Science.gov (United States)

Schmidlin F, Morrison B, Baldwin T, Moore P, Northam E. NASA AFRICAN MONSOON MULTIDISCIPLINARY ANALYSES MISSION: BALLOON-BORNE RADIOSONDE RESULTS FROM CAPE ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

We describe the PBAR balloon-borne magnet spectrometer flown on August 13-14, 1987 to measure the abundance of cosmic ray antiprotons in the energy interval 100-1580 MeV at the top of the atmosphere. The limits first reported have been improved to an overall limit of anti p/p<2.0x10{sup -5} (85% CL). We summarize the overall design and performance of the PBAR spectrometer, which had the unique ability to establish the mass of each singly charged cosmic ray, as well as to reject spurious antimatter candidates caused by hard scatterings within the instrument. (orig.).

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The fluxes of atmospheric electrons, positrons, positive and negative muons and negative pions have been determined using the NMSU Wizard-MASS2 balloons-borne instrument. The instrument was launched from Fort Sumner, New Mexico, (geomagnetic cut-off about 4.5 GV/c) on september 23, 1991. The flight lasted 9.8 hours and remained above 100.000 ft. Muons and negative pions were observed and their momenta were determined. Since these particles are not a part of the primary component, the measurement of their fluxes provides information regarding production and propagation of secondary particles in the atmosphere. Similarly, observations of electrons and positrons well below the geomagnetic cut-off provides insight into electromagnetic cascade processes in the upper atmosphere. In addition, the determination of the energy spectra of rare particles such as positrons can be used for background subtraction for cosmic ray experiments gathering data below a few g/cm{sup 2} ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

On the 15th of June 2006 the PAMELA experiment, mounted on the Resurs DK1 satellite, was launched from the Baikonur cosmodrome and it has been collecting data since July 2006. PAMELA is a satellite-borne apparatus designed to study charged particles in the cosmic radiation, to investigate the nature of dark matter, measuring the cosmic-ray antiproton and positron spectra over the largest energy range ever achieved, and to search for antinuclei with unprecedented sensitivity. The apparatus comprises a time-of-flight system, a silicon-microstrip magnetic spectrometer, a silicon-tungsten electromagnetic calorimeter, an anticoincidence system, a shower tail catcher scintillator and a neutron detector. The combination of these devices allows charged particle identification over a wide energy range.

CERN Document Server

Satellite CMB anisotropy missions and new generation of balloon-borne and ground experiments, make use of complex multi-frequency instruments at the focus of a meter class telescope. Between 70 GHz and 300 GHz, where foreground contamination is minimum, it is extremely important to reach the best trade-off between the improvement of the angular resolution and the minimization of the straylight contamination mainly due to the Galactic emission. We focus here, as a working case, on the 30 and 100 GHz channels of the Planck Low Frequency Instrument (LFI). We evaluate the GSC introduced by the most relevant Galactic foreground components for a reference set of optical configurations. We show that it is possible to improve the angular resolution of 5-7% by keeping the overall GSC below the level of few microKelvin. A comparison between the level of straylight introduced by the different Galactic components for different beam regions is presented. Simple approximate ...

CERN Document Server

Polarization measurements in the X-ray and gamma-ray energy range can provide crucial information on massive compact objects such as black holes and neutron stars. The Polarized Gamma-ray Observer (PoGO) is a new balloon-borne instrument designed to measure polarization from astrophysical objects in the 30-100 keV range, under development by an international collaboration with members from United States, Japan, Sweden and France. To examine PoGO's capability, a beam test of a simplified prototype detector array was conducted at the Argonne National Laboratory Advanced Photon Source. The detector array consisted of seven plastic scintillators, and was irradiated by polarized photon beams at 60, 73, and 83 keV. The data showed a clear polarization signal, with a measured modulation factor of $0.42 \\pm 0.01$. This was successfully reproduced at the 10% level by the computer simulation package Geant4 after modifications to its implementation of polarized ...

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Tracheobronchial balloon dilation and stent placement have been well used in the treatment of patients with benign and/or malignant diseases. Balloon dilation is the first option in the treatment of...Full Text Available

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A balloon-borne instrument has measured the cosmic-ray antiproton flux between 130 and 320 MeV and searched for antihelium between 130 and 370 MeV per nuclear. These particles were selected from the background of normal-matter cosmic rays by combining a selective trigger with a detailed spark chamber visualization of each recorded event. Antiprotons are identified by their characteristic annihilatin radiation. Residue from background processes meeting the selection criteria is small. The observed 14 antiprotons yield a measured differential flux of 1.7 +- 0.5 x 10/sup -4/ antiprotons m/sup -2/ sr/sup -1/ s/sup -1/ MeV/sup -1/ at the top of the atmosphere. The corresponding antiproton/proton ratio is 2.2 +- 0.6 x 10/sup -4/,, only slightly smaller than the ratio observed by other experiments at higher energies. Thus the antiprotons have a spectral shape similar to the protons, at least down to about 100 MeV. The expected flux of these particles can be calculated ...

Environmental Research Database

DescriptionMeasurements of halocarbons (CFCs and other halogen-containing compounds) in the tropical stratosphere will be made from a long duration MIR balloon. The balloon and instruments are capable of flying for three or more weeks in which time they will circum-navigate the globe. As the balloon rises each morning and falls each evening, measurements of halocarbons will be made every few hundred meters between about 20 and 30 km. In total it is hoped that over 40 such vertical profiles will be obtained [continued...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

On 10 dialysis patients we performed 12 balloon dilatations, 2 catheter lyses, 6 stent implants (Palmaz stent) and one atherectomy of central venous stenoses or occlusions (v. subclavia, v. brachiocephalica) at the shunt arm of the patient. The primary success rate was, in balloon PTA and lysis, 12/14 interventions, and in stent placement and atherectomy 7/7. The angiographical and clinical primary result after stent implantation was significantly better than after conventional dilatation. After 66% of the balloon dilatations recidivation occurred within the first year; this can be treated by means of repeated PTA. Whether long-term exclusion of recurrence can be achieved by stent implantation, must be established by means of follow-up studies that are at present in progress. (orig.).

J-STORE (Japan)

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J-STORE (Japan)

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J-STORE (Japan)

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International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The endovascular treatment of atherosclerotic intracranial arterial stenoses has previously been based on balloon dilatation or the deployment of a balloon expandable stent. Both methods have advantages (balloon: flexibility; balloon expandable stent: high radial force) and drawbacks (balloon: risk of elastic recoil and dissection; balloon expandable stent: limited flexibility, risk of injury to the vessel due to excessive straightening, overexpansion at ends of stent). A new combination of balloon dilatation, followed by the deployment of a self-expanding microstent has been applied in 15 patients with atherosclerotic arterial stenoses, symptomatic despite medical treatment. An anatomically and clinically adequate result was achieved in all patients. The initial degree of stenosis was 72% (mean). Balloon dilatation ...

Wastenet

colonies known as biofilms are known to harbour food-borne pathogens . These biofilms also have an increased resistance

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A great deal of current research is directed to finding a way to minimize thermal injury in the esophagus during radiofrequency catheter ablation of the atrium. A recent clinical study employing a cooling intraesophageal balloon reported a reduction of the temperature in the esophageal lumen. However, it could not be determined whether the deeper muscular layer of the esophagus was cooled enough to prevent injury. We built a model based on an agar phantom in order to experimentally study the thermal behavior of this balloon by measuring the temperature not only on the balloon, but also at a hypothetical point between the esophageal lumen and myocardium (2 mm distant). Controlled temperature (55 {sup 0}C) ablations were conducted for 120 s. The results showed that (1) the cooling balloon provides a reduction in the final temperature reached, both on the balloon surface and at a ...

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

The spirochete that causes tick-borne relapsing fever, Borrelia hermsii, was isolated in pure culture during 1995 and 1996 from three acutely ill human patients infected in southern...Full Text Available

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Neurons are born throughout adulthood in the hippocampus and show enhanced plasticity compared to mature neurons. However, there are conflicting reports on whether or not young neurons contribute...Full Text Available

KoreaScience (Korea)

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J-STORE (Japan)

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British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

In the United States, approximately 20% of all workers who died on the job in 2007 were foreign-born. The objective of this study was to describe trends in occupational fatalities among foreign-born workers. An analysis of fatal injuries among foreign-born workers in the US occurring from 1992 through 2007 was conducted using the Bureau of Labor Statistics? Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries. Individual characteristics, employment characteristics, injury events and industry employment were summarized and evaluated for trends. Both the number and proportion of foreign-born workers who died from a traumatic work-related injury increased substantially over the time period studied. The proportion who were men, aged 25?44?years, Hispanic, non self-employed, employed by business establishment...

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

A ten week old girl who had previously undergone a palliative procedure for the hypoplastic left heart syndrome had unrelieved aortic coarctation that did not respond to standard balloon dilatation....Full Text Available

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

BackgroundThere is a strong inverse relationship between final vessel diameter and subsequent risk of treatment failure after coronary stent deployment. The aim of this study was...Full Text Available

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Endovascular surgery is a new multidisciplinary field that applies the recently innovated techniques of angioscopy, intraluminal ultrasound, balloon angioplasty, laser, mechanical atherectomy, and stents....Full Text Available

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

The tendency for some individuals to partake in high-risk behaviors (eg, substance abuse, gambling, risky sexual activities) is a matter of great public health concern, yet the characteristics and neural...Full Text Available

Science.gov (United States)

instrument is shown in Figure 4-9 The incoming radiation is focused onto ...... An early rocket-borne ultraviolet spectrometer of the Ebert type by ...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

The latest figures published by the Science and Engineering Indicators report reveals that in 2003, 33% of faculty in science and engineering departments at research universities were foreign-born, a number that has more than doubled in thirty years. Foreign-born faculty members comprise an important part of the scientific enterprise that has been understudied. The purpose of this study is to examine the job satisfaction patterns of scientists and engineers by status of birth using a very large and comprehensive National Science Foundation (NSF) dataset, the Survey of Doctoral Recipients (SDR). The results of the study indicate that foreign-born scientists and engineers are less satisfied in several areas of their work life as compared to their US-born peers.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A method and apparatus is provided for detecting explosives by thermal imaging. The explosive material is subjected to a high energy wave which can be either a sound wave or an electromagnetic wave which will initiate a chemical reaction in the explosive material which chemical reaction will produce heat. The heat is then sensed by a thermal imaging device which will provide a signal to a computing device which will alert a user of the apparatus to the possibility of an explosive device being present.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

As a part of DOE's Meteorological Effects of Thermal Energy Releases (METER) program a field study was undertaken at the Bowen Electric Generating Plant (Plant Bowen) in December 1979. The study was a joint endeavor of Battelle Pacific Northwest Laboratories (PNL), Pennsylvania State University (PSU), and Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) with the main objective of determining the effects of the plant's smokestack effluents on aerosol characteristics and precipitation chemistry. Other objectives included studies of cooling tower temperature and humidity (T/h) plumes and drift drop concentrations. Conducted over a period of three weeks, the study involved an instrumented aircraft, pilot balloons, a tethered balloon system, a dense network of wetfall chemistry collectors and numerous ground- and tower-based meteorological instruments. Rainfall samples collected during the precipitation event of December 13, 1979, revealed ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

This report presents the results of analysis of selected data from the NRU test series dealing with heatup and reflood heat transfer during postulated PWR LOCA conditions. These tests used nuclear fuel rods and some considered clad ballooning and rupture. Also included was an electrically-heated rod ballooning test, REBEKA-6. The COBRA-TF computer program, renamed PYTHONS, was modified and used for the analytical tool. Modifications included provisions for fuel rod gas flow and pressure, creep deformation and rupture, channel blockage, and blockage heat transfer. Calculated clad temperatures for NRU unpressurized rods show quite good agreement with experimental data. The calculated amount and axial extent of clad ballooning for pressurized rods agrees reasonably well with post-test examinations of the NRU bundles. Time to failure was underpredicted in the MT-3 test as a result of the high strength of NRU clad material which ...

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Vector-borne infections (VBI) are defined as infectious diseases transmitted by the bite or mechanical transfer of arthropod vectors. They constitute a significant proportion of the global infectious...Full Text Available

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The detectors used in the TS93 balloon flight produced a large volume of information for each cosmic ray trigger. Some of the data was visual in nature, other portions contained energy deposition and timing information. The data sets are amenable to conventional analysis techniques but there is no assurance that conventional techniques make full use of subtle correlations and relations amongst the detector responses. With the advent of neural network technologies, particularly adept at classification of complex phenomena, it would seem appropriate to explore the utility of neural network techniques to classify particles observed with the instruments. In this paper neural network based methodology for signal/background discrimination in a cosmic ray space experiment is discussed. Results are presented for electron and positron classification in the TS93 flight data set and will be compared to conventional analyses.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The role of shear in determining the ideal MHD stability properties of tokamaks is discussed. In particular, we assess the effects of low shear within the plasma upon pressure-driven modes. The standard ballooning theory is shown to break down, as the shear is reduced and the growth rate is shown to be an oscillatory function of n, the toroidal mode number, treated as a continuous parameter. The oscillations are shown to depend on both the pressure and safety-factor profiles. When the shear is sufficiently weak, the oscillations can result in bands of unstable n values which are present even when the standard ballooning theory predicts complete stability. These instabilities are named ''infernal modes.'' The occurrence of these instabilities at integer n is shown to be a sensitive function of q-axis, raising the possibility of a sharp onset as plasma parameters evolve. 20 refs., 31 figs.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The aim of this article is to report our experience in the diagnosis of two cases of iliac artery endofibrosis or arteriopathy, a rare entity occurring in high-performance athletes, presenting with intermittent claudication (right-sided in both) after maximal exercise. External iliac artery endofibrosis or arteriopathy is a likely diagnosis in competitive athletes free of cardiovascular risk factors who present with leg claudication. Arteriography and a papaverine-assisted mean pressure gradient across the iliac arteries of more than 10 mmHg is a useful diagnostic approach. Moreover, balloon angioplasty of the iliac artery in that patient, in whom a pressure gradient was detected, resulted in symptomatic relief for 2 months followed by mild symptom recurrence. Thus, although balloon angioplasty is feasible and safe, it might not be adequate to treat this entity and, thus, its value remains undefined.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Purpose: The aim of this study was to create, perfect and test a hyperthermia balloon catheter for local treatment of cholangiocarcinoma. The device should induce hyperthermia in tumor tissue by acting locally in the bile duct lumen in contact with the tumor-infiltrated duct wall. In addition, it should exert tissue compression to cause an appreciable reduction in tumor microvasculature flow, thus improving thermal performance. Methods: According to the design specifications, the working temperature range should allow the device to be used for hyperthermia therapy either in combination with radiation and/or chemotherapy(radio/chemo-sensitizing effect at 42-45 deg. C) or alone (induction of coagulation necrosis above 65 deg. C). The balloon serves as an anchoring system during treatment and as a functional element to induce tissue compression. In vitro mechanical evaluation of the pressure/volume relationship, with the ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

By means of a global mode analysis of ideal MHD modes for Mercier-unstable equilibria in a planar axis L=2/M=10 heliotron/torsatron system with an inherently large Shafranov shift, the conjecture from local mode analysis for Mercier-unstable equilibria given in [N. Nakajima, Phys. Plasmas 3, 4556 (1996)] has been confirmed and the properties of pressure-driven modes, namely, ballooning modes and interchange modes, inherent to such three-dimensional systems have been clarified. The change of the local magnetic shear due to the Shafranov shift, which is related to toroidicity, reduces the field line bending stabilizing effects on ballooning modes. According to the degree of the reduction of the local magnetic shear by the Shafranov shift, the Mercier-unstable equilibria are categorized into toroidicity-dominant (strong reduction) and helicity-dominant (weak reduction) Mercier-unstable equilibria. Since the local magnetic curvature due to helicity ...

