Search

The number of newly formed neurons declines rapidly during aging, and this decrease in neurogenesis is associated with decreased function of neural stem/progenitor cells (NPCs). Here, we determined that a WIP1-dependent pathway regulates NPC differentiation and contributes to the age-associated decline of neurogenesis. Specifically, we found that WIP1 is expressed in NPCs of the m ouse subventricular zone (SVZ) and aged animals with genetically enhanced WIP1 expression exhibited higher NPC numbers and neuronal differentiation compared with aged WT animals. Additionally, augmenting WIP1 expression in aged animals markedly improved neuron formation and rescued a functional defect in fine odor discrimination in aged mice. We identified the WNT signaling pathway inhibitor DKK3 as a key downstream target of WIP1 and found that expression of DKK3 in the SVZ is restricted to NPCs. Using murine reporter strains, we determined that DKK3 inhibits neuroblast formation by suppressing WNT signaling and Dkk3 deletion or pharmacological activation of the WNT pathway improved neuron formation and olfactory function in aged mice. We propose that WIP1 controls DKK3-dependent inhibition of neuronal differentiation during aging and suggest that regulating WIP1 levels could prevent certain aspects of functional decline of the aging brain., Introduction New neurons are generated continuously in 2 distinct regions of the mammalian brain, the subventricular zone (SVZ) and subgranular zone (SGZ). The SVZ represents the largest reserve of neural [...]

National energy security concerns related to liquid transportation fuels have revived interests in alternative liquid fuel sources. Coal-to-fuel technologies feature high efficiency energy conversion and environmental advantages. While a number of factors are driving coal-to-fuel projects forward, there are several barriers to wide commercialization of these technologies such as financial, construction, operation, and technical risks. The purpose of this study is to investigate the performance features of coal-to-fuel systems based on different gasification technologies. The target products are the Fischer--Tropsch synthetic crude and synthetic natural gas. Two types of entrained-flow gasifier-based coal-to-fuel systems are simulated and their performance features are discussed. One is a single-stage water quench cooling entrained-flow gasifier, and another one is a two-stage syngas cooling entrained-flow gasifier. The conservation of energy (first law of thermodynamics) and the quality of energy (second law of thermodynamics) for the systems are both investigated. The results of exergy analysis provide insights about the potential targets for technology improvement. The features of different gasifier-based coal-to-fuel systems are discussed. The results provide information about the research and development priorities in future. [DOI: 10.1115/1.4001572]

Conventional evaluation approaches for complex technologies, such as gas turbine systems, typically use process simulators for modeling, which are usually complicated and time-consuming. In order to facilitate policy analysis, a simplified desktop model for gas turbine systems based upon the air-standard Brayton cycle is developed in Microsoft EXCEL. The simplified model incorporates key process details and includes a comprehensive cost model. The model is calibrated based on a typical 'Frame 7F' heavy duty gas turbine fired with natural gas and syngas. The model generally produces accurate and reasonable estimates for performance and cost comparable to reference data. The model responds appropriately to different syngas compositions, such as based on variation in moisture content and C[O.sub.2] removal. Changes in syngas composition lead to different syngas heating values and thus affect gas turbine performance and cost. The effects of changes in inputs on key outputs are evaluated. Six key inputs are identified that are critical in order to obtain accurate estimates. The simplified model provides detailed technical information in a format that supports strategic planning and analysis. DOI: 10.1061/(ASCE)0733-9402(2007) 133:2(82) CE Database subject headings: Models; Turbines; Simulation; Sensitivity analysis.

ABSTRACT Integrated gasification combined cycle (IGCC) technology is a promising alternative for clean generation of power and coproduction of chemicals from coal and other feedstocks. Advanced concepts for IGCC systems [...]