Chronic autoimmune or pathogen-induced immune reactions resulting in lymphoid neogenesis are associated with development of malignant lymphomas, mostly extranodal marginal zone B-celllymphomas (MZBCLs)....Full Text Available
Primary B-celllymphoma of thymus is uncommon. We describe the case of a 23-year-old woman with a history of shortness of breath and distended neck veins of 1-month duration. A chest roentgenogram and computed tomographic chest scan of the showed a large anterior mediastinal mass. Tru-cut biopsy revealed primary B-celllymphoma of thymus. She underwent chemotherapy with no symptomatic improvement. Post-chemotherapy computed tomographic scan of the chest showed no appreciable reduction in tumor size. Surgical excision was carried out with excellent results.
SummaryMonoclonal antibodies are standard therapeutics for several cancers including the anti-CD20 antibody rituximab for Bcell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). Rituximab and other...Full Text Available
Abstract Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), which infects not only Bcells, but also T cells and natural killer (NK) cells, is associated with multiple lymphoid malignancies. Recently, the proteasome inhibitor bortezomib was reported to induce apoptosis of EBV-transformed Bcells. We evaluated the killing effect of this proteasome inhibitor on EBV-associated T lymphoma cells and NK lymphoma cells. First, we found that bortezomib treatment decreased the viability of multiple T and NK cell lines. No significant difference was observed between EBV-positive and EBV-negative cell lines. The decreased viability in response to bortezomib treatment was abrogated by a pan-caspase inhibitor. The induction of apoptosis was confirmed by flow cytometric assessment of annexin V staining. Additionally, cleavage o...
Abstract Background: Follicular lymphoma (FL) is one of the most common non-Hodgkin's lymphomas of Bcells, being closely associated with a t(14;18) translocation. Detection of t(14;18), which is present in 70-95% of FL, might aid in FL diagnosis. Objective: To compare the efficacy of routine polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) techniques in detecting t(14;18) in paraffin-embedded tissue samples of FL patients at different stages. Combined with other immunophenotypic biological determinants, detection of t(14;18) might help to determine patients at increased risk according to the FL International Prognostic Index (FLIPI) and therefore facilitate appropriate treatment. Design and Methods: This study was mainly based on a retrospective examination of...
Gastrointestinal lymphomas are almost exclusively of a non Hodgkin's type. The Western form is characterized by a higher incidence of stomach location (50 %), a MALT type (mucosa associated lymphoid tissue) (40 %), a B-cell type (90 %), and a high grade (55 %). Chronic infection with Helicobacter pylori is an important risk factor. Mediterranean lymphomas form a particular clinical and pathological entity with diffuse involvement of the small bowel and are frequently being associated with a chronic malabsorption disorder. Eradication of Helicobacter pylori in early lymphomas, and the use of tetracyclines in early Mediterranean lymphomas, have been shown to induce durable remissions. For more advanced gastric lymphomas, treatment usually consists of anthracycline-based chemotherapy followed by involved field radiotherapy. Surgery is usually reserved for ...
Two children with cutaneous lymphoma and leukemia who were treated with total skin electron beam therapy (TSEB) are described here. Patient 1. A 7-year-old boy was admitted because of a mass over the bilateral parotis and anemia. The white blood cell count on admission was 5,000/ul. Bone marrow examination revealed 70 per cent monoblasts (M5a type by FAB classification). Complete remission was obtained following the regimen of daunomycin, cytosine arabinoside, 6-mercaptopurine and prednisolone. He was again admitted because of a skin nodule on the left thigh 19 months after initial diagnosis. A biopsy of the skin nodule demonstrated monoblastic infiltration. He received 20 Grays (Gy) to the left thigh and this led to resolution of the skin nodule. At that time, other skin nodules appeared on the right upper and lower extremities. He was treated with TSEB. Daily doses of 1 Gy were given twice a week with a 4 MeV electron beam and a total dose of 10 Gy was ...
PURPOSE: To determine the frequency of ophthalmic abnormalities in patients with cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (mycosis fungoides and Sézary syndrome) and T-cell lymphoma involving the skin and...Full Text Available
Sixteen patients with advanced cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) with or without lymph node involvement, but without evidence of extranodal manifestations, were treated with a combination of total skin electron beam therapy (TSEB) and total nodal irradiation (TNI). Fourteen (87%) patients achieved a complete response (CR) lasting from 1 to 84+ months (median, 8+ months) from the completion of treatment. The best results occurred in 6 patients with pretumorous intracutaneous CTCL (Stages IB and IIA) where the CR has lasted in all patients from 8 to 84+ months (median about 27+ months). Radiotherapy was well tolerated with the major toxicity being bone marrow suppression. The authors conclude that combined TSEB and TNI is a relatively safe and effective treatment for patients with CTCL prior to the development of lymph node involvement. Long-term follow-up is needed to assess the curative potential of this treatment.
brain Printer-friendly version Email this page to a friend Share Primary lymphoma of the brain is cancer of the lymph cells that starts in the brain. Causes The cause of primary...
The purpose of this article is to review the literature for clinical presentation, treatment, outcome and complications of using radiotherapy for the treatment of orbital lymphoma. For this, MEDLINE,...Full Text Available
Anaplastic lymphoma kinase-positive, anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALK+ ALCL) is an aggressive non-Hodgkin lymphoma of T/null immunophenotype that is most prevalent in children and young adults. The...Full Text Available
Bovine leukemia virus (BLV), a retrovirus related to human T-cell leukemia virus types 1 and 2, can induce persistent nonneoplastic expansion of the CD5+B-cell population, termed...Full Text Available
Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is a common feature of AIDS. Approximately 30-40% of these tumors exhibit clinical features suggestive of endemic Burkitt lymphoma: they are aggressive malignancies that occur in association with Epstein-Barr virus infection, they arise in the setting of immunosuppression, and they carry t(8;14) translocations without detectable rearrangement of the MYC oncogene. To understand the molecular basis of these parallels, the authors analyzed a case of Epstein-Barr-positive AIDS-associated undifferentiated lymphoma. Southern blots show that the tumor exhibits immunoglobulin joining segment rearrangement but no rearrangement of the MYC oncogene. Cloning of the rearranged joining segment allowed the isolation of recombinant clones encompassing the translocation breakpoint, and sequencing of the translocation junction disclosed that the breakpoint is situated 7 base pairs from the chromosome 14 site involved in ...
Despite the demonstrated clinical efficacy of CD20 monoclonal antibody (mAb) for lymphoma therapy, the in vivo mechanisms of tumor depletion remain controversial and variable. To identify the molecular...Full Text Available
The AKR mouse strain is characterized by a high incidence of spontaneous thymic lymphoma that appears in older animals (greater than 6 months of age) and is associated with novel provirus integrations...Full Text Available
DNA from the peripheral blood mononuclear cells of 17 different individuals infected with human T-cell lymphoma/leukemia virus type II (HTLV-II) was successfully amplified by the polymerase chain reaction...Full Text Available
Interleukin 2 (IL-2) and B-cell growth factors I and II (BCGF I and BCGF II) are lymphokines produced by T cells that play a major role in T- and B-cell cooperation. Peripheral blood lymphocytes from...Full Text Available
Abstract In this brief report, we have described the fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) of a hepatosplenic T-cell lymphoma (HSTCL) in a 60-year-old female patient. The patient complained of fever and heaviness of left upper abdomen. Ultrasound-guided FNAC of the spleen showed immature lymphoid cells, and a diagnosis of primary non-Hodgkin lymphoma of spleen was offered. Subsequently, the patient underwent splenectomy and wedge biopsy of liver that confirmed the cytological diagnosis. The lymphoma cells were positive for CD3 immunostain. Primary hepatosplenic T-cell lymphoma is a rare entity and may often pose diagnostic problems on FNAC. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2010. 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
BACKGROUND: Immune suppressant medications such as thiopurines and anti-tumor necrosis factor agents are important for maintaining disease control in most patients with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs); however, their use has been associated with the development of malignant lymphoma. The purpose of this Dutch nationwide study was to estimate the relative risk of malignant lymphoma in IBD patients. METHODS: IBD patients who developed a lymphoma between 1997 and 2004 were identified using the Dutch National Database of PALGA. Data from confirmed cases were collected from individual hospitals, including data on Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). The age-adjusted 8-year incidence of malignant lymphoma in the Netherlands was retrieved from the Central Bureau of Statistics. RESULTS: Forty-two hospitals were visited and 285 matches evaluated in the total cohort of 17,834 IBD patients. Forty-four ...
This paper describes attempts to isolate and characterize glycosaminoglycan (GAG)-binding molecules on the surface of lymphocytes and lymphoma cell lines and relate their expression to splenic and lymph...Full Text Available
Flow cytometry (FCM) is widely used in health research and in treatment for a variety of tasks, such as in the diagnosis and monitoring of leukemia and lymphoma patients, providing the counts of helper-T...Full Text Available
Age-related alterations in the cellular composition of the B lineage are a major cause of the poor antibody response to vaccination and to infectious agents among the elderly population. The mechanisms...Full Text Available
Although human T-cell lymphotropic virus type I (HTLV-I) is the etiologic agent of adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATL), the role of viral gene expression in the progression to and maintenance of the...Full Text Available
The most common cutaneous T-cell lymphomas (CTCLs) – mycosis fungoides (MF) and Sézary Syndrome – are characterised by the presence of clonally expanded, skin-homing helper-memory...Full Text Available
Two cellular DNA regions representing common domains for proviral DNA integration ( Mlvi -1 and Mlvi -2) have been identified in Moloney murine leukemia virus-induced rat thymic lymphomas. Cellular...Full Text Available
BackgroundAberrant CD40 ligand (CD154) expression occurs on both T cells and Bcells in human lupus patients, which is suggested to enhance Bcell CD40 signaling and play a role...Full Text Available
Intrathecal _1_9_8Au colloid and methotrexate were administered to 27 children (between 1972 and 1981) with non-lymphatic leukaemia, 21 with non-Hodgkin lymphoma and two with Ewing's sarcoma to prevent CNS involvement. In one boy with non-lymphatic leukaemia a stable remission after a three-year period of cytostatic treatment ended with isolated CNS involvement. No isolated CNS recurrence occurred in children with non-Hodgkin lymphoma receiving regular radiogold administration. Combined iris and CNS recurrence occurred in one child with non-Hodkin lymphoma. Eleven of 21 children with non-Hodgkin lymphoma have been in complete initial remission for 4-39 months without cytostatic treatment. Late cerebral complications have not been observed after _1_9_8Au colloid and methotrexate. (orig.).
CT findings were compared retrospectively between 9 cases with malignant lymphoma of the anterior mediastinum and 8 cases with invasive thymoma. CT findings of malignant lymphoma were as follows: (1) The majority of the tumors were bilateral and extended beyond the anterior mediastinum to the other mediastinum compartments. (2) Their margin was either smooth or lobulated. (3) Their density was either homogeneous or heterogeneous. In the case with heterogeneous density, ring, triangle and/or band-like low density areas, just like interspace of fused lymph nodes, were demonstrated. Calcification or cysts could not be shown. (4) Patent inherent vessels without deviation were occasionally demonstrated running through the tumors. (5) The tumors faced and contacted widely to anterior chest wall and often pressed the lung laterally at the anterior parietomediastinal pleural reflection. (6) Pleural implants were not demonstrated. (author).
Purpose: Patients with mycosis fungoides [cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL)] may benefit from adjuvant therapy after completing total skin electron beam therapy (TSEBT). We report the results for (T1(T2)) CTCL patients treated with adjuvant oral psoralen plus ultraviolet light (PUVA) with respect to overall survival (OS), disease-free survival (DFS), salvage of recurrence, and toxicity. Methods and Materials: Between 1974 and 1993, TSEBT was administered to a total of 213 patients with CTCL. Records were reviewed retrospectively, and a total of 114 patients were identified as having T1 or T2 disease. Radiotherapy was provided via a 6-MeV linac to a total of 36 Gy, 1 Gy/day, 4 days/week, for 9 weeks. Beginning in 1988, patients were offered adjuvant PUVA within 2 months of completing TSEBT. This was started at 0.5-2 J/m"2, 1-2 treatments/week, with a taper over 3-6 months. Therapy then continued once per month. There were 39 T1 and 75 T2 patients. Six T1 (15%) and ...
BackgroundAKXD recombinant inbred strains of mice have proven to be very useful in the identification of potential oncogenes and tumor suppressors involved in the development of...Full Text Available
Mouse models have dramatically improved our understanding of cancer development and tumor biology. However, these models have shown limited efficacy as tractable systems for unbiased genetic...Full Text Available
Understanding the interactions between herpesviruses and their host cells and also the interactions between neoplastically transformed cells and the host immune system is fundamental to understanding...Full Text Available
BackgroundCyclooxygenase (cox) is the rate-limiting enzyme, which catalyzes the conversion of arachidonic acid into prostaglandins and contributes to the inflammatory process. Cyclooxygenase-2...Full Text Available
Forty-one cases of mediastinal tumor examined by computed tomography were reviewed. CT findings of the mediastinal malignancy were as follows: 1) inhomogeneous density on contrast CT, 2) equivocaton of fat plane surrounding the tumor, 3) irregular margin. Benign teratoma had smooth margin and included fat or calcification density. Mediastinal seminoma was observed as a lobulated mass with no calcification on CT. These findings were similar to the patterns of malignant thymoma or lymphoma. Consequently, it was very difficult to differentiate between malignant thymoma and malignant lymphoma by CT. According to our data, malignant thymoma tended to expand to only one side of the anterior mediastinum and to invade the anterior chest wall. On the other hand, malignant lymphoma of anterior medistinal type expanded into the trachea and the superior vena cava. In patients with sarcoidosis, the enlargement of bilateral hilar lymph ...
OBJECTIVE--To determine whether the seeming excess of childhood leukaemia and lymphoma identified in Seascale, Cumbria, UK, remains unusual when put into a wider context. DESIGN--Analysis of cancer...Full Text Available
We studied telomeric DNA in leukemic cells as well as in normal T cells, Bcells, monocytes, polymorphonuclear leukocytes, and bone marrow hematopoietic progenitor cells. No marked differences were...Full Text Available
BackgroundCalcium signaling plays an important role in B lymphocyte survival and activation, and is critically dependent on the inositol-1,4,5-tris-phosphate-induced...Full Text Available
Epigenetic remodeling is a hallmark of cancer, with the frequent acquisition of de novo DNA methylation in CpG islands. However, the functional relevance of de novo...Full Text Available
Rodent models have been extensively utilized to identify putative human immunotoxicants; however, even when immunotoxicity is established, uncertainty remains whether the effects are predictive of human...Full Text Available
We presented data showing that the CART-19 cells expressing the 4-1BB signaling domain can have unprecedented and massive in-vivo expansion, traffic to tumor sites, persist long term in vivo, and induce...Full Text Available
Total skin electron beam therapy (TSEB) was used in the treatment of 33 patients with lymphoma and 13 patients with leukemia involving extensive segments of the skin surface. Twenty-two of 23 had lesions as a primary manifestation of lymphoma (primary cutaneous lymphoma-PCL) and 11 developed cutaneous lesions following disseminated nodal lymphoma (secondary cutaneous lymphoma-SCL). A once weekly fractionation scheme was employed to irradiate the entire skin surface with 3.5 to 4 MeV electron beam from a 6 MeV linear accelerator. During each weekly session, 400 rad were delivered to the entire skin and a complete course consisted of 4-6 consecutive weekly sessions. The majority of patients have been previously treated elsewhere for various periods and all patients have been at risk for a median of 12 months, range from 12-117 months following TSEB. Striking predominance of the ...
Abstract Herpesvirus saimiri (HVS) causes acute lymphoma and leukemia upon experimental infection of various monkey species. HVS strain C488 is also capable of transforming human T-lymphocytes to stable growth in culture. The most susceptible species for oncogenesis are New World primates, in particular the cottontop tamarin (Saguinus oedipus). However, Old World monkeys such as macaques are the most used animal model for the close-to-human situation. The limited data on HVS infection in Old World monkeys prompted us to investigate susceptibility to infection and disease induction by HVS in macaques. After having established that rhesus macaques can be infected productively, and that rhesus T-cells can be transformed in vivo by HVS, we observed induction of lymphoma in all inoculated anima...
Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) content is increased in many types of tumor cells. We have investigated the mechanism by which resveratrol, a stilbene that is pro-apoptotic in many tumor cell lines, causes apoptosis in human head and neck squamous cell carcinoma UMSCC-22Bcells by a mechanism involving cellular COX-2. UMSCC-22Bcells treated with resveratrol for 24 h, with or without selected inhibitors, were examined: (1) for the presence of nuclear activated ERK1/2, p53 and COX-2, (2) for evidence of apoptosis, and (3) by chromatin immunoprecipitation to demonstrate p53 binding to the p21 promoter. Stilbene-induced apoptosis was concentration-dependent, and associated with ERK1/2 activation, serine-15 p53 phosphorylation and nuclear accumulation of these proteins. These effects were blocked by ...
Chronic HTLV-I (human T cell lymphotropic virus type I) infection may cause adult T cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATL), a disease with dismal long-term prognosis. The HTLV-I transactivator, Tax, initiates...Full Text Available
Despite intensive efforts, the intracellular signaling pathways that mediate apoptosis remain unclear. The human B lymphoma cell line, B104, possesses characteristics that make it an attractive model...Full Text Available
Authors describe diagnostic dilemma of differentiating pyelonephritis with lymphomatous involvement of kidney in a known case of lymphoma. FDG uptake pattern was non-discriminatory and pyelonephritis diagnosed retrospectively on follow up study. Authors emphasize the importance of recognition of features and subtle clues of infection evident on CT component of PET-CT. (author)
Human T cell leukemia/lymphoma virus Type 1 and 2 (HTLV-1 and HTLV-2), together with their simian counterparts (STLV-1, STLV-2), belong to the Primate T lymphotropic viruses group (PTLV). The high percentage...Full Text Available
Summary20 years ago, in 1987, Edelson and co-workers published their first report on the effectiveness of a new procedure, called extracorporeal photochemotherapy (ECP), in patients...Full Text Available
Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma is typically a clonal neoplasm of epidermotropic CD4+ T-lymphocytes that includes the entity mycosis fungoides (MF). After identification of patients with recurrent MF treated...Full Text Available
Human T-cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1) is the etiologic agent of adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATLL), HTLV-1-associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP), and other diseases....Full Text Available
Protein tyrosine phosphatase nonreceptor type 22 (PTPN22) gene polymorphisms are associated with many autoimmune diseases. The major risk allele encodes an R620W amino acid change that...Full Text Available
The Epstein-Barr virus protein, LMP1, is a functional mimic of the cellular receptor CD40, but signals to B lymphocytes in an amplified and sustained manner compared to CD40. LMP1 contributes...Full Text Available
Cell death in general can be a physiological process of cell number regulation in tissue, or it can be the result of exo or endogenous injuries, such a low-dose of radiation. Chicken Bcell population in the bursa of Fabricius are very susceptible to PCD. Our present studies concern the development of radiation damage of chicken defence mechanisms. In 6 experiments pathogen free chicken were irradiated by gamma rays with the total doses of 0.25, 0.5, 1.0, 2.0 and 4.0 Gy. The induction of apoptosis was checked by Flow-cyto-meter 12 h after irradiation in bursa cell suspension. There is some increase in the number of induced apoptotic cells 12 h after irradiation at the dose 0.5-.4.0 Gy. There were no significant changes in the proportion of proliferating lymphocytes (G2 M), but cellularity decreased significantly at dose 2.0 and 4.0 Gy/12 h after irradiation. (author)
Primary malignant lymphoma of the brain is a disease of unknown etiology, which is increasing in incidence and has an unfavorable prognosis. Despite the lack of specific changes on CT or MRI in most cases, these procedures may typically facilitate the diagnosis: A focal-enhancing mass with subependymal spread on CT or MRI and hyperattenuation on nonenhanced CT are the most reliable features in the diagnosis of primary malignant lymphoma of the brain. Peritumoral edema and mass effect are usually not prominent features. On unenhanced CT scans they usually appear homogeneously isodense to mildly hyperdense relative to the gray matter. On MRI these tumors are slightly hypointense on T1-weighted images and slightly hpyerintense on PD- and T2-weighted images relative to the gray matter. On CT and MRI enhancement is usually homogeneous. Contrast-enhanced MRI, with its multiplanar capability, lack of bone-induced artifacts, and high-contrast ...
Comparison of dosimetry measured in a noncylindrical Rando-Alderson phantom by two-field, four-field, and six-field total-skin electron-beam therapy (TSEBT) techniques with our dual-field rotational (DFR) technique reveals a superior dosimetry for the latter. Our technique of dual-field rotational DFR-TSEBT is described in detail, and its advantages and indications for the primary management of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) and Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) are discussed.
Authors retrospectively analyzed the CT findings of mediastinal lesions in surgically or clinically confirmed 37 cases at Kosin Medical College during recent 4 years from September 1979 to August 1983. 1. Among 37 caes, malignant lymphoma were 7 cases, thymoma and vascular lesion or anomaly were 5 cases respectively, benign teratoma and tuberculous mediastinal lymphadenitis and neurogenic tumor were 4 cases respectively, pericardial cyst were 2 cases, bronchogenic cyst, non-specific cyst, pancreatic pseudocyst, mesothelioma, Bochdalek hernia was 1 case respectively. 2. The sex ratio between male and female was about 1 : 1 and the majority of the patients with malignant lymphoma and teratoma was under 20 years old. 3. CT findings of the each mediastinal lesion. 1) Primary mediastinal malignant lymphoma. (1) A large, matted, continuous and midline-crossing mass was observed in the superior and the anterior mediastinums in all ...
In an extended case report, we discuss four cases with masses in the lacrimal fossa representing the most important entities in this region (lymphoma, pleomorphadenoma, inflammatory pseudotumor, and malignant epithelial tumor). The different indications for CT and MRI are explained. For the differential diagnosis of lacrimal gland lesions, the following imaging parameters are important: The shape of the lacrimal gland, the inner structure, the degree of contrast enhancement, and the surrounding bony structures. In the evaluation of the expansion of lacrimal gland lesions, CT in thin slices with multiplanar reconstructions is equal to MRI. However, the contrast-enhancement of lacrimal glands is better evaluated with MRI than with CT. The bony structures are better visualized on CT than on MRI. (orig.).
Recent improvements in cell purification and transplantation techniques have contributed to the identification of cell populations known as tumor-initiating cells (TIC). This discovery has led to the -cancer stem cell hierarchy- concept, which holds that tumors are organized as a hierarchy of malignant tissues sustained by such TIC. However, this concept remains controversial. In this review, we examine recent advances in cancer stem cell research that have been generated from studies of Philadelphia (Ph) chromosome-positive leukemia. The abnormal Ph chromosome, which arises from a translocation creating the BCR-ABL1 fusion gene, is most commonly associated with chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) and precursor Bcell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL). Examination of the pathophysiology ...
Radioimmunotherapy (RIT) is a new treatment option for patients with non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). Response to RIT currently remains difficult to predict using conventional prognostic factors and could be refined using functional imaging. The goal of this work is to evaluate the value of 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography (PET) in predicting response to Yttrium 90-labeled monoclonal antibodies for patients with NHL. Thirty-five patients with NHL who had undergone 18F-FDG PET prior to RIT with either 90Y-ibritumomab tiuxetan (group A; n=17) or 90Y-epratuzumab tetraxetan (group B; n=18) were included in this retrospective study. Four functional criteria were determined for each tumour lesion in a given patient: maximum and mean standard uptake values (SUVmax and SUVmean), functional lesion volume (LVol) and total lesion glycolysis (TLG, product of the volume and the SUVmean). For each patient, we determined highest SUVmax and SUVmean, cumulative ...
Purpose: This study presents a dosimetric optimization effort aiming to compare intensity-modulated (IM) X-rays and IM protons in 4 different orbital and paraorbital tumors. These are most challenging targets for standard radiotherapy due to their close relationship with the eyes and related structures. Methods and Materials: A primary orbital lymphoma, an optic nerve meningioma, a sphenoidal ridge meningioma protruding into the orbit, and a pediatric parameningeal paraorbital rhabdomyosarcoma were selected for the purpose of this study. Planning target volumes (PTVs) and organs at risk (OAR) were defined in each patient CT data set for each tumor site. IM X-ray and IM proton three-dimensional treatment plans were implemented. The following total tumor doses were prescribed: 30 Gy for the orbital lymphoma, 54 Gy for both meningiomas, and 50.4 Gy for the rhabdomyosarcoma case. Dose-volume histograms (DVHs) were obtained for all targets and OAR ...
The serum levels of ferritin in 394 patients, including 339 patients with various malignant tumors and 23 with various non-malignant diseases, and 32 healthy subjects were determined. The normal levels of ferritin were 82.7 +- 42.3 ng/ml for males and 42.0 +- 36.9 ng/ml for females. The positive ratio of serum ferritin level was 28% in patients with malignant tumors and 22% in patients with non-malignant diseases. The usefulness of serum ferritin assay in screening for malignant tumors appeared to be limited. High serum levels of ferritin were found in patients with malignant lymphoma (positive ratio: 42%), pulmonary cancer (38%) and esophageal cancer (37%). According to the histological types, epidermoid cancer appeared to produce a higher serum level of ferritin than adenocarcinoma in patients with pulmonary cancer. It was interesting that malignant lymphoma had a high serum level of ferritin in spite of its low serum level of CEA. Carcinoma ...
Radiation chimeras in the early phase after bone marrow transplantation are a good model to study the efficiency of the body's nonspecific defense system represented by macrophages (M phi), polymorphonuclear cells (PMN), and NK cells. These cell types are present in large numbers in spleen and liver at that time, whereas the specific immune system represented by T and Bcells is functionally deficient. We previously reported enhanced activities in vitro of M phi (and PMN) from recipient animals in an early phase after allogeneic bone marrow transfer. We here demonstrate that these activities result in enhanced spontaneous resistance against Listeria monocytogenes in vivo: CFU of L. monocytogenes in spleen and liver 48 h after infection were about 1 or 2 to 4 log steps less than in untreated control mice of donor or host haplotype. This enhanced resistance decreased over the 4-mo period after marrow transfer. Preactivated M phi were identified ...
The Thomsen-Friedenreich (T) antigen, #betta#-D-Gal-(1->3)-#alpha#-D-GalNAc, is exposed in reactive form on many human adenocarcinomata, but not on corresponding benign tissues. Peanut lectin (PNA) has a strong binding affinity for the T antigen and reportedly binds preferentially to certain malignant tissues. We investigated the potential of radio-labelled PNA as a tumour localising agent in an animal model system using a mouse lymphoma (RI) shown to bind fluorescein-labelled PNA in vitro. The radio-iodinated lectin showed good tumour localisation and rapid blood clearance. Clear images of tumours were obtained, in serial scintigraphic imaging, by 24 and 48 h. No blood background subtraction was necessary. Biodistribution studies revealed tumour to blood ratios in mice were 6:1 (at 24 h) and 17:1 (at 48 h), and tumour to muscle ratios were 34:1 (at 24 h) and 40:1 (at 48 h). Rapid in vivo breakdown of _1_2_5I-PNA led to some localisation of free iodide in the ...
Central Nervous System (CNS) involvement, whether primary by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus - HIV - itself, or secondary (toxoplasmosis or lymphoma) is remarkably frequent in AIDS, in 40 to 70% of cases, depending upon the author. In order to study the natural history of this illness, a cohort of 25 asymptomatic seropositive patients have been established. Every 6 months these patients undergo biological and clinical examinations, as well as Magnetic Resonance brain scans. After two examinations at a 6 month's interval, the first results are reported. Out of these 25 cases, 9 present anomalies: One patient with diffuse cerebral atrophy and 8 others with high signal intensity areas on T2 weighted sequences, like those of the Multiple Sclerosis. No relationship could be demonstrated between the existence of these lesions and various criteria such as age, sex, risk factors and T4 cells count. The nature of these lesions is not lear. They certainly indicate early ...
Selected derivatives of cyclophosphamide (CP) metabolites were synthesized and the solution chemistry of each was studied by "3"1P nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy under a standard set of reaction conditions at physiological pH (7.4) and temperature (37"0C). Complementary "2H and "1"3C NMR spectral data was obtained using isotopically ("2G and "1"3C) enriched CP metabolites. The CP derivatives were synthesized by the ozonolysis of substituted 3-butenyl phosphorodiamidates, and were isolated as analogues of either cis and trans 4-hydroperoxy-CP or aldophosphamide (AP). The relative ratios of the tautomeric species, 4-hydroxy-CP and AP, and their half-lives (T/sub 1/2/) were measured by "3"1P NMR spectroscopy. The influence of CP metabolites on perfused U-937 cells, a CP-sensitive human lymphoma, was observed by high resolution "3"1P NMR spectroscopy. In this manner, it was possible to measure, for the first time, a rate constant for the intracellular ...
