BackgroundIn nuclear medicine, liquid radiopharmaceuticals for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes are administered to patients by using various types of syringes with different volumes....Full Text Available
We report an uncertainty evaluation of an optical lattice clock based on the $^1S_0\\leftrightarrow^3P_0$ transition in the bosonic isotope $^{174}$Yb by use of magnetically induced spectroscopy. The absolute frequency of the $^1S_0\\leftrightarrow^3P_0$ transition has been determined through comparisons with optical and microwave standards at NIST. The weighted mean of the evaluations is $\
Circadian clock is implicated in the regulation of aging. The transcription factor CLOCK, a core component of the circadian system, operates in complex with another circadian clock protein BMAL1. Recently...Full Text Available
The gravitational radiation produced by the big bang is calculated in order to provide a condition for the unification of the gravitational and electromagnetic forces. By analogy with electromagnetic radiation and under the assumption that gravity is also quantized, it is shown that matter would have decoupled from gravitational radiation at a time of approximately 10 to the -43rd sec and would have dominated it at 10 to the -17th sec. Furthermore, the theory predicts a background gravitational radiation temperature of 0.003 K which peaks at a wavelength of about 1 m, which may be detected by the comparison of the synchronization of clocks at increasing distances.
Realization of the scale of spectral responsivity of the detectors in the Directorate of Measures and Precious Metals (DMDM) is based on silicon detectors traceable to LNE-INM. In order to realize the unit of spectral irradiance in the laboratory for photometry and radiometry of the Bureau of Measures and Precious Metals, the new method based on the calibration of the spectroradiometer by comparison with standard detector has been established. The development of the method included realization of the System of Spectral Comparisons (SSC), together with the detector spectral responsivity calibrations by means of a primary spectrophotometric system. The linearity testing and stray light analysis were preformed to characterize the spectroradiometer. Measurement of aperture diameter and calibration of transimpedance amplifier were part of the overall experiment. In this paper, the ...
Realization of the scale of spectral responsivity of the detectors in the Directorate of Measures and Precious Metals (DMDM) is based on silicon detectors traceable to LNE-INM. In order to realize the unit of spectral irradiance in the laboratory for photometry and radiometry of the Bureau of Measures and Precious Metals, the new method based on the calibration of the spectroradiometer by comparison with standard detector has been established. The development of the method included realization of the System of Spectral Comparisons (SSC), together with the detector spectral responsivity calibrations by means of a primary spectrophotometric system. The linearity testing and stray light analysis were preformed to characterize the spectroradiometer. Measurement of aperture diameter and calibration of transimpedance amplifier were part of the overall experiment. In this paper, the ...
AC/DC voltage standards based entirely on solid-state references used as secondary, working, or transfer standards is widespread, although metrological performance is typically defined only via comparison with a higher level standard. The present report shows the improvements of the output metrological characteristics of an ac/dc calibrator by establishing three internal hierarchical levels of dc voltage references and by constant calibration of ac measuring circuits.
We report the identification and characterization of a new Drosophila clock-regulated gene, takeout (to). to is a member of a novel...Full Text Available
The transverse light clock, in uniform translatory motion, is usually adopted to prove the necessity of the relativistic time dilation, according to the invariance of the velocity of the light, while the former postulate of the Special Relativity is respected by the symmetrical behavior of the clock. In this paper it is instead demonstrated that the behavior of the moving longitudinal light clock must involve unusual Lorentz distortions of the space, travelled by the light, to respect both the postulates of the Special Relativity.
Vacuum pressure standards of the orifice-flow type require known gas flows of 10/sup -6/ mol/s (10/sup -2/ atm cm/sup 3//s at 0 /sup 0/C) and less. Known gas flows can also be used to calibrate ''standard'' leaks by comparing the pressures generated when flows from the leak and the flowmeter are alternately passed through a constant conductance. Two constant-pressure, piston displacement flowmeters developed at the National Bureau of Standards are described that can generate flows between 10/sup -6/ and 10/sup -10/ mol/s with an estimated uncertainty of 0.8% to 2%. Comparisons of the flowmeters with alternate calibration techniques, and repeated low-range leak and vacuum gauge calibrations, have been used to confirm the estimated uncertainty and random errors of the flowmeter.
BACKGROUND: Calibration by inverse modelling was performed with the MACRO transport and fate model using long-term (>10 years) drainflow and isoproturon (IPU) data from western France. Two lack-of-fit (LOF) indices were used to control the inverse modelling: sum of squares (SS) and an alternative statistic called the vertical-horizontal distance integrator (VHDI), which is designed to account for offsets in observed and predicted arrival times of peak IPU concentration. With these data, SS was artificially inflated because it is limited to comparison of predicted and observed IPU concentrations that are concurrent in time. The LOFs were used along with the index of agreement (d) and the correlation coefficient (r) to ascertain the fit of the calibrated models. RESULTS: Predicted arrival ti...
A custom-built graphite-coated transmission ionization chamber is compared to the VacuDAP 2001 (VacuTec, Dresden, Germany), which has transparent conductive electrodes. A study was made of the dependence of response on x-ray tube potential for both types of chamber under identical conditions of exposure using over-table and under-table x-ray tubes. Since the calibration factor is the dose-area product of the radiation incident on the patient per chamber reading, it depends on the intrinsic response of the chamber as well as the effect of material in the beam between the x-ray tube and patient. Differences of about 20% were measured between the intrinsic and the over-table calibration factors and between the over-table and the under-table calibration factors for both chambers. The VacuDAP display is specifically calibrated for the over-table condition and would overstate the actual DAP in the under-table ...
Folder Display Clocks Folder TWSTT Folder Loran-C Folder Telephone Time Folder NTP Info Web-Based Time Synchronization Web time displays from the USNO Master Clock, Washington, DC...
In mice and humans the circadian rhythm of many biochemical reactions, physiology, and behavior is generated by a transcriptional-translation feedback loop (TTFL) made up of the so-called core clock...Full Text Available
Inducible gene expression appears to be an essential event that couples light to entrainment of the master mammalian circadian clock located in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) of the hypothalamus....Full Text Available
Endogenous circadian clocks are robust regulators of physiology and behavior. Synchronization or entrainment of biological clocks to environmental time is adaptive and important for physiological homeostasis...Full Text Available
Thirty years ago, in 1967, the new definition of the second based on a quantum phenomenon, the hyperfine splitting of the groundstate of the "1"3"3Cs atom, was passed by the 13th General Conference on Weight and Measure. What followed was a fascinating improvement of the performance of caesium clocks which is still pursued. Their total uncertainty could be reduced, until 1995, by 4 orders of magnitude. With the development of the so-called fountain clocks, another factor of ten is within reach. (orig.)
A constitutive model for an explosive consists of three parts: equation of state of reactants, equation of state of products, and reaction rate. In the absence of a good physical theory, models are empirical and based on heuristics. For the HMX based plastic-bonded explosive PBX 9501, three models have previously been calibrated and used in numerical simulations. Here, these three models are compared. They illustrate several generic difficulties with developing and validating models. The available data is insufficient to determine a constitutive model uniquely. Different models can be calibrated to fit the available data yet differ significantly in regions of phase space of importance to applications. Comparing models gives an indication of the uncertainty in model predictions outside the ...
The task of designing high performance X-ray optical systemsrequires the development of sophisticated X-ray scattering calculationsbased on rigorous information about the optics. One of the mostinsightful approaches to these calculations is based on the powerspectral density (PSD) distribution of the surface height. The majorproblem of measurement of a PSD distribution with an interferometricand/or atomic force microscope arises due to the unknown ModulationTransfer Function (MTF) of the instruments. The MTF characterizes theperturbation of the PSD distribution at higher spatial frequencies. Here,we describe a new method and dedicated test surfaces for calibration ofthe MTF of a microscope. The method is based on use of a speciallydesigned Binary Pseudo-random (BPR) grating. Comparison of atheoretically calculated PSD spectrum of a BPR grating with a spectrummeasured with the grating provides the desired calibration of ...
Automatic weapons such as machine guns and submachine guns are found in the German-speaking region only in special army and police units and appear accordingly rarely in homicides, suicides and accidents. In the following, the findings in two cases of death with the use of machine and submachine guns are presented. The first case was a fatal accident during shooting on a training area (current machine gun of the German army, calibre 7.62 x 51 mm), the second case was a killing during a physical conflict (submachine gun MP 40 from World War II, calibre 9 x 19 mm). In the case with the machine gun autopsy disclosed typical entry holes corresponding to the calibre, but unusually large exit wounds with tissue bridges in the wound ground, measuring 4 x 2.5 cm in diameter. By contrast, the second case (submachine gun) showed "normal" entry and exit wounds. The differences are mainly caused by deviating ballistic data of the ...
The APMP/TCRI Dosimetry Working Group performed the APMP.RI(I)-K3 key comparison of measurement of air kerma for medium-energy x-rays (100 kV to 250 kV) between 2000 and 2003. In total, 11 institutes took part in the comparison, among which 8 were APMP member laboratories. Two commercial cavity ionization chambers were used as transfer instruments and circulated among the participants. All the participants established the 100 kV, 135 kV, 180 kV and 250 kV x-ray beam qualities equivalent to those of the BIPM. The results showed that the maximum difference between the participants and the BIPM in the medium-energy x-ray range, evaluated using the comparison data of the linking laboratories ARPANSA and PTB, is less than 1.4%. The degrees of equivalence between the participants are presented and this comparison confirms the calibration capabilities of the participating laboratories. ...
We present evidence for the existence of two ~35 day clocks in the Her X-1/HZ Her binary system. ~35 day modulations are observed 1) in the Turn-On cycles with two on- and two off-states, and 2) in the changing shape of the pulse profiles which re-appears regularly. The two ways of counting the 35 day cycles are generally in synchronization. This synchronization did apparently break down temporarily during the long Anomalous Low (AL3) which Her X-1 experienced in 1999/2000, in the sense that there must have been one extra Turn-On cycle. Our working hypothesis is that there are two clocks in the system, both with a period of about ~35 days: precession of the accretion disk (the less stable "Turn-On clock") and free precession of the neutron star (the more stable "Pulse profile clock"). We suggest that free precession of the neutron star is the master clock, and that the precession of ...
The Cycle 8A static tests conducted in the Fast Flux Test Facility (FFTF) during 1986 have resulted in the separation of various feedback reactivity components. These feedback components, described by closed-form equations depending only on the reactor temperature field, can be regarded as database for the validation and/or calibration of feedback mechanistic models. The SASSYS safety analysis code contains the most developed feedback reactivity models and was selected for the comparison study between database and mechanistic calculations for the FFTF. Although detailed feedback models for control rod repositioning and core radial expansion/bowing exist, only the simple models were available in SASSYS at the time of this study. The results are described in this paper.
... The three meteorological rocket systems, in order of ... IC3 and IC4 divides the incoming clock pulses f ... at the junction of the temperature sensor and R ...
The phytochrome photoreceptors and the circadian clock control many of the same developmental processes, in all organs and throughout the growth of Arabidopsis plants. Phytochrome A (phyA) provides...Full Text Available
... XVIII, n. 1, p. 50-67. [2] G. Becker: Zeitskalenprobleme: jahreszeitliche Gangschwankungen von Atomuhren, PTB Mitteilungen 92 2/82, p. 105-113. ...
Cyanobacteria have become a major model system for analyzing clock phenomena. The temporal program in this organism enhances fitness in rhythmic environments and is truly global—essentially...Full Text Available
Exposure control at the operating Nuclear Power Station is a major concern. The challenging task of meeting the International standards in the field of radiation protection is the calibration of the radiation monitoring instruments and interpretation of personnel and area monitoring results. Correct interpretation is based on accurate calibration of radiation measuring instruments. The reliability and accuracy of the measurements are also partly based on the procedures applied in calibration. Inadequate calibration can cause large errors in dose estimation in complete dose rate range and energy range. Semiautomatic calibration facility established at TAPS 3 and 4 for radiation monitoring instruments. Objective of calibration facility is (a) Ensure instruments are working properly (b) calibration adjustment and (c) in case without ...
Very often in many textbooks the formalism of the general theory of relativity is applied to gravitational problems. We think that it would be didactically useful to show how it can be adopted also for describing physical situations in accelerated frames of reference by working out in detail a particular case. This choice will also offer an opportunity to discuss a classical topic of relativistic physics. Indeed, we deal analytically with a version of the so-called clock paradox in which the moving clock performs a circular motion. The rest clock is denoted as (1), the rotating clock is (2), the inertial frame in which (1) is at rest and (2) moves is I and, finally, the accelerated frame in which (2) is at rest and (1) rotates is A. By using the general theory of relativity in order to describe the motion of (1) as seen in A we will show the following features. (I) A differential ageing between (1) and ...
A device for marking and searching for information on a magnetic carrier is described. In order to increase the noise immunity and reliability of the data recording and reading paths, the recording head is included between the amplifier of the clock pulses for the master oscillator and through the amplifier of the code pulses for the logical element unit. The reproduction head is connected through the code pulse shaper-amplifier with a switch which is connected with the display unit, and through another analogous clock pulse amplifier with a multivibrator.
In the next decade Type Ia supernovae (SNe Ia) will be used to test theories predicting changes in the Dark Energy equation of state with time. Ultimately this requires a dedicated space mission like JDEM. SNe Ia are mature cosmological probes --- their limitations are well characterized, and a path to improvement is clear. Dominant systematic errors include photometric calibration, selection effects, reddening, and population-dependent differences. Building on past lessons, well-controlled new surveys are poised to make strides in these areas: the Palomar Transient Factory, Skymapper, La Silla QUEST, Pan-STARRS, the Dark Energy Survey, LSST, and JDEM. They will obviate historical calibrations and selection biases, and allow comparisons via large subsamples. Some systematics follow from our ignorance of SN Ia progenitors, which there is hope of determining with SN Ia rate studies from 0
Two-component mixtures of dorzolamide hydrochloride and timolol maleate were assayed by first derivative and ratio derivative spectrophotometric methods. The first method, derivative spectrophotometry, by the zero-crossing measurements, was used due to the drugs closely overlapping absorption spectra. Linear calibration graphs of first derivative values at 250.3 nm for dorzolamide hydrochloride and 315.8 nm for timolol maleate. The second method, is based on ratio first derivative spectrophotometry, the amplitudes in the first derivative of the ratio spectra at 242.9 and at 223.5 nm were selected to determine dorzolamide and timolol maleate in the binary mixture. Calibration graphs were established for 8.0-30.0 microg ml(-1) for dorzolamide hydrochloride and 3.0-24.6 microg ml(-1) for timolol maleate in binary mixture. Good linearity, precision and selectivity were found, and the proposed methods were applied successfully to the pharmaceutical ...
The task of designing high performance X-ray optical systems requires the development of sophisticated X-ray scattering calculations based on rigorous information about the optics. One of the most insightful approaches to these calculations is based on the power spectral density (PSD) distribution of the surface height. The major problem of measurement of a PSD distribution with an interferometric and/or atomic force microscope arises due to the unknown Modulation Transfer Function (MTF) of the instruments. The MTF characterizes the perturbation of the PSD distribution at higher spatial frequencies. Here, we describe a new method and dedicated test surfaces for calibration of the MTF of a microscope. The method is based on use of a specially designed Binary Pseudo-random (BPR) grating. Comparison of a theoretically calculated PSD spectrum of a BPR grating with a spectrum measured with the grating provides the desired ...
In this work, the Calibration-Free approach for Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (CF-LIBS) was applied for the first time to radially resolved spectra emitted by a laser-induced plasma. The radial profiles of plasma temperature and electron number density were used to calculate the local relative concentration of the elements of interest. We analyzed a set of profiles of the local spectral emission coefficient obtained previously by means of spatial deconvolution of the spectra from a copper-based alloy (Cu 93, Fe 5, Mn 1, Ni 1 wt.%) laser-induced plasma. A spatially integrated spectrum of the same plasma was also analyzed for comparison purpose. The relative abundance of the minor components Fe, Mn and Ni was calculated. The results obtained from the central region of the plasma were closer to the nominal concentrations than those obtained from the spatially integrated spectrum. However, an increasing deviation was observed towards the ...
In this work, the Calibration-Free approach for Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (CF-LIBS) was applied for the first time to radially resolved spectra emitted by a laser-induced plasma. The radial profiles of plasma temperature and electron number density were used to calculate the local relative concentration of the elements of interest. We analyzed a set of profiles of the local spectral emission coefficient obtained previously by means of spatial deconvolution of the spectra from a copper-based alloy (Cu 93, Fe 5, Mn 1, Ni 1 wt.%) laser-induced plasma. A spatially integrated spectrum of the same plasma was also analyzed for comparison purpose. The relative abundance of the minor components Fe, Mn and Ni was calculated. The results obtained from the central region of the plasma were closer to the nominal concentrations than those obtained from the spatially integrated spectrum. However, an increasing deviation was observed towards the ...
Verification, calibration, and validation (VCV) of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) codes is an essential element of the code development process. The exact manner in which code VCV activities are planned and conducted, however, is critically important. It is suggested that the way in which code validation, in particular, is often conducted--by comparison to published experimental data obtained for other purposes--is in general difficult and unsatisfactory, and that a different approach is required. This paper describes a proposed methodology for CFD code VCV that meets the technical requirements and is philosophically consistent with code development needs. The proposed methodology stresses teamwork and cooperation between code developers and experimentalists throughout the VCV process, and takes advantage of certain synergisms between CFD and experiment. A novel approach to uncertainty analysis is described which can both distinguish ...
The radiative heat loss from a surface is determined by its total hemispherical emittance, which consequently plays an important role in aerospace and solar applications. This study compares emittances measured calorimetrically with values derived from near normal incidence spectral reflectance measurements. This optical derivation is based on a number of assumptions which limit the accuracy if not sufficiency fulfilled. These assumptions include sample specularity, a straybody character beyond the range of measurement, only small variations of emittance with temperature, and a perfectly smooth sample surface. The comparison of calorimetrically and optically derived emittance performed in this study not only quantifies the errors introduced by insufficient fulfillment of the assumptions but also identifies which assumption causes the dominant error. The calorimetric emissometer, constructed for this study and based on a heat flow sensor, was ...
It is often necessary to estimate the dose of radiation to a fetus from a series of CT scans. To assist in making this process easier and more accurate, we measured fetal doses in an adult anthropomorphic phantom for four CT scanners: Picker 1200, Siemens DRH, GE 9800, and GE 8800. Measurements were made at four kilovoltages (100, 120, 130, and 140 kVp), for 2-, 5-, 8-, and 10-mm thicknesses, for two scanning angles (360 degrees and 398 degrees) and for two patient orientations (prone and supine). The fetal-dose estimates are based on the CT dose index measured by using a pencil ionization chamber at the center position of a 16-cm-diameter cylindrical phantom. Comparison with data from other investigators shows reasonable agreement when phantom differences, X-ray tube output, and equipment calibration are considered.
The US Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Remedial Action and Waste Technology established the Technical Measurements Center (TMC) at the DOE Grand Junction Projects Office (GJPO) in Grand Junction, Colorado, to standardize, calibrate, and compare measurements made in support of DOE remedial action programs. Outdoor radon concentration measurements were made by the TMC in Shiprock, New Mexico, to compare two different methods of measuring radon in an attempt to determine the feasibility of using passive alpha-track detectors to assess the adequacy of remedial action undertaken at the Shiprock uranium mill tailings pile. The results of the first three quarters of monitoring have been detailed in previous reports. An analysis of the data from the fourth quarter of monitoring at Shiprock reveals a somewhat poorer correlation between the two sets of measurements than was seen in the third quarter of this study, but a better correlation than was found for the first ...
International standards and guidelines for calibrating high-dose dosimetry systems to be used in industrial radiation processing recommend that dose-rate effects on dosimeters be evaluated under conditions of use. This is important when the irradiation relies on high-current electron accelerators, which usually provide very high dose-rates. However, most dosimeter calibration facilities use low-intensity gamma radiation or low-current electron accelerators, which deliver comparatively low dose-rates. Because of issues of thermal conductivity and response, portable calorimeters cannot be practically used with high-current accelerators, where product conveyor speeds under an electron beam can exceed several meters per second and the calorimeter is not suitable for use with product handling systems. As an alternative, Monte Carlo calculations can give theoretical estimates of the absorbed dose in materials with flat or complex configurations such ...
Recently the ISO standards organization has requested the PV community to establish AMO calibration methodologies for space solar cells. The PV community responded by organizing a series of workshops to review and recommend AMO calibration techniques. One of the activities of the workshop is to review the various calibration methodologies and conduct a comprehensive uncertainty analysis of each method. This paper outlines NASA`s methodology of AMO calibration using the high altitude aircraft method.
BackgroundDuring the last ten years, major advances have been made in characterizing and understanding the evolution of mitochondrial DNA, the most popular marker of molecular biodiversity....Full Text Available
of early humanitarians, and the vivisectors turned to Rene Descartes (1596 1650 ) to justify ...A celebrated mathematician, physiologist, and psychologist, Descartes provided a general philosophy of the irrelevance of ethics to the ...Animals, according to Descartes, were insensible and irrational machines; moved, like clocks, but
PurposeNocturnal rhythms of gene expression in the retina are known to be both darkness- and circadian clock-dependent, but their role and cellular location are not well defined....Full Text Available
BackgroundThe circadian rhythm in mammals is orchestrated by a central pacemaker in the brain, but most peripheral tissues contain their own intrinsic circadian oscillators. The...Full Text Available
BackgroundIn rats, alcohol exposure during the period of rapid brain growth produces long-term changes in the free-running period, photoentrainment and phase-shifting...Full Text Available
Using the photopigment melanopsin, intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells (ipRGCs) respond directly to light to drive circadian clock resetting and pupillary constriction. We now...Full Text Available
The mammalian circadian system consists of a central oscillator in the suprachiasmatic nucleus of the hypothalamus, which coordinates peripheral clocks in organs throughout the body. Although circadian...Full Text Available
Background/AimsTo explore different definitions of intra-individual variability (IIV) to summarize performance on commonly utilized cognitive tests (Mini Mental State Exam; Clock...Full Text Available
It is shown that a relativistic point kinematics with one independent dilation of (scalar) proper time for each spatial freedom degree would give a really rigorous physical significance to the ordinary logical resolution of the clock paradox between systems in relative motion.