Science.gov (United States)

L. V. BALDWIN &TAL. APPARATUS FOR INCREASING ION ENGINE BEAM DENSITY. Filed Jan. 4, 1963 ... Lionel V. Baldwin. Fort Collins. Colo.. and Vid A. ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A method and apparatus for determining the condition of tissue or otherwise making chemical identifications includes exposing the sample to a light source, and using a synchronous luminescence system to produce a spectrum that can be analyzed for tissue condition.

Science.gov (United States)

Gaseous Nitrogen Dewar apparatus developed by Dr. Alex McPherson of the University of California, Irvine for use aboard Mir and the International Space ...

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

BackgroundTrypanosoma cruzi, the etiologic agent of Chagas Disease, is a major vector borne health problem in Latin America and an emerging...Full Text Available

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Borrelia burgdorferi is the causative agent of Lyme disease, a tick-borne spirochetosis with a worldwide prevalence. To assist the categorization and typing of fresh isolates from global foci, we have...Full Text Available

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Homeopathy was born as an experimental discipline, as can be seen from the enormous amount of homeopathic data collected over more than two centuries. However, the medical tradition of homeopathy has...Full Text Available

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Clostridium perfringens type A food poisoning is the second most commonly identified bacterial food-borne illness. Sporulation contributes to this disease in two ways: (i) most food-poisoning...Full Text Available

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

The increased transmission and geographic spread of dengue fever (DF) and its more severe presentation, dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF), make it the most important mosquito-borne viral disease of humans...Full Text Available

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Bhanja virus (BHAV) is pathogenic for young domestic ruminants and also for humans, causing fever and affections of the central nervous system. This generally neglected arbovirus of the family Bunyaviridae...Full Text Available

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

BackgroundInsecticide-based methods represent the most effective means of blocking the transmission of vector borne diseases. However, insecticide resistance poses a serious threat...Full Text Available

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Monitoring and diagnostic systems are of main importance for a safe and efficient operation of nuclear power plants. The author describes new developments with respect to vibration monitoring with a functional extension in the time domain for den secondary circuit, the development of a local system for the surveillance of rotating machines, the structure-borne sound monitoring with improvement of event analysis, esp. the loose part locating, leakage monitoring with a complete system for humidity measurement, and the development of a common platform for all monitoring and diagnostic systems, that allows an efficient access for comparison and cross references.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

During this report period our research efforts have concentrated on studies of the dissociation reactions of model peptides and other biologically important molecules. In addition, a considerable amount of research effort has been directed toward improving the apparatus used for laser-ion beam photodissociation. The instrumental improvements include some changes on the original apparatus, but most of this effort involved designing a second generation laser-ion beam photodissociation instrument.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Role of ballooning effect in toroidal plasmas on the transient transport problems is investigated. Due to the mode localization along the magnetic field line, a meso scale appears in a radial correlation length of fluctuating fields. This scale length introduces the interference of the gradient and flux in different radial locations. For the fluctuation which gives the gyro-Bohm-like diffusion in a stationary state, this long radial correlation of the fluctuating field causes a fast propagation of response against a rapid transient perturbation. Upper bound of transient thermal diffusivity is derived. (author)

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The feasibility of self-expanding nitinol stents for treatment of infragenicular arteries following unsuccessful balloon angioplasty was assessed. Options for lower limb percutaneous revascularization are limited, especially for complex vessel obstruction. Depending on the lesion and the experience of the interventionalist, the failure rate of balloon angioplasty (PTA) ranges between 10 and 40%. Until recently, no self-expanding stent for the use in the infragenicular arteries was available. This is the first report of the results for 18 consecutive patients who received 4F sheath compatible self-expanding nitinol stents following unsuccessful PTA or early restenosis. Twenty-four stents were implanted in 21 lesions for various indications residual stenosis >50% due to heavy calcification, flow-limiting dissection, occluding thrombus resistant to thrombolyis, thrombaspiration, and PTA, and early restenosis after previous PTA. Stent ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A laser beam apparatus and method for analyzing, inter alia, the current versus voltage curve at the point of illumination on a solar cell and the open circuit voltage of a solar cell. The apparatus incorporates a lock-in amplifier, and a laser beam light chopper which permits the measurement of the AC current of the solar cell at an applied DC voltage at the position on the solar cell where the cell is illuminated and a feedback scheme which permits the direct scanning measurements of the open circuit voltage. The accuracy of the measurement is a function of the intensity and wavelength of the laser light with respect to the intensity and wavelength distribution of sunlight and the percentage the dark current is at the open circuit voltage to the short circuit current of the solar cell.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

An electronically controllable apparatus is described which modulates a continuous wave laser beam so as to produce an output beam consisting of coherent ''pulses'' that are electronically controllable as to both pulse repetition rate and pulse width. The apparatus includes two acoustic devices positioned so that the laser beam passes through them in sequence, and apparatus or for passing sound waves through the devices to frequency shift the laser radiation as well as to diffract it. Each acoustic device such as generates sound waves containing a group of frequencies which result in spaced pulses. The spreading of a laser beam at which emanates from the first acoustic device is countered by the second acoustic device to produce a collimated, coherently pulsed, laser beam.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

An apparatus capable of producing current or voltage controlled positive and negative ion beams in 1-atm oxidizing and nonoxidizing ambients between 25/sup 0/ and 950 /sup 0/C is presented. The apparatus utilizes a point-to-plane corona discharge in the gas phase. Room-temperature experiments revealed that the small differences in ion beam shape between the two polarities is primarily due to the difference in applied voltage required to produce the same current for the two polarities. Due to increased ion mobility and decreased threshold voltage at higher temperatures, a slight broadening of the ion beam current-density profiles for both positive and negative ions is predicted.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

This paper highlights some of the conceptual and methodological problems involved in the compilation of statistics on economic aid to developing countries. Figures from the OECD Development Assistance Committee (DAC) and the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) member states are compared to point up problems in the interpretation of the statistics. One area of concern is the listing of funds provided by financial institutions located in the DAC countries. OPEC capital often forms a majority of such institutions; yet the figures do not measure the OPEC share of the capital nor its share of the risk borne in its provision of the loans. Another area of concern is bond purchases and subscriptions to syndicated loans by OPEC financial institutions in the financial markets of DAC countries. The flows in these instances, originating from OPEC sources, are merely channeled through the DAC financial markets. Based on origin and risk ...

Science.gov (United States)

Finely divided ash-containing coal is immersed in an aqueous solution of hydrochloric acid or citric acid, and acidic ammonium fluoride to cause the ash to react with the acid and the acidic ammonium fluoride, and the deashed coal is thereafter separated from the solution.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Concentration of an amine solution for removal of hydrogen sulfides and carbon dioxide from natural gas, is tested by carbon dioxide absorption measurement in an apparatus allowing complete reaction to give reliable results.

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

The chlorophyll fluorescence characteristics of mesophyll and bundle-sheath thylakoids from plant species with the C4 dicarboxylic acid pathway of photosynthesis were investigated using flow cytometry....Full Text Available

Science.gov (United States)

Combined electron, photon, and intense UV irradiation tests have been carried out on three mirror designs, (Si, Al/sub 2/O/sub 3/)/sub 2/Ag, (Si, SiOx)nAg, and (ZnS, Al/sub 2/O/sub 3/)4Ag, to investigate their suitability for space-borne chemical laser applications. It is found that the (Si, oxide)nAg enhanced-reflectance design is a viable candidate for such applications, whereas ZnS, in combination with either ThF/sub 4/ or Al/sub 2/O/sub 3/, shows unacceptably high absorption increases at the 2.8-micron HF laser wavelength with irradiation. It is pointed out, however, that further experiments are needed to fully understand the effect of irradiation on the (Si, oxide)nAg enhanced-reflectance mirrors.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Methods and apparatus are described for efficient photodetachment and purification of negative ion beams. A method of purifying an ion beam includes: inputting the ion beam into a gas-filled multipole ion guide, the ion beam including a plurality of ions; increasing a laser-ion interaction time by collisional cooling the plurality of ions using the gas-filled multipole ion guide, the plurality of ions including at least one contaminant; and suppressing the at least one contaminant by selectively removing the at least one contaminant from the ion beam by electron photodetaching at least a portion of the at least one contaminant using a laser beam.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A method and apparatus for operating a compression ignition engine having a cylinder wall, a piston, and a head defining a combustion chamber. The method and apparatus includes delivering fuel substantially uniformly into the combustion chamber, the fuel being dispersed throughout the combustion chamber and spaced from the cylinder wall, delivering an oxidant into the combustion chamber sufficient to support combustion at a first predetermined combustion duration, and delivering a diluent into the combustion chamber sufficient to change the first predetermined combustion duration to a second predetermined combustion duration different from the first predetermined combustion duration.

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

West Nile virus (WNV) is a mosquito-borne flavivirus that infects the central nervous system of humans and other animals. In this study, we found that C3H/HeN (C3H) mice exhibited a higher morbidity...Full Text Available

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Tensor polarization of "6Li(2.18 MeV, 3"+) nucleus at inelastic scattering of #alpha# particles for #THETA#_l_a_b=45 deg angle is measured. The results are described by the calculations in terms of Born approximation of distorted waves with internucleonic interaction realistic potential.

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

In 1995 the exercise RESUME-95 (Rapid Environmental Surveying Using Mobile Equipment) took place in Finland. Groups from 8 European countries joined the exercise. The methods used were airborne gamma-ray measurements, car-borne measurements and in situ stationary measurements. The results of the measurements are analyses aiming at disclosing similarities and differences between groups and measuring techniques.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Dissipation of energy of #beta#"--radiation in polyvinylchloride (PVC) was analyzed. Change of PVC properties at irradiation by beta beams with energy 2,32 MeV was characterized using potentials of inter- and intramolecular interactions as well as Born potential. Correlation between some micro- and macroproperties of PVC was detected and ways of their controlled correction were proposed. (authors)

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

A brief article examines the controversy over food irradiation regarding the wholesomeness of irradiated food, its microbiological safety, loss of vitamins and changes in flavour. The benefits of food irradiation are also outlined including the destruction of certain food-borne pathogens and the prolongation of the shelf-life of food by killing pests and delaying the deterioration process. (UK).

