Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (Osler-Rendu-Weber disease) is a genetic disorder with autosomal dominance, variable penetrance, and an estimated prevalence of 1/10,000 inhabitants in France. Diagnosis is based on clinical criteria including epistaxis, telangiectasia, visceral manifestations, and familial occurrence. Pulmonary arteriovenous malformations, present in 15-33% of patients, are its primary visceral complications. The disease may be revealed by infectious and ischemic neurological manifestations due to paradoxical embolism. The high frequency of neurologic complications even in asymptomatic patients justifies systematic screening for pulmonary arteriovenous malformations. Treatment of these malformations is based on percutaneous transcatheter coil embolization of the feeding artery. Pulmonary arterial hypertension is rare in this disease. It may be due to systemic arteriovenous shunting in the liver, which ...
BackgroundDysregulation of the insulin-like growth factor (IGF) system, a common consequence of adiposity-induced insulin resistance, may be a key underlying mechanism...Full Text Available
The repair process of damaged tissue involves the coordinated activities of several cell types in response to local and systemic signals. Following acute tissue injury, infiltrating inflammatory cells...Full Text Available
The advent of aberration correction for electron microscope lenses has produced a significant advance in the improvement of resolution in microscopy. This improvement, while significant in itself, promises to have its most profound impact in materials science when it delivers quantitative information to challenge models and modellers. This capability for an electron microscope-modelling synergy to deliver useful results at the atomic level is not yet firmly established. For this reason, one of the major challenges for electron microscopy in materials science over this decade is to study systems where electron microscopists and modellers can work collaboratively. This paper explores some examples.
Electron energy loss (EEL) spectroscopy and high angle annular dark field (HAADF) imaging in aberration-corrected electron microscopes are powerful techniques to determine the chemical composition and structure of materials at atomic resolution. We have implemented Smart Acquisition, a flexible system of scanning transmission electron microsocpy (STEM) beam position control and EELS collection, on two aberration-corrected dedicated cold field emission gun (FEG) STEMs located at SuperSTEM, Daresbury Laboratory. This allows the collection of EEL spectra from spatially defined areas with a much lower electron dose possible than existing techniques such as spectrum imaging.
The present conference on lens design encompasses physical and geometrical optics, diffractive optics, the optimization of optical design, software packages, ray tracing, the use of artificial intelligence, the achromatization of materials, zoom optics, microoptics and GRIN lenses, and IR lens design. Specific issues addressed include diffraction-performance calculations in lens design, the optimization of the optical transfer function, a rank-down method for automatic lens design, applications of quadric surfaces, the correction of aberrations by using HOEs in UV and visible imaging systems, and an all-refractive telescope for intersatellite communications. Also addressed are automation techniques for optics manufacturing, all-reflective phased-array imaging telescopes, the thermal aberration analysis of a Nd:YAG laser, the analysis of illumination systems, athermalized FLIR optics, and the design of ...
We have developed a novel laser ray-tracing method to measure aberrations in optical systems. It consists of delivering narrow laser pencils (by a laser scanner), recording the spots that are formed on the image plane (with a CCD camera), and computing the position of each centroid. This approach could be considered an experimental (approximate) implementation of standard numerical ray tracing. Several tests and experiments, including a direct comparison with a Hartmann-Shack wave-front sensor, provided highly satisfactory results that confirmed the validity of the method and revealed potential advantages. PMID:18073906
Calibration-Free Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (CF-LIBS) has been proposed several years ago as an approach for quantitative analysis of Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy spectra. Recently developed refinement of the spectral processing method is described in the present work. Accurate quantitative results have been demonstrated for several metallic alloys. However, the degree of accuracy that can be achieved with Calibration-Free Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy analysis of generic samples still needs to be thoroughly investigated. The authors have undertaken a systematic study of errors and biasing factors affecting the calculation in the Calibration-Free Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy spectra processing. These factors may be classified in three main groups: 1) experimental aberrations (intensity fluctuations and inaccuracy in the correction for spectral efficiency of a detection system), 2) inaccuracy in theoretical ...
Calibration-Free Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (CF-LIBS) has been proposed several years ago as an approach for quantitative analysis of Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy spectra. Recently developed refinement of the spectral processing method is described in the present work. Accurate quantitative results have been demonstrated for several metallic alloys. However, the degree of accuracy that can be achieved with Calibration-Free Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy analysis of generic samples still needs to be thoroughly investigated. The authors have undertaken a systematic study of errors and biasing factors affecting the calculation in the Calibration-Free Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy spectra processing. These factors may be classified in three main groups: 1) experimental aberrations (intensity fluctuations and inaccuracy in the correction for spectral efficiency of a detection system), 2) inaccuracy in theoretical ...
We compared experimental wave aberrations in pseudophakic eyes with aspheric intraocular lenses (IOLs) to simulate aberrations from numerical ray tracing on customized computer eye models using corneal topography, angle ?, ocular biometry, IOL geometry, and IOL tilt and decentration measured on the same eyes. We found high correlations between real and simulated aberrations even for the eye with only the cornea, and these increased on average when the IOL geometry and position were included. Relevant individual aberrations were well predicted by the complete eye model. Corneal spherical aberration and horizontal coma were compensated by the IOL, and in 58.3% of the cases IOL tilt and decentration contributed to compensation of horizontal coma. We conclude that customized computer eye models are a good representation of real eyes with IOLs and allow understanding of the relative ...
The design and construction of a Browne-Buechner type round pole face magnetic electron spectrograph is described. The design is based on the first order transfer properties of the bending magnet including the focal surface, dispersion, magnification and resolution. Second order aberrations are compared wit numerical ray tracing results using measured field data to simulate the magnet. The numerical results are also compared with floating wire measurements on the system. Agreement is within one part in 10"4. Data extraction from the instrument is done with an array of copper detectors placed along the focal surface. The spectrograph has been successfully employed in free-electron laser (FEL) experiments for over a year.
In the bacterial reversion assay with S. typhimurium TA98, TA100, TA1535 and TA1537, gamma irradiated hyaluronic acid (10 and 50 kGy) did not induce a significant increase in the number of revertant colonies in the presence of S9 metabolic activation system. In chromosomal aberration tests with CHO cells, gamma irradiated hyaluronic acid (10 and 50 kGy) did not result in an increase in the frequency of chromosomal aberrations. In vivo mouse micronucleus assay, gamma irradiated hyaluronic acid (10 and 50 kGy) did not show an increase in the frequency of polychromatic erythrocytes with micronuclei. These results indicate that hyaluronic acids irradiated at 10 and 50 kGy did not show any genotoxic effects under these experimental conditions. In order to evaluate their possible subacute toxicity, the male and female of ICR mouse were given to methanol extract of 50 kGy irradiated red ginseng and 20 kGy irradiated water extract ...
Neuronal transcription factors play vital roles in the specification and development of neurons, including dopaminergic (DA) neurons. Mutations in the gene encoding the purine biosynthetic enzyme hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyltransferase (HPRT) cause the resulting intractable and largely untreatable neurological impairment of Lesch-Nyhan disease (LND). The disorder is associated with a defect in basal ganglia DA pathways. The mechanisms connecting the purine metabolic defect and the central nervous system (CNS) phenotype are poorly understood but have been presumed to reflect a developmental defect of DA neurons. We have examined the effect of HPRT deficiency on the differentiation of neurons in the well-established human (NT2) embryonic carcinoma neurogenesis model. We have used a retrovirus expressing a small hairpin RNA (shRNA) to knock down HPRT gene expression and have examined the expression of a number of transcription factors essential for neuronal ...
Senescence is regarded as a physiological response of cells to stress, including telomere dysfunction, aberrant oncogenic activation, DNA damage, and oxidative stress. This stress response has an antagonistically...Full Text Available
The purpose of this project was to design, build, and characterize the performance of a volume breast ultrasound (VBUS) scanner that images the pendant breast. VBUS scanner design includes a: 1) clinical ultrasound scanner and transducer; 2) scanning table with a hole for the pendant breast; 3) rotational gantry; 4) probe mounting assembly; 5) compressionless breast stabilization device; 6) acquisition, control, reconstruction, and display software. Performance assessment characterized a variety of parameters including: spatial resolution, uniformity, and distortion using high and low contrast test objects in both horizontal and vertical scanning modes. The VBUS scanner modules have been constructed and initial performance evaluated. Approximately 300 scans are acquired over 360 degrees in 18 seconds. Reconstruction requires 25 ms per slice. Test object images depicted hyper- and hypo-echoic masses and demonstrated good resolution, soft tissue contrast and reduced speckle compared to ...
Through DNA methylation, histone modifications, and small regulatory RNAs the epigenome systematically controls gene expression during development, both in utero and throughout life. The epigenome is also a very reactive system; its labile nature allows it to sense and respond to environmental perturbations to ensure survival during fetal growth. This pliability can lead to aberrant epigenetic modifications that persist into later life and induce numerous disease states. Endocrine-disrupting compounds (EDCs) are ubiquitous chemicals that interfere with growth and development. Several EDCs also interfere with epigenetic programming. The investigation of the epigenotoxic effects of bisphenol A (BPA), an EDC used in the production of plastics and resins, has further raised concern over the impact of EDCs on the epigenome. Using the Agouti viable yellow (A(vy)) mouse model, dietary BPA exposure was shown to hypomethylate both the A(vy) and the ...
Contents The aim of this study was a cytogenetic analysis of stallions semen to find sex chromosome aberrations and to determine if there was an association between stallion-s age and aberration frequency for the sex chromosomes. Sperm samples were collected from 22 stallions of various age from 3 to 23-years. Multicolour FISH was performed on each sample, using probes for the sex chromosomes and EGFR gene, localized on 4p12 in domestic horse. A total of 26199 sperm cells were analysed (from 1 070 to 1 532 per animal). Among the analysed cells, there were 50.318% with X chromosome, 48.543% with Y chromosome and 1.139% with aberrant chromosomes. The frequency of aberrations was: sex chromosomes nullisomy (0.466%), XY aneuploidy (0.454%), XX disomy (0.146%), YY disomy (0.041%), diploidy (0.0...
Intrinsic spherical aberrations of electron lenses have been the major resolution limiting factor in electron microscopes for several decades. While effective correctors have recently been implemented, an alternative to correct these aberrations is to circumvent them by scaling down lens dimensions by several orders of magnitude. We have fabricated electrostatic lenses exhibiting one micrometer diameter apertures and evaluated their beam forming properties against predictions from numerical ray tracing simulations. It turns out that it is routinely possible to shape a paraxial low-energy electron beam by such micron-sized lenses. Beam profiles have been measured both at a distant detector as well as in a plane close to the lens. It is shown that the lens can form a parallel beam extending ...
An ultrasmall spot size scanning laser ophthalmoscope has been developed that employs an annular aberration-corrected incident beam to increase the effective numerical aperture of the eye thereby reducing...Full Text Available
Molecular Misreading (MM) is the inaccurate conversion of genomic information into aberrant proteins. For example, when RNA polymerase II transcribes a GAGAG motif it synthesizes at low frequency RNA...Full Text Available
Interactions between presynaptic and postsynaptic cellular adhesion molecules (CAMs) drive synapse maturation during development. These trans-synaptic interactions are regulated by alternative splicing...Full Text Available
Chronic pain patients who show aberrant drug-related behavior often are discontinued from treatment when they are noncompliant with their use of opioids for pain. The purpose of this study was...Full Text Available
Six related Staphylococcus phages spontaneously produced various abnormal head and tail structures: (i) giant capsids which were tailed and apparently contained nucleic acid; (ii) regular and irregular...Full Text Available
Poland's anomaly is an uncommon congenital aberration of the chest wall characterized by absence of the pectoralis major muscle and other nearby musculoskeletal components. In this series, a wide spectrum...Full Text Available
The inflammatory process has direct effects on normal and abnormal wound healing. Hypertrophic scar formation is an aberrant form of wound healing and is an indication of an exaggerated function of...Full Text Available
BackgroundRecent data show aberrant and altered expression of regulatory noncoding micro (mi) RNAs in prostate cancer (PCa). A large number of miRNAs are encoded in organized intronic...Full Text Available
Purpose of reviewSevere congenital neutropenia (SCN) is a primary immunodeficiency in which lack of neutrophils causes inadequate innate immune host response to bacterial...Full Text Available
A number of aberrant morphological phenotypes were noted during propagation of the Arabidopsis thaliana DNA hypomethylation mutant, ddm1, by repeated self-pollination. Onset of a spectrum of morphological...Full Text Available
Radiotherapy with high-energy carbon ion beams can be more advantageous compared to photons because of better physical dose distribution and higher biological efficiency in tumour cell sterilization. Despite enhanced normal tissue sparing, damage incurred by normal cells at the beam entrance is unavoidable and may affect the progeny of surviving cells in the form of inheritable cytogenetic alterations. Furthermore, the quality of the beam along the Bragg curve is modified by nuclear fragmentation of projectile and target nuclei in the body. We present an experimental approach based on the use of a polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) phantom that allows the simultaneous exposure to a particle beam of several biological samples positioned at various depths along the beam path. The device was used to measure the biological effectiveness of a 60 MeV/amu carbon-ion beam at inducing chromosomal aberrations in G{sub 0}-human peripheral blood lymphocytes. Chromosome spreads were ...
BackgroundGenomics has substantially changed our approach to cancer research. Gene expression profiling, for example, has been utilized to delineate subtypes of cancer, and facilitated...Full Text Available
BackgroundCentrosome aberrations can cause genomic instability and correlate with malignant progression in common human malignancies such as breast and prostate cancer. Deregulation...Full Text Available
Aberrant transglutaminase (TG) activity has been implicated in the pathology of numerous diseases including Huntington disease and Alzheimer disease. To fully characterize the role of TGs in...Full Text Available
Several enzymes of the metabolic pathways responsible for metabolism of cytosolic ribonucleotides and deoxyribonucleotides are located in mitochondria. Studies described in this paper suggest dysfunction of the mitochondria to affect these metabolic pathways and limit the available levels of cytosolic ribonucleotides and deoxyribonucleotides, which in turn can result in aberrant RNA and DNA synthesis. Mitochondrial dysfunction has been linked to genomic instability, and it is possible that the limiting effect of mitochondrial dysfunction on the levels of nucleotides and resulting aberrant RNA and DNA synthesis in part can be responsible for this link. This paper summarizes the parts of the metabolic pathways responsible for nucleotide metabolism that can be affected by mitochondrial dysfunction.
Transmissions of sperm by unirradiated and irradiated cotton bollworm, Helicoverpa armigera, were studied by live dissection of females immediately after the initiation of mating. In cotton bollworm the sperm transfer was rather a complex process. In fact unirradiated males failed to transfer sperm in about 19% of their matings. When irradiated with 250 Gy and 400 Gy, aberrations of sperm transmission were about 21% and 50% respectively. The failure of spermatophore 'cap' location was an important reason of sperm transmission aberrations. When females mated to high-dose-irradiated males, their oviposition response appeared abnormal
Intrinsic spherical aberrations of electron lenses have been the major resolution limiting factor in electron microscopes for several decades. While effective correctors have recently been implemented, an alternative to correct these aberrations is to circumvent them by scaling down lens dimensions by several orders of magnitude. We have fabricated electrostatic lenses exhibiting one micrometer diameter apertures and evaluated their beam forming properties against predictions from numerical ray tracing simulations. It turns out that it is routinely possible to shape a paraxial low-energy electron beam by such micron-sized lenses. Beam profiles have been measured both at a distant detector as well as in a plane close to the lens. It is shown that the lens can form a parallel beam extending no more than 800 nm from the optical axes at a distance of 200 microm beyond the lens exit. We believe that these findings constitute a prerequisite to derive ...
Direct visualization of rare earths in @a- and @b-SiAlON unit-cells is performed through Z-contrast imaging technique in an aberration-corrected scanning transmission electron microscope. The preferential occupation of Yb and Ce atoms in different interstitial locations of @b-SiAlON lattice is demonstrated, yielding higher solubility for Yb than Ce. The triangular-like host sites in @a-SiAlON unit cell accommodate more Ce atoms than hexagonal sites in @b-SiAlON. We think that our results will be applicable as guidelines for many kinds of rare-earth-doped materials.
Purpose To investigate the influence of timolol maleate 0.5% gel-forming solution and brinzolamide 1% ophthalmic suspension on contrast sensitivity, ocular higher-order aberration (HOA), and corneal surface light scattering. Design Prospective, comparative study. Participants Forty normal volunteers were enrolled in this study. Methods We evaluated contrast sensitivity, ocular HOA, and corneal light scattering before and 2, 5, 10, and 15 minutes after instillation of antiglaucoma eyedrops. Contrast sensitivity function was assessed with the CSV-1000RN chart (Vector Vision Co., Greenville, OH). Higher-order aberration was measured for a 4-mm pupil using the Hartmann-Shack aberrometer (KR-9000PW; Topcon, Tokyo, Japan). Corneal surface light scattering was quantitatively evaluated by using th...
A general expression for the current-density distribution of a focused-ion beam (FIB) in the chromatic-aberration region is set up in the form of a definite integral. With the experimentally obtained ion-energy distribution of a liquid-metal ion source, its contribution to the FIB current-density distribution is estimated. Calculated results explain the wide-exponential tail of a FIB.
A general expression for the current-density distribution of a focused-ion beam (FIB) in the chromatic-aberration region is set up in the form of a definite integral. With the experimentally obtained ion-energy distribution of a liquid-metal ion source, its contribution to the FIB current-density distribution is estimated. Calculated results explain the wide-exponential tail of a FIB.