Ewing's sarcoma is a highly malignant neoplasm of the bone whose origin is still uncertain. A strong relationship exists between Ewing's sarcoma and tumors of neural origin (Ewing family of tumors). Ewing's sarcoma must be distinguished from other round-cell tumors like lymphoma and neuroblastoma and also must be differentiated from osteogenic sarcomas. On plain radiographs, Ewing's sarcoma appears as a lytic or mixed lytic-sclerotic, rarely as predominantly sclerotic lesion with margins Lodwick grade III. It is located primarily in the diaphyseal and metadiaphyseal regions of the long bones of the lower extremities. A large soft tissue tumor is usually present. Magnetic resonance imaging is the imaging modality of choice to evaluate the extent of the primary lesion, to monitor the response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy and to follow up non-resected Ewing's sarcomas. Bone scintigraphy is necessary to detect skeletal metastasis, and "2"0"1thallium scanning has been ...
A tk{sup +/-} mouse embryonic stem (ES) cell line, designated 1G2, has been created in which one allele of the thymidine kinase (tk) gene was inactivated by targeted homologous recombination. This line is an analog of the mouse lymphoma tk{sup +/-} L5178Y cell line, which is used widely to assess the mutagenicity of chemical agents. Treatment of 1G2 cells with the alkylating agent N-ethyl-N-nitrosourea (ENU) resulted in a dose-related increase in tribluorothymidine-resistant colonies. Mutant frequencies of 152 and 296 per 10{sup 6} cells were determined for 0.1 and 0.3 mg/ml doses of ENU, compared with a spontaneous mutant frequency of 15 per 10{sup 6} cells. The data indicate that tk{sup +/-} 1G2 ES cells may be useful for the creation of a transgenic mouse model for assessing in vivo mutation using an endogenous autosomal gene. 45 refs., 2 figs., 1 tab.
Serum ferritin levels were measured in 72 normal subjects and in 214 cases with various diseases by an immunoradiometric assay. In normal subjects, the serum ferritin levels were 27-230 ng/ml. Elevated serum ferritins were observed in most cases with iron excess and acute hepatitis. Markedly elevated levels were found in the majority of cases with acute leukemia, malignant lymphoma, hepatoma, and pancreatic cancer. High ferritin levels were also found in other malignant diseases. However, the range overlapped broadly with that of nonmalignant diseases. The serum ferritin correlated significantly with serum iron in normals and in those with iron deficiency anemia. In most nonmalignant cases, the serum ferritin and iron levels distributed on a regression line obtained from levels in normals and those with iron deficiency anemia. However, 92% of the malignant cases showed a serum ferritin to iron ratio higher than that of normal subjects. The estimation of the serum ...
The authors describe the application of an approximate fuzzy C-means (AFCM) clustering algorithm as a data dimension reduction approach to medical magnetic resonance images (MRI). Image data consisted of one T1-weighted, two T2-weighted, and one T2*-weighted (magnetic susceptibility) image for each cranial study and a matrix of 10 images generated from 10 combinations of TE and TR for each body lymphoma study. All images were obtained with a 1.5 Tesla imaging system (GE Signa). Analyses were performed on over 100 MR image sets with a variety of pathologies. The cluster analysis was operated in an unsupervised mode and computational overhead was minimized by utilizing a table look-up approach without adversely affecting accuracy. Image data were first segmented into 2 coarse clusters, each of which was then subdivided into 16 fine clusters. The final tissue classifications were presented as color-coded anatomically-mapped images and as two and three dimensional ...
Electron beam therapy of lesions such as cutaneous metastatic carcinoma and reticulum cell sarcoma is performed via multiple portals for a wide irradiation field. However, the dose distribution in border areas is generally uneven, resulting in hot and cold dose areas depending on the intervals of the portals. We performed electron irradiation by the pendulum technique, especially on curved areas, and evaluated the technique in various respects. Pendulum electron beam irradiation is indicated when the length of the cone must be reduced in order to deliver the target volume near the skin surface as well as to avoid the occurrence of hot spots deep in the body. We prepared a 15cm rotating cone by cutting a 30cm fixed irradiation cone. The modification posed no disadvantages in terms of extent and flatness of the beam, or stability during rotation. After determining the relationship between the rotation speed and the dose, the technique was successfully applied to a patient with adult ...
The aim of this pilot study was to evaluate the feasibility of long-term subcutaneous application of low-dose IL-2 in children with malignancies at very high risk of relapse who underwent highly T cell and Bcell depleted HLA-identical (MUD) or full haplotype mismatched related hematopoetic stem cell transplantation. We studied 11 patients with acute leukemias/myelodysplastic syndrome and juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia (active disease and/or second stem cell transplantation, n = 8; >=CR 2, n = 2) and relapsed or progressive Ewings sarcoma (n = 2) who received prophylactic IL-2 treatment for a high probability of disease recurrence after allo-HSCT. Toxicities from IL-2 were transient fever, fatigue and local inflammation. In one patient GvHD grade III with no clear association to IL-2 adm...
ObjectivesTo describe the prospects, achievements, challenges and opportunities for implementing intermittent preventive treatment for malaria in pregnancy (IPTp) in Tanzania in...Full Text Available
This study compared the effectiveness of collaborative group composition and instructional method on reasoning gains and achievement in college biology. Based on initial student reasoning ability (i.e.,...Full Text Available
BackgroundAchieving sustainable economic and social growth through advances in health is crucial in Latin America within the framework of the United Nations Millennium Development...Full Text Available
High quality "3"1P MR spectra (signal to noise ratio (S/N) approximately 18, 15 min acquisition for each spectrum) were consistently obtained with surface coils over a period of 6-week RT. Both transient and steady state alterations in metabolites in response to RT were found in this case. The transient changes occurred during the first 3 hr immediately after the 3rd fractionated RT, these changes include the transient elevation of the PCr resonance, a decrease in PDE and an increase in intracellular pH. The monitoring showed that the metabolites approached steady state approximately 2 hr after the fractionated radiation intervention, suggesting that in vivo MRS can be useful for studying the dynamics of tumor response to RT such as repair of potential lethal damage, growth delay, and reoxygenation etc. The steady-state MR spectra showed the net response to each intervention and can clinically be useful for predicting and measuring the result of the fractionated RT. In this case study, ...
Retroviruses are well known pathogens of mammals, birds and fish. Their potential to induce cancer in chickens was already described almost 100 years ago and murine retroviruses have been a subject of study for 50 years. The first human retroviruses, HTLV and HIV, were discovered more than 30 years ago, surprising researchers and physicians by the profound differences in the diseases they cause. HTLV-1 is able to induce, after decades of infection, lymphomas/leukemia or neuroimmune disorders whereas untreated HIV infection leads almost inevitably to AIDS. The recently described XMRV (xenotropic murine leukemia virus-related virus) appeared to possess many of the features known for HTLV and was regarded by some to be the third human retrovirus. However, recent publications by Knox et al. [1] and Paprotka et al. [2] have shed new light on this gammaretrovirus. Knox and colleagues clearly demonstrate that XMRV is absent in patients belonging to a chronic fatigue ...
In an extended case report, we discuss four cases with masses in the lacrimal fossa representing the most important entities in this region (lymphoma, pleomorphadenoma, inflammatory pseudotumor, and malignant epithelial tumor). The different indications for CT and MRI are explained. For the differential diagnosis of lacrimal gland lesions, the following imaging parameters are important: The shape of the lacrimal gland, the inner structure, the degree of contrast enhancement, and the surrounding bony structures. In the evaluation of the expansion of lacrimal gland lesions, CT in thin slices with multiplanar reconstructions is equal to MRI. However, the contrast-enhancement of lacrimal glands is better evaluated with MRI than with CT. The bony structures are better visualized on CT than on MRI. (orig.) [Deutsch] In einem erweiterten Fallbericht wird ueber die vier grossen Entitaeten bei Traenendruesenraumforderungen berichtet (Lymphom, pleomorphes Adenom, ...
We present a sample preparation method for measuring magnesium in individual whole lymphocytes by electron probe X-ray microanalysis. We use Burkitt's lymphoma cells in culture as the test sample and compare X-ray microanalysis of individual cells with atomic absorption analysis of pooled cell populations. We determine the magnesium peak-to-local continuum X-ray intensity ratio by electron probe X-ray microanalysis and calculate a mean cell magnesium concentration of 39 +/- 19 mmol/kg dry weight from analysis of 100 cells. We determine a mean cell magnesium concentration of 34 +/- 4 mmol/kg dry weight by atomic absorption analysis of pooled cells in three cell cultures. The mean cell magnesium concentrations determined by the two methods are not significantly different. We find a 10% coefficient of variation for both methods of analysis and a 30% coefficient of variation in magnesium concentration among individual cells by electron probe X-ray microanalysis. We ...
We present a sample preparation method for measuring magnesium in individual whole lymphocytes by electron probe X-ray microanalysis. We use Burkitt's lymphoma cells in culture as the test sample and compare X-ray microanalysis of individual cells with atomic absorption analysis of pooled cell populations. We determine the magnesium peak-to-local continuum X-ray intensity ratio by electron probe X-ray microanalysis and calculate a mean cell magnesium concentration of 39 +- 19 mmol/kg dry weight from analysis of 100 cells. We determine a mean cell magnesium concentration of 34 +- 4 mmol/kg dry weight by atomic absorption analysis of pooled cells in three cell cultures. The mean cell magnesium concentrations determined by the two methods are not significantly different. We find a 10% coefficient of variation for both methods of analysis and a 30% coefficient of variation in magnesium concentration among individual cells by electron probe X-ray microanalysis. ...
Interleukin 2 (IL-2) is a T-cell-derived lymphokine critical in the activation and proliferation of T cells, Bcells, and lymphokine-activated killer cells. It is a glycoprotein of #approx#15,500 daltons that is synthesized and secreted after activation by antigen or mitogen. By using the analogs 8-azidoadensoine 5'-[#gamma#-"3"2P]triphosphate ([#gamma#-"3"2P]8N_3ATP) and nicotinamide 2-azidoadenine [adenylate-"3"2P]dinucleotide ([#alpha#-"3"2P]2N_3NAD"+) as photoaffinity probes, the authors have detected specific, metal ion-requiring nucleotide binding sites on recombinant human IL-2 (rhIL-2). The specificity of these nucleotide interactions with rhIL-2 was demonstrated by saturation effects and by competition by the parent nucleotides at physiologically relevant concentrations. Saturation of photoinsertion into rhIL-2 occurred at 50 #mu#M [#gamma#-"3"2P]8N_3ATP. Saturation of photoinsertion with [#alpha#-"3"2P]2N_3NAD"+ was observed at 180 ...
The existence of stem cells committed to the T lymphoid lineage was deduced from studying how rat T and B stem cells differ in their expression of membrane W3/13 antigen and in their susceptibility in vivo to gamma irradiation. Stem cell activity of rat bone marrow and fetal liver was measured in long-term radiation chimeras using B and T cell alloantigenic surface markers to identify the progeny of donor cells. Monoclonal mouse anti-rat thymocyte antibody W3/13 labeled approximately 40% of fetal liver cells and 60-70% of young rat bone marrow cells (40% brightly, 25% dimly). Bright, dim, and negative cells were separated on a fluorescence-activated cell sorter. All B and T lymphoid stem cells in fetal liver were W3/13 bright, as were B lymphoid stem cells in bone marrow. W3/13 dim bone marrow had over half the T cell repopulating activity of unseparated marrow but gave virtually no Bcell repopulation. In further experiments, the ...
The DNA sequence motif ATTTGCAT (octamer) or its inverse complement has been identified as an evolutionarily conserved element in the promoter region of immunoglobulin genes. Two major DNA-binding proteins that bind in a sequence-specific manner to the octamer DNA sequence have been identified in mammalian species--a ubiquitously expressed protein (Oct-1) and a lymphoid-specific protein (Oct-2). During characterization of the promoter region of the chicken immunoglobulin light chain gene, the authors identified two homologous octamer-binding proteins in chicken Bcells. when the cloning of the human gene for Oct-2 revealed it to be a member of a distinct family of homeobox genes, they sought to determine if the human Oct-2 cDNA could be used to identify homologous chicken homeobox genes. Using a human Oct-2 homeobox-specific DNA probe, they were able to identify 6-10 homeobox-containing genes in the chicken genome, demonstrating that the ...
ObjectiveTo achieve osteochondral regeneration utilizing transplantation of cartilage-lineage cells and adequate scaffolds, it is essential to characterize the behavior of transplanted...Full Text Available
During an outbreak of Flavobacterium meningosepticum septicaemia in a neonatal intensive care unit 9 infants were treated with intravenous trimethoprim sulphamethoxazole. Bacteriological cure was achieved...Full Text Available
Achievement of transposon mediated germline transgenesis in a basal chordate, Ciona intestinalis, is discussed. A Tc1/mariner superfamily transposon,...Full Text Available
Recent achievements and tendency on reactor physics activities in Japan are reviewed according to topics published in journals or discussed at the Japan Research Committee on Reactor Physics.
of Earth Science data and information management capabilities. Dale Schulz/400 . For your exceptional achievement in leading the joint LaRC/GSFC team in ...
Monitoring describes the prospective supervision, observation, and testing of an ongoing process. The result of monitoring provides reassurance that the goal has been or will be achieved, or suggests...Full Text Available
Modern advances in the concept and the techniques of megavoltage radiation therapy have revolutionized the treatment of medulloblastoma. Five-year survivals of 50 to 70 percent are achieved by craniospinalaxis...Full Text Available
This paper reviews evidence for deficits in goal regulation in bipolar disorder. A series of authors have described mania as related to higher accomplishment, elevated achievement motivation,...Full Text Available
Despite the existence of effective analgesic drugs, many cancer patients live and die with ineffective pain control. The control of cancer pain is largely achievable with the appropriate use of available...Full Text Available
This is a presentation on Human Factors in reactor operations. It discusses issues that deal with power plant operations, training and design, operational effectiveness and safety, supporting people to achieve effective and error free performance.
was deemed adequate and a cooling system designed utilizing the Melcor CP2-15- 10B thermoelectric module. Wall temperature achieved with this system was - 36 ...
... education. It has fostered development of materials and techniques with the success of all, rather ... with Foundation staff to produce exemplary materials and models to help the nation attain its ...
... teaching and learning; Creating learning materials and teaching strategies; Developing faculty ... achieve educational innovations. Educational Materials Development (EMD): A project under the former ...
Training of health professionals commonly involves multiple sites in order to best utilize the available clinical material. However, this makes it difficult to achieve continuity in the presentation...Full Text Available
but one test point on the flight cards was achieved before we hit our "bingo," or minimal fuel remaining, and we had to land. The radar was developed by NASA's Jet Propulsion...
Purpose: Patients with ataxia-telangiectasia (A-T) show greatly increased radiation sensitivity and cancer predisposition. Family studies imply that the otherwise clinically silent heterozygotes of this autosomal recessive disease run a 3.5 to 3.8 higher risk of developing cancer. In vitro studies suggest moderately increased cellular radiation sensitivity of A-T carriers. They may also show elevated clinical radiosensitivity. We retrospectively examined patients who presented with severe adverse reactions during or after standard radiation treatment for mutations in the gene responsible for A-T, ATM, considering a potential means of future identification of radiosensitive individuals prospectively to adjust dosage schedules. Material and Methods: We selected 20 cancer patients (breast, 11; rectum, 2; ENT, 2; bladder, 1; prostate, 1; anus, 1; astrocytoma, 1; Hodgkins lymphoma, 1) with Grade 3 to 4 (RTOG) acute and/or late tissue radiation side effects by reaction ...
We investigate theoretically subwavelength imaging by acoustic metamaterial slabs immersed in the liquid matrix. A near-field subwavelength image formed by evanescent waves is achieved by a designed metamaterial slab with negative mass density and positive modulus. A subwavelength real image is achieved by a designed metamaterial slab with simultaneously negative mass density and modulus. These results are expected to shed some lights on designing novel devices of acoustic metamaterials.
Radionuclide (R) sorption from a solution (vapor) by freshly formed crystals with production of substitution solid solutions under different types of self-disordering is studied. Changes of self-defectiveness and macrodefectiveness with time and effect of radiation defects in the presence of P macroquantities are taken into account. An analysis for monodispersed sorbents is performed. It is shown that the achievement of equilibrium within a reasonable time in impurity-solid phase system depends on defectiveness which ensures a required level of the coefficient of impurity diffusion in sorbent crystals.
We present a field-portable lensfree tomographic microscope, which can achieve sectional imaging of a large volume (?20 mm(3)) on a chip with an axial resolution of Hymenolepis nana egg, which is an infectious parasitic flatworm. Achieving a decent three-dimensional spatial resolution, this field-portable on-chip optical tomographic microscope might provide a useful toolset for telemedicine and high-throughput imaging applications in resource-poor settings. PMID:21573311
Achieving device independence for software applications is required for all but a small number of critical real time applications. Device independence is achieved by establishing protocols and building protocol interpreters for the specific devices. Data structures containing pointers to functions provide a flexible architecture for implementing protocol translation. 3 refs., 5 figs.
BACKGROUND:Despite an increasing body of evidence on the benefit of lowering elevated levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), there is still considerable concern that...Full Text Available
The Joint Convention on the Safety of Spent Fuel management and on the Safety of Radioactive Waste Management is the first legal instrument to directly address the safety of spent fuel and radioactive waste management on a global scale. The Joint Convention entered into force in 2001. This paper describes its process and its main achievements to date. The perspectives to establish of a Global Waste Safety Regime based on the Joint Convention are also discussed. (authors)
Quality of education is a determining factor in a nation's competitiveness. Although Mexico has made tremendous progress toward achieving universal basic education, school quality has not kept pace with enrollment increases, especially in rural areas. Innovations at the federal and state levels to raise the quality of basic education in Mexico include decentralizing the education system, thereby giving the states more control over education, and creating the Carrera Magisterial, a program of incentives and professional development for teachers. The first part of this paper shows that early in their professional lives, teachers in basic public schools are better paid than other comparable groups. The second part of the paper analyzes determinants of student achievement. Findings show that short-term teacher posts had a negative impact on learning achievement. Pedagogical efforts and teacher answers to student questions were ...
A method for preparing metal for heating by infrared radiance to enable uniform and consistent heating. The surface of one or more metal parts, such as aluminum or aluminum alloy parts, is treated to alter the surface finish to affect the reflectivity of the surface. The surface reflectivity is evaluated, such as by taking measurements at one or more points on the surface, to determine if a desired reflectivity has been achieved. The treating and measuring are performed until the measuring indicates that the desired reflectivity has been achieved. Once the treating has altered the surface finish to achieve the desired reflectivity, the metal part may then be exposed to infrared radiance to heat the metal part to a desired temperature, and that heating will be substantially consistent throughout by virtue of the desired reflectivity.
A flowing carbon dioxide laser was operated at low pressures up to 4 torr. Excitation of the laser was provided using various combinations of direct current (DC), pulsed microwave, and continuous wave (CW) microwave excitation. The microwaves were in the 2.45 GHz band and were coupled into the gas using a slow-wave interdigital transmission line. Laser output of 25 milliwatts (mw) was achieved using a DC discharge only. A combination of a DC discharge and pulsed microwaves doubled the output and resulted in some modulation. Changing the laser gas mixture and pulsed microwave field characteristics allowed some flexibility in the modulation. Lasing was not achieved with excitation from the CW microwaves alone due to the formation of localized discharges. Using pulsed microwaves to sustain the discharge and CW microwaves to pump the laser, a quasi-CW output of 55 mw was achieved.
A novel method to control the mixed-mode bending (MMB) specimen is presented. By maintaining a constant opening, or Mode 1, displacement rate, stable delamination growth is achieved for all mixed-mode ratios. A constant-opening displacement rate is achieved by attaching a second displacement transducer to the hinges of the specimen. The test machine is then controlled externally by the second displacement transducer. By achieving stable delamination growth and monitoring the opening displacement, an experimental compliance calibration may be derived for the Modes 1 and 2 parts. This new approach to control the test and determine the experimental compliance calibration, overcomes the potential inaccuracies of the previously used beam theory expressions to determine compliance and to separate the modal values of G.
The work identifies the first lattice decoding solution that achieves, in the general outage-limited MIMO setting and in the high-rate and high-SNR limit, both a vanishing gap to the error-performance of the (DMT optimal) exact solution of preprocessed lattice decoding, as well as a computational complexity that is subexponential in the number of codeword bits. The proposed solution employs lattice reduction (LR)-aided regularized (lattice) sphere decoding and proper timeout policies. These performance and complexity guarantees hold for most MIMO scenarios, all reasonable fading statistics, all channel dimensions and all full-rate lattice codes. In sharp contrast to the above manageable complexity, the complexity of other standard preprocessed lattice decoding solutions is shown here to be extremely high. Specifically the work is first to quantify the complexity of these lattice (sphere) decoding solutions and to prove the surprising result that the complexity ...
Incoming solar energy had to be assimilated to sustain it. .... Roll stability was achieved with an Earth sensor mounted on the directional antenna. .... Once more a rocket becomes the means of producing a vector change in velocity. ...
period T. Also shown is the returned chirp from a specular reflector at ...... algorithms is a Brown (1977) model of the return waveform, which assumes a ...... Townsend, W.F., 1980: An initial assessment of the performance achieved by ...
A discussion is given of uranium as an energy source in The Australian economy. Figures and predictions are presented on the world supply-demand position and also figures are given on the added value that can be achieved by the processing of uranium. Conclusions are drawn about Australia's future policy with regard to uranium (R.L.).
Therapeutic embolization is defined as the voluntary occlusion of one or several vessels, and this is achieved by inserting material into the lumen to obtain transient or permanent thrombosis in the...Full Text Available
Chemoheterotrophic thermophilic bacteria were used to achieve enhanced hydrocarbon degradation during slurry-phase treatment of oily waste sludges from petroleum refinery operations. Aerobic and anaerobic bacterial cultures were examined under thermophilic conditions to assess the effects of mode of metabolism on the potential for petroleum hydrocarbon degradation. The study determined that both aerobic and anaerobic thermophilic bacteria are capable of growth on petroleum hydrocarbons. Thermophilic methanogenesis is feasible during the degradation of hydrocarbons when a strict anaerobic condition is achieved in a slurry bioreactor. Aerobic thermophilic bacteria achieved the largest apparent reduction in chemical oxygen demand, freon extractable oil, total and volatile solid,s and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) when treating oily waste sludges. The observed shift with time in the molecular weight distribution of ...
Chemoheterotrophic thermophilic bacteria were used to achieve enhanced hydrocarbon degradation during slurry-phase treatment of oily waste sludges from petroleum refinery operations. Aerobic and anaerobic bacterial cultures were examined under thermophilic conditions to assess the effects of mode of metabolism on the potential for petroleum hydrocarbon degradation. The study determined that both aerobic and anaerobic thermophilic bacteria are capable of growth on petroleum hydrocarbons. Thermophilic methanogenesis is feasible during the degradation of hydrocarbons when a strict anaerobic condition is achieved in a slurry bioreactor. Aerobic thermophilic bacteria achieved the largest apparent reduction in chemical oxygen demand, freon extractable oil, total and volatile solid,s and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) when treating oily waste sludges. The observed shift with time in the molecular weight distribution of ...
A discussion is given in a popular manner of the solar powered aircraft Solair I. The achievements of the designer are detailed, and trial runs leading up to the first successful flight are given. Technical data of Solair I are listed, and brief news items about it are presented.
Clarifies the concept of universal basic education. Highlights the need for performance criteria and ways to measure literacy attainment. Identifies issues related to improving primary education, seeing adult literacy as its necessary complement. Underscores the substantial resources required to achieve universal basic education. (CH)
If bone strength was the only requirement of skeleton, it could be achieved with bulk, but bone must also be light. During growth, bone modelling and remodelling optimize strength, by depositing bone...Full Text Available
To assess the merits of currently available treatment options in the management of patients with low rectal cancer, a review of the medical literature pertaining to the operative and non-operative management...Full Text Available
China’s methadone maintenance treatment program was initiated in 2004 as a small pilot project in just eight sites. It has since expanded into a nationwide program encompassing more than 680...Full Text Available
This report presents by state the status of awarded grants, requested grants, and the estimated time required to achieve required control of combined sewer overflow pollution. It also compares discharges of pollutants from treated municipal effluent with ...
The achievements made in the field of radiation protection over the past 20 years are outlined. Risk analysis as applied to medicine is considered and genetic significant doses, genetic risks, somatic effective doses and somatic risks are discussed. (C.F.).
The radiation method has been employed for the modification of the surface of vascular prostheses by means of acrylamide. As a result of the treatment, the tightness of the prosthesis walls was improved as well as an increase of surface hydrophilicity. Upon autoclaving, stable binding of polyacrylamide to prostheses is achieved. (author).
A scientific breakthrough at Queen's University's Sudbury Neutrino Observatory has received major international recognition. The journal Science ranked the discovery that cracked the "neutrino problem" second, in the journal's top 10 scientific achievements of 2002 (1/2 page).
Stem cells are expected to play a key role in the development and maintenance of organisms, and hold great therapeutic promises. However, a number of questions must be answered to achieve an...Full Text Available
The clotting activity of Staphylococcus aureus strain 104 was purified 46,000-fold, but absolute purity was not achieved. Carbohydrate content of the purified material was not more than 5%. Elution...Full Text Available
The ability to achieve tumor selective expression of therapeutic genes is an area that needs improvement for cancer gene therapy to be successful. One approach to address this is through the...Full Text Available
BackgroundIt is a priority to achieve an adequate nutritional status of iodine during pregnancy since iodine deficiency in this population may have repercussions on the mother during...Full Text Available
Although ultrasound arrays were exploited in photoacoustic imaging to improve imaging speed, ultrasound-array-based optical-resolution photoacoustic microscopy (OR-PAM) has never been achieved...Full Text Available
UNEP will provide in the first CPR quarterly report of 2011 the financial statements for 2010. ...for assessing and rating programme performance UNEP to work with the CPR to identify better ways of streamlining reporting requirements ...in 2011 to achieve the ratios requested by the CPR dependent on receipt of contributions originally planned for the
ER niacin combined with simvastatin provides an additional option for achieving LDL-C and non-HDL-C goals for cardiovascular prevention, with greater efficacy in those with triglyceride levels >200...Full Text Available
Long term urethral catheterisation remains an important and effective method of achieving dryness and maintaining renal function in children with congenital neuropathic bladders. Those most likely to...Full Text Available
As evidence of its effectiveness rapidly accumulates, the Lomi process has most recently been used to decontaminate the recirculation loops and the reactor water clean-up unit of a BWR at Monticello in the United States. An average decontamination factor of 23 was achieved in the recirculation loops.
Less than half of older adults with depression achieve remission with antidepressant medications, and rates of remission are even poorer for those with comorbid conditions. Psychosocial interventions...Full Text Available
Unless relaxation of the stringent response is achieved, all nongrowing bacteria rapidly develop resistance to autolysis induced by a variety of agents, including all classes of cell wall synthesis...Full Text Available
Increasing attention has been given to human monkeypox since the achievement of global smallpox eradication. Monkeypox, which was first described in Central Africa in 1970, resembles smallpox clinically...Full Text Available
Growth of Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis biovar diacetylactis was observed on media with citrate as the only energy source. At pH 5.6, steady state was achieved in...Full Text Available
Following the descovery of its transposition activity in mammalian culture systems, the Sleeping Beauty (SB) transposon has since been applied to achieve germline mutagenesis in mice....Full Text Available
In this paper, we consider a $n_t\\times n_r$ multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) channel subjected to block fading. Reliability (in terms of achieved diversity order) and rate (in number of symbols transmitted per channel use) are of interest in such channels. We propose a new precoding scheme which achieves both full diversity ($n_tn_r$th order diversity) as well as full rate ($n_t$ symbols per channel use) using partial channel state information at the transmitter (CSIT), applicable in MIMO systems including $n_rachieves full diversity and improved coding gain through an optimization over the choice of constellation sets. The optimization maximizes $d_{min}^2$ for our precoding scheme subject to an energy constraint. The scheme requires feedback of $n_t-1$ angle parameter values, compared to $2n_tn_r$ real coefficients in case of full CSIT. Error rate performance results ...