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Solar panels have been installed at the roof, providing enough power to drive electric cars 20 000 kilometres yearly, while water-borne heating in the household has reduces electricity demand by 12-13 000 kWh per year

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Opinion statement Because a minority of patients with D-transposition of the great arteries are diagnosed in utero by ultrasound, most present after delivery with cyanosis. In the absence of apparent lung disease, cyanotic neonates suspected of having a cardiac lesion should be immediately transferred to an intensive care unit at a pediatric tertiary care center for monitoring, resuscitation, and to define the cardiac anatomy and physiology. A prostaglandin E-1 infusion is usually initiated to maintain ductal patency and promote intra-cardiac mixing. In the past, balloon atrial septostomy (BAS) was routinely performed to enlarge the atrial septal defect and improve intra-cardiac mixing while the infants awaited surgery. Recent literature has reported an increase risk of stroke in neonates ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The temporal evolution of linear toroidal ion temperature gradient (ITG) modes is studied based on a kinetic integral equation including an initial condition. It is shown how to evaluate the analytic continuation of the integral kernel as a function of a complex-valued frequency, which is useful for analytical and numerical calculations of the asymptotic damping behavior of the ITG mode. In the presence of the toroidal {nabla}B-curvature drift, the temporal dependence of the density and potential perturbations consists of normal modes and a continuum mode, which correspond to contributions from poles and from an integral along a branch cut, respectively, of the Laplace-transformed potential function of the complex-valued frequency. The normal modes have exponential time dependence with frequencies and growth rates determined by the dispersion relation while the continuum mode, which has a ballooning structure, shows a power law decay {proportional_to} t{sup -2} in ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A radio frequency sputtering apparatus with a pair of targets has been developed for depositing a film of uniform thickness onto a complex-geometric specimen such as the retainer of a ball bearing. The deposition characteristics of the apparatus were compared with those of the conventional sputtering apparatus. Lubrication properties of MoS/sub 2/ films made by these devices were also compared under a variety of conditions. Finally, friction and wear of MoS/sub 2/ films applied to angular-contact type ball bearings of 20 mm bore were studied in air, nitrogen and vacuo. The two-target sputtering has an advantage mentioned above. However, the films deposited by the method exhibited a rather short wear life because of the temperature rise of the substrate during ion bombardment and during the sputtering process. This temperature dependence was observed in films on those substrates that had been heated with a built-in heater ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Basic experimental investigations were carried out with an aqueous solution of a mixture of KOH and NaOH for use as an absorbent in absorption heat pumps. Due to its thermophysical properties this mixture allows temperature lifts from evaporator to absorber of more than 75 K (135 F) in a single-stage absorption chiller. Thermophysical and hydrodynamical properties of the solution were measured. Vapor-liquid-equilibrium data and specific heat capacities were determined for concentrations ranging from 35% up to 75% and temperatures up to 200 C (392 F). From these data the enthalpy of the solution was calculated. Additionally the crystallization temperatures, the density, and the viscosity of the solution were determined. The experimental equipment is described. The data are presented as polynomials and diagrams including experimental accuracy. An apparatus was constructed to measure heat and mass transfer coefficients of the absorption process with this solution. The ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

This paper describes in an apparatus for absorbing a beam of concentrated solar energy and which includes a cavity receiver with an inlet for transmission thereinto of solar radiation, a protective apertured shield means about the inlet. It comprises: rigid support means fixed to the periphery of the inlet and projecting radially inwardly therefrom to define a generally central aperture area through which the solar radiation can pass into the cavity receiver; and non-structural blanket means spread over the rigid support means between the periphery of the inlet and the aperture area, the material having a high temperature capability and providing for infra-red radiation insulation, while remaining relatively cool when subjected to solar radiation.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The measurement of local heat transfer coefficients is necessary to record the basic phenomena of heat transfer in thin-film apparatuses. For this reason the so-called electrochemical analogy method was developed and used for this application. The electrochemical method implies a specifically composed electrolyte which substitutes the fluid to be evaporated in the thin-film apparatus. Using the redox electrolyte (0,025 kmol/m/sup 3/ K/sub 4/Fe(CN)/sub 6/ resp. k/sub 4/Fe(CN)/sub 6/ and 2nNaOH) the viscosity was, for the first time, thickened until 0.4 Pa s by the help of hydroxyethyl-cellulose.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

In an ignition timing control apparatus for controlling the ignition timing of each cylinder in order to reduce knock generation in a multi-cylinder engine, a lag-angle correction is made for the ignition timing of a cylinder in which a knock is generated and at the same time, a slight lag-angle correction is made for the ignition timing of the other cylinders in which no knock is generated. When the operating condition of engine is rapidly changed for example, under the condition in which knock is liable to occur in all cylinders as at rapid acceleration time, a lag-angle correction is made by the same amount as in the knock generating cylinder, for the ignition timing of cylinders in which no knock is generated. When no knock is generated for a predetermined time, a lead-angle correction is made for the ignition timing subjected to the lag-angle correction of each cylinder at intervals of the predetermined time.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

An energy saving self-powered industrial dehumidifier for use in a building having a tap water conduit leading from a source of supply to utilization points is described comprising: a dehumidifying apparatus positioned in a stream of air to be dehumidified in the building. The dehumidifying apparatus comprising conduit means for diverting at least a portion of a relatively continuously moving stream of tap water from the tap water conduit through a heat exchanger positioned in a stream of air and returning the diverted portion to the tap water stream upstream of the utilization points. Water vapor in the stream of air will condense onto the heat exchanger when the tap water has a temperature below a dew point temperature of the air stream, thereby dehumidifying the air stream.

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Purpose Suprasellar meningiomas usually present with visual deterioration, including decreased visual acuity and/or visual field defects. Suprasellar meningiomas have a close relationship with the optic apparatus, arteries of the anterior circulation, pituitary stalk and hypothalamus, which makes safe surgical resection a challenge especially with dissection around an already compromised optic apparatus. In this report 21 patients operated on for a suprasellar meningioma over a 4-year period are reviewed. Postoperative outcome and visual recovery are evaluated, including analysis of its determinants. Methods Over a 4-year period (2002?2006), patients surgically treated for suprasellar meningiomas were included in this retrospective study. All tumors were located at the tuberculum sellae an...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

An apparatus is described for measuring the total hemispherical emittance of pipes of a length suitable for use in a prototype solar collector. The calorimetric method used requires measurements of the temperatures of the surface of the test pipe and of a concentric outer cylinder and measurement of the electrical power used to heat the test pipe. Measurements were made of the total hemispherical emittance of black chrome, nickel, and bare steel pipes as a function of temperature. The emittance of the black chrome surfaces increased significantly from an extrapolated value of about 0.1 at 25 deg C to values on the order of 0.3-0.4 at 300 deg C. The extrapolated values for black chrome agreed with measurements made using other techniques at room temperature. The results for the nickel-plated pipe agreed with total emittance calculated from spectral reflectance data.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A newly constructed Fourier transform microwave spectrometer has been used to record the pure rotational spectra of four isotopomers of SrS ({sup 88}Sr{sup 32}S, {sup 87}Sr{sup 32}S, {sup 86}Sr{sup 32}S, and {sup 88}Sr{sup 34}S) between 6 and 26 GHz. The molecules were produced by reacting laser ablated strontium with carbonyl sulfide (0.1% in argon). Pure rotational transitions in the ground, first and second vibrational states have been observed. The data set has enabled a multi-isotopomer fit. Born-Oppenheimer breakdown terms for both atoms have been determined. The {sup 87}Sr nuclear quadrupole coupling constant in {sup 87}Sr{sup 32}S has been determined for the first time.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A car-borne NaI(Tl) spectrometric system was used together with a {sup 137}Cs source to obtain realistic data in the search for unshielded and semi-shielded orphan sources. The potassium-stripped counts (PSC) method was used to estimate the influence by the shielding on the detection ability. A reduction of about 5% in the critical distance was obtained for the semi-shielded source. A curve fitting method was also developed and evaluated. Results from the curve fitting method showed inferior ability to find the source compared to the PSC method. However, it can be a useful complementary tool, for characterisation of the source shielding, and estimation of the distance from the road.

Science.gov (United States)

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) were measured in a mild case of dyssegmental dysplasia. X-ray pictures of a female baby born vaginally at 39 weeks of gestation showed short, bent, dumbbell-shaped long bones of the limbs and profound dyssegmental ossification in the spine, findings characteristic of dyssegmental dysplasia. When the levels of MMP-1, MMP-2, MMP-9, TIMP-1, and TIMP-2 were measured, the levels of MMP-2 and TIMP-1 were significantly reduced. This case might provide a clue to disclose the etiology of dyssegmental dysplasia. PMID:12568417

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

We evaluate various disk level four-point functions involving the massless scalar and tachyon vertex operators in the presence of background B-flux in superstring theory. By studying these amplitudes in specific limits, we find couplings of two scalars with two tachyons, and couplings of four tachyons on the world-volume of non-BPS D-branes of superstring theory. They are fully consistent with the non-commutative tachyonic Dirac-Born-Infeld effective action. They also fix the coefficient of T{sup 4} term in the expansion of the tachyon potential around its maximum.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The author discusses in detail the following topics: Compensation for domestic nuclear damage and for transfrontier nuclear damage - rule of formal equality of parties which belongs to the basic rule of civil law considering the position of domestic and foreign victims of a grave accident-juridical consequences of the preponderant role played by the state in the promotion, development and supervision of the nuclear industry-rationale for applying the concept of global limitation of liability in the law on nuclear liability and compensation - financial consequences of uncompensated nuclear damage, borne by the victims directly affected or spread over the whole community of the affected state? (HP)

Science.gov (United States)

We discuss elastic electron-deuteron (ed) scattering beyond the Born approximation. The reaction amplitude contains six generalized form factors, but only three linearly independent combinations of them (generalized charge, quadrupole, and magnetic form factors) contribute to the reaction cross section in second-order perturbation theory. We examine the two-photon exchange and find that it includes two types of diagrams, where two virtual photons are interacting with the same nucleon and where the photons are interacting with different nucleons. It is shown that the two-photon-exchange amplitude is strongly connected with the deuteron wave function at short distances.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Adult and newborn rats were exposed to "2"3"9PuO_2 aerosols of four different size distributions. Rats of both ages were killed at intervals between 1 hr and 60 days postexposure. There were marked age- and particle-related size differences in deposition, although retention was similar throughout. The differences in deposition are attributable to relatively greater deposition of larger particles in the upper respiratory tracts of newborns.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Treatment of food with low doses of gamma radiation has been recognized to have two main advantages. These consist of: (1) improvement of food safety by elimination of pathogens and (2) reduction of microbial spoilage and extension of shelf life of perishable items by reducing the number of viable spoilage organisms. Studies during the last few decades have conclusively proved the beneficial effects of radiation with respect to fishery products. The three potential areas of application to fish products include: (i) radurization for shelf life extension (ii) radicidation to eliminate food borne pathogens in the products and (iii) radiation treatment to dried products to control insects.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

We measured differential cross sections and vector analyzing powers for the "4"8Ca(d,n)"4"9Sc reaction at 79 MeV. An overall energy resolution of about 325 keV was achieved, and data were extracted for states up to 3.4 MeV of excitation. Both distorted-wave Born approximation and Johnson-Soper adiabatic approximation calculations were performed; in general, the Johnson-Soper adiabatic approximation calculations provide a better description of the data, and yield reasonable spectroscopic factors.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

A multielement apparatus for the removal of aerosols formed in the vitrification of simulated high-activity accident wastes from the decommissioned nuclear power plant A-1 has been designed, manufactured and tested. The apparatus consists of two cooling and condensing steps connected in series, and of five filtration steps also connected in series. The five filtration steps allowed to achieve a decontamination factor of 1x10"5 in the case of removal of a NaCl("2"4Na) testing model aerosol. The decontamination factor for removal of the cesium aerosol by the whole apparatus was 3.3x10"6. In the first filtration step the aerosols are removed by the cartridge with a filtration fabric made of polyethylene fibers, in the second step by the cartridge with a granulated natural material, in the third step by the cartridge with glass-fiber filtration paper, in the fourth and fifth steps by the cartridge with high-efficiency ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The need is substantiated for using remote control of technological processes on blowout dangerous beds. A method is proposed for this control based on recording with the help of AGZ apparatus for gas release into the roadway. Distinguishing features are indicated for the change in methane concentration in the roadway with normal occurrence of the process and in the case of blowout of coal and gas.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

We have examined in detail the electrochemistry of both n- and p-type single crystal (100) silicon in the porous silicon formation regime using a rotating Si disk apparatus with a Ag/AgCl reference electrode. Our findings impact the use and optimization of buried n- or p-type layer anodization for silicon-on-insulator (SOI) wafer synthesis. Results are briefly discussed. 3 refs.

Science.gov (United States)

Gas contaminated with at least one noxious component, such as SO/sub 2/, HF or NOx, is scrubbed with a clear, calcium-containing, initially-basic washing liquid which also comprises the anion of a strong inorganic acid, that of a polybasic carboxylic acid and, optionally, that of a monobasic carboxylic acid. Apparatus is provided for scrubbing the gas, oxidizing produced calcium bisulfite to calcium sulfate, separating out and removing solids, and recirculating clarified liquid for scrubbing contaminated gas.

CERN Document Server

In this paper, the authors report on the electrical and thermal properties of Bi-2223 composite conductors prepared by the "accordion-folding method" (AFM). Thermal behavior study on AFM Bi-2223 conductors similar to those that have been successfully used to assemble the cold stage of low-loss current leads for CERN, has been performed by using a newly developed experimental apparatus that is described in detail. (7 refs).

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The patent concerns pipe crawlers, i.e. apparatus capable of moving along the bores of pipes and tubes. Pipe crawlers are employed for conveying inspection equipment along the bores of pipes and tubes. The pipe crawler comprises a piston and assembly system, which controls the movement of the crawler and supports the assembly centrally within the bore of the pipe or tube. (UK).

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

An optical voltage reference for providing an alternative to a battery source. The optical reference apparatus provides a temperature stable, high precision, isolated voltage reference through the use of optical isolation techniques to eliminate current and impedance coupling errors. Pulse rate frequency modulation is employed to eliminate errors in the optical transmission link while phase-lock feedback is employed to stabilize the frequency to voltage transfer function.

Science.gov (United States)

A new magnetic electron microscope, UEMB-100, was designed with an increased electron-optical parameter. The electron-optical system consists of an electron canon (the high voltage is supplied by armored lead) and condensed, objective, intermediate, and projection lenses. In contrast to other native apparatuses, the microscope has a high resolving property (up to 20A) snnd great universality. (tr-auth)

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Results are described of the study of the analytical applicability of a highly efficient ion source developed for a mass spectrometer. Its ionizer is in the form of a partially closed cavity with a small aperture for leading out ions, heated to a high temperature. The new ion source increases the sensitivity of the apparatus in operations with transuranium elements by almost two orders of magnitude. It is possible to perform isotopic analyses with a high salt content in the sample, and to study the characteristics of nuclear fuel, even without chemical separation of the sample elements.

Science.gov (United States)

In this study, an apparatus suitable to photoacoustic (PA) imaging to measure blood-analysis and urinalysis is fabricated and its measurement scheme has been established for the first time. The PA imaging of urinalysis test strip, blood sugar test strip, and cholesterol test strip is performed. A calibration curve of PA measurement is obtained for a urine test strip. The detectivity is better than that obtained by an eye-measurement.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The purpose of the present work was to establish the flammability limits of hydrogen in air for upward vertical flame propagation at elevated temperatures up to 350 deg and atmospheric pressure in a conventional stainless steel test tube apparatus, and to investigate the extent to which a prolonged exposure (i.e., residence time) of the mixture to elevated temperatures before spark ignition may influence the value of the flammability limits. 9 refs.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The basic principles of determination of the ash content of coal by the title methods are outlined. A brief technical characteristic of the ash meters and radionuclide X-ray fluorescence analyzers manufactured by the PAR company is presented. (Z.S.). 4 figs., 7 refs.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Critical power characteristics of tight lattice rod assembly was investigated using a simple-shaped experimental apparatus. An electrically heated rod with four spacers was placed in a circular tube, and boiling transition condition for a rod in an annular geometry was clarified varing annulus clearance. It was found that critical heat flux depends strongly on the clearance accoding as the gap becomes smaller. This results was compared with KfK correlation and the trends were well correlated. (author).