Sears for the Kenmore PRO to schedule a free repair. Consumers can continue to use the cooktop (top burners) and the broiler as well as any clock and/or timer functions. Consumer...
Higher plants use photoperiodic cues to regulate many aspects of development, including the transition from vegetative to floral development. The EARLY FLOWERING3 (ELF3)...Full Text Available
Pigment-dispersing factor (PDF) is a neuropeptide that plays a prominent role in the circadian clock of several insects. The cockroach Leucophaea maderae...Full Text Available
BackgroundThe precision in carbon ion radiotherapy depends on the calibration of Hounsfield units (HU) as measured with computed tomography (CT) to water equivalence. This calibration...Full Text Available
In this report, the main emphasis is given to (1) the problems associated with the basic calibration of the spectroradiometer and (2) the year-to-year variability of the calibrations of the solar UV network radiometers. Also, the results from intercomparisons of the Brewer and OL 742 spectroradiometers are included
The mammalian circadian timing system is organized into hierarchical structures with a central clock in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) and subsidiary peripheral oscillators. After the discovery of the local clockwork in peripheral organs and tissues, which have a molecular makeup similar to the central pacemaker SCN, uncovering the roles of the peripheral clock in the rhythmic physiology has been an emerging goal in chronobiology. Glucocorticoid (GC) is a multifunctional adrenal steroid hormone that shows a robust circadian rhythm. The daily GC rhythm has long been thought to be governed by the SCN via the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal neuroendocrine axis. Recent findings, however, indicate that multiple regulatory mechanisms, including the adrenal intrinsic mechanism by the peripheral...
The General Purpose Light Source VME module is an integral part of every front-end micro in the NSLS control system. The board incorporates features such as a video character generator, clock signals, time-of-day clock, a VME bus interrupter and general-purpose digital inputs and outputs. This module serves as a valuable diagnostic and real-time display tool for the micro development as well as for the final operational systems. This paper describes the functions provided by the board for the NSLS micro control monitor software.
The activity assay of a radiopharmaceutical administration to a patient is normally achieved via the use of a radionuclide calibrator. Because of the different geometries and elemental compositions between plastic syringes and glass vials, the calibration factors for syringes may well be significantly different from those for the glass containers. The magnitude of these differences depends on the energies of the emitted photons. For some radionuclides variations have been observed of 70 %, it is therefore important to recalibrate for syringes or use syringe calibration factors. Calibration factors and volume correction factors have been derived for the NPL secondary standard radionuclide calibrator, for a variety of commonly used syringes and needles, for the most commonly used medical radionuclide.
Iguanian lizards form a diverse clade whose members have been the focus of many comparative studies of ecology, behavior, and evolution. Despite the importance of phylogeny to such studies, interrelationships among many iguanian clades remain uncertain. Within the Old World clade Acrodonta, Agamidae is sometimes found to be paraphyletic with respect to Chamaeleonidae, and recent molecular studies have produced conflicting results for many major clades. Within the largely New World clade Pleurodonta, relationships among the 12 currently recognized major subclades (mostly ranked as families) have been largely unresolved or poorly supported in previous studies. To clarify iguanian evolutionary history, we first infer phylogenies using concatenated maximum-likelihood (ML) and Bayesian analyses of DNA sequence data from 29 nuclear protein-coding genes for 47 iguanian and 29 outgroup taxa. We then estimate a relaxed-clock Bayesian chronogram for iguanians using BEAST. ...
The exactness of the best atomic clocks currently shows a temporal variation of 1 second in 30 million years. This means that we have reached the point of the most exact frequency and time measurement ever. In the past, there was a trend towards increasing the exactness in an increasingly fast sequence. Will this trend continue? And who will profit from it? This article is meant to give answers to these questions. This is done by presenting first the level reached currently with the best atomic clocks and describing the research activities running worldwide with the aim of achieving even more exact clocks. In the second part, we present examples of various areas of technical subjects and research in which the most exact clocks are being applied presently and even more exact ones will be needed in the future. [German] Die Genauigkeit der derzeit besten Atomuhren entspricht einer Sekunde Unsicherheit in ...
The shock-induced {alpha}(bcc){r_arrow}{var_epsilon}(hcp) transition in iron begins at 13 GPa on the Hugoniot. In the two-phase region above 13 GPa, the Hugoniot lies well above the equilibrium surface defined by G{sub {alpha}}=G{sub {var_epsilon}}, with G the Gibbs free energy. Also, the phase transition relaxation time {tau} is uncertain, with estimates ranging from {lt}50 ns to {approx}180 ns. Here we present an extensive study of these important aspects, metastability and dynamics, of the {alpha}-{var_epsilon} transition in iron. Our primary theoretical tools are (a) accurate theoretically based free energies for {alpha} and {var_epsilon} phases of iron and (b) accurate calculations of the wave evolution following planar impacts. We define metastable surfaces for forward and reverse transitions by the condition that the thermodynamic driving force G{sub {alpha}}{minus}G{sub {var_epsilon}} is just balanced by an opposing force resulting from elastic stresses, and we ...
"1"4C measurement uses a number of standards and reference materials with different properties. Historically the absolute calibration of "1"4C measurement was tied to 1890 wood, through the 'primary' standard of NBS-OxI (produced by the National Bureau of Standards, now NIST - National Institute of Standards and technology) subsequently replaced by NBS-OxII. These are both internationally calibrated and certified materials, whose "1"4C activities are known absolutely. A second tier of materials, often called secondary standards or reference materials, and including internationally recognised materials such as ANU-sucrose (now also IAEA-C6), Chinese - sucrose and the IAEA C1-C6 series, augmented by additional oxalic acid samples are also used routinely. The activity of these materials has been estimated from large numbers of measurements made by many laboratories. Recently, further natural materials from the Third and Fourth International ...
The absorbed dose delivered to the patient in brachytherapy is directly proportional to the source strength in terms of the reference air-kerma rate (RAKR). Verification of this quantity by the hospitals is widely recognized as an important part of a quality assurance program. An external audit was performed on behalf of the Secondary Standard Dosimetry Laboratory at the Swedish Radiation Protection Authority (SSI). The aim was to investigate how accurately the source-strength in 192Ir brachytherapy is determined at Swedish hospitals. The SSI reference well-type ion chamber and calibrated equipment were used to measure the RAKR of an 192Ir source in each of the 14 Swedish afterloading units. Comparisons with values determined by vendors and hospitals were made. Agreement in values of RAKR as determined by SSI, hospitals and vendors were in all cases within the +-3% uncertainty (at a coverage factor of k=2), typically guaranteed by the vendors. ...
US Department of Energy methods used for characterization of contact-handled transuranic (CH-TRU) waste prior to shipment to the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) are described and listed by contractor site. The methods described are part of the certification process. All CH-TRU waste must be assayed for determination of fissile material content and decay heat values prior to shipment and prior to storage on-site. Both nondestructive assay (NDA) and destructive assay methods are discussed, and new NDA developments such as passive-action neutron (PAN) crate counter improvements and neutron imaging are detailed. Specifically addressed are assay method physics; applicability to CH-TRU wastes; calibration standards and implementation; operator training requirements and practices; assay procedures; assay precision, bias, and limit of detection; and assay limitation. While PAN is a new technique and does not yet have established American Society for Testing and ...
US Department of Energy methods used for characterization of contact-handled transuranic (CH-TRU) waste prior to shipment to the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) are described and listed by contractor site. The methods described are part of the certification process. All CH-TRU waste must be assayed for determination of fissile material content and decay heat values prior to shipment and prior to storage on-site. Both nondestructive assay (NDA) and destructive assay methods are discussed, and new NDA developments such as passive-action neutron (PAN) crate counter improvements and neutron imaging are detailed. Specifically addressed are assay method physics; applicability to CH-TRU wastes; calibration standards and implementation; operator training requirements and practices; assay procedures; assay precision, bias, and limit of detection; and assay limitation. While PAN is a new technique and does not yet have established American Society for Testing and ...
A technique for precise measurement of the modulation transfer function (MTF), suitable for characterization of a broad class of surface profilometers, is investigated in detail. The technique suggested in [Proc. SPIE 7077-7, (2007), Opt. Eng. 47(7), 073602-1-5 (2008)]is based on use of binary pseudo-random (BPR) gratings and arrays as standard MTF test surfaces. Unlike most conventional test surfaces, BPR gratings and arrays possess white-noise-like inherent power spectral densities (PSD), allowing the direct determination of the one- and two-dimensional MTF, respectively, with a sensitivity uniform over the entire spatial frequency range of a profiler. In the cited work, a one dimensional realization of the suggested method based on use of BPR gratings has been demonstrated. Here, a high-confidence of the MTF calibration technique is demonstrated via cross comparison measurements of a number of two dimensional BPR arrays using two different ...
Total body potassium (TBK), measured at different institutions, has no reference standard for comparison. A useful reference formula, however, based on body size and age, has been derived at the Brookhaven National Laboratory. This formula was used to help calibrate a simple whole body counter for measuring total potassium and applied to nutrition and hypertension studies. A sodium iodide detector was used for counting gamma rays emitted by potassium-40 to estimate TBK. The mean ratio (+/- S.D.) of adjusted TBK measurements to predicted values was 1.002 +/- 0.047. The ratio of lean body mass estimated by the TBK measurement to that derived from skin fold thickness was 1.069 +/- 0.056. In hypertensives on low dose thiazide, the ratio of TBK measurements to predicted values was 0.994 +/- 0.052. Thus, our TBK measurements were adjusted in close agreement with a predictor formula, provided higher estimates of lean body mass than did skin fold ...
The diffuse background light in the Coma cluster is measured using isodensity tracings of B, G, V, and R photographic plates taken with the Palomar 1.2-m Schmidt telescope. The isodensity contours are calibrated using the star profile derived by Kormendy (1973). Between 4 and 14 arc min from the center, the surface brightness of the diffuse light decreases from approximately 26 to approximately 28 G magnitudes arc sec"-"2. The total magnitude in this annulus is G = 11.22, which is approximately 45 percent of the light in galaxies alone, or approximately 30 percent of the total. This does little to alleviate the ''missing mass'' problem. The isodensity contours and the equivalent profile of the diffuse light closely parallel the distribution of light in galaxies, implying no strong mass segregation. However, the background light appears to be bluer than the galaxies. This is consistent with the hypothesis that the background consists of stars tidally stripped from ...
The principle of radiodiagnosis consists in the fact the X-ray beam is attenuated at different degrees by distinct tissues. For this reason, the anatomical structures have distinct radiological opacities, that produce the radiographic image. The progresses in radiology are related to the development if new radiographic image formation systems that enable an amplification in the quality, with low dose and/or risk to the patient. The objective of this work is the sensitometric valuation of a screen-film combination, that is still the most used, for the standardization, of radiographic images. Thinking about this, were constructed homogeneous phantoms of the chest, skull and pelvis, for the calibration of X-ray beams, with the purpose of obtaining radiographic images of good quality, basing in the routine of a radiodiagnosis service and in the scientific knowledge. Questions were approached about the choice of the suitable equipment, that allow the obtention of k Vp ...
The opportunity of exposure to high-energy radiation up to GeV is increasing as in civilian aircrafts and at particle accelerators. The transport of such energetic particle is still difficult to describe precisely and thus verification by measurement using a well characterized instrument is indispensable for reliable dosimetry. However, no reference calibration field has been established for the high-energy range. We thus propose to use a facility at the summit of Mt. Fuji (3776 m in altitude; N35.36o, E138.73o), the highest place in Japan, for characterization of radiation instruments that are possibly used in high-energy radiation fields. For demonstration of the effectiveness, two moderator-type neutron monitors (NCN1 and WENDI-II) having different energy response functions were employed for cosmic-ray neutron measurements in the summer of 2009. In comparison with numerically simulated values, it was found that the extended energy neutron ...
One of the most profound features of electricity spot prices are the price spikes. Markov regime-switching (MRS) models seem to be a natural candidate for modeling this spiky behavior. However, in the studies published so far, the goodness-of-fit of the proposed models has not been a major focus. While most of the models were elegant, their fit to empirical data has either been not examined thoroughly or the signs of a bad fit ignored. With this paper we want to fill the gap. We calibrate and test a range of MRS models in an attempt to find parsimonious specifications that not only address the main characteristics of electricity prices but are statistically sound as well. We find that the best structure is that of an independent spike 3-regime model with time-varying transition probabilities, heteroscedastic diffusion-type base regime dynamics and shifted spike regime distributions. Not only does it allow for a seasonal spike intensity throughout the year and ...
Full text of publication follows: Energy and environment are two major concerns in our modern society due to the coming shortage in fossil energy sources and the growing of greenhouse gas emissions. The challenge for the coming years is to discover new energy resources and to develop devices that are compatible with a sustainable development and generate few (or zero) emission. One of these devices is the fuel cell feed by hydrogen, whose application fields are very large. In particular, the proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) is the most realistic device for automotive application. However, hydrogen storage remains one of the most important challenges regarding its development. Although different techniques are available for storing hydrogen, no ideal solution has been found yet. Compression needs elaborated tanks in shape for supporting high pressures, liquefaction requires an expensive hydrogen cooling and adapted tanks. Chemical storage by hydrides imposes heavy devices. A ...
Full text of publication follows: Energy and environment are two major concerns in our modern society due to the coming shortage in fossil energy sources and the growing of greenhouse gas emissions. The challenge for the coming years is to discover new energy resources and to develop devices that are compatible with a sustainable development and generate few (or zero) emission. One of these devices is the fuel cell feed by hydrogen, whose application fields are very large. In particular, the proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) is the most realistic device for automotive application. However, hydrogen storage remains one of the most important challenges regarding its development. Although different techniques are available for storing hydrogen, no ideal solution has been found yet. Compression needs elaborated tanks in shape for supporting high pressures, liquefaction requires an expensive hydrogen cooling and adapted tanks. Chemical storage by hydrides imposes heavy devices. A ...
The relativistic time dilation is reviewed in a cosmological context. We show that a clock or twin paradox does not arise if cosmic time is properly taken into account. The receding galaxy background provides a unique frame of reference, and the proper times of geodesic as well as accelerated observers can be linked to the universal cosmic time parameter. This suggests to compare the proper time differentials of the respective observers by determining their state of motion in the galaxy grid. In this way, each observer can figure out whether his proper time is dilated or contracted relative to any other. In particular one can come to unambiguous conclusions on the aging of uniformly moving observers, without reference to asymmetries in measurement procedures or accelerations they may have undergone.
The fast rotating wire scanners installed in the PS and the PS booster are used for the precise transversal profile measurements in horizontal and vertical planes. The scanners may show large position measurement errors if no special treatment is applied to the acquired data. The aim of the calibration is to obtain a correction algorithm for the systematic position measurement error due to mechanical and electronic offsets. A new calibration system has been developed and introduced at CERN for the scanners implementing position feedback control. The calibration method is based on a substitution of a particle beam by a laser one where the laser beam position is well known. According to the previous experience the following crucial requirements to the system have been taking into consideration: heavy and mechanically stable design of the calibration bench to reduce mechanical oscillations of scanner ...
The amdlib AMBER data reduction software is meant to produce AMBER data products from the raw data files that are sent to the PIs of different proposals or that can be found in the ESO data archive. The way defined by ESO to calibrate the data is to calibrate one science data file with a calibration one, observed as close in time as possible. Therefore, this scheme does not take into account instrumental drifts, atmospheric variations or visibility-loss corrections, in the current AMBER data processing software, amdlib. In this article, we present our approach to complement this default calibration scheme, to perform the final steps of data reduction, and to produce fully calibrated AMBER data products. These additional steps include: an overnight view of the data structure and data quality, the production of night transfer functions from the calibration stars ...
... Radon gas concentrations are measured using instruments with calibrations traceable to the UK National Physical Laboratory and PTB, Germany. The primary facility is a 43 m3 walk-in chamber accessed by an airlock. Radon gas is maintained at a level in this chamber that is ...
Modifications of the design and calibration procedure of a diffusion porometer permit determinations of stomatal resistance which agree well with results obtained by leaf energy balance. The energy...Full Text Available
In the present work, we describe application of binary pseudo-random gratings (BPRG) and arrays (BPRA) as effective 1D and 2D test surfaces suitable for calibration of different surface profilometers, including a number of interferometric microscopes and scatterometers.
In this paper we describe the reconstruction strategies, the calibration procedures and the detector performance results from the latest CMS operation.
An on-going inter-comparison programme which is focused on assessing and establishing consensus protocols to be applied in the identification, selection and sub-sampling of materials for subsequent "1"4C analysis is described. The outcome of the programme will provide a detailed quantification of the uncertainties associated with "1"4C measurements including the issues of accuracy and precision. Such projects have become recognised as a fundamental aspect of continuing laboratory quality assurance schemes, providing a mechanism for the harmonisation of measurements and for demonstrating the traceability of results. The design of this study and its rationale are described. In summary, a suite of core samples has been defined which will be made available to both AMS and radiometric laboratories. These core materials are representative of routinely dated material and their ages span the full range of the applied "1"4C time-scale. Two of the samples are of wood from ...
A new formulation of the theory of tachyons is developed using the same two postulates as in special relativity. Use is made of a 'switching principle' to show how tachyons automatically obey the laws of conservation of energy, momentum and electric charge. Tachyonic mechanics is further developed by a consideration of tachyonic rods and clocks. There follows a discussion of the conservation of electric charge and the apparent visual appearance of a tachyonic cube. 19 refs., 9 figs.
The Milstar communications satellite system will provide secure antijam communication capabilities for DOD operations into the next century. In order to accomplish this task, the Milstar system will employ precise timekeeping on its satellites and at its ground control stations. The constellation will consist of four satellites in geosynchronous orbit, each carrying a set of four rubidium (Rb) atomic clocks. Several times a day, during normal operation, the Mission Control Element (MCE) will collect timing information from the constellation, and after several days use this information to update the time and frequency of the satellite clocks. The MCE will maintain precise time with a cesium (Cs) atomic clock, synchronized to UTC(USNO) via a GPS receiver. We have developed a Monte Carlo simulation of Milstar's space segment timekeeping. The simulation includes the effects of: uplink/downlink time transfer noise; satellite ...
A special purpose hardware machine, which simulates up to one half-million gates and 2m byte RAM ICS at a 5 millisecond clock speed is described. This is accomplished with a hardware logic (HAL) simulator. This performance is achieved with 32 distributed special parallel processors, which utilize block oriented simulation technique. The technique promises a good cost hardware logic simulator. 7 references.
Three electronic personal dosimeters (EPD-N) manufactured by Siemens, serial numbers 0635, 0658, and 0683, were tested at the Radiation Calibration Laboratory for an evaluation of their response to neutron, gamma and x-ray radiation. Designed to provide real-time neutron and photon dosimetry, the EPD-N is capable of estimating and displaying neutron and gamma dose components separately for a range of energies from 50 keV to 7 MeV for photon and 0.025 eV to > 10 MeV for neutron. All tests were conducted using the factory calibrations. A technical representative of the manufacturer indicated that site-specific calibrations are required as factory settings are calibrated for the lowest neutron energy limit of 0.025 eV. This raises concerns about the reliability of these devices in measuring neutrons when calibrations are made for a specific site radiological characterization ...
In this two chapter report, instrumentation used to collect seismic data is described. This data acquisition system has two parts: (1) portable anolog seismic recorders and related ``hand-held-testers`` (HHT) and (2) portable digitizing units. During the anolog recording process, ground motion is sensed by a 2-Hz vertical-component seismometer. The voltage output from the seismometer is split without amplification and sent to three parallel amplifier circuit boards. Each circuit board amplifiers the seismic signal in three stages and then frequency modulates the signal. Amplification at the last two stages can be set by the user. An internal precision clock signal is also frequency modulated. The three data carrier frequencies, the clock carrier frequency, and a tape-speed compensation carrier frequency are summed and recorded on a recorded on a cassette tape. During the digitizing process, the cassette tapes are played back and the signals are ...
This paper presents a novel organization of switch capacitor charge pump circuits based on voltage doubler structures. Each voltage doubler takes a DC input and outputs a doubled DC voltage. By cascading voltage doublers the output voltage increases up to 2 times. A two-phase voltage doubler and a multiphase voltage doubler structures are discussed and design considerations are presented. A simulator working in the Q-V realm was used for simplified circuit level simulation. In order to evaluate the power delivered by a charge pump, a resistive load is attached to the output of the charge pump and an equivalent capacitance is evaluated. To avoid the short circuit during switching, a clock pair generator is used to achieve multi-phase non-overlapping clock pairs. This paper also identifies optimum loading conditions for different configurations of the charge pumps. The proposed charge-pump circuit is designed and simulated by SPICE with TSMC ...
The use of linear accelerators in radiotherapy is of great importance in Medicine, and according to international recommendations the electron beam dosimetry has to be performed using plane-parallel ionization chambers, previously calibrated in standard gamma radiation fields at accredited laboratories. In this work, calibration methods of plane-parallel ionization chambers used in dosimetry procedures of high energy electron beams of clinical accelerators were presented, tested and intercompared. The experiments were carried out using gamma radiation beams of {sup 60} Co at the Calibration Laboratory of Clinical Dosemeters at IPEN and electron beams od 4 to 16 MeV at the Radiotherapy Department of Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, Sao Paulo. A method was chosen to be established at IPEN. Proposals of the calibration procedure, calibration certificate and data sheets are ...
Based on the cruise data collected in the Pearl River estuary (PRE) in May 2008, an empirical two-band model by using the ratio of R (rs) at 629 and 671 nm was established to retrieve total suspended matter (TSM) concentration with the determination coefficient (R(2)) of 0.854, mean relative error (MRE) of 7.483%, and root-mean-square error (RMSE) of 1.295 mg L(?-?1). To match with medium resolution imaging spectrometer (MERIS) bands, in situ remote sensing reflectance was re-sampled to the bandwidth of 10 nm. The relationship between TSM and re-sampled R (rs) at 620 nm (MERIS band 6) and 665 nm (MERIS band 7) are obtained (R(2) = 0.748, RMSE = 1.697 mg L(?-?1), MRE = 8.785%, n = 13). Additionally, to map the spatial distribution of TSM in the PRE, MERIS level_1B data were calibrated using a multiple linear regression model based on in situ R (rs). Another dataset collected in the PRE in January 2004 was used to validate the two-band model and also applied to map ...