BackgroundAberrant CD40 ligand (CD154) expression occurs on both T cells and B cells in human lupus patients, which is suggested to enhance B cell CD40 signaling and play a role...Full Text Available
The biomedical and ecological interest for the microwave impact on the Earth biosphere is continuously increased since the industrial, military and communication activities strongly contribute to the electromagnetic stress of living bodies. In the next the authors present some of the main results obtained regarding the microwave exposure of various types of biological material: bacteria, fungi, young plant seedlings, dry seeds, animal tissues. The electromagnetic exposure was carried out in open space in well controlled environmental conditions by using 10.75 GHz/1 m W cm{sup -2} microwaves. Biochemical assays and cytogenetic tests have been carried out to reveal the changes induced post irradiation. The response of some pathogen bacteria, have been emphasized by means of turbidimetric measurements - the stimulatory effect being noticed at the level of the microbial population density (the stimulation of the human body microbial flora seems to be one of the side effects of microwave ...
Biomonitoring of human populations for exposure to genotoxic/clastogenic agents in the environment or the workplace must depend upon statistical tests for elevations in the frequencies of the biological endpoints being monitored, usually chromosomal aberrations (CA), micronuclei (MN), or sister chromatid exchanges (SCE) in peripheral blood lymphocytes. Statistical tests are based, in turn, upon certain assumptions regarding the distribution of the test statistic. When they are often not recognized as such, tests of significance can be in error, and any conclusion drawn that there is or is not a statistically significant difference between one population sample and another maybe erroneous. In population monitoring this means either false negatives or false positives can result and it is hard to know which is worse. Furthermore, even the intelligent design of studies whose object is to test for an elevated level in an exposed population must depend upon prior ...
It has recently been found that many buildings in Taiwan were constructed with radioactively contaminated rebar, which raised great concern among the residents as well as governmental officials. In order to investigate the possible cytogenetic damage to the residents of contaminated buildings, a G-banding method was carried out on the lymphocytes of 30 radiation-exposed individuals from four families and one office building, as well as 15 control individuals from laboratory personnel. The estimated cumulative radiation doses for the exposed people range from 19.63 to 280.50 mSv. Altogether, 13 females and 17 males belonging to the radiation-exposed group, and 7 females and 8 males in the control group, were included in this study. With the exception of one sample, at least 500 metaphase spreads were scored and analyzed for each individual. All the recognizable structural aberrations of chromosomes or chromatids were recorded and statistically analyzed. Comparison ...
It has recently been found that many buildings in Taiwan were constructed with radioactively contaminated rebar, which raised great concern among the residents as well as governmental officials. In order to investigate the possible cytogenetic damage to the residents of contaminated buildings, a G-banding method was carried out on the lymphocytes of 30 radiation-exposed individuals from four families and one office building, as well as 15 control individuals from laboratory personnel. The estimated cumulative radiation doses for the exposed people range from 19.63 to 280.50 mSv. Altogether, 13 females and 17 males belonging to the radiation-exposed group, and 7 females and 8 males in the control group, were included in this study. With the exception of one sample, at least 500 metaphase spreads were scored and analyzed for each individual. All the recognizable structural aberrations of chromosomes or chromatids were recorded and statistically analyzed. Comparison ...
The relationship of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) to learning disorders was reviewed and included reading disability, mathematics learning disability, and nonverbal learning disability. Genetic, neuroimaging, and neuropsychological functioning were examined for each disorder, along with a discussion of any existing literature when ADHD co-occurred with the disorder. All the disorders were found to frequently co-occur with ADHD. A review of the underlying neuroanatomic and neurofunctional data found specific structures that frequently co-occur in these disorders with others that are specific to the individual diagnosis. Aberrations in structure and/or function were found for the caudate, corpus callosum, and cerebellum, making these structures sensitive for the disorder bu...
The basic approach to radioactive labeling techniques in hemoglobin identification consists of mixing 14C labeled normal carrier globin with 3H labeled unknown globin and carrying out the subsequent separations and purifications looking at the distribution of 3H and 14C radioactivity. This technique was devised to ascertain the amino acid substitution in Hb Indianapolis and was instrumental in solving the structure of Hb Vicksburg. It was also useful in determining the purity of gamma-chains from cultures of human and baboon erythroid progenitors. Another use of this technique would be in identifying aberrant peaks of radioactivity in chain separation chromatograms, such as ''pre-peaks''.
The parathyroid endocrine glands, usually four in number and about the size of a split pea, lie on either side of the posterior aspect of the thyroid gland. Occasionally one or more of these structures are found in an aberrant position in the neck or even in the superior mediastinum. The parathyroid secretion, parathormone, regulates the level of serum calcium within sharply defined limits. Lack of parathormone, with lowering of the serum calcium, results in hyper-irritability of skeletal muscle, the clinical condition known as tetany. This is encountered following inadvertent removal or bruising of the parathyroid glands at thyroidectomy. PMID:21488463
Mammalodon colliveri is an unusual toothed archaic mysticete (Cetacea) from the Upper Oligocene Jan Juc Formation of south-east Australia. The morphology of the holotype skull and postcrania are described in detail. Superimposed on the generally plesiomorphic archaeocete-like morphology of Mammalodon are subtle mysticete synapomorphies. Derived features of Mammalodon include a short and bluntly rounded rostrum, reduced premaxillae, and anterodorsally directed orbits. Within Mysticeti, this suite of features is unique. The aberrant rostral morphology of Mammalodon suggests specialization for suction feeding. Janjucetus hunderi is placed in an expanded family Mammalodontidae. Phylogenetic analysis corroborates the monophyly of Basilosauridae, Neoceti, Odontoceti, and Mysticeti, and yields a ...
Aberrant amyloid-b peptide (Ab) accumulation along with altered expression and function of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) stand prominently in the etiology of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Since the discovery that Ab is bound to a7 nAChRs under many experimental settings, including post-mortem AD brain, much effort has been expended to understand the implications of this interaction in the disease milieu. This research update will review the current literature on the a7 nAChR-Ab interaction in vitro and in vivo, the functional consequences of this interaction from sub-cellular to cognitive levels, and discuss the implications these relationships might have for AD therapies.
Although the outer surface of single-walled carbon nanotubes (atomically thin cylinders of carbon) can be involved in a wide range of chemical reactions, it is generally thought that the interior surface of nanotubes is unreactive. In this study, we show that in the presence of catalytically active atoms of rhenium inserted into nanotubes, the nanotube sidewall can be engaged in chemical reactions from the inside. Aberration-corrected high-resolution transmission electron microscopy operated at 80?keV allows visualization of the formation of nanometre-sized hollow protrusions on the nanotube sidewall at the atomic level in real time at ambient temperature. Our direct observations and theoretical modelling demonstrate that the nanoprotrusions are formed in three stages: (i) metal-assisted d...
DNA methylation is considered as a potential cause of aberrations in regulation of gene expression during carcinogenesis. Therefore, changes in DNA methylation patterns may be targets for chemoprevention. In the present study, we investigated effects of all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA), vitamin D3, and resveratrol alone and in combination with adenosine analogues: 2-chloro-2'-deoxyadenosine (2CdA) and 9-beta-d-arabinosyl-2-fluoroadenine (F-ara-A), on methylation and expression of retinoic acid receptor beta 2 (RARbeta2) in MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell lines. Alterations in methylation and expression levels after treatment of cells with the tested compounds were evaluated by methylation-sensitive restriction analysis (MSRA) and real-time PCR, respectively. RARbeta2 promoter in the ...
Genomic instability can be produced by ionising radiation, so-called radiation-induced genomic instability, and chemical mutagens. Radiation-induced genomic instability occurs in both germinal and somatic cells and also in the offspring of irradiated individuals, and it is characterised by genetic changes including chromosomal rearrangements. The majority of studies of trans-generational, radiation-induced genomic instability have been described in the male germ line, whereas the authors who have chosen the female as a model are scarce. The aim of this work is to find out the radiation-induced effects in the foetal offspring of X-ray-treated female rats and, at the same time, the possible impact of this radiation-induced genomic instability on the action of a chemical mutagen. In order to achieve both goals, the quantity and quality of chromosomal damage were analysed. In order to detect trans-generational genomic instability, a total of 4806 metaphases from foetal tissues from the ...
The Heavy-Ion Fusion Sciences Virtual National Laboratory is pursuing an approach to target heating experiments in the Warm Dense Matter regime, using spacecharge-dominated ion beams that are simultaneously longitudinally bunched and transversely focused. Longitudinal beam compression by large factors has beendemonstrated in the Neutralized Drift Compression Experiment (NDCX) with controlledramps and forced neutralization. Using an injected 30-mA K+ ion beam with initialkinetic energy 0.3 MeV, axial compression leading to ~;;50-fold current amplification andsimultaneous radial focusing to beam radii of a few mm have led to encouraging energy deposition approaching the intensities required for eV-range target heating experiments. We discuss the status of several improvements to our Neutralized Drift Compression Experiment and associated beam diagnostics that are under development to reach the necessary higher beam intensities, including: (1) greater axial compression via a longer ...
Background. Through PSA screening the rate of prostate cancers detected at an early stage has increased significantly; thus a decrease in mortality can be expected in the near future. Despite all scientific efforts, however, the molecular mechanisms underlying the development and progression of prostate cancer remain poorly understood. Prostate cancer is a disease of aging men and epidemiological evidence supports a major contribution to its development through diet, lifestyle and environmental factors. Genetic instability is the basic phenomenon of tissue cell cancerisation. This instability can be hereditary or due to mutations and other chromosomal aberrations acquired during life. In recent years a large number of interesting data have been collected which show the relationships between focal atrophy and genetic instability of the prostate epithelia. Atrophy can be the result of prostatitis, ischemia as well as of oxidative stress (diet). Several chromosomal ...
A significant challenge in proteomics biomarker research is to identify the changes that are of highest diagnostic interest, among the many unspecific aberrations associated with disease burden and inflammation. In the present study liver tissue specimens (n=18) from six experimental stages were collected from the resistant hepatocyte (RH) rat model of liver cancer and analyzed by 2D DIGE. The study included triplicates of regenerating liver, control "sham-operated" liver, three distinct premalignant stages and hepatomas. Out of 81 identified proteins two-thirds were differentially abundant in rat hepatomas compared to control rat liver and, secondly, the majority of proteins were also changed in precursor stages. This underscores the importance of adequate control samples in explorative cancer biomarker research. We confirm several proteomic changes previously identified in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and we identify novel candidate proteomic ...
Full text: DNA rearrangement events leading to chromosomal aberrations are central to ionizing radiation-induced cell death. Although DNA double-strand breaks are probably the lesion that initiates formation of chromosomal aberrations, little is understood about the molecular mechanisms that generate and modulate DNA rearrangement. Examination of the sequences that flank sites of DNA rearrangement may provide information regarding the processes and enzymes involved in rearrangement events. Accordingly, we developed a method using inverse PCR that allows the detection and sequencing of putative radiation-induced DNA rearrangements in defined regions of the human genome. The method can detect single copies of a rearrangement event that has occurred in a particular region of the genome and, therefore, DNA rearrangement detection does not require survival and continued multiplication of the affected cell. Ionizing radiation-induced DNA ...
Two methods to cool muon beams deeply below the limit conventionally established for the ionization cooling are proposed. In Phase Ionization Cooling (PIC), the beam is focused at wedge absorber plates each half of particle oscillation period by imposing a weak parametric resonance along the beam path. The resonance growth of particle amplitude is surmounted by the ionization cooling. At optimum, such arrangement results in reduction of each of two transverse emittances by an order of value in addition to the preceding 6D ionization cooling. Next, resonance focusing and transverse cooling can be continued in the regime of a fast Reverse Emittance Exchange (REMEX). Here, the sign of the absorber wedge is opposite to PIC while the dispersion increased. REMEX to be accompanied by the bunch lengthening and acceleration in order to maintain the relative energy spread at an appropriate level. The limitations due to energy straggling in absorber will be evaluated, and possibilities of beam ...
As reported previously (Namba et al., 1985), normal human fibroblasts were transformed by 60Co gamma-ray irradiation into immortal cells with abnormal karyotypes. These transformed cells (KMST-6), however, showed a low cloning efficiency in soft agar and no transplantability. However, upon treatment with Harvey murine sarcoma virus (Ha-MSV), the cells acquired elevated clonability in soft agar and transplantability in nude mice. Ha-MSV alone, however, did not convert normal human fibroblasts into either immortal or tumorigenic cells. The Ha-MSV-transformed KMST-6 cells showed an enhanced expression of the ras oncogene, but normal and 60Co gamma-ray-transformed cells did not. Our current data suggest that gamma rays worked against normal human cells as an initiator, giving rise to chromosome aberrations and immortality, and that Ha-MSV, probably through its ras oncogene, played a role in the progression of the malignant cell population to a more malignant one ...
Our inability to associate distant regulatory elements with the genes that they regulate has largely precluded their examination for sequence alterations contributing to human disease. One major obstacle is the large genomic space surrounding targeted genes in which such elements could potentially reside. In order to delineate gene regulatory boundaries we used whole-genome human-mouse-chicken (HMC) and human-mouse-frog (HMF) multiple alignments to compile conserved blocks of synteny (CBS), under the hypothesis that these blocks have been kept intact throughout evolution at least in part by the requirement of regulatory elements to stay linked to the genes that they regulate. A total of 2,116 and 1,942 CBS>200 kb were assembled for HMC and HMF respectively, encompassing 1.53 and 0.86 Gb of human sequence. To support the existence of complex long-range regulatory domains within these CBS we analyzed the prevalence and distribution of chromosomal aberrations ...
We describe a panoramic stigmatic spectrograph comprising a grazing-incidence toroidal mirror and a large-aperture free-standing transmission diffraction grating (5000 lines mm-1 ). Two spectrograph versions were constructed, with grazing angles of 7.6 and 40 and the short-wavelength spectral limits near 4 and 1.5 nm. The spectrograph aberrations were studied by numerical ray tracing. The spectrograph was used to record line and quasi-continuous spectra (1.5 - 30 nm) of multiply charged ions in a plasma generated by the second-harmonic pulses of an yttrium aluminate laser (Q = 0.15 J, ? = 5 ns, ? = 0.54 ?m, repetition rate = 0.5 Hz). In combination with a laser-produced plasma radiation source, the arrangement was used to characterise soft x-ray optical components and to generate collimated beams of polarised radiation in the 14 - 20 nm range. (laser applications and other topics in quantum electronics)
BACKGROUND Accumulating evidence suggests that various epigenetic aberrations play definite roles in the pathogenesis of endometriosis. We investigated the histone acetylation status in endometriosis and the application of the histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACIs) for the treatment of endometriosis. METHODS The levels of acetylated histones in the endometriotic cyst stromal cells (ECSCs) and normal endometrial stromal cells (NESCs) were evaluated. The effects of the HDACIs on cell proliferation, the cell cycle, apoptosis of ECSCs and NESCs, and the expression of genes related to these cellular events were investigated. The effects of HDACIs on histone acetylation in chromatin of the promoter region of the cell cycle regulatory genes in ECSCs were also investigated. RESULTS The acetylated histone levels were significantly lower in ECSCs than in NESCs (P endometriosis and that HDACIs reactivated epigenetically silenced genes, resulting in the suppression of cell ...
Huntington?s disease (HD) is caused by an expansion of a polyglutamine repeat of more than 35?units in the huntingtin protein. The expanded repeat length is inversely correlated with the age at onset (AAO); however, additional genetic factors apart from the expanded CAG repeat length can modify the course and the AAO in HD. Aberrations in macroautophagy have been observed in Huntington, Alzheimer, Parkinson, motor neuron and prion diseases. Therefore, we hypothesized that polymorphisms in autophagy-related (Atg) genes might contribute to the variation in the AAO. We initially tested eight single nucleotide polymorphisms in five Atg genes (Atg3, Atg5, Atg7, Atg16L1 and Beclin-1) for their frequency of ?1%. Subsequently, we investigated the polymorphisms Atg7 V471A and Atg16L1 T281A for a di...
The authors have previously identified a small-cell lung cancer cell line (NCI-H209) that expresses an aberrant, underphosphorylated form of the retinoblastoma protein RB1. Molecular analysis of RB1 mRNA from this cell line revealed a single point mutation within exon 21 that resulted in a nonconservative amino acid substitution (cysteine to phenylalanine) at codon 706. Stable expression of this mutant RB1 cDNA in a human cell line lacking endogenous RB1 demonstrated that this amino acid change was sufficient to inhibit phosphorylation. In addition, this cysteine-to-phenylalanine substitution also resulted in loss of RB1 binding to the simian virus 40 large tumor and adenovirus E1A transforming proteins. These results confirm the importance of exon 21 coding sequences and suggest that the cysteine residue at codon 706 may play a role in achieving a specific protein conformation essential for protein-protein interactions.
The purpose of this study was to develop a foraging model that engenders large meals. Eight free-feeding baboons were first given periodic access to a chocolate sugar-coated candy (M & Ms?) and then a jelly sugar-coated candy (Skittles?). Baboons had access to food 24?h each day, but they had to complete a two-phase operant procedure in order to eat. Responding on one lever during a 30-min appetitive phase was required before animals could start a consumption phase, where responding on another lever led to food delivery, i.e., a meal. 3?days a week for 8 or 9?weeks baboons received candy during the first meal and then food pellets were available: a 2?month interval when only pellets were available separated periods of candy access. All baboons ate as much candy in the single candy meal as ...
There is a lot of interest in the studies that would help to understand whether there is a casual association between cancer and various types of molecular or cytogenetic damage detected in human cells. One major oncogenesis process is activation of proto-oncogenes by point mutations or chromosomal translocation. There are substantial evidence that indicates that the loss of heterozygosity of certain chromosomes is involved in human cancerogenesis. Our study aimed to elicit the possible association between cancer and DNA and cytogenetic abnormalities induced in lymphocytes of people bearing various categories of skin cancer cells. Fresh blood was collected by venipuncture from 25 individuals (including nine prior to cancer treatment). All patients were nonsmoking males, however 42.3 % of them were former smokers. Blood samples were divided into two parts and in the first part of samples cytogenetic studies were performed immediately, while from the second part lymphocytes were isolated ...
