side climate policy analysis and decisions.
TL;DR: In this paper, five most emerging renewable energy sources are analyzed, including marine energy, concentrated solar photovoltaics (CSP), enhanced geothermal energy (EGE), cellulosic ethanol, and artificial photosynthesis.
Abstract: In this paper, five most emerging renewable energy sources are analyzed. These emerging renewables are either special or advanced forms of the mainstream energy sources (solar, wind, geothermal, biofuels, biomass, and hydro) or brand new technologies. The five emerging renewable technologies discussed in this paper include marine energy, concentrated solar photovoltaics (CSP), enhanced geothermal energy (EGE), cellulosic ethanol, and artificial photosynthesis. Marine energy is divided into wave energy, tidal energy, tidal/ocean currents, salinity gradient, and ocean thermal energy conversion. CSP technologies are divided into parabolic troughs, linear Fresnel reflectors, parabolic dishes, and solar towers. The process for developing EGE reservoirs is also explained in detail. Cellulosic ethanol energy extraction is explained for both cellulolysis and gasification. Artificial photosynthesis is explained by considering semiconductor particles, electrolyzers, artificial leaves, and dye-synthesized solar cells. Each emerging renewable source's explanation is followed by its market share, challenges, implications for increased adoption, future prospects, and drawbacks.
TL;DR: The authors in this article reviewed all the useful data available on EV configurations, battery energy sources, electrical machines, charging techniques, optimization techniques, impacts, trends, and possible directions of future developments.
Abstract: Electric vehicles (EV), including Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV), Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV), Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV), Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV), are becoming more commonplace in the transportation sector in recent times. As the present trend suggests, this mode of transport is likely to replace internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles in the near future. Each of the main EV components has a number of technologies that are currently in use or can become prominent in the future. EVs can cause significant impacts on the environment, power system, and other related sectors. The present power system could face huge instabilities with enough EV penetration, but with proper management and coordination, EVs can be turned into a major contributor to the successful implementation of the smart grid concept. There are possibilities of immense environmental benefits as well, as the EVs can extensively reduce the greenhouse gas emissions produced by the transportation sector. However, there are some major obstacles for EVs to overcome before totally replacing ICE vehicles. This paper is focused on reviewing all the useful data available on EV configurations, battery energy sources, electrical machines, charging techniques, optimization techniques, impacts, trends, and possible directions of future developments. Its objective is to provide an overall picture of the current EV technology and ways of future development to assist in future researches in this sector.
TL;DR: In this article, the noble-metal-free CoP/g-C 3 N 4 hybrid was used as a photocatalyst for the highly efficient hydrogen generation by water splitting under visible light irradiation.
Abstract: Photocatalytic hydrogen generation from water is an important solar-to-chemical conversion process, and is also a sustainable and environment-friendly generation approach for energy source of hydrogen. Herein, for the first time, we report the noble-metal-free CoP/g-C 3 N 4 hybrid as a photocatalyst for the highly efficient hydrogen generation by water splitting under visible light irradiation, whose hydrogen generation rate is ∼131 times higher than that of pure g-C 3 N 4 , and is even better than that of Pt/g-C 3 N 4 . Based on the detailed analyses of photoluminescence (PL) spectra, UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV–vis DRS), photocurrent-time ( i-t ) curves, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) Nyquist plots, the reason for the high efficiency of CoP/g-C 3 N 4 is found to be its good absorption ability of visible light, highly effective separation and low recombination rate of photo-generated electron-hole pairs due to the addition of CoP to g-C 3 N 4 .
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors present a review of various approaches made by prominent scientists for efficient utilization of celluloses and hemicelluloses for ethanol production and also describes recent advanced techniques utilized for the same.