Synthetic zeolite of 0.5 nm pore size (5A) and blue silica gel were tested to determine their capability to be used as radon collectors. Tests conducted in a radon chamber under controlled conditions of temperature and relative humidity indicate that simple, inexpensive and maintenance-free passive devices containing about 250 g of synthetic zeolite or about 270 g of blue silica gel in open face metal canisters that can measure radon conveniently and adequately, the latter though being suitable only for dry-medium dry atmosphere with quite high radon concentrations. Both materials can be recycled for reuse, in a way similar to the recycle and reuse of active carbon. The amount of radon adsorbed in such collectors is determined by counting the gamma rays from the radon decay products. The lower limit of detection (LLD) is estimated to {approx}45 Bqm{sup -3} for the synthetic zeolite and to {approx}350 Bqm{sup -3} for the blue silica gel, for an exposure of 48 h at a relative humidity of ...
We present a collisional-radiative approach of the theoretical analysis of laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) plasmas. This model, which relies on an optimized effective potential atomic structure code, was used to simulate a pure aluminum plasma. The description of aluminum involved a set of 220 atomic levels representative of three different stages of ionization (Al{sup 0}, Al{sup +} and Al{sup ++}). The calculations were carried for stationary plasmas, with input parameters (n{sub e} and T{sub e}) ranging respectively between 10{sup 13-18} cm{sup -3} and 0.3-2 eV. A comparison of our atomic data with some existing databases is made. The code was mainly developed to address the validity of the local thermodynamic equilibrium (LTE) assumption. For usual LIBS plasma parameters, we did not reveal a sizeable discrepancy of the radiative equilibrium of the plasma towards LTE. For cases where LTE was firmly believed to stand, the Boltzmann plot outputs of this ...
We present a collisional-radiative approach of the theoretical analysis of laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) plasmas. This model, which relies on an optimized effective potential atomic structure code, was used to simulate a pure aluminum plasma. The description of aluminum involved a set of 220 atomic levels representative of three different stages of ionization (Al0, Al+ and Al++). The calculations were carried for stationary plasmas, with input parameters (ne and Te) ranging respectively between 1013-18 cm-3 and 0.3-2 eV. A comparison of our atomic data with some existing databases is made. The code was mainly developed to address the validity of the local thermodynamic equilibrium (LTE) assumption. For usual LIBS plasma parameters, we did not reveal a sizeable discrepancy of the radiative equilibrium of the plasma towards LTE. For cases where LTE was firmly believed to stand, the Boltzmann plot outputs of this code were used to check the physical ...
This report provides a detailed description of, and the baseline assumptions and simulation results for, the building prototype simulations conducted for the building types designated in the Work Plan for Demand-side Management Assessment of Hawaii`s Demand-Side Resources (HES-4, Phase 2). This report represents the second revision to the initial building prototype description report provided to DBEDT early in the project. Modifications and revisions to the prototypes, based on further calibration efforts and on comments received from DBEDT Staff have been incorporated into this final version. These baseline prototypes form the basis upon which the DSM measure impact estimates and the DSM measure data base were developed for this project. This report presents detailed information for each of the 17 different building prototypes developed for use with the DOE-21E program (23 buildings in total, including resorts and hotels defined separately for each island) to ...
...May 2011, 693-709 On the valuation of fader and discrete barrier options in Heston's stochastic volatility model by Susanne Griebsch & Uwe Wystup [Downloadable!... (restricted)] 863-881 Nonlinearities in stochastic clocks: trades and volume as subordinators of electronic markets by Rafael Velasco-Fuentes & Wing Lon Ng [...and estimation of stock prices and trading volume in Barndorff-Nielsen and Shephard stochastic volatility models by Friedrich Hubalek & Petra Posedel [Downloadable!... (restricted)] 665-691 Generic pricing of FX, inflation and stock options under stochastic interest rates and stochastic volatility by Alexander van Haastrecht & Antoon ...
A method for simulating power law noise in clocks and oscillators is presented based on modification of the spectrum of white phase noise, then Fourier transforming to the time domain. Symmetric real matrices are introduced whose traces--the sums of their eigenvalues--are equal to the Allan variances, in overlapping or non-overlapping forms, as well as for the corresponding forms of the modified Allan variance. Diagonalization of these matrices leads to expressions for the probability distributions for observing a variance at an arbitrary value of the sampling or averaging interval $\\tau$, and hence for estimating confidence in the measurements. A number of applications are presented for the common power-law noises.
In this book the notion of time in classical physics and relativity theory is discussed. After a criticism of the absolute time some alternative measures of time in mechanics are considered. Thereafter the problem of equal time at different points of the space as well as the time in different inertial systems are considered. In this framework the clock paradox is discussed. Then the Lorentz transformation is considered. Thereafter the reconstruction of the absolute time in relativity theory is described. Finally the notion of time in general relativity theory is considered.
This paper describes a signal simulator which is designed to calibrate eddy current probes. By using simultaneously an excitation coil and an electrically conducting plane, the simulator can emulate signals which correspond to spot welds with different flaws. The presence of a conducting plane allows a wide variation of the amplitude and phase of the excitation coil voltage during the calibration of a probe. A mathematical model for the simulator is derived and used to study the variation of the impedance change upon the parameters of the probe. Numerical computation shows that the impedance change depends in an important way on the frequency of the excitation coil current.
After presenting the advantages of applying neutron moisture gages to the continuous measurement of blast-furnace coke moisture and explaining the factors influencing the measurement accuracy, the necessity of calibrating these devices under flow conditions and the encountered difficulties are discussed. Using statistical methods it has been observed that the main source of calibration errors is the sampling phase. Based on results of mathematical processing, a new calibration method with higher performance - compared with the earlier ones - is proposed. This method allows to achieve high accuracy in a relatively short time. (author).
Calibration system for spot welding robots has been developed. The purpose of this system is to reduce the misalignment of tool center point (TCP) generated when teaching data made by off-line system is input to an actual robot. After the factor of the misalignment was analyzed, the relation between a main factor and the misalignment was modeled. In addition, the model was verified on experiment. The achievement of the accuracy requirement and practical use in the site was confirmed by the result of the verification. (author)
Research highlights: {yields} The use of resonant photoemission in its 'core-hole clock' expression for the study of the dynamical charge transfer across hybrid organic-inorganic interfaces and for the intermolecular charge transfer in the bulk of organic thin films is reviewed. {yields} The electronic coupling to the substrate and the efficiency of charge transport across hybrid interfaces is different for individual electronic subsystems of the molecular adsorbate. {yields} The intermolecular charge transfer in the bulk of discotic liquid crystals occurs on the order of a few femtoseconds and is faster than expected from the macroscopic charge transport characteristics of the material. -- Abstract: The focus of this brief review is the use of resonant photoemission in its 'core-hole clock' expression for the study of two important problems relevant for the field of organic electronics: the dynamical charge ...
... changes in the wing shock/ separation patterns throughout ... to Reynolds number and tunnel flow quality before ... AGARD Conference Proceedings No ...
The major problem of measurement of a power spectral density (PSD) distribution of surface heights with surface profilometers arises due to the unknown Modulation Transfer Function (MTF) of the instruments, which tends to distort the PSD at higher spatial frequencies. The special mathematical properties of binary pseudo-random patterns make them an ideal basis for developing MTF calibration test surfaces. Two-dimensional binary pseudo-random arrays (BPRAs) have been fabricated and used for the MTF calibration of the MicroMap{trademark}-570 interferometric microscope with all available objectives. An investigation into the effects of fabrication imperfections on the quality of the MTF calibration and a procedure for accounting for such imperfections are presented.
... in Taylor and Williamson.* Most satellite sensors cannot be ... The coordinates of the rocket Ii ... I - Incoming Global Radiant Flux between 0.285 and ...
Jul 21, 1998 ... Additional roof surface temperatures were taken with a handheld "heat spy," an infrared thermometer to help calibrate the ATLAS thermal ...
Group deal delay solution has fit 42 psec with 2.4% outliers. Group delay ambiguities with spacing 3.9 ns (another world record!) were successfully resolved. ...
When exposure-calibrated ionization chambers are used to calibrate megavoltage X-ray and electron beam therapy machines, the calibration factor can be divided into a chamber-dependent and a chamber-independent component. Until recently, only the chamber-independent part, which has been derived theoretically, has been used; the chamber-dependent component has been ignored. Recent experimental and theoretical considerations, however, have indicated that the dependent component must be taken into account and can affect the calibration by as much as 4%. The calibration can change due to (i) the thickness of the chamber wall, (ii) the chamber wall composition, i.e. whether the chamber is constructed of air-equivalent material, or tissue- or water-equivalent material, and (iii) the size of the chamber changing the displacement factor. Theoretical and experimental evidence indicates that ...
... Using a weighted linear regression on randomly selected coincident SSM/I-buoy pairs from each of the climate m codes, it was possible to produce ...
The Full Aperture Backscatter System (FABS) provides a measure of the spectral power, and integrated energy scattered by stimulated Brillouin (348-354 nm) and Raman (400 - 700 nm) scattering into the final focusing lens of the first four beams of the NIF laser. The system was designed to provide measurements at the highest expected fluences with: (1) spectral and temporal resolution, (2) beam aperture averaging, and (3) near-field imaging. This is accomplished with a strongly attenuating diffusive fiber coupler and streaked spectrometer and separate calibrated time integrated spectrometers, and imaging cameras. Measurement of the wavelength dependent sensitivity of the complete system is accomplished with a calibrated Xe lamp. Data from the calibration system is combined with experimental data to produce the power and energy measurements. Examples of measurements will be discussed.
replacing the KDP crystal, and introducing computer programs for accumulation of an almost unlimited number of frames. The calibration procedure using solar ...
... of "position error" in the AGARD Multilingual Aeronautical ... when it cones into the aircraft flow field it ... on actual bank angle and separation, may be - ...
Calibration-Free Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (CF-LIBS) has been proposed several years ago as an approach for quantitative analysis of Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy spectra. Recently developed refinement of the spectral processing method is described in the present work. Accurate quantitative results have been demonstrated for several metallic alloys. However, the degree of accuracy that can be achieved with Calibration-Free Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy analysis of generic samples still needs to be thoroughly investigated. The authors have undertaken a systematic study of errors and biasing factors affecting the calculation in the Calibration-Free Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy spectra processing. These factors may be classified in three main groups: 1) experi...
Two different techniques were used for measuring Rn-gas concentrations and Working Level (WL) in U-exploration galleries at El-Allouga Mine, Sinai, Egypt. The active techniques used EDA(RDA-200) with calibrated Lucas cell and Tri-Met-372 instruments and passive techniques used four different types of SSNTD. Twenty eight (28) stations inside the studied tunnels were located covering the different environmental conditions. The measurements were carried out during summer time, in the ventilated sector (16 stations), the average tunnel air temperature was 24.4 #+-# 2.2 degree C and relative humidity 38%. In the non-ventilated sector (12 stations), the average tunnel air temperature was 22.2#+-#0.4 degree C and relative humidity 70%. The Rn-gas concentrations using EDA(RDA-200) and calibrated Lucas cell, in the ventilated sector averaged 11.966 p Ci/l, while in the non-ventilated stations averaged 786.21 p Ci/l. Also for the Tisvoglu method, the ...
Natural radioactive materials were used for detector calibration. We found that KCl is a very suitable material for this purpose. The efficiency curve shape was derived by using {gamma} ray lines of {sup 214}Bi normalised using a known quantity of KCl in the same geometry. The best fit was found by the least squares method. The summing correction coefficients for {sup 214}Bi are determined. (orig.).
Natural radioactive materials were used for detector calibration. We found that KCl is a very suitable material for this purpose. The efficiency curve shape was derived by using #gamma# ray lines of "2"1"4Bi normalised using a known quantity of KCl in the same geometry. The best fit was found by the least squares method. The summing correction coefficients for "2"1"4Bi are determined. (orig.).
Efficiency calibration curves for different densities and geometries are necessary for activity determination of various environmental samples. Commercially available standards or natural radioactive materials are used for calibration. Potassium compounds are especially suitable, since they can be mixed with unknown samples. It is possible to determine efficiency curve and unknown activity of sample knowing "4"0 K activity. (author).
A modulation transfer function (MTF) calibration method based on binary pseudo-random (BPR) gratings and arrays [Proc. SPIE 7077-7 (2007), Opt. Eng. 47, 073602 (2008)] has been proven to be an effective MTF calibration method for a number of interferometric microscopes and a scatterometer [Nucl. Instr. and Meth. A616, 172 (2010)]. Here we report on a further expansion of the application range of the method. We describe the MTF calibration of a 6 inch phase shifting Fizeau interferometer. Beyond providing a direct measurement of the interferometer's MTF, tests with a BPR array surface have revealed an asymmetry in the instrument's data processing algorithm that fundamentally limits its bandwidth. Moreover, the tests have illustrated the effects of the instrument's detrending and filtering procedures on power spectral density measurements. The details of the development of a BPR test sample suitable ...
A modulation transfer function (MTF) calibration method based on binary pseudo-random (BPR) gratings and arrays [Proc. SPIE 7077-7 (2007), Opt. Eng. 47(7), 073602-1-5 (2008)] has been proven to be an effective MTF calibration method for a number of interferometric microscopes and a scatterometer [Nucl. Instr. and Meth. A 616, 172-82 (2010]. Here we report on a significant expansion of the application range of the method. We describe the MTF calibration of a 6 inch phase shifting Fizeau interferometer. Beyond providing a direct measurement of the interferometer's MTF, tests with a BPR array surface have revealed an asymmetry in the instrument's data processing algorithm that fundamentally limits its bandwidth. Moreover, the tests have illustrated the effects of the instrument's detrending and filtering procedures on power spectral density measurements. The details of the development of a BPR test ...
The collection of papers in this issue of Mycologia documents considerable improvements in taxon sampling and phylogenetic resolution regarding the Fungal Tree of Life. The new data will stimulate new attempts to date divergences and correlate events in fungal evolution with those of other organisms. Here, we review the history of dating fungal divergences by nucleic acid variation and then use a dataset of 50 genes for 25 selected fungi, plants and animals to investigate divergence times in kingdom Fungi. In particular, we test the choice of fossil calibration points on dating divergences in fungi. At the scale of our analysis, substitution rates varied without showing significant within-lineage correlation, so we used the Langley-Fitch method in the R8S package of computer programs to estimate node ages. Different calibration points had a dramatic effect on estimated divergence dates. The estimate for the age of the Ascomycota/Basidiomycota ...
The quantitative determination of oxide concentration by laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy is relevant in various fields of applications (e.g.: analysis of ores, concrete, slag). Calibration free laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy and the multivariate calibration are among the methods employed for quantitative concentration analysis of complex materials. We measured the intensity of neutral and ionized atomic emission lines of oxide materials by laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy and we modified the calibration free laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy method to increase the accuracy. The concentration of oxides was obtained by using stoichiometric relations. Sample materials were prepared from oxide powder (Fe{sub 2}O{sub 3}, MgO, CaO) by mixing and pressing. The concentration was 9.8-33.3 wt.% Fe{sub 2}O{sub 3}, 7.6-33.3 wt.% MgO and 33.3-81.2 wt.% CaO for different samples. Nd:YAG laser (wavelength 1064 nm, pulse ...
Full text: Verification of the dose delivered to a patient during radiotherapy is an important quality assurance procedure, however this is rarely performed due to the extra time involved. Electronic portal images (EPIs) are currently acquired at many centres during radiotherapy treatment for positioning verification. These could be utilised for dose verification provided 1) an accurate prediction of the dose transmitted through the patient to the EPID can be produced for the patients' radiotherapy beams, and, 2) the EPID image can be converted to an accurate measured dose. Ideally, the radiotherapy planning system (RTPS) would be used to produce the predicted dose as part of the planning procedure. The aim of this project is to investigate whether the convolution-superposition model of the Pinnacle RTPS can accurately calculate dose transmitted through a patient and deposited in a phantom at a large source to surface distance. The dose transmitted through a uniform (patient) phantom ...
Recently we have made measurements of thermonuclear burst energetics and recurrence times which are unprecedented in their precision, largely thanks to the sensitivity of the Rossi X-ray Timing Explorer. In the "Clocked Burster", GS 1826-24, hydrogen burns during the burst via the rapid-proton (rp) process, which has received particular attention in recent years through theoretical and modelling studies. The burst energies and the measured variation of alpha (the ratio of persistent to burst flux) with accretion rate strongly suggests solar metallicity in the neutron star atmosphere, although this is not consistent with the corresponding variation of the recurrence time. Possible explanations include extra heating between the bursts, or a change in the fraction of the neutron star over which accretion takes place. I also present results from 4U 1746-37, which exhibits regular burst trains which are interrupted by "out of phase" bursts.
To establish the phylogeographic relationships in rabies viruses in Brazil, we studied a dataset retrieved from GenBank consisting of 71 genetic sequences from the coding region of the N gene of rabies viruses isolated in dogs over a period of 22?years. The Bayesian Markov chain Monte Carlo method available in the BEAST package was used with the GTR+G+?4 evolutionary model in conjunction with the relaxed uncorrelated lognormal molecular clock model and an exponential growth tree prior. A discrete phylogeographic diffusion model was also analyzed using a standard continuous-time Markov chain viewed with Google Earth to provide a spatial projection of the diffusion of genetic lineages based on their phylogeographic relationships. The topology of the time and substitution phylogenetic trees a...
Conventional interconnect and switching technology is rapidly becoming a critical issue in the realization of systems using high speed silicon and GaAs based technologies. In recent years clock speeds and on-chip density for VLSI/VHSIC technology has made packaging these high speed chips extremely difficult. A strong case can be made for using optical interconnects for on-chip/on-wafer, chip-to-chip and board-to-board high speed communications. GaAs integrated optoelectronic circuits (IOC's) are being developed in a number of laboratories for performing Input/Output functions at all levels. In this paper integrated optoelectronic materials, electronics and optoelectronic devices are presented. IOC's are examined from the standpoint of what it takes to fabricate the devices and what performance can be expected.
The performance of scanning driver circuits fabricated with self-aligned aluminum gate polysilicon thin-film transistors (TFT's) is demonstrated. After the gate electrode patterning, the fabrication process temperature is kept below 400degC to enable the use of aluminum gate electrodes. The low-temperature crystallization phenomenon, which occurs when protons are implanted simultaneously with boron or phosphorus dopants, is employed to eliminate the 600degC activation-annealing process. A maximum clock frequency of about 2.0 MHz is achieved when the driver operating voltage is 24 V and the TFT channel length is 12 [mu]m. (author).
The performance of scanning driver circuits fabricated with self-aligned aluminum gate polysilicon thin-film transistors (TFT's) is demonstrated. After the gate electrode patterning, the fabrication process temperature is kept below 400degC to enable the use of aluminum gate electrodes. The low-temperature crystallization phenomenon, which occurs when protons are implanted simultaneously with boron or phosphorus dopants, is employed to eliminate the 600degC activation-annealing process. A maximum clock frequency of about 2.0 MHz is achieved when the driver operating voltage is 24 V and the TFT channel length is 12 #mu#m. (author).
A new mathematical framework is formulated to derive the effective equations of motion for the constrained quantum system which possesses an internal clock. In the realm close to classical behavior, the quantum evolution is approximated by a finite system of coupled but ordinary differential equations adhered to the weakly imposed Hamiltonian constraint. For the simplified version of loop quantum cosmology in the Bianchi I model with a free massless scalar filed, the resulting effective equations of motion affirm the bouncing scenario predicted by the previous studies: The big bang singularity is resolved and replaced by the big bounces, which take place up to three times, once in each diagonal direction, whenever the directional density approaches the critical value in the regime of Planckian density. It is also revealed that back-reaction arises from the quantum corrections and modifies the precise value of the directional density at the bouncing epoch. ...
The effective approach to quantum dynamics allows a reformulation of the Dirac quantization procedure for constrained systems in terms of an infinite-dimensional constrained system of classical type. For semiclassical approximations, the quantum constrained system can be truncated to finite size and solved by the reduced phase space or gauge-fixing methods. In particular, the classical feasibility of local internal times is directly generalized to quantum systems, overcoming the main difficulties associated with the general problem of time in the semiclassical realm. The key features of local internal times and the procedure of patching global solutions using overlapping intervals of local internal times are described and illustrated by two quantum mechanical examples. The choice of time is tantamount to a choice of gauge at the effective level and changing the clock is, therefore, equivalent to a gauge transformation. This article complements the conceptual ...
The A.C.R.O. is an association law 1901 declared at the Calvados prefecture at the date of 14. october 1986 and registered as environment protection. It was created, by more than 900 persons, in the months following the Chernobylsk accident in reaction to a lack of information and means of independent radiation monitoring. The particularity of the association is to own a laboratory of radioactivity analysis. Since the end of the nineties, the concerns include the natural sources of irradiation as the radon and apply to the consequences, out of nuclear industry, of the use of ionizing radiation or radioactive matter. On this last point, the affair of the orphan industrial site Bayard at Saint-Nicolas-d'Aliermont, massively contaminated by radium-226 devoted to the fabrication of alarm clocks, and the appearance of exemption threshold in the European law are elements at the origin of this evolution. (N.C.)
This thesis describes hadron reconstruction at the Compact Muon Solenoid (CMS) experiment at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) at CERN, Geneva. The focus is on the particle flow reconstruction of these objects. This thesis revisits the subject of the CMS calorimeters' non-linear response to hadrons. Data from testbeam experiments conducted in 2006 & 2007 is compared with simulations and substantial differences are found. A particle flow calibration to correct the energy response of the testbeam data is evaluated. The reconstructed jet response is found to change by ~ 5% when a data-driven calibration is used in place of the calibration derived from simulation. Collision data taken at the early stage of CMS' commissioning is also presented. The hadron response in data is determined to be compatible with testbeam results presented in this thesis. This thesis also details the use of neural networks to improve the energy ...
