Transfer Options Research Articles

Exergy analysis of heat exchangers in the copper-chlorine thermochemical cycle to enhance thermal effectiveness and cycle efficiency

Most existing nuclear power plants in North America are typically water-cooled and operate at 250–500°C. For this temperature level, the copper–chlorine (Cu–Cl) cycle is one of the most promising cycles that can be integrated with nuclear reactors for hydrogen production by decomposing water into its constituents. In this study, we analyze the heat exchangers in the Cu–Cl thermochemical cycle so as to enhance heat transfer effectiveness and thereby improve the cycle efficiency. The thermal management options for internal and external heat transfer are studied and heat recovery opportunities are investigated and compared. Each heat exchanger in the cycle is examined individually based on the chemical/physical behavior of the process, and the most appropriate options are recommended. A thermodynamic analysis and associated parametric studies are performed for various configurations to contrast their efficiencies and effectivenesses.

Contralateral spinal accessory nerve for ipsilateral neurotization of branches of the brachial plexus: a cadaveric feasibility study

Additional nerve transfer options are important to the peripheral nerve surgeon to maximize patient outcomes following nerve injuries. Potential regional donors may also be injured or involved in the primary disease. Therefore, potential contralateral donor nerves would be desirable. To the authors' knowledge, use of the contralateral spinal accessory nerve (SAN) has not been explored for ipsilateral neurotization procedures. In the current study, therefore, the authors aimed to evaluate the SAN as a potential donor nerve for contralateral nerve injuries by using a novel technique. In 10 cadavers, the SAN was harvested using a posterior approach, and tunneled subcutaneously to the contralateral side for neurotization to various branches of the brachial plexus. Measurements were made of the SAN available for transfer and of its diameter. The authors found an SAN length of approximately 20 cm (from transition of upper and middle fibers of the trapezius muscle to approximately 2-4 cm superior to the insertion of the trapezius muscle onto the spinous process of T-12) available for nerve transposition. The average diameter was 2.5 mm. Based on these findings, the contralateral SAN may be considered for ipsilateral neurotization to the suprascapular and axillary nerves.

Technical Note: Integrated Surface-Groundwater Analysis for the Pyoseon Region, Jeju Island in Korea

In the Jeju Island (Republic of Korea), surface runoff characteristics are very different from those of the inland. Most streams dry up shortly after rainfall events due to the rapid recharge of deep aquifers through highly permeable volcanic basalt rock. For this reason, accurate estimation of hydrologic components is challenging even with up-to-date watershed models like the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT). Fortunately, the integrated SWAT-MODFLOW model is capable of simulating complex hydrologic phenomena including stream-aquifer interaction and spatiotemporal groundwater recharge. The integrated SWAT-MODFLOW model was applied for the comprehensive investigation of the hydrologic components of the Pyoseon region in the Jeju Island. The SWAT-MODFLOW model simulated water budget components reasonably well compared with observed data. The pumping module in the SWAT-MODFLOW model, which combines the well package of MODFLOW with SWAT's water transfer options, was used to simulate water pumping from the present 198 wells on the island by increasing pumping amounts up to 20-fold relative to the current pumping amount in order investigate the impact on hydrologic components. When groundwater pumping rate increases by 10- and 20-fold, then the groundwater discharge amount decreases 5.5% and 17%, respectively. Considering topographical characteristics of the island, most of recharged groundwater is shown to be discharged to the sea. Thus, appropriate groundwater extraction in the Jeju Island could reduce the loss of deep aquifer into the sea and subsequently be effective in securing additional water resources.

Shoulder Tendon Transfer Options for Adult Patients With Brachial Plexus Injury

Enhancement of upper-extremity function, specifically shoulder function, after brachial plexus injury requires a good understanding of nerve repair and transfer, with their expected outcome, as well as shoulder anatomy and biomechanics enabling the treating surgeon to use available functioning muscles around the shoulder for transfer, to improve shoulder function. Surgical treatment should address painful shoulder subluxation in addition to improvement of function. The literature focuses on improving shoulder abduction, but improving shoulder external rotation should take priority because this function, even if isolated, will allow patients to position their hand in front of their body. With a functional elbow and hand, patients will be able to do most activities of daily living. The lower trapezius has been shown to be a good transfer to restore external rotation of the shoulder. Other parts of the trapezius, levator scapulae, rhomboids, and, when available, the latissimus dorsi, pectoralis major, teres major, biceps, triceps, and serratus anterior muscles can all be used to replace the rotator cuff and deltoid muscle function. To optimize the results, a close working relationship is required between surgeons reconstructing brachial plexus injury and shoulder specialists.