Feline heartworm disease is a very different clinical entity from canine heartworm disease. In cats, the arrival and death of immature heartworms in the pulmonary arteries can cause coughing and dyspnea as early as 3 months postinfection. Adult heartworms suppress the function of pulmonary intravascular macrophages and thus reduce clinical disease in chronic feline heartworm infection. Approximately 80% of asymptomatic cats self-cure. Median survival time for symptomatic cats is 1.5 years, or 4 years if only cats living beyond the day of presentation are considered. Aberrant worm migration is more frequent than it is in dogs, and sudden death can occur with no prior clinical signs. The bacterial endosymbiont Wolbachia likely contributes to the inflammatory pathology of heartworm disease, but its role is not yet fully clear. Unfortunately, the diagnosis, treatment, and management of feline heartworm disease are far from simple. Antemortem diagnosis is hampered by ...
Propionibacterium freudenreichii ET-3 culture, a cell-free product of whey fermentation using P. freudenreichii ET-3 (7025), has been shown to promote the growth of Bifidobacteria through the action of 1,4-dihydroxy-2-naphthoic acid (DHNA), and therefore, has potential use in the food and supplement industries. Although currently used as a food ingredient in Japan, the safety of this novel ingredient has not been previously evaluated through traditional toxicity testing. Therefore, here we report the results of standard toxicological testing performed on P. freudenreichii ET-3 culture. In a 4-week oral toxicity study, administration of 6000mg/kg body weight/day P. freudenreichii ET-3 culture was without compound-related adverse effects on clinical signs, body weights, food consumption, ophthalmology, hematology, clinical chemistry, urinalysis, organ weights, and gross and microscopic findings in male and female Sprague-Dawley rats. Furthermore, in vitro mutagenicity testing ...
Ramsar, a city in the northern Iran, has the highest level of natural background radiation in the world. It has been clearly shown that low doses of ionising radiation can induce resistance to subsequent higher exposures. This phenomenon is termed radioadaptive response. We have compared induction of cytogenetic radioadaptive response by High Natural Background Radiation (HNBR) in Ramsar and X-ray occupational exposure as conditioning doses in human peripheral blood lymphocytes. 30 healthy control individuals, living in Ramsar but in normal background radiation areas, 15 healthy individuals from Talesh Mahalleh, a region with extraordinary high level of background radiation, and 7 X-ray radiographers working in Ramsar hospital located in normal natural background ionising radiation area were evaluated. Peripheral blood samples were prepared and exposed to challenge dose of 0 and 2 Gy. Lymphocytes were scored using analysis of metaphase, for the presence of chromosomal ...
This thesis is concerned with the optimization and development of the production of nanofocusing refractive X-ray lenses. These optics made of either silicon or diamond are well-suited for high resolution X-ray microscopy. The goal of this work is the design of a reproducible manufacturing process which allows the production of silicon lenses with high precision, high quality and high piece number. Furthermore a process for the production of diamond lenses is to be developed and established. In this work, the theoretical basics of X-rays and their interaction with matter are described. Especially, aspects of synchrotron radiation are emphasized. Important in X-ray microscopy are the different optics. The details, advantages and disadvantages, in particular those of refractive lenses are given. To achieve small X-ray beams well beyond the 100 nm range a small focal length is required. This is achieved in refractive lenses by moving to a compact lens design where several single lenses ...
High voltage cathode materials Li-excess layered oxide compounds Li[Ni{sub x}Li{sub 1/3-2x/3}Mn{sub 2/3-x/3}]O{sub 2} (0 < x < 1/2) are investigated in a joint study combining both computational and experimental methods. The bulk and surface structures of pristine and cycled samples of Li[Ni{sub 1/5}Li{sub 1/5}Mn{sub 3/5}]O{sub 2} are characterized by synchrotron X-Ray diffraction together with aberration corrected Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy (a-S/TEM). Electron Energy Loss Spectroscopy (EELS) is carried out to investigate the surface changes of the samples before/after electrochemical cycling. Combining first principles computational investigation with our experimental observations, a detailed lithium de-intercalation mechanism is proposed for this family of Li-excess layered oxides. The most striking characteristics in these high voltage high energy density cathode materials are (1) formation of tetrahedral lithium ions at voltage less ...
The development of leukemia and thyroid cancer is characterized by activation of the abl oncogene and ret oncogene, respectively. In order to clarify the relationship between these gene aberrations and radiation, the pro-myelogenous leukemia-derived cell line HL60 and the thyroid cancer-derived cell line 8505C, were irradiated in vitro with 100Gy of X-rays. RNA was then extracted from 10"8 cells of the respective cell lines and examined by the reverse transcription PCR method for rearrangements of abl and ret genes. Five kinds of positive bands were observed in the HL-60 cells irradiated with 100Gy of X-ray. Similarly, six positive bands were also observed in the 8505C cells irradiated with 100Gy. In vitro X-irradiation activation of oncogenes found in radiation induced cancers imply that gene rearrangement by X-rays is involved in the development of malignant tumors. Furthermore, in an experiment to detect radiation effects in A-bomb survivors, RNA was extracted ...
In order to gain an overall picture of the genetic effects of an increased level of background radiation it is necessary to study the results of protracted exposures to embryonic and immature germ-cell stages as well as to stages found in the mature organism. For this purpose, litters produced by female mice, kept in a 10 or 20 rad/day /sup 60/Co ..gamma..-irradiation field, were kept in the same fields from conception until about 60 days later, having absorbed doses of 526 and 1078 rad respectively. Tests on exposed female offspring showed them to be sterile. Eight weeks after removal from the gamma field, mean testis masses of males in the 20 rad/day series were only half normal but those receiving 10 rad/day were little affected. Frequencies of translocations in spermatocytes at diakinesis/metaphase I were only slightly increased in the exposed series, differences not being significant. Estimated rates of translocation induction were around 5 x 10sup(-6) per rad, about one-third of ...
A crucial step in human breast cancer progression is the acquisition of invasiveness. There is a distinct lack of human cell culture models to study the transition from pre-invasive to invasive phenotype as it may occur 'spontaneously' in vivo. To delineate molecular alterations important for this transition, we isolated human breast epithelial cell lines that showed partial loss of tissue polarity in three-dimensional reconstituted-basement membrane cultures. These cells remained non-invasive; however, unlike their non-malignant counterparts, they exhibited a high propensity to acquire invasiveness through basement membrane in culture. The genomic aberrations and gene expression profiles of the cells in this model showed a high degree of similarity to primary breast tumor profiles. The xenograft tumors formed by the cell lines in three different microenvironments in nude mice displayed metaplastic phenotypes, including squamous and basal ...
Neuron differentiation is a complex process involving various cell-cell interactions, and multiple signaling pathways. We showed previously that CD40 is expressed and functional on mouse and human neurons. In neurons, ligation of CD40 protects against serum withdrawal-induced injury and plays a role in survival and differentiation. CD40 deficient mice display neuron dysfunction, aberrant neuron morphologic changes, and associated gross brain abnormalities. Previous studies by Tone and colleagues suggested that five isoforms of CD40 exist with two predominant isoforms expressed in humans: signal-transducible CD40 type I and a C-terminal truncated, non-signal-transducible CD40 type II. We hypothesized that differential expression of CD40 isoform type I and type II in neurons may modulate neuron differentiation. Results show that adult wild-type, and CD40"-"/"- deficient mice predominantly express CD40 type I and II isoforms. Whereas adult wild-type mice express ...
This paper presents some basic elements regarding the domain of the collaborative systems, a domain of maximum actuality and also the multiagent systems, developed as a result of a sound study on the one-agent systems.
An outline of the instrumentation and control systems associated with fuelling machines is given. The control systems such as hydraulic system, oil hydraulic system, electric control system and the remote control systems have been discussed in detail. The difference between RAPP and MAPP fuel handling control systems has been explained. A computer based system for the Narora fuel handling control system is also discussed. (S.K.K.).
The aim of this paper is to survey the potential of knowledge systems for the management and modelling of energy systems. The paper starts with a short introduction to knowledge systems. The essence of knowledge systems is summarized and described in terms of modelling. Additionally the application of knowledge systems is compared with the use of conventional software on the one hand and human reasoning on the other. Next, research topics which are important in connection with technological applications of knowledge systems are reviewed. This paper follows with a review of knowledge system applications in the field of energy systems and ends with conclusions on the state of the art and required research and development.
This report presents the results of a study of the Japanese MLU magnetic-levitation (maglev) system. The development of the MLU system is reviewed, and the dynamic circuit model then is introduced and applied to the figure-eight-shaped null-flux coil suspension system. Three different types of figure-eight-shaped null-flux suspension systems are discussed in detail: (1) the figure-eight-shaped null-flux coil suspension system without cross-connection; (2) the combined suspension and guidance system; and (3) the combined propulsion, levitation, and guidance system. The electrodynamic-suspension maglev systems developed in Japan seem to be very promising and could result in a commercial application in the near future.
was deemed adequate and a cooling system designed utilizing the Melcor CP2-15- 10B thermoelectric module. Wall temperature achieved with this system was - 36 ...
The activities and the policy in the Netherlands regarding the development of the title systems since 1990 are briefly outlined, focusing on the use of PV-systems in buildings. 5 figs., 1 tab.
Figure 23 presented detailed layout of the cooling system designed for the Mach 6 hypersonic- transport. The distribution system consisted of thin-wall ...
The development of online communication systems related to prevention, decision making, and coping with cancer has outpaced theoretical attention to the attributes that appeal to system...Full Text Available
...Systems by IPEX Enfield electrofusion acid waste systems give you the proven corrosion resistance of polypropylene, along with our patented, state-of-the-art electrofusion system....
This paper presents an analysis of the applicability of alternative systems for electric vehicle (EV) heating and air conditioning (HVAC). The paper consists of two parts. The first part is a cooling and heating load calculation for electric vehicles. The second part is an evaluation of several systems that can provide the desired cooling and heating in EVs. These systems are ranked according to their overall weight The overall weight is calculated by adding the system weight and the weight of the battery necessary to provide energy for system operation. The system with the minimum overall weight is considered to be the best, because minimum vehicle weight decreases the energy required for propulsion, and therefore increases the vehicle range. Three systems are considered as the best choices for EV HVAC. These are, vapor compression, ice ...
The problem on the ratio between the instability of physical systems and tachyons is discussed. It is shown that the tachyons participation in the real physical process of the system rearranging does not contradict any principles. It is noted that the tachyons constitute the most significant element of the systems, identifying the instability relative to the phase transition into the stable state.
Contact scanner system in Wolsung NPP(model ESE-1565) is an early '70 equipment, so most of components are obsolete. To make it 100% compatible, PCBs for this system is the main object of the study. Most of components used in the system are not available ...
This paper details the ongoing collaboration between the U.S. EPA and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in the development of complementary micro-computer based cost estimating systems for hazardous waste remediations. he U.S. EPA system, "Remedial Action Cost Estimating System" (...
... 2010-10-01 false Cost estimating system requirements. 252...Clauses 252.215-7002 Cost estimating system requirements. As...use the following clause: Cost Estimating System Requirements (DEC...
... They comprise of a power model for the representation of the electric system, a fluid model that represents the cooling fluid flow, three layers of ...
... POVs) overseas when space was available. ... information management system launched in 2004. ... Personally Procured Transportation (PPT) system ...
The waste monitoring system in use at Los Alamos National Laboratory`s Plutonium Facility, TA-55, is a computer-based system that proves real-time information on industrial effluents. Remote computers monitor discharge events and data moves from one system to another via a local area network. This report describes the history, system design, summary, instrumentation list, displays, trending screens, and layout of the waste monitoring system.
This paper is concerned with the application of a new fuzzy inference method to the design of fuzzy power system stabilizer. Based on Truth-Value-Flow-Inference (TVFI), a fuzzy logic controlled power system stabilizer is proposed to enhance the stability of power system with weak or negative damping. The design of the proposed fuzzy power system stabilizer is presented. Numerical simulation results are presented and compared with two other kinds of fuzzy power system stabilizers. (author)
A micro-computer based fuzzy logic power system stabilizer is applied to a micro-machine system to investigate its efficiency in real time control. The stabilizing signal is determined by using measured speed or real power signals at every sampling time to damp the system oscillations. The results show the proposed stabilizer improves the system damping effectively subject to various types of disturbances.
A mathematical model of the multi machine electric power system to analyse its dynamics has been worked out. The effectivity of the power system stabilizer developed in the one machine system has been tested by means of this model. The influence of the arrangement of the stabilizers on the stability of the electric power system has also been investigated. High damping of electromechanical transient processes has been achieved. 7 refs., 1 tab., 5 figs.
The paper presents a sequential procedure for coordinated stabilization of a multimachine power system with arbitrary complexity of the system model. The most effective machine to be equipped with a power system stabilizer is identified using eigenvalue analysis. The selection is based on the sensitivity of critical eigenvalues to increases in the coefficient of a damping term which is inserted in each equation of motion, in succession. The method is applied to a three-machine system and simulation studies show appreciable improvements in the small disturbance stability of the system.
A heuristic algorithm that employs fuzzy logic is proposed to the power system transmission expansion planning problem. The algorithm is based on the divide to conquer strategy, which is controlled by the fuzzy system. The algorithm provides high quality solutions with the use of fuzzy decision making, which is based on nondeterministic criteria to guide the search. The fuzzy system provides a self-adjusting mechanism that eliminates the manual adjustment of parameters to each system being solved. (author)
An integrated voltage regulator and power system stabilizer based on one step ahead prediction is presented. The fixed parameter predictive control scheme is shown capable of providing consistently good voltage response and contribution to system damping over a wide range of operating conditions and system configuration. This is in contrast to the case with conventional automatic voltage regulator and power system stabilizer where performance varies widely with the operating situation and can even cause system instability. (author)
The Y2K problem may impact on nuclear installations in a number of ways because embedded systems are used in nuclear routine operation, monitoring and control system. The very simplest embedded systems are capable of performing only a single function or set of functions to meet a single predetermined purpose. In more complex systems the functioning of the embedded system is determined by an application program that enables the embedded system to be used for a particular purpose in a specific application. The simplest devices consist of a single microprocessor which may itself be packaged with other chips in a hybrid system or Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC). Its input comes from a detector or sensor and its output goes to a switch or activator which may start or stop the operation of a positioning motors or, by operating a ...
Daylight responsive dimming systems have been used in few buildings to date because they require improvements to improve reliability. The key underlying factor contributing to poor performance is the variability of the ratio of the photosensor signal to daylight workplane illuminance in accordance with sun position, sky condition, and fenestration condition. Therefore, this paper describes the integrated systems between automated roller shade systems and daylight responsive dimming systems with an improved closed-loop proportional control algorithm, and the relative performance of the integrated systems and single systems. The concept of the improved closed-loop proportional control algorithm for the integrated systems is to predict the varying correlation of photosensor signal to daylight workplane illuminance according to roller shade ...
Inputs on radiological conditions forms the basis of implementation of effective exposure control to plant personnel in nuclear power station. Radiation monitoring system provides this input to the plant operator as well as to health physics group. Several design modifications have been incorporated in the Radiation Monitoring System at Tarapur Atomic Power Station (TAPS 3 and 4) over the similar systems at Kakrapar Atomic Power Station (KAPS) and Kaiga Generating Station (KGS). The radiological monitoring systems installed at TAPS unit 3 and 4 includes on line Radiation Data Acquisition System (RADAS), Emergency sampling system, effluent monitoring system and environmental monitoring system. The design changes and the versatile use of these systems are presented in this paper. (author)
A thermodynamic analysis of a hybrid geothermal heat pump system is carried out. Mass, energy, and exergy balances are applied to the system, which has a cooling tower as a heat rejection unit, and system performance is evaluated in terms of coefficient of performance and exergy efficiency. The heating coefficient of performance for the overall system is found to be 5.34, while the corresponding exergy efficiency is 63.4%. The effect of ambient temperature on the exergy destruction and exergy efficiency is investigated for the system components. The results indicate that the performance of hybrid geothermal heat pump systems is superior to air-source heat pumps.
This paper presents case studies of economic feasibility of solar photovoltaic systems using the software AVES-F (Analysis of Economic Feasibility of Photovoltaic Systems), developed by the authors, considering cases of stand-alone and grid-connected systems. The software takes into account several factors that can influence the economic feasibility of these kind of systems, like load to be supplied, distance to the grid, the use regime of the system, applied subsidies and others. The main goal of this paper is to analyze some of these factors and to observe how they can affect the economics of PV systems for electricity generation. (authors)
The notion of hardened systems can be found in several applications (nuclear power plants, alarm systems, research installations..). Their development correspond to the functional necessity to take into account a specific radiative environment. The starting point of each hardening study is the definition of the radiative environmental constraints representative of the application. In addition to these external constraints, the specific functional characteristics of each system are considered: control or interface systems in nuclear industry, in-board control systems, remote handling systems, etc. This paper summarizes the methodology followed according to the experience gained in previous studies and anticipating the future needs. (J.S.). 6 refs., 5 figs.
The term biological motion is often used by researchers studying the patterns of movement generated by living forms and in sports. We studied a pattern recognition system of motion in sport using biological motion data. Biological motion data are acquired using a 3D motion capture system. However, 3D motion capture systems are very expensive. In this article, a biological motion capture system was built using acceleration sensors. Our proposed system uses the technique of Gaussian fitting and regression analysis. We tested our proposed system in pattern recognition of outdoor tennis and its evaluations.
A new power system stabilizer (PSS) design method for single-machine infinite-bus systems is developed. This design method not only assigns the poles corresponding to the electro-mechanical oscillation modes in the system, but also located other system poles in suitable places in the s-plane. The design procedure is used first to translate a PSS design problem to an equivalent constant output feedback controller design problem for a single-input multi-output (SIMO) system. Then, a new algorithm developed in this paper is applied to design a constant output feedback controller to achieve the desired closed-loop system pole locations. Finally, the controller gains are transferred back to the parameters in the PSS. The extension of the method to multi-machine power systems is also illustrated. (Author).