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Previous studies have revealed that cell therapy using bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) could promote motor functional recovery in animals with spinal cord injury (SCI). We describe here the development of cell biology technique and the experimental study of regeneration in SCI. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential for neurological recovery by transplantation neurospheres (NS) derived from BMSCs into thoracic SCI. Adult Fisher rats were used: 45 were subjected to complete thoracic SCI performed by the balloon compression method. BMSCs were cultured in vitro to obtain NS. Seven days after thoracic SCI, groups of 15 rats each received transplants of BMSCs-NS (group A), BMSCs (group B), or injection of medium only (group C) into the SCI lesion. Rats from each group were eva...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

As part of the 1999 NARSTO Northeast Oxidant and Particulate Study (NE-OPS) field campaign, the DOE G-1 aircraft sampled trace gases and aerosols in and around the Philadelphia metropolitan area. Twenty research flights were conducted between July 25 and August 11. The overall goals of these flights were to obtain a mechanistic understanding of O(sub 3) production; to characterize the spatial and temporal behavior of photo-oxidants and aerosols; and to study the evolution of aerosol size distributions, including the process of new particle formation. Within the NE-OPS program, other groups provided additional trace gas, aerosol, and meteorological observations using aircraft, balloon, remote sensing, and surface based instruments (Phillbrick et al., 2000). In this article we provide an overview of the G-1 observations related to O(sub 3) production, focusing on the vertical distribution of pollutants. Ozone production rates are calculated using a box model that is ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The role played by calcium sulfite in the flue gas desulfurization of lime/limestone scrubbers makes it desirable to work out its thermodynamic properties. A thermogravimetric apparatus was used to study the equilibria between calcium sulfite hemihydrate and calcium sulfite anhydrite under different conditions. Efforts were made to analyze the difficulties encountered in the dynamic approach to equilibration after calcium sulfate dihydrate failed in calibration of the apparatus. Finally, the kinetics and thermodynamics for the dissociation of calcium sulfite hemihydrate were examined. The confirmation of Engel-Brewer's correlation between the electronic configuration and crystal structure in metallic systems has long been pursued in this group by studying the Lewis-acid-base interactions. Tantalum-iridium alloys of different compositions were brought into equilibrium with various steam/hydrogen mixtures in the same thermogravimetric ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Device for separating and collecting ultrafine atomized powder from the gas stream of a gas atomizing apparatus comprises a housing having an interior wall oriented at an angle relative to horizontal so as to form a downwardly converging, conical expansion chamber, an inlet conduit communicated to the expansion chamber proximate an upper region thereof for receiving the gas stream, and an outlet proximate a lower region of the expansion chamber. The inlet conduit is oriented at a compound inclined angle (with respect to horizontal) selected to promote separation and collection of powder from the gas stream in the expansion chamber. The compound angle comprises a first entrance angle that is greater than the angle of repose of the powder on the housing interior wall such that any powder accumulation in the inlet conduit tends to flow down the wall toward the outlet. The second angle is selected generally equal to the angle of the housing interior wall measured from ...

Science.gov (United States)

When withdrawing a fluid sample (for additional chromatographic analyses) from an apparatus operated at a reduced pressure, a typical syringe proves to be ineffective (even if it is equipped with a gas tight plunger). It simply does not create enough pressure differential to remove a fluid sample from a reduced pressure environment. We encountered such a situation as part of efforts to extend the operation of the advanced distillation curve protocol to reduced pressures. The problem was solved by the development of a pressure balance syringe that allows reliable and precise sampling from an apparatus operating at sub-ambient pressures. This new device uses an external vacuum source to evacuate a syringe barrel, allowing a user to withdraw fluid samples from environments with pressures as low as 0.5kPa. To demonstrate the operation of the newly developed device, distillate analyses were performed on two fluids at low pressure: a predefined ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

An ignition timing control apparatus is described for an internal combustion engine having a reference ignition timing comprising: sensing means for sensing vibrations including knocks of the engine; knock signal deriving means for deriving knock signals from the output of the sensing means; correction magnitude determining means for determining from the knock signals derived by the knock signal deriving means of ignition timing correction magnitude for suppressing the occurrence of knock; displacement magnitude determining means for determining from at least one of an output of the knock signal deriving means and an output of the correction magnitude determining means as a displacement magnitude for the reference ignition timing corresponding to the octane rating of a fuel used in the engine; and ignition timing determining means for setting the reference ignition timing at an optimum ignition timing angle for the engine responsive to the correction magnitude ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

An experimental apparatus has been built that allows direct measurement of the oil film thickness in a bearing that is subjected to dynamic loads and shaft speeds representative of those occurring in automotive engine connecting rod, big-end bearings. Dynamic motion of the shaft, relative to the bearing, is measured as a function of shaft rotational angle, using non-contact, eddy-current probes. A computer based data acquisition system is used to measure, record, and analyze the journal position in the bearing. The test bearing is 63.5 mm in diameter by 25.4 mm long, and is loaded using a servo-hydraulic actuator rated at 98.3 kN. The journal has an operating speed of 500 to 3800 rpm. The actuator is controlled by a computer-generated waveform that can duplicate load profiles developed by various engines operating at a wide range of conditions. Measurements taken with the shaft statically loaded show excellent agreement with results calculated using short bearing ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

This paper evaluates abrasive jet wear tests, carried out on the ZUK-3M abrasion apparatus according to the GOSF 23.201-78 industrial standard. As abrasive material, brown coal coke dust, brown coal dust, power plant fly ash and quartz sand (for the purpose of comparison) were employed. Seventeen types of materials were blasted with abrasive jets, including a selection of steels, glass, rubber, SYS-pur plastics, cast basalt, Kawenit and vitroceramics. The test apparatus produced abrasive jet velocities between 12 and 130 ms/SUP/-/SUP/1 at rotor revolutions of 1,000 to 10,000 min/SUP/-/SUP/1. Blasted material samples were arranged at angles between 15 and 90 degrees. Various tables and graphs present abrasivity results. These results were employed for technical modifications of dedusting equipment in briquetting and coking plants, which led to a threefold increase in service life of abrasion endangered equipment parts. (8 refs.) (In German)

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Data from the New Immigrant Survey are used to study wealth differentials among U.S. legal permanent residents. This study is unique in its ability to account for wealth held in the U.S. and that held abroad and yields several key findings. First, relative to immigrants from Western Europe, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand (who have median wealth similar to native born non-Hispanic whites), other immigrant groups have lower levels of total wealth even after accounting for permanent income and life course characteristics. Second, time in the U.S. is positively associated with the wealth of married immigrants, yet this relationship is not statistically significant for single immigrants. Third, differences in the means of measured characteristics between Western European immigrants and thos...

Science.gov (United States)

The Micro-X instrument is a NASA funded, rocket borne X-ray imaging spectrometer planned for launch in January 2011. An array of Transition Edge Sensors (TESs) will observe incoming photons in the 0.2-3 keV energy band with an energy resolution of 2-4 eV at 1 keV. This will be a substantial improvement over current non-dispersive detectors for X-ray spectroscopy of extended sources and will be the first demonstration of a TES-based microcalorimeter in space. The TESs will utilize the 50 mK stage of an Adiabatic Demagnetization Refrigerator (ADR) as a heat sink, and will be read out by a SQUID time division multiplexer. X-rays will be focused onto the TES array of 128 pixels on a 600 micron pitch by a conically approximated Wolter optic with an effective area of 200 cm2. The spectrometer will have a field of view of 11.8 arcmin. We describe the design and development progress of the instrument.

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Abstract Lyme disease is a perfect model of the complex relationship between host, vector, and the vector-borne bacteria. Both dogs and horses in Romania are exposed to infection. The aim of the present study was to assess the seroreactivity against Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato in dogs and horses from different regions of Romania. 276 samples from dogs and 260 samples from horses located in different regions of Romania were analyzed by ELISA and IFA, respectively. The effect of several factors potentially affecting seroreactivity (location, age, gender, occupation, and vector exposition risk) was evaluated using Fisher's exact test (R 2.12.0). The overall prevalence of anti-Borrelia antibodies was 6.52% (18/276) in dogs, with a significantly higher positivity (46.15%, 6/13, p=0.0005) re...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The #alpha# radiation dose to the lungs of people who live in buildings constructed of some granites, low density concretes, and gypsum boards is higher than for residents of most other types of dwellings due to the air-borne progeny of radon. There is evidence that sealing the interior surfaces with epoxy paint, for example, can reduce the #alpha# dose to the lung significantly without a compensating increase in whole-body exposure to the #gamma#-rays from radon progeny. Based on the incidence rates for lung cancer in uranium miners, a concentration of radon of the order of 1 to 5 pCi/l. appears to be a reasonable limit for 'lifetime' exposure indoors for 'typical' home ventilation conditions. (author).

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The foundation is a key to safety of any structure built on reclaimed land in coastal areas. This paper gives examples of reclamation methods, ground improvement works, foundations adopted, and consequent land subsidence as for structures directly borne by the underlying ground. Structures built on the recently reclaimed land often stand on piles driven into gravel layers. But an emphasis in pile design in usually placed on bearing capacity, with little consideration given to land subsidence and its effects. Appropriate ground improvement works, if followed by an enough consolidation period, produce satisfactory results for both direct and pile foundations. Low and light structures can be more economically built on direct foundations. It will be still safer for those structures if floating foundations or other measures are taken for preventing increases in load. 5 refs., 16 figs.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The neutron transition multipole moment, M/sub n/, for (0/sup +/..-->..2/sup +/, 1.84 MeV) transition is inferred by measuring the (..cap alpha..,..cap alpha..') angular distribution at E/sub ..cap alpha../ = 50 MeV and comparing it with a microscopic distorted-wave Born approximation calculation. Proton transition densities are taken from electron scattering data. M/sub n//M/sub p/ is found to be substantially less than N/Z in agreement with the (p,p') result.

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

One of vector-borne avian protozoa, Leucocytozoon lovati, has been found in the Japanese rock ptarmigans (Lagopus mutus japonicus), the endangered bird species distributed in the alpine regions in Japan. Vector arthropod species of L. lovati has also been estimated as Simuliidae black flies distributed in the same habitat of the host bird, however, possible blood meals of the black flies were not identified yet. To reveal host animals of black flies, we estimated the blood resources by using molecular techniques. Black flies were collected at Mt. Chogatake, one of the alpine regions of Japan in which Japanese rock ptarmigans live in June 2005. The analyzed 144 specimens were morphologically identified into five species including Simulium japonicum (n?=?87), Prosimulium hirtipes (n?=?48), P...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

M-shell X-ray production cross sections for the light rare-earth elements of {sup 68}Er, {sup 7}Yb and {sup 71}Lu have been measured for incident {sup 4}He{sup +} ions in the energy range from 0.75 to 6 MeV. The measured X-ray production cross sections are compared to the predictions of the First Born approximation, the ECPSSR theory and the ECUSAR theory. A comparison of the ytterbium M-shell X-ray production cross sections with these theories is made for two different sets of fluorescence yields and Coster-Kronig factors that are further modified for multiple ionization.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

High-energy synchrotron x-ray diffraction (XRD) has been used to quantify load transfer in bovine plexiform bone. By using both wide-angle and small-angle XRD, strains in the mineral as well as the collagen phase of bone were measured as a function of applied compressive stress. We suggest that a greater proportion of the load is borne by the more mineralized woven bone than the lamellar bone as the applied stress increases. With a further increase in stress, load is shed back to the lamellar regions until macroscopic failure occurs. The reported data fit well with reported mechanisms of microdamage accumulation in bovine plexiform bone.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Studies of Rydberg-atom destruction in collisions with the polar targets CH_3I and CH_2Br_2 for values of principal quantum number n in the range 100--400 are reported. Analysis of the data using the essentially-free-electron model suggests that, for ultralow electron energies (#approx#80 #mu#eV to 1 meV), the cross section #sigma#(var-epsilon) for rotationally inelastic scattering of electrons by a polar target varies approximately as 1/var-epsilon, where var-epsilon is the electron energy. The Born approximation does not predict such behavior at very low collision energies, and possible reasons for this discrepancy are discussed.

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Unilateral diaphragmatic paralysis was diagnosed in 2 preterm neonates born at 29 and 25 weeks of gestation, respectively. In both instances, the pathophysiology was phrenic nerve injury after extravasation of parenteral nutrition fluid. Misplacement and infection were predisposing factors. Diaphragmatic movement analysis by time-motion-mode ultrasonography was helpful in achieving a diagnosis. The first neonate required a diaphragmatic placation, whereas the other infant was managed nonoperatively. These cases confirm a rare etiology of diaphragmatic paralysis and possible spontaneous recovery. In neonates with very low birth weight, general anesthesia and thoracic surgery may be associated with a high morbidity, suggesting that nonoperative medical treatment, when possible, is preferable...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

As a general approach to the problem of precursive behavior in alloys that undergo a displacive transformation, defect theories are becoming increasingly popular. However, the microscopic origin of the proposed defects is usually not considered. Yu and Anderson (1984) have argued that properties of strong-coupling superconductors, such as the A-15 compounds, imply a breakdown of Migdal's theorem (the adiabatic, or Born-Oppenheimer approximation for separation of electrons and phonons) in these systems. The electron-phonon coupling is so strong that it must be incorporated already in zeroth order. This is the basis for local phonon models, in which the electron-phonon coupling provides an effective double well potential for a localized group of atoms. The Yu-Anderson model and an analogous local Jahn-Teller model (Abell, 1983) are reviewed in connection with displacive transformations in strong-coupling alloys.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The optimization of the safety characteristics of electrical installations in industrial plants with explosion or fire hazards can be obtained only through a careful interdisciplinary study and analysis carried out at the onset of the plant project design phase. The least complex and costly and safest solutions are those which are born from plant designs which take into account the typology of the industrial process or technology, or which incorporate pollution abatement measures and adequate safety measures for the electrical installations. This paper provides examples to illustrate how the global plant economy is fundamentally dependant upon a multi-disciplinary initial effort in design analyses. Comments are made relevant to the adequacy of the safety requirements established by existing and planned Italian norms in dealing with safety and fire protection for high-tech industrial plant electrical installations.