Each heartbeat requires precisely orchestrated action potential propagation through the myocardium achieved by coordination of about a million ion channels on the surface of each cardiomyocyte....Full Text Available
The Melt Vessel Interaction (MVI) project is concerned with the consequences of the interactions that a core melt, generated during a postulated severe accident in a light water reactor, may have with the pressure vessel. In particular, the issues concerned with the failure of the vessel bottom head are the focus of the research. The specific objectives of the project are to obtain data and develop validated models, which could be applied to prototypic plants, and accident conditions, for resolution of issues related to the melt vessel interactions. The project work has been performed by nine partners having varied responsibility. The work included a large number of experiments, with simulant materials, whose observations and results are employed, respectively, to understand the physical mechanisms and to develop validated models. Applications to the prototypic geometry and conditions have also been performed. This report is volume 1 of the Final Report for the Project, in which a ...
IntroductionColorectal cancer (CRC) is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths, but currently available non-invasive screening programs have achieved only...Full Text Available
The programming of cellular networks to achieve new biological functions depends on the development of genetic tools that link the presence of a molecular signal to gene-regulatory activity. Recently,...Full Text Available
BackgroundAntigen sparing and cross-protective immunity are regarded as crucial in pandemic influenza vaccine development. Both targets can be achieved by adjuvantation strategy...Full Text Available
Historically, the bulk production of electricity has been achieved by burning fossil fuels, with unavoidable gaseous emissions, including large quantities of carbon dioxide: an average-sized modern coal-burning power station is responsible for more than 10 Mt of CO{sub 2} each year. This paper details typical emissions from present-day power stations and discusses the options for their reduction. Acknowledging that the cuts achieved in the past decade in the UK CO{sub 2} emissions have been achieved largely by fuel switching, the remaining possibilities offered by this method are discussed. Switching to less-polluting fossil fuels will achieve some measure of reduction, but the basic problem of CO{sub 2} emissions continues. Of the alternatives to fossil fuels, only nuclear power represents a zero-carbon large-scale energy source. Unfortunately, public concerns over safety and radioactive waste have ...
A case of multifocal Langerhans cell histiocytosis in a two-year-old child is presented where fine needle aspiration was helpful in achieving a rapid and accurate diagnosis in an appropriate clinical...Full Text Available
The goal of community-based services for frail older patients is to help them achieve the greatest degree of functional ability and independence. The services available include case management, geriatric...Full Text Available
A balanced application of chemiosmosis to plant mitochondria is presented. Electron transport carriers are sequenced to achieve proton translocation across the inner membrane. The processes of proton translocation, use, and release are integrated to yield a description of the effective proton gradient available for metabolite transport and ATP synthesis. 27 references, 6 figures.
A nationwide survey of extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) production among Enterobacteriaceae, carried out in 2003, showed that CTX-M-type enzymes have achieved a sizeable...Full Text Available
An unexpectedly high probability of collisions between the fission particles and the atoms in an ionization chamber along the entire particle track causes a strong fluctuation of the shapes of the Bragg curves. This fluctuation imposes an upper limit of the charge resolution ..delta..Z/Z which can be achieved.
The report gives results of an examination, including mutagenic screening, of the chemical composition of residual fuel oils and their column chromatography pre-fractions. A degree of correlation between composition and mutagenicity has been achieved. Radionuclide data has been o...
Record production of heavy water was achieved: the plants at Glace Bay and Port Hawkesbury, Nova Scotia, produced a total of 560 megagrams. A shipment of 500 Mg was delivered on time to the Wolsung CANDU reactor in Korea. Energy conservation and waste hea...
Radionuclide bone metastases therapy is a major achievement of nuclear medicine. Development of less radiotoxic and more effective radiopharmaceuticals is therefore a challenge for radiopharmacists and industry. This paper reviews the application of rhenium-188 HEDP as a reactor- or generator-produced nuclide for bone metastases therapy. (author)
The main objective of Phase I of this SBIR project was to demonstrate the feasibility for successful development of an antimicrobial wound dressing based on a hydrogel sustained release matrix. This goal has been achieved. In vitro studies of drug diffusi...
Recent research at the laboratory scale by a number of organizations in different countries has shown that with the use of particular types of solvents it is possible to achieve almost complete conversion of coal to liquid products under relatively mild process conditions. This work is reviewed and the conclusions to be drawn from it are summarized.
A univibrator and a pulse height discriminator using tunnel diodes and backward diodes are described, along with their applications in pulse shaping and fast coincidence technique. The main advantages achieved are simplicity of design and speed. The characteristics of the two diodes are shown. (auth)
How learning and memory is achieved in the brain is a central question in neuroscience. Key to today’s research into information storage in the brain is the concept of synaptic plasticity, a...Full Text Available
Titanate nanotubes were hydrothermally synthesized and their adsorption performances for lead(II) ion removal were studied. The results showed that titanate nanotubes ruptured in the adsorption process resulting in two distinct adsorption stages, thus achieving a maximum adsorption capacity of 3.752mmolg^-^1 of lead(II). Furthermore, it was found that the regeneration of titanate nanotubes loaded with the lead(II) ions can be readily achieved using the saturated EDTA disodium salt aqueous solution, thereby avoiding the trouble of disposal of adsorbent. The adsorption mechanism was also discussed in detail.
Surface doping of conjugated polymers is realized by depositing a thin layer of graphene oxide (GO) on top of the polymers. The high proton density and the unique 2D structure of GO facilitate the protonic surface doping of conjugated polymers to achieve high conductivities. This finding represents a new strategy for improving charge transport across the metal/conjugated polymer interface to achieve much improved performance in organic solar cells. (Copyright copyright 2011 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH and Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Lithium orthosilicate (Li_4SiO_4) powder was synthesized by the solid-state reaction of lithium oxide with amorphous silica, and the effects of fabrication parameters on the structural characteristics of the product were investigated. Processing considerations such as milling media, drying technique, calcination time and temperature, pressing behavior, sintering time and temperatures, and impurity concentration were addressed. The initial powder particle size was observed to be important in achieving high sintered density, with densities as high as 98% TD achieved with a particle size of approximately 1 #mu#m. 9 refs., 6 figs.
This probably is a suitable moment for work to begin on an international Convention in this area, although it is a difficult task. Generally speaking, the RADWASS (Radioactive Waste Safety Standards) Programme has achieved sufficient consensus, and might serve as an important basis for work in relation to the Convention. The Convention should not go into highly technical details since consensus at this level is more difficult at the present moment, although this will undoubtedly be achieved in the medium term. An important element of the Convention should be the regulation of movements of radioactive wastes at international level. (orig./HP)
In the present paper a review of the Dutch RAS programme is presented. The objectives and achievements of the programme are described. Special attention is given to a recent assessment of the international status of P and T that has been made for the Dutch authorities. The major conclusion of this assessment is that P and T is an important instrument in the management of nuclear waste to achieve the technical limits (ALARA) with respect to radiotoxicity of the waste inventory as well as radiological effects of the disposal. The technology for P and T is, however, only partially available at present and recommendations for the directions of the RAS programme are given. (orig.).
The achievement of governmental transformation through the use of electronically delivered services is a worthy goal that requires significant planning and research to achieve. In order to reach transformational paradigm shifts in governmental operation, it will first be necessary to understand and optimize present governmental e-Service provisions. Of these, the revenue function of taxation is paramount. This paper describes factors related to the use and acceptance by accounting professionals of information technology intended to facilitate electronic tax filing systems. Though tested in the context of governmental tax management systems in Turkey, our findings on the use and acceptance of e-Tax systems are relevant and applicable to a great number of nations and contexts as the ongoing ...
A method to achieve NMR of dilute samples in the earth's magnetic field by applying para-hydrogen induced polarization is presented. Maximum achievable polarization enhancements were calculated by numerically simulating the experiment and compared to the experimental results and to the thermal equilibrium in the earth's magnetic field. Simultaneous 19F and 1H NMR detection on a sub-milliliter sample of a fluorinated alkyne at millimolar concentration (1018 nuclear spins) was realized with just one single scan. A highly resolved spectrum with a signal/noise ratio higher than 50:1 was obtained without using an auxiliary magnet or any form of radio frequency shielding.
This paper presents the main achievements of the European Home Team (EU HT) test programme of ITER primary wall small scale mock ups. It describes briefly the fabrication method of the mock ups, the test conditions and the main results obtained with high heat flux and thermal fatigue tests of Cu alloy/stainless steel and beryllium/Cu alloy/stainless steel mock ups. The results obtained so far show very good thermal fatigue performance and operation margin of the ITER primary first wall concept.
Typical receiver processing, targeting always the best achievable bit error rate performance, can result in a waste of resources, especially, when the transmission conditions are such that the best performance is orders of magnitude better than the required. In this work, a processing framework is proposed which allows adjusting the processing requirements to the transmission conditions and the required bit error rate. It applies a-posteriori probability receivers operating over multiple-input multiple-output channels. It is demonstrated that significant complexity savings can be achieved both at the soft, sphere-decoder based detector and the channel decoder with only minor modifications.
Catalytic testing of inorganic catalysts was continued with the highly active sulfate-modified zirconia catalyst prepared here. Using isobutanol as the only reactant over this catalyst, it was demonstrated that high conversion and selectivity to isobutene was achieved at 175[degrees]C. In addition, the high selectivity to isobutene, i.e. 79--86 mol%, was maintained at higher space velocities and higher temperatures. A high productivity of 11.35 mol isobutene was achieved at 225[degrees]C. Utilizing a methanol/isobutanol = 2/1 molar ratio reactant mixture over the ZrO[sub 2]/SO[sub 4][sup 2[minus
The Fast Flux Test Facility (FFTF) is a 400 MWt sodium-cooled fast reactor operated by Westinghouse Hanford Company for the US Department of Energy to conduct fuels and materials testing in support of the US Liquid Metal Fast Breeder Reactor programme. Early in 1982, the FFTF began its first 100 day irradiation cycle. Since that time the plant has operated very well, achieving a cycle capacity factor of 94 per cent in the most recent irradiation cycle. The authors describe the results achieved in the first three cycles of operation and carrying through to the fourth reactor cycle which began in January 1984. (author).
The combination of wood gasification and high temperature fuel cells like solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC) is an interesting approach to achieve high electrical efficiencies (40%) in small scale combined heat and power plants. This combination is called 'Biomass - Integrated Gasification Fuel Cell System' (B-IGFC). The main challenge is the adjustment of the three main components gasification, gas cleaning and fuel cell. In this technology, the first proof of principle by combining a gasifier with a SOFC in a laboratory scale for more than 100 hours was achieved. During this period, no deactivation of the system was found. (author)
To evaluate the effect of porosity on superplasticity behavior, it is essential to use materials of similar initial grain sizes. This can be achieved by HIPing, which provides an effective way of reducing initial porosity while avoiding appreciable grain growth; various levels of porosity can be achieved for similar grain sizes. This note is concerned with the influence of porosity on superplasticity tensile deformation of a fine grained high-purity alumina doped with copper oxide and containing a grain growth inhibitor. Specimens were prepared by slip casting to net-shape and sintering; some presintered specimens were HIPed to reduce porosity. The subsequent superplasticity behavior is related to porosity in the material.
The centroid and envelope dynamics of a high-intensity charged particle beam are investigated as a beam smoothing technique to achieve uniform illumination over a suitably chosen region of the target for applications to ion-beam-driven high energy density physics and heavy ion fusion. The motion of the beam centroid projected onto the target follows a smooth pattern to achieve the desired illumination, for improved stability properties during the beam-target interaction. The centroid dynamics is controlled by an oscillating "wobbler", a set of electrically-biased plates driven by RF voltage. __________________________________________________
All-optical envelope detection of a 5 GHz 200 Mbit/s modulated radio frequency signal is achieved using a 650 nm resonant cavity light emitting diode. Error-free transmission is achieved over a 50 m-long link of 1 mm diameter graded index polymer optical fibre (POF). The presented system has potential applications in low cost and low complexity short range wireless and wireline POF-based transmission links.
This report deals with the preliminary results of trials in the DATECA project with stage I, II and III patients with non-seminomatous germ cell tumours. Stage 1 patients were randomized between infradiaphragmatic irradiation and observation. No significant difference in recurrence rates has been observed as yet. Eighteen of 95 patients had recurrence with a median time to relapse of 3 months. Fifteen patients achieved complete remission after treatment by combination chemotherapy while 3 patients are still undergoing treatment. Stage II patients received 6 series of cis-platinum, bleomycin, and vinblastine. The patients were initially randomized to receive chemotherapy alone versus chemotherapy plus irradiation. Irradiation led to increased toxicity and decreased doses of the antineoplastic drugs. Fifty-one patients were studied. The overall complete remission rate was 89 per cent including 7 patients who achieved complete remission after ...
This report deals with the preliminary results of trials in the DATECA project with stage I, II and III patients with non-seminomatous germ cell tumours. Stage 1 patients were randomized between infradiaphragmatic irradiation and observation. No significant difference in recurrence rates has been observed as yet. Eighteen of 95 patients had recurrence with a median time to relapse of 3 months. Fifteen patients achieved complete remission after treatment by combiantion chemotherapy while 3 patients are still undergoing treatment. Stage II patients received 6 series of cis-platinum, bleomycin, and vinblastine. The patients were initially randomized to receive chemotherapy alone versus chemotherapy plus irradiation. Irradiation led to increased toxicity and decreased doses of the antineoplastic drugs. Fifty-one patients were studied. The overall complete remission rate was 89 per cent including 7 patients who achieved complete remission after ...
A preliminary investigation was conducted on ion specific membranes. This investigation concentrated on testing candidate organic compounds for transporting cesium ions through a membrane composed of the organic compound supported on a substrate. Solid PVC membranes were initially tried, but were found to be too slow. Thereafter, only liquid membranes were tested. These were faster and cesium concentration factors up to 2.96 were achieved in a single membrane cell. A cell with two membranes achieved a cesium concentration factor of 4.19. Cesium precipitation with sodium tetraphenyl borate in high sodium concentrations was explored. No interference from sodium was found until the sodium nitrite concentration reached 4.5 moles. Concurrently, cesium concentrations as high as 5.4 g/L were precipitated. Potassium tetraphenyl borate is being investigated for use in exchange columns for the removal of cesium from solutions. Initial investigations show ...
A preliminary investigation was conducted on ion specific membranes. This investigation concentrated on testing candidate organic compounds for transporting cesium ions through a membrane composed of the organic compound supported on a substrate. Solid PVC membranes were initially tried, but were found to be too slow. Thereafter, only liquid membranes were tested. These were faster and cesium concentration factors up to 2.96 were achieved in a single membrane cell. A cell with two membranes achieved a cesium concentration factor of 4.19. Cesium precipitation with sodium tetraphenyl borate in high sodium concentrations was explored. No interference from sodium was found until the sodium nitrite concentration reached 4.5 moles. Concurrently, cesium concentrations as high as 5.4 g/L were precipitated. Potassium tetraphenyl borate is being investigated for use in exchange columns for the removal of cesium from solutions. Initial investigations show ...
Power system stabilizers (PSSs) are used to enhance damping of power system oscillations through excitation control of synchronous generator. The objective of the PSS is to generate a stabilizing signal, which produces a damping torque component on the generator shaft. Conventional PSSs are designed with the phase compensation technique in the frequency domain and include the lead-lag blocks whose parameters are determined according to a linearized power system model. The performance of conventional PSSs (CPSSs) depends upon the generator operating point and the system parameters, but a reasonable level of robustness can be achieved depending on the tuning method. This paper presents a new three-dimensional PSS (3D PSS), which uses rotor speed deviation, rotor acceleration and load angle deviation as input signals. The 3D PSS attempts to return the generator to the state-space origin, based on the generator's trajectory in state-space and the ...
A series of tests has been carried out to determine the operating conditions required to remove the corrosion deposit from samples cut from Winfrith Steam Generating Heavy Water Reactor (WSGHWR) primary circuit pipework by submerged water jetting. Two types of samples were used - one set subjected to the normal annual reactor decontamination using TURCO reagents, the other set having been given a LOMI treatment in addition. Tests showed that useful decontamination factors could be achieved on both types of sample, but significantly less severe operating conditions were required to decontaminate the LOMI treated samples. A decontamination factor of 10 was achieved on TURCO treated samples at 360 Bar; only 200 Bar was required to achieve the same decontamination factor on LOMI treated samples. No metal erosion of the stainless steel substrate was found to occur at these pressures. (author).
In pursuing its mission of helping U.S. independent oil and gas producers make timely, informed technology decisions, the Petroleum Technology Transfer Council (PTTC) functions as a cohesive national organization that implements industry's directives through active regional programs. The role of the national headquarters (HQ) organization includes planning and managing the PTTC program, conducting nation-wide technology transfer activities, and implementing a comprehensive communications effort. PTTC relies on 10 Regional Lead Organizations (RLOs) as its main program delivery mechanism to industry. Through its regions, PTTC connects with independent oil and gas producers--through technology workshops, resources centers, websites, newsletters, and other outreach efforts. The organization effectively combines federal, state, and industry funding to achieve important goals for all of these sectors. This integrated funding base, combined with industry ...
The performance of the new combustor was tested. Experiments showed that this combustor has superior insulating quality than the previous one. Measured radial concentrations indicated uniform distribution of the primary fuel (coal) inside the fire tube resulting in reasonably flat concentration profiles. However, measured radial concentrations after the addition of the reburn fuel showed uneven distribution of the fuel resulting in parabolic concentration profiles, an indication of insufficient mixing in the reburn zone. In order to study mechanisms of nitrogenous species destruction in the reburn zone, it is necessary to achieve adequate mixing if the assumption of one dimensional plug flow behavior is to be valid. Thus, it became necessary to modify the injector design and the injection mode of the reburn fuel to achieve an adequate level of mixing which is the focus of this report. The results show that a minimum reburn fuel jet velocity of ...
We describe in a comprehensive fashion the Los Alamos second-generation system for passive and active neutron assays of drum-size containers. The developmental history of this 7-year project is presented with emphasis on the pulsed active neutron technique (differential dieaway), which has achieved milligram levels of assay sensitivity for both plutonium and uranium wastes. We describe in detail the matrix effects for both passive and active neutron assays. We present in a thorough fashion our novel approach to achieving comprehensive corrections for these matrix effects using measurements made during the assays. We develop a matrix correction formalism based on separate neutron absorption and moderator indices determined from these measurements. These are presented as a series of analytic functions fitted to the data. Absolute calibrations and calibration standards are discussed, as is a practical means (pink drum measurements) of ...
A method for quick, high-accuracy measurement of lithium isotopes has become necessary in carrying out research on the separation and concentration of lithium isotopes by ion exchange. The present report focuses on the application of a hollow cathode, as excitation source, to emission spectral analysis for lithium isotope measurement. The grating monochromator used incorporates a pressure scanned etalon. With decreased Doppler broadening and pressure broadening, the hollow cathode, used as excitation source, can give narrow spectral lines, permitting good separation among them. To achieve a high accuracy, the emission intensity of the hollow cathode should be maintained as stable as possible relative to time. In particular, the stability of a light source can be affected significantly by the chemical form of the sample. A study is also made here to identify a condition where lithium acetate effluent as-obtained from an ion exchange column can be excited for ...
Recently, Guo and Xia introduced low complexity decoders called Partial Interference Cancellation (PIC) and PIC with Successive Interference Cancellation (PIC-SIC), which include the Zero Forcing (ZF) and ZF-SIC receivers as special cases, for point-to-point MIMO channels. In this paper, we show that PIC and PIC-SIC decoders are capable of achieving the full cooperative diversity available in wireless relay networks. We give sufficient conditions for a Distributed Space-Time Block Code (DSTBC) to achieve full diversity with PIC and PIC-SIC decoders and construct a new class of DSTBCs with low complexity full-diversity PIC-SIC decoding. We also show that almost all known full-diversity PIC/PIC-SIC decodable codes constructed for point-to-point MIMO channels can be used as full-diversity PIC/PIC-SIC decodable DSTBCs in relay networks. The proposed DSTBCs with low complexity, full-diversity PIC/PIC-SIC decoding achieve higher ...
Pregnant rats in 11d and 16d of their pregnancy were given one-off whole body exposure by "1"3"7Cs #gamma# rays to 0.2, 0.4, 0.9 and 2.0 Gy, respectively. Changes were observed in conditioned drinking response and cerebrum hippocampi cone cell number of the baby rats exposed to the #gamma# rays in different periods of their embryo development. As a result, that pregnant rats exposed to "1"3"7Cs #gamma# rays in different pregnant periods may induce significant decrease in cerebrum hippocampi cone cell number and achieving rate of conditioned drinking response of the babies. The dose-response relationship can be described by Y=a-b log_1_0D. The achieving rate of conditioned drinking response were significantly correlated to cerebrum hippocampi cone cell number in the babies, and the achieving rate of conditioned drinking response of the babies exposed at pregnant 11d was lower than others exposed at pregnant 16d
This research and development is intended to structure a network centering around a center having systematized high-level maintenance technology, by utilizing the technological infrastructure having been built in local areas, together with element technologies possessed by national and private research institutes, universities and colleges. It is also purposed to establish a new industrial system for maintenance to realize high reliability, high operation rate and low cost in plants in certain areas. The present fiscal year had the following achievements: research and development of a maintenance system, a maintenance model, a maintenance vehicle, damage estimating technology for stationary parts such as piping, an anomaly diagnostic system using acoustic emission, an anomaly diagnostic system using wear particles in lubricant, an anti-wear material using surface modification, a lubrication control system, and an anomaly diagnostic system using ultrasonic waves. ...
To quantify the number of cases and clinical courses of Acanthamoeba keratitis treated at the King Khaled Eye Specialist Hospital (KKESH) between December 1982 and May 2005, and to review their clinical course and response to medical and surgical therapy. Retrospective review of medical records of all patients with Acanthamoeba keratitis diagnosed by the KKESH Microbiology or Pathology or Pathology Laboratory since the opening of the hospital. During a period of over 22 years, only six cases of confirmed. Acanthamoeba keratitis were diagnosedand treated at KKESH. In two cases the diagnosis was made by corneal biopsy, while four cases required examination of a histopathology specimen obtained at the time of therapeutic keratoplasty to establish the diagnosis. One eye was cured by medical therapy, while five eyes required one (4eyes) or two (1 eye) therapeutic penetrating keratoplasty (PKP) to achieve a clinical cure. Three eyes achieved good ...
Objective: To find out safety and efficiency of Misoprostol in cervical ripening and induction of labour to achieve vaginal delivery. Results: From Misoprostol insertion to delivery time was 4-24 hours. Vaginal delivery was achieved in 80.2%, which included spontaneous, forceps and vacuum extraction. Caesarean section rate was 19.7%. Indications for C. Section included Misoprostol unresponsiveness 11% and fetal distress in 8.6%. Oxytocin augmentation was required in 32% of cases. Term babies were 58%. Intrauterine death and neonatal deaths were 9.8% and 8.6% respectively. Hyper stimulation and postpartum haemorrhage was seen in 2.4% and 3.7% of patients respectively. Conclusion: intravaginal Misoprostol is well tolerated and is very effective for the induction of labour in eclampsia. It helps vaginal delivery in toxemic patients, reduces maternal morbidity, mortality and hospital stay. (author)
This article describes how a natural gas-fired combined cycle with increased firing temperature, reduced cooling air usage, improved component efficiencies, and cycle enhancements could achieve a lower heating value plant efficiency of greater than 60%. Today's gas turbine systems feature high fuel-to-electricity efficiencies. Efficiencies, on a lower-heating-value (LHV) basis, for large natural gas-fired combined-cycle systems for the utility market have been demonstrated at 54%. Even though manufacturers will make improvements in the 1990s, efficiency levels will reach a plateau. Cycle innovations and gas turbine design changes will achieve LHV efficiencies in the 60% range for natural gas-fired utility machines.
This longitudinal study examined a model of early school achievement in reading and math, as it varies by socioeconomic context, using data from the NICHD Study of Early Child Care and Youth Development. A conceptual model was tested that included features of family stress, early parenting, and school readiness, through both a single-group analysis and also a multiple-group analysis. Latent profile analysis was used to identify subgroups of more advantaged and less advantaged families. Family stress and parenting were shown to operate differently depending on the socioeconomic context, whereas child-based school readiness characteristics were shown to operate similarly across socieodemographic contexts. Implications for intervention are discussed.
In this paper Particle Bed Reactor (PBR) designs are discussed which use /sup 233/U and /sup 242m/Am as fissile materials. A constant total power of 100MW is assumed for all reactors in this study. Three broad aspects of these reactors is discussed. First, possible reactor designs are developed, second physics calculations are outlined and discussed and third mass estimates of the various candidates reactors are made. It is concluded that reactors with a specific mass of 1 kg/MW can be envisioned of /sup 233/U is used and approximately a quarter of this value can be achieved if /sup 242m/Am is used. If this power level is increased by increasing the power density lower specific mass values are achievable. The limit will be determined by uncertainties in the thermal-hydraulic analysis. 5 refs., 5 figs., 6 tabs.
At atmospheric pressure and room temperature, dielectric barrier discharge induced plasma oxidation for achieving supported TiO2 photocatalysts derived from TiCl4 adsorbed onto ?-Al2O3 pellets was studied. The supported TiO2/?-Al2O3photocatalysts prepared by a cyclic 'adsorption-discharge' approach, without requirement of heat treatment, exhibit high activity in the photocatalytic degradation reaction of formaldehyde. The mass spectra and optical emission spectra during O2/Ar discharge for oxidizing the adsorbed-state TiCl4 were measured. The mechanism for the TiO2 formation from adsorbed-state TiCl4 by plasma oxidation was discussed.
Enhanced heat transfer in curved rectangular channels depends on at least two geometric factors, the radius of curvature of the duct and the aspect ratio, which is the width/depth ratio of the duct. In this work, an expression for optimum aspect ratio is derived mathematically from a correlation that includes both aspect ratio and bend curvature parameters. Enhancement factors are developed that show optimal, near-optimal, and nonoptimal aspect ratios for curved rectangular ducts. Predicted enhancements are within 25% of published literature results for individual designs, two of which show heat transfer enhancement of 200% over that of a straight duct with turbulent flow. The theoretical maximum enhancement is shown to be about 480% over a straight-duct, turbulent-flow situation. This is not achievable in practice, but near-optimal solutions are achievable, yielding enhancements on the order of 200--300%.
The aim of a joint effort by different research teams was to provide an improved procedure for enzyme activity profiling of field-sampled ectomycorrhizae, including recommendations on the best conditions and maximum duration for storage of ectomycorrhizal samples. A more simplified and efficient protocol compared to formerly published procedures was achieved by using manufactured 96-filter plates in combination with a vacuum manifold and by optimizing incubation times. Major improvements were achieved by performing the series of eight enzyme assays with a single series of root samples instead of two series, reducing the time needed for sample preparation, minimizing error-prone steps such as pipetting and morphotyping, and facilitating subsequent DNA analyses due to the reduced sequencing ...
This report describes progress during the first year of a three-year project. The objective of the research is to examine new design approaches for achieving very high conversion efficiencies. The program is divided into two areas. The first centers on exploring new thin-film approaches specifically designed for III-V semiconductors. The second area centers on exploring design approaches for achieving high conversion efficiencies without requiring extremely high quality material. Research activities consisted of an experimental study of minority carrier recombination in n-type, metal-organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD)-deposited GaAs, an assessment of the minority carrier lifetimes in n-GaAs grown by molecular beam epitaxy, and developing a high-efficiency cell fabrication process.
This report describes progress during the first year of a three-year project. The objective of the research is to examine new design approaches for achieving very high conversion efficiencies. The program is divided into two areas. The first centers on exploring new thin-film approaches specifically designed for III-V semiconductors. The second area centers on exploring design approaches for achieving high conversion efficiencies without requiring extremely high quality material. Research activities consisted of an experimental study of minority carrier recombination in n-type, metal-organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD)-deposited GaAs, an assessment of the minority carrier lifetimes in n-GaAs grown by molecular beam epitaxy, and developing a high-efficiency cell fabrication process.
One important factor frustrating optimal management of Department of Energy (DOE)-complex wastes is the inability to use licensed and permitted facilities systematically. Achieving the goal of optimal use of DOE`s waste management facilities is politically problematic for two reasons. First, no locale wants to bear a disproportionate burden from DOE wastes. Second, the burden imposed by additional wastes transported from one site to another is difficult to characterize. To develop a viable framework for equitably distributing these burdens while achieving efficient use of all DOE waste management facilities, several implementation and equity issues must be addressed and resolved. This paper discusses stakeholder and equity issues and proposes a framework for joint research and action that could facilitate equity negotiations among stakeholder and move toward a more optimal use of DOE`s waste management capabilities.
