| 1. |
- Niemi, MEK, et al.
(author)
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- 2021
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swepub:Mat__t
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| 2. |
- Cockell, Charles S., et al.
(author)
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Subsurface scientific exploration of extraterrestrial environments (MINAR 5) : analogue science, technology and education in the Boulby Mine, UK
- 2019
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In: International Journal of Astrobiology. - : Cambridges Institutes Press. - 1473-5504 .- 1475-3006. ; 18:2, s. 157-182
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The deep subsurface of other planetary bodies is of special interest for robotic and human exploration. The subsurface provides access to planetary interior processes, thus yielding insights into planetary formation and evolution. On Mars, the subsurface might harbour the most habitable conditions. In the context of human exploration, the subsurface can provide refugia for habitation from extreme surface conditions. We describe the fifth Mine Analogue Research (MINAR 5) programme at 1 km depth in the Boulby Mine, UK in collaboration with Spaceward Bound NASA and the Kalam Centre, India, to test instruments and methods for the robotic and human exploration of deep environments on the Moon and Mars. The geological context in Permian evaporites provides an analogue to evaporitic materials on other planetary bodies such as Mars. A wide range of sample acquisition instruments (NASA drills, Small Planetary Impulse Tool (SPLIT) robotic hammer, universal sampling bags), analytical instruments (Raman spectroscopy, Close-Up Imager, Minion DNA sequencing technology, methane stable isotope analysis, biomolecule and metabolic life detection instruments) and environmental monitoring equipment (passive air particle sampler, particle detectors and environmental monitoring equipment) was deployed in an integrated campaign. Investigations included studying the geochemical signatures of chloride and sulphate evaporitic minerals, testing methods for life detection and planetary protection around human-tended operations, and investigations on the radiation environment of the deep subsurface. The MINAR analogue activity occurs in an active mine, showing how the development of space exploration technology can be used to contribute to addressing immediate Earth-based challenges. During the campaign, in collaboration with European Space Agency (ESA), MINAR was used for astronaut familiarization with future exploration tools and techniques. The campaign was used to develop primary and secondary school and primary to secondary transition curriculum materials on-site during the campaign which was focused on a classroom extra vehicular activity simulation.
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| 3. |
- Li, Hailong, 1976-, et al.
(author)
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Optimization of cryogenic CO2 purification for oxy-coal combustion
- 2013
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In: Energy Procedia. - : Elsevier. ; 37, s. 1341-1347
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Conference paper (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Oxyfuel combustion is a leading potential CO2 capture technology for power plants. As the flue gas (FG) consists of mainly H2O and CO2, a simpler and more energy-efficient CO2 purification method can be used instead of the standard amine-based chemical absorption approach. For the system of oxyfuel combustion with cryogenic CO2 purification, decreasing the oxygen purity reduces the energy consumption of the Air Separation Unit (ASU) but increases the energy consumption for the downstream cryogenic purification. Thus there exists a trade-off between the energy consumption of the ASU and that for cryogenic purification. This paper investigates the potential efficiency improvement by optimizing this trade-off. The simulated results show that there exists an optimum flue gas condensing pressure for the cryogenic purification, which is affected by the flue gas composition. In addition, decreasing the oxygen purity reduces the combined energy consumption of the ASU and the cryogenic purification, and therefore can improve the electrical efficiency. In summary, prior oxyfuel combustion analyses have assumed a high oxygen purity level of 95 mol% or 99 mol% for the combustion air, which achieves a high CO2 concentration in the flue gases. In this Paper, we demonstrate that a lower level of oxygen purity, such as 80 mol%, in conjunction with a more extensive cryogenic purification of the flue gases can lower the total energy consumption, thereby yielding a significant benefit. However, for oxygen purity levels lower than 75 mol%, it may not be possible to still use the two-stage flash system shown here to achieve a CO2 purity of 95 mol% and a CO2 recovery rate of 90% simultaneously.
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| 4. |
- Risérus, Ulf, et al.
(author)
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Activation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)delta promotes reversal of multiple metabolic abnormalities, reduces oxidative stress, and increases fatty acid oxidation in moderately obese men
- 2008
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In: Diabetes. - : American Diabetes Association. - 0012-1797 .- 1939-327X. ; 57:2, s. 332-339
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- OBJECTIEVE-Pharmacological use of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)delta agonists and transgenic overexpression of PPAR delta in mice suggest amelioration of features of the metabolic syndrome through enhanced fat oxidation in skeletal muscle. We hypothesize a similar mechanism operates in humans. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS-The PPAR delta agonist (10 mg o.d. GW501516), a comparator PPAR alpha agonist (20 mu g o.d. GW590735)), and placebo were given in a double-blind, randomized, three-parallel group, 2-week study to six healthy moderately overweight subjects in each group. Metabolic evaluation was made before and after treatment including liver fat quantification, fasting blood samples, a 6-h meal tolerance test with stable isotope fatty acids, skeletal muscle biopsy for gene expression, and urinary isoprostanes for global oxidative stress. RESULTS-Treatment with GW501516 showed statistically significant reductions in fasting plasma triglycerides (-30%), apolipoprotein B (-26%), LDL cholesterol (-23%), and insulin (-11%), whereas HDL cholesterol was unchanged. A 20% reduction in liver fat content (P < 0.05) and 30% reduction in urinary isoprostanes (P = 0.01) were also observed. Except for a lowering of triglycerides (-30%, P < 0.05), none of these changes were observed in response to GW590735. The relative proportion of exhaled CO, directly originating from the fat content of the meal was increased (P < 0.05) in response to GW501516, and skeletal muscle expression of carnitine palmitoyl-transferase 1b (CPT1b) was also significantly increased. CONCLUSIONS-The PPAR delta agonist GW501516 reverses multiple abnormalities associated with the metabolic syndrome without increasing oxidative stress. The effect is probably caused by increased fat oxidation in skeletal muscle.
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| 5. |
- Kanai, M, et al.
(author)
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- 2023
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swepub:Mat__t
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