A novel method to control the mixed-mode bending (MMB) specimen is presented. By maintaining a constant opening, or Mode 1, displacement rate, stable delamination growth is achieved for all mixed-mode ratios. A constant-opening displacement rate is achieved by attaching a second displacement transducer to the hinges of the specimen. The test machine is then controlled externally by the second displacement transducer. By achieving stable delamination growth and monitoring the opening displacement, an experimental compliance calibration may be derived for the Modes 1 and 2 parts. This new approach to control the test and determine the experimental compliance calibration, overcomes the potential inaccuracies of the previously used beam theory expressions to determine compliance and to separate the modal values of G.
Solid state nuclear track detectors (SSNTD) are widely used for radon measurements and CR-39 is one of the most popular SSNTD. In this work it was determined the calibration factor for radon concentration measurements through the passive method with CR-39 detectors. The detectors were put in a proper device (an adapted Lucas cell) and exposed to the standard radon concentration through the Pylon Model RN-150 flow through radon gas source. After exposure, the detectors were etched for 5.5 hours in a KOH solution at 80 deg C in a bath at a constant temperature. The track density was read in an Axiolab-Zeiss optical microscope, with nominal magnification of X10 connected to a video camera and to a personal computer. The calibration factor was obtained through the relation between standard radon concentration, track density and exposure time. (author)
Solid state nuclear track detectors (SSNTD) are widely used for radon measurements and CR-39 is one of the most popular SSNTD. In this work it was determined the calibration factor for radon concentration measurements through the passive method with CR-39 detectors. The detectors were put in a proper device (an adapted Lucas cell) and exposed to the standard radon concentration through the Pylon Model RN-150 flow through radon gas source. After exposure, the detectors were etched for 5.5 hours in a KOH solution at 80 deg C in a bath at a constant temperature. The track density was read in an Axiolab-Zeiss optical microscope, with nominal magnification of X10 connected to a video camera and to a personal computer. The calibration factor was obtained through the relation between standard radon concentration, track density and exposure time. (author)
North American design codes are now committed to the development of load and resistance factor design (LRFD) for reinforced soil structures including internal stability limit states. Reliability-based analysis is required to carry out these calibrations. A framework for LRFD calibration has been proposed by the writers that requires bias statistics for load and resistance terms for each limit state function. In this paper the formulation of the limit state for reinforcement tensile rupture is developed and the component strength-reduction bias statistics identified. The paper describes how to compute bias statistics from project-specific installation damage trials for use in reliability-based design for the reinforcement rupture limit state or using data from multiple sources for LRFD cali...
This report describes a quality assurance program plan for the Yucca Mountain Project. Aspects of the plan include: document control, equipment maintenance and calibration, process control, audits, computer software, and inspections. (CBS)
tial/angular spreading of incident photons from a point source caused by the instrument (de- .... Filter. CDTP0001= 'DATA. ' / Type of calibration. CCNM0001= '2D_PSF ' ... the final resolution of sigma=0.5 arcmin in all energy bands. ...
We report on the spectral cross-calibration results of the Konus-Wind, the Suzaku/WAM, and the Swift/BAT instruments using simultaneously observed gamma-ray bursts (GRBs). This is the first attempt to use simultaneously observed GRBs as a spectral calibration source to understand systematic problems among the instruments. Based on these joint spectral fits, we find that 1) although a constant factor (a normalization factor) agrees within 20% among the instruments, the BAT constant factor shows a systematically smaller value by 10-20% compared to that of Konus-Wind, 2) there is a systematic trend that the low-energy photon index becomes steeper by 0.1-0.2 and Epeak becomes systematically higher by 10-20% when including the BAT data in the joint fits, and 3) the high-energy photon index agrees within 0.2 among the instruments. Our results show that cross-calibration based on joint spectral analysis is an important step to ...
We describe in a comprehensive fashion the Los Alamos second-generation system for passive and active neutron assays of drum-size containers. The developmental history of this 7-year project is presented with emphasis on the pulsed active neutron technique (differential dieaway), which has achieved milligram levels of assay sensitivity for both plutonium and uranium wastes. We describe in detail the matrix effects for both passive and active neutron assays. We present in a thorough fashion our novel approach to achieving comprehensive corrections for these matrix effects using measurements made during the assays. We develop a matrix correction formalism based on separate neutron absorption and moderator indices determined from these measurements. These are presented as a series of analytic functions fitted to the data. Absolute calibrations and calibration standards are discussed, as is a practical means (pink drum measurements) of achieving ...
... Top of page Testing Radiation coming from granite countertops results from natural radioactive material in the granite. Identifying the presence and concentration of radioactive elements in granite requires expensive and sophisticated portable instruments or laboratory equipment. These instruments and equipment require proper calibration, and interpretation of ...
The object of the test was to develop a method to field test the Exploding Bridgewire (EBW) System for proper functioning prior to use. Two basic designs were conceived and tested. The first design using a two element spark gap and a calibrated fuse link ...
This report documents the operation, maintenance, calibration, data acquisition and data reduction at the Chalk Point Meteorological Station for the period November 15, 1978 through November 15, 1979. Climatological data summaries for each month and calib...
To calibrate channels A1 to A4 for particles with Z >= 1, tests were done on the IBIS accelerator at AERE, Harwell, which gave protons up to 3 MeV. ...
The major problem of measurement of a power spectral density (PSD) distribution of the surface heights with surface profilometers arises due to the unknown Modulation Transfer Function (MTF) of the instruments. The MTF tends to distort the PSD at higher spatial frequencies. It has been suggested [Proc. SPIE 7077-7, (2007), Opt. Eng. 47 (7), 073602-1-5 (2008)] that the instrumental MTF of a surface profiler can be precisely measured using standard test surfaces based on binary pseudo-random (BPR) patterns. In the cited work, a one dimensional (1D) realization of the suggested method based on use of BPR gratings has been demonstrated. Here, we present recent achievements made in fabricating and using two-dimensional (2D) BPR arrays that allow for a direct 2D calibration of the instrumental MTF. The 2D BPRAs were used as standard test surfaces for 2D MTF calibration of the MicromapTM-570 interferometric microscope with all available objectives. ...
We present a method to make phantoms of coronary arteries for intravascular optical coherence tomography (IV-OCT). The phantoms provide a calibrated OCT response similar to the layered structure of...Full Text Available
A detailed component-based simulation model of a geothermal heat pump system has been calibrated to monitored data taken from a family housing unit located at Fort Polk, Louisiana. The simulation model represents the housing unit, geothermal heat pump, ground heat exchanger, thermostat, blower, and ground-loop pump. Each of these component models was tuned to better match the measured data from the site. These tuned models were then interconnected to form the system model. The system model was then exercised in order to demonstrate its capabilities.
A detailed component-based simulation model of a geothermal heat pump system has been calibrated to monitored data taken from a family housing unit located at Fort Polk, Louisiana. The simulation model represents the housing unit, geothermal heat pump, ground heat exchanger, thermostat, blower, and ground-loop pump. Each of these component models was 'tuned' to better match the measured data from the site. These tuned models were then interconnect to form the system model. The system model was then exercised in order to demonatrate its capabilities.
This work reports on the use of three state-of-the-art Monte Carlo codes (MCNPX, PENELOPE, FLUKA) in the efficiency calibration of a Broad-Energy Germanium (BEGe) detector. Initial discrepancies found between the experimental and computational efficiency values are related to the poor knowledge of some physical parameters of the detector (dead-layers, crystal dimensions, etc.). As a consequence, a sensitivity analysis was carried out. Each parameter was systematically analyzed, and an accurate model of the detector was determined. The obtained results are consistent, allowing this model to be used in computational efficiency calibrations of the equipment at stake.
PAMELA is a space telescope orbiting around the Earth since June 2006. The scientific objectives addressed by the mission are the measurement of the antiprotons and positrons spectra in cosmic rays, the hunt for anti-nuclei as well as the determination of light nuclei fluxes from Hydrogen to Oxygen in a wide energy range and with very high statistics. In this paper the charge discrimination capabilities of the PAMELA Time-Of-Flight system for light nuclei, determined during a beam test calibration, will be presented.
Moisture profiles from neutron probe data provide valuable information in site characterization and to supplement ground water monitoring efforts. The neutron probe precision error (reproducibility) is found to be about 0.2 vol% under in situ field conditions where the slope in moisture content with depth is varying slowly. This error is about 2 times larger near moisture spikes (e.g., at the vapor phase notch), due to the sensitivity of the probe response to vertical position errors on the order of 0.5 inches. Calibrations were performed to correct the downhole probe response to the volumetric moisture content determined on core samples. Calibration is sensitive to borehole diameter and casing type, requiring 3 separate calibration relations for the boreholes surveyed here. Power law fits were used for calibration in this study to assure moisture content results greater than zero. Findings in the ...
This thesis presents the work achieved to instrument the ATLAS software framework, ATHENA, with a library of tools and utensils for the physics analysis as well as the extraction of the jet energy scale using physics events (in-situ calibration). The software part presents the various components of the ATHENA framework which handles the simulated and reconstructed data flow as well as the different stages of this process, before and during the data taking. The building of a library of tools easing the reconstruction of physics objects, their association with Monte-Carlo particles and their API is then explained. The need for common language and collaboration-wide utensils is emphasised as it allows to share the workload of validating these tools and to get reproducible physics results. The analysis part deals with the implementation of a light jet energy scale calibration algorithm within the C++ framework. This calibration ...
Primary standardisation was performed on a solution of "1"8F using the 4#pi##beta#-#gamma# coincidence counting efficiency-tracing extrapolation method with "6"0Co used as a tracer nuclide. The result was used to calibrate the ANSTO secondary standard ionisation chamber which is used to disseminate Australian activity standards for gamma emitters. Using the secondary activity standard for "1"8F, the Capintec CRC-712M dose calibrator at the Australian National Medical Cyclotron (NMC) Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Quality Control (QC) Section was calibrated. The dial setting number recommended by the manufacturer for the measurement of the activity of "1"8F is 439. In this work, the dial setting numbers for the activity measurement of the solution of "1"8F in Wheaton vials were experimentally determined to be 443+/-12, 446+/-12, 459+/-11, 473+/-15 for 0.1, 1, 4.5 and 9ml solution volumes, respectively. The uncertainties ...
The author compares the UHF Follow-on and MILSTAR satellite communication systems. The comparison uses an analytical hierarchy process. Although the two systems have been tasked with different missions, a comparison of cost, capability, and orbit is condu...
Source-term codes to predict the release of radionuclides from nuclear waste packages have been developed and implemented worldwide. A survey and initial comparison of the attributes and capabilities of 13 international source-term codes was recently completed. This preliminary analysis focused on comparison of transport factors/processes and solution methods. This initial comparison is a necessary first step in a properly-conceived, systematic benchmarking of source-term codes. Advantages of such a comparison include assurance of the mathematical correctness of implemented models, comparison and quantification of variances introduced by different types of simplifications, and identification and quantification of the impact of near-field processes.
On-orbit spectral calibration of hyperspectral imaging data is a key step for quantitatively analyzing them. Like the atmospheric correction, accurate spectral calibration is very necessary for improved studies of land or ocean surface properties. Based on the previous literatures, a new method which coupled an optimization algorithm was developed to simultaneously retrieve the central wavelength and the full width at half maximum (FWHM) of the hyperspectral sensor without needing the in situ reflectance spectra. Firstly, the Hyperion data set simulated using MODTRAN4 with the Hyperion spectral specification was used to test the new method, and the results indicated that the maximum error was less than 0.1 and 0.7 nm for central wavelength and FWHM respectively when the spectral shift is 5 nm. Then the algorithm was applied to the Hyperion data acquired on May 20, 2008 over Heihe River Basin and it was iteratively performed for each detector of ...
The effect of measurement geometry on the determination of the activity of solutions containing "1"2"5I for use in brachytherapy applications has been investigated for 5 mL plastic syringes and 2 mL conical glass dose vials as a function of filling mass. New dial settings for the syringes over a filling mass range of 1 to 3 g have been determined to be 497#+-#8 and 469#+-#8 (expanded, k=2, uncertainties) for the NIST Capintec CRC-12 and Capintec CRC-35R, respectively, with any effect due to the filling mass lying within the uncertainty in the activity calibration. A filling mass effect was observed in the dose vials, causing a 10.5% reduction in the chamber response from a 2 g filling mass to 1 g. Dial settings at 2 g were experimentally found to be 143#+-#2 and 135#+-#2 (expanded uncertainties) for the NIST Capintec CRC-12 and Capintec CRC-35R, respectively. The appropriate dial settings for the same vials with a 1 g filling mass were found to be 120#+-#2 and ...
In large samples, the {gamma}-ray count rate of a prompt gamma neutron activation analysis system is a multi-variable function of the elemental dry composition, density, water content and thickness of the material. The experimental calibration curves require tremendous laboratory work, using a great number of standards with well-known compositions. Although a Monte Carlo simulation study does not avoid the experimental calibration work, it reduces the number of experimental calibration standards. This paper is part of a feasibility study for a PGNAA system for on-line continuous characterisation of cement raw material conveyed on a belt (Oliveira, C., Salgado, J. and Carvalho, F. G. (1997) Optimisation of PGNAA instrument design for cement raw materials using the MCNP code. J. Radioanal. Nucl. Chem. 216(2), 191-198; Oliveira, C., Salgado, J., Goncalves, I. F., Carvalho, F. G. and Leitao, F. (1997a) A Monte Carlo study of ...
Calibration-Free Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (CF-LIBS) has been proposed several years ago as an approach for quantitative analysis of Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy spectra. Recently developed refinement of the spectral processing method is described in the present work. Accurate quantitative results have been demonstrated for several metallic alloys. However, the degree of accuracy that can be achieved with Calibration-Free Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy analysis of generic samples still needs to be thoroughly investigated. The authors have undertaken a systematic study of errors and biasing factors affecting the calculation in the Calibration-Free Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy spectra processing. These factors may be classified in three main groups: 1) experimental aberrations (intensity fluctuations and inaccuracy in the correction for spectral efficiency of a detection system), 2) inaccuracy ...
Calibration-Free Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (CF-LIBS) has been proposed several years ago as an approach for quantitative analysis of Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy spectra. Recently developed refinement of the spectral processing method is described in the present work. Accurate quantitative results have been demonstrated for several metallic alloys. However, the degree of accuracy that can be achieved with Calibration-Free Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy analysis of generic samples still needs to be thoroughly investigated. The authors have undertaken a systematic study of errors and biasing factors affecting the calculation in the Calibration-Free Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy spectra processing. These factors may be classified in three main groups: 1) experimental aberrations (intensity fluctuations and inaccuracy in the correction for spectral efficiency of a detection system), 2) inaccuracy ...
Comparisons have been made between Buddhism and the philosophy of science in general, but there have been only a few attempts to draw comparisons directly with the philosophy of radical behaviorism....Full Text Available
BackgroundMany molecules of interest are flexible and undergo significant shape deformation as part of their function, but most existing methods of molecular shape comparison (MSC)...Full Text Available
W. Wayne Scott and R. G. Alsmiller, Jr. RADIATION SHIELDING ..... W. Wayne Scott and R. G. Alsmiller, Jr., "Comparisons of Results Ob- tained with Several ...
A comparison of the results of machine and human information retrieval using MEDLARS and the printed Index Medicus indicates that at present neither method is entirely satisfactory...Full Text Available
Recent proposals have shown that a quantum degenerate gas of alkaline earth atoms can be used for a number of novel quantum computing and quantum simulation experiments. Strontium is a good candidate for such experiments because it can be controlled with high precision, as demonstrated in recent atomic clock experiments. Unfortunately, the small scattering length of strontium is not amenable to evaporative cooling techniques that are used to reach quantum degeneracy. Furthermore, increasing the scattering length of alkaline earths with a magnetic Feshbach resonance is not possible due to their spinless electronic ground state configuration. However, recent theoretical and experimental work suggests the possibility of changing scattering lengths in alkaline earths with laser light. Using this optical Feshbach resonance near strontium's narrow ^1S0->^3P1 intercombination transition might allow its scattering length to be controlled without significant atom loss. ...
The LHC magnet tests operation team developed various innovative techniques, particularly since early 2004, to complete the superconductor magnet tests by Feb. 2007. Overall and cryogenic priority handling, rapid on-bench thermal cycling, rule-based goodness evaluation on round-the-clock basis, multiple, mashed web systems are some of these techniques applied with rigour for successful tests completion in time. This paper highlights these operation empowerment tools which had a pivotal role for success. A priority handling method was put in place to enable maximum throughput from twelve test benches, having many different constraints. For the cryogenics infrastructure, it implied judicious allocation of limited resources to the benches. Rapid On-Bench Thermal Cycle was a key strategy to accelerate magnets tests throughput, saving time and simplifying logistics. First level magnet appraisal was developed for 24 hr decision making so as to prepare a magnet further ...
This paper presents experimental investigations of the all-optical synchronization of a distributed Bragg reflector (DBR) laser self-pulsating at 40GHz on various injected bit-rate signals. Even though there is no modulation applied to this laser, it exhibits a modulation of its output emission, measured at 39.7GHz with a linewidth of 30MHz. Such performance is exploited in all-optical clock recovery for a return-to-zero data stream at 40Gbit/s. The SP-DBR laser wavelength and the injected signal wavelength are 10nm apart. All-optical synchronization is demonstrated at 40Gbit/s with a linewidth of less than 20MHz for injected signals at 10 and 20Gbit/s, respectively. Thus the SP-DBR laser proves to be very versatile and can be synchronized on various bit-rate data signals.
Fixed-complexity Sphere Decoder (FSD) is a recently proposed technique for Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MIMO) detection. It has several outstanding features such as constant throughput and large potential parallelism, which makes it suitable for efficient VLSI implementation. However, to our best knowledge, no VLSI implementation of FSD has been reported in the literature, although some FPGA prototypes of FSD with pipeline architecture have been developed. These solutions achieve very high throughput but at very high cost of hardware resources, making them impractical in real applications. In this paper, we present a novel four-nodes-per-cycle parallel architecture of FSD, with a breadth-first processing that allows for short critical path. The implementation achieves a throughput of 213.3 Mbps at 400 MHz clock frequency, at a cost of 0.18 mm2 Silicon area on 0.13{\\mu}m CMOS technology. The proposed solution is much more economical compared with the existing ...
We report on recent inter-calibration studies featuring Swift's Burst Alert Telescope (BAT) and Fermi's Gamma-ray Burst Monitor (GBM) based upon correlated observations of GRBs 080804 and 080810, via their resultant joint spectral analysis. Swift's intrinsic multi-wavelength instrumentation and dynamical response complement Fermi's superior energy range. The addition of BAT's spectral response will (i) facilitate in-orbit GBM detector response calibration, (ii) augment Fermi's low energy sensitivity, (iii) enable ground-based follow-up efforts of Fermi GRBs, and (iv) help identify a subset of GRBs discovered via off-line GBM data analysis, for an annual estimate of ~30 GRBs. The synergy of BAT and GBM augments previous successful joint spectral fit efforts by enabling the study of peak photon energies (Epeak), while leveraging the over eleven energy decades afforded by Fermi's Large Area Telescope (LAT), in conjunction with Swift's X-Ray (XRT) ...
ALICE (A Large Ion Collider Experiment) is the heavy-ion detector designed to study the physics of strongly interacting matter and the quark-gluon plasma at the CERN Large Hadron Collider (LHC). Some specific calibration tasks are performed regularly for each of the 18 ALICE sub-detectors in order to achieve most accurate physics measurements. These procedures involve events analysis in a wide range of experimental conditions, implicating various trigger types, data throughputs, electronics settings, and algorithms, both during short sub-detector standalone runs and long global physics runs. A framework was designed to collect statistics and compute some of the calibration parameters directly online, using resources of the Data Acquisition System (DAQ), and benefiting from its inherent parallel architecture to process events. This system has been used at the experimental area for one year, and includes more than 30 ...
Since 1958, the AlliedSignal Federal Manufacturing and Technologies (FM and T) Metrology Department has developed measurement technology and calibration capability in four major areas of measurement: mechanical; environmental, gas, liquid; electrical (D.C., A.C., RF/microwave); and optical and radiation. The capabilities developed include unique capabilities in many areas of measurement and engineering expertise to develop measurement techniques and resolve measurement problems in these major areas. FM and T Metrology was established in 1958 to provide a measurement base for the Department of energy`s Kansas City Plant. The Metrology Engineering Department provides the expertise to develop measurement capabilities for virtually any type of measurement which falls into the broad areas listed above. The engineering staff currently averages almost 16 years of measurement experience. A strong audit function has been developed to provide a means to evaluate the ...
Versatility of the TRNSYS software program, the ease with which new components can be incorporated into the software, and its application to simulate heat pump systems was discussed. A case history was described in which the package, augmented by the addition of several recent large-scale heat pump projects, was used in calibrating a residential geothermal heat pump system at a military housing project in Fort Polk, LA. The project involved retrofitting over 4000 air source heat pumps with geothermal heat pumps in an energy savings performance contract. The calibration of the component models led to a system model which accurately predicts the performance of the geothermal heat pump. The lessons learned from the calibration exercise were used to help to predict the energy savings from one of the electric feeders at the base which serves some 200 of the 4000+ apartments. Energy savings estimates within one per cent of the ...
A highly reliable screening method was developed for the determination of lead in tin plated layers and tin-bismuth plated layers. The contents of lead in the layers of the various samples were determined by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry. The calibration curve for lead in the tin and tin-bismuth plated layers by using WD-XRF exhibited linear correlation from 130 #mu#g/g to 2070 #mu#g/g. Calibration curve of lead normalized with Pb-L#alpha#/Sn-K#alpha# intensity was more linear, and this method was possible to evaluate very small sample. The calibration curve for lead in the tin plated layers by using ED-XRF was good linearly, but it for lead in the tin-bismuth plated layers was affected by Pb-L#alpha# spectrum and Bi-L#alpha# spectrum overlap each other. It was effective for decreasing affect of Bi-L#alpha# spectrum by using curve fitting method. (author)
The aim of this paper is offering a critical review of Calibration-Free Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (CF-LIBS), the approach of multi-elemental quantitative analysis of LIBS spectra, based on the measurement of line intensities and plasma properties (plasma electron density and temperature) and on the assumption of a Boltzmann population of excited levels, which does not require the use of calibration curves or matrix-matched standards. The first part of this review focuses on the applications of the CF-LIBS method. Quantitative results reported in the literature, obtained in the analysis of various materials and in a wide range of experimental conditions, are summarized, with a special emphasis on the departure from nominal composition values. The second part is a discussion of the simplifying assumptions which lie at the basis of the CF-LIBS algorithm (stoichiometric ablation and complete atomization, thermal equilibrium, homogeneous ...
