An Air-Breathing Micro Direct Methanol Fuel Cell with 3D KOH-Etched Cathode Structure

A micro direct methanol fuel cell （μDMFC） using MEMS technology is reported. The prototype features a unique 3D air-breathing cathode structure fabricated using KOH etching and double-side lithography. The optimization of the MEMS fabrication process is analyzed. The experimental results show the prototype generates a maximum power density of 2.52mW/cm^2 at room temperature. This performance is better than the published resuits of other silicon-based passive μDMFCs. Moreover,it is comparable with that of our previous active μDMFCs which require an external pump, certificating the feasibility of this new configuration.

Acute Toxic Effects of Mercuric Chloride on the Mucocytes of the Epithelial Lining of the Accessory Respiratory Organ and Skin of the Air Breathing Catfish Heteropneustes fossilis（Bloch）^1

Acute toxicity of 0.3 ppm mercuric chloride on the mucocytes of the branchial diverticulum and skin of Heteropneustes fossilis results in cyclic increases followed by decreases in the density, area occupancy and volume at different intervals of exposure. The alterations in the two tissues do not follow the same path perhaps due to different modes of action of the mercury salt: The skin comes under direct contact effects, while the branchial diverticulum may be affected by hormonal imbalance caused by a stress effect.

Histopathological Changes in the Epidermis of the Air Breathing Catfish Heteropneustes fossilis Exposed to Sublethal Concentration of Mercuric Chloride

Histopathological alterations induced by the sublethal concentration of (0.03 ppm) mercuric chloride solution on the epidermis of the fresh-water catfish Heteropneuates fossilis have been studied. It induces slow but significant histopathological changes in the various cellular components of the epidermis. It induces vacuolization, necrosis and pycnosis of the nuclei of the epithelial cells which subsequently shed. Loosening of epithelial cells of the outermost and middle layers following degeneration of the intercellular material and widened intercellular spaces is another important alteration. Prolonged mercury treatment also causes a gradual decrease in staining intensity for sulphated glycosaminoglycans in the outer border of the most superficial layer epithelial cells. The glandular elements (club cells and mucocytes) also get affected, showing cyclic degeneration followed by regeneration.

How to Get A Breath of Fresh Air

Heavy smog shrouded China＇s central and eastern regions for days this past January, and experts are advising citizens to stay inside. But how much safer is our indoor air？ The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency＇s research shows that 24 million people in the world die every year as a result of poor indoor air quality, said Song Guangsheng, Secretary General of China＇s Indoor Environment Test Center （CIETC）.

Solution of Modern Thermo Physical Problems of Applied External and Internal Aerodynamics with Dark Matter-Energy Simulation

The paper is devoted to new, experimentally registered thermo physical problems of high temperature applied external and internal aerodynamics which is defined first of all by intensive interaction of the gaseous media and thermal radiation. The first report section analyses basic complexities of designing high temperature air breathing engines related to origin of so-called ＂unexpected＂ heat of working process. The next parts of the report consider physical, chemical and plasma features of aerodynamics of reentry space blunt bodies and meteors with specified account of thermal radiation influence. Our solutions are based on the classical Dark Matter-Energy simulation. We present special experimental data for Dark Matter pressure registration on the earth conditions.

The effects of portable cooling systems on thermal comfort and work performance in a hot environment

There are some special spaces in which there is no air conditioning or the people are in move,thus exposing people to a hot environment.In this study,portable cooling systems were proposed and their effects on thermal comfort and work performance were investigated at an air temperature of 32°C.Four conditions were established:cool air towards breathing zone(A),chest and back cooling(B)#combined cooling(C)and no cooling(D).Twenty-eight subjects were exposed to the four conditions in a counterbalanced order.During each exposure they performed tasks and made subjective assessments,while multiple physiological parameters were measured.Compared with no cooling(D),cool air towards breathing zone(A)and chest and back cooling(B)improved work performance by 17.5%and 19.25%,respectively,while decreased the subjects'thermal sensation,skin temperature,and heart rate.When the two cooling systems were combined(C),larger improvements in thermal comfort and work performance were achieved than no cooling(D);the mean thermal sensation rating decreased from 2.4 to 0.7;work performance increased by up to 33%,and physiological parameters including skin temperature,pulse,heart rate and salivary alpha-amylase significantly decreased.The present results suggest that the proposed portable cooling systems could maintain thermal comfort and work performance in a hot environment,while potentially improve air quality for some special spaces.

A Breath of Mountain Air

Ecotourism blossoms in the Qinling Mountains Mountains are everywhere, and rivers flow in almost every valley. This is the Qinling Mountains, a major eastto-west range in southern Shaanxi Province,