Getting to work – Image ingestion

Chapter 7, Getting To Work – Image Ingestion, covers the key components of getting digital images from the camera into the computer. The ingestion step is one of the most important steps in a safe and efficient digital image workflow. Performing this step properly can provide the best opportunity to automate the digital workflow and ensure organization and safe-keeping of the photographer's work. We discuss best practices for: options for safe transfer of images utilizing dedicated ingestion software, creating a file and folder backup; file naming conventions and strategies; adding metadata and building templates for reuse; and visually verifying images in an image browser before the memory cards are reformatted.

Student Safety and the Reauthorization of No Child Left Behind

reauthorization of the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 (NCLB) is 3 years overdue, and the Obama administration, through Secretary of Education Arne Duncan, has explained the urgency of revising and reauthorizing the law. Attention has been focused most acutely on the provisions that directly relate to academic performance and accountability (Dillon, 2010a, 2010b). Remaining under the radar, however, is the critical Unsafe School Choice Option (USCO), Section 9532 of NCLB. USCO states that students who attend schools or who themselves have been the victims of violent crime at school are eligible to transfer to another public school (U.S. Department of Education, 2004). USCO was the first federal educational legislation to recognize school safety concerns as grounds for school choice. Since its inception, however, USCO has been heartily criticized; its provision related to the identification of persistently dangerous schools has yielded the most discussion. Much of the critique has been prompted by the fact that so few persistently dangerous schools have actually been identified. At the time of its review, the Office of the Inspector General (2007) reported that the designation had been applied less than 200 times and often to the same schools year after year. Since USCO went into effect in the 2003-2004 school year, researchers have identified weaknesses, raised questions, and made suggestions for improvement (Education Commission of the States, 2004 (pp. 49-52); Gastic, 2007; Gastic & Gasiewski, 2008; Gooden & Harrington, 2005; Gooden, Harrington, Findlay, & King, 2008; Khashu & Salsich, 2005; Office of Inspector General, 2007; Safe and Drug-Free Schools and Communities Advisory Committee, 2006; Zradicka, 2004). Taken together, this body of work describes how the current system by which states determine their criteria for persistently dangerous schools has contributed to USCO s limited relevance, as states have generated an idiosyncratic patchwork of regulations to measure school safety and risk. While that provision of USCO has been vetted, the shortcomings of the individual transfer option have gone relatively unexamined. In this essay I fill that gap and investigate how the individual transfer option fails to adequately protect the students who are at the greatest risk of being hurt at school. I also present specific recommendations for how the individual transfer option ofUSCO can be revised before NCLB is reauthorized. The first obstacle is that the individual transfer option is currently restricted to students who are victims of violent crime at school. Violent crime is (fortunately) one of the rarest forms of violence at school; it includes simple and aggravated assault, robbery, rape, and sexual assault (Dinkes, Kemp, & Baum, 2009). In 2007, 2% of students aged 12-18 reported these kinds of victimization at school. Albeit important, violent crime is a narrow category and therefore limited in its usefulness as a representative indicator of school safety. Use of this criterion effectively impedes a much larger population of students who have been otherwise significantly injured or hurt at school from exercising an option to transfer schools.

The inferior mesenteric vessels as recipients when performing free tissue transfer for pelvic defects following abdomino-perineal resection. A novel technique and review of intra-peritoneal recipient vessel options for microvascular transfer

Successful microvascular transfer of tissue is dependent upon suitable vessels not only of the donor tissue but also at the recipient site. Congenital deformities, previous surgery, infection or irradiation at the recipient site may render vessels less suitable for this purpose. Under such circumstances it becomes desirable to identify suitable recipient vessels remote to the compromised area. In cases where external beam radiotherapy has been delivered, the superficial surface area damaged can be rather extensive precluding the use of even the longest of flap pedicles--a problem potentially addressed by searching for recipient vessels deep to the tissue planes affected. We report one such case where the inferior mesenteric vessels were used as recipient vessels for the microvascular transfer of a free Latissimus Dorsi musculocutaneous flap to reconstruct an extensive perineal defect following abdomino-perineal resection where the vessels would otherwise serve no purpose. Whilst a limited number of intra-peritoneal vessels have previously been reported as recipient vessels for free flap surgery there has not been, to our knowledge, any report of utilising the inferior mesenteric artery (Inf Mes A). Whilst based on a single case report, this article examines the literature describing microvascular transfer of tissue to compromised recipient sites and it reviews previously reported recipient vessel options available when reconstructing the perineum, abdominal wall or trunk with particular emphasis on intra-peritoneal options.