The aim of this paper is offering a critical review of Calibration-Free Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (CF-LIBS), the approach of multi-elemental quantitative analysis of LIBS spectra, based on the measurement of line intensities and plasma properties (plasma electron density and temperature) and on the assumption of a Boltzmann population of excited levels, which does not require the use of calibration curves or matrix-matched standards. The first part of this review focuses on the applications of the CF-LIBS method. Quantitative results reported in the literature, obtained in the analysis of various materials and in a wide range of experimental conditions, are summarized, with a special emphasis on the departure from nominal composition values. The second part is a discussion of the simplifying assumptions which lie at the basis of the CF-LIBS algorithm (stoichiometric ablation and complete atomization, thermal equilibrium, homogeneous ...
Reactor Power Measurement is an essential part of the Reactor Power Control Loop in PHWRs. None of the available power measuring sensor offers characteristics which allow their direct use in the Reactor Power Control Loop. Thermal power, which is considered as relatively accurate, suffers from measurement delays and is used only as reference. Neutronic power sensors like Ion Chambers and Self Powered Neutron Detectors (SPNDs) which sense instantaneous power suffer from inaccuracies. A technique is required which makes use of both types-reference power and instantaneous power to extract real power information from the signals. This paper describes techniques to calibrate (correct) neutronic power that with the thermal reference power signals. The paper also brings out limitation of the calibration technique. (author)
We observed at 22 GHz with the VLBI array VERA a sample of 1536 sources with correlated flux densities brighter than 200 mJy at 8 GHz. One half of target sources has been detected. The detection limit was around 200 mJy. We derived the correlated flux densities of 877 detected sources in three ranges of projected baseline lengths. The objective of these observations was to determine the suitability of given sources as phase calibrators for dual-beam and phase-referencing observations at high frequencies. Preliminary results indicate that the number of compact extragalactic sources at 22 GHz brighter than a given correlated flux density level is twice less than at 8 GHz.
Some factors affecting the accuracy of magnitude calibration of palaeoearthquakes are discussed. The general problem is illustrated by two case studies. First, the 2003 strong earthquake in the Altai region (Russia-Mongolia border), which has generated co-seismic surface faulting is considered. An analysis is conducted to determine how accurately its magnitude could be defined after 2000 years based on surface faulting parameters, retrieved when future palaeoearthquake studies are launched. This example demonstrates that accurate evaluation of magnitude is possible if specific regional seismotectonic features are taken into account and surface faulting parameters are measured over a dense grid. Next, the Muya earthquake that occurred in the Baikal seismic region in 1957 is studied with res...
To more accurately measure fluorescent signals from microarrays, we calibrated our acquisition and analysis systems by using groundtruth samples comprised of known quantities of red and green gene-specific DNA probes hybridized to cDNA targets. We imaged the slides with a full-field, white light CCD imager and analyzed them with our custom analysis software. Here we compare, for multiple genes, results obtained with and without preprocessing (alignment, color crosstalk compensation, dark field subtraction, and integration time). We also evaluate the accuracy of various image processing and analysis techniques (background subtraction, segmentation, quantitation and normalization). This methodology calibrates and validates our system for accurate quantitative measurement of microarrays. Specifically, we show that preprocessing the images produces results significantly closer to the known ground-truth for these samples.
Abstract Mammalian teeth exhibit incremental structures representing successive forming fronts of enamel at varying time scales, including a short daily increment called a cross striation and a long period called a stria of Retzius, the latter of which, in humans, occurs on average every 8-9 days. The number of daily increments between striae is called the repeat interval, which is the same period as that required to form one increment of bone, i.e. the lamella, the fundamental - if not archetypal - unit of bone. Lamellae of known formation time nevertheless vary in width, and thus their measures provide time-calibrated growth rate variability. We measured growth rate variability for as many as 6 years of continuously forming primary incremental lamellar bone from midshaft femur histologic...
The present paper describes the development of a radon standard source for use in establishing the traceability of radon concentration measurements in air. Previously, radon generated by bubbling air through a radium salt solution was widely used for calibration of radon measurement equipment; however, the handling of a solid-phase radon source is easier. In the present study, the radioactivity of radon released in a vapor phase was determined from the difference between the radioactivity of the radium and the residual radon progenies in the source. A germanium detector, calibrated using gamma reference sources, was used for these radioactivity measurements. Under equilibrium conditions the radioactivity of the radon released from the radium source was found to be 988 Bq. The source was sealed in a stainless-steel container having a nominal capacity of 6 l to produce a radon standard source of density of 167.5 [Bq/l].
Tank calibration experiments have been carried out using a mock-up input accountancy tank with the object of developing a high accuracy solution volume measurement technique for Rokkasho Reprocessing Plant (RRP). The experimental parameters such as temperature, solution density, off gas pressure and so on have been fluctuated in the calibration experiments in order to evaluate the influence on the solution volume measurement. As a result, it was confirmed that the solution volume measurement error of the mock-up tank was within #+-#0.04% (at full volume) using careful data correction technique for measured data. For the high accuracy volume measurement at RRP, it is important to correct data properly taking account of the actual conditions such as uncontrollable ambient temperature that are different from the experiment. (author)
Derivative spectrophotometry and bivariate calibration algorithm were used for study of run of photooxidation of levomepromazine hydrochloride (LV). The actual concentrations of LV and its main degradation product levomepromazine sulphoxide (LV-SO) were calculated using data provided by applied methods. The direct reading of absorbance values at 302nm and 334nm were employed for quantification of LV and LV-SO, respectively, in the case of bivariate method. The derivative spectrophotometric method is based on transformation of zero-order spectra into first derivative. The values of first derivative at 334nm were used for quantification of LV while at 278nm for assay of LV-SO. The obtained quantitative data were applied for investigation of kinetics of photodegradation of LV.
The /sup 252/Cf-source-driven noise analysis method determines the subcriticality of a system containing fissionable material from the ratio of cross power spectral densities between the detectors that detect particles from the fission process and between these detectors and an ionization chamber containing a spontaneously fissioning neutron source which provides neutrons to induce fission in the system. This method has two advantages: (1) a calibration is not required and thus subcriticality can be determined from measurements only on the subcritical system of interest, and (2) the subcriticality is independent of the type of detector or its efficiency. These properties of this technique are illustrated by measurements.
0.5% (one sigma) for scan angles less than 55.84 degrees off nadir ... Two polarization sheets and one blocking filter were used .... Polarization factors of different detectors in a given band cross and the cross point ...
This paper describes a feasibility demonstration of a thermal scanning NDE system for thermal spray coatings. Non-bonds were detected between several types of coatings and their substrates. Aluminum anti-skid coatings having very rough surfaces were included. A technique for producing known non-bond areas for calibrating and demonstrating NDE methods was developed.
Phenomenological accountancy of quanta-electrodynamic corrections by means of introduction into multielectron theory of short-term potential, the parameters whereof are calibrated in such a way that provides for correct reproduction of the Lamb shift of the 1s-orbital energy for a correspondingly selected effective charge is developed by example of d-line of Na-like multicharged ions.
An irradiation head with sample holders is described and measurement geometry is reported. Measurements were made for optimizing the distance between the source and the sample and for optimizing the sample diameter. The optimal distance between the source and the sample does not depend on the collimator diameter. The sample diameter should not exceed 30 - 35 mm. Sensitivity and detection limits were determined for Zn, Pb and Br and calibration curves were plotted. (M.D.) 6 figs., 2 tabs., 4 refs.
The DOE-Idaho Operations Office (DOE-ID) has prepared an environmental assessment (EA) on the replacement of the Idaho National Engineering Laboratory Health Physics Instrumentation Laboratory at the Idaho National Engineering Laboratory (INEL). The purpose of this project is to replace the existing Health Physics Instrumentation Laboratory (HPIL) with a new facility to provide a safe environment for maintaining and calibrating radiation detection instruments used at the Idaho National Engineering Laboratory. The existing HPIL facility provides portable health physics monitoring instrumentation and direct reading dosimetry procurement, maintenance and calibration of radiation detection instruments, and research and development support-services to the INEL and others. However, the existing facility was not originally designed for laboratory activities and does not provide an adequate, safe environment for calibration ...
This paper presents the regulatory experience gained from Wolsong Units 2,3 and 4 - Special Safety System Instrumentation Uncertainty for Trip Setpoint and Allowable Values. The equipment diversity method for the defense against common mode failure was applied to the transmitters of shutdown system number 2. However the Units experienced an unexpected drift problem with which the performance did not meet the Technical Specification (Tech Spec) Surveillance Requirements (SR). Discussed are the background, status and corrective actions, regulatory positions and issues to be solved for the drift problem. It was an instrument uncertainty methodology that the designer of safety system should have shown when the drift problem occurred. For deeper understanding of the problem, we present the background of Tech Spec SR for setpoints in Korean PWR and in CANDU reactors. The Setpoint Verification Test(SVT) and Calibration Test(CT) shall be achieved by recording sufficient ...
The spectrometric methods and equipment for "2"0"1Pb and "2"0"1Tl activity control in the prepared thallium chloride in industrial production are described. Estimation of thallium-201 activity is carried out in accord with the square of summary photopeak caused by #gamma#-quanta at 167 keV energy. Attenuation is paid to spectrometer calibration. 5 refs.; 2 figs.; 2 tabs.
The fission gas xenon bonded in bubbles, in pore, and in the lattice of mixed carbide fuels is measured by electron-probe microanalysis. Radial xenon distribution and release curves are determined and are calibrated by gas chromatography of the bonded fission gas and by burnup analysis in the respective pin sections of the irradiation experiments FR2 6A and 6C, Mol 11/K 2, and DFR 330/1. The results are correlated to the microstructure of the fuel, bonding medium, temperature, and burnup. (Auth.).
Nov 16, 2010 ... In situ observations are usually made point-wise and the problem in using ...... also discussion of adaptive filtering in Section 4.1.2 of the L4_SM ...... L2-SR -265 SMAP shall provide a Level 1C radar sigma-0 product ...
Electron spin resonance (ESR) dosimetry of irradiated chicken legs is based on the additive dose or the calibration curve methods. In both cases the practical assumption is made that the behaviour of the chicken bone does not depend on factors such as temperature during irradiation, storage conditions and dose rate. So the aim of the present work was to investigate to what extent the above mentioned factors could influence the post-irradiation dose assessment using the ESR technique. (author).
Decision-making is strongly based on modelling in two of our water supply projects concerning artificial ground water. The model used is a 2-dimensional flow and transport model using the element method. Due to sharp variations in Finnish soils, the modelling process is based on careful and detailed evaluation of basic hydrogeological data before and during model calibration.
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.
Radionuclide x-ray fluorescence analysis was used for the determination of Y, Ba and Cu in thin high-temperature superconducting films. Atomic emission ICP spectrometry was used to estimate the precision and accuracy of analytical results. Reasonable agreement between both methods was obtained when a polynomial calibration curve was applied. (author) 4 refs.; 4 tabs.
This paper investigates the spectral characteristics of three-dimensionally porous carbon dioxide indicators based on a porous silicate glass and phenolphthalein. The absorption spectra of the original solutions of phenolphthalein in alkaline and acid solutions are shown. The solutions were acidified by bubbling CO/sub 2/ through an alkaline phenolphthalein solution. The authors have succeeded in producing a reversible colorimetric adsorption indicator for carbon dioxide which after proper calibration enables the CO/sub 2/ content of an atmosphere to be estimated quantitatively.
In this paper, the adaptive optics (AO) system at Keck Observatory is characterized. The AO system is described in detail. The physical parameters of the lenslets, CCD and deformable mirror, the calibration procedures and the signal processing algorithms are explained. Results of sky performance tests are presented: the AO system is shown to deliver images with an average Strehl ratio of up to 0.37 at 1.59 {micro}m using a bright guide star. An error budget that is consistent with the observed image quality is presented.
The theory of neutron moderation and spectroscopy are briefly reviewed, and moderators that are useful for Bonner sphere spectrometers are discussed. The choice of the neutron detector for a Bonner sphere spectrometer is examined. Spectral deconvolution methods are briefly reviewed, including derivative, parametric, quadrature, and Monte Carlo methods. Calibration is then discussed. (LEW)
Various examples of applications of these two techniques are described. A part of them are related to the analysis of adsorbed layers formed during gaz-metal interactions. The others are concerned with the analysis of passive films formed during dry and wet corrosion. Problems related to the calibration of these techniques are discussed.
An instrument has been constructed for the measurement of residual stress in steel. If necessary, large objects can be examined in situ. An account is given of the principles and construction. A special stressing frame provides for calibration. An application to residual stress in gear blanks has established a systematic variation of surface stress with nickel content and confirmed the overall effect of the surface hardening treatment.
Resistive analogous meters for spatial and time characteristics in ocean agitation are most often used in practical oceanography in coastal zones but are based on bridge circuits determined to have shortcomings in their linearity range. This shortcoming is eliminated in the circuit of an instrument developed in an oceanographic laboratory (IMIO, Vana). Principle and block circuits are indicated, and static calibration curves are presented as are the correlative functions in the frequency spectrums obtained with the help of sea agitation recorded at a fixed point and at a depth of 6 meters.
This report describes modelling where the hydrological modelling system MIKE SHE has been used to describe surface hydrology, near-surface hydrogeology, advective transport mechanisms, and the contact between groundwater and surface water within the SKB site investigation area at Laxemar. In the MIKE SHE system, surface water flow is described with the one-dimensional modelling tool MIKE 11, which is fully and dynamically integrated with the groundwater flow module in MIKE SHE. In early 2008, a supplementary data set will be available and a process of updating, rebuilding and calibrating the MIKE SHE model based on this data set will start. Before the calibration on the new data begins, it is important to gather as much knowledge as possible on calibration methods, and to identify critical calibration parameters and areas within the model that require special attention. In this project, the MIKE SHE ...
In various situations, measurements in prompt gamma neutron activation analysis (PGNAA) are performed to determine the amount of an elemental impurity relative to that of a major constituent of the matrix. An example of this is the measurement of hydrogen concentration in a metallic matrix. In all such cases, a major contributor to the uncertainty in the measurement is the uncertainty in the ratio of the high-purity germanium (HPGe) detector full-energy peak efficiency for the gamma-ray lines of interest (i.e., impurity and matrix gammas). Usually, the ratio is derived from the relative peak efficiency curve, which is determined using isotopic standards that emit multiple gamma ray lines (e.g., "1"5"2Eu) in the energy range <3000 keV, or using prompt gamma radionuclides (e.g., "1"4N, "3"5Cl) in the energy range >3000 keV. In either case, the uncertainty in the ratio of the peak efficiency values derived from such measurements will be on the order of a few percent at best because ...
The ability to directly compare gastric ulcerated and healthy tissue would aid in the understanding of the physiological differences between these tissue types. Presently, these comparisons...Full Text Available
A short account is given of the difficulties encountered in temperature measurement of boundary layers and a comparison of two types of thermometers, an infrared radiometer and mercury in glass thermometer. (Author)
This paper introduces the inter-comparison results of some environmental radioactivity monitoring items for Daya Bay nuclear power plant. The inter-comparison was organized by China Institute for Radiation Protection and five laboratories participated in it. The compared items included total #beta# in kelp and sediment, "3H in water, "9"0Sr in soil, artificial nuclides "1"1"0"mAg, "2"4"1Am, "1"0"9Cd, "5"7Co in kelp and sediment. Inter-comparison results are analyzed as well
A comparison was made of the advantages and disadvantages of two codes, SAND-II and FERRET, for determining the neutron flux spectrum and uncertainty from experimental dosimeter measurements as anticipated in the FFTF Reactor Characterization Program. This comparison involved an examination of the methodology and the operational performance of each code. The merits of each code were identified with respect to theoretical basis, directness of method, solution uniqueness, subjective influences, and sensitivity to various input parameters.
Nuclear fuel cycle activities of the former Soviet Union (FSU) have resulted in massive contamination of the environment in western Siberia. We are developing three-dimensional numerical models of the hydrogeology and potential contaminant migration in the West Siberian Basin. Our long-term goal at Pacific Northwest Laboratory is to help determine future environmental and human impacts given the releases that have occurred to date and the current waste management practices. In FY 1993, our objectives were to (1) refine and implement the hydrogeologic conceptual models of the regional hydrogeology of western Siberia developed in FY 1992 and develop the detailed, spatially registered digital geologic and hydrologic databases to test them, (2) calibrate the computer implementation of the conceptual models developed in FY 1992, and (3) develop general geologic and hydrologic information and preliminary hydrogeologic conceptual models relevant to the more detailed ...
Energy savings performance contracting (ESPC) is now receiving greater attention as a means of implementing large-scale energy conservation projects in housing. Opportunities for such projects exist for military housing, federally subsidized low-income housing, and planned communities (condominiums, townhomes, senior centers), to name a few. Accurate prior (to construction) estimates of the energy savings in these projects reduce risk, decrease financing costs, and help avoid post-construction disputes over performance contract baseline adjustments. This paper demonstrates an improved method of estimating energy savings before construction takes place. Using an engineering model calibrated to pre-construction energy-use data collected in the field, this method is able to predict actual energy savings to a high degree of accuracy. This is verified with post-construction energy-use data from a geothermal heat pump ESPC at Fort Polk, Louisiana. This method also allows ...
Energy savings performance contracting (ESPC) is now receiving greater attention as a means of implementing large-scale energy conservation projects in housing. Opportunities for such projects exist for military housing, federally subsidized low-income housing, and planned communities (condominiums, townhomes, senior centers), to name a few. Accurate prior (to construction) estimates of the energy savings in these projects reduce risk, decrease financing costs, and help avoid post-construction disputes over performance contract baseline adjustments. This paper demonstrates an improved method of estimating energy savings before construction takes place. Using an engineering model calibrated to pre-construction energy-use data collected in the field, this method is able to predict actual energy savings to a high degree of accuracy. This is verified with post-construction energy-use data from a geothermal heat pump ESPC at Fort Polk, Louisiana. This method also allows ...
The use of capacitance sensors for measuring phase concentrations in two-phase flow has gained popularity in recent years. In designing such sensors, there are many issues which must be considered in order to optimize performance: two-phase flow regime, permittivity of the phases, duct geometry, electrical shielding, desired spacial resolution of film thickness, and temperature variation in the flow field. These design issues are discussed and are used to optimize the design of a capacitance sensor which is used to measure vapor volume fraction in annular, two-phase vertical upflow and downflow in a square duct. The sensor was tested and implemented in a 12.7 mm square duct mounted in a flow boiling facility containing FC-72, a low permittivity dielectric fluid ({epsilon}{sub r} = 1.75). Using analytical modeling, an adjustable-length, parallel-plate design was developed and refined to achieve good sensitivity to flow conditions. The sensor output was calibrated ...
Full text. Here we present a status report of the Schenberg antenna, which started commissioning runs in September 2006 under the full support of FAPESP. In its first commissioning runs we tested three preliminary parametric transducer systems, which did not achieve a high enough performance for placing the antenna sensitivity in the range of the calibrator capacitor. Instead of improving the calibrator, making it capable of introducing a larger input force, we decided to go to a radical upgrading operation: replacing the three transducers for a complete set of six transducers, with better sensitivity and arranged according to the truncated icosahedron configuration, plus two extra ones; starting to install the dilution refrigerator; installing wires, cables, and amplifiers for the complete set of transducer circuits; and a new suspension and vibration isolation system for the cabling and microstrip antennas. We also have been developing a new ...
Local cardiac glucose utilization (LCarGU) was quantified in the rat heart according to the Sokoloff model and local cardiac blood flow (LCarBF) according to the /sup 14/C-iodoantipyrine method. For quantitative autoradiography calibration curves for heart slices were performed. They differed from the brain calibration curves by 8%. The lumped constant was 0.377 in isolated working hearts. LCarGU and LCarBF could then be quantified in awake rats. At different locations mean LCarGU of different hearts varied from 85 to 200 ..mu..moles/100g/min and mean LCarBF from 390 to 831 ml/100g/min. The ratio subendocardial/subepicardial glucose utilization or blood flow was not systematically different from 1. The results indicate that glucose can be an important fuel in the heart of the awake rat, although its contribution to overall metabolism varies from animal to animal.
Measurements were carried out for calibration and performance testing of a set of 10 electronic personal dosimeters (EPDs) at the Secondary Standard Dosimetry Laboratory of Sudan. Calibrations were carried out at three X-ray beam qualities described in ISO standard 4037 in addition to 137Cs and 60Co gamma ray beams. The experimental was performed with EPDs mounted on ICRU Slab phantom. X-ray and ?-ray beams were characterized in terms of air kerma free-in-air which were converted to the known delivered personal dose equivalent, Hp(10) using appropriate the air kerma to personal dose equivalent conversion coefficients. Dosimeters tested showed excellent energy and angular response and relative error of indication within the recommended limit for photon energies from 65 keV to 1.25 MeV. The study showed encouraging results for using electronic dosimeters in personal dosimetry.
The in-flight wavelength calibration for the Ozone Monitoring Instrument is discussed. The observed variability in the wavelength scale is two orders of magnitude larger than caused by temperature changes in the instrument. These wavelength variations are the result of rapid changes in time in the radiance levels during an individual observation in the presence of clouds or snow and ice. We have developed a data processing method to account and correct for these changes. In February 2005 this correction was implemented in the official data processing stream. We explain in detail how and how accurately this method works. Before correction, the error in the wavelength scale can be as much as a few tenths of a pixel; after correction it is mostly less than 1/100th of a pixel, which is the required preflight accuracy. This means that higher-level products such as the total column amounts of ozone, NO2, and SO2 are not significantly affected. It is expected that these ...