This guide is intended to provide the necessary guidance to successfully manage the NAVMED Navy Occupational Health Information Management System (NOHIMS) at NAVMED sites and the NAVSEA Occupational Safety and Health Record Keeping System (OSHRKS) at NAVSEA sites. Outlines procedures to manage system operations, procedures to resolve hardware, software and communications problems, and procedures outside the realm of system operations that are required for a successful system. This guide is intended for the System and Functional Managers use. The System Manager is the individual designated to provide overall ADP management to the entire local configuration. Usually responsible for file backup, daily operations of the CPU, security, supplies, equipment, operating software and technical ADP guidance to the local functional users.
Fuji Electric has realized highly reliable and functional control systems by the dispersion type control system FOCUS, which uses the controller (ICS-2000) enjoying good reputation in controlling industrial plants for a long time and a personal computer with high windows operability, the former for controlling and the latter for MHI responsible for monitoring. The smelting process in a steel-making plant needs a highly reliable system for advanced control to ensure continuous operation. Fuji Electric delivered the FOCUS system to Kubota in 1998, as the smelting furnace instrumentation/control system for the cupola furnace. The system has been in service smoothly. Moreover, a total of four control systems have been delivered, 2 for steel-making furnaces and the other 2 for continuous casting. (NEDO)
The Reliability Data Management System (RDMS) for safety systems of PHWR type plants has been developed and utilized in the reliability analysis of the special safety systems of Wolsong Unit 1 with plant overhaul period lengthened. The RDMS is developed for the periodic efficient reliability analysis of the safety systems of Wolsong Unit 1. In addition, this system provides the function of analyzing the effects on safety system unavailability if the test period of a test procedure changes as well as the function of optimizing the test periods of safety-related test procedures. The RDMS can be utilized in handling the requests of the regulatory institute actively with regard to the reliability validation of safety systems.
There are many different types of open pit mining operations around the world, and the challenge for any drive system manufacturer is to produce a system(s) that will work satisfactorily in these mines. Several factors must be considered such as vehicle speed requirements, available engine horsepower, mine rolling resistance, grades, grade lengths, payload, and tire sizes. How well a particular drive system performs depends on the size, weight, and available tractive/retarding effort. In addition to performance, the system must also have an operating cost that will be acceptable over the life of the equipment. Today the choice of drive systems is not only between mechanical and electrical drives, but also within these categories are the different manufacturers. Regardless of how the power is provided to the rear wheels, the job must be accomplished reliably and at an acceptable ...
A novel adaptive stabilizer, called an Adaptive Governor Power System Stabilizer (AGPSS), which operated on the governor turbine system, was described. There has been extensive research on adaptive excitation control of generators in power systems with the goal of achieving better dynamic performance. AGPSS tracks the frequency and damping of oscillations in a power system, and adjusts to ensure that there is always sufficient damping in the system. There is no interaction between stabilizers on different generating units, and each one acts independently, consuming oscillation energy locally. These stabilizers are easy to design and this facilitates their use in multimachine systems. Results obtained by nonlinear simulation of a single-machine and a three-machine power system were discussed, illustrating the effectiveness of the stabilizers ...
Several systems have been developed to accomplish vehicle location. The systems consist of three types: Dead Reckoning, Satellite, and LORAN C. If the information is to be sent back to a central location, some type of radiocommunication system is needed. One can use the existing voice radio or add a radio system just for transmitting the data.
A decoupled characteristic between the damping of a specific swing mode and the stabilizer gain of the corresponding machine in multimachine power systems is identified. Using this decoupled characteristic a power system stabilizer (PSS) synthesis approach which is based on the phase compensation concept is verified on a 9-machine system and the dynamic performance of this system is significantly improved. This method is proved to be effective, simple and it can provide useful guidance for the PSS field tuning.
This paper establishes a standardization procedure in which results are presented in ready-to-use charts for the economic evaluation of biogas plants. It is hoped this work will alleviate controversial reports on cost-effectiveness of biogas systems. Also, it is found that these systems are the most economic among renewable energy systems using a standardized procedure for their comparison augmented by the generated spider diagrams wherein most probable costing production values for each system are directly compared. (author).
A semi-automatic system which considers operation in a face by monitoring technological parameters of an extraction vehicle and a longwall conveyor is examined. The system records in tabular form the location, progress made, operating and down time of an extraction vehicle and operating and down time of the conveyor. A description of the operating principle system and systems for arrangement of the remote sensing and central recording device are presented. (Note: extraction vehicle not identified: LTN)
A tiered communications architecture for managing network traffic in a distributed system. Communication between client or control computers and a plurality of hardware devices is administered by agent and monitor devices whose activities are coordinated to reduce the number of open channels or sockets. The communications architecture also improves the transparency and scalability of the distributed system by reducing network mapping dependence. The architecture is desirably implemented in a proton beam therapy system to provide flexible security policies which improve patent safety and facilitate system maintenance and development.
This book contains the proceedings of the International Topical Meeting on Remote Systems and Robotics in Hostile Environments. It is organized under the following sessions: Worldwide Applications Overview; Operating Mobile Systems; Sensors and Control Systems; Space Applications; Reactor Operations and Surveillance; Remote Equipment for Hazardous Operations; Future Mobile System; Mining and Construction Operations; Special Applications; Hot Cell Applications; Processing; Reactor Operations and Maintenance; Decontamination and Waste Handling; Remote Handling Development and Demonstration.
Solutions have been found for the problems encountered with the coil power and switching systems of the International Fusion Superconducting Magnet Test Facility (IFSMTF). The coil power system provides the filtered dc sources (+- 12 V dc; 25,000 A) for charging and discharging the coils of the IFSMTF experiment. The switching system provides the means of transferring the coil current into a dump resistor when a rapid discharge of a coil is required due to a coil failure (quench) or other system abnormalities.
The basic design of a system installed in the Columbus, Ohio Zoo is described. The distribution system is described in detail. The control system is microprocessor controlled, with about 50 monitoring points. Preliminary evaluations have indicated that the system can operate with an overall coefficient of performance in excess of 3.5. 1 figure.
The purpose of this paper is to describe instrumentation and control (I C) system improvements at Experimental Breeder Reactor 11 (EBR-11). The improvements are focused on three objectives; to keep the reactor and balance of plant (BOP) I C systems at a high level of reliability, to provide diagnostic systems that can provide accurate information needed for analysis of fuel performance, and to provide systems that will be prototypic of I C systems of the next generation of liquid metal reactor (LMR) plants.
The purpose of this paper is to describe instrumentation and control (I&C) system improvements at Experimental Breeder Reactor 11 (EBR-11). The improvements are focused on three objectives; to keep the reactor and balance of plant (BOP) I&C systems at a high level of reliability, to provide diagnostic systems that can provide accurate information needed for analysis of fuel performance, and to provide systems that will be prototypic of I&C systems of the next generation of liquid metal reactor (LMR) plants.
Computed radiography (CR) systems use a photostimulable phosphor plate enclosed in a cassette. In CR, image acquisition is a two-stage process wherein image capture and image read out are done separately. Direct digital radiography (DR) systems, on the other hand, use detectors that have a combined image capture and image read out capability. DR systems are also called as DDR or ddR systems by some vendors. This article focuses on DR systems
The purpose of this paper is to describe the embedded computer systems approach taken at Experimental Breeder Reactor II (EBR-II) for non-safety related systems. The hardware and software structures for typical embedded systems are presented The embedded systems development process is described. Three examples are given which illustrate typical embedded computer applications in EBR-II.
In this paper, we extend the diversity and multiplexing tradeoff (DMT) analysis from point-to-point channels to cellular systems to evaluate the impact of inter-cell interference on the system reliability and efficiency. Fundamental tradeoff among diversity order, multiplexing gain and inter-cell interference intensity is characterized to reveal the capability of multiple antennas in cellular systems. And the detrimental effects of the inter-cell interference on the system performance of diversity and multiplexing is presented and analyzed.
Using the Philips DRM distributed real-time multiprocessing system, designers can implement high-performance computer systems using VME hardware and the C programming language. The system provides a virtual-processing environment in which several 68000 CPUs share the workload. There are no centralized components, and tasks can be assumed by the rest of a system in the event of an individual processor's failure.
The report examines common ventilation and air conditioning systems and strategies for both domestic and commercial buildings; and covers issues such as energy conservation, indoor air quality and occupant comfort. Drawing data from many countries in Europe and the United States of America, various natural, mechanical and air conditioning systems were compared using criteria such as climate, level of occupant interaction, and level of system comfort. This classification system is evaluated and seen as a valuable framework for further research. (U.K.)
Within this paper the potentialities of using networked embedded systems will be discussed. New embedded hardware with network connectivity allows remote administration and software updates of solar thermal system controllers via internet. System self analysis helps to minimize breakdown times by sending email and SMS to request maintenance staff. (orig.)
This paper describes New York State Electric and Gas Corporation`s concept for a comprehensive, centrally located data system for management of their continuous emission monitoring systems (CEMS) data. The topics of the paper include the power system`s mix of generating units; data reporting requirements; data base management; nitrogen oxides compliance tracking; sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, carbon dioxide and flow monitoring; and allowance tracking.
The conceptual system requirements for the control, data, robotics, and project management (CDRM) system for the next generation of fusion experiments are developed by drawing on the success of the Tara control and data system. The requirements are described in terms of an integrated but separable matrix of well-defined interfaces among the various systems and subsystems. The study stresses modularity, performance, cost effectiveness, and exportability.
This report deals with the selection of a data communication system for a remote metering system. It covers the following three types of systems: fiber optic, telephone line, and radio packet. It provides a methodology for selecting a communication system for a given remote metering system and a method for comparing costs.
A knowledge based system for pitting corrosion is presented. It can be used for material selection for specific pitting corrosion conditions or to check the suitability of a chosen material. The user can enter his own knowledge. The expert system is an integration of traditional expert system technology and neural networks. (orig.)
In this paper the robust stability analysis of a single machine infinite bus system is investigated using interval matrix theory. Specifically the parameters of the power system stabilizer are considered as uncertainties in the system A matrix. The range of these parameters for which the system is Hurwitz stable is then found using interval matrix theory. (Author)
Dynamic stability improvement of a longitudinal power system using a power system stabilizer (PSS) and a static VAR compensator (SVC) is reported in this paper. An analytical approach is developed for the determination of PSS parameters. Results from time domain simulations indicate that the PSS and the SVC are very effective in damping system oscillations.
Software quality assurance (SQA) for robotic systems used in nuclear waste applications is vital to ensure that the systems operate safely and reliably and pose a minimum risk to humans and the environment. This paper describes the SQA approach for the control and data acquisition system for a robotic system being developed for remote surveillance and inspection of underground storage tanks (UST) at the Hanford Site.
One of the requirements for a federated information system is interoperability, the ability of one computer system to access and use the resources of another system. This feature is particularly...Full Text Available
Transposon-based integration systems have been widely used for genetic manipulation of invertebrate and plant model systems. In the past decade, these powerful tools have begun to be used in...Full Text Available
Immunotoxicity encompasses both reduced and heightened immune function. Diverse chemicals can impair functioning of the immune system. Both monographs and books have been devoted to detailed descriptions...Full Text Available
The Time Projection Chamber (TPC) magnet at LBL and its compensation solenoids are adiabatically stable superconducting solenoid magnets. The cryogenic system developed for the TPC magnet is discussed. This system uses forced two-phase tubular cooling with the two cryogens in the system. The liquid helium and liquid nitrogen are delivered through the cooled load by forced tubular flow. The only reservoirs of liquid cryogen exist in the control dewar (for liquid helium) and the conditioner dewar (for liquid nitrogen). The operation o these systems during virtually all phases of system operation are described. Photographs and diagrams of various system components are shown, and cryogenic system data are presented in the following sections: (1) heat leaks into the TPC coil package and the compensation solenoids; (2) heat leaks to various ...
This report gives the results of a survey of operational flue gas desulfurization (FGD) systems on coal-fired utility boilers in the United States. The FGD systems installed on Units 1 and 2 at the Bruce Mansfield Station of the Pennsylvania Power Company...
This document establishers the Software Configuration Management Plan (SCMP) for the software associated with the control system of the Sodium Removal System (SRS) located in the Interim Examination and Maintenance (IEM Cell) Facility of the FFTF Flux Test.
This work describes a combinatorial model for estimating the reliability of the embedded digital system by means of multi-state function. This model includes a coverage model for fault-handling techniques implemented in digital systems. The fault-handling techniques make it difficult for many types of components in digital system to be treated as binary state, good or bad. The multi-state function provides a complete analysis of multi-state systems as which the digital systems can be regarded. Through adaptation of software operational profile flow to multi-state function, the HW/SW interaction is also considered for estimation of the reliability of digital system. Using this model, we evaluate the reliability of one board controller in a digital system, Interposing Logic System (ILS), which is installed in YGN nuclear ...
Systemic chemotherapy has been relatively ineffective in the treatment of malignant brain tumors even though systemic chemotherapy drugs are small molecules that can readily extravasate across the porous...Full Text Available
When any new accelerator or storage ring is built that advances the state of the art, the diagnostic system becomes extremely important in tuning the facility to full specification. This paper will discuss the various diagnostic devices planned or under construction for the PSR and their connection into the control system.
Plants have too long been ignored as useful screening and monitoring systems of environmental mutagens. However, there are about a dozen reliable, some even unique, plant genetic systems that can increase...Full Text Available
The highly variable and intermittent pollutant concentrations and flowrates associated with wet-weather events in combined sewersheds necessitates the use of storage-treatment systems to control pollution.An optimized combined-sewer-overflow (CSO) control system requires a manage...
A tutorial account is given of the main characteristics and distinctive features of conceptual magnetic fusion systems employing the magnetic mirror principle. These features are related to the potential advantages that mirror-based fusion systems may exhibit for the generation of economic fusion power.
1 to the operator of a waste collective system by an agreement or contract. The conditions for the ...Fees of the waste collective system are subject to the supervision of the authority responsible for market surveillance. ...The operator of waste collection system collects wastes from producers and holder and transports these to a collection
User acceptance of a computer system depends on a number of factors, including broad social and professional concerns regarding the system's impact on the work environment. This observation is especially...Full Text Available
This book provides differential diagnostic possibilities of specific scan abnormalities in one volume for easy reference. This book is organized by organ systems and covers the central nervous system, the endocrine, skeletal, pulmonary, gastrointestinal, genitourinary, and cardiovascular systems. The gamuts are designed to teach differential diagnosis and to assist in the actual interpretation of patient slides.
An overview is presented of the FFTF reactor and plant together with descriptions of core components, core internals, core system, primary and secondary control rod system, reactor instrumentation, reactor vessel and closure head, and supporting test programs. (DG)
An overview is presented of the FFTF reactor and plant together with descriptions of core components, core internals, core system, primary and secondary control rod system, reactor instrumentation, reactor vessel and closure head, and supporting test programs.
This paper describes the technical design and performance of the diagnostic system installed in the tokamak TCABR to measure parameters of the plasma edge. The system consists of four Langmuir probes under remote control. (author)
The 'high-tension distribution line design support system' was developed for the 'work design support system'. This support system is composed of the work outline editor for preparing work details and facility data and the inference engine for preparing practical design plans, and can check system conditions such as voltage drop and deviation from technical standards automatically. The work outline editor takes charge of selection of work items, selective input of system information, and setting of some conditions such as pole position and reserved load onto a system diagram. The inference engine provides the design plan automatically based on the information inputted by the editor. For the design of high-tension distribution line, such various factors as local condition and load sharing of distribution ...
This report presents a study on the use of computerised, continuous remote monitoring systems for fire and explosive atmosphere safety in underground coal mines. The effects of these systems on the safety level in mines are investigated, and the relationship between mine safety regulations and computerised, continuous, remote monitoring is analysed.
The objective of this project is to reduce energy consumption in 203 buildings by providing a new EMCS (Energy Monitoring Control System) to control and monitor systems.
The author compares the UHF Follow-on and MILSTAR satellite communication systems. The comparison uses an analytical hierarchy process. Although the two systems have been tasked with different missions, a comparison of cost, capability, and orbit is condu...
Our understanding of the development of neurotransmitter systems in the central nervous system has increased greatly over the past three decades and it has become apparent that drug effects...Full Text Available
A closed loop control process assures that a system performs within control limits. In closed loop control, the system's output feeds back directly to change the system's inputs. We describe an approach...Full Text Available
A simple beam-forming system is described for the electrostatic accelerator of the Scientific-Research Institute of Nuclear Physics of Moscow State University. The system allows the beam to be focused on targets at various distances for a conductor potential of from 1 to 4 MV and beam currents of up to 35 #mu# A.
Algebraic properties of the analytical model, describing electro-magnetic weak interaction with the two-level system with two-fold degenerate state are considered. The expressions for the coherent states and Green function of the system are obtained.
Incorporation of clinical decision support (CDS) capabilities is required to realize the greatest benefits from computerized provider order entry (CPOE) systems. Discussions at a conference on CDS in...Full Text Available
This paper presents the design and implementation of a clinical picture archiving and communication system (PACS) module within the radiology department of a 700-bed teaching hospital. The system is...Full Text Available
... in this paper is aimed at developing a computer vision system that will be used to automatically grade rough hardwood lumber. The purpose of the computer vision system is to locate and identify grading def...
...Acquisition Regulations System 3 2010-10-01...Acquisition Regulations System DEFENSE ACQUISITION REGULATIONS SYSTEM, DEPARTMENT OF...assumption of risk for transportation by conveyance on...Missiles, and Space Launch Vehicles,...
The present paper considers the evaluation of timber structures with the focus on robustness due to connection ductility. The robustness analysis is based on the structural reliability framework applied to a simplified mechanical system. The structural timber system is depicted as a parallel system. An evaluation method of the ductile behaviour is introduced. For different ductile behaviours, the system reliability is estimated based on Monte Carlo simulation. A correlation between the strength of the structural elements is introduced. The results indicate that the reliability of a structural timber system can be significantly increased due to the ductile behavior.