NEOs as stepping stones to Mars and main-belt asteroids

Human interplanetary missions are constrained by the problem of astronaut exposure to galactic cosmic radiation. This paper surveys the existing on-line near-Earth object (NEO) data base in an effort to identify NEOs that cross both Earth's ad Mars’ orbits and could be used as cosmic ray shields by interplanetary voyagers. The search concentrated on low-inclination Mars-crossing NEOs that approach Earth, Mars, and main-belt asteroids in the 2020–2100 time frame. Both outbound and return transfers were searched for. Several candidates for Earth–Mars, Mars–Earth, and Earth–Vesta transfers have been found from the very incomplete August 2008 data base. Other aspects of this interplanetary transfer option are considered.

Social protection for orphans and vulnerable children in Zimbabwe: The case for cash transfers

The unprecedented number of orphans and vulnerable children in Zimbabwe has created an urgent need to create innovative ways to provide for the social protection of these children. Innovative packages consisting of educational, food and psychosocial support are being implemented by non-governmental organizations. However, as the orphan crisis continues to deepen, more needs to be done and, learning from the experiences of other countries, the option of cash transfers for social protection for orphans and vulnerable children offers an attractive option for Zimbabwe. This article explores the possibility of using cash transfers for the support of orphans and vulnerable children and highlights the challenges and strengths of this approach.

Identification of Technology transfer options based on technological characteristics

Summary Traditionally, licensing has been the dominant channel for the commercialization of the intellectual property of public sectors. However, performing the cooperative R&D and formation of spin‐off companies has become an alternative route for technology transfer. With plenty of options by which public research institutes (PRI) can employ technology transfer, one should determine first the appropriate channel for the transfer in order to establish the appropriate strategy. This paper builds a theoretical framework to match the mode of technology transfer with two key conditions: (1) absorptive capacity of recipient firms and (2) dependence on complementary assets. The theoretical discussion elucidates that the combination of lower level of absorptive capacity and less dependence on complementary assets favor the creation of new firms as a mode of technology transfer; the opposite combination favors cooperative research and development (R&D), and the in‐between case supports licensing as an appropriate mode of transfer. Based on the theoretical framework, we analyzed the case of chemical industry in Korea utilizing the concept of patent portfolio analysis.

Deep-sea research infrastructure for high-energy neutrino astronomy

Current technology and understanding of neutrino properties allow the study of the Universe in the “light” of neutrinos. The goal is to unravel the acceleration mechanism of energetic cosmic particles and to search for neutrino point sources and dark matter. An efficient detection of high-energy (1–1000 TeV) neutrinos originating from galactic and extragalactic sources requires a deep-sea telescope of km 3 size exploiting the measurement of Cherenkov light for accurate determination of light arrival times and amplitudes, to allow the reconstruction of neutrino direction and energy. Based on experience with pilot projects in the Mediterranean Sea, the detector concept has been developed. Different geometries, optical sensors, readout electronics, options for long distance data transfer, and deployment issues have been evaluated.

Double vascular anastomosis in the neck for reliable free jejunal transfer

To reduce the possibility of necrosis in free jejunal transfer after total pharyngolaryngo-oesophagectomy, we made a second set of arterial and venous anastomoses in addition to the usual cervical arterial and venous anastomoses. To obtain two different arterial flows (carotid and subclavian systems), the recipient arteries were the superior thyroid and the transverse cervical. For venous flow, the internal and external jugular veins were used. All flaps survived. This procedure, which is limited to the already dissected neck with no procedures in other areas, is less invasive than others. Its advantages are that when one vessel has thrombosed the other vessel functions as a safety valve, and the greater pliability of the vascular pedicles makes it easier to reach the recipient vessels. Because this method is theoretically safe and results in less possibility of losing a flap when the anastomosis is unreliable, the double-pedicled transfer can be an option for safer free jejunal transfer.

Partial Restoration of Left Ventricular Systolic Function by asPLB Gene Transfer Using Ultrasound-Mediated Microbubble Destruction