CERN Document Server

A historical overview is given on the basic results which appeared by the year 1926 concerning Einstein's fluctuation formula of black-body radiation, in the context of light-quanta and wave-particle duality. On the basis of the original publications (from Planck's derivation of the black-body spectrum and Einstein's introduction of the photons up to the results of Born, Heisenberg and Jordan on the quantization of a continuum) a comparative study is presented on the first line of thoughts that led to the concept of quanta. The nature of the particle-like fluctuations and the wave-like fluctuations are analysed by using several approaches. With the help of the classical probability theory, it is shown that the infinite divisibility of the Bose distribution leads to the new concept of classical poissonian photo-multiplets or to the binary photo-multiplets of fermionic character. As an application, Einstein's fluctuation formula is derived as a sum of fermion type ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Containment is considered as ultimate safety system and is designed to enclose whole reactor system and prevent the spread of active air-borne fission products. For Pressure and Temperature calculation, Design Basis Accident (Dba) is double ended break of reactor inlet header or main steam line break but activity release studies are done to access its performance following limiting design basis accident i.e. Loss of Coolant Accident (LOCA) and Emergency Core Cooling System (ECCS). In such accident scenario, the core is severely damaged and results in production of steam and hydrogen along with release of activity to containment environment. Containment functions are maintained in such accident, and radiological consequences are within the prescribed limits. (author)

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The results of a study on the application of remote sensing and geophysical methods for the detection and monitoring of acid mine drainage (AMD) are summarized, with emphasis on those that appear most suitable. The study consisted of a literature review, an information survey of users and suppliers, and discussions with various experts. Space-borne sensors, airborne sensors, airborne videography and digital frame cameras, spectroradiometers, radar, and photographic data are considered. Geophysical methods are effective for measurement of sulphides, areas of active chemical oxidation, acid mine drainage, and contaminated ground water movement. The popularity and effectiveness of various geophysical methods are rated for AMD applications. 25 refs., 1 fig., 3 tabs.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The description of the high energy particle telescope NINA for the study of cosmic ray nuclei is presented. The instrument will be installed on board of the Resource 01 satellite and will fly on a polar orbit at 690 Km. The telescope consists on a pile of 16 detecting planes each of them is composed by two silicon strip detectors with perpendicular strips and has a total area of 60x60mm{sup 2}. The experiment goals are the study of cosmic ray protons and nuclei in the energy range 12-100 MeV/amu. It will be sensitive to the anomalous component and will also make the observation of the large solar flare events and geophysical phenomena as well. This experiment is the first step of the program RIM whose goal is the satellite study of anti particles in primary cosmic rays.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Apparatus and method for selective measurement of tritium oxide in an environment which may include other radioactive components and gamma radiation, the measurement including the selective separation of tritium oxide from a sample gas through a membrane into a counting gas, the generation of electrical pulses individually representative by rise times of tritium oxide and other radioactivity in the counting gas, separation of the pulses by rise times, and counting of those pulses representative of tritium oxide. The invention further includes the separate measurement of any tritium in the sample gas by oxidizing the tritium to tritium oxide and carrying out a second separation and analysis procedure as described above.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

This paper describes two research programs which are currently underway in the author's laboratory to investigate the effect of fluid flow on the degradation of power plant materials in high temperature/high pressure aqueous environments. These programs include the design and operation of a controlled hydrodynamic corrosion testing apparatus that can be used to study the general and localized corrosion characteristics of alloys in simulated nuclear reactor environments, and a study of the effect of flow velocity on the stress corrosion cracking of ASTM A508 C1.2 steel and Type 304SS in simulated BWR heat transport fluids.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

This is a preliminary study on the sound absorption properties of two tropical hardwoods, Light Red Meranti and Ramin, and their wood-polymer composites. Sound absorption is measured using a standing wave apparatus. The samples are of one thickness (7 mm) and cut longitudinally. Wood-polymer composites are made by impregnating the samples with methyl methacrylate which is polymerized in situ through #gamma#-irradiation. Both woods and their composites are better sound absorbers at higher sound frequencies. With partial impregnation, the absorption coefficients are improved upon particularly in the region between 1-3 kHz. (author).

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Using the slow electrons spectrometer one can get information on the surface structure, its element composition, chemical bonds, adsorption phenomena, electron state density and surface oscillation. We have developed the methods and created the apparatus that makes it possible to investigate the electron backscattering by solid surface. We have studied the electron scattering by the polycrystalline and monocrystalline. GaAs surface in the energy range of 0 to 9 eV. The FWHM of electron energy distribution function was 70 meV. (author).

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

A method and apparatus for nuclear borehole logging, and in particular, neutron porosity logging, uses a neutron source, and a pair of spaced lithium detectors, preferably Li"6I crystal or Li"6 doped glass, to detect neutrons emitted from a borehole formation being logged. The spectrum developed by the lithium detectors is processed to remove the gamma ray background radiation and the hydrogen absorption peak, thus allowing a more accurate neutron count. A Gaussian curve is fitted to the neutron peak of the spectrum, the curve eliminating the hydrogen absorption peak. The area under this Gaussian curve represents the neutron count. (author).

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Fission reaction rates for four nuclides were measured in the leakage spectrum outside spherical water moderators of various radii surrounding a {sup 252}Cf neutron source. Using the MCNP transport code, matching calculations were made with highly detailed modeling of the measurement apparatus. The calculations predicted significantly higher leakage of neutrons in the epicadmium energy range than was found in the measurements. A discrepancy of the same sign but weaker magnitude was found for thermal neutrons. These discrepancies may be relevant to problems with criticality calculations in special cases.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Methods and apparatus for detecting the presence of explosives by analyzing a vapor sample from the suspect vicinity utilize at least one microcantilever. Explosive gas molecules which have been adsorbed onto the microcantilever are subsequently heated to cause combustion. Heat, along with momentum transfer from combustion, causes bending and a transient resonance response of the microcantilever which may be detected by a laser diode which is focused on the microcantilever and a photodetector which detects deflection of the reflected laser beam caused by heat-induced deflection and resonance response of the microcantilever. 2 figs.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Processes of production and purification (necessary for fabricating fuel elements) of powdery uranium dioxide with particle size up to 1000 #mu#m and more have been studied. Developed is continuous process of UO_2 production with above particle size by converting uranium hexafloride into UO_2 solid particles in fluidized bed while their interaction with water vapor and hydrogen on the uranium dioxide nucleus material. The method allows to conduct continuous selection from the apparatus of UO_2 powder fraction with particle size near 1000 #mu#m without nucleus material additional feed.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A dual fuel engine control system for controlling the power output of a dual fuel compression ignition engine. The engine includes mixing means for combining an oxidizer and a primary fuel at a substantially constant ratio of oxidizer to primary fuel. The power output of the engine is controlled through the use of a throttle valve controlling the quantity of combustible mixture delivered to the combustion chamber. The fuel control system minimizes the quantity of ignition fuel required by controlling the quantity of combustible mixture rather than the fuel of air ratio. (author) figs.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

An LPP ignition timing control is described for an internal combustion engine including a combustion chamber, means effective to ignite a combustible charge within the combustion chamber and power output apparatus including a rotating crankshaft driven in response to the expansion of the combustible charge following the ignition thereof and having a predefined TDC rotational reference position, the engine being of the type having a normal combustion mode characterized by combustion pressure peaks compatible with closed loop LPP ignition timing control and an abnormal combustion mode which may not be so compatible.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The report is divided into three sections. The first section contains a general introduction to ion exchange resins used in various processes, the second section describes characteristic properties of the polymer materials and the inter relation between them. This will, in turn, be useful to interpret the data obtained from the various tests carried out on the resins in the laboratory. In the third section of the report, are given the details of each method used for a particular test to be carried out on a routine basis. Each method describes the principle involved, the reagents and apparatus used in the experiment, the actual procedure and calculations and recording of the data. 3 refs. (author).

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

An apparatus is provided for rapidly restarting the flow of coolant through the cold electromagnetic shield of a superconducting rotor following a thermal transient episode. A vortex diode inhibits coolant flow in the undesirable reverse direction and encourages the reestablishment of a normal thermosyphon cooling loop flow quickly following the termination of a thermal transient such as that caused by transmission line faults. The present invention requires no moving parts and may therefore be permanently sealed in the superconducting rotor without risk of costly repair efforts caused by components failure.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

During a high temperature treatment of the radioactive wastes that contain ruthenium, some ruthenium is volatilized and released to the off gas system. The volatilized ruthenium is removed with a scrubber and an adsorber. It was expected that the scrubber was one of the most effective equipments to remove ruthenium and the decontamination factor of the scrubber was studied. The experimental apparatus was simulated as part of an actual perforated plate column scrubber. The non-radioactive ruthenium which simulated the radioactive ruthenium was volatilized and fed into the scrubber. The decontamination factor of the scrubber was determined by the ratio of the ruthenium concentration at the inlet and outlet of the scrubber off gas stream. The results showed that the scrubber removed the volatile ruthenium effectively as expected.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A chemically assisted micro-beam etching system for 3D microanalysis was designed. Using chemically assisted ion beam etching (CAIBE) method with FIB shave-off scanning, about several hundred micrometers clean cross-section will be acquired in a few hours. We use focused ion beam (FIB) and electron beam (EB) as micro-beams, halogen or halide mainly as reactive gases. The apparatus was manufactured based on this concept. We found that the FIB, Q-MS and SED worked as expected. The instrumentation has been completed.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

A theoretical analysis is presented for the method of determining the concentration distribution of admixtures in zone melting and in the study of diffusion in melts. Continuous mode X-ray fluorescence analysis is considered. The convolution integral interpreting the analog output of the ratemeter was solved applying the mathematical apparatus of Z transformation. The feasibility of the method is tested on an example of the determination of tin distribution in tungsten. With respect to the statistical error (#delta#<1.5%), the maximum integration constant (100 s) and a very slow sample feed (0.025 mm/s) were used. The calculated transfer function reflects the total transfer function of the ratemeter and the recorder used. (M.D.).

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Convective cooling of turbine hot parts using a closed loop system is disclosed. Preferably, the present invention is applied to cooling the hot parts of combustion turbine power plants, and the cooling provided permits an increase in the inlet temperature and the concomitant benefits of increased efficiency and output. In preferred embodiments, methods and apparatus are disclosed wherein air is removed from the combustion turbine compressor and delivered to passages internal to one or more of a combustor and turbine hot parts. The air cools the combustor and turbine hot parts via convection and heat is transferred through the surfaces of the combustor and turbine hot parts.

Science.gov (United States)

The brain hypothermia treatment is an attractive therapy for the neurologist because of its neuroprotection in hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy patients. The present paper deals with the possibility of controlling the brain and other viscera in different temperatures from the viewpoint of system control. It is theoretically attempted to realize the special brain hypothermia treatment to cool only the head but to warm the body by using the simple apparatus such as the cooling cap, muffler and warming blanket. For this purpose, a biothermal system concerning the temperature difference between the brain and the other thoracico-abdominal viscus is synthesized from the biothermal model of hypothermic patient. The output controllability and the asymptotic stability of the system are examined on the basis of its structure. Then, the maximum temperature difference to be realized is shown dependent on the temperature range of the apparatus and also on ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

We present and characterize an experimental system in which we achieve the integration of an ultrahigh finesse optical cavity with a Bose-Einstein condensate (BEC). The conceptually novel design of the apparatus for the production of BECs features nested vacuum chambers and an in vacuo magnetic transport configuration. It grants large scale spatial access to the BEC for samples and probes via a modular and exchangeable ''science platform.'' We are able to produce 87Rb condensates of 5x106 atoms and to output couple continuous atom lasers. The cavity is mounted on the science platform on top of a vibration isolation system. The optical cavity works in the strong coupling regime of cavity quantum electrodynamics and serves as a quantum optical detector for single atoms. This system enables us to study atom optics on a single particle level and to further develop the field of quantum atom optics. We describe the technological modules and the operation of the combined ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Acute vertebrobasilar occlusion (VBO) is associated with a high risk of stroke and death. Although local thrombolysis may achieve recanalization and improve outcome, mortality is still between 35% and 75%. However, without recanalization the chance of a good outcome is extremely poor, with mortality rates of 80-90%. Early treatment is a fundamental factor, but detailed studies of the exact time management of the diagnostic and interventional workflow are still lacking. Data on 18 patients were retrospectively evaluated. Time periods between symptom onset, admission to hospital, time of diagnosis, and beginning of intervention were correlated with postinterventional neurological status. The Glasgow Coma Scale and National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) were used to examine patients before and after local thrombolysis. Additionally, multivariate statistics were applied to reveal similarities between patients with neurological improvement. Primary recanalization was achieved in ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Further improvement of dimensional tolerance and elimination of such post-processing as cutting work are required for the maximum exhibition of the features of sintered parts. Powder behavior in fall filling and leveling off is observed with the prototype of visual apparatus for observing powder filling. It is found that the delay in the replacement of powder by air in the die and the fall along the angle of repose are the causes for the occurrence of particle size segregation, and that the diagonal downward slide of powder in upper layer only in leveling off is the cause for nonuniformity of the density. As a result, it is found that improvement of powder flowability and minimization of shaking are important for uniform and rapid filling of powder in a thin walled and complicated shape die cavity, and a guide for developing uniform filling method is made clear. Based on the result, a new uniform filling method for powder is under development to improve the ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

An oxidative precipitation reaction of rare-earth chlorides in a LiCl-KCl molten salt was successfully carried out by a lab-scale apparatus. The conversion efficiency of the used rare earth chlorides into the insoluble precipitates was increased with the sparging time and temperature and was affected on oxygen sparger type. In the conditions of 700 .deg. C molten salt temperature and above 540min sparging time, the final conversion efficiencies were over 99% for all the experimented rare-earth chlorides. The hydrodynamic characteristics of an oxygen-molten salt two phase flow system are very important for a co-oxidative precipitation of rare earth elements.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Knighton et al. used a pulsed high pressure mass spectrometer to examine thermal electron detachment from C_6F_6"-. This technique had been used earlier for the measurement or detachment rate coefficients for azulene anions as a function of temperature. C_6F_6"- and c-C_4F_6"- have been studied by Datskos et al. using a pulsed drift tube. In our laboratory, we have used a flowing afterglow Langmuir probe (FALP) apparatus to measure the thermal electron detachment rate coefficient for c-C_4F_8"- ions at 375 K. We have also measured the electron attachment rate coefficient for c-C_4F_8 at 303 K and 375 K. (author).