A pilot project was started in 1977 over the Lake Superior basin to measure water storage on the land area using aerial gamma-ray spectrometry to provide hydrologic information for forecasting inflow to the lake. Two airborne surveys were made, respectively in November 1977 and March 1978 which provided estimates of the increase in snow water equivalent between these surveys. The basin is located on the Canadian Shield and consequently, the gamma radiation count rate is quite variable. The airborne results are compared with ground measurements on selected flight lines and show generally good agreement. Two equipment calibrations in the Ottawa area provided inconsistent parameter values which are consequently also reflected in the results over the Lake Superior basin. The project has demonstrated to-date that the technique can be developed into an operational system for measuring snow cover water equivalent of this vast and remote area by using well ...
Wireless sensor networks can revolutionize soil ecology by providing measurements at temporal and spatial granularities previously impossible. This paper presents a soil monitoring system we developed and deployed at an urban forest in Baltimore as a first step towards realizing this vision. Motes in this network measure and save soil moisture and temperature in situ every minute. Raw measurements are periodically retrieved by a sensor gateway and stored in a central database where calibrated versions are derived and stored. The measurement database is published through Web Services interfaces. In addition, analysis tools let scientists analyze current and historical data and help manage the sensor network. The article describes the system design, what we learned from the deployment, and initial results obtained from the sensors. The system measures soil factors with unprecedented temporal precision. However, the deployment required device-level programming, sensor ...
Alanine/EPR Dosimetry system is classified as a reference-standard dosimeter which used to calibrate radiation environments and to calibrate routine dosimeters in absorbed dose range of 1 to 105 Gy. Characteristics of Alanine/EPR dosimetry system are better suitable than routinely used personnel dosimeters for the long term radiation measurement in harsh condition of Nuclear power plant : This system is not significantly affected by temperature and humidity and also has low fading rate. About 1 year ago, Alanine and Lithium compound dosimeters were installed at Wolsung unit 1 for the environment monitoring as a part of equipment qualification program. 35 positions which are most severe and representative cable positions were chosen for radiation and temperature monitoring. The recovered alanine dosimeter in the period of maintenance was measured by E-scan alanine analyzer system, Meanwhile measurement result shows extremely high radiation level ...
Alanine/EPR Dosimetry system is classified as a reference-standard dosimeter which used to calibrate radiation environments and to calibrate routine dosimeters in absorbed dose range of 1 to 105 Gy. Characteristics of Alanine/EPR dosimetry system are better suitable than routinely used personnel dosimeters for the long term radiation measurement in harsh condition of Nuclear power plant : This system is not significantly affected by temperature and humidity and also has low fading rate. About 1 year ago, Alanine and Lithium compound dosimeters were installed at Wolsung unit 1 for the environment monitoring as a part of equipment qualification program. 35 positions which are most severe and representative cable positions were chosen for radiation and temperature monitoring. The recovered alanine dosimeter in the period of maintenance was measured by E-scan alanine analyzer system, Meanwhile measurement result shows extremely high radiation level ...
The theory of a method of determination of reactivity from power spectral density measurements with /sup 252/Cf and the results of experiments with a critical assembly mockup of a liquid-metal fast breeder reactor (LMFBR) and with uranium (93.2 wt % /sup 235/U) metal cylinders and a sphere are presented. This method of reactivity determination has an advantage over existing methods in that it determines the reactivity only from properties of the reactor at the subcritical state of interest and thus does not require a calibration near delayed criticality. In these experiments, the reactivity was varied by changing the fissile loading or the amount of neutron absorber inserted; for the LMFBR mockup, the reactivity varied to approximately 75 dollars subcritical, and for the uranium metal assemblies to approximately 30 dollars subcritical. These experiments verified for the first time the predictions of theory that could be tested in the measurements. This method has ...
Binary mixtures of dipyrone and pitophenone hydrochloride are assayed by zero-crossing second- and third-derivative spectrophotometry and by ratio-spectra first- and second-derivative spectrophotometry. In the first method, calibration plots are linear at 266.5 and 302.5 nm (dipyrone, second derivative), and 257 and 286 nm (pitophenone second derivative) and 242 and 278.3 nm (dipyrone third derivative), and 228.5 and 300 nm (pitophenone, third-derivative). By the second method, lines of regression are linear at 235 and 262 nm (dipyrone, first derivative), and 229.5 and 288.5 nm (pitophenone, first-derivative), and 249.7 and 268 nm (dipyrone, second derivative), and 280.5 and 300 nm (pitophenone, second-derivative). In all methods calibration curves follow the Beer's law up to 40 microg/ml of each drug. LOD and LOQ values were calculated. The developed derivative spectrophotometric methods were applied to laboratory mixtures and to vials for ...
We suggest and describe the use of a binary pseudo-random (BPR) grating as a standard test surface for measurement of the modulation transfer function (MTF) of interferometric microscopes. Knowledge of the MTF of a microscope is absolutely necessary to convert the measured height distribution of a surface undergoing metrology into an accurate power spectral density (PSD) distribution. For an'ideal' microscope with an MTF function independent of spatial frequency out to the Nyquist frequency of the detector array with zero response at higher spatial frequencies, a BPR grating would produce a flat 1D PSD spectrum, independent of spatial frequency. For a'real' instrument, the MTF is found as the square root of the ratio of the PSD spectrum measured with the BPR grating to the'ideal,' spatial frequency independent, PSD spectrum. We present the results from a measurement of the MTF of MicromapTM-570 interferometric microscope demonstrating a ...
We developed a new systematic calibration procedure which was applied to the prediction of the diffusivity, the segregation, and transient enhanced diffusion (TED) of an indium impurity. The TED of the indium impurity was studied using four different experimental conditions. Although indium is susceptible to TED, rapid thermal annealing (RTA) is effective in suppressing the TED effect and maintaining a steep retrograde profile. Like boron impurities, the indium shows significant oxidation-enhanced diffusion in silicon and has segregation coefficients much less than 1 at the Si/SiO{sub 2} interface. In contrast to boron, the segregation coefficient of indium decreases as the temperature increases. The accuracy of the proposed procedure was validated by using secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) data and by using the 0.13-{mu}m device characteristics, such as V{sub th} and I{sub dsat}, for which the differences between simulation and experiment less than 5 %.
We developed a new systematic calibration procedure which was applied to the prediction of the diffusivity, the segregation, and transient enhanced diffusion (TED) of an indium impurity. The TED of the indium impurity was studied using four different experimental conditions. Although indium is susceptible to TED, rapid thermal annealing (RTA) is effective in suppressing the TED effect and maintaining a steep retrograde profile. Like boron impurities, the indium shows significant oxidation-enhanced diffusion in silicon and has segregation coefficients much less than 1 at the Si/SiO_2 interface. In contrast to boron, the segregation coefficient of indium decreases as the temperature increases. The accuracy of the proposed procedure was validated by using secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) data and by using the 0.13-#mu#m device characteristics, such as V_t_h and I_d_s_a_t, for which the differences between simulation and experiment less than 5 %.
Four major projects at UNRSL have been supported by NWPO-Neotectonics Yucca Mountain Task 4 funds during the last year: (1) Operation and analysis of data from the UNRSL microearthquake network at Yucca Mountain. (2) Continued operation, maintenance, and calibration of three broadband stations. Limited data analysis was also initiated. (3) Continued review by Dr. Brune of documents and literature related to seismic hazard and tectonics of the Yucca Mountain region. (4) Testing of noise levels in boreholes.
In the last two years, the VDMA work group 'Functional security' compiled a qualitative and quantitative procedure for the determination and evaluation of turbo-machine specific risks. With the calibrated risk graph for turbo-machines the requirements (Safety Integrity Level SIL) to the protective functions for turbo-machines (steam turbines, gas turbines, generators and compressors) were determined. With consideration of the legislation, the work group compiled a recommendation for the renewal and/or reconstruction of protective functions with old facilities.
For over 50 years, electron beams have been an important modality for providing an accurate dose of radiation to superficial cancers and disease and for limiting the dose to underlying normal tissues and structures. This review looks at many of the important contributions of physics and dosimetry to the development and utilization of electron beam therapy, including electron treatment machines, dose specification and calibration, dose measurement, electron transport calculations, treatment and treatment-planning tools, and clinical utilization, including special procedures. Also, future changes in the practice of electron therapy resulting from challenges to its utilization and from potential future technology are discussed. (review)
The reliability of outdoor radon concentration measurements using the track-etch technique is affected by the environmental conditions. Studies have been made to improve stability of nuclear tracks in detector material and to achieve a stable dosemeter response. A dosemeter was developed utilizing chemically etched MA-ND/alpha (CR-39) detector which is thermally insulated and protected against solar irradiation. The calibration showed that its response amounts to 0.21 {plus minus} 0.03 tracks m{sup -2}/Bqm{sup -3} day and was found to be in good agreement with theoretical prediction. (author).
The accuracy of the carbon 14 dating method is dependent on the fluctuations of carbon 14 in the atmosphere over long periods of time. Fossil corals that are dated by both carbon 14 and uranium-thorium methods allows the setting of calibration curves for the carbon 14 method for the last 50.000 years. The uranium-thorium method is based on the measurement of the ratio of 2 isotopes: thorium 230 and uranium 234 that are both present in the decay chain of uranium 238. (A.C.)
In Sweden there is a demand for a method of measuring radon in dwellings with high accuracy and at a low cost. A method of determining radon concentration (Bq.m/sup -3/) in dwellings has been developed at the Swedish National Testing Institute. A plastic canister containing activated charcoal has been tested in a radon chamber (volume 20 m/sup 3/) to determine the effects of relative humidity, temperature and exposure time. The activated charcoal in the canister adsorbs radon from the air surrounding the canister. The radon concentration is determined by counting the gamma rays from the decay of radon and daughters. The theory and preliminary results from calibrations and field measurements are reported.
The theme of the conference was recent developments in airborne remote sensing and their applications. The proceedings contain the papers presented at 14 general sessions and 13 interactive sessions covering airborne platforms, sensor systems, airborne/spaceborne synergy, atmospheric and oceanic measurements, land cover/land use, emergency response and reconnaissance, data handling, forestry, agriculture, water resources, geospatial reference, system calibration, environmental monitoring and planning, and information product advancements. Two papers are abstracted separately.
The procedure followed by the Laboratorio de Metrologia Nuclear in Sao Paulo, Brazil, for the standardization of {sup 242g} Am is described. The calibration system was composed of a 4 {pi} gas-flow proportional counter coupled to a pair of NaI(Tl) crystals operating in coincidence. The samples were produced by irradiating dried aliquots of {sup 241} Am with thermal and epithermal neutrons at the IEA-R1 research reactor. The efficiency tracer technique has been applied using {sup 60} Co as tracer. The beta detection efficiency was changed by external absorbers and extrapolated to unity by linear least square fitting applying covariance methodology. (author)
The neutron elastic magnetic form factor was extracted from quasielastic electron scattering on deuterium over the range Q{sup 2}=1.0-4.8 GeV{sup 2} with the CLAS detector at Jefferson Lab. High precision was achieved with a ratio technique and a simultaneous in situ calibration of the neutron detection efficiency. Neutrons were detected with electromagnetic calorimeters and time-of-flight scintillators at two beam energies. The dipole parametrization gives a good description of the data.
The neutron elastic magnetic form factor was extracted from quasielastic electron scattering on deuterium over the range Q2=1.0-4.8 GeV2 with the CLAS detector at Jefferson Lab. High precision was achieved with a ratio technique and a simultaneous in situ calibration of the neutron detection efficiency. Neutrons were detected with electromagnetic calorimeters and time-of-flight scintillators at two beam energies. The dipole parametrization gives a good description of the data.
It is both experimentally and theoretically demonstrated that ion flow velocity at an arbitrary angle with respect to the magnetic field can be measured with a directional Langmuir probe. Based on the symmetry argument, we show that the effect of magnetic field on directional probe current is exactly canceled in determining the ion flow velocity, and obtain the generalized relation between flow velocity and directional probe currents valid for any flowing direction. The absolute value of the flow velocity is determined by an in situ calibration method of the probe. The applicability limit of the present method to a strongly ion-magnetized plasma is experimentally examined. (author)
The multi-frequency binary sequence experimental technique has been implemented at the Fast Flux Test Facility for routine surveillance activities. The frequency content of the standard rod-movement sequence has been shown to be sufficient to normalize the data at moderate frequencies. This obviates the need for auxiliary calibration measurements and provides the reactivity worth of the test control rod. Analyses of a series of tests conducted in 1986 illustrate that the rod worths inferred from the tests are consistent with zero-power measurements. Also, the dependence of the prompt feedback time constant on reactor conditions was determined.
The procedure followed by the Laboratorio de Metrologia Nuclear (LMN) at the IPEN - CNEN/SP, in Sao Paulo, for modifying the NPL-CRC radionuclide sample holder in order to adapt for IPEN vials is presented. For the quality assurance of the results using the IPEN vials, the influence of variation in dimensions and volume of solution has been investigated and suitable correction factors were applied. The solutions used in the present work were "5"1Cr "9"9"mTc "1"5"3Sm, and "2"0"1Tl. (author)
Effects of the rapid early-in-life expansion of metal fuel were measured in an irradiation experiment in the Fast Flux Test Facility (FFTF). This important performance/design information was obtainable through the unique combination of a dimensionally stable FFTF oxide core and the calibrated proximity instrumentation associated with the test. These results delineate the time dependence of metal-fuel swelling and provide quantitative estimates of the magnitude of axial fuel swelling in full-length metal-fuel assemblies. Final posttest examination results will define actual fuel column growth levels.
The High Exposure Facility is a collimated high-level gamma irradiator that is located in the basement of the 318 building. It was custom developed by PNNL back in 1982 to meet the needs for high range radiological instrument calibrations and dosimeter irradiations. At the time no commercially available product existed that could create exposure rates up to 20,000 R/h. This document is intended to pass on the design criteria that was employed to create this unique facility, while maintaining compliance with ANSI N543-1974, "General Safety Standard for Installations Using Non-Medical X-Ray and Sealed Gamma-Ray Sources, Energies up to 10 MeV."
Until April 2007 the Major Atmospheric Gamma ray Imaging Cherenkov (MAGIC) telescope used a 300 MSamples/s flash analog-to-digital converter (FADC) system to sample the shaped photomultiplier tube (PMT) signals produced by the captured Cherenkov photons of air showers. Different algorithms to reconstruct the signal from the read-out samples (extractors) have been implemented and are described and compared. Criteria based on the obtained charge and time resolution/bias are defined and used to judge the different extractors, by applying them to calibration, cosmic and pedestal signals. The achievable charge and time resolution have been derived as functions of the number of incident photo-electrons.
Thermal expansions of a simulated fuel (SS-1) were measured by using a Dilatometer (DIL402C) from room temperature to 1900 K. The main procedure of an uncertainty evaluation followed the strategy of the UO{sub 2} fuel. Referring to the ISO (International Organization for Standardization) guide, the uncertainties of the thermal expansion were quantified in three parts - the initial length, the length variation, and the system calibration factor. The uncertainty of the thermal expansion for a simulated fuel was also compared with those of UO{sub 2} fuel.
Intensities of {gamma}-transitions emerging from the EC decay of {sup 203}Pb were measured precisely. The obtained relative {gamma}-intensities are 100%(279.2keV), 4.14+-0.08%(401.3keV) and 0.932+-0.022%(680.5keV). The 279.2 and 680.5keV level feeding {beta}-branching ratios were deduced to be 95.3+-0.1 and 4.7+-0.1% respectively. {sup 203}Pb is suggested for calibration purposes. (author).
A passive integrating radon dosemeter is described. The radon dosemeter is based on radon adsorption on activated charcoal. By placing TLD crystals inside an open charcoal container, the beta radiation from radon daughters, produced by the decay of adsorbed radon, is detected continuously during the exposure time. After closing the container, radiation will still be detected by the TLD crystal. Calibration procedures are reported and the suitability of the dosemeter is discussed. The dosemeter proved to be suitable for measurements during periods from a few days to two weeks both in domestic and mine atmospheres.
We outline the process for determining the morphology of subsurface epithelial cell nuclei using depth-resolved light scattering measurements. The measurements are accomplished using a second generation angle-resolved low coherence interferometry system. The new system greatly improves data acquisition and analysis times compared to the initial prototype system. The calibration of the new system is demonstrated in scattering studies to determine the size distribution of polystyrene microspheres in a turbid sample. The process for determining the size of cell nuclei is discussed by analyzing measurements of basal cells in a sub-surface layer of intact, unstained epithelial tissue.
With the help of heat balance equation and high temperature thermodynamic function, the calibration relation of jet temperature with discharge power, gas flow rate was obtained for nitrogen thermal plasma. It was shown that the results were agreed with the principle of similarity. The jet temperature was a function of Peff/f, instead of a general two variables function of Peff and f, which were effective discharge power and working gas flow rate, respectively. A related discussion has been given; it will be referable to thermal plasma applications. (authors)
A beam position monitoring system has been implemented in the first third of the SLC linac which provides a complete scan of the trajectory on a single beam pulse. The data is collected from the local micro-computers and viewed with an updating display at a console or passed on to application programs. The system must operate with interlaced beams so the scans are also interlaced, providing each user with the ability to select the beam, the update rate, and the attenuation level in the digitizing hardware. In addition each user calibrates the hardware for his beam. A description of the system architecture will be presented. 6 refs., 4 figs.
An accelerator beam experiment was performed using a low-energy antiproton beam to measure antiproton detection efficiency of the BESS detector. Measured and calculated efficiencies derived from the BESS Monte Carlo simulation based on GRANT/GHEISHA showed good agreement. With detailed verification of the BESS simulation, the relative systematic error of detection efficiency derived from the BESS simulation has been determined to be {+-}5%, compared with the previous estimation of {+-}15% which was the dominant uncertainty for measurements of cosmic-ray antiproton flux. (author)
Diffusion of radon in a bed of activated charcoal is described by diffusion equations. An analytical solution of these equations is presented for the case of constant radon concentration in the atmosphere. The solutions are given separately for short term and long term exposure. An analytical form of the calibration constant f for long term exposure and constant radon concentration in air, was found. A numerical method and computer code based on the method of finite elements is developed for the case of variable radon concentration in air. This program simulates radon adsorption by the activated charcoal bed, enabling determination of sensitivity. The dependence of sensitivity on different parameters, such as temperature, thickness of the charcoal, etc. was studied using this program. (orig.) 10 refs.
Transmission line faults must be located accurately to allow maintenance crews to arrive at the scene and repair the faulted section as soon as possible. Rugged terrain and geographical layout cause some sections of power transmission lines to be difficult to reach. In the past, a variety of fault location algorithms were introduced as either an add-on feature in protective relays or stand-alone implementation in fault locators. In both cases, the measurements of current and voltages were taken at one terminal of a transmission line only. Under such conditions, it may become difficult to determine the fault location accurately, since data from other transmission line ends are required for more precise computations. In the absence of data from the other end, existing algorithms have accuracy problems under several circumstances, such as varying switching and loading conditions, fault infeed from the other end, and random value of fault resistance. Most of the one-end algorithms were ...
Mass shift of accelerated charges-sources of a massive vector and massive scalar fields, are considered in an approximation which is classical with respect to the charge motion but quantum with respect to their interaction with their proper field. For uniformly accelerated charges the mass shifts are expressed in terms of cylindrical functions of the quantum parameter ..mu..c/sup 3//h/2..pi..w/sub 0/ which is the ratio of the mass ..mu.. of the proper field quanta to the charge acceleration w/sub 0/. For finite positive values of the parameter both the imaginary and real parts of the shifts are nonvanishing and negative. For ..mu -->..0 the real part of the mass shift of a vector charge tends to the classical value -..cap alpha..h/2..pi..w/sub 0//2c/sup 3/ obtained earlier, thereas that of the scalar charge tends to zero. These and other properties of the shifts as functions of ..mu.. are studied by taking into account the locality of interaction, unitarity and causality. Dispersion ...
This project investigated new techniques for improving seismic event locations derived from regional and local networks. The technqiues include a new approach to empirical travel-time calibration that simultaneously fits data from multiple stations and events, using a generalization of the kriging method, and predicts travel-time corrections for arbitrary event-station paths. We combined this calibration approach with grid-search event location to produce a prototype new multiple-event location method that allows the use of spatially well-distributed events and takes into account correlations between the travel-time corrections from proximate event-station paths. Preliminary tests with a high quality data set from Nevada Test Site explosions indicated that our new calibration/location method offers improvement over the conventional multiple-event location methods now in common use, and is applicable to more general ...
High energy physics facilities must monitor the radiation doses received by their personnel. This monitoring can only be effective if the radiation detection devices can be calibrated with a good degree of accuracy. Radiation fields are usually composed of several types of radiation, including gamma rays, beta radiation, neutrons, etc. The neutron detection instruments respond not only to the neutrons coming directly from the source but also those scattered from the floor, walls, and ceiling. The amount of neutron scattering varies from site to site depending on the construction materials and layout of the building. The purpose of this study was to determine the scattered neutron fraction in the central volume of the calibration mezzanine of the Radiation Physics Calibration Facility (RPCF) at the Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory (Fermilab). At Fermilab, radiation workers dosimeters use CR39 for neutron detection, ...
High energy physics facilities must monitor the radiation doses received by their personnel. This monitoring can only be effective if the radiation detection devices can be calibrated with a good degree of accuracy. Radiation fields are usually composed of several types of radiation, including gamma rays, beta radiation, neutrons, etc. The neutron detection instruments respond not only to the neutrons coming directly from the source but also those scattered from the floor, walls, and ceiling. The amount of neutron scattering varies from site to site depending on the construction materials and layout of the building. The purpose of this study was to determine the scattered neutron fraction in the central volume of the calibration mezzanine of the Radiation Physics Calibration Facility (RPCF) at the Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory (Fermilab). At Fermilab, radiation workers dosimeters use CR39 for neutron detection, ...