The costs of greenhouse gas emission-reductions vary among countries depending on emission levels, technologies used, past emission-reduction achievements, path of economic development, fuel mix, and initial endowment of hydrocarbon resources. The criterion of cost-effectiveness therefore suggests that the ways should be found to encourage emission reductions in the countries where the required costs of reduction of additional unit of emissions are the lowest. These countries usually face crucial capital constraints and have other development priorities than investing in reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. Developed countries could invest their resources in the former Soviet Union and the east European countries to achieve the same level of reduction of greenhouse gases with lower costs than they could in their own countries.
Computer simulations of two-junction, concentrator tandem solar cell performance show that IR-sensitive bottom cells are required to achieve high efficiencies. Based on this conclusion, two novel concentrator tandem designs are under investigations: (1) a mechanically stacked, four-terminal GaAs/GaInAsP (0.95 eV) tandem, and (2) a monolithic, lattice-matched, three-terminal InP/GaInAs tandem. In preliminary experiments, terrestrial concentrator efficiencies exceeding 30% have been achieved with each of the above tandem designs. Methods for improving the efficiency of each tandem type are discussed. (orig.).
''Hybrid'' hydrogen storage, where hydrogen is stored in both the solid material and as a high pressure gas in the void volume of the tank can improve overall system efficiency by up to 50% compared to either compressed hydrogen or solid materials alone. Thermodynamically, high equilibrium hydrogen pressures in metal-hydrogen systems correspond to low enthalpies of hydrogen absorption-desorption. This decreases the calorimetric effects of the hydride formation-decomposition processes which can assist in achieving high rates of heat exchange during hydrogen loading-removing the bottleneck in achieving low charging times and improving overall hydrogen storage efficiency of large hydrogen stores. Two systems with hydrogenation enthalpies close to -20kJ/mol H2 were studied to investigate the h...
A declaration for achieving universal basic education adopted by the World Conference on Education for All in Jomtien, Thailand, as it relates to Latin America is discussed in this paper. The document then offers an examination of educational expansion in Latin America, a discussion of disproportionate educational budget cuts, and an analysis of challenges that stem from two trends: (1) the growing gap between population growth and educational expansion; and (2) low educational quality and high repetition rates. Proposals are offered for major, gradual educational reforms based on an increased level of fiscal resources, and a change in resource management responsive to economic needs. The major obstacle to implementation is argued to be the political economy of education and of adjustment. International support of local initiatives is important in achieving basic educational equity. (33 references) (LMI)
The purpose of the study is to analyze the economic impacts that are likely to result from promulgation of the proposed best practicable control technology (BPT), best available technology economically achievable (BAT) and Best Conventional Technology (BCT) effluent limitations and standards on placer mining in the United States. The results of the economic impact analysis will help establish pollution control regulations that are economically achievable. The analysis examines how each of four alternative pollution control technologies affects the financial viability of placer mines in the United States. The impacts examined include reduced profitability, production cutbacks, mine closures, and employment and earning losses, as well as impacts to the local economies.
Thermophotovoltaic energy conversion achieves direct conversion of thermal energy to electricity without the need for complex dynamic machinery operating in one of several possible thermodynamic cycles. This paper presents an analysis of a hybrid solar thermophotovoltaic (STPV) energy conversion system in which a receiver/photovoltaic (PV) array subsystem is powered by either a solar concentrator or a fossil fuel combustion source. The overall TPV system efficiency is calculated using an appropriate selective emitter and a spectrally tuned solar cell designed to achieve maximum conversion efficiency in the narrow band emitted by the selective emitter. Two limiting cases are examined to place upper and lower bounds on system performance. The estimates of system performance are based on actual experimental data from PV cells and selective emitters.
Efforts are being made to determine a gamma radiation dose for mortality of third-instar larvae of Anastrepha fraterculus which infest mangos of the Haden variety of 400 g weight. Four radiation treatments were tested: 0.4 kGy, 0.6 kGy, 0.8 kGy and 1.0 kGy. Using as a criterium for mortality the interruption of the biological cycle between larva and pupa, the following results were achieved: 49.61%, 63.33%, 74.86% and 90.72%. The percentages obtained have been corrected using the Abbot formula. When the criterium was based on no adult emergence, 100% mortality was achieved for the four treatments. (author)
A delta connected, resonant snubber-based, soft switching, inverter circuit achieves lossless switching during dc-to-ac power conversion and power conditioning with minimum component count and size. Current is supplied to the resonant snubber branches solely by the dc supply voltage through the main inverter switches and the auxiliary switches. Component count and size are reduced by use of a single semiconductor switch in the resonant snubber branches. Component count is also reduced by maximizing the use of stray capacitances of the main switches as parallel resonant capacitors. Resonance charging and discharging of the parallel capacitances allows lossless, zero voltage switching. In one embodiment, circuit component size and count are minimized while achieving lossless, zero voltage switching within a three-phase inverter.
A reference design was used in preparing a mathematical model of a fusion power plant with a tokamak reactor to investigate the extent to which the uncertainty still inherent in the physical reactor parameters affects the power costs. While only limited reductions of the power costs are achieved by improvements of the reference values for the reactor burn time, power density in the torus and load on the first wall, the power costs rise in keeping with the extent to which these parameters fall short of the reference values. As the results obtained in present-day experiments are still well below the reference values, a great deal of effort is still required in the fields of plasma physics and materials research to achieve an economically operating fusion power plant. (orig.).
Effective teamwork among station work groups is essential for plant production and safety in all phases of plant operation. To achieve effective teamwork, all contributing work groups must have ongoing access to and share a common perspective on station work priorities, and recognize how their individual contributions fit with and support the contributions of other groups in support of the larger station goals. Achieving and maintaining this alignment in perspective across all workgroups can be a challenge in large organizations. This paper discusses the experience at Darlington in building and maintaining station teamwork among the station workgroups in support of day-to-day plant operations. The issues encountered and the resource impacts of specific teamwork supporting practices adopted are outlined. (author)
Recent legislative changes in both Europe and the USA have increased the responsibility of drug developers to purposefully study the agents they market in children so that specific dosing recommendations can be made to assist clinicians in their use. Typically, clinicians use empirical- or experiential-based rationales for selecting the dose to use in children, generally in a manner that attempts to achieve the same dose-exposure or pharmacokinetic profile in children as in adults. However, whether this approach achieves the necessary dose exposure or exposure effect needed may not be systematically explored during off-label use. This creates the opportunity for under- or over-exposure in children, particularly in very young children (i.e., less than 2 years old) where a combination of fac...
By using a charge-sensitive preamplifier and methods of energy spectroscopy we investigated the response of a parallel plate avalanche counter in order to scan the Bragg curve. The detector was operated in butane, pentane and heptane which also served as stopping gases. In this paper, we report on results obtained with fission fragments from a /sup 252/Cf source. We achieved a separation of the light and heavy fragment groups in the interval of gas absorber thickness from about 500 ..mu..g cm/sup 2/ to 1.5 mg cm/sup 2/. The best energy loss resolution was achieved with pentane at E/papprox.=70 V cm/sup 1/ Torr/sup 1/ resulting in delta..delta..E/..delta..Eapprox.=13%. The corresponding shape of the ..delta..E spectrum reproduces correctly the nuclear charge distribution of the fragments. (orig.).
Targeting always the best achievable bit error rate (BER) performance in iterative receivers operating over multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) channels may result in significant waste of resources, especially when the achievable BER is orders of magnitude better than the target performance (e.g., under good channel conditions and at high signal-to-noise ratio (SNR)). In contrast to the typical iterative schemes, a practical iterative decoding framework that approximates the soft-information exchange is proposed which allows reduced complexity sphere and channel decoding, adjustable to the transmission conditions and the required bit error rate. With the proposed approximate soft information exchange the performance of the exact soft information can still be reached with significant complexity gains.
In this work, long-term operation of a pilot scale mixed anaerobic reactor processing crude glycerol and rapeseed meal is discussed. These materials are generated as by-products of biodiesel production. Mixed reactor was operated under mesophilic conditions for the period of 654 days. Total cumulative production of biogas reached 379 m3 (at atmospheric pressure and ambient temperature). Maximum volumetric loading achieved during the operation was 2.17 kg m?3 d?1 for the crude glycerol dose of 2 L. When dosing crude glycerol as a single substrate, average specific production of biogas of 0.76 m3 per L of the g-phase was achieved. The lack of nutrients in the g-phase had to be compensated by an addition of ammonium nitrogen in the form of urea into the reactor. Long term processing of crude ...
The goal of this project is to demonstrate that, by combining state-of-the-art technology, highly efficient plant operation and maintenance capabilities and by-product gypsum sales, significant reductions of SO{sub 2} emissions can be achieved at approximately one-half the life cycle cost of a conventional Flue Gas Desulfurization (FGD) system. Further, this emission reduction is achieved without generating solid waste and while minimizing liquid wastewater effluent. Basically, this project entails the design, construction and operation of a nominal 600 MWe AFGD facility to remove SO{sub 2} from coal-fired power plant flue gas at the Northern Indiana Public Service Company`s Bailly Generating Station.
Summary Background- Treatments that achieve sustainable steroid-free clinical remission in Crohn-s disease are needed; however, long-term steroid-sparing efficacy data are limited. Aim- To evaluate steroid-sparing efficacy and the impact of steroid discontinuation on adverse events during treatment of Crohn's disease with adalimumab in the phase III randomised, double-blind 1-year CHARM trial and for an additional 2-years in its open-label extension ADHERE. Methods- Steroid-free remission and response and steroid-sparing (-50% steroid dose reduction) remission rates were evaluated over 3-years in patients who were taking corticosteroids at CHARM baseline. Results- Of 778 patients randomised in CHARM (including those who did not achieve clinical response to open-label induction therapy), 31...
During a Workshop on Gamma-Gamma Colliders in Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory, it was pointed out that an 1-#mu#m laser that can produce 1-J, 1-ps pulses at a few hundred hertz is required. With high-power scalability and ease of formatting, an FEL can be a promising candidate for such a laser. The authors propose an FEL scheme based on chirped-pulsed regenerative amplification to achieve this high peak-power laser. The 1-ps pulse of a solid-state laser will be stretched, amplified, and recompressed to achieve the high peak power. The system is relatively simple and consists of mostly components that have already been demonstrated. This paper will describe the proposal and the important issues of such a scheme.
During a Workshop on Gamma-Gamma Colliders in Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory, it was pointed out that an 1-{mu}m laser that can produce 1-J, 1-ps pulses at a few hundred hertz is required. With high-power scalability and ease of formatting, an FEL can be a promising candidate for such a laser. The authors propose an FEL scheme based on chirped-pulsed regenerative amplification to achieve this high peak-power laser. The 1-ps pulse of a solid-state laser will be stretched, amplified, and recompressed to achieve the high peak power. The system is relatively simple and consists of mostly components that have already been demonstrated. This paper will describe the proposal and the important issues of such a scheme.
Abstract Surface modification of topography and chemistry in order to achieve a specific water contact angle (CA) has been explored by using a novel combinatorial screening platform. The screening arrays consisted of 507 distinct combinations of micro-topographies and chemical compositions. By performing chemical modifications with 1H, 1H, 2H, 2H perfluoroethyltriethoxy-silane (PFS) and n-octadecyltriethoxysilane (ODS) on standard silicon wafers it was possible to include both superhydrophobic and very hydrophilic pad arrays in the same screening platform. Surfaces modified with PFS were more hydrophobic than surfaces modified with ODS, while the unmodified silicon surfaces were hydrophilic. For the PFS modified surfaces the largest CAs were achieved with a small pillar size of X-=-1-m and...
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.
Recent progress with the (Al_xGa_1_-_x)_0_._5In_0_._5P alloy system has resulted in laser diodes which operate at room temperature at wavelengths below 640 nm. OMVPE is used to grow the multi-quantum-well devices in a graded-index separate-confinement configuration. Laser threshold currents as low as 75 mA have been achieved.
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.
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. In this capacity, Sandia is responsible for the engineering analyses, contract development, and testing of rechargeable batteries and systems for utility-energy-storage applications. This report details the technical achievements realized during fiscal year 1993.
New non-collinear schemes are suggested for transverse velocity modulation of electron beams and for the generation of coherent spontaneous radiation by these transversely modulated beams. It is shown that due to the non-collinearity some orders of magnitude enhancement can be achieved for the coherent spontaneous radiation (CSR) power at both the fundamental and harmonic frequencies.
This work has analyzed the key variables of indentation tip radius, contact radius, delamination radius, residual stress and superlayer/film/interlayer properties on nanoindentation measurements of adhesion. The goal to connect practical works of adhesion for very thin films to true works of adhesion has been achieved. A review of this work titled ''Interfacial toughness measurements of thin metal films,'' which has been submitted to Acta Materialia, is included.
A new bimetallic complex [HNEt3][Cuq2IEu(hfac)3] (q^- = 8-hydroxyquinolinato, hfac^- = hexafluoroacetylacetonate) was prepared simply with only one step and characterized. Upon excitation of the organic ligand q^-, the sensitized europium luminescence was achieved.
From 1991 to 1996, key studies on the reutilization, treatment, and disposal technology of hazardous wastes have been incorporated into the national plan for environmental protection science and technology. At present, the research achievements have been accomplished, have passed national approval, and have been accepted. The author of this paper, as leader of the national group for this research work, expounds the newest achievements of the studies involving four parts: (1) the reutilization technology of electroplating sludge, including the ion-exchange process for recovering the sludge and waste liquor for producing chromium tanning agent and extracting chromium and colloidal protein from tanning waste residue; on the recovery of heavy metals from the electroplating waste liquor with microbic purification; on the demonstration project of producing modified plastics from the sludge and the waste plastics; and on the demonstration of the ...
The interaction of Np(V), Pu(VI) and Tc(VII) with metal reductants Zn, Cr, Sn and their alloys was investigated in 0.5-4 mol l"-"1 NaOH solutions in static and dynamic conditions (by filtration of solutions through the column filled with grains of metal). In this paper, it was found that the reduction and succeeding precipitation hydroxides of these elements, on the surface of metal grains from 0.5 to 4 mol l"-"1 NaOH solutions, gives a decontamination factor (DF) from 1.1 to 67. The best result was achieved for Pu (DF=67) on Cr grains after 2.5 h contact at 60 C with 0.5 mol l"-"1 NaOH solution containing Pu(VI). Increasing the NaOH concentration, and the addition of chromate ions and complex-forming agents to alkaline solution results in a decrease of the decontamination factor (DF). A better result for Np sorption from 1 mol l"-"1 NaOH solutions was achieved after longer contact, than for Pu, with Cr and Zn grains. The maximum DF=8.9 was ...
Ultrasound tomography is an attractive imaging method for the detection of breast cancer. The complex anatomy of the breast with its different spatial scales and material property contrasts make accurate reconstructions very challenging. This paper proposes a hybrid approach whereby Travel-of-Flight and Diffraction Tomography are combined together to achieve high-resolution and high-accuracy sound-speed reconstructions. The method is validated with several numerical phantoms.
The PAMELA (a Payload for Antimatter-Matter Exploration and Light-nuclei Astrophysics) space mission has been launched on-board the Resurs-DK1 satellite on June 15{sup th} 2006 from the Baikonur cosmodrome, in Kazakhstan. PAMELA is a particle spectrometer designed to study charged particles in the cosmic radiation with special focus on the investigation of the nature of dark matter, by mean of the measure of the cosmic-ray antiproton and positron spectra over the largest energy range ever achieved.
The electrochromatographic behavior of 25 metal ions on zirconium tungstate-impregnated papers is described. Six background electrolytes were used. On the basis of the differential mobilities of metal ions which depend on the ion-exchange properties of zirconium tungstate and the nature of complex formation with the electrolytes, some important binary and ternary separations have been achieved.
The synthesis of novel b-functionalized derivatives of the clinically used photosensitizer Temoporfin has been achieved by nucleophilic addition reactions to a corresponding diketo chlorin. The b-substituted dihydroxychlorin products exhibit a strong absorption in the red spectral region, a high singlet oxygen quantum yield, and were found to be highly effective in in vitro assays against HT-29 tumor cells.
In this paper, we first discuss the detection of supernova neutrino on Earth. Then we propose a possible method to acquire information about $\\theta_{13}$ smaller than $1.5^\\circ$ by detecting the ratio of the event numbers of different flavor supernova neutrinos. Such an sensitivity cannot yet be achieved by the Daya Bay reactor neutrino experiment.
In-situ compaction method is an alternative technology for the construction of a buffer at HLW final disposal. Understanding of the compaction characteristics of the proposed material is important for this method of construction. In this report, paying attention to the relation between compaction energy and the achieved maximum dry density, dynamic compaction characteristic of bentonite and silica sand mixture material is examined. (author)
An original method is proposed for ensuring time-invariant (stationary) interior ballistic parameters in the postprojectile space of a gun barrel. Stationarity of the parameters is achieved by investing the solid-propellant charge with highly original structures that produce the required pressure condition and linear growth of the projectile velocity. Simple relations are obtained for calculating the principal characteristics.
A CO/sub 2/ laser chain able to supply approx.=30 MW on a single mode TEM/sub 00/ is described. The coupling of a modified Lumonics 101 module with a low-pressure cell constitues the oscillator and two further Lumonics 103 stages two amplifiers. The final pulse achieves the energy of 4.0 J with 90% of this energy in a peak of 100 ns FWHM.
The Outstanding Achievement Award in Water Pollution Control' is intended to recognize the water pollution control program that best demonstrates achieving significant, lasting, and measurable excellence in water-quality improvement in preventing water-quality degradation in a region, basin, or water body. This article is about the 1991 Award. This year, WPCF honored Los Angeles Hyperion Treatment Plant with a citation of outstanding achievement. To qualify for this honor, Hyperion has remarkably improved the quality of wastewater discharged to Santa Monica Bay since 1985. Capital programs developed by Los Angeles to achieve this rapid improvement, coined the Hyperion Improvement Program (HIP), reflect the city's commitment to protect the valuable resource of Santa Monica Bay. The HIP was conceived in 1986 to cease sludge ocean disposal by the end of 1987 and expedite effluent quality ...
A near-field microscope which operates in the rf/microwave frequency range is described. In this microscope, a scanning tunneling microscope (STM)-like tip rather than an aperture is used as a point-like evanescent field emitter. A spatial resolution of {approximately}5 {mu}m ({approximately}{lambda}/100000) is achieved in the current version. The design of the microscope as well as the principal factors which affect its performance are discussed. {copyright} {ital 1996 American Institute of Physics.}
We have recently shown the applicability of robotics to the synthesis of a positron-emitting radiopharmaceutical, namely 16#alpha#[F-18]fluoroestradiol-17#beta#, a breast tumor imaging agent. We now report the application of the robot to the synthesis of two additional radiopharmaceuticals, [F-18]spiroperiodol and [C-11]butanol. This achievement shows the power of a robot as a multifunctional automated device for the synthesis of several positron-emitting radiopharmaceuticals in limited laboratory space. (author).
In response to a need of the safeguards community, we have begun an evaluation effort to upgrade the recommended values of the prompt neutron emission multiplicity distribution, P/sub nu/ and its average value, nubar. This paper will report on progress achieved thus far. The evaluation of the uranium, plutonium, americium and curium nuclide's nubar values will be presented. The recommended values will be given and discussed. 61 references.
This paper reviews the mill flowsheet applied at the SOMAIR (Societe des Mines de l'Air) uranium mill in Niger. It focuses on the yellow cake quality improvements achieved by molybdenum and zirconium elimination through double yellow cake precipitation in tanks at first stage and through size/density control in a fluidized bed precipitator at second stage. Water saving aspects in the plant are also presented. (author)
The most important results of theoretical and experimental studies of plasmas, which have been achieved at the IPJ in Swierk and IPPLM in Warsaw recently, are presented. Studies of physical phenomena in PF discharges, development of diagnostic techniques and research on new plasma technologies, as performed at IPJ, have been summarized. Studies of dense magnetized plasmas, investigation of physics and applications of laser-produced plasmas; and research on the development of advanced diagnostic techniques for the EUROATOM fusion program, as performed at IPPLM, are also described.
The invention concerns a procedure for operating reactors in nuclear power plants. It aims at utilizing power reserves in nuclear power plants. This can be achieved by a steam-side connection of the steam generators of two reactors. The amount of steam exchanged between the units is chosen in such a way that power changes at the steam turbines feedback mainly to the corresponding reactor. In order to realize a high power transfer it is necessary to return the amount of condensate produced in the steam receiving unit and corresponding to the power transferred to the feedwater system of the steam donating unit.
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 objectives of this R and D project are as follows : First, transferring developed technologies to outside companies and operating technology market to vitalize technology transactions, Second, developing commercial application projects to transfer technologies for commercial purposes and to solve interface problems in commercial applications, Third, enhancing commercial utilizations of developed accelerator and beam utilization technologies, Finally. preparing infra-structures for the development of over 30 venture- businesses based on achieved technologies through the Proton Engineering Frontier Project.
Olive oil mill wastewaters (OMW) cause disposal problems because they contain powerful pollutants such as phenolic compounds. Complete biodegradation or removal of these compounds is hardly achieved by a single treatment method. In this work, we investigated 2 integrated technologies for the treatment of the recalcitrant contaminants of OMW, allowing water recovery and reuse for agricultural purposes. (Author)
The US DOE`s Photovoltaics program has helped photovoltaic technologies evolve from materials and concepts in the laboratories to competitive products rolling off automated assembly lines. This document is divided into the following sections: 1992 PV program accomplishments, expanding markets for photovoltaic systems, developing today`s systems with utilities and industry, working with industry to advance the technology, cooperative research to improve materials and devices, selected achievements in cooperative R and D, and PV program services. Figs, tabs.
An apparatus allowing the photoexcitation of barium atomic beam over its whole surface is described. This photoexcitation is achieved by another barium spectrum emitted up steam of the beam by a cathodic out-flow produced at the exit oven. The fluorescence spectrum is studied in detail as well as the influence of different parameters, such as oven temperature, current intensity of the outflow, and excitation depth. A calculation shows how to determine Einstein coefficient, oscillator strengths and atomic lifetimes from our experimental measurements.
A large Bragg-curve spectrometer has been constructed and tested. The detector has a cylindrical geometry and operates with a homogeneous electric field. Energy resolutions of <0.8% and Z resolutions of Z/..delta..Z=80 have been achieved for eleastically scattered /sup 58/Ni ions. These results demonstrate the suitability of this large solid-angle detector for use in a wide variety of heavy-ion scattering experiments.
A large Bragg-curve spectrometer has been constructed and tested. The detector has a cylindrical geometry and operates with a homogeneous electric field. Energy resolutions of <0.8% and Z resolutions of Z/#DELTA#Z=80 have been achieved for eleastically scattered "5"8Ni ions. These results demonstrate the suitability of this large solid-angle detector for use in a wide variety of heavy-ion scattering experiments. (orig.).
The achievement of inner-shell photoionization of Zn-like Pd by means of two exploding foils is described. This resulted in the soft X-ray transition 3d94s2-3d104p at 46 A. It is shown that the photoionization of inner shell electrons in highly stripped ions can lead to X-ray transitions which may be candidates for X-ray lasers under 50 A.
A general palladium-catalyzed carbonylative Sonogashira coupling of benzyl chlorides with terminal acetylenes has been established. Depending on the alkyne 1,4-diaryl-3-butyn-2-ones or substituted furanones are obtained in moderate to good yields. Best catalytic performance is achieved applying a mixed Pd(PPh(3))Cl(2)/P(OPh)(3) catalyst system. PMID:21968528
Inspired by the work of Feynman, Deutsch, We formally propose the theory of physical computability and accordingly, the physical complexity theory. To achieve this, a framework that can evaluate almost all forms of computation using various physical mechanisms is discussed. Here, we focus on using it to review the theory of Quantum Computation. As a preliminary study on more general problems, some examples of other physical mechanism are also given in this paper.
... Longer residence times attain finer grinds while shorter residence times attain higher outputs. Accordingly, the ATTOMILL can be set up to achieve optimum efficiency for individ ual applications. VENDOR INFORMATION: Peterson Machine Inc. www.microgrind.com/peterson/tech.htm Peterson Machine Inc. (formally Peterson North) was created under D. Peterson Machine & Fabrication Ltd. in 1994 after two years of successful ...
A new external-PIXE system utilizing a differential pumping technique, which can completely protect the accelerator and vacuum pumps when the exit foil breaks down, has been developed. Applications to analyses of liquid and heavily-outgassing samples were successfully achieved. Also, experiments for evaluating the efficiency of the system were performed and results will be presented. (author)
Achievements in the field of sorption recovery of uranium from sea water are considered in brief. Polyacryl amidoxime chelate iorites are shown to exceed in sorption properties both titanium dioxide base natural adsorbents and styrene base synthetic resins. Merits of sorbents containing fixed layer of humic acid are pointed out, different methods of their application are considered. The cost of uranium recovery from sea water using different sorbents is estimated.
A generalized method for the design of excitation control or a power system stabilizer (PSS) based on complex frequency is described. The method selects PSS parameters such that exact assignment of eigenvalues associated with the mechanical modes of oscillation to desired locations is achieved. Numerical examples are used to illustrate the concepts of the proposed new technique.
Electric cars are a clean and noiseless alternative to vehicles with combustion engines for journeys in cities and their environs. In recognition of this, ABB has developed an efficient electric drive system featuring modern power electronics and a high-energy, sodium-sulphur battery. The energy-to-weight ratio of this battery is four times that achieved with conventional lead-acid batteries. To recharge the battery, a charger mounted next to the motor has only to be connected to a household power socket.
... The award is named for the late Samuelson, a leader and advocate for upward mobility and placement programs to enable visually impaired and blind persons to lead productive lives. The award was created to recognize the career achievements and accomplishments of employees who work in a NIB-associated agency. The Chicago Lighthouse, the company for which Uken works, nominated him based on his exceptional performance at CERL as ...
The point-defect-impurity pair diffusion model proposed recently by Mulvaney and Richardson is adopted and modified to simulate the coupled diffusion of phosphorus and self-interstitials in phosphorus-implanted silicon. The assumption of implantation-induced, but empirically determined initial interstitial distributions of Gaussian shape allows a simulation of the net effect of transient enhanced diffusion. As a result an improved modeling of phosphorus diffusion in silicon is achieved for a broad range of ion-implantation and annealing conditions. (author).
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.
The purpose of this invention is to assure operating reliability of a Mandrel head in tubes of various diameters. This goal is achieved in that it is equipped with movable expanding sectors, which are installed on a rigid conical plunger dye. It is also equipped with spring-loaded conical slides blocks which are installed on a shaft. The upper ends of the sectors of the sectorial head are attached by hinges to a rigid cone shaped plunger dye. The lower ends are installed with the possibility of interacting with the slide blocks.
DOE`s Office of Environmental Management (EM) is responsible for managing waste and cleaning up contamination at DOE sites across the United States. A substantial fraction of the work performed for EM includes sampling and analysis activities. This paper outlines the Sample Management Programs, achievements to date, and future directions.
An energy frontier or QCD Explorer ep and collider can be realized by colliding high-energy photons generated by Compton backscattered off a CLIC electron beam, at either 75 GeV or 1.5 TeV, with protons or ions stored in the LHC. In this study we discuss a performance optimization of this type of collider by tailoring the parameters of both CLIC and LHC. An estimate of the ultimately achievable luminosity is given.
Thermally recyclable Nb point-contact Josephson junctions are investigated as low-noise mixers with an external local oscillator at 115 GHz. The best single sideband mixer noise temperature achieved is 140 ( +- 20) K with a (SSB) conversion loss of 2.4 ( +- 0.5) dB. Such rugged junctions are suitable for use in practical receivers and should give unprecedented sensitivity at the shorter millimeter wavelengths.
We report on large-scale applications of the ab initio, no-core shell model with the primary goal of achieving an accurate description of nuclear structure from the fundamental inter-nucleon interactions. In particular, we show that realistic two-nucleon interactions are inadequate to describe the low-lying structure of {sup 10}B, and that realistic three-nucleon interactions are essential.
Heterodyne detection with a point-contact Josephson junction has been investigated both experimentally and theoretically. The measured performance of the device at 36 GHz is in good agreement with the theory. By operating vanadium point contacts at 1.4 K, the authors have achieved a single-sideband (SSB) mixer noise temperature of 54 K with a conversion gain of 1.35 and a signal bandwidth on the order of 1 GHz. A potentially impressive performance for these devices at submillimeter wavelengths can be extrapolated from the results.
The reports in this series are designed primarily to familiarize professional land use and resource planners with the range of possibilities and effective procedures for achieving integrated mining, reclamation, and land use planning. These reports are ba...