Abstract: In response to the scarcity of non-renewable energy sources, sustainable and renewable biofuels from biomass have gained utmost attention. Utilization of lignocellulosic biomass for production of varied energy forms (second generation fuels) like biogas, biodiesel, bioethanol, etc has increased in the past decade. Their properties of being naturally abundant and easily accessible throughout the year, makes them an attractive energy alternative. Efficient pretreatment techniques for effective transformation of lignocelluloses to varied products, by increasing digestibility of celluloses and hemicelluloses can be achieved through acid, alkali treatment, enzymatic hydrolysis, and steam explosion. Idea behind optimizing pretreatment protocol is to maximize release of monosaccharide sugars for conversion to value added products. Tailoring of hydrolytic enzymes through various approaches is well accepted for increasing specific activity of particular enzymatic reaction and can also be clubbed with other pretreatment processes minimizing chemical usage. We at our laboratory are working on optimization of process parameters for enhancing efficiency of saccharification process to obtain maximal monosaccharide sugars that can be converted to bioethanol. Present review compiles various approaches made by prominent scientists for efficient utilization of celluloses and hemicelluloses for ethanol production and also describes recent advanced techniques utilized for the same. Greater emphasis has been led on comparative study on utilization of simple sugars by bacteria and fungi and effect of consolidated bioprocess system on ethanol production from varied agro-industrial wastes.
TL;DR: In this article, a 2D-material-based nanofluidic reverse electrodialysis system, containing cascading lamellar nanochannels in oppositely charged graphene oxide membrane (GOM) pairs, is reported for efficient osmotic energy conversion.
Abstract: In nature, hierarchically assembled nanoscale ionic conductors, such as ion channels and ion pumps, become the structural and functional basis of bioelectric phenomena Recently, ion-channel-mimetic nanofluidic systems have been built into reconstructed 2D nanomaterials for energy conversion and storage as effective as the electrogenic cells Here, a 2D-material-based nanofluidic reverse electrodialysis system, containing cascading lamellar nanochannels in oppositely charged graphene oxide membrane (GOM) pairs, is reported for efficient osmotic energy conversion Through preassembly modification, the surface charge polarity of the 2D nanochannels can be efficiently tuned from negative (−123 mC m−2) to positive (+147 mC m−2), yielding strongly cation- or anion-selective GOMs The complementary two-way ion diffusion leads to an efficient charge separation process, creating superposed electrochemical potential difference and ionic flux An output power density of 077 W m−2 is achieved by controlled mixing concentrated (05 m) and diluted ionic solutions (001 m), which is about 54% higher than using commercial ion exchange membranes Tandem alternating GOM pairs produce high voltage up to 27 V to power electronic devices Besides simple salt solutions, various complex electrolyte solutions can be used as energy sources These findings provide insights to construct cascading nanofluidic circuits for energy, environmental, and healthcare applications
TL;DR: The costs of both PSC modules were found to be lower than those of other photovoltaic technologies, and the levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) of PSCs was estimated to be below the cost of traditional energy sources.
Abstract: Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) are promising candidates for the next generation of solar cells because they are easy to fabricate and have high power conversion efficiencies. However, there has been no detailed analysis of the cost of PSC modules. We selected two representative examples of PSCs and performed a cost analysis of their productions: one was a moderate-efficiency module produced from cheap materials, and the other was a high-efficiency module produced from expensive materials. The costs of both modules were found to be lower than those of other photovoltaic technologies. We used the calculated module costs to estimate the levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) of PSCs. The LCOE was calculated to be 3.5-4.9 US cents/kWh with an efficiency and lifetime of greater than 12% and 15 years respectively, below the cost of traditional energy sources.
TL;DR: In this paper, a predictive energy management strategy for a parallel hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) based on velocity prediction and reinforcement learning (RL) is presented, where Fuzzy encoding and nearest neighbor approaches are proposed to achieve velocity prediction, and a finite state Markov chain is exploited to learn transition probabilities of power demand.
Abstract: This paper presents a predictive energy management strategy for a parallel hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) based on velocity prediction and reinforcement learning (RL). The design procedure starts with modeling the parallel HEV as a systematic control-oriented model and defining a cost function. Fuzzy encoding and nearest neighbor approaches are proposed to achieve velocity prediction, and a finite-state Markov chain is exploited to learn transition probabilities of power demand. To determine the optimal control behaviors and power distribution between two energy sources, a novel RL-based energy management strategy is introduced. For comparison purposes, the two velocity prediction processes are examined by RL using the same realistic driving cycle. The look-ahead energy management strategy is contrasted with shortsighted and dynamic programming based counterparts, and further validated by hardware-in-the-loop test. The results demonstrate that the RL-optimized control is able to significantly reduce fuel consumption and computational time.