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

This paper seeks to investigate the liquefaction of clayey soils, a phenomenon that has been the trigger for many natural disasters in the last few decades, including landslides. Research was conducted on artificial clay?sand mixtures and natural clayey soils collected from the sliding surfaces of earthquake-induced landslides. The undrained response of normally consolidated clayey soils to cyclic loading was studied by means of a ring-shear apparatus. For the artificial clay?sand mixtures, it was found that the presence of a small amount of bentonite (?7%) would cause rapid liquefaction, while a further increase in bentonite content (?11%) produced the opposite effect of raising soil resistance to liquefaction by a significant degree. It was demonstrated that the bentonite?sand mixture wa...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

An opportunity to study the system {sup 22}Ne+{sup 208}Pb in the proximity of the Coulomb barrier with the PRISMACLARA apparatus was given by a test of the PIAVE-ALPI accelerator in mid-December 2005. The {sup 22}Ne projectiles, having the kinetic energy of 131 MeV, collided with a {sup 208}Pb target 300 {mu}g/cm{sup 2} thick. (The beam was run for {approx}20 hours with a current of {approx}6 particle-nA). The reaction products, mainly originated by scattering or transfer processes, were detected by the PRISMA spectrometer (positioned in the proximity of the grazing angle, {approx}70 degrees), coupled to the CLARA array of germanium detectors.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A solar energy collection and conversion system is disclosed in which a cassegrain mirror system is rotated about a diurnal axis, which axis is adjusted for seasonal variations in the incidence of the sun's rays on the earth's surface. A black body absorption cavity filled with translucent or transparent fluid material is used for direct absorption of the sun's rays. The incident solar energy is absorbed directly by the fluid medium. The fluid within the cavity may be maintained under extremely high pressures and temperatures in order to utilize this fluid as a heat storage medium. Such heat storage is facilitated by apparatus which permits a change in the volume of the reflective cavity in response to the temperature or pressure of the fluid within the cavity.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A relocatable storage magazine apparatus for storing and retrieving explosives and ordnance and for partially containing and attenuating the blast, conflagration and flying debris from an accidental explosion is described comprising: (a) a container having an access hole; (b) a debris trap attached to the container, the debris trap communicating with said container via the access hole, said debris trap having vent holes for venting the pressure of an explosion from said debris trap to the atmosphere; (c) means for covering said access hole; (d) means for suspending explosives and ordnance from the covering means; (e) means for entering the storage magazine to store and retrieve explosives and ordnance; (f) means for retaining said covering means in a position above the access hole wherein said explosives and ordnance are accessible from the entering means.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

An automotive powertrain includes a conventional piston engine, a continuously variable ratio transmission, an engine speed sensor and a feedback control system. The control system adjusts both the transmission ratio and the throttle valve in the engine carburetor or fuel metering system in response to the position of the accelerator pedal and in response to the crankshaft speed as measured by the engine sensor. The transmission provides extreme overdrive gear ratios which allow the engine to be operated at wide open throttle even during moderate cruising, and, in addition, the engine carburetor or fuel metering system is calibrated to deliver to the engine a stoichiometric air-fuel mixture which is combined, before combustion, with a special proportion of recirculated exhaust gas. As a result of extensive wide open throttle engine operation with the above mentioned intake charge composition, combustion variables are optimized to produce exceptional fuel economy.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

This patent describes an oil-filled electric cable and a manufacturing method for said cable, in which the solid insulation is formed, at least in part, by separately applied, alternate layers of cellulose paper tape and of film tapes made of plastic. Prior to application of the tapes around the cable conductor, the moisture content of the paper tape is selected and the swelling of the plastic tape by the oil after application is adjusted, if necessary, such as by immersing the plastic tape in the oil prior to application, so that the swelling of the plastic tape by the oil in the formed cable is offset by the shrinkage of the paper tape during drying of the cable. Also, an apparatus for pre-swelling the plastic tape is described. 4 figs.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

A miniature device is described for measuring integral potential alpha energy concentration of radon daughter products (Csub(Rn)) for personnel and stationary dosimetry. The measuring apparatus consists of an air sampler, filters and TLD detectors. CaSO_4:Dy-teflon pellets were used as the detectors which registrate #gamma# radiation as well. The TLD-effect dependence on the potential alpha energy, as well as the fading of the detectors at 20-60 deg C after 170 hrs operation are presentd. The fading up to 40 deg C has been found to be negligible. The dosimeter may be used to measure Csub(Rh) starting with the 10"5 MeVxh/1 threshold, the accuracy being not worse than +-30%.

CERN Document Server

This paper investigates the dynamics of excitonic transport in photocomplex LHCII, the primary component of the photosynthetic apparatus in green plants. The dynamics exhibits a strong interplay between coherent processes mediated by the excitonic Hamiltonian, and incoherent processes due to interactions with the environment. The spreading of the exciton over a single monomer is well described by a proper measure of delocalization that allows one to identify two relevant time scales. An exciton initially localized in one chromophore first spreads coherently to neighboring chromophores. During this initial coherent spreading, quantum effects such as entanglement play a role. As the effects of a decohering environment come into play, coherence and decoherence interact to give rise to efficient and robust excitonic transport, reaching a maximum efficiency at the levels of decoherence found in physiological conditions. We analyze the efficiency for different possible ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The radionuclide X-ray fluorescence analyzer consists of a source changer and a sample changer. "5"5Fe, "1"0"9Cd and "2"4"1Am are used as excitation sources. The radiation is detected with a semiconductor Si(Li) detector. The complete assembly of the apparatus consists of an imagine unit, a keyboard, a floppy disc drive, a printer, a console and a rack with analog and digital electronics. Its multichannel amplitude analyzer consists of power supplies, a high voltage supply, a linear amplifier, an analog-to-digital converter and a computer. The technical specifications are given. The control and data processing system is controlled with an MHB 8080A microprocessor. Software for semiconductor gamma spectrometry and for quantitative gamma spectrometry will be supplied with the equipment. (E.S.). 3 figs., 4 refs.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

With the exception of the 1945 Hiroshima and Nagasaki nuclear weapon explosions and the 1986 Tchernobyl reactor accident, most of the radiation accidents concerns the medical and the traditional industrial sectors. The seriousness of the accident is directly function of the absorbed dose. The paper, first, gives the definition of a radiologic accident with its specific criteria and pathological manifestations. Then, some famous historical accidents are reviewed from the discovery of X-rays to recent acute irradiations due to the careless manipulation of radiation sources. From this analysis, three main causes are put forward: the dysfunction of nuclear medicine apparatuses, the victims` lack of training and knowledge of the risks, and the non-identification or the loss of radiation sources. (J.S.). 1 photo.

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Processes in the feeders of basaltic volcanoes during Strombolian-type eruptions were examined with the use of a complex apparatus for modeling basaltic eruptions (CAMBE), which was designed and manufactured by the authors for this purpose. The experimental setup consists of modeling and registering units and has a height of 18 m. It was designed with regard for the geometric dimensions of a natural feeding volcanic system: the ratio of the inner diameter of the feeder to its height is approximately 1: 1000. CAMBE was the first modeling equipment making possible passing a flow of gas-saturated liquid through the conduit, which allowed us to study the nucleation of gas bubbles, their growth, coalescence, transformations of the gas structures, and the kinetics of the gas phase. The experimen...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

An estimation method of plasma density based on surface plasmons theory for surface-wave plasmas is proposed. The number of standing-wave is obtained directly from the discharge image, and the propagation constant is calculated with the trim size of the apparatus in this methods, then plasma density can be determined with the value of 9.1 x 1017 m-3. Plasma density is measured using a Langmuir probe, the value is 8.1 x 1017 m-3 which is very close to the predicted value of surface plasmons theory. Numerical simulation is used to check the number of standing-wave by the finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) method also. All results are compatible both of theoretical analysis and experimental measurement. (authors)

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The properties of negative-ion beams are very important for designing negative-ion apparatus and applications of negative-ion beams, especially, electron detachment cross-sections at the interaction between negative-ion beams and gas particles in the transport system, and secondary-electron emission factors when negative ions are incident on solid surfaces. These properties of negative-ion beams were investigated experimentally as a function of the ion energy under 50 keV. The single electron detachment cross-sections are almost constant in the other of 10[sup -15] cm[sup 2] in this energy range, but double electron detachment cross-sections increase in proportion to the ion velocity and much smaller than the single one. As for the secondary-electron emission factor, the emission factors for negative-ion beam are found to be larger by 1 than those for positive-ion beams. (author).

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

In this paper, the moisture buffering capacity of spruce plywood is measured by recording the change in mass of a test specimen when the air relative humidity (RH) is changed between 33% RH and 75% RH. The aim is to represent diurnal cycles in indoor humidity with 33% RH maintained for 16 h and 75% RH maintained for 8 h. Measurements are taken using two different apparatuses, which provide different convective transfer coefficients between the air and the plywood, and the results are compared to a numerical model for validation. The validated numerical model is then used to investigate the effect of initial conditions, boundary conditions and thickness on the moisture buffering capacity of plywood. The results show that the buffering capacity of plywood depends on the initial conditions and thickness of the plywood as well as the surface film coefficient and humidity cycle. (author)

Science.gov (United States)

During this reporting period the experimental apparatus was completed after substantial delays by the manufacturer. The equipment has been fully tested to familiarize the staff with its operating and safety procedures. An initial liquefaction study has begun on samples of Utah coal (60 microns or less) using 50 grams of iron-titanium alloy, 500 ml of tetralin, and 150 grams of powdered coal at 500/sup 0/F and 500 psig. Results will be available in the next quarterly report. A new researcher has been added to the project to address the hydrogen absorption of new and recycled alloy samples. 2 figs.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

A consideration is given to the problem of selecting optimized methods of radionuclide radiation registration during the control of the objects with essential changes in thickness. Adequate model of information signal formation is developed and analyzed for the case of the existence of an inertial link of the system with the dead time of a noncontinued type. The boundary values of radiation thickness and radiation flux intensity that divide the priority of using either digital or analog registration modes are revealed. The method is found for the full correction of a systematic error of flux intensity measurement because of the dead time of the apparatus. To control the objects with essential variation of thickness the method of selective measurement of radiation intensity is proposed

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A detector head for in situ inspection of irradiated nuclear fuel assemblies submerged in a water-filled nuclear fuel storage pond. The detector head includes two parallel arms which extend from a housing and which are spaced apart so as to be positionable on opposite sides of a submerged fuel assembly. Each arm includes an ionization chamber and two fission chambers. One fission chamber in each arm is enclosed in a cadmium shield and the other fission chamber is unshielded. The ratio of the outputs of the shielded and unshielded fission chambers is used to determine the boron content of the pond water. Correcting for the boron content, the neutron flux and gamma ray intensity are then used to verify the declared exposure, cooling time and fissile material content of the irradiated fuel assembly.

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

We have recently introduced several important improvements in the measurement of distillation curves for complex fluids. This new method is a significant improvement over current approaches, with features including a composition-explicit data channel for each distillate fraction (for both qualitative and quantitative analysis), trace chemical analysis of each distillate fraction, and a corrosivity assessment of each distillate fraction. In the present contribution, we present the application of the advanced distillation curve method to a bio-derived crude oil prepared from swine manure. One motivation behind the work was to precisely measure the distillation curve of the oil derived from swine manure with our advanced distillation apparatus and compare the bio-derived oil to traditional pe...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The low excitation energy spectroscopy of /sup 86/Sr, /sup 88/Sr, /sup 89/Sr, /sup 86/Rb, and /sup 87/Rb nuclear systems was studied via one-nucleon transfer reactions. The strontium isotopes, /sup 87/Sr and /sup 88/Sr, were used as targets in this study. Spectroscopic strengths were extracted from the measured transfer reaction cross sections and the distorted wave Born approximation (DWBA) analysis. Efforts have been made to accomplish a complete detection of spectroscopic strengths through the excitation energy region where levels can be resolved and identified. A shell model sum rule analysis is then made. Diagonal matrix elements for the effective two-nucleon interaction were deduced from empirical energy centroid. Matrix elements normalized by their empirical monopole energy was plotted against the semiclassical angle between two spins. They were compared with various analytical function forms of the effective two-nucleon interaction depending on their spins, ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Two-dimensional calculations are performed to obtain the conversion efficiency of traveling wave direct energy convertor adopted in a conceptual design of field reversed configuration D-"3He fusion reactor ARTEMIS. For fusion-born 14.67MeV protons, the efficiency obtained is very small compared with that from one-dimensional analysis. This is because the effective electric field for deceleration of the proton is smaller due to distortion of potentials near girds used to excite the traveling wave and because some fractions of the incident proton beams are inevitably lost to the grids with high energy. To increase the efficiency, the potentials may have to be increased. It seems from the two-dimensional analysis performed here that the conversion efficiency obtainable is less than about 60% with the maximum potential of about 6MV, while the corresponding values from the one-dimensional analysis are about 80% and 1.5MV, respectively. (author).