To achieve the high degree of management control and operational efficiency necessary for new undertakings, there will be a heavy dependence on schemes for the remote control and monitoring of all mine activities both on the surface and underground, plus the provision of information on operations, plant and equipment. This will all need to be supervised from a central control point on the colliery surface. A survey of recently introduced instrumentation systems makes it clear that British manufacturers already have made major advances in the field of automation, and new equipment constantly comes on to the market.
Brief summaries of research work are presented in the following section: overview of the ORNL Instrumentation and Controls Division activities; new developments and methods; reactor instrumentation and controls; measurement and control engineering; electronic engineering; maintenance; studies; services; and development; and division achievements.
Room-temperature continuous-wave (cw) operation is achieved in the MBE (molecular-beam epitaxy)-grown InGaP/InGaAlP double-heterostructure (DH) visible laser diodes with a threshold current of 110 mA. The lasing wavelength and threshold current density under pulsed operation are 666 nm and as low as 3.9 kA/cm/sup 2/, respectively. This result is achieved by the introduction of H/sub 2/ into the growth chamber during growth, the continuous growth from one layer to the next layer, and the introduction of a GaAs buffer layer. InGaP/InGaAlP quantum well structures are also grown. From photoluminescence measurements, the conduction-band discontinuity ..delta..E/sub c/ is estimated to be 0.43 of the band-gap difference ..delta..E/sub g/. Furthermore, the multiquantum-well (MQW) structure is found to be stable under thermal treatment at temperatures as high as 750 /sup 0/C. Room-temperature pulsed operation of InGaP/InGaAlP MQW laser diodes is ...
In this article carbon co-implantation and step-by-step thermal treatments of shallow p"+-n-junctions formation were used with the purpose of extended defect suppression and reduction of boron transient enhanced diffusion. A substantial improvement of the structural and electrical parameters of shallow p"+-n-junctions has been achieved by using the additional carbon implantation and step-by-step thermal treatments. (authors)
Examines the potential of the World Bank scheme, outlined in its 1980 Education Sector Policy Paper, for helping Bangladesh achieve universal basic education. Considers such issues as formal vs. nonformal schooling, costs, and teacher training. Part of a theme issue on the World Bank Paper and Third World educational development. (SJL)
High-brightness negative ion beams, especially O{sup -} beams, from a compact gaseous plasma source are studied to evaluate the suitability for high-resolution SIMS. Ion-optical calculations are made using the beam parameters from the new source. Results suggest that sub-100 nm spot with O{sup -} beam current of 10 pA is achievable. Beam focusing, the resulting beam current distributions at the target and the expected instrumental performance are discussed.
The requirements of high-pressure compressors increase. The customers wish still larger quantities of delivery with smaller employment of achievement, minimal oil consumption, service amenability, long intervals of maintenance and so forth. For this, the author of the contribution under consideration presents two series of modular developed high-pressure compressors in compact design for industrial air and technical gases which exactly fulfil these requirements.
Free-electron-laser (FEL) oscillators require a train of high-brightness bunches. Conventional subharmonic bunchers are currently used with rf linacs to generate pulse trains, but the resulting dilution of the transverse phase space and lower beam brightness are unacceptable for high-performance FELs. Recent developments suggest that photoemitters of high quantum efficiency combined with rapid acceleration can produce pulse trains of higher brightness than has been achieved before.
A special purpose hardware machine, which simulates up to one half-million gates and 2m byte RAM ICS at a 5 millisecond clock speed is described. This is accomplished with a hardware logic (HAL) simulator. This performance is achieved with 32 distributed special parallel processors, which utilize block oriented simulation technique. The technique promises a good cost hardware logic simulator. 7 references.
Geoinformatics, of which remote sensing, global positioning system and geographical information system are kernel components, has developed rapidly and become applicable in the last ten years. In this paper, the recent development and advantages of geoinformatics are introduced; some achievements and understanding in applications for environmental protection in mining areas are also described. 7 refs., 5 figs., 1 tab.
We discuss the initial development of a concentrator device based on the GaInP/GaAs monolithic tandem cell structure. The very high one-sun efficiency of this device, coupled with its characteristic low operating current, make this a promising candidate for use under high concentration. Test results for a prototype device are presented. This device achieves an efficiency of 29.5% at a concentration of 102 suns.
Rice, the world's major staple crop, is a poor source of essential micronutrients, including folates (vitamin B9). We report folate biofortification of rice seeds achieved by overexpressing two Arabidopsis thaliana genes of the pterin and para-aminobenzoate branches of the folate biosynthetic pathway from a single locus. We obtained a maximal enhancement as high as 100 times above wild type, with 100 g of polished raw grains containing up to four times the adult daily folate requirement.
This document describes a simple and general way to generate House Simulation Protocol (HSP)-consistent internal sensible and latent loads in unoccupied homes. It is newly updated based on recent experience, and provides instructions on how to calculate and set up the operational profiles in unoccupied homes. The document is split into two sections: how to calculate the internal load magnitude and schedule, and then what tools and methods should be used to generate those internal loads to achieve research goals.
A simple arrangement of standard horizontal coaxial Ge(Li) detectors with the aim of constructing a Compton linear-polarimeter was tested. High polarization sensitivity and detection efficiency were achieved. The characteristics of the polarimeter and analysis of the observed quantities in terms of the linear-polarization mixing coefficient Hsub(l)(LL') are described.
The fabrication of a Prototype 275/sup 0/C Geothermal Temperature Tool is reviewed. This tool fabrication uses hybrid circuits that were developed at Sandia National Laboratories and are now being built at Teledyne Philbrick. To achieve high-temperature operation, the standard military specification hybrid technology was modified in fabrication processes and materials.
The Fast Flux Test Facility on the federal reservation at Hanford, Washington, has become a bright star in the universe of nuclear science and engineering technologies. The entire FFTF enterprise is now a success story, and this is particularly significant in these days when good news about nuclear power is scarce. The reactor, its testing capabilities and associated test facilities are described.
DescriptionEnzymes are natural catalysts that are used increasingly to replace environmentally harmful chemicals and to achieve better catalytic selectivity during pulp and paper processing. The main objective of this project is to identify novel plant enzymes for deeper understanding of the process of fibre formation and for future improvement of the quality parameters of wood fibres. Specific modification of the fibre characteristics will facilitate their use as raw materials for the current pulp and pap [continued...
The advent of sophisticated automation equipment and computer hardware and software is changing the way manufacturing is carried out. To compete in the global marketplace, manufacturing companies must integrate these new technologies into their factories. In addition, they must integrate the planning, control, and data management methodologies needed to make effective use of these technologies. This paper provides an overview of recent approaches to achieving this enterprise integration. It then describes, using simulation as a particular example, a new tool`s perspective of enterprise integration.
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.
The SciDAC2 accelerator project at SLAC aims to simulate an entire three-cryomodule radio frequency (RF) unit of the International Linear Collider (ILC) main Linac. Petascale computing resources supported by advances in Applied Mathematics (AM) and Computer Science (CS) and INCITE Program are essential to enable such very large-scale electromagnetic accelerator simulations required by the ILC Global Design Effort. This poster presents the recent advances and achievements in the areas of CS/AM through collaborations.
Iron deficiency anaemia is highly prevalent among rural population of Northeast Thailand. The habitual diets are plant-based. Several herbal vegetables and spices such as lead tree leaves, ivy gourd, Thai basil, chilli peppers etc are consumed in a substantial in common Northeast dishes. High contents of phytate and polyphenol compounds including tannin in these herbs and spices may profoundly influence iron bioavailability in the northeast population
The Environmental Management System (EMS) is an instrument to manage the interaction between the organization and the environment. The scope od EMS is to reduce the environmental impact and to achieve improvements in overall performances. In particular, the focus point of EMS implementation is the method for identifying and assessing significant environmental aspects. This paper presents a review of methods and techniques existing in this area, and the definition of the state of the art. The results of the literature, regulation and case studies reviews have shown that rigorous, repeatable and transparent methodologies do not exist.
The obtained results in presently study demonstrate that the feasibility of the detection of the sentry ganglion in cervix uterine cancer using a boarding by laparoscopic via, being necessary the use of twice labelled as much with patent blue and radioisotope (colloid of labelled rhenium with "9"9"mTc, total dose of 3 MCi) to achieve the identification of the ganglion. (Author)
Stabilization of the particle beam position with respect to the focusing optics in the third generation synchrotron light sources is crucial to achieving low emittance and high brightness. For this purpose, global and local beam orbit correction feedbacks will be implemented in the APS storage ring. In this article, the authors discuss application of digital signal processing to particle/photon beam position feedback using the PID (proportional, integral, and derivative) control algorithm.
The development of a gas-operated diffusion absorption heat pump for the heating of living spaces is described. By various improvement an energy efficiency of the prototypes of 1.5 was achieved. Structural alterations led to a lower overall height and lower production costs. The CFCs used in electric heat pumps were replaced by environmentally neutral ammonia. Compared with conventional gas heating systems, the CO2 output could be reduced by more than 30%. figs., tabs.
The purpose of the invention is to increase reliability in the operation of the device for advancing the base of a stoping unit. This is achieved because the device includes alternation hydraulic jacks of advance and control connected by hinges between themselves by the sections of the base and equipped with hydraulic locks, distributors of the hydraulic jacks of advance. In this case the hydraulic locks connected to the hydraulic jacks of control are doubled and connected to the distributors of the neighboring sections through reverse valves.
In this communication we propose a method to implement an all-optical astable multivibrator using the non-linear material based switches and logic gates. The scheme can operate in real time. The delay time can achieve ps(pico-second). The pulse duration can be made very low and may cross the THz easily by selecting proper material and laser source.
In the framework of a global analysis of the various available sources of energy, Japan has reserved a prominent place to the nuclear energy, and in the long-term view, to the breeder reactor which will be due for commercial deployment in 2010. To achieve these objectives, three stages are envisaged, one of the experimental reactor Joyo (in service), one of the demonstration reactor Monju (its construction has been decided), and one of the pre-commercial reactor (due to be taken in hand at the beginning of the Nineties). Efforts will be made in parallel concerning the fuel cycle.
This document provides a technical basis for the revision of chemical effluent limitations guidelines for the Steam Electric Power Industry reflecting the Best Available Technology Economically Achievable (BATEA) for existing sources, New Source Performance Standards (NSPS) and Pretreatment Standards. The analysis of pollutants and the technologies applicable to their control has been based on specific waste streams of concern.
In recent years new, less-sensitive explosives have been developed together with new types of detonator. Four sections are covered: 1) Description of various developments achieved by the laboratories of Nobel Explosifs over the past 12 years; 2) Explanation of the limits of application of the various products; 3) Thoughts on the various detonator systems and their effectiveness; and 4) Advice and recommendations for the use of the new product range. The products in question are : dynamites, nitrates, oil nitrates, gels and slurry explosives. (17 refs.)
We have designed a local trigger board for the Daya Bay reactor neutrino experiment, which is aimed to measure the neutrino mixing angle sin22?13 with a precision down to 1% level. The local trigger board processes both the total number of coincident photomultiplier tube (PMT) hits and the PMT energy sum to make trigger decisions. With this design, a high trigger probability is achieved to meet the system requirement. The design of the local trigger board is presented.
The objective of SCK-CEN's R and D programme on decision strategy research are (1) to support and advise the Belgian authorities on specific problems concerning existing and potential hazards from exposure to ionising radiation, both in normal and emergency situations; (2) to perform research on relevant topics that might have an important impact on decision making related to nuclear applications, including social and economic sciences. Main achievements in this area in 1999 are described.
The document reports the results of a cost-effectiveness analysis of alternative water pollution control regulations of the battery manufacturing industry. These regulations include effluent limitations and standards based on best practical control technology currently available, best available technology economically achievable, and pretreatment standards for new sources. For each of these regulations, EPA has identified several pollution control options, each with different levels of pollution abatement and compliance cost. The analysis is a tool for evaluating the options.
We performed biomechanical comparison of a xenograft bone plate-screw (XBPS) system for achieving cadaveric lumbar transpedicular stabilization (TS) in dogs. Twenty dogs' cadaveric L2-4 lumbar...Full Text Available
We consider the numerical discretization of the time-domain Maxwell's equations with an energy-conserving discontinuous Galerkin finite element formulation. This particular formulation allows for higher order approximations of the electric and magnetic field. Special emphasis is placed on an efficient implementation which is achieved by taking advantage of recurrence properties and the tensor-product structure of the chosen shape functions. These recurrences have been derived symbolically with computer algebra methods reminiscent of the holonomic systems approach.
The objective of this paper is to demonstrate how market forces, operating in an increasingly competitive energy market, are a preferred route to achieving environmental and energy efficiency benefits other than those which can be achieved through a managed approach adopted by many Governments. It will show, through examples, how electricity is a catalyst for change at several levels in business, the community and the general economy. Many governments` attempts to introduce `vertically-structured` energy saving programmes have failed to realise the benefits of inter-energy substitution. Frequently, programmes are based on the principles of demand-side management within a single energy sector, and they have been implemented by government bodies which have adopted an interventionist as opposed to free market approach to achieve savings in carbon dioxide emissions. Studies world-wide have shown how increased use of ...
Cathodic reduction of non-terminal vinylaxides on Hg cathodes in the presence of electrophiles gives reasonable yields of N-acylated enamines in an electrochemically totally irreversible reaction. In the presence of added H-donors rather high selectivity for formation of saturated amides is achieveable. The influence of reaction conditions on product distribution is discussed.
Sugarcane orange rust is an economically important disease in Florida and has caused yield losses in the major cultivar, CP 80-1743 since it was introduced in 2007. Orange rust has caused susceptible cultivars to be discarded from the CP-cultivar development program and is also causing yield losses....
Spark ignition internal combustion engines perform satisfactorily when the fueled with biomass producer gas from a fluidized bed gasifier. Although power output is reduced compared to natural gas levels, full power recovery can be achieved with a relatively low level of supercharging. Important considerations are an adequate fuel delivery system and adquate gas cleaning. ref.
(B204) The meeting will bring together observers and theorists in a highly interactive format, to further connect the local and cosmological star formation communities. Forward looking talks, aimed at the other communities, will survey terminology, achievements, problems and aspirations. Discussion will focus on the definition of the key questions, how the different communities can help each other, and preparations for the incorporation of realistic star formation into cosmological simulations.
Argus Energy's Kiah Creek Operation has received the 2007 Wetlands West Virginia Award presented by the West Virginian Coal Association. The operation was originally a 1267 acre underground mine in the Coalburg seam. Underground mining commenced in 2000 until the end of 2003 with more than two million tons of coal being produced. The creation of the wetlands was achieved during the operations. 8 photos.
The purpose of the invention is to improve adaptability of a compression shield to irregularities of a face. This goal is achieved in that a compressible shield is made in the form of a lattice of elastic transverse plates with grooves, elastic vertical elements installed in the grooves, and an elastic plate which is concave toward the face. The plate is located vertically in the middle of the shield. The compressible shield is attached by hinges to a deflector. Telescopic cross pieces are attached by hinges to the covering section of reinforcement, offering the possibility of longitudinal movement at the point of attachment.
(1) Most ancillary services needed for real-time control of the transmission grid and to meet operating criteria can be competitively supplied and competitively procured. (2) The independent service operator (ISO) must directly control the generators and loads, which supply ancillary services. (3) Comparability of access to ancillary services is achievable through the ISO-based competitive market structure.
The Hydrogen Program at Sandia National Laboratories is developing internal combustion engine generators for application in series hybrid vehicles and stationary power units. The program consists of two approaches: investigating the utilization of hydrogen in a conventional crankshaft driven engine and in an advanced free piston configuration. The conventional engine program has taken the direction of utilizing the unique ability to spark ignite homogeneous fuel/air mixtures of hydrogen at low equivalence ratios to achieve low NO{sub x} emissions and high thermal efficiency. The goal is to translate the indicated thermal efficiency of single-cylinder engines into multicylinder configurations achieving at least 40% brake thermal efficiency. When coupled to an electrical generator, the fuel to electricity conversion efficiency would be approximately 37%. A modified Perkins 3.152 Diesel engine is currently being tested and has ...
Implementation of quantum logical gates for multilevel systems is demonstrated through decoherence control under the quantum adiabatic method using simple phase modulated laser pulses. We make use of selective population inversion and Hamiltonian evolution with time to achieve such goals robustly instead of the standard unitary transformation language. (letter to the editor)
Ways of improving the water chemistry used in the turbine generator stator?s cooling systems at Russian nuclear power plants are considered. Data obtained from operational chemical monitoring of indicators characterizing the quality of cooling water in the turbine generator stator cooling systems of operating power units at nuclear power plants are presented.
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 model designed to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of the use of robotics and remote tooling in achieving reduction of occupational exposure at nuclear installations is presented. The operational cost saving of implementing dose reduction action is introduced as a key parameter. Through specific example, a partial demonstration of the model is given. (author).
The goal of the invention is to increase the effectiveness of the isolation process through increasing the waterproofing of the stratum. The cited goal is achieved by isolating water influx into a well through introduction of a chemical reagent into the stratum. To interact with the stratum, an alloy of titanium and iron is introduced into the stratum as the chemical reagent with subsequent pumping of hydrogen into the stratum at 100 to 200C.
Here we show that self-propulsion in quantum vacuum may be achieved by rotating or aggregating magneto-electric nano-particles. The back-action follows from changes in momentum of electro-magnetic zero-point fluctuations, generated in magneto-electric materials. This effect may provide new tools for investigation of the quantum nature of our world. It might also serve in the future as a "quantum wheel" to correct satellite orientation in space.
A simple arrangement of standard horizontal coaxial Ge(Li) detectors with the aim of constructing a Compton linear-polarimeter was tested. High polarization sensitivity and detection efficiency were achieved. The characteristics of the polarimeter and analysis of the observed quantities in terms of the linear-polarization mixing coefficient Hsub(l)(LL') are described. (orig.).
The purpose of the invention is to simplify assembly and to reduce labor intensity. This is achieved by the fact that the assembly shaft is positioned in a hawser, while its wall which is turned towards the body of the installation is combined with the hawser wall, where a U shaped opening is made in the wall of the assembly shaft, along the edges of which there is a hermetically sealing device, while the bottom of the body of the offshore drilling rig is equipped with a rigid insert attached with the capability of adjoining it with the hermetically sealing device.
Previous studies have found that classrooms are often inadequately ventilated, with the resultant increased risk of negative impacts on the pupils. This paper describes a series of field measurements that investigated the indoor air quality, thermal comfort and acoustic performance of nine recently built secondary schools in England. The most significant conclusion is that the complex interaction between ventilation, thermal comfort and acoustics presents considerable challenges for designers. The study showed that while the acoustic standards are demanding it was possible to achieve natural ventilation designs that met the criteria for indoor ambient noise levels when external noise levels were not excessive. Most classrooms in the sample met the requirement of limiting the daily average CO{sub 2} concentration to below 1500 ppm but just a few met the need to readily provide 8 l/s per person of fresh air under the easy control of the occupants. It would seem that ...
The pressurized Heavy Water Reactor (PHWR) consists of horizontal calandria vessel containing a large number of pressure tubes (fuel channels) connected to the reactor inlet and outlet headers by individual feeders. Coolant flow distribution among the pressure tubes play a vital role in extraction of thermal power. For these reactors one of the design objectives is to achieve uniform coolant outlet temperatures by providing coolant flows according to the channel power. This is achieved by the design process known as feeder sizing. This basically consists of accounting for the individual channel power and centre line geometry of individual feeder and iteratively adjusting the feeder hydraulic resistances within the design constraints such as limiting flow velocities, channel flows. Recently, the first unit of 540 MWe i.e Tarapur Atomic Power Project (unit 4) has been commissioned. This paper discusses the verification of the coolant flow ...
Tremendous progress in the science of extrasolar planets has been achieved since the discovery of a Jupiter orbiting the nearby Sun-like star 51 Pegasi in 1995. Theoretical models have now reached enough maturity to predict the characteristic properties of these new worlds, mass, radius, atmospheric signatures, and can be confronted with available observations. We review our current knowledge of the physical properties of exoplanets, internal structure and composition, atmospheric signatures, including expected biosignatures for exo-Earth planets, evolution, and the impact of tidal interaction and stellar irradiation on these properties for the short-period planets. We discuss the most recent theoretical achievements in the field and the still pending questions. We critically analyze the different solutions suggested to explain abnormally large radii of a significant fraction of transiting exoplanets. Special attention is devoted to the ...
Full text. Here we present a status report of the Schenberg antenna, which started commissioning runs in September 2006 under the full support of FAPESP. In its first commissioning runs we tested three preliminary parametric transducer systems, which did not achieve a high enough performance for placing the antenna sensitivity in the range of the calibrator capacitor. Instead of improving the calibrator, making it capable of introducing a larger input force, we decided to go to a radical upgrading operation: replacing the three transducers for a complete set of six transducers, with better sensitivity and arranged according to the truncated icosahedron configuration, plus two extra ones; starting to install the dilution refrigerator; installing wires, cables, and amplifiers for the complete set of transducer circuits; and a new suspension and vibration isolation system for the cabling and microstrip antennas. We also have been developing a new set of transducers, ...
A comparison of the loss mechanisms in screen-printed solar cells relative to buried contact cells and cells with photolithography-defined contacts is presented in this paper. Model calculations show that emitter recombination accounts for about 0.5% absolute efficiency loss in conventional screen-printed cells with low-sheet-resistance emitters. Ohmic contact to high-sheet-resistance emitters by screen-printing has been investigated to regain this efficiency loss. Our work shows that good quality ohmic contacts to high sheet-resistance emitters can be achieved if the glass frit chemistry and Ag particle size are carefully tailored. The melting characteristics of the glass frit determine the firing scheme suitable for low contact resistance and high fill factors. In addition, small to regular Ag particles were found to help achieve a higher open-circuit voltage and maintain a low contact resistance. This work has resulted in cells with high ...
In the atmospheric pressure coal combustion area, the internally circulating fluidized bed boiler (ICFB) has already been proven to possess superior performance features in terms of the ease with which load conditions can be controlled and its low pollution level. Based on the particular merits of the ICFB furnace and the application of this technology to pressurized fluidized bed boiler technology, it was possible to achieve a pressurized fluidized bed boiler with superior ease of operation, reliability and los pollution characteristics. Cold model tests and computer simulation have been carried out to investigate the possibility of applying ICFB technology to the pressurized fluidized bed boiler technology in an attempt to develop the pressurized internally circulating fluidized bed boiler (PICFB). Based on the results achieved in this research, a hot-model design and fabrication project were initiated in 1995 to create a 4MW (thermal) heat ...
Research performed at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory on the equilibrium and stability of a new class of ambient-temperature passive bearing systems is described. The basic concepts involved are: (1) Stability of the rotating system is only achieved in the rotating state. That is, disengaging mechanical systems are used to insure stable levitation at rest (when Earnshaw`s theorem applies). (2) Stable levitation by passive magnetic elements can be achieved if the vector sum of the force derivatives of the several elements of the system is net negative (i.e. restoring) for axial, transverse, and tilt-type perturbations from equilibrium. To satisfy the requirements of (2) using only permanent magnet elements we have employed periodic ``Halbach arrays.`` These interact with passive inductive loaded circuits and act as stabilizers, with the primary forces arising from axially symmetric permanent-magnet elements. Stabilizers and other ...
Concerning the coal liquefaction research under way at the National Institute for Resources and Development, its purpose, contents, achievements, problems, future tasks, etc., are recapitulated. At the meeting, the coal liquefaction research is explained and discussed. Study tours are conducted to a liquefaction plant site, hydrolytic liquefaction facilities, and liquefaction facilities involving ultra-strong acid. Explanations are given on sub-themes of research in and after fiscal 1992 and the future prospects, and discussion is held on general matters. Various views and opinions are expressed by the committee members. Some ask what the chemical structure of coal is and what the model substance that represents coal is. Another insists that basic research on coal structure and reactivity be reconstructed. Those whose goal is to put the technology to practical use express their opinions that a clear position be given the liquefaction technology in the industrial ...
A technical committee reported on: (1) proposed water quality objectives for the San Joaquin River Basin; (2) proposed effluent limitations for agricultural drainage discharges in the basin to achieve these objectives; and (3) a proposal to regulate these discharges. The costs and economic impact of achieving various alternative water quality objectives were also evaluated. The information gathered by the technical committee will be used by the Regional Board along with other information in their review of the San Joaquin River Basin Water Quality Control Plan and their actions to regulate agricultural drainage in the San Joaquin Valley. The results of the Technical Committee's efforts as reported in Regulation of Agricultural Drainage to the San Joaquin River, August 1987. Based on the available information, the improvement in water quality resulting from implementation of the interim selenium objective and long-term objectives for ...
A laboratory-scale multi-layer system was developed for the adsorption of PCDD/Fs from gas streams at various operating conditions, including gas flow rate, operating temperature and water vapor content. Excellent PCDD/F removal efficiency (>99.99%) was achieved with the multi-layer design with bead-shaped activated carbons (BACs). The PCDD/F removal efficiency achieved with the first layer adsorption bed decreased as the gas flow rate was increased due to the decrease of the gas retention time. The PCDD/F concentrations measured at the outlet of the third layer adsorption bed were all lower than 0.1ng I-TEQNm-3. The PCDD/Fs desorbed from BAC were mainly lowly chlorinated congeners and the PCDD/F outlet concentrations increased as the operating temperature was increased. In addition, the r...
This study presents a rapid and selective method for the recovery of lanthanides and yttrium, existing in economically interesting concentrations, from red mud, the byproduct of the alumina production. The leaching process is based on the extraction of these elements with diluted nitric acid from red mud under moderate conditions and without using any preliminary treatment. Several parameters such as leaching agents, contact time, temperature, pressure and solid to liquid ratio were investigated in order to achieve an optimum recovery. The process followed here was selected taking into account its efficiency for the selective recovery of yttrium and lanthanides, but also its suitability for the subsequent liquid-liquid extraction of the leaching solution for the separation of the individual lanthanides. The achieved recovery percentages were for Y about 90%, for the investigated heavy lanthanides (Dy, Er, Yb) up to 70%, for the middle ones (Nd, ...
This study presents a rapid and selective method for the recovery of lanthanides and yttrium, existing in economically interesting concentrations, from red mud, the byproduct of the alumina production. The leaching process is based on the extraction of these elements with diluted nitric acid from red mud under moderate conditions and without using any preliminary treatment. Several parameters such as leaching agents, contact time, temperature, pressure and solid to liquid ratio were investigated in order to achieve an optimum recovery. The process followed here was selected taking into account its efficiency for the selective recovery of yttrium and lanthanides, but also its suitability for the subsequent liquid-liquid extraction of the leaching solution for the separation of the individual lanthanides. The achieved recovery percentages were for Y about 90%, for the investigated heavy lanthanides (Dy, Er, Yb) up to 70%, for the middle ones (Nd, ...
The behavior of lead in the graphite furnace during the individual steps of the temperature program was investigated by means of /sup 203/Pb as a radiotracer. The matrix systems include HCl and HNO/sub 3/ solutions, 1% NaCl solution, blood, serum, urine, and the solid samples bovine liver and orchard leaves. Without matrix modificaton, a pyrolysis temperature of up to 500/sup 0/C can be used for all samples. Significant stabilization effects can be achieved in the preatomization steps by using NH/sub 4/H/sub 2/PO/sub 4/ and ammonia as matrix modifiers and by addition of hydrogen to the flowing argon gas. It was found that the use of a L'vov platform also helps to eliminate the matrix effects. With respect to lead stabilization and elimination of matrix effects, optimum experimental conditions are achieved by simultaneous use of a L'vov platform and NH/sub 4/H/sub 2/PO/sub 4/ as the matrix modifier. 34 references, 5 figures, 1 ...
The behavior of lead in the graphite furnace during the individual steps of the temperature program was investigated by means of "2"0"3Pb as a radiotracer. The matrix systems include HCl and HNO_3 solutions, 1% NaCl solution, blood, serum, urine, and the solid samples bovine liver and orchard leaves. Without matrix modificaton, a pyrolysis temperature of up to 500"0C can be used for all samples. Significant stabilization effects can be achieved in the preatomization steps by using NH_4H_2PO_4 and ammonia as matrix modifiers and by addition of hydrogen to the flowing argon gas. It was found that the use of a L'vov platform also helps to eliminate the matrix effects. With respect to lead stabilization and elimination of matrix effects, optimum experimental conditions are achieved by simultaneous use of a L'vov platform and NH_4H_2PO_4 as the matrix modifier. 34 references, 5 figures, 1 table.