TL;DR: In this article, a feasibility study for the production, storage and distribution of hydrogen in the western Sicilian context, using three different renewable sources: wind, biomass and sea wave, is presented.
Abstract: Hydrogen produced by renewable sources represents an interesting way to reduce the energetic dependence on fossil fuels in the transportation sector. This paper shows a feasibility study for the production, storage and distribution of hydrogen in the western Sicilian context, using three different renewable sources: wind, biomass and sea wave. The objective of this study is the evaluation of the hydrogen demand, needed to replace all diesel supplied buses with electrical buses equipped with fuel cells. An economic analysis is presented with the evaluation of the avoidable greenhouse gas emissions. Four different scenarios correlate the hydrogen demand for urban transport to the renewable energy resources present in the territories and to the modern technologies available for the production of hydrogen. The study focuses on the possibility of tapping into the potential of renewable energies (wind, biomass and sea wave) for the production of hydrogen by electrolysis. The use of hydrogen would reduce significantly the emissions of particulate and greenhouse gases in the urban districts under analysis.
TL;DR: In this paper, a review article highlights recent advances in the field of dissolution and processing of cellulose with ionic liquids (ILs), and it is hoped that this review work will stimulate a wide range of research studies and collaborations leading to significant progress in this area.
Abstract: Cellulose, a well-known fascinating biopolymer, has been considered to be a sustainable feedstock of energy sources and chemical engineering in the future. However, due to its highly ordered structure and strong hydrogen bonding network, cellulose is neither meltable nor soluble in conventional solvents, which limits the extent of its application. Therefore, the search for powerful and eco-friendly solvents for cellulose processing has been a key issue in this field for decades. More recently, certain ionic liquids (ILs) have been found to be able to efficiently dissolve cellulose, providing a new and versatile platform for cellulose processing and functionalization. A series of cellulose-based materials, such as films, fibers, gels and composites, have been produced readily with the aid of ILs. This review article highlights recent advances in the field of dissolution and processing of cellulose with ILs. It is hoped that this review work will stimulate a wide range of research studies and collaborations, leading to significant progress in this area.
TL;DR: In this article, the problems and applications of microbial fuel cells in wastewater treatment were discussed, and the integration of MFCs with other treatment processes was presented to verify the practicality and effectiveness of the MFC in contaminants removal.
Abstract: Resources scarcity and electricity demand have been dramatically increasing. Wastewater is recognized as one of resources for water, energy and plant fertilizing nutrients. Nevertheless, current wastewater treatment technologies have limitations due principally to their energy- and cost-intensive for achieving the conversion target of wastewater recovery. It is desired to develop a new technology to generate alternatives to conventional energy sources in a sustainable manner. An innovative technology based on the use of microbial fuel cells (MFCs) has been proved as a critical pathway for bioconversion processes towards electricity generation, then for addressing energy and environmental problems. Three special features including energy saving, less sludge production and less energy production make MFCs outstanding compared with the existing technologies. Multiform wastewaters could be efficiently degraded through advancing MFCs alone or integrating MFCs with other processing units. However, the low power density and the high operating cost of MFCs have greatly limited their applications on large-scale problems, and then result in some debates and doubts about their development and applications. Therefore, this paper objectively discussed the problems and applications of MFCs in wastewater treatment. Moreover, the integration of MFCs with other treatment processes was presented to verify the practicality and effectiveness of MFCs in contaminants removal. Furthermore, the primary challenges and opportunities for scaling-up and future applications of MFCs in wastewater were analyzed.
TL;DR: In this review, the latest and most outstanding developments in metallic Sn‐based anodes for LIBs and SIBs are summarized and the modification strategies including size control, alloying, and structure design to effectually improve the electrochemical properties are covered.