A first sub-set of the collimation system has been installed for the 2008 first beam commissioning of the LHC. It included 88 collimators around the ring and the two injection lines. Each collimator has two jaws for which must be controlled and monitored with high precision. The LHC collimation system was put into operation from July to October 2008. The installed system is described and first results from system operation without and with beam are presented. It is shown that the LHC collimation system achieved the specified accuracy and reproducibility of jaw positioning. Next steps in collimation commissioning are described and planned system upgrades for high beam intensities are outlined.
Several neutron radiography systems designed to view transient processes on a real-time basis have been developed. With the advent of these different real-time systems comes the necessity to develop a means to quantitatively evaluate and compare these systems. A suitable method for measuring the resolution capabilities of the image-forming system is the determination of the modulation transfer function (MTF). The MTF is a measure of an imaging system's ability to reproduce the spatial frequencies present in an image. The system in use at the University of Missouri Research Reactor is described. (Auth.).
The vacuum system of the XVTS (X-Ray Vacuum Transport System) for the LCLS (Linac Coherent Light Source) XTOD (X-ray Transport, Optics and Diagnostics) system has been analyzed and configured by the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory's NTED (New Technologies Engineering Division) as requested by the SLAC/LCLS program. The system layout, detailed analyses and selection of the vacuum components for the XTOD tunnel section are presented in this preliminary design report. The vacuum system was analyzed and optimized using a coupled gas load balance model of sub-volumes of the components to be evacuated. Also included are the plans for procurement, mechanical integration, and the cost estimates.
Fastening systems for parts that endure high vibration shear loads have traditionally been difficult or expensive to produce. This application describes a fastening system with multiple conical surfaces and eccentric offsets. The novel conical fastener system allows parts to be assembled with reduced tolerance controls at interface features while improving alignment precision. The eccentric conical fastening system is particularly well suited for assemblies with high shear loads in high vibration/shock environments, and/or for systems that have extremely precise pointing requirements.
Renewable energy systems (RES) are unique among energy supply systems because their performance and design depends entirely on the location and climatic conditions. As a result of design options, user requirements and local climatic conditions, there are enormous variations between RES. This paper describes a method how to evaluate the data on monitored renewable energy systems (RES) in such a way that the operating conditions and performance of individual components and the system as a whole can be analysed and compared. It shows how categories of similar use can be defined and recommendations for each category can be made to assist in the selection of the most suitable products. (orig.)
A self-tuning PID (proportional-integral-derivative) power system stabilizer (PSS) is presented for improving the dynamic stability of a multimachine power system over a wide range of operating conditions. In order to maintain good damping characteristic when there is a drastic change in system operating condition, the gain settings are adapted in real time based on the continuously measured system inputs and outputs. The proposed self-tuning stabilizer has a decentralized structure and only local measurements within each generating units are required for the adaptation process. The effectiveness of the proposed stabilizer is demonstrated by an example.
This paper proposes the design of LQ-PSS (linear quadratic power system stabilizer) for improving power system stability using genetic algorithm(GA). We are turned weighting matrices of LQ-PSS using GA. To evaluate the usefulness of the proposed method, we performed the nonlinear simulation on a single machine infinite system. As results on a single machine infinite system. As results of the simulation, the proposed method shows the better control performance than CPSS(conventional power system stabilizer) in terms of settling time and damping effects. (author). 7 refs., 7 figs., 3 tabs.
Many power apparatus and underground cable systems have been constructed since 1970 in korea. Recently, as the needs for underground T and D systems increase rapidly, any fault on the systems causes enormous economic losses in our society. Thus, this paper described. (1) Survey on the amount and the increasing rates of the underground cable systems at home and abroad. (2) Survey on fault data for the underground cables and joints at home and abroad.From the analysis on fault data, we analyzed the cause of fault and classified the typical fault mode for the underground cable systems. (author). 5 refs., 3 figs., 11 tabs.
... Accession Number : ADD815206. Title : Waterjet Cutting System Adds Value to Titanium Parts. Descriptive Note : Journal article. Corporate Author : ...
Nov 8, 2010 ... Ihring Mission 11, the radiation dosimetry measurement system functioned normally and provided data on the Earth's trapped radiation belts ...
Installation of the major hardware subsystems for MFTF is nearing completion. These subsystems include the Fusion Chamber System, the eighty KV Neutral Beam System, the Superconducting Magnet System, and the Personnel Safety System. The Local Controls group has undertaken a uniform aproach to implementing the control systems for all of these hardware subsystems. This approach has two major aspects: (1) to provide a stand-alone computer control system with a remote, portable terminal so that computer control can be provided at the site of the hardware for initial testing, (2) to provide hardware simulators so that the complicated MFTF computer control system can be tested independent of the hardware. The software and hardware tools which were developed to carry out this plan will be described. Our experiences with bringing up subsystems ...
... Title : The Numerical Weather Prediction System at the Italian Air Force Weather Service: Impact of Non-Conventional Observations and Increased ...
The Johns Hopkins Hospital has initiated an ambitious program to apply modern technologies to the development of a new, comprehensive clinical information system. One component of this system is a...Full Text Available
Oct 2, 2007 ... Other payloads included the Orbiter Experiments Autonomous Supporting Instrumentation System-1 (OASIS-1), a cooling system designed for ...
(AIM PAPER 81-1628). Three different examples will be given to illustrate how a ...... Power System (PS), and a Science Applications and Space Platform ...
Recognizing that a high percentage of transmission-line faults are single-phase to earth and temporary in nature, provides the impetus for considering single-pole switching as a means to enhance the reliability of EHV transmission systems. The effectiveness of single-pole switching schemes is largely determined by the speed with which the secondary arcs extinguish, and hence allow system restoration. Simulation techniques that enable better prediction of the faulted-system response are of obvious importance to the design and assessment of the various single-pole switching scheme applications. In this thesis, digital methods are developed to enable the faulted response of EHV systems to be simulated for a variety of different single-pole switching schemes. These include conventional single-pole switching, the hybrid method of autoreclosure, the neutral switched reactor, and the High Speed Grounding ...
The Los Alamos Nuclear Material Accounting and Safeguards System (MASS) is a near-real-time accountability system for bulk materials, discrete items, and material undergoing dynamic processing. MASS has evolved from an eighty-column card based process control system to a very sophisticated computer system. The security of the MASS computer system is provide through various access controls. There are two kinds of access control to be addressed. They are physical access control to the hardware which make up the system, and access control to the software. There are many features which provide a measure of security to the hardware that will be discussed. Access to the software is controlled by a security password. Access to various transaction activities in the system is controlled through the level of MASS user privilege. Details of MASS user ...
Mar 2, 2011 ... United Technology spun off a new company, Waterjet Systems, to commercialize and market the technology. The resulting ARMS (Automated ...
lytical Comparison of Turbine-Blade Cooling System Designed for a. TurboJet Engine Operat- at Supersonic Speed and Altitude. I1 -. Air-C~Oling Systems. ...
The antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is a multi-systemic disease being characterized by the presence of antiphospholipid antibodies that involves both arterial and venous systems resulting in arterial...Full Text Available
Jun 16, 2011 ... The research is part of a team effort to help the hardwood sawmill industry automate with computer vision systems, and computer-aided or ...
This manuscript discusses the physiology of the autonomic nervous system (ANS). The following topics are presented: regulation of activity; efferent pathways; sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions;...Full Text Available
Apr 7, 2011 ... You cannot be in any type of pay status (e.g., annual leave, sick leave, .... Retirement System (FERS) and the Civil Service Retirement System ...
... Waste Collection Systems Products and Equipment Find and compare a variety of waste collection systems products and equipment on the world's largest environmental industry portal. View product ...
...Systems, UWA investigating rate uplift effects of shallow foundation systems associated with high voltage transmission line support towers. This work was funded by National Grid, ...
... System (CSRS) and the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS). ... retirement, thrift savings plan, annual and sick leave, severance pay and ...
Invasive fungal infections can be devastating, particularly in immunocompromised patients, and difficult to treat with systemic drugs. Furthermore, systemic administration of those medications...Full Text Available
... operational AUV and Unmanned Underwater Vehicle (UUV) ... by Brooks with land-based robots [BROOKS 88 ... system for a mobile land robot called ...
Advances in geographic information system (GIS) technology, developed by geographers, provide new opportunities for environmental epidemiologists to study associations between environmental exposures...Full Text Available
The recent accumulation of genomic information of many representative animals has made it possible to trace the evolution of the complement system based on the presence or absence of each complement...Full Text Available
An inspection system was developed for spent fuel assemblies of PWR so that to check their general state, perform dimensional control and measure oxide layer thickness of peripheral rods. (orig./HP)
The DN-tracking method is used to prove the existence of a closed trajectory in a quadratic system of ordinary differential equations in three dimensions.
... Abstract : The United States Air Force (USAF) currently operates the Milstar satellite system to provide Military Satellite Communication Systems ...
Of the many energy-conservation options available to the design engineer, a system-management approach is recommended as one that will effect maximum benefits to the owner. Systems management includes energy-conscious consideration of design criteria, design details, installation, testing and balancing, and operation. It requires the informed participation of the design engineer, contractor, testing and balancing (TAB) engineer, and owner/operator. Within limits, almost every component of HVAC systems offers an opportunity to conserve energy. Many of these impact energy determinants such as system static pressure, system total air flow, or the quantity of outside air. A few design considerations for energy conservation in a simple system and the impact that the TAB work has on these are illustrated. Particular attention is devoted to the energy impact of ...
The symposium reviewed the use of electronics in mining today. Subjects covered include control systems; remote sensing; telemetry; data transmission; microprocessors and transportation systems. 15 papers have been abstracted separately.
This standard establishes requirements, verification criteria, and contractor tasks for electromagnetic effects protection of airborne, ground, and support systems. These effects include electromagnetic compatibility, electromagnetic interference, lightni...
... Abstract : The electric resistance in weak (diluted) solid solutions of the Pd-Ag and Fe-W systems, as wellAS THE Hall effect in a Pd-Ag system ...
This standard specifies requirements for the flameproofing and the limiting of surface temperature and exhaust emission control of diesel engine systems for use in underground coal mines.
Contact scanner system in Wolsung NPP(model ESE-1565) is early `70 equipment so most of components are obsolete. To make 100% compatible PCBs for this system is main object of the study. Most of components used in the system are now not available in the electric market, furthermore original system maker no longer supplies spare parts. System supplier(AECL) quoted lots of money than general PCBs prices in case of spare PCBs are re-marked by canada maker. Contents and scope of the study are specifications research and system analysis, improvements of repairability and reliability, circuit design and simulations using computer aided tools(CAE), make arbitrary mechanical contacts signal generator for test system. Now the long-run test of home made PCBs are conducting at Wolsung NPP. (author). 20 refs., 42 figs.
Integration of Eddy Current probes with MAUS scanning system has been demonstrated to produce scan rates of 36 sqft/hour. System will be designed to ...
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) persists as a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease and is characterized by the production of autoantibodies and immune complexes that affects multiple organs....Full Text Available
... 4? Program History 5? Center for Advanced Materials and Smart Structures 6? Center for Systems ... Systems 14? Center for Photonic Materials Research 15? Synthesis, Manufacturing and Characterization ...
The Systems Development Group and the Pharmacy Service of the Washington D.C. VAMC are involved in automating the administrative and clinical data requirements of a satellite out-patient pharmacy....Full Text Available
In the analysis of power systems security, recently a new concern related to possible malicious attacks caught much attention. Coordination among different transmission system operators (TSO) in an interconnected power system to counteract such attacks has become an important problem. This paper presents a general framework for describing the physical, cyber and decision-making aspects of the problem and their interrelations; within this framework, an analytic tool for the assessment of information impacts in handling on-line security after a malicious attack is proposed and discussed. The model is based on the socially rational multi-agent systems and the equilibrium of a fictitious play is considered to analyze the impacts of various levels of information available to the interconnected system operators on the outcomes of the decision-making process under attack. A 34-buses test ...
The immune system plays a crucial role in maintaining health; however, accumulating evidence indicates that this system can be the target for immunotoxic effects caused by a variety of chemicals including...Full Text Available
... reliability of fiber optics in preference over space-based systems. ... STC web site at www.aiaa.org/tc ... and improve lethalities of US weapon systems 3 ...
By the turn of the century, American farmers and ranchers will be producing food and fiber through the application of highly sophisticated systems that involve a broad spectrum of relevant factors--from...Full Text Available
A method and apparatus for determining the condition of tissue or otherwise making chemical identifications includes exposing the sample to a light source, and using a synchronous luminescence system to produce a spectrum that can be analyzed for tissue condition.
Primates are remarkably good at recognizing objects. The level of performance of their visual system and its robustness to image degradations still surpasses the best computer vision systems despite...Full Text Available
In this paper, we have designed power system stabilizer (PSS) using object-oriented method. There are several types of power system stabilizer, A proportional-integral (PI) controller is very simple for practical implementation. Therefore it has been widely employed by the industry. The methods of obtaining the gains (Ki,Kp) of PI controller are root-locus method and sub-optimal regulator approach. But these methods are cannot be applicable to nonlinear system and faulted power system. So we proposed a new method which can be applied to nonlinear system by numerical analysis method. The method of dynamic system simulation by numerical method is very difficult and complex. We proposed flexible simulation method for complex power system analysis using object-oriented programming (OOP) and applied to PI controller design. (author). 7 refs., 14 ...
... 1 I3a TYPE OF REPORT 1 3b TIME COVERED ... Measured by this standard the system provides good results; it ... did not fully meet all the standards or ...
A set of computer programs is described which constitutes a clone database management system. Maintenance of the database and the stocks of material is designed to be under the control of one person...Full Text Available
Three agricultural applications in a specially designed greenhouse solar system functioning as a multi-purpose solar air collector for crop production and curing/drying processes are examined. An automated hydroponic crop production system is proposed for the greenhouse solar system. Design criteria of the proposed system and its utilization of solar energy for root-zone warming are presented and discussed. Based upon limited testing of the hydroponic system considered, hydroponic production of greenhouse crops is believed reasonable to complement the year-round use of the greenhouse solar system. The hardware/software design features of a microcomputer-based control system applied in the greenhouse solar barn are presented and discussed. On-line management and utilization of incident solar energy by the microcomputer ...
Concerning the above, it is discussed whether such a system is feasible in Japan. A zinc/air cell system requires some special plants for zinc regeneration, etc. It is necessary to build a zinc refining plant and to install dozens of electrode replacing facilities in an area dozens of kilometers in diameter with the plant at the center. For such a system to be functional, there have to be several tens of thousands of automobile users in a limited area. In Japan, so large a number will not be found anywhere even if the appeal is directed to those in the postal service and electric utilities. There will be no economic success in Japan, different from in Germany. As for the economic comparison between a zinc/air cell system and natural gas system, the two will be equivalent to each other as far as the use of the quick filling stations for the natural gas automobiles remains as it is. ...
Power system operating conditions vary with system configurations and loading conditions. Coefficients in nominal system model change in a complex manner with different operating point and so does system dynamic behavior. With the aid of unstructured and structured uncertainty descriptions, the worst system variations can be estimated and formulated into two different uncertainty models in frequency domain; multiplicative unstructured uncertainty in the form of transfer function and structured uncertainty with the parametric uncertainty description. The uncertainty descriptions are then incorporated into system nominal model to perform H{sub {infinity}} and {mu} based robust power system stabilizer (PSS) design. Both approaches to the PSS design enable the power system to remain stable over a wide range of ...
A self-optimizing pole-shifting control algorithm has been developed for an adaptive power system stabilizer (APSS) to improve its dynamic performance and autonomous operation. The proposed algorithm deals with the system frequency and time domain characteristics simultaneously to guarantee stability and to enhance the performance of the closed-loop system. The mechanism of discrete control system control limits influencing the closed loop system behaviour is studied. Short-term behaviour is studied by introducing the concept of a short-term behaviour index. With the introduction of dynamic control limits, an effective discrete control system design method is proposed. A PSS oriented power system dynamics simulation package (PSDSP) has been developed. Using the PSDSP, simulation studies were performed with the proposed APSS applied to a ...
may be possible to meet those loads with renewable energy systems &mdashachieving zero-net- energy performance.Solar-thermal heating systems, ...p/p Spencer and others argue that renewable energy systems should be considered only after the building envelope ...energy loads are brought low enough, however, a renewable energy system may make sense financially. p
We introduce the notion of watching systems in graphs, which is a generalization of that of identifying codes. We give some basic properties of watching systems, an upper bound on the minimum size of a watching system, and results on the graphs which achieve this bound; we also study the cases of the paths and cycles, and give complexity results.
Sandia National Laboratories, New Mexico, conducts the Utility Battery Storage Systems Program, which is sponsored by the US Department of Energy`s Office of Energy Management. The goal of this program is to assist industry in developing cost-effective battery systems as a utility resource option by 2000. Sandia is responsible for the engineering analyses, contracted development, and testing of rechargeable batteries and systems for utility energy storage applications. This report details the technical achievements realized during fiscal year 1994.
This paper describes a dissipativity-based framework for the study of low-frequency oscillations in power systems and for power system stabilizer design. This framework leads to a robust controller design formulation, amenable to both H{sub {infinity}} and QFT tools. An illustrating numerical example presents QFT based design for a widely used benchmark two area, four machine power system.
The Gibbs energy of mixing in liquid phase and the Gibbs energy of formation of various compounds in a binary Pu-Cd system were re-optimized by applying both recent and earlier experimental data. Those of the binary Pu-Bi and U-Bi systems were newly optimized. The results were summarized in a database and applied to the preliminary prediction of multi-solute systems in liquid Cd or Bi solvent. (author)
Since nuclear terrorism has been identified as a real threat, the Korean government has earnestly developed elementary technologies and sub-systems for establishing an integrated defensive system against nuclear terrorism, which is based on the concept of defense-in-depth. This paper introduces the gist and implications of the studies that have been conducted in building the national nuclear material tracking system for preventing and intercepting the illicit trafficking and transporting of nuclear material in Korea. (orig.)