Experience of the Westinghouse Water Reactors Division with indoctrination and training of quality engineers includes training of personnel from Westinghouse divisions in the USA and overseas as well as of customers' personnel. A written plan is prepared for each trainee in order to fit the training to the individual's needs, and to cover the full range of information and activities. The trainee is also given work assignments, working closely with experienced quality engineers. He may prepare inspection plans and audit check lists, assist in the preparation of QA training modules, write procedures, and perform supplier surveillance and data analyses, or make special studies of operating systems. The trainee attends seminars and special courses on work-related technical subjects. Throughout the training period, emphasis is placed on inculcating an attitude of team work in the trainee so that the result of the training is the achievement of both quality and ...
By using this doping method, silicon semiconductors with extremely uniform dopant distributions can be produced, and this is the dominant advantage of NTD compared with a conventional chemical doping. Good uniformity of a dopant concentration is usually required for high power applications such as thyristor (SCR), IGBT, IGCT and GTO and for special sensors. Achieving an accurate neutron fluence corresponding to a target resistivity as well as a uniform irradiation is the prime target of a neutron irradiation for NTD. Generally, in order to reach an accurate neutron fluence, a real time neutron flux is monitored by a neutron detector such as a Self-powered Neutron Detector(SPND). And, after an irradiation, the total irradiation fluence is confirmed by measuring the absolute activity of a neutron activation sample that has been irradiated with a silicon ingot, and thus the SPND can be properly calibrated. Excellent irradiation uniformity and a high accuracy for a ...
Seventeen eyes of patients who were being followed by their ophthalmologists for aphakic (8 eyes) or pseudophakic (9 eyes) cystoid macular edema (CME) were examined on referral. All eyes showed retinal detachment (RD), and eight eyes had CME with RD. Most RDs were inferior and shallow. Proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) was noted in 15 eyes (88.2%). There was history of vitreous loss during the last intraocular surgery in 88.2% eyes. Visual acuity ranged from 20/40 to hand movements. Fundus view was hazy in most eyes, and indirect ophthalmoscopy was most useful in detecting RD. Retinal reattachment with scleral buckling and/or vitrectomy was achieved in 16 eyes (94.1%). Postoperative visual recovery was jeopardized due to longstanding macular detachment of greater than 1 month in 11 eyes (64.7%). Eight eyes (47%) achieved 20/50 vision whereas 25% did not improve to better than 20/400. Factors leading to failure in making the correct ...
The presence of residual stresses in engineering components can significantly affect their load carrying capacity and resistance to fracture. In order to quantify their effect it is necessary to know their magnitude and distribution. Neutron diffraction is the most suitable method of obtaining these stresses non-destructively in the interior of components. In this paper the principles of the technique are described. A monochromatic beam of neutrons, or time of flight measurements, can be employed. In each case, components of strain are determined directly from changes in the lattice spacings between crystals. Residual stresses can then be calculated from these strains. The experimental procedures for making the measurements are described and precautions for achieving reliable results discussed. These include choice of crystal planes on which to make measurements, extent of masking needed to identify a suitable sampling volume, type of detector and alignment ...
ZrO_2/O'-sialon composites were obtained via reaction sintering of ZrSiO_4 and Si_3N_4 powders at about 1700 deg C. Y_2O_3 was effective in both stabilizing of zirconia and densifying the composites. However, it is not easy to select an optimum value of the single additive to balance these two requirements simultaneously. With low Y_2O_3 addition, some tetragonal zirconia grains in the sintered samples are transformable during mechanical grinding but the full densification of the material is then sacrificed. On the other hand, addition more Y_2O_3 to achieve complete densification results in the zirconia being stabilized into undesirable t' or cubic forms. Therefore no improved toughening effects have been achieved in the composites. Heat-treatment of the materials at 1400 deg C. results in the diffusion of yttria from the grain boundary phase to zirconia and the formation of the O'-cubic zirconia composite may still provide a useful refractory ...
In the atmospheric pressure coal combustion area, the Internally Circulating Fluidized Bed Boiler (ICFB) had already been proven to possess superior performance features in terms of the ease with which load conditions can be controlled and because of its low pollution level. Based on the particular merits of the ICFB furnace and the application of this technology to pressurized fluidized bed boiler technology, it was possible to achieve a pressurized fluidized bed boiler with superior ease of operation, reliability and low-pollution characteristics. From fiscal 1992, the authors have conducted extensive research work, including cold model tests and computer simulations to investigate the possibility of applying ICFB technology to the pressurized fluidized bed boiler technology in an attempt to develop the Pressurized Internally Circulating Fluidized Bed Boiler (PICFB). Based on the results achieved in this research, a hot-model design and ...
The Oil Shale Program is directed toward the development of advanced technologies for extracting shale oil from large, currently unrecoverable oil shale resources. The overall goal of the Oil Shale Program is to foster development by the private sector of an economically competitive and environmentally acceptable oil shale industry whose products can compete with natural petroleum liquids in the marketplace by the year 2000. For the achievement of this goal, a series of interrelated technology development steps must take place, some sponsored by DOE, some by other government agencies, and some by other governments and/or the private sector. These include basic and applied research and development, proof-of-concept activities, first-of-a-kind field tests, and associated commercial scale activity. Activities associated with the Oil Shale Program are designed to achieve one or more of the following: enhanced environmental acceptability; expanded ...
Multilayer mirror coatings which reflect extreme ultraviolet (EUV) radiation are a key enabling technology for EUV lithography. Mo/Si multilayers with reflectances of 67.5% at 13.4 nm are now routinely achieved and reflectances of 70 2% at 11.4 nm were obtained with MO/Be multilayers. High reflectance is achieved with careful control of substrate quality, layer thicknesses, multilayer materials, interface quality, and surface termination. Reflectance and film stress were found to be stable relative to the requirements for application to EUV lithography. The run-to-run reproducibility of the reflectance peak position was characterized to be better than 0.2%, providing the required wavelength matching among the seven multilayer-coated mirrors used in the present lithography system design. Uniformity of coating was improved to better than 0.5% across 150 mm diameter substrates. These improvements in EUV multilayer mirror technology will enable us ...
A metallization scheme has been developed which allows selective plating of silicon solar cell surfaces. The system is comprised of three layers. Palladium, through the formation of palladium silicide at 300/sup 0/C in nitrogen, makes ohmic contact to the silicon surface. Nickel, plated on top of the palladium silicide layer, forms a solderable interface. Lead-tin solder on the nickel provides conductivity and allows a convenient means for interconnection of cells. To apply this metallization, three chemical plating baths are employed. Palladium is deposited with an immersion palladium solution and an electroless palladium solution, and nickel is deposited with an electroless nickel solution. Solder is applied with a molten solder dip. Extensive development work has been performed to achieve an effective immersion palladium solution formulation, leading to reproducible formation of the palladium silicide contact layer. This metallization system has been repeatedly ...
X-ray imaging using asymmetric Bragg reflection in the hard x-ray regime opens the way to improve the spatial resolution limit below 1 #mu#m by magnifying the image before detection, simultaneously providing a strong phase contrast. A theoretical formalism of the imaging process is established. Based on this algorithm, numerical simulations are performed and demonstrate that both Fresnel propagation and Bragg diffraction contribute to contrast formation. The achievable resolution of this technique is investigated theoretically; the results obtained can be used to improve future experimental setups. Furthermore, the minimum detectable phase gradient is estimated, for comparison with other phase sensitive imaging techniques. Results from biological objects demonstrate that the technique is viable for imaging both in two and three dimensions. Refraction contrast images are extracted from experimental projection images by an algorithm similar to diffraction-enhanced ...
Supermetal with critical characteristics is under advanced investigation for further improvement of metal materials. Although iron is most frequently used as structural material among various metals, it should be used more carefully and effectively because of resource limitation and global environmental problem. It is essential to draw various excellent properties much more from iron and to improve recyclability. In particular, the best way to meet these requirements is achievement of more fine structure and higher purity. Since the lowest crystalline grain size is now limited to nearly 10{mu}m, metallic structure composed of grains below 1{mu}m is expected by mesoscopic control. Various methods have been studied to achieve ultra-fine crystalline structure, and study of precise heat treatment control and ultra-strength metallurgy is required. Heat treatment in magnetic field and layered structure by mechanical alloying are also promising. ...
Laser frequency stabilization giving a 500-Hz Allan deviation for a 2-ms integration time with drift reduced to 7 kHz/min over several minutes was achieved at 1536 nm in the optical communication band. A continuously regenerated spectral hole in the inhomogeneously broadened "4I_1_5_/_2(1)#->#"4I_1_3_/_2(1) optical absorption of an Er"3"+:Y_2SiO_5 crystal was used as the short-term frequency reference, while a variation on the locking technique allowed simultaneous use of the inhomogeneously broadened absorption line as a long-term reference. The reported frequency stability was achieved without vibration isolation. Spectral hole burning frequency stabilization provides ideal laser sources for high-resolution spectroscopy, real-time optical signal processing, and a range of applications requiring ultra-narrow-band light sources or coherent detection; the time scale for stability and the compatibility with spectral hole burning devices make ...
A method for converting organic iodides to elemental iodine would be advantageous in improving the performance of charcoal filters for the removal of radio iodines from reactor off gases. A photochemical method has been developed. The HAVCHM code was used to establish the relevant process time scales on a complete set of rate equations describing the primary and secondary reactions occurring in a plug-flow reactor containing low levels of elemental iodine and methyl iodide in air, which is irradiated by intense u.v. light. These simulations were used to justify the contraction of the complete set of reactions to the most significant elementary processes. The contracted set of rate equations are then solved analytically to render the concentration-time profiles of methyl iodide, total inorganic iodine and total oxidized organics, consistent with the achievement of a desirable radioiodine decontamination factor. For the short contact times available, the flux of ...
The objective of this project was to identify needs for environmental research development and demonstration projects that have the potential to improve the performance of oil and gas exploration, drilling, and production technologies for maximum recovery of domestic petroleum resources under optimal environmental and economic conditions. To achieve this objective several areas of work were addressed. The first task was to compile as much related data as possible. This was achieved by literature searches of a number of petroleum-related data bases. After acquiring sufficient background on environmental and economical areas that should be expanded, experts who are knowledgeable in these areas were contacted to further define specific issues. More than 33 identified areas were submitted to an in-house panel at NIPER to assure that the final environmental research demonstration and development needs that were selected to be expanded were unbiased ...
In order to achieve efficient d-lactic acid fermentation from a mixture of xylose and glucose, the xylose-assimilating xylAB operon from Lactobacillus pentosus (PXylAB) was introduced into an l-lactate dehydrogenase gene (ldhL1)-deficient Lactobacillus plantarum (?ldhL1-xpk1::tkt-?xpk2) strain in which the phosphoketolase 1 gene (xpk1) was replaced with the transketolase gene (tkt) from Lactococcus lactis, and the phosphoketolase 2 (xpk2) gene was deleted. Two copies of xylAB introduced into the genome significantly improved the xylose fermentation ability, raising it to the same level as that of ?ldhL1-xpk1::tkt-?xpk2 harboring a xylAB operon-expressing plasmid. Using the two-copy xylAB integrated strain, successful homo-d-lactic acid production was achieved from a mixture of 25?g/l xylos...
High-resolution sequence stratigraphy has been applied widely in the petroleum exploration and development, many achievements have been achieved. However, it is in the beginning stage that high-resolution sequence stratigraphy is applied to explore the sandstone-type uranium deposits in Erlian Basin. By applying principles of high-resolution sequence stratigraphy and taking typical boreholes as an example, sedimentary cycles of Saihan Formation, the ore-bearing formation in Baiyinwula area are divided and correlated through cross sections. One long-term cycle (LSC_1), two middle-term cycles (MSC_1, MSC_2) have been identified in this study. Based on this and combined with the mineralization character of sandstone uranium deposits in this area, it is presented that the interlayer oxidation zone is developed mainly in the rising hemicycle of MSC_1 and uranium ore bodies predominantly in channel sand bodies that were developed in the system tract ...
This study was performed to assess the possibility that patient age may independently affect improvements in health-related quality of life following percutaneous coronary intervention. One hundred five patients undergoing elective percutaneous coronary intervention at a single tertiary referral center between January 10, 2001 and January 6, 2002 were enrolled and prospectively evaluated. Health-related quality of life was assessed before and 1 year following percutaneous coronary intervention using Short Form-12 and the Seattle Angina Questionnaire. For the purpose of analysis, patients were divided according to age (younger than 60, 60-70, and older than 70 years). One hundred patients (95%) completed both questionnaires. Baseline characteristics among the age groups were similar in terms of gender, cardiac risk factors, and procedural details. All health-related quality-of-life indices demonstrated improvements with at least four variables in each group ...
In most countries, residential electricity consumption typically ranges from 20% to 40% of total electricity consumption. This energy is used for heating, cooling, refrigeration and other end-uses. Significant energy savings are possible if new appliance purchases are for models with higher efficiency than that of existing models. There are several ways to ensure or encourage such an outcome, for example, appliance rebates, innovative procurement, and minimum efficiency standards. This paper focuses on the latter approach. At the present time, the US is the only country with comprehensive appliance energy efficiency standards. However, many other countries, such as Australia, Canada, the European Community (EC), Japan and Korea, are considering enacting standards. The greatest potential impact of minimum efficiency standards for appliances is in the developing countries (e.g., China and India), where saturations of household appliances are relatively low but growing rapidly. This paper ...
Program Review VI was comprised of six sessions, including an opening session, four technical sessions that addressed each of the major DOE research areas, and a session on special issues. The technical sessions were on Hydrothermal, Hot Dry Rock, Geopressured and Magma resources. Presenters in the technical sessions discussed their R and D activities within the context of specific GTD Programmatic Objectives for that technology, their progress toward achieving those objectives, and the value of those achievements to industry. The ''Special Issues'' presentations addressed several topics such as the interactions between government and industry on geothermal energy R and D; the origin and basis for the programmatic objectives analytical computer model; and international marketing opportunities for US geothermal equipment and services. The unique aspect of Program Review VI was that it was held in conjunction ...
Geometrically anisotropic eddy current probes are a type of separate function probes especially fit to the detection of defects showing a preferential direction. This kind of flaw induces a coupling between the transmitter and the receiver by guiding eddy currents from the one to the other. On the other hand, this coupling will be almost non-existent in the presence of defects or spurious effects not displaying this geometrical particularity. Basic studies on an elementary two-coil set-up allow the acknowledgment of the intrinsic qualities of such probes: good signal-to-noise ratio, influence field practically constant on the whole defect length, ability to detect bridged defects, insensitivity to lift off. These results can be improved by achieving multicoils probes adapted to different kinds of problems. An application to continuous casting slabs testing yields very interesting results in the detection of cracks, while getting rid of the effect of oscillation ...
Externally Fired Combined Cycles (EFCCs) can increase the amount of electricity produced from ash bearing fuels up to 40%, with overall powerplant efficiencies in excess of 45%. Achieving such high efficiencies requires high temperature-high pressure air heaters capable of driving modern gas turbines from gas streams containing the products of coal combustion. A pilot plant has been constructed in Kennebunk, Maine to provide proof of concept and evaluation of system components. Tests using pulverized Western Pennsylvania bituminous coal have been carried out since April, 1995. The ceramic air heater extracts energy from the products of coal combustion to power a gas turbine. This air heater has operated at gas inlet temperatures over 1,095 C and pressures over 7.0 atm without damage to the ceramic tube string components. Stable gas turbine operation has been achieved with energy input from the air heater and a supplementary gas fired combustor. ...
Recognizing the importance of energy as a vital component in economic development, the Taiwanese government has been continuously revising its energy policy, seeking to balance economic development, energy supply, and environmental protection (3E). Some measures, in an attempt to achieve the 3E balance, were previously implemented in Taiwan; nevertheless, some unresolved issues departing from certain core principles of Taiwan's sustainable energy policy and an international initiative for a low carbon society remain. The aim of this paper is to examine the energy supply and demand structure of Taiwan and the present status of individual energy carriers (including coal, petroleum, natural gas and electricity). In addition, it investigates the current energy policy framework and its implementation in Taiwan, identifies unresolved issues regarding sustainable energy development, and formulates key policy solutions for certain identifiable problems to enable the ...
The French nuclear power program was pushed through in order to reduce the country's dependence on imported fossil sources of energy. Nuclear power and hydro power have achieved a level of self-sufficiency in the energy sector of more than 50%. It should be emphasized that the French nuclear power program was largely self-financed. Electricite de France (EdF) considers itself well prepared for the European market, provided the creation of the single market implies that electricity rates are taken as a yardstick of competitiveness. Negotiations about a European directive on deregulating the electricity market were for the government to hold. EdF pleaded in favor of preserving for each country a certain leeway for shaping its own policy. The road to deregulation was to be opened, but the specific situation of each country was to be taken electricity to be passed through imposes narrow constraints upon an expansion of exchanges of electricity, and public acceptance is ...
NO[sub x] emission legislation requirements for large-bore internal combustion engines have required engine manufacturers to continue to develop and improve techniques for exhaust emission reduction. This paper describes the development of the Cooper-Bessemer Clean Burn gas-diesel (dual-fuel) engine that results in NO[sub x] reductions of up to 92 percent as compared with an uncontrolled gas-diesel engine. Historically, the gas-diesel and diesel engine combustion systems have not responded to similar techniques of NO[sub x] reduction that have been successful on straight spark-ignited natural gas burning engines. NO[sub x] levels of a nominal 1.0 g/BHP-h, equal to the spark-ignited natural gas fueled engine, have been achieved for the gas-diesel and are described. In addition, the higher opacity exhaust plume characteristic of gas-diesel combustion is significantly reduced or eliminated. This achievement is considered to be a major ...
The theory of a method of determination of reactivity from power spectral density measurements with /sup 252/Cf and the results of experiments with a critical assembly mockup of a liquid-metal fast breeder reactor (LMFBR) and with uranium (93.2 wt % /sup 235/U) metal cylinders and a sphere are presented. This method of reactivity determination has an advantage over existing methods in that it determines the reactivity only from properties of the reactor at the subcritical state of interest and thus does not require a calibration near delayed criticality. In these experiments, the reactivity was varied by changing the fissile loading or the amount of neutron absorber inserted; for the LMFBR mockup, the reactivity varied to approximately 75 dollars subcritical, and for the uranium metal assemblies to approximately 30 dollars subcritical. These experiments verified for the first time the predictions of theory that could be tested in the measurements. This method has potential use in the ...
Two pilot-scale constructed wetlands (4:1 length:width aspect) were designed for tertiary treatment of refinery effluent. As requirements for removal of contaminants from NPDES effluents become more stringent, cost-effective technological approaches are needed to achieve the necessary treatment levels and be efficient, effective and low maintenance. The fundamental design of these constructed wetlands was based on biogeochemical principles that regulate the fate and persistence of the targeted elements (Cu, Zn, Pb). In order to maximize opportunities to learn more about the internal function of the wetlands, they were built to operate in series or in parallel permitting hydraulic retention times of 24 to 48 hours. The wetlands were lined with {approximately}76 cm of compacted clay as well as a 30 mil polyethylene liner. The hydrosoil selected for use in the constructed wetlands is 74.1% sand, 25.6% silt, 0.3% clay. Based on laboratory studies, this hydrosoil ...
Recently, weight reduction of vehicles has been of great interest, and consequently, the use of low-density materials in the automotive industry is increasing every year. Materials should not be substituted such a way that material of component parts is simply changed because there is a problem in achieving stiffness and strength. To achieve these requirements, the automobile should be redesigned totally. Aluminum spaceframe is rapidly being adopted as a body structure for accommodating lightness, stiffness and strength requirement. In aluminum spaceframe manufacturing, it is often required to join aluminum tube. But there are few suitable methods for joining aluminum tube, so that much interest has been focused on testing suitable joining methods. Joining by electromagnetic forming(EMF) can be useful method in joining aluminum tube, which offers some advantages compared with the conventional joining method. In this paper, joining by EMF was ...
This paper deals with an industrial application of the foam decontamination process applied to large volume components. The work presented below was achieved within the context of a CEC contract. The objective of this 4-year programme was to study, develop and demonstrate an effective in-situ decontamination process using foams containing suitable chemical reagents. Laboratory tests were first performed to optimize the chemical formulation of the foams. Pilot tests were then conducted to study the hydrodynamic features of the fluids and to adapt a technique of permanent foam circulation. With these tests completed, it was essential to validate the foam process on an industrial scale and on a representative nuclear component. The objective was successfully achieved. The process was effectively validated during the decontamination of a graphite-gas cooler representing a developed area of 1000 m{sup 2}. Results were quite convincing since the ...
The adherent magnetite film thickness, corrosion rate and the loose crud on the surface of carbon steel and other structural materials were evaluated by inserting the coupons in the two autoclaves connected to the two ends of the PHT systems of Indian PHWRs. This paper includes an analysis of the results obtained during the hot conditioning of TAPP-3 and 4, Kaiga-3 and 4, and RAPP-5. The system temperatures of 230 deg C to 260 deg C and the adherent magnetic thickness of 0.30 ?m to 0.75 ?m on the internal surface of carbon steel were achieved during the hot conditioning of these reactors. The time duration of termination of the hot conditioning ranged from 48 to 71 hours. The maximum magnetite film thickness of 0.75 ?m in 71 hours and temperature 260 deg C and a minimum thickness of 0.30 nm in 48 hours at 230 deg C were achieved during hot conditionings. The XRD analyses of hot conditioned carbon steel coupons showed that oxide film constitutes ...
A schematic diagram shows the various processing steps to be performed during feed preparation in the Hanford Waste Vitrification Plant (HWVP). The pretreated NCAW is transferred to the slurry receipt adjustment tank (SRAT) in the HWVP for concentration. Water removed during boildown is collected in the slurry mix evaporator condensate tank (SMECT). After waste treatment the water is returned to the storage tanks for eventual disposal. The pretreated Neutralized Current Acid Waste (NCAW) is concentrated in the SRAT to approximately 125 g waste oxides/ liter. Formic acid is then added at a controlled rate to improve rheological properties and achieve a required reduction/oxidation state. Reflux boiling is initiated and continued for several hours. The concentrated slurry is cooled and pumped to the slurry mix evaporator (SME). In the SME, glass frit is added, and the slurry is further concentrated to achieve a nominal composition of 500 g total ...
The feasibility of using hydrogen as the sole fuel in a direct injection diesel engine was investigated. An air cooled single cylinder Lister ST1 diesel engine was modified to operate as a low-heat-rejection engine for this study. Partially stabilized zirconia ceramic parts were used to shield the combustion space of the engine. Using a compression ratio of 17.9:1 and motoring the test engine at 21000 rpm, a maximum compression temperature of approximately 900 K was achieved. Under these operating conditions, all lubricants tested were found to burn. Lowering the speed to 1450 rpm and the compression ratio to 17.1, lubricant combustion and hot spots were successfully eliminated. The maximum compression temperature, when compression ignition of hydrogen was tried, was in the 800 K range. The corresponding ceramic surface temperature was estimated to reach 600-700 K. Only sporadic compression ignition of hydrogen was achievable. (author).
There has been a rapid increase in the number of technology certificate programs offered around the world in the last decade. While designing, developing, and implementing these programs little or no consideration is given to geographical, cultural and developmental differences between different regions of the world. This study investigates the students' success in the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) program--a unique model combining technology-supported learning with local instruction world-wide. The purpose of this study is to investigate how demographic, ability, and motivational factors impact student success in different regions of the world when the curriculum and teaching materials are the same for all students and teachers. 368,159 students who completed the technology course from August 2004 to December 2005 in 5,948 academies in 135 countries were examined. Based on ANOVA and regression, results show that prior achievement, technology skills, and ...
Between 1973 and 1978 combined radiotherapy and chemotherapy were given to 22 patients with histologically proven Ewing's sarcoma. The combined chemotherapy consisted of cyclophosphamide, vincristin, adriamycin, as well as dacarbazine in some cases. The neoplasm was a localized one at the beginning of treatment in 14 of the 22. These patients received high-voltage rediotherapy to the primary focus at a focal dose between 42 and 55 Gray (4200-5500 rad), followed by chemotherapy. After 6-8 treatment cycles, adriamycin was replaced by methotrexate. Nine of the 14 patients survived without recurrence for 12 to over 59 months. Eight patients had extensive metastases at the beginning of treatment: they at first received only chemotherapy, followed by radiotherapy or operation, as indicated. Full clinical remission was achieved in five of them: in three this remission has now lasted for more than 18, 40 and 44 months, respectively. These results indicate that (1) ...
The improvement of startability achieved by chemical ignition promotion at low temperature was studied theoretically and experimentally in terms of compression ratio and cetane number using a small direct injection diesel engine. The findings are as follows: The compression ratio and cetane number vary almost linearly. When the compression ratio increases by 1, the cetane number decreases by about 9. Since almost the same ignition condition at starting can be achieved by adjusting the number of cranking cycles, there is almost no influence of compression ratio and cetane number on ignition delay. When the soak temperature is -10{sup 0}C and the compression ratio is 18, the influence of the cetane number is almost negligible. Given the same starting time, the influence produced by an increase in compression ratio by 1 is equivalent to the influence produced by a reduction in soak temperature by about 4{sup 0}C. When the soak temperature is low, ...
180 deg magnet chamber is used in Folded Tandem Ion Accelerator for passage and 180 deg bending of ion beam. The chamber is placed between 180 deg terminal magnet (Electro-magnet), which is used for bending, and analysing the beams. Magnet with a particular magnetic field strength bends ions of only specified mass energy product through a precise path. There is also a space limitation in the direction of magnetic field. Both of them require the magnet chamber to be of a close tolerance. Accuracy of center distance between inlet and outlet port of the magnet chamber has to be at par with the concentricity of high energy and low energy beam line. To achieve this we started the fabrication of magnet chamber by following two methods: a) Circular rolling and bending of rectangular tube for 180 deg sector of magnet chamber b) Machining 180 deg sector in two half and welding. By first method we could not achieve the desired result although the method ...
The CAMDU 6 reactor has an international reputation as one of the world's best performing and safe reactors. CANDU 6 reactors are consistently ranked in the world's top 10 for annual and lifetime performance. Six CANDU 6 units are currently in operation in four continents; in Quebec, New Brunswick, South Korea, Argentina and Romania. There are another two CANDU 6 units currently under construction at wolsong, in Korea which ore scheduled to go into service in 1998 and 1999 respectively. A second CANDU 6 unit is currently being considered for Romania. The construction of two CANDU 6 units at Qinshan, in China, is now underway. The performance of the four first-generation CANDU 6 plants, which have now been in service for 15 years, continue to show very good performance, with capacity factors on average since in-service of over 85%. The annual capacity factor of 10.21% during 1997 has been achieved by the Wolsong-1 unit in South Korea. These high capacity factors ...
The objectives of this project were to develop technologies to manufacture self-reducing briquettes out of waste iron oxides and to recycle them in an electric arc furnace or a cupola furnace. CRM has investigated and determined the optimal characteristics (binder, size, grain size, compositions and activator for the reduction reaction) for briquettes containing mixtures of mill scales, mill sludges, electric arc furnace (EAF) dust and coal as reduction agent. The goal of obtaining briquettes, in which iron oxides are totally reduced when these briquettes are loaded with the scrap into an electric arc furnace, was achieved. Trials at ProfilARBED have shown that it is possible to recycle mill and EAF by-products conditioned in self-reducing briquettes in an electric arc furnace without influence on the performance and on the environment. The iron content of the slag does not increase as the iron of the by-product is almost completely reduced. Zinc is completely ...
We consider the wireless Rayleigh fading relay channel with finite complex input constellations. Assuming global knowledge of the channel state information and perfect synchronization, upper and lower bounds on the achievable rate, for the full-duplex relay, as well as the more practical half-duplex relay (in which the relay cannot transmit and receive simultaneously), are studied. Assuming the power constraint at the source node and the relay node to be equal, the gain in rate offered by the use of relay over the direct transmission (without the relay) is investigated. It is shown that for the case of finite complex input constellations, the relay gain attains the maximum at a particular SNR and at higher SNRs the relay gain tends to become zero. Since practical schemes always use finite complex input constellation, the above result means that the relay offers maximum advantage over the direct transmission when we operate at a particular SNR and offers no ...
Hydrogen production from desugared molasses (DM) was investigated in both batch and continuous reactors using thermophilic mixed cultures enriched from digested manure by load shock (loading with DM concentration of 50.1 g-sugar/L) to suppress methanogens. H"2 gas, free of methane, was produced during batch cultivations, at different (DM) concentrations ranging from 1.5 g-sugars/L to 50.1 g-sugars/L. The highest yield of 237 ml-H"2/g-sugar was achieved during the DM batch fermentation at concentration of 2.1 g-sugars/L, whereafter the yield decreased with increasing DM concentration. The enriched hydrogen producing mixed culture achieved from the 16.7 g-sugars/L DM batch cultivation was immobilized on heat treated anaerobic sludge granules in an up-flow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) reac...