Abstract: With the fast-growing demand for green and safe energy sources, rechargeable ion batteries have gradually occupied the major current market of energy storage devices due to their advantages of high capacities, long cycling life, superior rate ability, and so on. Metallic Sn-based anodes are perceived as one of the most promising alternatives to the conventional graphite anode and have attracted great attention due to the high theoretical capacities of Sn in both lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) (994 mA h g-1) and sodium-ion batteries (847 mA h g-1). Though Sony has used Sn-Co-C nanocomposites as its commercial LIB anodes, to develop even better batteries using metallic Sn-based anodes there are still two main obstacles that must be overcome: poor cycling stability and low coulombic efficiency. In this review, the latest and most outstanding developments in metallic Sn-based anodes for LIBs and SIBs are summarized. And it covers the modification strategies including size control, alloying, and structure design to effectually improve the electrochemical properties. The superiorities and limitations are analyzed and discussed, aiming to provide an in-depth understanding of the theoretical works and practical developments of metallic Sn-based anode materials.
TL;DR: These findings provide a novel mechanism by which microbial-derived butyrate promotes barrier through IL-10RA–dependent repression of claudin-2 and enhance IEC barrier formation through activated Stat3 and HDAC inhibition.
Abstract: Commensal interactions between the enteric microbiota and distal intestine play important roles in regulating human health. Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), such as butyrate, produced through anaerobic microbial metabolism represent a major energy source for the host colonic epithelium and enhance epithelial barrier function through unclear mechanisms. Separate studies revealed that the epithelial anti-inflammatory IL-10 receptor α subunit (IL-10RA) is also important for barrier formation. Based on these findings, we examined if SCFAs promote epithelial barrier through IL-10RA-dependent mechanisms. Using human intestinal epithelial cells (IECs), we discovered that SCFAs, particularly butyrate, enhanced IEC barrier formation, induced IL-10RA mRNA, IL-10RA protein, and transactivation through activated Stat3 and HDAC inhibition. Loss and gain of IL-10RA expression directly correlates with IEC barrier formation and butyrate represses permeability-promoting claudin-2 tight-junction protein expression through an IL-10RA-dependent mechanism. Our findings provide a novel mechanism by which microbial-derived butyrate promotes barrier through IL-10RA-dependent repression of claudin-2.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors examined the energy use -economic growth nexus by disaggregating energy use into two types of energy, renewable and non-renewable energy use, and provided evidence for long-term equilibrium relationship between real Gross Domestic Product (GDP), renewable energy use (EHE), non-Renewable EHE, real gross fixed capital formation and labor force.
Abstract: This study examines the energy use – economic growth nexus by disaggregating energy use into two types of energy, renewable and non-renewable energy use. Our sample consists of eleven MENA Net Oil Importing Countries (NOICs) during the period 1980–2012. A multivariate panel framework was used to estimate the long run relationship and the panel Granger causality tests was employed to assess the causality direction among variables. The empirical results provide evidence for long-term equilibrium relationship between real Gross Domestic Product (GDP), renewable energy use, non-renewable energy use, real gross fixed capital formation and labor force. The results provide evidence also for positive and statistically significant elasticities. Moreover, the empirical findings from panel Error Correction Model confirm the existence of bidirectional causality between renewable energy use and economic growth, and between non-renewable energy use and economic growth, results that support the feedback hypothesis. Moreover, our empirical findings provide evidence for two way (bidirectional) causal association in both the short and long-run between renewable and non-renewable energy use which proves the substitutability and interdependence between these two types of energy sources. The policies implications of these results are also proposed and discussed.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors evaluate the feasibility of a 100% renewable electricity system using four objective criteria: (1) consistency with mainstream energy-demand forecasts; (2) simulating supply to meet demand reliably at hourly, half-hourly, and five-minute timescales, with resilience to extreme climate events; (3) identifying necessary transmission and distribution requirements; and (4) maintaining the provision of essential ancillary services.