The heavy water reactor such as Wolsung No.1 and No.2 has a purification system to purify the reactor coolant. The control system regulates the coolant temperature to protect the ion exchanger. After the fuel exchanges of operating plant, the increase of the coolant pressure makes the purification temperature control difficult. In this paper, the controllability of the control dynamics of the purification system was analysed and the optimal parameters were proposed. To reduce the effects of the flow disturbance, the feedforward control structure was proposed and analysed.
Described herein is a system for the co-generation of hydrogen gas and electricity, wherein the proportion of hydrogen to electricity can be adjusted from 0% to 100%. The system integrates fuel cell technology for power generation with fuel-assisted steam-electrolysis. A hydrocarbon fuel, a reformed hydrocarbon fuel, or a partially reformed hydrocarbon fuel can be fed into the system.
In this paper para boson-fermion supersymmetry is exemplified in simple oscillator systems. The parasupercharge satisfies the ordinary supersymmetry algebra. The parabosonic and parafermionic oscillators do not commute and the energy spectra are non-trivial for even the one level system. The authors calculate the partition functions and compare with those for the non-supersymmetric systems.
In a redox battery using a titanium redox system or chromium redox system as an active material for the negative electrode or a manganese redox system as an active material for the positive electrode, the electromotive force of the battery and the stability of electrolyte solutions are enhanced by addition of a chelating agent such as citric acid or a complexing agent such as phosphoric acid to the redox system used therein.
A reliable inventory control system was developed at the Fast Flux Test Facility (FFTF) to keep track of the occupancy of 900 refueling facility locations, to compile historical data on the movement of each reactor assembly, and to simulate assembly moves. The simulate capability is valuable because it allows verification of documents before they are issued for use in the plant, and eliminates the possibility of planning illegal or impossible moves. The system is installed on a UNIVAC 1100 computer and is maintained using a data base management system by Sperry Univac called MAPPER.
This paper traces the development and progress of magnetic suspension systems and magnetic bearings in the USSR. The paper describes magnetic bearings for turbomachines, magnetic suspension systems for vibration isolation, some special measuring devices, wind tunnels, and other applications. The design, principles of operation, and dynamic characteristics of the system are presented.
Motivation is given for a technique to more thoroughly test semiconductor equipment control systems. A description is given of a simulator-based control system testing technique. Potential benefits that could be realized by using this technique in the semiconductor industry as well as benefits documented by using this technique in other industries are described. Specific requirements for using the technique in the semiconductor industry are outlined. A summary of a survey of nine commercial simulation systems is given. Finally, the outcome of the survey is compared with the requirements for using the technique.
One approach to improving the competitiveness of photovoltaic systems is the development of designs specifically for export applications. In other words, where is it appropriate in a system design to incorporate components manufactured and/or assembled in the receiving country in order to improve the photovoltaic exports from the US? What appears to be needed is a systematic method of evaluating the potential for export from the US of PV systems for various application in different countries. Development of such a method was the goal of this project.
The systems analyses and optimization studies performed in connection with a program to design and evaluate a commercial 663 MWe coal-fired combined cycle power plant using pressurized fluidized bed combustion and advanced technology in the hot gas cleanup system and gas turbines are presented. Details on the plant control system are included. (LCL)
A general theorem on the GBDT version of the B\\"acklund-Darboux transformation for systems rationally depending on the spectral parameter is treated and its applications to nonlinear equations are given. Explicit solutions of direct and inverse problems for Dirac-type systems, including systems with singularities, and for the system auxiliary to the $N$-wave equation are reviewed. New results on explicit construction of the wave functions for radial Dirac equation are obtained.
The purpose of this thesis is to explore possible difficulties and their solutions in transitioning the OTCIXS/TADIXS subsystems from the present Navy UHF Fleetwide Satellite System to the EHF/SHF MILSTAR System. The research provides a description of the...
HEW is operating one of the biggest district heating networks of the Federal Republic of Germany. The paper discusses a number of projects which in recent years have been engaged in extensive air pollution abatement measures to make district heating an environmentally compatible energy source. Emphasis is placed on the hot gas cleanup system of block 2 of the harbor power plant. The system is the first of its kind to have realized an SCR system connected with the desulfurization system for industrial denitrification purposes.
The demands made on data transmission systems by modern mining companies are used to show why the currently used multiplexers cannot satisfy future requirement. The telecommunications department of Bergbau-Forschung GmbH is now developing a telecommunication system for underground work. The requirements made on this system are reported.
An increase in the stability and reliability of a combined power system (OES) is achieved through using a control panel (PA) and regulation systems. A substantial part of the works published in this collection of works is used in the combined power systems of the Urals, the Northwest and Central Asia.
This paper summarizes a method to evaluate the possible effects of magnetohydrodynamic-electromagnetic pulse (MHD-EMP) on power systems. This method is based on the approach adapted to study the impact of geomagnetic storms on power systems. The paper highlights the similarities and differences between the two phenomena. Also presented are areas of concern which are anticipated from MHD-EMP on the overall system operation. 12 refs., 1 fig.
Asean Brown Boveri (ABB) developed Glass (Global access for service and support), a monitoring system for the remote control and management of ABB supplied equipment and other equipment through the Internet. Glass can be applied for many different systems, e.g. automated substations of electric power distribution systems or train equipment
U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Policy 450.4, Safety Management System Policy commits to institutionalizing an Integrated Safety Management System (ISMS) throughout the DOE complex as a means of accomplishing its missions safely. DOE Acquisition Regulation 970.5204-2 requires that contractors manage and perform work in accordance with a documented safety management system.
Implementation of an adaptive power system stabilizer (PSS) based on linear optimal control is described in this paper. The generator is identified in real time, and a special 3rd order discrete Riccati equation is solved in each sample interval. Because the output of the generator is fed back directly, the controller can track the system very fast. Experimental studies on a physical model of a power system demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed adaptive optimal controller.
The data on the multilayer operation of the objects, located in the climatic conditions of the central area of Russia and equipped with the geothermal heat-pumping systems of the heat supply are presented. The results of the analytical studies on evaluating the geothermal heat-pumping systems of the heat supply integration efficiency into the structure of the energy supply system, prevailing in the country, are presented
The Flux Mapping System (FMS) of 540 MWe PHWR is a system, which is first of its kind used in Indian PHWRs. It is used to compute a detailed flux/power distribution of the reactor core using modal synthesis method .The paper brings out the high availability features of FMS and the software design philosophy. The paper emphasizes on framework based reusable architectural design, which simplifies and speeds up the development of data acquisition systems. (author)
The results show that the SQUID device eddy current testing system is a suitable tool for NDE. Due to the high low-frequency sensitivity of the SQUID sensor, the SQUID device eddy current testing system permits lower examination frequencies than the conventional eddy current probe system. The SQUID system enhances fault detection in even deeper materials layers. (orig./MM).
Families of regimes for discrete control systems are studied possessing a special quasi-controllability property that is similar to the Kalman controllability property. A new approach is proposed to estimate the amplitudes of transient regimes in quasi-controllable systems. Its essence is in obtaining of constructive a priori bounds for degree of overshooting in terms of the quasi-controllability measure. The results are applicable for analysis of transients, classical absolute stability problem and, especially, for stability problem for desynchronized (asynchronous, switching) systems.
Sandia National Laboratories, New Mexico, conducts the Energy Storage Systems Program, which is sponsored by the US Department of Energy`s Office of Utility Technologies. The goal of this program is to assist industry in developing cost-effective energy storage systems as a resource option by 2000. Sandia is responsible for the engineering analyses, contracted development, and testing of energy storage systems for stationary applications. This report details the technical achievements realized during fiscal year 1996.
This paper describes a method for preparing the sample handling and inlet system of a mass spectrometer for analysis of a subsequent sample following analysis of a previous sample comprising the flushing of the system interior with supercritical CO{sub 2} and venting the interior. The method eliminates the effect of system ``memory`` on the subsequent analysis, especially following persistent samples such as xenon and krypton.
By way of introduction, the author describes the electrical equipment of the power station on the River Traun and then lists the main features of the electrical systems such as generators, transformers, the power transmission systems as, e.g., the generator leads, the 8 kV switch plant, the 110 kV oil-filled cable as well as the station-service, control, protection and monitoring systems. The control of the headwater level and of the mechanical systems of the barrage is described in detail.
The electrophysical characteristics of the electric cable?s transition into a state of a heterogenic polymer system due to a wire?s explosion were examined. Using cyclic heating-cooling of the composite, the changes in its topology were observed. The latter makes it possible to regulate the dielectric characteristics of the system.
A novel approach to the reliability analysis of a power system with both hydro and pumped storage plants is presented in this paper. The proposed method is based on the concept of peak shaving for the hydro and pumped storage units. Different values of the stored energy of the pumped storage units are employed to demonstrate their effect on the generation reliability of a power system. The proposed scheme has been applied successfully to the reliability analysis of Taiwan power system.
This paper deals with dynamic study of co-generator system with derived dynamic models of generator, excitation system, and turbine/governor from field tests. Mainly this study concentrates on frequency control by under-frequency relay. We simulates dynamic study of co-generator system using EMTDC. (author). 4 refs., 13 figs., 4 tabs.
In this paper a prototype of Requirement Tracking and Verification System(RTVS) for a Distributed Control System was implemented and tested. The RTVS is a software design and verification tool. The main functions required by the RTVS are managing, tracking and verification of the software requirements listed in the documentation of the DCS. The analysis of DCS software design procedures and interfaces with documents were performed to define the user of the RTVS, and the design requirements for RTVS were developed. 4 refs., 3 figs. (Author)
Developing DB system of piping reliability including the population data and service history of damaged piping for pilot power plant. Total weld counts of shop welds, field welds and welds for measuring instruments for 14 systems of Kori unit 3. Total weld counts of shop welds, field welds and welds for measuring instruments for 12 systems of Wolsung unit 2.
This paper discusses the concept of controllable subspace for open quantum dynamical systems. It is constructively demonstrated that combining structural features of decoherence-free subspaces with the ability to perform open-loop coherent control on open quantum systems will allow decoherence-free subspaces to be controllable. This is in contrast to the observation that open quantum dynamical systems are not open-loop controllable. To a certain extent, this paper gives an alternative control theoretical interpretation on why decoherence-free subspaces can be useful for quantum computation.
We measured and evaluated digital, pre-sampling and overall imaging properties (characteristic curve, modulation transfer function (MTF), Wiener spectrum (WS), noise equivalent quanta (NEQ)) for Cannon's flat-panel detector (FPD), Fuji computed radiography (FCR) and screen-film (S/F) systems, respectively. First, the digital and overall characteristic curves of FPD and FCR systems were more wide dynamic range than that of the S/F system. Second, the pre-sampling and overall MTF of FPD system were better than those of FCR system a little at lower spatial frequencies than 0.8 mm"-"1, but the overall MTF of FPD and FCR systems were worse than that of S/F system a little at all spatial frequencies. Third, the digital and overall WS of FPD system were similar or better than those of FCR system, but the ...
We measured and evaluated digital, pre-sampling and overall imaging properties (characteristic curve, modulation transfer function (MTF), Wiener spectrum (WS), noise equivalent quanta (NEQ)) for Cannon's flat-panel detector (FPD), Fuji computed radiography (FCR) and screen-film (S/F) systems, respectively. First, the digital and overall characteristic curves of FPD and FCR systems were more wide dynamic range than that of the S/F system. Second, the pre-sampling and overall MTF of FPD system were better than those of FCR system a little at lower spatial frequencies than 0.8 mm{sup -1}, but the overall MTF of FPD and FCR systems were worse than that of S/F system a little at all spatial frequencies. Third, the digital and overall WS of FPD system were similar or better than those of FCR ...
The Chernobyl reactor accident has pronupted all European countries to rehabilitate their existing measurement and monitoring systems and to design and erect new ones. These systems are meant to ensure a rapid overview on the situation in case of an accident to adopt suitable actions for protection or prevention. 6 papers report on the state of such measurement systems in Europe, inparticular those in France (TELERAY), in Germany (IMIS) and in Switzerland (RADAIR). The IMIS-system is discussed for its extension to Eastern Germany. (HP).
An approach to solving the problem of managerial control quality improvement corporate information-calculating networks (CICN) is proposed. The approach is based on the concept of a flexible toolkit. A macro-model, system-science and system-engineering models of an intelligent managerial control system (IMCS) for CICN development are considered as well as its dynamics. The practical opportunity of IMCS implementation is assessed. (5 refs).
An experimental plan for improving the problems of failed fuel location system in Wolsung Unit-2 reactors was established. It is not possible to make an experiment on the failed fuel monitoring nuclides in the cold laboratories because they have very short half life. Therefore, the experiments can be only carried out at the existing monitoring system under reactor operation. For that reason, an experimental plan was drawn up for installing the radiation detection system on reactor site.
A description is given of an automatic liquid nitrogen pumping system. Pamping of liquid nitrogen iato cooling traps up to a predetermined level is achieved by an automatically controlled compressed air system. An impontant feature of the equipment is the ability to switch automatically from an empty liquid nitrogen reservoir to a full one. This allows for a much more flexible operation than in conventional systems where the reservoir has to be replaced manually when empty. (auth)
A dual-rate self-tuning control technique, in which the system identification and control calculation are performed separately, is proposed in this paper. This greatly increases the control rate. A self-tuning power system stabilizer (DSPSS) making use of this technique is developed and implemented using multi-micro-computers. Simulation and experimental results with DSPSS show that the increase in the control rate can considerably improve the system performance.
Characteristics of embedded systems are discussed. In particular, the role of the computer in such systems is highlighted. Special emphasis is placed on the different requirements different kinds of systems may place on program execution. From such requirements necessary programming constructs are derived and in an overview of currently used languages it is shown how evolution led to modern languages like Ada and CHILL. With the advent of cheap, fast and small processing units, exploitation of parallelism for enhancing system performance is becoming increasingly tempting. However, few languages support the design of such multi-processor systems. Some methods for dealing with this problem are discussed. Finally, systems architectures and associated languages for the use of techniques originally developed for AI research are adumbrated. (Auth.).
By means of an analogous simulator, which can simulate a power supply system, a method to determine the transfer function of a Power System Stabilizer (PSS) is developed. The purpose of the PSS is to damp unwanted electro-mechanical oscillations. The method is very systematic and there is no need for specified values of the parameters used in the system. It is assumed that the power generator system is linear for small variations. The system can be considered to be a black box. Measurements executed by means of this method are completely controlled by the person who enforces the measurement. By applying this method carefully, irregularities are almost out of the question. The equipment necessary are a PC with two AD-ports and an adjustable sinus-generator. A comparison is made with a more traditional method, in which a spectrum analyzer is used. 4 figs., 7 refs.
A three-level approach to viability is developed, considering (1) living systems, (2) a niche, understood as the area within the reach of their actions, and (3) an environment. A systematic analysis of the interrelations between these levels shows that living systems emerge with matter/energy processing systems. These can add controller structures when producing excess energy. A three-sensor controller structure enables a living system to deal with unfavourable and scarce environments. Further evolution of these controller structures offers improved ways to act on niches. Maintaining niches in scarce environments can require technology or economy. So social systems emerge, which are understood as aggregates of living systems. Basic patterns of interactions within social systems are analyse...
Manual drilling in titanium structures is a tedious and labor-intensive work. To reduce man-hour requirements while concurrently improving hole quality, we developed a robotic drilling system for this application. The lean system contains the product holding fixture, the industrial robot, the end effector, the control and sensor system, and the offline programming. The system functions include locating workpiece with a calibration stick or the vision system, weld mark inspection, one-sided clamping, drilling and reaming hole in material stack combinations of titanium and aluminum, and real-time thrust force feedback. The positional accuracy and the repeatability of the system have successfully been placed within the specification?s 0.3?mm tolerance and 0.2?mm tolerance, respectively. The d...
A novel system for real-time radiation monitoring in reactor or accelerator facilities has been studied using an imaging plate. The authors made a feasibility study on a new neutron detection system using both photostimulated luminescence (PSL) and prompt luminescence (PL) generated in a neutron imaging plate (NIP) when the NIP is irradiated by neutrons. A readout system consisting of a semiconductor laser and a photomultiplier tube was fabricated for the purpose. It was confirmed that the system can measure both PSL and PL, where Am-Li was used as a neutron source. It may be possible to establish a new wide-range neutron monitoring system using the developed system as a PL mode normally, and as a PSL mode in case of intense neutron dose that cannot be measured in a PL mode because of saturation of the detection system. (author)
A novel system for real-time radiation monitoring in reactor or accelerator facilities has been studied using an imaging plate. The authors made a feasibility study on a new neutron detection system using both photostimulated luminescence (PSL) and prompt luminescence (PL) generated in a neutron imaging plate (NIP) when the NIP is irradiated by neutrons. A readout system consisting of a semiconductor laser and a photomultiplier tube was fabricated for the purpose. It was confirmed that the system can measure both PSL and PL, where Am-Li was used as a neutron source. It may be possible to establish a new wide-range neutron monitoring system using the developed system as a PL mode normally, and as a PSL mode in case of intense neutron dose that cannot be measured in a PL mode because of saturation of the detection system. (author)
A decentralized power system stabilizer output feedback design approach is considered, which is compatible with expanding the construction of multi-machine systems. We presume that the interconnected power system is constructed by connecting closed-loop subsystems one after another. We take the proper stable factorization approach for calculating the local compensators. We apply the result to the new subsystem at each connection stage with unfixed power system stabilizer parameters. We then determine the parameters appropriately, before connection, so that the expanded system is stable after connection. A numerical example is worked out to illustrate the proposed design technique. 14 refs, 5 figs, 3 tabs
This paper analyzes the F-policy M/M/1/K queueing system with working vacation and an exponential startup time. The F-policy deals with the issue of controlling arrivals to a queueing system, and the server requires a startup time before allowing customers to enter the system. For the queueing systems with working vacation, the server can still provide service to customers rather than completely stop the service during a vacation period. The matrix-analytic method is applied to develop the steady-state probabilities, and then obtain several system characteristics. We construct the expected cost function and formulate an optimization problem to find the minimum cost. The direct search method and Quasi-Newton method are implemented to determine the optimal system capacity K, the optimal thre...