Biocatalytic Desulfurization (BDS) represents an alternative approach to the reduction of sulfur in fossil fuels. The objective is to use bacteria to selectively remove sulfur from petroleum and middle distillate fractions, without the concomitant release of carbon. Recently, bacteria have been developed which have the ability to desulfurize dibenzothiophene (DBT) and other organosulfur molecules. These bacteria are being developed for use in a biocatalyst-based desulfurization process. Analysis of preliminary conceptual engineering designs has shown that this process has the potential to complement conventional technology as a method to temper the sulfur levels in crude oil, or remove the recalcitrant sulfur in middle distillates to achieve the deep desulfurization mandated by State and Federal regulations. This paper describes the results of initial feasibility studies, sensitivity analyses and conceptual design work. Feasibility studies with various crude oils ...
The BNL Neutral Beam Development Group has been active in the program for the development of high energy, high power neutral beam systems since 1973. These injectors are based on the production, acceleration and neutralization of negative hydrogen or deuterium ions and are supposed to be used for plasma heating and current drive in the next generation of fusion devices. Over the span of 10 years the group has studied plasma-surface type of negative hydrogen ion sources, transport and acceleration of negative ion beams and neutralization of negative ions in gases and plasmas. As the required source parameters (current, pulse length, efficiency) were changing over this period of time, the group developed several types of sources, resulting finally in the design of a steady state device operating with an excellent gas efficiency and having the possibility of scaling-up to the size necessary for a high power neutral beam system. The funding of this program was, however, terminated in FY 83 ...
In Sweden, spent nuclear fuel will be encapsulated and placed in a deep geological repository. In this procedure, reliable and accurate spent fuel data such as discharge burnup, cooling time and residual heat must be available. The gamma scanning method was proposed in earlier work as a fast and reliable method for the experimental determination of such spent fuel data. This thesis is focused on the recent achievements in the development of a pilot gamma scanning system and its application in measuring spent fuel residual heat. The achievements include the development of dedicated spectroscopic data-acquisition and analysis software and the use of a specially designed calorimeter for calibrating the gamma scanning system. The pilot system is described, including an evaluation of the performance of the spectrum analysis software. Also described are the gamma-scanning measurements on 31 spent PWR fuel assemblies performed using the pilot system. ...
In Sweden, spent nuclear fuel will be encapsulated and placed in a deep geological repository. In this procedure, reliable and accurate spent fuel data such as discharge burnup, cooling time and residual heat must be available. The gamma scanning method was proposed in earlier work as a fast and reliable method for the experimental determination of such spent fuel data. This thesis is focused on the recent achievements in the development of a pilot gamma scanning system and its application in measuring spent fuel residual heat. The achievements include the development of dedicated spectroscopic data-acquisition and analysis software and the use of a specially designed calorimeter for calibrating the gamma scanning system. The pilot system is described, including an evaluation of the performance of the spectrum analysis software. Also described are the gamma-scanning measurements on 31 spent PWR fuel assemblies performed using the pilot system. ...
Anaerobic digestion of slurry represents an environmental opportunity for both slurry management and renewable energy production in countries with high animal density. This study evaluated the environmental impacts of 4 biogas production alternatives in which slurry was the only input in the process, without supplementary addition of easily degradable carbon. This was achieved by exposing the slurry to different separation technologies. The biomass mixture input for biogas production included solid fraction from slurry separation as well as raw slurry, proportioned in order to achieve economical methane yield. The separation processes considered in this study were mechanical separation; mechanical separation combined with the addition of flocculants; and mechanical separation combined with a thermal treatment. Four biogas alternatives were compared to a reference slurry management scenario, notably to use the slurry as a fertilizer without ...
A p[sup +]-Al[sub 0.3]Ga[sub 0.7]As/n[sup +]-GaAs heterojunction tunnel diode was fabricated using Atomic Layer Epitaxy (ALE) growth technique. Background carbon doping of [similar to]10[sup 20] cm[sup [minus]3] was achieved in the p-side of the diode by optimizing growth conditions such as V/III ratio, exposure times to reactant gases, and growth temperature. In the n-side of the diode GaAs was doped with silane and doping concentrations as high as 7[times]10[sup 18] cm[sup [minus]3] were also achieved. The dopants are chosen to satisfy the high levels and low diffusion requirements. The diode can be used to interconnect the high and low band-gap cells in the AlGaAs/GaAs cascade solar cell structure. The reactor used in this investigation is a commercial MOCVD system which has been specially modified for dual operation of ALE and MOCVD growth modes.
The AFGD process as demonstrated by Pure Air at the Bailly Station offers a reliable and cost-effective means of achieving a high degree of SO{sub 2} emissions reduction when burning high-sulfur coals. Many innovative features have been successfully incorporated in this process, and it is ready for widespread commercial use. The system uses a single-loop cocurrent scrubbing process with in-situ oxidation to produce wallboard-grade gypsum instead of wet sludge. A novel wastewater evaporation system minimizes effluents. The advanced scrubbing process uses a common absorber to serve multiple boilers, thereby saving on capital through economies of scale. Major results of the project are: (1) SO{sub 2} removal of over 94 percent was achieved over the three-year demonstration period, with a system availability exceeding 99.5 percent; (2) a large, single absorber handled the combined flue gas of boilers generating 528 MWe of power, and no spares were ...
An experimental investigation was conducted to determine the feasibility of machining isogrid structures with abrasive-waterjets (AWJs). The main objective was to mill isogrid patterns in surfaces with accurate depth control using an AWJ. Three different approaches using AWJs were tested: linear cutting of isogrid patterns for diffusion bonding, milling with conventional AWJ nozzles, and milling with a single-angled rotary AWJ nozzle. It was shown that pocket milling with conventional AWJs is the most feasible of those tested. The milling can be done internally on preformed aluminum tubes, and the AWJ can also be used on materials other than aluminum. Accurate depth control can be achieved at high productivity rates. As an example, it is projected that a 48-inch-diameter skirt 12 inches high could be milled with an isogrid pattern in 6.3 hours. Milled isogrid patterns can be controlled to 0.001 inch, and thin walls of less than 0.025 inch are ...
Fixed-complexity Sphere Decoder (FSD) is a recently proposed technique for Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MIMO) detection. It has several outstanding features such as constant throughput and large potential parallelism, which makes it suitable for efficient VLSI implementation. However, to our best knowledge, no VLSI implementation of FSD has been reported in the literature, although some FPGA prototypes of FSD with pipeline architecture have been developed. These solutions achieve very high throughput but at very high cost of hardware resources, making them impractical in real applications. In this paper, we present a novel four-nodes-per-cycle parallel architecture of FSD, with a breadth-first processing that allows for short critical path. The implementation achieves a throughput of 213.3 Mbps at 400 MHz clock frequency, at a cost of 0.18 mm2 Silicon area on 0.13{\\mu}m CMOS technology. The proposed solution is much more economical compared ...
Procedures for {sup 131}I ablation in renal failure are not known. In one patient receiving dialysis, detailed dosimetry and health safety aspects were obtained. The results showed insignificant contamination of equipment, but a surprisingly significant reduction in biologic half-life of {sup 131}I due to efficient dialysis extraction. The data indicate that {sup 131}I ablation can be done safely and easily during dialysis but that much higher {sup 131}I doses must be used to achieve equivalent results to those obtained in patients with normal renal function.
Significant progress has been achieved recently in the growth of Yttrium Calcium Oxyborate (YCOB) crystals. Boules have been grown capable of producing large aperture nonlinear crystal plates suitable for high average power frequency conversion or optical parametric chirped pulse amplification (OPCPA). With a large aperture (5.5 cm x 8.5 cm) YCOB crystal we have demonstrated a record 227 W of 523.5nm light (22.7 J/pulse, 10 Hz, 14 ns). We have also demonstrated the applicability of YCOB for 1053 nm OPCPA.
Globalization and technological innovation are creating dynamic networks or chains of interconnected players, often known as value delivery networks or supply chains, in which a firm, whether manufacturing or service, holds the key to creating and delivering value in the form of offerings to the customers. This idea of value creation and exchange is the foundation stone of relationship marketing and it is considered successful when closeness is said to have been established in the relationship which subsequently leads toward the achievement of objectives. In order to study and understand the creation of value through relationship closeness in a value delivery network particularly at the backward end, a literature review is conducted. A framework is further developed with the help of Interp...
Electric utilities are actively seeking ways of optimizing the economics of their operations by improving productivity and reducing time and money spent on maintenance. Iberdrola, a Spanish utility, is using advanced machine condition-monitoring technology to centralize control and maintenance of its hydropower projects as a means of achieving those goals. The company is using a blend of technologies to supervise their projects from a regional control center. The monitoring scheme makes use of data from on-line, machine-condition monitors, displays from in-plant audio asnd video equipment, and analysis from the control center`s SCADA system.
We report the first experimental achievement of a storage ring free-electron laser (FEL) oscillation on the third harmonic in the near-infrared region. The FEL gain was evaluated as 0.029% per mA. The measured linewidth of the third-harmonic FEL was less than that of the fundamental FEL, and the measured pulse width of the third-harmonic FEL was wider than that of the fundamental FEL. A higher-harmonic FEL should be developed not only to enhance the wavelength region of the FEL but also to vary the characteristics of an FEL micropulse. (author)
Combined treatment of 131 patients aged 3-16 with local form of Ewing's sarcoma is carried out. Survival rate per year was studied in patients without diagnosed metastases depending on chemiotherapy method. It is stated that improved results of treatment of children with Ewing's sarcoma may be achieved by combining radiotherapy with long-term systemic polychemotherapy. The most efficient and expedient method of radiotherapy of long bone sarcoma in children is dialy three-field irradiation with 2 Gy at SFD to the tumor 60 Gy, and adjacent tissues - 40 Gy.
The purpose is to define sustainable economic development in the context of nonrenewable resources and to examine the changing nature of reclamation over time. Sustainable development is development that ensures the present utilization of resources and the environment does not damage prospects for their use by future generations. Polls show that the public is demanding higher environmental standards. One mechanism for achieving sustainable economic development for the nonrenewable resource sector is through reclamation. The Alberta government`s approach to reclamation is reviewed to show how reclamation and sustainable government are linked together. The history of reclamation legislation in Alberta is summarized. 10 refs.
A development history and current status evaluation are presented for nuclear-thermal rocket propulsion systems applicable to interplanetary flight. While the most advanced current chemical rocket engines, such as the SSMEs of the Space Shuttle, produce specific impulses of the order of 450 secs, a nuclear-thermal rocket engine tested at Los Alamos in 1969 generated 845 secs; such specific impulse improvements could represent weeks or months of interplanetary travel time. Attention is given to the achievements of the historical Nuclear Engine for Rocket Vehicle Application, Helios, and Orion design programs, as well as to the current Vehicle for Interplanetary Space Transportation Applications, which is fusion-based.
The purpose of the project was to evaluate the potential influence of global warming on the Finnish economy and well-being during the next 50 to 100 years. In order to achieve this goal a cost-benefit analysis was conducted which produced a quantitative estimate of the economic and partially non-economic effects of the climate change projected to happen in Finland. The analysis utilised the natural scientific evidence produced by other SILMU projects in partial sector models. Also a broader view of the phenomena and the possibilities for restricting greenhouse gas emissions was briefly discussed and surveyed. Two of the more important side-goals were to develop the methodology for country analysis and study the possibilities for adaptation
The load-carrying capacity and ultimate deformation capacity of timber-concrete composite systems can be significantly influenced by the ductility of the connection between the two materials. The use of more ductile connections can increase the load-carrying capacity of the composite system as well as its ultimate deformation capacity. In this work, the potential increase that might be expected for these two parameters due to the use of ductile connections will be assessed through numerical simulations, taking the non-linear behaviour of the connections into account. Furthermore, the connection ductility required to achieve the maximum load capacity depends on the mechanical properties of the connection as well as on the geometric and mechanical properties of the composite system. There ar...
This paper gives a general description of functions, usages and system configurations of the instruments and their major units or components of the radiation monitoring system, as well as the status and technical gap between domestic and foreign technologies. And then the paper also puts forward an idea on product R and D, i.e. combination of independent R and D and innovation, assimilation and re-innovation of foreign advanced technology at present situation in order to keep pace with the rapid development of nuclear power in China and achieve the goal of localization of nuclear power equipment. (authors)
The LHC is designed to provide proton beams of 7 TeV and nominal luminosity of 10**34 cm**-2s**-1. This objective is achieved at an affordable cost by pushing all major collider components to the limits of technology, by upgrading the existing CERN accelerators and infrastructure, and by involving the technical expertise, resources and dedication of accelerator laboratories world-wide. Following a decade of intensive R&D and technical validation of major collider systems, the LHC construction is now fully underway. Major industrial contracts have been awarded and are in execution for the procurement of the magnet, cryogenics and other systems. In this report, the status of the design and construction of the major LHC systems is presented.
Previous research has characterized insight as the product of internal processes, and has thus investigated the cognitive and motivational processes that immediately precede it. In this research, however, we investigate whether insight can be catalyzed by a cultural artifact, an external object imbued with learned meaning. Specifically, we exposed participants to an illuminating lightbulb - an iconic image of insight - prior to or during insight problem-solving. Across four studies, exposing participants to an illuminating lightbulb primed concepts associated with achieving an insight, and enhanced insight problem-solving in three different domains (spatial, verbal, and mathematical), but did not enhance general (non-insight) problem-solving.
The performance of a thermophotovoltaic (TPV) converter for solar energy is compared with that of direct solar energy conversion by silicon and germanium solar cells. The optical selectivity of an intermediate emitter is computed. Experimental results on selective emission, based on selectively emitting materials and on antireflection coatings on metals, are reported. For a TPV converter equipped with silicon solar cells, no selective emitter is found to yield better results than would be obtained by direct conversion. A TPV converter with germanium cells operating with a ThO/sub 2/-coated tungsten emitter, however, may achieve a conversion efficiency superior to that of direct solar energy conversion by either silicon or germanium solar cells.
...Section 508 and Electronic Information Technology Accessibility at EPA | US EPA Jump to main content. Section 508 and Electronic Information Technology ...Us Search: All EPA Advanced search You are here: EPA Home Section 508 and Electronic Information Technology Accessibility at EPA Welcome to the United ... Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act mandates that Federal departments and agencies make electronic and information technology (EIT) accessible to individuals ... Achieving compliance with Section 508 is an ongoing process. If you have any problems or questions about accessing information on a particular ...
In order to ensure a power balance in an electrical network a spinning reserve has to be capable of activation within seconds. However, because of the need to vary the fuel flow in the steam generator, the run-up of output takes minutes. The required capacity response is therefore achieved by storage of steam from the steam generator. In this process the turbine control valves come into action in a specific manner. The paper describes the importance of the initial reserve for unit capacity control. (orig.).
Health physicists from the Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL) visited the Savannah River Site (SRS) as one of 12 facilities operated by the Department of Energy (DOE) contractors with annual collective dose equivalents greater than 100 person-rem (100 person-cSv). Their charter was to review, evaluate and summarize as low as reasonably achievable (ALARA) techniques, methods and practices as implemented. This presentation gives an overview of the two selected ALARA practices implemented at the SRS: Administrative Exposure Limits and Goal Setting. These dose control methods are used to assure that individual and collective occupational doses are ALARA and within regulatory limits.
Health physicists from the Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL) visited the Savannah River Site (SRS) as one of 12 facilities operated by the Department of Energy (DOE) contractors with annual collective dose equivalents greater than 100 person-rem (100 person-cSv). Their charter was to review, evaluate and summarize as low as reasonably achievable (ALARA) techniques, methods and practices as implemented. This presentation gives an overview of the two selected ALARA practices implemented at the SRS: Administrative Exposure Limits and Goal Setting. These dose control methods are used to assure that individual and collective occupational doses are ALARA and within regulatory limits.
This document outlines the major steps that must be taken by the Savannah River Site (SRS) to migrate the SRS information technology (IT) environment to the new architecture described in the Savannah River Site Computing Architecture. This document proposes an IT environment that is {open_quotes}...standards-based, data-driven, and workstation-oriented, with larger systems being utilized for the delivery of needed information to users in a client-server relationship.{close_quotes} Achieving this vision will require many substantial changes in the computing applications, systems, and supporting infrastructure at the site. This document consists of a set of roadmaps which provide explanations of the necessary changes for IT at the site and describes the milestones that must be completed to finish the migration.
The reliability of outdoor radon concentration measurements using the track-etch technique is affected by the environmental conditions. Studies have been made to improve stability of nuclear tracks in detector material and to achieve a stable dosemeter response. A dosemeter was developed utilizing chemically etched MA-ND/alpha (CR-39) detector which is thermally insulated and protected against solar irradiation. The calibration showed that its response amounts to 0.21 {plus minus} 0.03 tracks m{sup -2}/Bqm{sup -3} day and was found to be in good agreement with theoretical prediction. (author).
Survey report: The Petroleum Association for the Conservation of the Canadian Environment is an organization of petroleum refiners that works closely with the Canadian government to set realistic air pollution control standards for refinery emissions. To date, the refiners have made a substantial investment in pollution abatement equipment. As a result, there have been no major pollution incidents traceable to refinery emissions. In the future, it will be essential that refiners continue to invest in air pollution abatement measures and continue to cooperate with the government in setting achievable pollution control standards. (1 photo, 1 table)
Sigma 1) examines ways to reduce the number of breakdowns of pressure-regulating stations and to minimize the energy consumed in warming the gas, 2) determines the optimal gas temperatures upstream from the pressure reduction, and 3) shows the dependence of energy consumption upon the water dewpoint. The method of calculating the optimal input temperature relies on Mollier's diagram. Tables and nomographs for natural gas and water dewpoint at 19/sup 0/F and 580 psi (-7/sup 0/C and 4 MPa) are useful in achieving the desired gas temperatures. Heating the regulators' control valves is important.
We describe a compact ultrafiltration system for the removal of pyrogens and bacteria from water labeled with the stable isotopes of deuterium and oxygen-18. The ultrafiltration system is constructed from readily available commercial components and can achieve complete removal of pyrogens and bacteria from 1L contaminated water within 30 min. By use of our procedure, loss of the isotopically labeled water by retention in the filtration system was minimal. The purified water is suitable for both oral and intravenous administration to healthy human subjects participating in nutrition studies.
This paper reports on hydrolysis of 10 metal salt aqueous solutions of 6 metal oxides that was conducted in supercritical water. Continuous and rapid production of metal oxide fine particles was achieved by mixing a metal salt aqueous solution with preheated water fed from another line. The reaction time required was less than 2 min. Particle size, morphology, and crystal structure of the obtained metal (hydrous) oxides were examined. Particle size (20 to 600 nm) was different among the system but the size range was relatively narrow in all the cases.
Radon is often used as a natural tracer for geochemical studies. In many cases radon interacts with water. The aim of this study is to assess the time required for radon to dissolve in water and reciprocally to degas from it, and to estimate the partition ratio between the two phases. A special setup has been devised and built for this purpose. Several experiments carried out with this equipment show that both dissolution and degassing are rapidly achieved phenomena. The qualitative consequence of these results in the field of Earth science are shortly discussed in the paper.
Polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) are energy conversion devices that produce electricity from a supply of fuel, such as hydrogen. One of the major challenges in achieving efficient energy conversion is the development of cost-effective materials that can act as electrocatalysts for PEMFCs. In this letter, we demonstrate that, instead of conventional noble metals, such as platinum, chromium nitride nanocrystals of fcc structure exhibit attractive catalytic activity for PEMFCs. Device testing indicates good stability of nitride nanocrystals in low temperature fuel cell operational environment.
Compositions (oligomers with suitable properties and Al, Fe, Cu, Ta, W powders) were hardured by the flux of accelerated electrons at 10 mA beam current and 1.5 MeV energy. Dielectric and mechanical properties of metal-filled polymeric compositions as well as their radioply sicl properties in SHF-range are studied. It is shown that the produced compositions belong tot he absorbing protective materials in which the protection effect is mainly achieved through the absorption losses. 6 refs.; 3 tabs.
Control of human filarial infections currently depends on chemotherapeutic strategies predominantly directed at microfilariae. Doxycycline therapy in an extended daily dose regimen sterilizes and kills adult stages, but the utility of this drug for routine field use remains an issue of concern. No macrofilaricidal drugs with efficacy after one or two doses are available for use, delaying the achievement of the elimination or eradication of onchocerciasis and lymphatic filariasis. Moxidectin, a macrocyclic lactone, is currently in clinical trials for onchocerciasis. A few other drugs that have already been approved for use in veterinary practice or in human medicine for other indications are available for investigation. Early drug discovery pipelines are poorly populated and the process of ...
The report contains highlights of the achievements of the IAEA Co-ordinated Research programme on Evaluation on the Use of Bulk Reagents for the Production of "9"9Tc_m Radiopharmaceutical and Kits, the participants' summary reports (Argentina, Chile, Greece, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Portugal, Russian Federation, Thailand, Uruguay, United States of America), recommended product protocols for five compounds and the participants' recommendations regarding continued support and further directions of co-ordinated research work. Refs, 6 figs, 8 tabs, 6 schemes.
The Daya Bay Reactor Neutrino Experiment is designed to determine the yet unknown neutrino mixing angle theta_13 by measuring the disappearance of electron antineutrinos from several nuclear reactor cores, using multiple underground detectors at different baselines to minimize systematic errors and to suppress the cosmogenic background. The civil construction has begun since October 2007, enabling first commissioning data in 2009, and full data taking will begin in late 2010. The planned sensitivity in sin^2 (2theta_13) of better than 0.01 at 90% CL will be achieved in three years of data-taking. I will present an overview and current status of the experiment.
The neutron elastic magnetic form factor was extracted from quasielastic electron scattering on deuterium over the range Q{sup 2}=1.0-4.8 GeV{sup 2} with the CLAS detector at Jefferson Lab. High precision was achieved with a ratio technique and a simultaneous in situ calibration of the neutron detection efficiency. Neutrons were detected with electromagnetic calorimeters and time-of-flight scintillators at two beam energies. The dipole parametrization gives a good description of the data.
The neutron elastic magnetic form factor was extracted from quasielastic electron scattering on deuterium over the range Q2=1.0-4.8 GeV2 with the CLAS detector at Jefferson Lab. High precision was achieved with a ratio technique and a simultaneous in situ calibration of the neutron detection efficiency. Neutrons were detected with electromagnetic calorimeters and time-of-flight scintillators at two beam energies. The dipole parametrization gives a good description of the data.
It is built and tested a transition radiation detector (TRD) to discriminate positrons from protons in the balloon flight TS 93 experiment. It is presented the TRD performance using flight data obtaining a proton-positron rejection factor of the order of 10{sup -3}. During the 24 hour flight, the data in the momentum range 4-50 GeV/c are collected. Using the TRD together with the Silicon calorimeter, it is achieved an overall rejection factor of about 10{sup -5} of positron against the proton background over the entire momentum range.
An experimental technique is described which allows for parametric investigations of transient behavior of mobile core materials in a fuel bundle geometry. For the out-of-pile simulation of energy releases resulting from mild TOP- or LOF-accidents the exothermic reaction of an aluminium-oxide-thermite is used. Transient material relocation inside the test section is recorded by X-ray-cinematography. Results of some experiments recently performed close to conditions expected to be achieved during mild TOP-accidents are described in detail.
A systematic optimization method of choosing the weighting matrix in linear optimal control system design, under the conditions of prespecified closed-loop dominant eigenvalue locations and feedback gain limit constraints, is presented in this paper. Studies show that with the proposed method one can obtain the desired weighting matrix very quickly and conveniently without the heavy burden of choosing a suitable weighting matrix by trail and error. This method can also easily achieve a reduced-order feedback control system. The linear optimal power system stabilizer designed by using the proposed method produces very good performance.
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.
In source coding, either with or without side information at the decoder, the ultimate performance can be achieved by means of random binning. Structured binning into cosets of performing channel codes has been successfully employed in practical applications. In this letter it is formally shown that various convolutional- and turbo-syndrome decoding algorithms proposed in literature lead in fact to the same estimate. An equivalent implementation is also delineated by directly tackling syndrome decoding as a maximum a posteriori probability problem and solving it by means of iterative message-passing. This solution takes advantage of the exact same structures and algorithms used by the conventional channel decoder for the code according to which the syndrome is formed.
The saturation of free electron laser (FEL) output power by the KHI-FEL device was achieved on 3rd, October 2000 at the wavelength of 9.3 #mu#m. The FEL device has operated thereafter successfully in the wavelength region between 4.0 and 16.0 #mu#m. The macropulse average FEL power of 37.5 kW, which is the theoretical saturation level, has been obtained at the wavelength of 7.9 #mu#m. The net FEL gain was estimated to be 16%. (author)
This book presents the basic ideas of the physics of non-gravitational perturbations and the mathematics required to compute their orbital effects. It conveys the relevance of the different problems that must be solved to achieve a given level of accuracy in orbit determination and in recovery of geophysically significant parameters. Selected Contents are: Orders of Magnitude of the Perturbing Forces, Tides and Apparent Forces, Tools from Celestial Mechanics, Solar Radiation Pressure-Direct Effects: Satellite-Solar Radiation Interaction, Long-Term Effects on Semi-Major Axis, Radiation Pressure-Indirect Effects: Earth-Reflected Radiation Pressure, Anisotropic Thermal Emission, Drag: Orbital Perturbations by a Drag-Like Force, and Charged Particle Drag.
We have constructed an apparatus to study electron impact ionization of ions which should provide additional insight into the mechanisms involved. Using multiparameter coincidence techniques, we will detect both outgoing electrons from ionization process and will be able to analyze the momenta of both particles simultaneously. Coupled with a high resolution electron gun, this information should have broad application to the difficult problem of three bodies interacting via the long range Coulomb force. If sufficient accuracy can be achieved, information regarding the relative phase of the outgoing electron wavefunctions can be obtained.
ABB has developed an electric drive system featuring a high-energy, sodium-sulphur battery. The energy-to-weight ratio of this battery is four times that achieved with conventional lead-acid batteries. To recharge the battery, a charger mounted next to the motor has only to be connected to a household power socket. Road testing of electric cars is already under way, with production of commercially significant series planned for the early 1990s. The drive system will enable a typical family saloon to be driven at 120 km/h and allow a range of action of 200 km in urban traffic. (authors).
The Department of Defense is making significant investments to construct systems, built upon web services and their supporting technologies, that strive to achieve the goals of net-centricity. While these technologies address several of the traditional stumbling blocks to integration and interoperability, they leave issues of information management largely unaddressed. Indeed, the broad availability of these systems exacerbates, rather than reduces, stresses on our information management capabilities. This paper discusses the enterprise-level information management infrastructure objectives for providing net-centric military capabilities and more fundamental technical challenges derived from them.
The first measurement of the pn{yields}d{omega} total cross-section has been achieved at mean excess energies Q{approx}28 and 57 MeV by using a deuterium cluster-jet target. The momentum of the fast deuteron was measured in the ANKE spectrometer at COSY-Juelich and that of the slow ''spectator'' proton (p{sub sp}) from the pd{yields}p{sub sp}d{omega} reaction in a silicon telescope placed close to the target. The cross-sections lie above those measured for pp{yields}pp{omega} but seem to be below theoretical predictions. (orig.)
Mixed microstructures have been studied in low- carbon microalloyed steels suitable for automotive applications, after continuous cooling from the hot-rolled condition. Microstructural features such as polygonal ferrite, bainitic and acicular ferrite and microphase constituent are identified using transmission electron microscopy. The influence of these mixed structures on the tensile strength, impact toughness and fracture behaviour is examined. It is found that improvements in impact toughness as compared with microalloyed medium- carbon ferrite/pearlite steels can be achieved from these predominantly acicular structures developed by controlling alloy composition and continuous cooling of these lower carbon steels. (orig.).
Mixed microstructures have been studied in low- carbon microalloyed steels suitable for automotive applications, after continuous cooling from the hot-rolled condition. Microstructural features such as polygonal ferrite, bainitic and acicular ferrite and microphase constituent are identified using transmission electron microscopy. The influence of these mixed structures on the tensile strength, impact toughness and fracture behaviour is examined. It is found that improvements in impact toughness as compared with microalloyed medium- carbon ferrite/pearlite steels can be achieved from these predominantly acicular structures developed by controlling alloy composition and continuous cooling of these lower carbon steels. (orig.).
Apparatus and a method of introducing a primary fuel, which may be a coal water slurry, and a high combustion auxiliary fuel, which may be a conventional diesel oil, into an internal combustion diesel engine comprises detecting the load conditions of the engine, determining the amount of time prior to the top dead center position of the piston to inject the main fuel into the combustion chamber, and determining the relationship of the timing of the injection of the auxiliary fuel into the combustion chamber to achieve a predetermined specific fuel consumption, a predetermined combustion efficiency, and a predetermined peak cylinder firing pressure. 19 figures.