In vitro and in vivo studies have demonstrated that inhibition of phospholamban (PLB) expression in myocardium can restore left ventricular systolic function in failing heart. Ultrasound mediated microbubble destruction provides a new option for noninvasive gene transfer in heart. In this study, we transfered pAAV-antisense phospholamban (pAAV-asPLB) to the hearts of myocardial infarction (MI) mice, using ultrasound mediated microbubble destruction. Then we estimated the protein levels of PLB, Ser16-PLB and cardiac sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca 2+ ATPase (SERCA). The left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), fraction shortening (FS) and SERCA activity were measured as well. MI mice were generated by ligating the left anterior descending coronary artery. Microbubbles were prepared by sonicated perfluorocarbon gas with dextrose and albumin. A mixture of pAAV-asPLB plasmid and microbubble was injected via tail vein while the heart was simultaneously exposed to ultrasound via transthoracic insonation. Three weeks later, LVEF (48.2 ± 5.18% vs 39.1 ± 5.38%, p < 0.05), FS (19.6 ± 2.59% vs 16.0 ± 2.29%, p < 0.05), SERCA activity (3.00 ± 0.29 vs 2.12 ± 0.30, p < 0.05) and Ser16-PLB protein level (0.8 ± 0.25 vs 0.46 ± 0.18, p < 0.05) were increased while PLB protein level (1.45 ± 0.38 vs 2.05 ± 0.31, p < 0.05) was decreased compared with the MI mice with saline injection. The above parameters in MI mice with only pAAV-asPLB plasmid injection or pAAV-asPLB plasmid combined with ultrasound alone were not significantly improved. pAAV-LacZ was used as a reporter gene to determine the efficiency and localization of transfection. The expression of β-galactosidase was not found in liver, lung and brain, but found only in tubular epithelial cells of kidney and found in heart. These results confirm that asPLB gene transfection can be achieved by ultrasound mediated microbubble destruction with organ specificity. The effective transfection can partly restore heart function in MI mice. (E-mail: s0hu0001@hotmail.com)

Microvesicular-mediated gene transfer of prostate tumor markers

e16076 Background: Microvesicles have been a subject of research for many years. Recent work has focused on the potential for cancer vaccines via microvesicles. It has also been demonstrated that various cell-specific phenotypes can be transferred from one cell type to another through microvesicle transfer. Studies in our laboratory have demonstrated that co-culture of murine lung tissue with marrow cells across a cell impermeable membrane can induce elevations in lung-specific mRNA expression in human donor marrow stem cells. Our objective is to determine whether there is transfer of genetic or transcriptional factors via microvesicles from human prostate cancer cells to fresh human marrow cells. Methods: Fresh prostate tissue was harvested from surgical specimens following radical retropubic prostatectomy. Samples were histologically confirmed to contain prostatic adenocarcinoma. Co-cultures were established using a transwell system in which 0.05–0.100 grams of prostate tissue was minced and co-cultured with 1–3 million normal, human donor marrow cells for 2–7 days. Marrow not co-cultured with tumorserved as a control. Target cells were collected and total RNA was analyzed for prostate-specific gene expression byReal Time RT-PCR. Fold differences in expression of the genes were analyzed, using TaqMan®, gene assays (Applied Biosystems) and were expressed in relation to the marrow control. Results: We have observed significant increases in gene expression in marrow cells co-cultured with prostate tumor cells (Gleason grades 6–9). Variable increases in expression were seen in 3 patient samples, as high as 7-fold for ERG, greater than 10-fold for ACPP and greater than 100-fold for STEAP, PART, TMPRSS2, PSCA and ETV1. Conclusions: These studies demonstrate that prostate specific genes are present in fresh human marrow cells after co-culture with tumor tissue. This establishes a base to begin evaluating the significance of microvesicle-mediated genetic transfer, mechanisms of transfer and therapeutic options for blocking or manipulating such transfer to influence the disease process. No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Simultaneous non-invasive analysis of DNA condensation and stability by two-step QD-FRET

Nanoscale vectors comprised of cationic polymers that condense DNA to form nanocomplexes are promising options for gene transfer. The rational design of more efficient nonviral gene carriers will be possible only with better mechanistic understanding of the critical rate-limiting steps, such as nanocomplex unpacking to release DNA and degradation by nucleases. We present a two-step quantum dot fluorescence resonance energy transfer (two-step QD-FRET) approach to simultaneously and non-invasively analyze DNA condensation and stability. Plasmid DNA, double-labeled with QD (525 nm emission) and nucleic acid dyes, were complexed with Cy5-labeled cationic gene carriers. The QD donor drives energy transfer stepwise through the intermediate nucleic acid dye to the final acceptor Cy5. At least three distinct states of DNA condensation and integrity were distinguished in single particle manner and within cells by quantitative ratiometric analysis of energy transfer efficiencies. This novel two-step QD-FRET method allows for more detailed assessment of the onset of DNA release and degradation simultaneously.