CERN Document Server

PAMELA is a satellite borne experiment designed to study with great accuracy cosmic rays of galactic, solar, and trapped nature in a wide energy range (protons: 80 MeV-700 GeV, electrons 50 MeV-400 GeV). Main objective is the study of the antimatter component: antiprotons (80 MeV-190 GeV), positrons (50 MeV-270 GeV) and search for antimatter with a precision of the order of $10^{-8}$). The experiment, housed on board the Russian Resurs-DK1 satellite, was launched on June, 15 2006 in a $350\\times 600 km$ orbit with an inclination of 70 degrees. The detector is composed of a series of scintillator counters arranged at the extremities of a permanent magnet spectrometer to provide charge, Time-of-Flight and rigidity information. Lepton/hadron identification is performed by a Silicon-Tungsten calorimeter and a Neutron detector placed at the bottom of the device. An Anticounter system is used offline to reject false triggers coming from the satellite. In self-trigger ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Because of the equivalence principle, a global measurement is necessary to distinguish gravity from acceleration of the reference frame. A gravity gradiometer is therefore an essential instrument needed for precision tests of gravity laws and for applications in gravity survey and inertial navigation. Superconductivity and SQUID (superconducting quantum interference device) technology can be used to obtain a gravity gradiometer with very high sensitivity and stability. A superconducting gravity gradiometer has been developed for a null test of the gravitational inverse-square law and space-borne geodesy. Here we present a complete theoretical model of this instrument. Starting from dynamical equations for the device, we derive transfer functions, a common mode rejection characteristic, and an error model of the superconducting instrument. Since a gradiometer must detect a very weak differential gravity signal in the midst of large platform accelerations and other ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Here we present evidence that in water/acetonitrile solvent detailed structural and dynamic information can be obtained for important proteins that are naturally present as oligomers under native conditions. An NMR-derived human insulin monomer structure in H{sub 2}O/CD{sub 3}CN, 65/35 vol%, pH 3.6 is presented and compared with the available X-ray structure of a monomer that forms part of a hexamer (Acta Crystallogr. 2003 Sec. D59, 474) and with NMR structures in water and organic cosolvent. Detailed analysis using PFGSE NMR, temperature-dependent NMR, dilution experiments and CSI proves that the structure is monomeric in the concentration and temperature ranges 0.1-3 mM and 10-30 deg. C, respectively. The presence of long-range interstrand NOEs, as found in the crystal structure of the monomer, provides the evidence for conservation of the tertiary structure. Starting from structures calculated by the program CYANA, two different molecular dynamics simulated annealing refinement ...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Purpose We assess the outcome in 46,XX men with congenital adrenal hyperplasia who were born with Prader 4 or 5 genitalia and assigned male gender at birth. Materials and Methods After receiving institutional review board approval and subject consent we reviewed the medical records of 12 men 35 to 69 years old with 46,XX congenital adrenal hyperplasia, of whom 6 completed social and gender issue questionnaires. Results All subjects were assigned male gender at birth, were diagnosed with virilizing congenital adrenal hyperplasia at age greater than 3 years and indicated a male gender identity with sexual orientation to females. Ten of the 12 subjects had always lived as male and 2 who were reassigned to female gender in childhood subsequently self-reassigned as male. Nine of the 12 men had ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Food irradiation is the processing of food products by ionizing radiation in order, among other things, to control food borne pathogens, reduce microbial load and insect infestation, inhibit the germination of root crops, and extend the durable life of perishable products. Irradiation of dried food ingredients, particularly herbs and spices, has a great application potential, and has already been implemented in many countries. Spice irradiation is performed to increase the hygienic quality and used as decontamination processes instead of fumigation methods. European Community approves irradiation processing as an effective residue-free alternative. The present paper evaluates the effect of ionizing radiation on sensorial properties of cinnamon (Laurus cinnamomum) and nut meg (Myristica fragans). The samples have been irradiated in multipurpose irradiator of {sup 60}Co in the doses: 0, 5, 10, 15, 20 e 25 kGy. (author)

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The INCO ``INCOLOY 800`` trademark groups the Fe-Cr-Ni alloys containing 30 to 35% nickel, 19 to 23% chromium, 0,15 to 0,60% aluminium, 0,15 to 0,60% titanium and less than 0,10% carbon contents, used as construction materials for condenser and heat exchanger tubes. In parallel with water chemistry control and studies aimed at reducing the residual stresses resulting from tube expansion, studies have been conducted to a better understanding of this alloy, its metallurgy and its corrosion behaviour under accurately defined fabrication and heat treatment conditions. The purpose of this paper is to present the results of a behaviour study of INDRET alloy 800 concerning isothermal relaxation and effects of the said relaxation heat treatments on alloy microstructure studied with a transmission electron-chemical method to determine the sensitiveness to intergranular corrosion, and by electrochemistry in pressurized hot water. (authors). 4 figs., 5 tabs., 7 refs.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

This human investigation of lead absorption from the lungs utilized two forms of lead, lead chloride and lead hydroxide; the former was used in picogram amounts and the latter at microgram levels. These two species of lead were selected in an attempt to simulate the range of physicochemical properties found in atmospheric lead (urban air). Aerosols labeled with lead-203 were made of comparable aerodynamic size by using sodium chloride as the deposition-determining aerosol. After brief, mouthpiece exposures, 17 subjects were followed by serial counting with a thoracic array of scintillation detectors and two leg counters. Serial blood samples were also taken. The two exposure groups showed similar total deposition values (23 vs 26%) and the same biological retention halftimes, viz., 22.6 hr. When the retention data were corrected for blood-borne /sup 203/Pb, the biological halftimes for lung lead retention averaged 13.1 and 14.2 hr, respectively, and were not ...

CERN Document Server

Primordial black holes are unique probes of cosmology, general relativity, quantum gravity and non standard particle physics. They can be considered as the ultimate particle accelerator in their last (explosive) moments since they are supposed to reach, very briefly, the Planck temperature. Upper limits on the primordial black hole number density of mass $M_{\\star} = 5 10^{14}$ g, the Hawking mass (born in the big-bang terminating their life presently), is determined comparing their predicted cumulative $\\gamma$-ray emission, galaxy-wise, to the one observed by the EGRET satellite, once corrected for non thermal $\\gamma$-ray background emission induced by cosmic ray protons and electrons interacting with light and matter in the Milky Way. A model with free gas emissivities is used to map the Galaxy in the 100 MeV photon range, where the peak of the primordial black hole emission is expected. The best gas emissivities and additional model parameters are obtained ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Under Federal law, the Department of Energy (DOE) is responsible for safe disposal of Greater-Than-Class C Low-Level Waste (GTCC LLW) generated by licenses of the Nuclear Regulatory commission (NRC) or Agreement States. Such waste must be disposed of in a facility licensed by the NRC. It is unlikely that licensed disposal of GTCC LLW will be available prior to the year 2010. Pending availability of disposal capacity, DOE is assessing the need for collective, long-term storage of GTCC LLW. Potential risks to public health and safety caused by long-term storage of GTCC LLW at the place of generation will be evaluated to determine if alternative facilities are warranted. If warranted, several options will be investigated to determine the preferred alternative for long-term storage. These options include modification of an existing DOE facility, development of a new DOE facility, or development of a facility by the private sector with or without DOE support. Reasonable costs for long-term ...

Science.gov (United States)

The Micro-X instrument is a rocket borne, X-ray imaging spectrometer planned for launch in October 2011. An array of 128 Transition Edge Sensors (TESs) on a 600 micron pitch will observe incoming photons in the 0.2-3 keV energy band with an energy resolution of 2-4 eV at 1 keV. X-rays will be focused onto the TES array by a conically approximated Wolter optic with an effective area of 300 cm^2 giving the instrument a field of view of 11.8 arcmin. This performance will constitute a substantial improvement over current non-dispersive detectors for X-ray spectroscopy of extended sources and will be the first demonstration of a TES-based microcalorimeter in space. The TESs will utilize the 50 mK stage of an Adiabatic Demagnetization Refrigerator (ADR) as a heat bath, and will be read out by a SQUID time division multiplexer. The first flight of the Micro-X instrument will observe the Puppis A supernova remnant. Future targets include the core of the Virgo cluster and ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Production of hydrogen sulfide in produced waters due to the activity of sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) is a potentially serious problem. The hydrogen sulfide is not only a safety and environmental concern, it also contributes to corrosion, solids formation, a reduction in produced oil and gas values, and limitations on water discharge. Waters produced from seawater-flooded reservoirs typically contain all of the nutrients required to support SRB metabolism. Surface processing facilities provide a favorable environment in which SRB flourish, converting water-borne nutrients into biomass and H{sub 2}S. This paper will present results from a field trial in which a new technology for the biochemical control of SRB metabolism was successfully applied. A slip stream of water downstream of separators on a produced water handling facility was routed through a bioreactor in a side-steam device where microbial growth was allowed to develop fully. This slip stream was then ...

CERN Document Server

Not long ago primary census data became available to publicity. It opened qualitatively new perspectives not only for researchers in demography and sociology, but also for those people, who somehow face processes occurring in society. In this paper authors propose using Data Mining methods for searching hidden patterns in census data. A novel clustering-based technique is described as well. It allows determining factors which influence people behavior, in particular decision-making process (as an example, a decision whether to have a baby or not). Proposed technique is based on clustering a set of respondents, for whom a certain event have already happened (for instance, a baby was born), and discovering clusters' prototypes from a set of respondents, for whom this event hasn't occurred yet. By means of analyzing clusters' and their prototypes' characteristics it is possible to identify which factors influence the decision-making process. Authors also provide an ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Marketing of minimally processed vegetables (MPV) are gaining impetus due to its convenience, freshness and apparent health effect. However, minimal processing does not reduce pathogenic microorganisms to safe levels. Food irradiation is used to extend the shelf life and to inactivate food-borne pathogens. In combination with minimal processing it could improve safety and quality of MPV. A microbiological screening method based on the use of direct epifluorescent filter technique (DEFT) and aerobic plate count (APC) has been established for the detection of irradiated foodstuffs. The aim of this study was to evaluate the applicability of this technique in detecting MPV irradiation. Samples from retail markets were irradiated with 0.5 and 1.0 kGy using a {sup 60}Co facility. In general, with a dose increment, DEFT counts remained similar independent of the irradiation while APC counts decreased gradually. The difference of the two counts gradually increased with ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Absolute total cross sections for electron-impact excitation of the 2s"2S#->#2p"2P transition in C"3"+ were measured from 7.35 eV to 8.45 eV using the merged electron-ion-beams energy-loss technique. The results settle the discrepancy between two previous experiments using the crossed-beams fluorescence method, being in very good agreement with the older results [P. O. Taylor, D. Gregory, G. H. Dunn, R. A. Phaneuf, and D. H. Crandall, Phys. Rev. Lett. 39, 1256 (1977)] but less so with the more recent ones [D. W. Savin, L. D. Gardner, D. B. Reisenfeld, A. R. Young, and J. L. Kohl, Phys. Rev. A 51, 2162 (1995)]. The present measurements are also in good agreement with unitarized Coulomb-Born and close-coupling calculations. copyright 1998 The American Physical Society.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The effects of catalytic metal additives on the hydrogen desorption properties of the submicrocrystalline magnesium hydride (#beta#-MgH_2) formed after hydrogenation of the Mg + 10 wt.%X (X = V, Y, Zr) mechanically (ball) milled composites were studied. The composites with catalytic metals were processed by controlled mechanical milling (CMM) in the magneto-mill Uni Ball Mill 5 under protective Ar atmosphere. X-ray diffraction of the milled powders revealed the formation of Mg nanograins (50-60 nm range) interdispersed with the nanograined metal additives within the powder particles. Scanning electron microscopy showed particle size reduction after milling. After activation and hydrogenation in a Sieverts-type apparatus under about 2 MPa pressure of hydrogen, the tetragonal #beta#-MgH_2 hydride co-exists with the small amount of retained unreacted Mg phase and the small amount of MgO in all three composites. The #beta#-MgH_2 phase after hydrogenation is ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Heat transfer augmentation in narrow rectangular channels in a target system is a very important method to remove high heat flux up to 12 MW/m{sup 2} generated at target plates of a high-intensity proton accelerator of 1.5 GeV and 1 mA with a proton beam power of 1.5 MW. In this report, heat transfer coefficients and friction factors in narrow rectangular channels with one-sided rib-roughened surface were evaluated for fully developed flows in the range of the Reynolds number from 6,000 to 1,00,000; the rib pitch-to-height ratios (p/k) were 10,20 and 30; the rib height-to-equivalent diameter ratios (k/De) were 0.025, 0.03 and 0.1 by means of previous existing experimental correlations. The rib-roughened surface augmented heat transfer coefficients approximately 4 times higher than the smooth surface at Re=10,000, p/k=10 and k/De=0.1; friction factors increase around 22 times higher. In this case, higher heat flux up to 12 MW/m{sup 2} could be removed from the rib-roughened surface ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Purpose: Budd-Chiari syndrome is a fairly uncommon disease in Europe. This often leads to its late diagnosis. The syndrome is characterised by portal hypertension and splanchnic congestion due to obstruction of hepatic venous outflow. This paper describes the treatment of three patients with Budd-Chiari syndrome by interventional therapeutic techniques and discusses alternative treatment modalities. Patients and Methods: The first patient presented with veno-occlusive disease and was treated by the placement of a transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic stentshunt. The second patient showed an occlusion of the major hepatic veins. After percutaneous recanalisation, a stent was placed in the right hepatic vein which remained patent. The third patient had a membranous obstruction of the right hepatic vein which was treated by percutaneous balloon dilatation. Results: In all patients the clinical symptoms resolved completely after treatment and no complications were ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A multicusp magnetic field plasma surface ion source, normally used for H/sup -/ ion beam formation, has been utilized for the generation of high intensity, pulsed, heavy negative ion beams suitable for a variety of uses including tandem electrostatic accelerator/synchrotron injection applications. Sputter probe voltage limited total ion currents of 5.5, 8.2, 5.1 and 4.5 mA (peak intensity) have been produced from Au, Cu, Ni and CuO sputter probes, respectively. The mass distributions of these ion beams are found to be dominated by Au/sup -/, Cu/sup -/, Ni/sup -/ and O/sup -/ atomic species, respectively. The source offers the interesting prospect of providing cw negative ion beams at mA intensity levels of the commonly used semiconducting material dopants (e.g. B/sup -/, P/sup -/, As/sup -/ and Sb/sup -/) as well as O/sup -/ for isolation barrier formation. Illustrative examples of intensity versus time and the mass distribution of ion beams extracted from a Ni sputter probe, along ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A procedure and software have been developed to transform the area distribution of the residual surface heights available from the measurement with the Micromap interferometric microscope into a two-dimensional (2D) power spectral density (PSD) distribution of the surface height. The procedure incorporates correction of one of the spectral distortions of the PSD measurement. The distortion appears as a shape difference between the tangential and sagittal PSD spectra deduced from the 2D PSD distribution for an isotropic surface. A detailed investigation of the origin of the anisotropy was performed, and a mathematical model was developed and used to correct the distortion. The correction employs a modulation transfer function (MTF) of the detector deduced analytically based on an experimentally confirmed assumption about the origin of the anisotropy due to the asymmetry of the read-out process of the instrument's CCD camera. The correction function has only one free parameter, ...