Abstract: An effective response to climate change demands rapid replacement of fossil carbon energy sources. This must occur concurrently with an ongoing rise in total global energy consumption. While many modelled scenarios have been published claiming to show that a 100% renewable electricity system is achievable, there is no empirical or historical evidence that demonstrates that such systems are in fact feasible. Of the studies published to date, 24 have forecast regional, national or global energy requirements at sufficient detail to be considered potentially credible. We critically review these studies using four novel feasibility criteria for reliable electricity systems needed to meet electricity demand this century. These criteria are: (1) consistency with mainstream energy-demand forecasts; (2) simulating supply to meet demand reliably at hourly, half-hourly, and five-minute timescales, with resilience to extreme climate events; (3) identifying necessary transmission and distribution requirements; and (4) maintaining the provision of essential ancillary services. Evaluated against these objective criteria, none of the 24 studies provides convincing evidence that these basic feasibility criteria can be met. Of a maximum possible unweighted feasibility score of seven, the highest score for any one study was four. Eight of 24 scenarios (33%) provided no form of system simulation. Twelve (50%) relied on unrealistic forecasts of energy demand. While four studies (17%; all regional) articulated transmission requirements, only two scenarios—drawn from the same study—addressed ancillary-service requirements. In addition to feasibility issues, the heavy reliance on exploitation of hydroelectricity and biomass raises concerns regarding environmental sustainability and social justice. Strong empirical evidence of feasibility must be demonstrated for any study that attempts to construct or model a low-carbon energy future based on any combination of low-carbon technology. On the basis of this review, efforts to date seem to have substantially underestimated the challenge and delayed the identification and implementation of effective and comprehensive decarbonization pathways.
TL;DR: This work engineered ultrathin and ion-selective Janus membranes prepared via the phase separation of two block copolymers, which enable osmotic energy conversion with power densities of approximately 2.04 W/m2 by mixing natural seawater and river water.
Abstract: The osmotic energy existing in fluids is recognized as a promising “blue” energy source that can help solve the global issues of energy shortage and environmental pollution. Recently, nanofluidic channels have shown great potential for capturing this worldwide energy because of their novel transport properties contributed by nanoconfinement. However, with respect to membrane-scale porous systems, high resistance and undesirable ion selectivity remain bottlenecks, impeding their applications. The development of thinner, low-resistance membranes, meanwhile promoting their ion selectivity, is a necessity. Here, we engineered ultrathin and ion-selective Janus membranes prepared via the phase separation of two block copolymers, which enable osmotic energy conversion with power densities of approximately 2.04 W/m2 by mixing natural seawater and river water. Both experiments and continuum simulation help us to understand the mechanism for how membrane thickness and channel structure dominate the ion transport pr...
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors bring the latest status on integration of wave energy device with other marine facilities, which is the breakwater structure that may possibly aid to cost sharing, and show that the integration opens up a new dimension to acknowledge the technology harnessing ocean wave, especially for the Asian countries experiencing medium wave condition.
Abstract: One of the most abundant energy sources exists in this world is the ocean wave energy. By far, it has shown to be the most clean, renewable, predicted energy and has raised the potential to compete with the current use of non-renewable energy sources. Recent research conducted on wave energy invention has opened a new dimension to slowly reduce the dependency on fossil fuel by introducing new technology on the renewable world but relatively lacking in economical aspect. This review brings the latest status on integration of wave energy device with other marine facilities, which is the breakwater structure that may possibly aid to cost sharing. Most researches done on this field highlighted countries experiencing rough sea condition and focused less on countries with medium wave condition as faced by the Asian continent. The potential for energy extraction and wave dissipation for medium wave condition will be discussed in this review by considering several aspects including reliability, effectiveness and performance. Finally, this review shows that the integration opens up a new dimension to acknowledge the technology harnessing ocean wave, especially for the Asian countries experiencing medium wave condition.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors used panel cointegration techniques and Granger causality tests to investigate the dynamic causal links between per capita renewable energy consumption, agricultural value added (AVA), carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, and real gross domestic product (GDP) for a panel of five North Africa countries spanning the period 1980-2011.