Object: To minimize the range of the liquid level variation of the cooling system and reduce the time required for the liquid level control by sealing the gas of a cover gas respiration system which acts upon an evaporator and pump overflow column. Structure: In liquid level control by the cover gas pressure of a high-speed reactor secondary cooling system, upon occurrence of a sudden change in the rate of flow of the recirculated liquid, automatic check valves provided in an evaporator and pump overflow column cover gas respiration system are completely or substantially closed, while at the same time the recirculation cooling medium is sucked up and an automatic check valve provided in the overflow system is closed. (Kamimura, M.).
Many existing methods of identifying the optimum sites for installing power system stabilizers (PSSs) in multi-machine systems are restricted to the sequential PSS application, which considers the enhancement of damping of just one critical electromechanical mode at a time; the eigenstructure analysis of the open-loop system, which does not take the control matrix (i.e., the B matrix in the linearized model x = Ax + Bu for power systems) into consideration. This paper presents a method of identifying the optimum sites for installing power system stabilizers. The advantages of this method are: it can identify the optimum sites for installing PSSs so that several electrochemical modes are damped out simultaneously; it takes both the eigenstructure of the open-loop system and the control matrix into consideration.
The Idaho Explosives Detection System was developed at the Idaho National Laboratory (INL) to respond to threats imposed by delivery trucks potentially carrying explosives into military bases. A full-scale prototype system has been built and is currently undergoing testing. The system consists of two racks, one on each side of a subject vehicle. Each rack includes a neutron generator and an array of NaI detectors. The two neutron generators are pulsed and synchronized. A laptop computer controls the entire system. The control software is easily operable by minimally trained staff. The system was developed to detect explosives in a medium size truck within a 5-min measurement time. System performance was successfully demonstrated with explosives at the INL in June 2004 and at Andrews Air Force Base in July 2004.
Development of a front end system for a high energy proton accelerator is in progress at Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI) for basic science and industrial applications. The proper vacuum components has been installed and operated successfully between ion source and RFQ. The reliable operation of the accelerator has been completed at vacuum system in the high and ultra high vacuum range under operating conditions. Proper control system for the vacuum instruments, based on PC operated by Windows, has been designed and constructed by control group at PAL. As PC operated by windows with inherent instability does not proper, embedded system can be replaced for reliable operation system, such as VME system operated by vxWorks.
We consider the effect of distributed delays in neural feedback systems. The avian optic tectum is reciprocally connected with the nucleus isthmi. Extracellular stimulation combined with intracellular recordings reveal a range of signal delays from 4 to 9 ms between isthmotectal elements. This observation together with prior mathematical analysis concerning the influence of a delay distribution on system dynamics raises the question whether a broad delay distribution can impact the dynamics of neural feedback loops. For a system of reciprocally connected model neurons, we found that distributed delays enhance system stability in the following sense. With increased distribution of delays, the system converges faster to a fixed point and converges slower toward a limit cycle. Further, the introduction of distributed delays leads to an increased range of the average delay value for ...
IHI has developed a new Three-Dimensional Computer-Aided Design (3D-CAD) system to improve the design efficiency and quality of the steel structure of nuclear power plants. This system covers every design phase from the initial arrangement of structure to the production design sharing the same database. The system incorporates the design rules and professional expertise of designers, and enable easy and efficient design. The system can easily generate the three-dimensional data for structures, model data for stress analyses and composite arrangement data. The system has already been applied to several plants under construction and has achieved excellent results. The outline of the new CAD system is introduced. (author)
A pipeless batch plant is a batch processing production system using mobile vessels. The plant performances depend on both hardware of equipment and software of operation. So the plant includes many design factors such as number of vessels, stations and AGVS, layout of stations, vessel moving rules, job scheduling and so on. In this paper, the characteristics of pipeless batch plant design are considered to handle the problem by the systems engineering approach. Then, a practical design method known as design-by-analysis is applied to solve such a complex design problem. Based on this concept, a design support system composed of modeling, simulation and evaluation subsystems is developed. This system enables rational decision making through performance evaluation for proposed design of a pipeless batch plant. The usefulness of the system is illustrated by industrial examples. 12 ...
This paper presents a practical design for a power system stabilizer using the differential geometric linearization approach. This stabilizer uses the information at the secondary bus of the step-up transformer as input signals, enabling its application to multi-machine power systems. The stabilizer makes it possible to obtain all necessary information within its own power station without observing an equivalent reactance in other power systems. To evaluate the dynamic performance of this stabilizer, the authors tested it on a multi-machine system model using the computer. The simulation results showed that the stabilizer offered good dynamic performance and robustness compared with conventional power system stabilizers, thus confirming its very effective and practical application in power system stabilization.
In this paper the concept of a composite power system stabilizer is investigated. This stabilizer comprises a properly designed, robust, conventional power system stabilizer (CPSS) and an auxiliary stabilizer (AS) which can be either a self-tuning stabilizer (ASTS) or a fixed-parameter stabilizer (AFPS). For small disturbances, the CPSS performs satisfactorily over a wide range of operating conditions. When large disturbances occur the auxiliary stabilizer augments the performance of the CPSS. It has been demonstrated that the composite power system stabilizer can significantly improve the dynamic performance of the system when there is a major disturbance such as a short circuit in the system. Because in the case of a single-machine system the parameters of the ASTS do not vary appreciably, it can also be implemented as a fixed-parameter device; this simplifies ...
An adaptive power system stabilizer (APSS) employing a new self-optimizing pole shifting control strategy and its application to a power system are described in this paper. Based on an identified model of the system, the control is computed by an algorithm which shifts the closed-loop poles of the system to some optimal locations inside the unit circle in the z-domain to minimize a given performance criterion. With the self-optimization property, outside intervention in the controller design procedure is minimized, thus simplifying the tuning procedure during commissioning. Also, a new method of calculating the variable forgetting factor in real-time parameter identification is discussed. Studies show that the proposed APSS can provide good damping of the power system over a wide operating range and significantly improve the dynamic performance of the system.
In this work, we propose a conceptual distributed control framework for electrical grid integrated with distributed renewable energy generation systems in order to enable the development of the so-called ''smart electrical grid''. First, we introduce the key elements and their interactions in the proposed control architecture and discuss the design of the distributed control systems which are able to coordinate their actions to account for optimization considerations on the system operation. Subsequently, we focus on a specific wind/solar energy generation system connected to a reverse osmosis water desalination system and the electrical grid and design two supervisory predictive controllers via model predictive control to operate the integrated system taking into account short-term and lo...
This paper describes a comprehensive MCM [machine condition monitoring] program and suggested system for implementation in hydroelectric generating units. The system addresses all the major subsystems which make up the generating unit. A modular design means that it could be applicable in a wide variety of situations. Different subsystems may be included or excluded from the monitoring system as required. It may be used at individual plants as a stand alone system or network wide. An advanced processing and diagnostic module is included, again for use as an integral part of the system or as a stand alone analysis tool. Examples of the system's proposed data analysis and diagnostic abilities are also described using vibration signals as would be provided by the bearing module. (Author)
The emergence of new power electronics and improved battery technology has created renewed interest in Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS). These new systems provide electric utilities with alternatives to conventional storage technologies, such as pumped hydro. BESs has the potential to provide substantial benefits in terms of energy management, improved voltage, spinning reserve and protection from interruptions when compared to large centralized storage. This paper describes a commercial, economically justified, application of the new Battery Energy Storage Systems which is presently under construction in the Metlakatla Power and Light system. The paper outlines the system performance requirements which lead to consideration of BESS as an option; the economic factors which provided the justification for BESS as an economic alternative; and the overall BES ...
The objective of this study is to establish a construction plan for vibration analysis system of HANARO's rotating machinery. To achieve this purpose, as a first step, the references related to the vibration analysis system for the rotating machinery were investigated. In addition, to verify the possibility of condition monitoring of the pumps, vibration signals obtained from the vibration monitoring system were analyzed. The results show that using the accelerometers mounted on the bearing locations of the pumps can monitor the current status of the pump such as unbalance, misalignment, and bearing condition. Based on the results of this study, the construction plans for the vibration analysis system of HANARO have been established. The hardware of the vibration analysis system will be installed by the end of this year. It is expected that the developed vibration analysis ...
Tarapur Atomic Power Station Unit-3 and 4 (TAPS -3 and 4) are the 540 MWe reactors. Unit-4 attained first criticality on 06th March 2005 and operated for about 230 effective full power days (EFPD). Unit-3 attained first criticality on 21st May 2006 and operated for about 20 EFPD. With the reactor operation radiation field increases on the Primary Heat Transport system equipments, Moderator system equipments and auxiliary system equipments due to deposition of fission products and activation products in different reactor systems. These dose rates significantly contributes to the external exposure and stations collective dose during reactor operation, refueling operation and maintenance activities. A study was undertaken at TAPS 3 and 4 to identify the system equipments showing the significant dose rates and identify the radionuclides present in the primary heat transport ...
This report contains the operation procedures in extreme situations and lessons learned from blackouts, based on a mandate given by the Operations Committee. Nordic TSOs have had common rules and principles for system operation i.e. System Operation Agreement since the late 1990s. The rules have been revised according to the system security and market changes and needs. The collaboration between system operators is regular and fruitful. The knowledge and capability to manage extreme situations of the Nordic power system has continuously increased and the recent blackouts did not show major deficiencies in operation practices. Regardless of the existing good collaboration it is important to continue development in the future in order to ensure high system security. Important development areas are security of reserve supervision and coordination of calculation ...
This report describes accomplishment of simulations of Pyrochemical Process Operation by using virtual engineering models. The pyrochemical process using molten salt electrorefining would introduce new technologies for new fuels of particle oxide, particle nitride and metallic fuels. This system is a batch treatment system of reprocessing and re-fabrication, which transports products of solid form from a process to next process. As a results, this system needs automated transport system for process operations by robotics. In this study, a simulation code system has been prepared, which provides virtual engineering environment to evaluate the pyrochemical process operation of a batch treatment system using handling robots. And the simulation study has been conducted to evaluate the required system functions, which are the function of handling ...
During the operation of the Fast Flux Test Facility (FFTF), radioactive gases, primarily xenon and krypton, will be produced which will require processing and storing. Two systems have been installed in the FFTF for handling these gases: (1) one to handle, primarily, the reactor cover gas system, and (2) a second to handle the cells and cover gas systems, other than the reactor, whose atmosphere may become contaminated. The system that processes the reactor cover gas, which is argon, is called the Radioactive Argon Processing System (RAPS). The effluent argon from RAPS will normally be sufficiently decontaminated to allow its reuse as the reactor cover gas. If the radioactive level in the RAPS becomes too high, the exhaust stream will be diverted to the Cell Atmosphere Processing System (CAPS), a system which can function as a backup to ...
A solar-powered adsorption air-conditioning system was designed and installed in the green building of Shanghai Research Institute of Building Science. The system contained 150 m{sup 2} solar collectors and two adsorption chillers with nominal refrigeration capacity of 8.5 kW. Based on performance characteristics of the adsorption chiller, the operation mode of the solar-powered air-conditioning system was optimized by maintaining a phase shift of 540 s between the two adsorption chillers. Thereafter, the whole system realized stable operation by the balance of heat consumption and refrigeration output. From June to August of 2005, the solar-powered air-conditioning system continuously ran between 9:00 and 17:00. The operation performance of the system under representative working condition showed that the average refrigeration output of the solar-powered ...
Embedded systems have become integral parts of a diverse range of systems from automobiles to critical infrastructure applications such as gas and electric power distribution. Unfortunately, research on computer security in general and intrusion detection in particular, has not kept pace. Furthermore, embedded systems, by their very nature, are application specific and therefore frameworks for developing application-specific intrusion detection systems for distributed embedded systems must be researched, designed, and implemented. In this paper, we present a configurable middleware-based intrusion detection framework. In particular, this paper presents a system model and a concrete implementation of a highly configurable intrusion detection framework that is integrated into MicroQoSCORBA, a highly configurable middleware framework developed for embedded ...
To assess the diagnostic capability Fuji computed radiography (FCR) using a dual side reading system was compared to the conventional radiography using a film-screen system. Twenty-eight patients with lung cancer were examined with a new FCR system (FCR 5501D) and a conventional screen-film system concurrently. FCR utilizes a reading system that detects emissions from dual sides of imaging plate. Chest X-rays were obtained with same exposure factors in both systems. Image qualities of both systems were compared by two radiologists using a five-level score. There were no lesion that FCR images were inferior to film-screen images. The frequency of score +1 or +2 that FCR images were superior to film-screen images was 31% in large nodular shadows, 40% in accompanying shadows with a nodule, 67% of small nodular shadows, and 43% of the lymph node ...
The theory and application of the optimal control of linear systems to stabilize or improve the system stability is well known. For an optimal linear regulator design, the arbitrariness involved in the parameters of the cost function always affects the final control law and the closed-loop system poles which decide the system dynamic characteristics. A new approach, 'The inverse problem approach' has been developed to overcome this difficulty. The system so designed will have preassigned closed-loop poles and the resulting closed-loop system performance can be ensured. In this paper the inverse problem approach for optimal regulator design is applied to the power system stabilizer (PSS) design for single-machine infinite-bus systems. The results show that, as far as the linearized model is concerned, ...
Solid polymer fuel cell (SPFC) systems are compared to spark ignition (SI) engine power systems for utility vehicle applications. Utility vehicles provide crew and payload transport and electrical power at work sites lacking grid supply. The methodology emphasizes comparison on an equal service basis. Using power system component models and numerical analysis, power systems are designed using SI engine and SPFC technologies. The power systems are compared on the basis of fuel energy consumed and life cycle cost (LCC). Gasoline is the fuel for the SI engines, while liquid hydrogen is used for the SPFC. Three types of SPFC power system configurations are studied. The superior SPFC in terms of LCC is a fuel cell/battery hybrid where the fuel cell is sized to provide average driving power. Using today's technology, SPFC power systems ...
The Wind2H2 system is fully functional and continues to gather performance data. In this report, specifications of the Wind2H2 equipment (electrolyzers, compressor, hydrogen storage tanks, and the hydrogen fueled generator) are summarized. System operational experience and lessons learned are discussed. Valuable operational experience is shared through running, testing, daily operations, and troubleshooting the Wind2H2 system and equipment errors are being logged to help evaluate the reliability of the system.
A detection theory is developed for point-contact metal-oxide-metal (MOM) systems. A system with heterogeneous oxide strongly bonded to the substrate is considered. It is shown that the form of the functional connection between the barrier heights and the ultimate compressive strength of the oxide has no substantial influence on the voltage-current characteristics of the system. Quantitative analysis indicates that a MOM system can behave as a tunnel diode and as a diode with a Schottky barrier. The model permits the determination of the optimum construction of long-life detectors based on MOM point-contacts.-
The US Department of Energy, Division of Electric Energy Systems, has undertaken to identify the environmental issues and potential impacts associated with the installation of underground electric power transmission systems. This study reports the results of investigations into the advanced cable technologies being considered for future underground applications, as part of the development oriented research program of the Division of Electric Energy Systems. While the technology involves a high level of sophistication, there are relatively few impacts to the environment that are potentially significant, and of these none are inherently non-mitigable. Route planning, system design, and methods of construction and accident response can be pursued in order to minimize impacts where strict constraints are appropriate.
A centralized, automatic monitoring system for coal mines has been developed. The system consists of newly-developed and improved sensors, transmission equipment, a minicomputer designed for scientific and technical calculations, and accompanying software (MOLES). MOLES performs six functions: input, computation, decision, memory, output and correction. Previously, centralized monitoring has been limited to single dimensional monitoring of the 'time and point' type. The present system carries out data analysis and processing with respect to time, space and item. It is also capable of simple automatic diagnosis of abnormalities. (In Japanese)
The Data Acquisition System for the CDMS II dark matter experiment was designed and built when the experiment moved to its new underground installation at the Soudan Lab. The combination of remote operation and increased data load necessitated a completely new design. Elements of the original LabView system remained as stand-alone diagnostic programs, but the main data processing moved to a VME-based system with custom electronics for signal conditioning, trigger formation and buffering. The data rate was increased 100-fold and the automated cryogenic system was linked to the data acquisition. A modular server framework with associated user interfaces was implemented in Java to allow control and monitoring of the entire experiment remotely.
A nitrogen liquefier and computer controlled valving system have been added to the Bevatron cryoliner vacuum system to cut operating costs by reducing liquid nitrogen consumption. The computer and interface electronic systems, which control the temperatures of twenty-eight liquid nitrogen circuits, have been chosen and designed to operate in the Bevatron's pulsating magnetic field. The nitrogen exhaust is routed back to a liquefier, of about five kilowatt capacity, liquefied, and rerouted through the cooling circuits. A description of the system and operating results are presented.
This symposium about electric operational and expansion planning presents several articles that approaches issues such as, monitoring the power system stability, electrical load modelling, reliability in power systems, optimization in power systems, integrated resources planning in power systems, reactive control through static compensators, power flow analysis, system modelling, etc
Superconducting magnetic and inertial energy pulsed power systems are being developed for future theta-pinch, Tokamak, and laser fusion applications. The short term requirements for these applications are discussed along with present day accomplishments. Areas requiring a research and development effort are examined in detail. Subjects discussed include stresses, energy loss factors, conductor metallurgy, cryogenic requirements, and electrical limitations of superconducting magnetic storage systems; costs, applications, and present technology of homopolar systems; and switching problems associated with both systems.