We present the runtime comparison of the two versions of Super LU{_}DIST, using up to 128 processors of the IBM SP at NERSC. One version provides the global input interface, and another provides the distributed input interface. The comparison includes the total runtime of the solver with both 32-bit and 64-bit addressing modes, the time breakdown for different phases of the solver. We also present an in-depth comparison off our sparse matrix-vector multiplication methods in the context of iterative refinement. Finally, we describe our Fortran 90 interface that enhances the usability of the software.
In this paper we have investigated the performance of PSO Particle Swarm Optimization based clustering on few real world data sets and one artificial data set. The performances are measured by two metric namely quantization error and inter-cluster distance. The K means clustering algorithm is first implemented for all data sets, the results of which form the basis of comparison of PSO based approaches. We have explored different variants of PSO such as gbest, lbest ring, lbest vonneumann and Hybrid PSO for comparison purposes. The results reveal that PSO based clustering algorithms perform better compared to K means in all data sets.
A key comparison has been made between the air-kerma standards of the ARPANSA and the BIPM in the low-energy X-ray range. The results show the standards to be in agreement at the level of the combined standard uncertainty of 7.0 parts in 10"3 for the 10 kV radiation quality and 3.7 parts in 10"3 for all other beam qualities. The results are analysed and presented in terms of degrees of equivalence, suitable for entry in the BIPM key comparison database. (authors)
The differences are highlighted of various aspects of behaviour of the luminescence signal from feldspar when stimulated by green light and when stimulated by infrared radiation. In respect of bleaching, a comparison is made of the influence of white light (daylight) on the two stimulated luminescence signals, as well as a comparison of the influence of infrared exposure on the green-stimulated signal with the influence of green exposure on the infrared-stimulated signal. The influence of preheating on the two stimulated signals is also compared. Light-emitting diode systems were used for both green and infrared stimulation. The observations are considered in relation to the mechanism relevant to green- and infrared-stimulated luminescence from feldspar. (author).
The differences are highlighted of various aspects of behaviour of the luminescence signal from feldspar when stimulated by green light and when stimulated by infrared radiation. In respect of bleaching, a comparison is made of the influence of white light (daylight) on the two stimulated luminescence signals, as well as a comparison of the influence of infrared exposure on the green-stimulated signal with the influence of green exposure on the infrared-stimulated signal. The influence of preheating on the two stimulated signals is also compared. Light-emitting diode systems were used for both green and infrared stimulation. The observations are considered in relation to the mechanism relevant to green- and infrared-stimulated luminescence from feldspar. (author).
The radiation dose and the atmospheric dispersion for Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors (PHWR) are based on the CAN/CSA N288.2-M91 standards: for Pressurized Water Reactor (PWR) on the NRC Regulatory Guide 1.145. There are some differences between in the methodologies used in the standards, including the atmospheric dispersion model, the release height, the temperature lapse rate, the cutoff condition. This paper reports on a comparison of standards for atmospheric dispersion models of PHWRs and PWRs in order to determine which one is the more conservative. The comparison between PHWR and PWR for atmospheric dispersion factors and radiation doses confirms that there are no big differences
W. Wayne Scott and R. G. Alsmiller, Jr. ABSTRACT. Comparisons of the results obtained for a hypothetical problem with four different proton penetration ...
Figure 7: Horak Cost Estimating Relationship with Statistical Details. For this comparison, we ignore the Material (glass vs metal) and Design (on vs ...
lytical Comparison of Turbine-Blade Cooling System Designed for a. TurboJet Engine Operat- at Supersonic Speed and Altitude. I1 -. Air-C~Oling Systems. ...
The geographical arrangement of people on the surface of the earth is approximated by a mathematical equation of 361 terms. This is a convenient form for comparison with other distributions and for...Full Text Available
Dec 9, 2005 ... Classification of high resolution imagery is not as straightforward as more ... The challenges of classifying high resolution imagery stems ...
FT-IR spectroscopic studies of major organic matter in carbonaceous chondrites using microscopic technique and comparison with terrestrial kerogen. ...
The in vitro activity of teicoplanin, a new antibiotic related to vancomycin, was determined against 456 gram-positive cocci. The activity of teicoplanin in comparison with that of vancomycin was similar...Full Text Available
Of some interest is the comparison between the actinide nuclide burning up (fission) rates such as americium 241, americium 242, curium 244, and neptunium 237, in the reactors with fast or thermal neutron spectra.
Of some interest is the comparison between the actinide nuclide burning up (fission) rates such as americium 241, americium 242, curium 244, and neptunium 237, in the reactors with fast or thermal neutron spectra.
Chinese and Chumash traditional medical approaches are similar in terms of disease causation, use of acupuncture or healing touch, plants, spiritual and philosophical approaches. This article provides...Full Text Available
The g factors of the 2_1"+ states in sup(84,86,88)Sr have been deduced using the thin-foil transient field technique with the field calibration of the Rutgers group. The values are g("8"4Sr)= + 0.419(47), g("8"6Sr)= + 0.273(50) and g("8"8Sr)= + 1.15(17). The mean lifetimes of the 2_1"+ states in sup(86,88)Sr were determined by the Doppler-shift attenuation method to be 2.10(22) ps and 0.219(23) ps respectively. The g factor and lifetime results are compared with shell model and interacting boson model predictions. (author).
A series of six transient tests was performed on FFTF irradiated fuel pins to demonstrate their transient performance capability. The tests were performed in the TREAT reactor using sodium loops and instrumented test trains. The TEMECH computer code was used to design overpower transients which would simulate FFTF fuel pin thermal conditions during slow and fast unprotected transients. Some tests were run to substantial overpower levels but terminated prior to fuel pin failure, while other tests were intentionally extended to fuel failure to establish failure thresholds and characteristics. Post-test examination data provided significant cladding strain and fuel melting information used for performance code calibration and validation. These data showed that cladding damage caused by fuel melting is related to the steady state condition of the fuel.
The measurements performed at CERN on prototypes and first pre-series main dipole magnets confirm the need of an active control of the Large Hadron Collider to compensate the dynamic field changes during the proton beam injection and acceleration. This control requires in turn an accurate forecast of the magnetic field in the accelerator. We plan to predict the field on the basis of two elements: theoretical field models tailored through the accumulated knowledge of the main magnets during series tests, and an on-line measurement system running on few reference magnets tracking the LHC current cycle. Data coming from this "Multipoles Factory" will result from the fusion of the two sources. Based on this system we foresee to deliver calibration information for pre-defined accelerator cycles as well as real time information for the active control. In this paper we report the conceptual design of the system, and we discuss the features and performance of the models ...
The objectives of this study were to estimate symbiotic nitrogen fixation by two common pasture legumes, Trifolium subterraneum L. and Medicago truncatula Gaertn., and an Australian native legume, Acacia dealbata Link, growing in pots using an indirect isotopic method. This method was also used to calibrate the C2H2 reduction assay of the intact plants. In addition, hydrogen evolution was measured in an attempt to explain the variations in C2H2:N2 ratios between the species. 25 refs.; 1 figure; 4 tabs.
For the application of dynamic neutron radiography to the two-phase flow research using HANARO, several experimental items to which the radiography technique is beneficial were identified through the review of the outputs from the related researches and the discussions with experts. Also, the investigation of the equipments including the beam port, camera and converter was made and a hardware and a software for image processing were equipped. It was confirmed that the calibration curve for the attenuation of neutron beam in fluid which is required for the two-phase flow experiment could be obtained by the computer code calculation. Based on the investigation results on the equipment and the results from the measurement of BNCT beam characteristics, a high speed camera and an image intensifier will be purchased. Then, the high speed dynamic neutron radiography facility for two-phase flow experiments will be fully equipped.
Elemental analysis of some medicinal plants used in the Indian Ayurvedic system was performed by employing instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA) and atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) techniques. The samples were irradiated with thermal neutrons in a nuclear reactor and the induced activity was counted by gamma ray spectrometry using an efficiency calibrated high resolution high purity germanium (HPGe) detector. Most of the medicinal plants were found to be rich in one or more of the elements under study. The variation in elemental concentration in same medicinal plants samples collected in summer, winter and rainy seasons was studied and the biological effects of these elements on human beings are discussed. (orig.)
The sequence of events from the assembly of a space nuclear power system to its integration in the Space Shuttle Transportation System (STS) is considered. First, the sequence followed for SNAP-10A, the only free world space reactor electric power system ever launched and operated in space, is reviewed. Before shipment, the SNAP-10A reactor was raised to operating temperature using electrically supplied heat and operated at low power for control calibration. Next we discuss shipment to the launch site, a phase that is critical because of the potential for various accidents. Once the power system arrives at the launch site, the processing sequence is performed. This sequence includes checkout, mating with the payload or upper stage launch vehicle, and integration into the STS.
A distributed watershed hydrologic model soil and water assessment tool (SWAT, 2000 Version) was applied to simulate stream flow and nutrient loadings (including total nitrogen (TN) and total phosphorus (TP)) in Gucheng Lake Basin, which is located in the lower reach of Yangtze River Basin. Model parameters related to stream flow and nutrient loadings were calibrated and validated by the observed value, and the simulation showed that the simulated values were reasonably comparable to the observed data, suggesting the validity of SWAT model. The simulated surface runoff and nutrient yield between two stages, viz. 1981-2000 and 1951-1960, were compared, basically considering land reclamation in the mid-1970s. The result indicated that, the average annual runoff and output of TN and TP in 198...
Manual drilling in titanium structures is a tedious and labor-intensive work. To reduce man-hour requirements while concurrently improving hole quality, we developed a robotic drilling system for this application. The lean system contains the product holding fixture, the industrial robot, the end effector, the control and sensor system, and the offline programming. The system functions include locating workpiece with a calibration stick or the vision system, weld mark inspection, one-sided clamping, drilling and reaming hole in material stack combinations of titanium and aluminum, and real-time thrust force feedback. The positional accuracy and the repeatability of the system have successfully been placed within the specification?s 0.3?mm tolerance and 0.2?mm tolerance, respectively. The d...
In this report we present an update on the results from the Amanda-B10 detector which operated in 1997 at depths of 1500 to 2000 meters in the deep Antarctic ice. The goal of Amanda project is to search for extra-terrestrial neutrinos. As a precursor to such a search we have studied atmospheric neutrinos which act as a calibration source for the detector. The observation of atmospheric neutrinos at a rate consistent with Monte-Carlo predictions establishes Amanda-B10 as a neutrino telescope. The Amanda-B10 data has been searched for evidence of several classes of neutrinos and for magnetic monopoles. Searches for a diffuse high energy neutrino flux and for neutrinos in coincidence with gamma-ray bursts have been conducted. Preliminary data analyses show no excess of neutrinos has been found. (A.C.)
New values of the factors required to convert the reading of a radiation dosemeter calibrated in terms of air kerma (or exposure) into absorbed dose to water for medium-energy x-radiation were given in a code of practice published by the International Atomic Energy Agency in 1987. These are not considered to possess sufficient support from other sources. It is therefore recommended that the F-factors given or codes of practice should continue to be used. Values of backscatter factors for low-energy x-radiation (below 140 kV) in Supplement 17 of the British Journal of Radiology appear to be inaccurate. New values based on Monte Carlo calculations, and supported by new experimental data, are given for use in radiotherapy. (author).
New values of the factors required to convert the reading of a radiation dosemeter calibrated in terms of air kerma (or exposure) into absorbed dose to water for medium-energy x-radiation were given in a code of practice published by the International Atomic Energy Agency in 1987. These are not considered to possess sufficient support from other sources. It is therefore recommended that the F-factors given or codes of practice should continue to be used. Values of backscatter factors for low-energy x-radiation (below 140 kV) in Supplement 17 of the British Journal of Radiology appear to be inaccurate. New values based on Monte Carlo calculations, and supported by new experimental data, are given for use in radiotherapy. (author).
Reliability analysis is now being used to a large extent for several civil engineering structures. Such analysis has not been used for rockfill dams, the most common dams in Norway. Following work on reliability analysis for breakwaters, reliability analysis was then used to investigate the ability of the stone material on the upstream face of a rockfill dam to withstand wind generated waves. An attempt is made to follow up this work by including discharge overtopping on a rockfill dam in a reliability analysis. This report primarily goes through previous work on the required weight of protective stones on the downstream face of the dam for specified discharges over the dam and also deals with the probability formulation of extreme floods. A failure function with partial coefficients is formulated. But for reasons of economy the calibration of the partial coefficients remains for a next phase of the project. 14 refs., 17 figs.
The theory of a method of determination of the reactivity from power spectral density measurements with /sup 252/Cf and the results of experiments with a critical assembly mock-up of a liquid-metal fast breeder reactor and with uranium (93.2 wt % /sup 235/U) metal cylinders and a sphere are presented. This method of reactivity determination has an advantage over existing methods in that it determines the reactivity only from properties of the reactor at the subcritical state of interest and thus does not require a calibration near delayed criticality. In these experiments the reactivity was varied by changing the fissile loading or the amount of neutron absorber inserted; for the LMFBR mock-up, the reactivity varied to approximately 75 dollars subcritical, and for the uranium metal assemblies, to approximately 30 dollars subcritical.
The paper outlines the design, principles of operation, and calibration of a five-IC network intended to give a rapid, precise, and automatic determination of the flatband voltage of MOS capacitors. The basic principle of measurement is to compare the analog output voltage of a capacitance meter - which is directly proportional to the capacitance being measured - with a preset or dialed-in voltage proportional to the calculated flatband capacitance by means of a comparator circuit. The bias to the MOS capacitor supplied through the capacitance meter is provided by a ramp voltage going from a negative toward a positive voltage level and vice versa. The network employs two monostable multivibrators for reading and recording the flatband voltage and for resetting the initial conditions and restarting the ramp. The flatband voltage can be held and read on a digital voltmeter.
Purpose: To evaluate a simple method for quantification of focal activity in bone scintigraphy (BS). Material and methods: The gamma camera was calibrated using a phantom. Quantitative bone scintigraphy (QBS) was performed on 11 men recently diagnosed with prostate cancer (PCa), for whom routine BS showed involvement of the skeleton. Following endocrine therapy for 4 to 8 months, a second QBS was performed. Changes in QBS values were then compared to changes in serum levels of prostate-specific antigen (PSA). Results: PSA response indicating regression of PCa was accompanied by a decrease in the QBS value in 8 of the 11 patients. The overall mean error of the QBS values was 15%. conclusion: QBS according to this method is a relatively simple procedure that might contribute to objective evaluation of therapeutic effects in skeletal metastases, although its validity must be tested in a larger clinical material.
Purpose: To evaluate a simple method for quantification of focal activity in bone scintigraphy (BS). Material and methods: The gamma camera was calibrated using a phantom. Quantitative bone scintigraphy (QBS) was performed on 11 men recently diagnosed with prostate cancer (PCa), for whom routine BS showed involvement of the skeleton. Following endocrine therapy for 4 to 8 months, a second QBS was performed. Changes in QBS values were then compared to changes in serum levels of prostate-specific antigen (PSA). Results: PSA response indicating regression of PCa was accompanied by a decrease in the QBS value in 8 of the 11 patients. The overall mean error of the QBS values was 15%. conclusion: QBS according to this method is a relatively simple procedure that might contribute to objective evaluation of therapeutic effects in skeletal metastases, although its validity must be tested in a larger clinical material
The general objective of this workshop is to investigate and discuss methods by which uncertainties in mass balance models for toxics in the Great Lakes may be reduced. As described by the workshop prospectus, this paper is focused on problems of reducing (and quantifying) uncertainty as they relate to in situ field observations/system response measurements for the establishment of initial conditions, boundary conditions, calibration/confirmation data sets, and model post-audit data sets.'' I have taken this description to refer not only to the evaluation of uncertainty in the field observations themselves, but also to the uncertainty associated the analyses of in situ observations as they interact in the overall modeling process. Thus, I will be concerned here with quantification and reduction of uncertainty both (1) as they may be applied to descriptions of the system that is being modeled and (2) as they may be associated with model ...
It was developed a new formulation of macro aggregates of Samarium 153 ({sup 153} Sm-MH) for the arthropaties treatment. The radio pharmaceutic was prepared by reaction of Samarium 153 chloride (SmCl{sub 3}) in aqueous environment with sodium boron hydride in NaOH 0.5 N. The microscopic analysis shown that the particles have an average size of 4% m (range 1-14 {mu} m). The velocity of sedimentation was 0.008 cm/min with high stability in vitro in human serum. The biological studies in healthy rabbits, shown that the complex is retained inside the articulation still eight days after of the administration of the radiopharmaceutical. Likewise, it is presented the data of absorbed dose in the different target organs, which was determined by thermoluminescent dosimetry (TLD) through the use of a REMCAL phantom (radiation equivalent manikin calibration). (Author)
The neutron elastic magnetic form factor G{sub M}{sup n} has been extracted from quasielastic scattering from deuterium in the CEBAF Large Acceptance Spectrometer, CLAS [B. Mecking et al., Nucl. Inst. and Meth. A 503 (2003) 513]. The kinematic coverage of the measurement is continuous over a broad range, extending from below 1 GeV{sup 2} to nearly 5 GeV{sup 2} in four-momentum transfer squared. High precision is achieved by employing a ratio technique in which most uncertainties cancel, and by a simultaneous in-situ calibration of the neutron detection efficiency, the largest correction to the data. Preliminary results are shown with statistical errors only.
The neutron elastic magnetic form factor G_M"n has been extracted from quasielastic scattering from deuterium in the CEBAF Large Acceptance Spectrometer, CLAS [B. Mecking et al., Nucl. Inst. and Meth. A 503 (2003) 513]. The kinematic coverage of the measurement is continuous over a broad range, extending from below 1 GeV"2 to nearly 5 GeV"2 in four-momentum transfer squared. High precision is achieved by employing a ratio technique in which most uncertainties cancel, and by a simultaneous in-situ calibration of the neutron detection efficiency, the largest correction to the data. Preliminary results are shown with statistical errors only.
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.
We have discovered a previously unidentified thermal explosion mode using the Los Alamos deflagration cylinder test (DFCT). The DFCT is a "pipe bomb"-style test similar to the detonation cylinder test (DTCT), which has been used for many years to calibrate detonation product equations of state. The shot is heated in an oven to a uniform test temperature. The pre-heated high explosive (HE) is triggered by a hot wire initiator on one end. The tube is back-illuminated by a bright light source, and its combustion-driven deformation and subsequent break-up are observed by a high-speed framing camera. Like the DTCT, the DFCT tube wall motion provides the primary diagnostic. A variety of reactive responses are possible, including quasi-steady deflagration and deflagration-to-detonation transition...
Two natural gas/diesel dual fuel conversion systems for the Detroit Diesel 6V-71 transit bus engine were described. The basic concept of a dual fuel engine was to operate a diesel engine with both liquid fuel injection and a lean premixed gas mixture. The engine achieved high efficiency due to the high compression ratio typical of the diesel engine. Test results were obtained using three different calibrations on one engine. The objectives were to match existing engine performance with improved emissions and better overall fuel economics. Results showed that overall, engine conversion has both economic and emissions advantages over a straight diesel engine. However, the durability and in-use applicability of the system remains to be demonstrated with an in-bus demonstration project.. 3 tabs., 4 figs.
The study investigates the possibility of enhancing crop water productivity in the parts of Northwest India where groundwater quality is marginal and canal water supply is severely scarce. Soil, Water, Atmosphere and Plant (SWAP) model was calibrated and validated in three farmers' fields with varying canal water availability and groundwater quality in the Kaithal Irrigation Circle of the Bhakra Canal system, Haryana. On the basis of predicted and observed soil water content, pressure heads, salt concentration at 2 week intervals and crop yields, the model was found suitable for use in the region. A few nomographs were prepared to provide a graphical method to predict the effect of different combinations of water quality and depth of water application on crop yield and soil salinity and to...
The use of numerical modeling in oil spill incidents is a well established technique that has proven to provide cost-effective and reasonable estimates of oil surface drift. Good predictability of such models depends highly on the quality of the input data of the incident and on the model calibration effort. This paper presents the results of simulating oil spillage trajectory in the Arabian (Persian) Gulf. The study employed a 3-D rectilinear hydrodynamic model combined with oil spill model. Typical representative environmental conditions of the Arabian Gulf were first setup into a hydrodynamic circulation model using data from various sources. The performance of the hydrodynamic model was then tested against measurements of tidal fluctuation and sea currents at selected locations. The sp...
A neutron scanning device was developed in order to obtain accurate neutron intensities of high burn-up BWR fuels. This scanning device was calibrated with a "2"5"2Cf source and used to measure axial distributions of neutron intensities of BWR fuels with various enrichments (2.0%-3.4%) irradiated up to 60 GWd/tU at Fukushima Daini Nuclear Power Station Unit 2(2F-2). The measured neutron intensities were approximated well with power law interpolations on the calculated burn-up values. The neutron intensities calculated by the ORIGEN2-86 code showed good agreements with the measured ones within 20%. (author)
A new luminescent europium probe is presented for the determination of phosphate (P) in microtiter plate format. The assay is based on the quenching of the luminescence of the europium-tetracycline (EuTc) 1:1 complex by phosphate using a reagent concentration of 20.8 {mu}mol/L. The probe is excited at 400 nm and displays a large Stokes' shift of 210 nm. The emission maximum is located at 616 nm. The system works best at neutral pH 7 and is therefore suitable for phosphate determination in biological and biochemical systems. The linear range of the calibration plot is from 5 x 10{sup -6} mol/L to 7.5 x 10{sup -4} mol/L of phosphate, and the limit of detection is 3 {mu}mol/L.