Scientific Electronic Library Online (English)

Abstract in english Frontal weapon is the term used to designate the apparatus consisting of frontal gland and associated structures that participate in the chemical defense of termite soldiers. The ultra structure of the frontal gland and the scanning microscopy of the soldier head was investigated in the termite Amiitermes euamignathus Silvestri, 1901.Campaniform sensilla was not observed but there were 80 to100 sensory bristles around the frontal pore. The glandular epithelium shows only (more) class 1 cells according 10 the classification of NOIROT & QUENNEDEY (1974, 1991). The glandular cells are characterized by apical microvilli, a basal labyrinth and a large quantity of smooth endoplasmic reticulum which forms dense zones throughout the cytoplasm. The secretion is concentrated mainly in the basal pole of the cell and consists of large lipid droplets. The secretory epithelium is covered by a thick apical cuticle composed of a thin outer epicuticle, a ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

A compact, quasi-4? position sensitive silicon array, TIARA, designed to study direct reactions induced by radioactive beams in inverse kinematics is described here. The Transfer and Inelastic All-angle Reaction Array (TIARA) consists of 8 resistive charge division detectors forming an octagonal barrel around the target and a set of double-sided silicon-strip annular detectors positioned at each end of the barrel. The detector was coupled to the ?-ray array EXOGAM and the spectrometer VAMOS at the GANIL Laboratory to demonstrate the potential of such an apparatus with radioactive beams. The 14N(d,p)15N reaction, well known in direct kinematics, has been carried out in inverse kinematics for that purpose. The observation of the 15N ground state and excited states at 7.16 and 7.86 MeV is presented here as well as the comparison of the measured proton angular distributions with DWBA calculations. Transferred l-values are in very good agreement with both theoretical ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Data which have been collected by Los Alamos National Laboratory waste management for the hydrologic characterization of the subsurface at the low level radioactive waste disposal facility, Area G, are reported and discussed briefly. The data includes Unsaturated Flow Apparatus measurements of the unsaturated conductivity in samples from borehole G-5. Analysis compares these values to the predictions from van Genuchten estimates, and the implications for transport and data matching are discussed, especially at the location of the Vapor Phase Notch (VPN). There, evaporation drives a significant vapor flux and the liquid flux cannot be measured accurately by the UFA device. Data also include hydrologic characterization of samples from borehole G-5, Area G surface soils, Los Alamos (Cerros de Rio) basalt, Tsankawi and Cerro-Toledo layers, the Vapor Phase Notch (VPN), and additional new samples from the uppermost tuff layer at Area G. Hydraulic properties from these ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Since membrane structures such as domes have been constructed in snowy regions, how to dispose snow on the roof has become a big problem. In the case of disposing snow on the roof by sliding off, it is required to know the distance and range of snow dispersion after the fall from the roof from the aspect of disaster prevention. This paper describes the experimental study on the effects of snow depth, sliding distance and angle on the distance and range of snow dispersion using an outdoor apparatus to slide the snow off which can adjust the conditions for sliding. As a result, the distance of snow dispersion was influenced not only by the sliding distance and angle but also the depth (as well as the weight) of the snow. When the snow was sliding on the membrane structure, it was neccesary to consider viscostic resisting force of water between the snow and the membrane in addition to kinetic friction force. After the fall from the roof, the distance of snow ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The separation of bitumens (B) and natural asphalts using a dialysis (D) method is studied. A moderately vulcanized latex of natural rubber, which was subjected to extraction by cold n-hexane prior to use, was used as the material of the membrane for dialysis. With dialysis of bitumen samples dispersed in a small quantity of n-alkane in a Soxhlet apparatus three fractions were acquired: a dialyzate, an undialyzable fraction and asphaltenes (the residue). N-pentane, n-hexane and n-heptane were used as the solvents for dialysis. Samples of oxidized road bitumen, grade AOSI 85/25, bitumens from the process of propane deasphaltization, natural asphalts from Trinidad and Albania and A80 grade bitumens from the oil distillation process were isolated using the dialysis method. The reproducability of the output of the fractions with varying suspensions and productivity of the dialysis, the dependence of the output on the length of the dialysis, the dependence of the output ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Human beings are confronted with another grievous disaster - coal fire. The monitoring on underground coal bed combustion relied on drilling supervising in the past, but this method is not good. By taking the coal fire of Gulaben mine in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region as an example, the monitoring methods of underground coal bed combustion were explored based on the hyperspectra and high-resolution remote sensing technology. By employing the OMIS imaging apparatus developed by Shanghai Institute of Technical Physics of Chinese Academy of Sciences, the airborne hyperspectral images and the characteristic spectra of different types were obtained and the temperature was measured synchronously on the ground. Then according to the correlation of DN value of the thermal infrared band and surface temperature, the image information was processed, the spectral features were analyzed, and the surface temperature retrieval model was built. Finally, by hyperspectral imagery ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A comprehensive experimental program on pullout tests of steel fibers from cement based matrices is described. A specially designed single fiber pullout apparatus was used to provide a quantitative determination of interfacial properties that are relevant to toughening brittle materials through fiber reinforcement. The parameters investigated included a specially designed high strength cement based matrix called Densified Small Particles system (DSP), a conventional mortar matrix, fiber embedment length, and the fiber volume fraction. The mediums from which the fiber was pulled included a control mortar mix without fibers, a mortar mix with 3, and 6 percent fibers by volume. The results indicate that: (1) the dense DSP matrix has significantly improved interfacial properties as compared to the conventional mortar matrix. (2) Increasing the fiber embedment length and the fiber volume fraction in the cement matrix increase the peak pullout load and the pullout work. ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Vertical thin film evaporators have been used to concentrate and dry solutions because their rotating swing blades prevent scale from being deposited on the heated surfaces. Powdering capacity of the vertical thin film evaporator was examined experimentally for drying applications of radioactive liquid waste generated from nuclear power plants. As a result, it was found that the powdering capacity increased with the blade rotation, changing significantly in the low ratational region and scarcely in the high rotational region. The powdering capacity in the high rotational region was restricted by the lack of heat flux which was theoretically evaluated for the concentrating process. As the critical factor in the low rotational region was not clear, a visual test apparatus was made to observe flow patterns in the evaporator, and a powdering model was obtained. This model showed that powdering process was obstructed when the liquid film lost its fluidity at high ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A porous tooling system was selected for the processing of Graphite/PMR-15 Polyimide laminates in thickness up to 3.2 mm. (0.125 inch). This tool system must have a reasonable strength, permeability dimensional stability, and thermal conductivity to accomplish curing at 600 F and 200 psi and 200 psi autoclave temperature and pressure. A permeability measuring apparatus was constructed and permeability vs. casting water level determined to produce tools at three different permeability levels. On these tools, laminates of 5, 11, and 22 plies (.027, .060, and 0.121 inch) were produced and evaluated by ultrasonic, mechanical, and thermal tests to determine the effect of the tool permeability on the cured laminates. All tools produced acceptable laminates at 5 and 11 plies but only the highest permeability produced acceptable clear ultrasonic C-Scans. Recommendations are made for future investigations of design geometry, and strengthening techniques for porous ceramic ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The project is described, the motivation for the research and the microclimate is defined in relation to both building physics research and applications. Air temperatur, air humidity, solar radiation and air velocity are briefly considered, whilst driving rain and long-wave radiation are described in more detail. Convective heat transfer and surface coefficients are discussed, although they are not microclimatic factors, merely resulting from combinations of such factors. They are included as they are important in relation to transfer of heat and moisture at the surface of the building envelope. Driving rain measurement is the main area of interest, including development of measurement equipment. Long-wave irradiation is measured and compared with empirical formulae from the literature. Window convection heat transfer is another main area of interest. Nocturnal convective heat transfer from a double pane glazing is studied and measurement principles are discussed. Finally, a ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Purpose: To evaluate a T_2-weighted URSE sequence for the assessment of pulmonary infiltrations in comparison to CT. Methods: 28 MRT scans of 22 patients with confirmed pneumonia were recorded on a 1.5 Tesla apparatus with an expiratory and diastolic triggered, T_2-weighted ultrafast-spin-echo sequence in axial slice mode with the following parameters: TR_e_f_f/T_E/Turbofactor 2000-4000/90 ms/21-23; slice thickness/separation 6/0.6 mm; FOV 360 mm; 24 slices. 24 spiral CTs (sice thickness/table advance: 1-2 mm/10 mm) were available for comparison. The separate evaluation of MRTs and CTs was performed by three radiologists in a consensus procedure with regard to pulmonary lesions (e.g., infiltration, round foci, net patterns) and image quality of the MRTs (4-step scale). Results: In 71% of the cases the CTs and MRTs agreed with the diagnosis and representation of the lesions, in 25% MRT was superior. MRT was better for the detection of pulmonary abscesses. In 93% the ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Currently, high temperature filter systems are in the demonstration phase with the first commercial scale hot filter systems being installed on integrated gasification combined cycle (IGCC) and pressurized fluid bed combustion cycle (PBFC) systems (70 MW). They are dependent on the development of durable and economic high temperature filter systems. These filters are mostly ceramic tubes or candles. Ceramic filter durability has not been high. Failure is usually attributed to mechanical or thermal shock: they can also undergo significant changes due to service conditions. The overall objective of this project is to commercialize weldable, crack resistant filters which will provide several years service in advanced power processes. The specific objectives of this project are to develop corrosion resistant alloys and manufacturing processes to make Iron Aluminide filter media, and to use a ``short term`` exposure apparatus supported by other tests to identify the ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

A series of experiments have been conducted on AISI 5140 low alloy steel using a hollow cathode discharge-assisted plasma nitriding apparatus with the aim of elucidating the role of substrate bias voltages in plasma nitriding process. For comparison, some samples were nitrided with applied substrate bias (-50 V) while other samples were nitrided at floating potential. Treatments were carried out in NH_3 atmosphere of 150 Pa at temperatures ranging from 450 "oC to 550 "oC for 2 h, 4 h, and 6 h. The nitrided samples were characterized by optical microscopy, X-ray diffraction and micro-hardness measurement. The corrosion behaviors were evaluated using anodic polarization tests in 3.5% NaCl solution. The results showed that the microstructure and phase constituents of the nitride layers were strongly influenced by the bias voltages. It was also demonstrated that the better corrosion resistance with a thicker nitrided layer was obtained on the biased sample.

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Previous research utilizing the AcB/BcA recombinant congenic strains (RCS) of mice mapped provisional quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for the psychostimulant effects of nicotine to multiple regions on chromosomes 7, 11, 12, 14, 16, and 17. The current study was designed to confirm these QTLs in an A/J (A)??C57Bl/6J (B6) F2 cross and a panel of B6.A chromosome substitution strains (CSS). The panel of B6.A CSS consists of 21 strains, each carrying a different A/J chromosome on a B6 background. The A??B6 F2, CSS, A, and B6 mice were tested for sensitivity to the effects of nicotine on locomotor activity using a computerized open-field apparatus. In A??B6 F2 mice two QTLs were identified which confirm those previously observed in the AcB/BcA RCS. Significant differences in the expression of ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Bone marrow is one of the most radiosensitive organs. Irradiation causes a marked decrease in the total number of hematopoietic cells in the bone marrow. The reticular meshwork structure of marrow stromal cells, however, is relatively resistant to irradiation. Unimpaired stromal cell structure has been thought to be a prerequisite for the repopulation of hematopoietic cells during recovery from the effects of irradiation. The reticular framework is maintained by cell adhesion apparatuses such as gap junctions. The in vitro radiobiologic survival values of a cloned stromal cell line, H-1/A, were studied (n = 1.8, D0 = 138 cGy). Radiation doses of up to 4000 cGy had no detectable effects on the production of colony-stimulating factor 1. H-1/A cells communicate with each other via gap junctions as determined by the sensitive dye-transfer method. Gap-junctional communication between H-1/A cells was resistant to different levels of irradiation (500 to 10,000 cGy), but ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The purpose of the study is to investigate the heat transfer augmentation method for a wavy channel type heat exchanger. Experimental studies were carried out, by installation of flow guide-plates with simple structure, to clarify the effects on the augmentation whether the effects are brought by the flow acceleration or by the increase of intensity of turbulence due to the flow seperation, and to determine optimum shape of flow guide-plates. The shape and dimensions of the experimental apparatus are as follows; channel width H of 30 mm, rectangular section with breadth of 300 mm, wavy duct with a bend angle of 60/sup 0/ and straight pipe of 2H length. Air stream was flowed through the duct with Reynolds number of 1.7 x 10/sup 4/ only. As the results, following conclusions were obtained. (1) Wavy duct with large bend angle and without inserting flow guide-plates could not be expected large effects on the heat transfer augmentation. (2) An improvement on heat ...