Small electrical demand supply systems, to serve small communities close to high voltage transmission lines, have been examined to delineate their technical and economic characteristics. Parameters to measure system performance were outlined. Development of the Brazilian version of the Energy Overhead Ground Wires (EOHGW) system was described. This system has been supplying electricity to Rondonia and Mato Grosso states in central and northern Brazil, Operating experiences with this system were reviewed. 4 refs., 8 tabs.
This paper discusses the stationary neutron radiography system (SNRS) with respect to the component positioning systems (CPSs) and the rationale behind their design. As design work is on-going at science Applications International Corporation, this report gives a current update of progress. The SNRS has four separate radiography bays, Bays 1 through 4. The first three bays have automated positioning systems for real-time and near real-time neutron radiography of aircraft components. Bay 4 has been designed to accommodate components from the solid rocket booster, but will be used first for film radiography of pyrotechnic components.
Sirio is a computerized application to manage the hydroelectric system in a short time. This management is implemented as a real time tool in the Control Department. SIRIO has many modules, independent and integrated to operate and perform the data acquisition, optimization, planning simulation and planning optimization. This article presents the SIRIO System and its applications to the Iberdrola system in Tajo river.
This paper deals with dynamic reliability of embedded systems. It presents a method for deriving feared scenarios (which might lead the system to a critical situation) in Petri nets. A classical way to obtain scenarios in Petri nets is to generate the reachability graph. However, for complex systems, it leads to the state space explosion. To avoid this problem, in our approach, Petri net reachability is translated into provability of linear logic sequents. Linear logic bases are introduced and used to formally define scenarios and minimality of scenarios. These definitions allow the method to produce only pertinent scenarios. The steps of the method are described and illustrated through a landing-gear system example.
A catalytic trap oxidizer based on a radial flow metal mesh filter was developed for use as an after treatment device on light-duty diesel vehicles. A complete system for assisted regeneration was devised to enable this unit to operate without blocking during all normal driving modes. The integration of the catalyzed trap and regeneration system with the vehicle to provide a practical system for the reduction of diesel particulate emissions is discussed. To date, many prototype catalytic trap and regeneration system installations have been completed on various test vehicles, both naturally aspirated and turbocharged. The operational conditions and test results from a selection of these studies are presented.
This paper describes the design, operation, and performance of an HVAC system installed as part of a project to demonstrate energy efficiency and environmental responsibility in commercial buildings. The systems installed in the 2180 m{sup 2} office building provide superior air quality and thermal comfort while requiring only half the electrical energy of conventional systems primarily because of the hydronic heating and cooling system. Gas use for the building is higher than expected because of longer operating hours and poor performance of the boiler/absorption chiller.
The Office of Civilian Radioactive Waste Management (OCRWM) is executing a plan for improvement of the United States Nuclear Waste Management Program. As part of the plan, OCRWM is performing a systems engineering analysis of both the physical system, i.e., the Nuclear Waste Management System (NWMS), and the programmatic functions that must be accomplished to bring the physical system into being. The functional analysis effort is being performed by two separate teams working in parallel, one of which addresses the physical system functions and the other the programmatic functions. This paper presents information on the analysis of the programmatic functions.
This course in System Reliability and Analysis Techniques focuses on the probabilistic quantification of accident sequences and the link between accident sequences and consequences. Other sessions in this series focus on the quantification of system reliability and the development of event trees and fault trees. This course takes the viewpoint that event tree sequences or combinations of system failures and success are available and that Boolean equations for system fault trees have been developed and are available. 93 figs., 11 tabs.
In this paper, power system stabilizer design for multi-machine power systems is translated into an equivalent problem of decentralized controller design for Multi-Output Multi-Input (MIMO) control systems. Subject to a condition based on the structured singular values, each stabilizer can be designed independently. Within this general framework, the conventional stabilizer design methodology based on the concept of synchronous and damping torques is used to decide the design details of each stabilizer. The suggested design method is applied to a model of a practical 10 machine power system. (author)
This paper presents the objective, scope, and status of the US Department of Energy's Materials and Structures Program to develop a data base on mechanical properties of structural materials for out-of-core structures and components for LMFBRs. Information on the development of a reference data base on materials for the reactor system, reactor enclosure system, primary heat transport system, intermediate heat transport system, and steam generator system is included. In addition, the development of the data and analyses to account for the effects of temperature and stress, as well as water/steam, sodium, and radiation environments, is described. Plans for the development of alternative materials for future out-of-core applications are presented.
This paper presents the objective, scope, and status of the U.S. Department of Energy's Materials and Structures Program to develop a data base on mechanical properties of structural materials for out-of-core structures and components for LMFBRs. Information on the development of a reference data base on materials for the reactor system, reactor enclosure system, primary heat transport system, intermediate heat transport system, and steam generator system is included. In addition, the development of the data and analyses to account for the effects of temperature and stress, as well as water/steam, sodium, and radiation environments, is described. Plans for the development of alternative materials for future out-of-core applications are presented. (author).
In this paper, it is suggested that the selection method of optimal parameter of power system stabilizer (PSS) with robustness in low frequency oscillation for power system using real variable elitism genetic algorithm (RVEGA). The optimal parameters were selected in the case of power system stabilizer with one lead compensator, and two lead compensator. Also, the frequency responses characteristics of PSS, the system eigenvalues criterion and the dynamic characteristics were considered in the normal load and the heavy load, which proved usefulness of RVEGA compare with Yu's compensator design theory. (author). 20 refs., 15 figs., 8 tabs.
This paper presents the eigenvalue control strategy which utilizes an adaptive power system stabilizer for the decentralized control of damping and frequency of electromechanical oscillations in power systems. The control procedure includes the complete identification of the decoupled subsystem model in real-time from local measurements only and the assignment of its estimated electromechanical eigenvalue by the change of stabilizer parameters. The robustness and efficiency of the proposed adaptive controller to enhance overall system stability are illustrated in several examples, including the three-machine power system model.
This paper presents a novel design methodology, based on shaping the system frequency response, for the generation of an appropriate residual signal that is sensitive to sensor faults in the presence of model uncertainty and exogenous unknown (unmeasured) disturbances. An integrated feedback controller design and robust frequency-based fault detection approach is proposed for Single-Input/Single-Output systems. The effciency of the proposed method is demonstrated on a Single Machine Innite Bus (SMIB) power system that achieves a coordinate power system stabilizer with satisfactory sensor fault detection capabilities.
Monitoring and diagnostic systems are of main importance for a safe and efficient operation of nuclear power plants. The author describes new developments with respect to vibration monitoring with a functional extension in the time domain for den secondary circuit, the development of a local system for the surveillance of rotating machines, the structure-borne sound monitoring with improvement of event analysis, esp. the loose part locating, leakage monitoring with a complete system for humidity measurement, and the development of a common platform for all monitoring and diagnostic systems, that allows an efficient access for comparison and cross references.
The Meteorological Information System (MIS) comprising the meteorological instruments, the computers, and the software for data processing and recording, is part of the KfK safety and control system. In 1982 is was equipped with an independent data processing system. The report explains the arrangement and the operation of the sensors and thw two process computers. For selected meteorological situations the ability of the system is demonstrated, i.e., the presentation of the vertical profiles of wind, temperature and turbulence in the lower atmospheric boundary layer as well as the calculation and graphical representation of the transport and dispersion into the KfK environment of radioactive pollutants being released by the nuclear installations of the KfK into the atmosphere.
Many rural industries generate amounts of biomass waste, such as rice husks, sawdust, wood chips, nutshells and plant stalks that represent a substantial energy resource. However, most often these biomass wastes are not utilized and are dumped or burned in the open. This paper will show the whole project cycle of an installation and commissioning of a thermal configuration of a BG-Systems in Indonesia. These projects highlight the economic, operational and environmental benefits of the BG-Systems. BG-Systems are small fixed-bed downdraft gasifier systems being marketed by BG Technologies that convert biomass into a producer gas that is essentially free of tars and can be used reliably in a diesel engine or thermal combustor. (author)
The existence of a global attractor for the solution semiflow of the extended Brusselator system in the $L^2$ phase space is proved, which is a cubic-autocatalytic and partially reversible reaction-diffusion system with linear coupling between two compartments. The method of grouping and re-scaling estimation is developed to deal with the challenge in proving the absorbing property and the asymptotic compactness of this typical multi-component reaction-diffusion systems. It is also proved that the global attractor is an $(H, E)$ global attractor with the $L^\\infty$ regularity and that the Hausdorff dimension and the fractal dimension of the global attractor are finite. The results and methodology can find many applications and further extensions in complex biological and biochemical dynamical systems.
The availability of technology for reducing SO2 emissions from coal-fired steam generators using flue gas desulfurization (FGD) systems is discussed. Foreign and domestic lime, limestone, double alkali, magnesium slurry, and Wellman-Lord FGD systems are described, and the design parameters and operating experiences are discussed. Steps that have been taken to achieve high system operability are discussed. Also, disposal of FGD system wastes is discussed briefly.
This manual is intended to provide a guide to the use of the Flue Gas Desulfurization Information System (FGDIS) data base which is a collection of data files consisting of information pertaining to the design and performance of flue gas desulfurization (FGD) systems. The files are stored at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency National Computer Center (NCC), Research Triangle Park, NC. Access to these files and manipulation of the data therein is accomplished via System 2000, general data base management system developed by INTEL Corp. and supported by the NCC Univac 1100 hardware.
We outline the process for determining the morphology of subsurface epithelial cell nuclei using depth-resolved light scattering measurements. The measurements are accomplished using a second generation angle-resolved low coherence interferometry system. The new system greatly improves data acquisition and analysis times compared to the initial prototype system. The calibration of the new system is demonstrated in scattering studies to determine the size distribution of polystyrene microspheres in a turbid sample. The process for determining the size of cell nuclei is discussed by analyzing measurements of basal cells in a sub-surface layer of intact, unstained epithelial tissue.
The purpose of this project is to integrate a variety of geographic information systems capabilities and telecommunication technologies for potential use in geographic network and visualization applications. The specific technical goals of the project were to design, develop, and simulate the components of an audio/visual geographic communications system to aid future real-time monitoring, mapping and managing of transport vehicles. The system components of this feasibility study are collectively referred to as a Geographic Visualization and Communications System (GVCS). State-of-the-art techniques will be used and developed to allow both the vehicle operator and network manager to monitor the location and surrounding environment of a transport vehicle during shipment.
This article examines problems relating to the calculation of the position of regions of limited solubility of components in the liquid state for four-component systems. An approach based on the use of criterion of stability with respect to diffusion for obtaining equations which describe the region of stratification of the liquid phase in a four-component system is used. The authors used a ES-1020 computer to analyze the critical phenomena in Al-In-P-Sb, Al-Ga-In-P, Al-Ga-In-As, and In-Ga-As-P systems. The position of the spinode in the phase diagram of a four-component system is obtained.
The common envelope phase of binary star evolution plays a central role in many evolutionary pathways leading to the formation of compact objects in short period systems. Using three dimensional hydrodynamical computations, we review the major features of this evolutionary phase, focusing on the conditions that lead to the successful ejection of the envelope and, hence, survival of the system as a post common envelope binary. Future hydrodynamical calculations at high spatial resolution are required to delineate the regime in parameter space for which systems survive as compact binary systems from those for which the two components of the system merge into a single rapidly rotating star. Recent algorithmic developments will facilitate the attainment of this goal.
Calibration system for spot welding robots has been developed. The purpose of this system is to reduce the misalignment of tool center point (TCP) generated when teaching data made by off-line system is input to an actual robot. After the factor of the misalignment was analyzed, the relation between a main factor and the misalignment was modeled. In addition, the model was verified on experiment. The achievement of the accuracy requirement and practical use in the site was confirmed by the result of the verification. (author)
Use of a broadband Local Area Network (LAN) for transmission of classified and secure unclassified information requires monitoring capabilities which are sensitive to discrete segments of the network frequency spectrum. A viable monitoring system must be capable of detecting possible intrusion attempts or network malfunctions and alerting operating and security personnel. This report documents the results of an evaluation of the Magnavox CATV Systems Inc. Digital System Sentry software for network monitoring. Recommendations are made on its possible future role in broadband LAN security monitoring throughout the Nuclear Weapons Complex.
Control of pressure transients in a hydraulic system may be important and necessary to avoid failures and to improve the efficiency of operation. Flow restricting devices can result in a decrease in the peak pressure, but may change the response time. The response time has an important effect on both operator and operator perceived smoothness. The response time should correspond to how fast a system responds to a given disturbance at the system boundary. Occasionally the appropriate response time is not easily determined. This study is on the response time characteristics in the hydraulic system studied for the control of response time.
Tarapur Atomic Power Station Unit-4 is first 540 MWe pressurized heavy water reactor in India. It achieved criticality on 06th March 2005 and then operated at full power i.e 500 MWe. Radiation workers during the normal operation and reactor shutdown are exposed to radiation field. The control of dose rates and the collective dose of the radiation workers is most important for the best performance of the reactor. Experience gained during the operation of the 220 MWe reactors has shown that the Moderator system, primary heat transport system, annulus gas system and moderator cover gas system are the main systems contributing to the dose rate and collective dose. In order to identify the radio nuclides contributing to the radiation field, study was undertaken at TAPS Unit-4. Various samples from the Moderator, primary heat transport system, annulus gas ...
A scheme for on-line tuning of a fuzzy-logic power system stabilizer is presented. firstly, a fuzzy-logic power system stabilizer is developed using speed deviation and accelerating power as the controller input variables. The inference mechanism of fuzzy-logic controller is represented by a decision table, constructed of linguistic IF-THEN rules. The Linguistic rules are available from experts and the design procedure is based on these rules. It assumed that an exact model of the plant is not available and it is difficult to extract the exact parameters of the power plant. Thus, the design procedure can not be based on an exact model. This is an advantage of fuzzy logic that makes the design of a controller possible without knowing the exact model of the plant. Secondly, two scaling parameters are introduced to tune the fuzzy-logic power system stabilizer. These scaling parameters are the outputs of another fuzzy-logic ...
Grid connected photovoltaic systems is one of the most promising applications of photovoltaic systems. These systems are employed in applications where utility service is already available. In this case, there is no need for battery storage because grid power may be used to supplement photovoltaic systems (PV) when the load exceeds available PV generation. The load receives electricity from both the photovoltaic array and the utility grid. In this system, the load is the total electrical energy consumption. The main objective of the present work is to optimize the electrical load pattern in Kuwait using grid connected PV systems. In this situation, the electric load demand can be satisfied from both the photovoltaic array and the utility grid. The performance of grid connected photovoltaic systems in the Kuwait climate has been evaluated. It ...
Introduction of geothermal heat pump systems, which depend on temperature differential, is investigated for urban areas, which have large energy demands. Results of the surveys on the current situations of geothermal heat pump (GHP) systems indicate that they have already numbered 300,000 units in USA and totaled more than 50,000 units in Switzerland and Northern European countries, and that they are increasing at an annual rate of higher than 10%. The results also indicate that introduction of these systems are well feasible in Japan, which generally has better topographical conditions than American and European countries, and the GHP system with vertical ground heat exchanger is investigated for its topographical and environmental considerations. These systems could annually abate approximately 52 million tons of CO2 (4.3% decrease), if disseminated to all households. They are ...
Ground-source heat pump systems (GSHPSs), also referred to as geothermal heat pump systems (GHPSs), have been widely used in residential and commercial buildings for years due to their outstanding energy utilization efficiencies. In this study, an energy and exergy modeling of solar assisted ground-source heat pump systems for residential applications is presented for system analysis and performance evaluation. In this regard, the performance of a solar assisted ground-source heat pump heating system, installed in Solar Energy Institute of Ege University, Izmir, Turkey, is evaluated based on the actual operational data to show how energy and exergy efficiencies values change with the system. The average heating coefficient of performances (as energy efficiencies) of the solar assisted ground-source heat pump (GSHP) unit and the overall ...
This paper presents a practical case study on the dynamic stability of the Saudi Electricity Company (SEC) power system and its effect on increasing power transfer limit of the interconnection between Eastern Operating Area (SEC-EOA). The problem of optimal tuning of the power system stabilizer parameters was converted into optimization problem wth eigenvalue-based objective functions, which was then solved by genetic algorithms. In this regard, two eigenvalue-based objective functions were considered and the problem is solved using real-coded genetic algorithm (RCGA). The effectiveness of the suggested technique to enhance the power system dynamic stability and to extend the power transfer capability limit of the SEC-EOA and the SEC-EOA power system was verified through a comprehensive eigenvalue analysis and time-domain nonlinear simulation. The results also indicated that the proposed tuning schemes ...
This paper presents a study of feasibility of different existing methodologies linked to field's data acquisition from remote meteorological stations. The data transmission serves to collect field's meteorological information, such as temperature, humidity and radiation. In our study the experimental data is registered in a weather station located about 100 km from University of Almeria. Various existing techniques are studied, especially Radio, GSM (global system of mobile communication) and GPRS (general packet radio service). In the result of these studies has been designed a system of field's data acquisition (herein referred as Meteologger) which we are going to present in this paper. The system is based on an ATmega 16 microcontroller, which scans 8 sensors together at any programmable intervals. This paper presents the study of the mentioned project, application and some main characteristics of the prototype ...
A novel compact CT-guided intensity modulated proton radiotherapy (IMPT) system is described. The system is being designed to deliver fast IMPT so that larger target volumes and motion management can be accomplished. The system will be ideal for large and complex target volumes in young patients. The basis of the design is the dielectric wall accelerator (DWA) system being developed at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL). The DWA uses fast switched high voltage transmission lines to generate pulsed electric fields on the inside of a high gradient insulating (HGI) acceleration tube. High electric field gradients are achieved by the use of alternating insulators and conductors and short pulse times. The system will produce individual pulses that can be varied in intensity, energy and spot width. The IMPT planning system will optimize delivery ...