This article introduces the story of Yusuf al-Marzuk (1895-1957), a Kuwaiti merchant who created a thriving network in the Arabian/Persian Gulf and India. This network was part of the vast, undocumented activities of Kuwaiti merchants. They were uncovered by rare British reports. Yusuf's economic power enabled him to participate in the struggle of Kuwaiti elites to achieve political power vis-a-vis the Kuwaiti rulers, the Sabah family. This article demonstrates the importance of the trading networks with respect to the economic and political developments that shaped the region before the relatively well researched oil period.
Forty-three patients with basal and squamous cell carcinomata arising on the pinna were treated radically using a 10 MeV electron beam. The technique and dosage are described and discussed. Primary cancer control with retention of the pinna was achieved in 34 patients. Salvage pinnectomy was performed in four patients for recurrence and one patient for radiation necrosis. Two patients with large primary tumours failed to resolve and died of their disease. The advantages for the patient of the policy of primary radical electron beam therapy are discussed.
In drift tube linacs a beam energy spread results form the finite beam size. Radial variation of the axial accelerating field induces a beam energy spread, which, in general, will accumulate as the beam passes through successive drift tubes. This paper shows that under some conditions of periodic transverse focusing and longitudinal phase focusing, the correlation between the longitudinal and transverse motion can be used to correct the energy spread. The process of achieving such a correction is first described in a simplified situation, and then demonstrated for a particular tuning using a ray-tracing program which models a low velocity and low charge state linac designed for radioactive ion beams.
The control valve for a large steam turbine must be operated linearly to be run by an automatic control system in a power plant. It is, however, found that the flow increase is much greater for a given valve position change near the closed end of travel than it is near the open end. Accordingly, the desired linearization will be achieved if the valve is opened less near the closed end of travel and greater near the open end. The previous way for linearization was to utilize the cams, which is called the mechanical hydraulic control (MHC). The MHC was afterward improved by producing the nonlinear electric compensation to the nonlinear system of control valves, viz. the electro hydraulic control (EHC)
The control valve for a large steam turbine must be operated linearly to be run by an automatic control system in a power plant. It is, however, found that the flow increase is much greater for a given valve position change near the closed end of travel than it is near the open end. Accordingly, the desired linearization will be achieved if the valve is opened less near the closed end of travel and greater near the open end. The previous way for linearization was to utilize the cams, which is called the mechanical hydraulic control (MHC). The MHC was afterward improved by producing the nonlinear electric compensation to the nonlinear system of control valves, viz. the electro hydraulic control (EHC)
Indian PHWRs are designed to operate with natural uranium (NU) as the main fuel. Earlier in the initial fresh core, to achieve flux flattening and hence to operate the reactor at design rated power, limited number of depleted uranium bundles were loaded in the central portion of the core. Presently even in fresh core about 40 % of the core is loaded with depleted uranium bundles (?0.6 wt % 235U) from the consideration of conserving the natural uranium fuel. This is achieved by loading most of the depleted bundles in the peripheral locations of the channels. Successful operation with large number of DU bundles in the fresh core has been proven in MAPS - 2 and MAPS - 1cores after EMCCR as well as in TAPP - 4. In these three reactors 100 % FP was possible even with 40 % DU bundles in the core. In TAPP-4 and 3 initial core, depleted bundles of 0.36 wt % 235U are also loaded to conserve the depleted bundles of 0.6 wt % 235U. Depleted uranium bundles ...
Most of the essays gathered in this volume were first presented at a conference, Justice and the Human Genome, in Chicago in early November, 1991. The goal of the, conference was to consider questions of justice as they are and will be raised by the Human Genome Project. To achieve its goal of identifying and elucidating the challenges of justice inherent in genomic research and its social applications the conference drew together in one forum members from academia, medicine, and industry with interests divergent as rate-setting for insurance, the care of newborns, and the history of ethics. The essays in this volume address a number of theoretical and practical concerns relative to the meaning of genomic research.
An improved ion funnel design is disclosed that decreases the axial RF (parasite) fields at the ion funnel exit. This is achieved by addition of one or more compensation electrodes after the conductance limit electrode. Various RF voltage profiles may be applied to the various electrodes minimizing the parasite axial potential wells. The smallest RF aperture that serves as the conductance limiting electrode is further reduced over standard designs. Overall, the ion funnel improves transmission ranges of both low m/z and high m/z ions, reducing RF activation of ions and decreasing the gas load to subsequent differential pumping stages.
Environmental emissions constraints have led manufacturers to improve their low NO_x recuperative burners. The development by Tenova of the FlexyTech Flame-less burners with low NO_x emissions, even below the present 'Best Available Technology' limit of 40 ppm at 3% O_2 with furnace temperature 1250 C, air preheat 450 C, is described. The results achieved during the R and D programme have been also improved in the industrial installations. Some details and performances of the recent furnaces equipped with such burners are provided. (authors)
An improved method for the synthesis of (/sup 15/N) 16-Doxyl stearate, a fatty-acid spin label, is reported. The method requires only one mole of (/sup 15/N) 2-amino-2-methyl propanol per mole of methyl keto stearate with an overall yield of about 50%. In contrast, the previous method produced only 1-3% yield. The great improvement in yield was achieved mainly through the reduction of reaction volume which increases the reaction rate by the law of mass action.
Magnetic properties of a recently developed Fe-based amorphous alloy with a high saturation induction of 1.65 T are reviewed. The increased saturation induction is fully utilized in transformers with reduced magnetic losses, physical sizes and audible noises, minimizing some of the drawbacks of amorphous metal-based transformers based on a currently available amorphous alloy. Impacts of this on the worldwide energy savings and reduction of greenhouse gas emissions are discussed. A recent effort in achieving a saturation induction beyond 1.65 T in nanocrystalline alloys is mentioned.
By characterising the microstructure, quantitative image analysis allows to draw conclusions on the mechanical properties of materials. On fine microstructures with low contrast, e.g. of hardened steels, texture analysis has to be applied for quantification. Feeding texture parameters according to Haralick into a trained neural network, a correlation between the microstructure and the hardness of the steels C45 and 100Cr6 can be achieved. (orig.)
This report issued by the Energy Economics Group and the Laboratory for Energy Systems Analysis at the Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI) analyses current and future trends in the area of energy and mobility on a global, European level as well as with respect to the German-speaking countries Austria, Germany and Switzerland. In a first step, developments with regard to how mobility is achieved and the energy consumption involved are examined and the impact of business-as-usual trends on global carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions and future fuel consumption is discussed. In a second step, the paper outlines potential alternative futures in terms of energy and mobility. Finally, the paper derives and presents recommendations for policy-makers.
Ion acceleration has now been demonstrated with the IFA-2 collective ion accelerator system. The IFA-2 system is described, photoionization experiments are summarized, and ion results are presented. Using a 1 MeV electron beam and a 30 cm acceleration length, IFA-2 has produced 5 MeV H/sup +/, 10 MeV D/sup +/, and 20 MeV He/sup + +/. This means that accelerating fields of 33 MV/m over 30 cm have been achieved with a controlled collective accelerator for the first time.
High-power diode laser arrays emitting at 690 nm have been developed for solid-state laser pumping. The laser diode bars (fill factor [approx]0.7) have been fabricated from single quantum well AlGaInP-based heterostructures. Using silicon microchannel heatsinks, a record high 360 W/cm[sup 2] per emitting aperture is achieved under continuous wave operation.
By gas-source molecular-beam epitaxy, we obtained a device-quality GaInP epitaxial layer lattice matched to (100)-GaAs substrates, with a photoluminescence efficiency comparable to that of a crystal grown by liquid-phase epitaxy. A GaInP/AlInP double heterostructure laser with a GaInP active layer was fabricated, and pulsed lasing operation was achieved at room temperature for, we believe, the first time.
Pittston Coal Company recognized the potential economic benefit of improving process efficiency with increased capacity at it`s U.K. No. 1 Coal Preparation Plant. Accordingly, extensive research, both domestically and internationally, was conducted to select the appropriate technologies to achieve the desired circuit in the most cost effective manner while, at the same time, sacrificing neither structural integrity nor process performance. Large diameter heavy media cyclone technology was combined with highly efficient banana type screens and improved high intensity magnetic separators to create a coordinated process circuit that provided high efficiency at very high capacities in an economically attractive package.
The objectives of the research in the field of epidemiology , performed at the Belgian Nuclear Research Centre SCK-CEN are (1) to study cancer mortality and morbidity in nuclear workers in Belgium; (2) to document the feasibility of retrospective cohort studies in Belgium; (3) to participate in the IARC study. For radiobiology, the main objectives are: (1) to elucidate the mechanisms of the effects of ionizing radiation on the mammalian embryo during the early phase of its development, (2) to assess the genetic risks of maternal exposure to ionizing radiation, (3) to elucidate the mechanisms by which damage to the brain and mental retardation are caused in man after prenatal irradiation. The main achievements in these domains for 1997 are presented.
This is the ninth quarterly report as required by the Hanford Federal Facility Agreement and Consent Order (Ecology et al. 1990), also known as the Tri-Party Agreement, established between the US Department of Energy (DOE), the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the Washington State Department of Ecology (Ecology). The Tri-Party Agreement sets the plan and schedule for achieving regulatory compliance and cleanup of waste sites at the Hanford Site. This report covers progress for the quarter that ended June 30, 1991. A total of 87 milestones have been completed to date. 39 refs., 1 fig.
In many industrialised societies, women remain underrepresented in the sciences, which can be predicted by the gender gap in math achievement at school. Using PISA 2006 data, we explore the role of family background and single-sex schooling in girls' disadvantage in maths in South Korea and Hong Kong. This disadvantage is found to be associated with single-sex schooling, but not with family background. Attending a girls' school confers a benefit only in South Korea, whereas the gendered curriculum counteracts the selectivity advantage of girls' schools in Hong Kong. We find that a gendered social structure prevalent in both societies.
This paper discusses design considerations for the recently introduced GaInP/GaAs monolithic tandem concentrator cell. The prototype device achieves a peak efficiency of 30.2% in a range of 140--180 suns, making this the first two-terminal device to demonstrate a verified efficiency exceeding 30%. At 425 suns the efficiency is still above 29%. The authors focus on the issues of grid design, top-cell thickness, and antireflectance coat. They also examine ways in which these aspects of the device may be modified to provide further performance improvements for future devices.
Free Electron Laser (FEL) with wide wavelength tunability has been developed and used for various applications. We report the structural-changes in P-ion-implanted diamond when we can achieve resonant excitation of the vibrations of specific bonds in the lattice of target (P-C) by using FEL. The change of property was analyzed by SIMS and Raman spectroscopy. After 5.8 #mu#m-FEL irradiation, we observed the crystallization of amorphous structure which was induced by P-ion-implantation. These results indicated the FEL annealing of diamond at room temperature. (Copyright (c) 1998 Elsevier Science B.V., Amsterdam. All rights reserved.)
Recent industry advances in formation evaluation measurement-while-drilling (FEMWD) have been achieved in well log data acquisition quality and in geosteering drilling applications. This paper presents new technology as applied by Baker Hughes INTEQ which includes: geosteering techniques which help navigate through horizontally drilled reservoirs including improved quality dual propagation resistivity, neutron-porosity and formation-density measurements; predictive modeling of tool responses in reservoir geosteering applications; environmental computer modeling which aids interpretation, including tool eccentering; and new measurement enhancements.
Low-dust flue gases can be washed efficiently of SO/sub 2/, and the flue gas heat can be utilized. The residual heat fraction still required by the process is characterized by a temperature of 15/sup 0/K above the temperature of the purified flue gas. Marketable crystalline ammonium sulfate is produced. The high efficiency and low heat consumption are achieved by combining all process stages in a single, fully integrated cycle process free of heat and materials losses. The process is characterized by high efficiency, low investment and operating costs, recovery of thermal energy, and production of an ammonium sulfate fertilizer.
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.
Fairbanks Morse Engine Division of Coltec Industries is ready to move into the cogeneration market with its well established engine program. Over the past six years the company has been refining and improving both the 38D8-1/8 opposed piston and PC2.5 dual-fuel engines in several areas. The most important targets achieved are higher power output, lower exhaust emissions, better fuel economy, better maintainability and longer life. The result is the Enviro-Design series of engines which the company believes will find broad application in the power generation and cogeneration fields. 3 figs.
In the study a preliminary mid-term analysis of the BARCOM test model is presented. The BARCOM test model is a 1:4 scale of an existing pressurized heavy water reactor (PHWR) pre-stressed concrete inner containment of 540 MW Tarapur Atomic Power Station 3 and 4 units in India. The goal of this midterm analysis is to illustrate the modeling approach and achieve a prediction of the failure mode. The analysis was carried out using ABAQUS/CAE and ABAQUS/EXPLICIT version 6.7-EF1 software
Until April 2007 the Major Atmospheric Gamma ray Imaging Cherenkov (MAGIC) telescope used a 300 MSamples/s flash analog-to-digital converter (FADC) system to sample the shaped photomultiplier tube (PMT) signals produced by the captured Cherenkov photons of air showers. Different algorithms to reconstruct the signal from the read-out samples (extractors) have been implemented and are described and compared. Criteria based on the obtained charge and time resolution/bias are defined and used to judge the different extractors, by applying them to calibration, cosmic and pedestal signals. The achievable charge and time resolution have been derived as functions of the number of incident photo-electrons.
The report summarizes ten years of experience in the analysis and evaluation of ultrasonic testing data measured in turbine and generator rotors. Apart from the information on type, position, size and distribution of flaws, the expert knowledge achieved in an interpretation of ultrasonic signals yields further insight, as e.g.: - Confirmation of assumptions taken as a basis for fracture-mechanical analysis of these flaws with regard to crack initiation and crack growth under low-cycle fatigue conditions (O=0.7-1 Rp 0.2, N<25.000 growth in length); - enhanced information on a correlation of ultrasonic testing data with the real flaw size. (orig.).
This report describes the progress achieved in developing electric and hybrid vehicle technologies, beginning with highlights of recent accomplishments in FY 1992. Detailed descriptions are provided of program activities during FY 1992 in the areas of battery, fuel cell, and propulsion system development, and testing and evaluation of new technology in fleet site operations and in laboratories. This Annual Report also contains a status report on incentives and use of foreign components, as well as a list of publications resulting from the DOE program.
In this paper, we proposed a novel quantum secure direct communication scheme with one-time pad in stabilizer formalism. Based on the reuse of qubit sequence, an efficient secure communication of secret messages without first producing a shared secret key can be achieved. One hence may find that the amount of private key needed for quantum communication is smaller than that in the general case. Therefore, the present protocol which is feasible with the present-day techniques may be applied to quantum communication with short-length encoding.
A special study was conducted to investigate the influences of minimum approach temperature differences occurring in supercritical-heater/vaporizer and evaporative-condenser heat rejection systems on geothermal-electric binary power plant performance and cost of electricity. For the systems investigated optimum pinch points for minimizing cost of electricity were estimated to range from 5 to 7/sup 0/F for the heater vaporizer. The minimum approach of condensing temperature to wet-bulb temperature for evaporative condensers was estimated to be about 30/sup 0/F in order to achieve the lowest cost of electricity.
Higher efficiencies of steam power plants are achieved by raising the operating temperature and pressure. The use of ferritic steels helps to minimize the cost and enhance the flexibility (two-shift operation, frequent starting and stopping). The COST programme had the long-term goal of developing and testing 9- 12 % Cr steels with high fatigue strength and to produce,test and operate critical components for an advanced steam power plant (steam temperature 600 C and supercritical pressure). (orig.)
Primary design criterion for this division`s education activities is directly related to meeting the goal of environmental compliance on an accelerated basis and cleanup of the 1989 inventory of inactive sites and facilities by the year 2019. Therefore, the division`s efforts are directed toward stimulating knowledge and capability to achieve the goals while contributing to DOE`s overall goal of increasing scientific, mathematical, and technical literacy and competency. This annual report is divided into: overview, workforce development, academic partnerships, scholarships/fellowships, environmental restoration and waste management employment program, community colleges, outreach, evaluation, and principal DOE contacts.
The digital AVR must have the level of redundancy and control functions that conform to the configuration of the excitation control system and to the importance of a particular generator for the user. The digital AVR is not simply a digital version of the analog AVR, but can realize sophisticated control functions that were difficult to achieve with analog circuits, thus making it possible to enhance the stability of power system by PSS (power system stabilizer). This paper describes the test results of the digital AVRs applied to power plants, their system configuration and functions, as well as the outline of an auto-tuning PSS or AT-PSS planned to be incorporated in the digital AVR in the future.
The objective of Configuration Risk Management Program(CRMP) is to maintain the safety level by assuring the defense-in-depth of nuclear power plant while the configurations are changed during plant operations, especially for the LP/SD. Such a safety purpose can be achieved by establishing the risk monitoring programs with both quantitative and qualitative features. Generally, the quantitative risk evaluation models, i.e., PRA models are used for the risk evaluation during full power operation, and the qualitative risk evaluation models such as safety function assessment trees are used. Through this study, safety function assessment trees were developed.
Within the framework of the EU power plant conceptual study (PPCS), a modular He-cooled divertor concept with integrated pin array (HEMP) is being developed at the Forschungszentrum Karlsruhe. The design goal is to achieve a high heat flux of at least about 10-15 MW/m"2, which is proposed for a near-term reactor model like DEMO. The development and optimization of the divertor concept require a close link between the main issues: design, analyses, materials and fabrication technology, and experiments with feedbacks between them to be accounted for. Design-specific requirements on materials and fabrication issues will be discussed.
A review of the development and performance of the DAF Indal 50-kW vertical axis Darrieus wind turbine shows that a high level of technical development and reliability has been achieved. Features of the drive train, braking and control systems are discussed and performance details are presented. Details are also presented of a 500-kW VAWT that is currently in production. A discussion of the economics of both the 50-kW and 500-kW VAWTs is included, showing the effects of charge rate, installed cost, operating cost, performance, and efficiency. 6 references.
Remote-controlled handling systems are required for work to be done in the decommissioning and dismantling of nuclear facilities. These systems are equipped with electronic devices suitable for use in working environments affected by ionizing radiation. The publication explains the step-wise progress achieved for improving the radiation resistance of electronic devices with the example of a four-quadrant controlling device for the motors of a manipulator. The radiation resistance of the device could be enhanced to radiation energies of 5.500 Gy. This means that a manipulator vehicle equipped with this controlling device can take up to approx. 15 kGy all in all, taking into account its own shielding properties. (DG).
Approximately 8% of the spent nuclear fuel owned by the US Department of Energy is clad with aluminum alloys. The spent fuel must be either reprocessed or temporarily stored in wet or dry storage systems until a decision is made on final disposition in a repository. There are corrosion issues associated with the aluminum cladding regardless of the disposition pathway selected. This paper discusses those issues and provides data and analysis to demonstrate that control of corrosion induced degradation in aluminum clad spent fuels can be achieved through relatively simple engineering practices.
Unsteady impinging jets are systematically controlled with respect to their time dependence in order to investigate the influence of unsteadiness on the heat transfer performance. This is achieved by a special mass flow control device, which allows almost arbitrary shapes of unsteadiness to be imposed onto the impinging jet. Three different standard signals (sinusoidal, triangular, rectangular) and two specially designed signals are applied and their influence on heat transfer is determined in terms of an enhancement factor. Heat transfer augmentation up to 30% was found and could be physically explained with the help of PIV and hot-wire measurements of the flow field.
We discuss the feasibility of a hierarchical protocol whereby the description and prediction of adsorbed fluids in confined systems at the mesoscopic scale is achieved by use of interface potentials that are obtained from raw molecular simulation data. Starting from a microscopic description of a fluid?s interface on a flat substrate, we attempt to extract the minimum information that is required in order to predict the behavior of that fluid at larger length scales from coarse grained surface Hamiltonians. A critical assessment of this procedure hinges on controversial aspects of wetting behavior and more generally on the meaning of metastability and instability of thermodynamic systems.
Some recent achievements in the field of high pressure vessels and safety devices have offered a concrete chance to the application of compressed hydrogen for fleet commercial vehicles for urban use. Accordingly with this concept, ENEA has modified a Fiat Ducato van with a dual fuel engine, retaining the gasoline tank for long distance travelling and adopting the external mixture formation technique, with hydrogen injectors developed by ENEA, for non-polluting short-range duties in urban traffic. The article deals with the rationale for this choice and gives a general view of the project. (author)
This report describes studies performed in the framework of the Collimation Task Force organized to support the work of the second International Linear Collider Technical Review Committee. The post-linac beam-collimation systems in the TESLA, JLC/NLC and CLIC linear-collider designs are compared using the same computer code under the same assumptions. Their performance is quantified in terms of beam-halo and synchrotron-radiation collimation efficiency. The performance of the current designs varies across projects, and does not always meet the original design goals. But these comparisons suggest that achieving the required performance in a future linear collider is feasible.
Abstract First results showing the viability of combining laser chemical processing (LCP) and aerosol jet printing (AJP) technologies to produce a high-efficiency front side for silicon solar cells are presented. LCP simultaneously opens the anti-reflection coating (ARC) and highly dopes the underlying silicon to create a selective emitter, while AJP is the first in a two-step fine-line contact formation procedure. The electrical properties as well as the morphology of the resulting structures are presented. Performance similar to that achieved with evaporated TiPdAg metallization is demonstrated. Copyright 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Despite the fact that there is still a potential to improve the efficiency of classic brown coal power plants by various measures from 36% to approx. 40-41%, the essential big increase of the efficiency to values of approx. 46% can only be achieved by the transition to combined gas and steam turbine processes. This means for the solid fuel brown coal that a gasification is integrated into the power plant process. The combined cycle power plant with an integrated brown coal gasification represents this new power plant concept. The applied High Temperature Winkler method (HTW-method) is an advancement of the Winkler method that works at environmental pressure and was developed by the Rheinbraun AG. (orig./DG).
The Coal Corporation of Victoria's mission is to initiate, facilitate and co-ordinate brown coal-based developments, other than for electricity generation, to provide maximum long-term benefits to Victoria including new jobs, new technology, new investment and new products, within sound environmental parameters. The marketing of brown coal products is vigorously undertaken to provide the financial and business base for the Corporation. This report contains a review of the Corporation's activities and achievements during 1989/90.
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)
This handbook covers the general area of lubrication and tribology in all its facets: friction, wear lubricants (liquid, solid, and gas), greases, lubrication principles, applications to various mechanisms, design principles of devices incorporating lubrication, maintenance, lubrication scheduling, and standardized tests; as well as environmental problems and conservation. The information contained in these two volumes will aid in achieving effective lubrication for control of friction and wear, and is another step to improve understanding of the complex factors involved in tribology. Both metric and English units are provided throughout both volumes.
The SmartStore model was developed to determine the optimum design of borehole heat stores as a function of different design parameters. The optimum design is defined as the design that achieves the storage task with a minimum annual storage cost. The annual storage cost is the sum of annual costs of investment, operation, maintenance and heat loss. The PC-model has a user-friendly lay-out and gives a fast pre-design of borehole heat stores. In this article the model is briefly described. It is also shown that the technical design of the store is influenced by varying technical properties of the storage volume, but also by the cost of heat. (orig.)
A variety of advanced controlled rolling techniques have been developed to improve toughness, strength and weldability of niobium-steels. To achieve optimum properties, control of prior stage rolling conditions and accelerated cooling are needed. In low carbon steel, the addition of niobium results in a greater increase in tensile strength than that of vanadium without a loss of toughness. At the same strength level, niobium-steel has less susceptibility to weld cracking and good toughness in the HAZ of its weldments than similar vanadium steels. Separation and formability of niobium steels are also discussed.
To achieve high efficiency for the conversion of electron kinetic energy in an electron beam to electromagnetic energy in a Free Electron Laser (FEL), it is important to improve the beam quality. And hence, it is necessary to study and minimize the emittance growth of the beam. According to the requirements for the beam quality in an FEL, the author analyzed the emittance growth caused by the jump of the electric field in an accelerator, energy increase, wakefield in a waveguide, space charge effect and distribution of particles in a beam as well as the wakefield in a deflect system etc. The author also estimated the emittance change caused by the variation of the microwave field from the gun to the first accelerator for such case.
The major inquiry of the political party 'Die Gruenen' touches all problems connected with air pollution. The Federal Government states that an extensive air pollution abatement program, i.e. the revision of existing regulations and implementation of new ones has been allowing the realization of all essential environmental aims originally headed for three years ago in the field of air pollution abatement. Achievements such as these will bring about another obvious improvement of the air quality of the Federal Republic of Germany in the coming years. The recent development of energy economy has also proved to be having an obivously positive effect on the environment and pollution abatement. (HSCH).
A two-cycle process using O{Phi}CMPO and HDEHP as extractants to achieve an alpha decontamination factor of HLLW greater than 10{sup 3} together with a reduction of the lanthanides/americium weight ratio by a factor of about 200 is considered. Experimentally measured distribution ratios have been employed as input data of a suitable computer code to define operating conditions and M/S stage numbers of a process flow-sheet able to meet the above-mentioned objectives.
A process has been developed that exploits the characteristics of microwave heating for the vitrification of high-level radioactive liquid waste. This process, microwave vitrification, has been successfully operated at pilot plant scale in an active cell using simulated liquid waste containing several curies of radioactivity. Excellent decontamination factors have been achieved for both volatiles and nonvolatiles with an average ruthenium decontamination factor of 490 and a gross alpha emitter decontamination factor of 100,000. Almost all the radioactivity is incorporated in a glass block.
A process has been developed that exploits the characteristics of microwave heating for the vitrification of high-level radioactive liquid waste. This process, microwave vitrification, has been successfully operated at pilot plant scale in an active cell using simulated liquid waste containing several curies of radioactivity. Excellent decontamination factors have been achieved for both volatiles and nonvolatiles with an average ruthenium decontamination factor of 490 and a gross alpha emitter decontamination factor of 100,000. Almost all the radioactivity is incorporated in a glass block.
The acoustic hyperlens can be realized by an alternating layered structure of water and fluid with negative mass density. Based on this alternating layered principle, we propose that an acoustic metamaterial consisting of three layers in water background can be designed to replace the fluid with negative mass density. The effective mass density and bulk modulus of the system which is composed of acoustic metamaterial and water are functions of the frequency. The effective mass density of such a system is close to the negative mass density of the fluid at a specific frequency; thus an acoustic metamaterial hyperlens can be achieved.
A large scintillation chamber of 6.7 l volume for direct radon concentration measurements in gas is presented. With two 5 in. photomultipliers on opposite sides, working in coincidence, a concentration as low as about 0.5 mBq/l is detectable with 10% standard deviation after 1000 min measuring time. With the achieved background count rate of 0.42 counts/min and the counting efficiency of 0.607 for [sup 222]Rn and its progenies the absolute minimal detectable specific activity is reached with 0.17 mBq/l at about 12 000 min. The method to determine this minimum detectable activity is outlined. ((orig.))
Short-term radon measurements were used to make a comparison between weekly screening tests and seasonal concentration. The screening measurements were made in an indoor environment over a period of one quarter during early summer and the results are compared with the measured average radon level over that period. In these experiments, the envelope-type and plastic bag monitors were used for screening and long term radon concentration measurements, respectively. The results show that one cannot achieve predicting the seasonal mean radon concentration based on weekly measurements better than 50% under the conditions reported. (author).
Short-term radon measurements were used to make a comparison between weekly screening tests and seasonal concentration. The screening measurements were made in an indoor environment over a period of one quarter during early summer and the results are compared with the measured average radon level over that period. In these experiments, the envelope-type and plastic bag monitors were used for screening and long term radon concentration measurements, respectively. The results show that one cannot achieve predicting the seasonal mean radon concentration based on weekly measurements better than 50% under the conditions reported. (author).
The purpose of the invention is to reduce the labor intensity of assembly and disassembly of a drilling rig with a large unit transport method. To achieve the cited goal, in the base of the drilling rig unit, which contains uprights with hinges, installed between the frame and the foundation support, where each of the hinges is linked by a flexible element with the frame, the frame and the foundation support are equipped with encircling elements installed with the capability of interacting with the flexible element, where the uprights are linked with the frame by means of hinges with the capability of locking and the uprights by means of the encircling and flexible elements are connected in pairs.
Highly reliable, practical 0.6 #mu#m-band AlGaInP visible laser diodes (LDs), using a GaInP active layer, are described. Over 10,000 hour stable operation at 50 degrees C has been achieved for 3mW light output. Characteristics for visible LDs with an AlGaInP active layer or a multi-quantum-well active layer are also presented.