[en] The regeneration rate prediction model representing the regenerator performance in a liquid desiccant system was derived by statistically analyzing the empirical data collected from the real liquid desiccant unit operated under various conditions. In order to propose a simple empirical regenerator model with wide valid range, additional experimental data found in open literature were also considered in the model derivation. The lithium chloride (LiCl) solution was used as a working desiccant solution. Response surface methodology was used to identify operating parameters and their interactions affecting significantly on the regenerator performance in a liquid desiccant system. Consequently, a first-order linear regression equation was derived as a function of the major parameters and interactions, which returns the regeneration rate in various operating conditions. The reliability of the proposed model was confirmed via the analysis of variation (ANOVA). The proposed model agreed well with the experimental data and other existing models. - Highlights: • A model was developed for predicting the performance of a packed-bed regenerator. • The model was derived based on experimental data collected from the real operation and open literature. • The model is expected to have a wider operating range than an existing model.

[en] The use of mineral membranes on metallic supports has provided a novel solution to the problem of filtration by the reverse osmosis process. A new reverse osmosis membrane is described which is capable of resisting high operational temperatures (120⁰C), fluctuations in pH(3 to 12) and high pressure (100 bar), as well as significant chlorine concentrations. In addition, the membrane can be regenerated in-situ on the same porous metal support. Numerous membranes can thus be used over the multi-year life of the porous support. Moreover, accidental damage to the membrane is of no great consequence as the membrane itself can be easily replaced. The life of the installation can thus be extended and the overall cost of filtration reduced. The membrane's various applications include water and effluent treatment in the nuclear power industry. (author)

[en] The ability of callus formation and green plant regeneration was very different for various rice types and varieties in rice anther culture. It was quite effective that rice anthers were irradiated with 10-40 Gy of γ-rays after 30 d incubation on induction medium and calli were treated on differentiation medium contained 10-75 mg/L of colchicine for increase of callus formation and green plant regeneration. Among these treatments, 10 Gy of γ-rats was the best for callus formation, and 20 Gy of γ-rays or 30 mg/L of colchicine was the most favourable for green plant regeneration. The simulation effect of 20 Gy of γ-irradiation combined with 30 mg/L of colchicine on green plant regeneration was much better than that of their separate use in rice anther culture

[en] The results of studies on sonochemical catalytic reactions are generalised. The effects of ultrasound on processes of preparation, activation and regeneration of catalysts as well as its influence on the course of catalytic reactions are considered. The advisability of ultrasonic treatment in different stages of catalytic processes is discussed. The bibliography includes 143 references.

[en] A vacuum system is described comprising: a cryopump for evacuating a chamber; an ejector pump in direct communication with the cryopump through a valve for removing gas from the cryopump during regeneration; and a source of pressurized, substantially inert gas in a communication with the ejector pump for use as the actuating fluid in the ejector pump

[en] The conventional Braysson cycle has not found practical use due to the difficulty in achieving isothermal compression. To make its implementation a reality, the original cycle has been modified by incorporating regenerator and a cooler before the final compression process. Reheating was included for augmenting the power output. Expressions for exergy efficiency and exergy destruction for all the components are derived along with the energy and exergy efficiencies of the complete cycle. The effects of maximum temperature, pressure ratio and number of compression stages on the cycle efficiencies have been evaluated. It has been found that the exergy destruction in the combustion chamber and reheater put together accounts for more than 55% of the total exergy destruction. The cycle efficiency is maximum at an optimum pressure ratio which itself is found to be a function of maximum temperature in the cycle. The energy and exergy efficiency of the cycle equals the efficiency of normal Braysson cycle at a much lower pressure ratio. The efficiency achieved through the modified cycle with 2 stages of compression is only 2.2% less than the efficiency through ideal isothermal compression for a pressure ratio of 3 and turbine inlet temperature of 1200 K. - Highlights: • The proposed cycle can be implemented due to less number of compression stages. • The efficiencies of the cycle equals that of Braysson cycle at a lower pressure ratio. • The exergy efficiency is highly influenced by maximum temperature and pressure ratio. • The exergy destruction rate is maximum in the combustion chamber and reheater.

[en] The GammeV experiment has searched for Weakly Interacting Slim Particles (WISPs) and has previously published exclusion plots for axion-like particles and a first exclusion of chameleons that couple to photons. Recently, a new experiment, GammeV-CHASE, has obtained improved preliminary results in the search for chameleons. Members of the collaboration are also involved in R and D in long baseline optical cavities that might be required for a photon resonnant regeneration experiment or a search for holographic noise.

[en] We previously demonstrated that adiponectin has anti-fibrogenic and anti-inflammatory effects in the liver of mouse models of various liver diseases. However, its role in liver regeneration remains unclear. The aim of this study was to determine the role of adiponectin in liver regeneration. We assessed liver regeneration after partial hepatectomy in wild-type (WT) and adiponectin knockout (KO) mice. We analyzed DNA replication and various signaling pathways involved in cell proliferation and metabolism. Adiponectin KO mice exhibited delayed DNA replication and increased lipid accumulation in the regenerating liver. The expression levels of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) α and carnitine palmitoyltransferase-1 (CPT-1), a key enzyme in mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation, were decreased in adiponectin KO mice, suggesting possible contribution of altered fat metabolism to these phenomena. Collectively, the present results highlight a new role for adiponectin in the process of liver regeneration.

No abstract available

[en] Dehumidifier and regenerator are the most significant components in liquid desiccant air-conditioning systems, in which air directly contacts liquid desiccant and heat and mass transfer process occurs between the two fluids. Heat transfer process and mass transfer process within dehumidifier/regenerator influence each other and should not be separately considered. Based on the previous reachable handling region analysis, a zonal method is proposed in present study. Four zones are divided in the psychrometric chart according to the relative position of inlet air to inlet desiccant including two dehumidification zones, zone A and zone D, and two regeneration zones, zone B and zone C. In zone A or C, mass transfer is key process, and counter-flow configuration has the best mass transfer performance and parallel-flow is the poorest in the same operating conditions. In zone B or D, heat transfer is governing process, parallel-flow has the best mass transfer performance and counter-flow is the poorest. In order to obtain better mass transfer performance, liquid desiccant should be cooled (in zone A) rather than air (in zone D) in dehumidifier, and liquid desiccant should be heated (in zone C) rather than air (in zone B) in regenerator. The divided zones and the corresponding zonal properties will be helpful to the design and optimization of dehumidifiers and regenerators.