The Combined Use of a Pedicled Superficial Inferior Epigastric Artery Flap and a Groin Flap for Reconstruction of a Dorsal and Volar Hand Blast Injury

A hand blast injury case causing a large through-and-through composite tissue loss is presented. This injury resulted in a dorsal and a palmar hand defect with segmental bone loss. Soft tissue coverage of both dorsal and palmar wounds was achieved by two separate pedicle flaps with pedicles closely arising from the femoral artery: a superficial inferior epigastric artery (SIEA) flap and a groin flap. Simultaneously, a large iliac corticocancellous bone graft was harvested from the same incision to be used for the wrist fusion procedure. This approach uses two separate pedicled flaps with robust independent blood supply to cover simultaneously a dorsal and a volar hand wound. A large through-and-through hand defect can be reconstructed readily with this approach, and it is associated with much less perioperative morbidity compared to free composite tissue transfer options. The dissection of both the groin flap and the SIEA flap is straightforward and can be easily performed by a single surgeon. The combined use of these two flaps allows stable coverage of sizable dorsal and palmar wounds of the hand.

Managing a mare for breeding and sport

Summary Nowadays in many horse breeds a successful sporting career is required to make a horse eligible for breeding purposes, this may happen before or during its use at stud. For mares, this means careful planning and optimal management of behavioural and reproductive health, especially with the advent of affordable embryo transfer options that allow exploitation of a mare’s reproductive potential without a significant break in her career. Unfortunately, there exist as yet only a few research studies in this field. This review article gives a short overview of the actual state of knowledge and the management options for mares, including behavioural management and control of reproductive function through physical, pharmaceutical or immunological means, as well as management of the mare for simultaneous use in breeding and sport.

Experiences of water transfer from the agricultural to the non-agricultural sector in Taiwan

Two type of water transfer have occurred in Taiwan, namely, regular and emergency transfers. According to the prevailing Water Law, water is permitted to transfer among water rights holders whenever they need and agree upon relevant compensation. As for the emergency transfer, in the event of extensive drought, every water user sector will suffer serious water shortages resulting in unavoidable economic losses. The Government should step in to perform emergency water transfer by suspending agricultural water rights a course of action considered to cause smaller losses even when an entire rice crop is abandoned, to minimize overall losses to the national macro economy. This study has examined two typical water transfer cases that were implemented in Taiwan. The first one involved the regular transfer of agricultural water from the Changhwa and Yunlin Irrigation Associations (IAs) to the industrial user Formosa Petrochemical Corporation (FPC). The second one involved the transfer of agricultural water from the Taoyuan, Shimen and Shinchu IAs to domestic and industrial uses during the period from 2002 to 2006 as an emergency transfer. From the perspective of water transfer options, Taiwanese case studies have demonstrated that an officially recognized marketing oriented water transfer mechanism has yet to be established. However, water transfer is still undertaken whenever necessary. In this respect, regardless of the type of water transfer undertaken, water rights can only be suspended but not terminated. In spite of the types of water transfer, it is inevitable to affect the ecological and environmental functions. Therefore, further investigations with related topics should be broadly taken into account. Ecosystem services of paddy fields have attracted increasing recognition in the monsoon Asian countries. Currently, there is a research program collaborating with the International Water Management Institute (IWMI) on the impact and influence induced by water transfer with a major concern on the ecosystem services of paddy fields in Taiwan.

Water transfer from agriculture to urban uses: lessons learned, with policy considerations

This paper sets forth the accomplishments to date of the international collaborative study program on efficient and equitable transfer of water from agriculture to other uses. The research consists of several components. First a bibliographical review was prepared of literature available on the practice of inter-sector water transfer. Second, nine case studies have been prepared that illustrate inter-sector water transfer under a variety of physical and economic and political environments. Third, a framework has been developed for characterizing and comparing water transfer options and compensation among case studies. We discuss the pricing of irrigation water in determining compensation. We develop a decision tree that traces the paths to the various sector water transfer options. Finally, we discuss water transfer policy options with specific reference to Taiwan, though they have more general relevance. Three options are identified which reflect different objectives for government intervention.

Public private partnerships: Incentives, risk transfer and real options

Private financing of large-scale infrastructure projects through public private partnerships (PPPs) has grown in recent decades. Together with changes in conventional construction procedures, there have been changes in the project financing model. The use of PPPs raises questions as to the role of the private sector in infrastructure provision and the conditions governing the long-term contractual relationships between the private and public sectors. In some early examples of PPPs, the government guaranteed a minimum profitability over the cash flows using a set of contractual terms which transferred some of the risk of the project from the private provider back to the government. Using a large toll road project, the Melbourne CityLink Project, as a case study we show how the imposed conditions can be treated as real options, how these options affect the incentive to invest and how the public sector may be transferring considerable value to the private sector through government guarantees.