This report gives a brief introduction to the project `Probabilistic Design Tool for Wind Turbines` - PRODETO - which was carried out during the years 1996-98 with partial funding from the European Commission under the Non-Nuclear Energy Programme JOULE III. The report gives an overview of the objectives and motivation for the project, and the methodology used. In this context, an example of reliability-based wind turbine design against fatigue failure is outlined with emphasis on the various important steps herein, which include probabilistic load and resistance modelling, calculation of failure probability, and calibration of partial safety factors for use with a deterministic design code format. The results of the project are presented with emphasis on a developed computer program and its capabilities, and the various elements of an executed case study are outlined. A list of project reports concludes the report. (au)
A radiometric method of measuring the ratio of liquid and solid phases (crust thickness) in a continuous ingot for automation of the continuous steel casting process, has been proposed. The essence of the method is, that radiation flux, bearing information on the object tested, is transformed in a succession of electric pulses, which is processed afterwords for obtaining necessary information. In this case either the flux of non-scattered radiation, passed through the object, or the flux of single-scattered radiation reflected from the object is registered. Block-diagram and specifications of a radiometric device with the Co source of 50 gxequiv. Ra activity developed for this purpose are presented. The technique for calibration ob the device and the results of its tests, are described. It is shown, that introduction of such devices for the control crust thickness at the installations of continuous steel casting of metallurgical works would permit to exercise ...
Mass and charge distributions of products from fission of sup(242m)Am induced by thermal neutrons have been investigated by means of the semiconductor spectrometry of ..gamma.. radiation from a mixture of non-separated fragment nuclei. Specimens of the fissible material have been irradiated in the vertical experimental channel of the research reactor then the measurements have been performed with calibrated semiconductor detectors. Three experiments with substantially different irradiation times have been performed to expand the nomenclature of the investigated fission products. The spectra of ..gamma.. radiation from the mixture of fission products, and time dependences of the counting rates at the total absorption peaks have been handled with computers. The obtained yields are compared with data of previous investigations performed with different experimental methods, as well as with the calculated one.
The mass and charge distributions in an unseparated mix of fission product nuclei from thermal-neutron fission of /sup 242m/Am were studied through semiconductor gamma-ray spectrometry. Samples of the fissionable material under study were irradiated in a vertical irradiation tube of the MIFI IRT research reactor. Following irradiation, measurements were made on aperture-calibrated semiconductor detectors. For broader identification of fission fragment nuclides three experiments were conducted that differed substantially in irradiation duration. The spectrum of gamma radiation from the mix of fission products and the time dependences of count rate at total absorption peaks were analyzed on SM-4 and Iskra-226 computers. The values of yields obtained were compared with data of investigations conducted earlier with other experimental methods, and also with the results of calculations.
This report describes the results made in fulfillment of contract DE-FG26-02NT15451, ''Multicomponent Seismic Analysis and Calibration to Improve Recovery from Algal Mounds: Application to the Roadrunner/Towaoc Area of the Paradox Basin, Ute Mountain Ute Reservation, Colorado''. Optimizing development of highly heterogeneous reservoirs where porosity and permeability vary in unpredictable ways due to facies variations can be challenging. An important example of this is in the algal mounds of the Lower and Upper Ismay reservoirs of the Paradox Basin in Utah and Colorado. It is nearly impossible to develop a forward predictive model to delineate regions of better reservoir development, and so enhanced recovery processes must be selected and designed based upon data that can quantitatively or qualitatively distinguish regions of good or bad reservoir permeability and porosity between existing well control. Recent advances in seismic ...
The preparation and luminescence properties of crystal phosphors based on alkali metal iodide and calcium oxide substrates were studied. The highest luminescence intensities were achieved with iodide substrates at 200/sup 0/ and with the calcium oxide substrate at 800/sup 0/. The calibration graphs were linear in the thallium concentration ranges 0.03-5.0 and 0.1-2.0 mu g using sodium and potassium oxides, respectively, and in the range 0.05-5 mu g using cesium iodide and calcium oxide. A method is proposed for the determination of down to 3 x 10/sup -4/% thallium in rocks, using a crystal phosphor with sodium iodide substrate.
Theoretical and experimental research efforts in evaluating an innovative concept for vertical axis wind turbines (VAWT) are described. The concept is that of using straight blades composed of circulation controlled airfoil sections. The theoretical analysis has been developed to determine the unsteady lift and moment characteristics of multiple-blade cross-flow wind turbines. To determine the drag data needed as input to the theoretical analysis, an outdoor test model VAWT has been constructed; design details, instrumentation, and calibration results are reported. Initial testing is with fixed pitch blades having cross-sections of conventional symmetrical airfoils. Costs of building the test model are included, as well as estimates for blades constructed with composite materials. These costs are compared with those of other types of wind turbines.
A passive dosemeter, based on a Makrofol ED track detector covered with aluminized Mylar, enclosed in diffusion chamber, has been used for radon concentration studies. Detectors have been irradiated, using a {sup 241}Am source, at different energies and fluences in order to obtain the electrochemical etching conditions that allow the optimum registration of alpha particles having energies over 3 MeV. Thirty dosemeters have been sent to the UK National Radiation Protection Board (NRPB) Radon Environmental Chamber for calibration. The sensitivity of the dosemeter has been calculated. Several dosemeters have also been exposed in houses and dwellings in the Barcelona and Madrid areas for monitoring. Values for radon concentration in the areas under study are presented. (author).
A passive dosemeter, based on a Makrofol ED track detector covered with aluminized Mylar, enclosed in diffusion chamber, has been used for radon concentration studies. Detectors have been irradiated, using a "2"4"1Am source, at different energies and fluences in order to obtain the electrochemical etching conditions that allow the optimum registration of alpha particles having energies over 3 MeV. Thirty dosemeters have been sent to the UK National Radiation Protection Board (NRPB) Radon Environmental Chamber for calibration. The sensitivity of the dosemeter has been calculated. Several dosemeters have also been exposed in houses and dwellings in the Barcelona and Madrid areas for monitoring. Values for radon concentration in the areas under study are presented. (author).
Background An emerging imaging tool, the functional lumen imaging probe (Endoflip; Crospon Ltd, Galway, Ireland), provides a real-time measurement of esophagogastric junction (EGJ) capacity and diameter, which would be of particular interest in functional esophageal surgery such as Heller myotomy and antireflux procedures. This study aimed to demonstrate the intraoperative use of endoflip in the treatment of achalasia and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Methods In the first case, Heller myotomy was performed under endopflip guidance, for persistent dysphagia after failed endoscopic dilatation. In the second case, the endoflip was used to calibrate a Nissen fundoplication. With the patient under general anesthesia, the endoflip catheter was inserted orally and positioned to straddle...
An image-analysis system, based on commercially available data visualization software (IDL [1]), allows convenient interaction with image data while still providing calculated beam parameters at a rate of up to 2 Hz. Image data are transferred from the IOC to the workstation via EPICS [2] channel access. A custom EPICS record was created in order to overcome the channel access limit of 16k bytes per array. The user can conveniently calibrate optical transition radiation (OTR) and fluorescent screens, capture background images, acquire and average a series of images, and specify several other filtering and viewing options. The images can be saved in either IDL format or APS-standard format (SDDS [3]), allowing for rapid postprocessing of image data by numerous other software tools.
We propose a novel surveillance system that uses hybrid camera network. The system contains a panorama camera and PTZ cameras to take the wide range images and face images at high enough resolution for identification tasks. The robust human detection methods include robust background subtraction method (RRC), skin color segmentation and face tracking method. First, the system detects persons from a panorama image, and then the detailed face images are obtained with the PTZ cameras. The PTZ cameras can track the faces using the four directional features and the relaxation matching. In addition, the system has automatic camera position calibration feature. Thus, the user can use the system without any troublesome settings.
The g factors of the 2/sub 1//sup +/ states in sup(84,86,88)Sr have been deduced using the thin-foil transient field technique with the field calibration of the Rutgers group. The values are g(/sup 84/Sr)= + 0.419(47), g(/sup 86/Sr)= + 0.273(50) and g(/sup 88/Sr)= + 1.15(17). The mean lifetimes of the 2/sub 1//sup +/ states in sup(86,88)Sr were determined by the Doppler-shift attenuation method to be 2.10(22) ps and 0.219(23) ps respectively. The g factor and lifetime results are compared with shell model and interacting boson model predictions.
Fuel elements used in the ORR whole-core LEU fuel demonstration have been gamma-scanned to determine axial distributions of UZLa and TXCs fission product activities. This data has been analyzed to determine cycle-averaged fuel element powers, residual STVU masses, and burnups of discharged fuel elements. Methods used to analyze the data are discussed and results are presented for the LEU fuel elements. Measured and calculates fuel element powers agree to within 5%, residual STVU masses to within 2%, and burnups to within 3%. These results are somewhat preliminary and await improved burnup calculations and independent calibration data to be based on the destructive analyses of a number of irradiated fuel elements. 4 refs., 7 figs., 3 tabs.
A stable chlorobenzene dispersion of conducting polyaniline (PANI) has been obtained by doping emeraldine base with dodecylbenzene sulfonic acid (DBSA) and studied by spectrophotometric measurements in the UV-vis-IR range. The electrical properties of PANI: DBSA films obtained from the above dispersion have been investigated under different temperature and relative humidity conditions. All-organic chemoresistive devices have been developed by spin-coating the PANI: DBSA dispersion on flexible substrates, and then by depositing electrodes on the top, from a carbon nanotube conducting ink. Sensing tests performed under exposition to calibrated amounts of ammonia reveal that these simple and inexpensive sensors are able to detect ammonia at room temperature in a reliable way, with a sensitivity linearly related to concentration in the range between 5 ppm and 70 ppm.
The purpose of this note is to provide guidance to those who have duties under the Health and Safety at Work Act and other relevant legislation. It gives guidance on the practical application of legislation, concerning radiotherapy equipment. Two particular issues arise out of the requirements of Regulation 33 of the Ionising Radiations Regulations 1985 (IRR85) in relation to equipment which is used for medical exposures. These are the requirement to select, install and maintain this type of equipment in such a way that it is capable of restricting, so far as reasonably practicable, the medical exposure of any person where this is compatible with the intended clinical purpose, including the need to ensure that equipment used for radiotherapy is properly calibrated, and the requirement to notify the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) when an incident occurs involving a malfunction or defect in any 'radiation equipment' which gives rise to a medical ...
Breath analysis could offer a non-invasive means of intravenous drug monitoring if robust correlations between drug concentrations in breath and blood can be established. In this study, propofol blood and breath concentrations were determined in an animal model under varying physiological conditions. Propofol concentrations in breath were determined by means of two independently calibrated analytical methods: continuous, real-time proton transfer reaction mass spectrometry (PTR-MS) and discontinuous solid-phase micro-extraction coupled with gas chromatography mass spectrometry (SPME-GC-MS). Blood concentrations were determined by means of SPME-GC-MS. Effects of changes in pulmonary blood flow resulting in a decreased cardiac output (CO) and effects of dobutamine administration resulting in...
In calibration measurements with low energy X-rays, a double peak effect appears in low pressure proportional counters with a helix, when used for simulation of tissue equivalent diameters considerably larger than 2 m. An interpretation of this phenomenon is discussed, based upon electron capture and electric field perturbation at the counter helix. A description of the physical processes is presented showing that the double peak effect is a problem in the case of helix counters (called also Rossi counters) for all simulated diameters. Conclusions are drawn on systematic errors introduced by the counter helix into microdosimetric spectra and anti y/sub D/ of photons and neutrons. The authors recommend to use cylindrical counters with optimized geometrical and electronic parameters rather than the spherical counters with a helix discussed.
TAPP-3 and 4 reactors use large number of Self Powered Neutron Detectors (SPNDs) for Neutronic lower measurement and control. To perform in-situ calibration of these detectors in select locations and to validate the reactor physics codes which predict flux at various points in the core, traveling in-core probes (TIP) are required. The TIP assembly consists of a miniature neutron sensitive detector. The detector is driven in and out of core using a mechanism which facilitates positioning of the detector anywhere inside a vertical tube (Central carrier tube of any of the six select Vertical Flux Units) in the core. TIP is driven through retractable feed mechanism for a stroke of 13 m. This paper describes the developmental efforts and the operational feedback of the retractable feed mechanism for the stroke of 13 m used at TAPP 3 and 4 reactor. (author)
Leafy samples often used as medicine in the Indian Ayurvedic system and vegetables were analyzed for 20 elements (As, Ba, Br, Ca, Ce, Cr, Cs, Co, Eu, Fe, K, La, Na, Rb, Sb, Sc, Sm, Sr, Th, Zn) by employing Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis (INAA). The samples were irradiated at the 100 kW TRIGA-MAINZ nuclear reactor and the induced activities were counted by gamma ray spectrometry using an efficiency calibrated high resolution High Purity Germanium (HPGe) detector. The concentration of the elements in the medicinal and vegetable leaves and their biological effects on human beings are discussed.
Background: Superficial inferior epigastric artery (SIEA) flap has a great advantage over other flaps of the area, that is, readily non-existent donor-site problems. The main reason why the SIEA flap has never been extensively used in breast reconstruction is the small diameter and variable anatomy of its donor artery. This study presents a possibility of enlarging the SIEA diameter using the delay-phenomenon mechanism. Methods: A prospective clinical study of 26 patients was undertaken. Prior to surgery, ultrasound examinations were performed, measuring the diameter of SIEA and the velocity of blood flow in SIEA. The ipsilateral deep inferior epigastric artery (DIEA) was then ligated in all patients who had a measurable SIEA preoperatively. Two weeks later, measurements were repeated. The...
An easy and simple method for gamma assay of large multi-gamma lines samples was introduced in this work. This method performs the assay using point source calibration. The correction factors for volume and self-attenuation are experimentally deduced from the spectra of different thicknesses samples utilizing the following two simple well known facts: large and small samples of the same homogenous material have identical specific activities; the self-attenuation of gamma line decreases as its energy increases. The method was successfully applied to naturally occurring radioactive material (NORM) large samples. This method does not require complicated mathematical procedures. Neither sample matrix data nor detector unit composition is needed.
An easy and simple method for gamma assay of large multi-gamma lines samples was introduced in this work. This method performs the assay using point source calibration. The correction factors for volume and self-attenuation are experimentally deduced from the spectra of different thicknesses samples utilizing the following two simple well known facts: large and small samples of the same homogenous material have identical specific activities; the self-attenuation of gamma line decreases as its energy increases. The method was successfully applied to naturally occurring radioactive material (NORM) large samples. This method does not require complicated mathematical procedures. Neither sample matrix data nor detector unit composition is needed.
An easy and simple method for gamma assay of large multi gamma lines samples was introduced in this work. This method performs the assay using point source calibration. The correction factors for volume and self-attenuation are experimentally deduced from the spectra of different thicknesses samples utilizing the following tow simple well known facts: Large and small samples of the same homogenous material have identical activities; the self attenuation of gamma line decreases as its energy increases. The method was successfully applied to NORM (Naturally Occurring Radioactive Material) large samples. This method doesn't require complicated mathematical procedures. Neither sample matrix data nor detector unit composition is needed. (author)
Electric utility plants, for which construction commenced after September 18, 1978, must install and operate continuous emission monitoring (CEM) systems to demonstrate compliance with SO_2 and NO_x emission standards. Furthermore, effective December 4, 1987, each plant must develop and implement a CEM quality assurance (QA) program. This paper reviews the CEM and QA requirements set forth by new source performance standards (NSPS) promulgated by the Environmental Protection Agency. The paper summarizes operating characteristics of the 32 power plants currently subject to NSPS and describes the types of CEM systems used by these plants. Also, to the extent available, the paper presents the results of initial (i.e., first quarter 1988) QA activities (e.g., audits and calibration drift assessments) conducted by these plants.
A calorimetric sensor with several novel design features has been developed. These sensors will provide an accurate sampling of thermal power density and energy deposition from proton beams incident on target components of accelerator-based systems, such as the Accelerator Production of Tritium Project (APT) and the Spallation Neutron Source (SNS). A small, solid slug (volume = 0.347 cc) of target material is suspended by kevlar fibers and surrounded by an adiabatic enclosure in an insulating vacuum canister of stainless steel construction. The slug is in thermal contact with a low-mass, calibrated, 100-k{Omega} thermistor. Power deposition caused by the passage of radiation through the slug is calculated from the rate of temperature rise of the slug. The authors have chosen slugs composed of Pb, Al, and LiAl.
The Jeanne d`Arc Basin is located 320 km offshore in the Grand Banks of Newfoundland. It is a Mesozoic failed-rift basin with recoverable oil reserves of about 2 billion barrels. Its huge Hibernia Field will be in production by late 1997. The basin has been reappraised using sequence stratigraphic concepts, and renewed exploration in the area is expected. The Upper Jurassic - Lower Cretaceous sedimentary accumulation in the Basin was formed by the extensional tectonics that created the North Atlantic Ocean. The sedimentary packages were placed in chronostratigraphic order by calibrating the biostratigraphy of the Oxfordian to Maastrichtian section to the detailed ammonite zonation from the North Sea.
The aim of this study is to develop the methodology which enables to identify the mechanical properties of element such as stress intensity factor by using the AE parameters. Considering the multivariate and nonlinear properties of AE parameters such as ringdown count, rise time, energy, event duration and peak amplitude from fatigue cracks of machine element the principal component regression(PCR) and artificial neural network(ANN) models for the estimation of stress intensity factor were developed and validated. The AE parameters were found to be very significant to estimate the stress intensity factor. Since the statistical values including correlation coefficients, standard mr of calibration, standard error of prediction and bias were stable, the PCR and ANN models for stress intensity factor were very robust. The performance of ANN model for unknown data of stress intensity factor was better than that of PCR model
Waveform correlation detectors compare a signal template with successive windows of a continuous data stream and report a detection when the correlation coefficient, or some comparable detection statistic, exceeds a specified threshold. Since correlation detectors exploit the fine structure of the full waveform, they are exquisitely sensitive when compared to power (STA/LTA) detectors. The drawback of correlation detectors is that they require complete knowledge of the signal to be detected, which limits such methods to instances of seismicity in which a very similar signal has already been observed by every station used. Such instances include earthquake swarms, aftershock sequences, repeating industrial seismicity, and many other forms of controlled explosions. The reduction in the detection threshold is even greater when the techniques are applied to arrays since stacking can be performed on the individual channel correlation traces to achieve significant array gain. In previous ...
This study is concerned to the perforation phenomena of the oblique dual-plate by projectile. Experiment and simulation related to that was carried out. the variables considered in this phenomena include the electrolytic zinc coated steel sheet and carbon steel rod. In the former, the confirmation and projectile velocity possible phenomena of real phenomena is done, the latter, the effect of parameter such as time-step and grid space length is analyzed by using the three-dimensional Lagrangian explicit time-integration finite element code, HEMP. This code use the eight node hexahedral elements and in this study, Von-Mises Criteria is used as the strength model, Mie-Gruneisen is as the Equation of State. The simulation was performed by contrast with the experiment. Through the calibration of the parameter of Lagrangian code, reasonable result was approached.
In view of no satisfactory mathematical model is presently available for the dose-response curve of immunoradiometric assay, a three parameter model based on single binding site mass action law has been derived. A curve fitting method based on similar principle of linear robust regression was designed and a software was prepared for use on IBM personal computers. Experiments revealed that the model is applicable to a variety of IRMA systems as well as to time-resolved immunofluorometric assay of hAFP. When there was outlier(s) of the calibration curve, the average bias of unknown samples obtained with this method is significantly smaller than methods using four parameter logistic model or four parameter single site mass action model.
Field investigations of major and damaging ice jamming on the Saint John River at Dickey, Maine , and at Sainte-Anne de-Madawaska, New Brunswick, in 1991, were described. The investigations included measurement of water surface profiles and shear wall heights at both sites. The measurements were supplemented by information from local observers and data collection agencies. Using a simplified equilibrium analysis, ice jam thickness and water level at the Dickey site was found to be generally in agreement with observed values. At Sainte-Anne-de-Madawaska sufficient data was obtained to construct and calibrate the numerical model RIVJAM which determined the configuration of the jam in nonequilibrium reaches. Use of the model enabled the successful reproduction of a measured water profile along the jam and the prediction of the approximate thickness of the jam, which was generally less than the measured shear wall height. 14 refs., 11 figs.
...and welcome to ...lab also known as berkeley lab my name is jeff miller and ...and a public affairs i'd like to ? ...but space is science center and ...berkeley albany high school science department and berkeley high school science department and oakland high school science ...be a q. and ...here please use and because we wanna make sure that your questions are here ...heard of also for the latest developments on science and technology ...guy we're going to be any more and more new features i hope ...and change ...thank you ? much and thank you for coming on the welcome to my world of and mayotte science journalist and what i've done for the last almost thirty years ...people about things about which there passionate and national religion tonight and ...people to explain the science and and i asking the question so what ...and ...worldwide and what it does best ? uh ...bench science and turn it into reality what do you scientists and ...uh they take scientific theory and they turn ...
The report presents technical and economical aspects of underground cables compared to overhead lines in Norway in high voltage transmission systems above 22 kV. The economical comparison between the two options includes capital costs of installation (investment costs), maintenance costs and costs of electrical losses. The main technical issues discussed are reliability and flexibility. 35 refs., 23 figs., 29 tabs.
Comparison of the embryolethality of monomeric "2"3"9Pu injected at 9 days of gestation demonstrated that the sensitivity of Charles River CD strain was greater than that of Hilltop Wistar rats. Subsequent comparisons showed that rats derived from the Hilltop Fischer strain were more sensitive than the Wistar and, although not directly compared, more sensitive than the CD.
New standardization techniques of samples in multielement instrumental neutron-activation analysis (INAA) of biological materials (BM) are considered. New methodical developments of sample preparation techniques, BM tableting, creation of comparison standards and standardization of packing material are suggested. Correlated data on concentration of different elements in standard specimens-comparison standards are presented for mass INAA, that is: for phenol-formaldehyde resin-base and human blood-base synthetic standards. 7 refs.; 3 tabs.
Staphylococcus aureus survives inside eukaryotic cells. Our objective was to assess the activity of NZ2114, a novel peptidic antibiotic, against intracellular S. aureus in comparison with established antistaphylococcal agents acting on the bacterial envelope with a distinct mechanism.
A comparison was made of Parr bomb ion chromatographic and titrimetric methods to determine sulfur in fuel oils. The two methods are comparable in precision and accuracy. When rapid sulfur determination in a number of samples is desired, the titrimetry method appears to be an appropriate choice between the two methods. l3 tables.
Low power wire activations are being performed in the Oak Ridge Research Reactor (ORR) as part of the whole-core LEU demonstration experiments. Calculations of the demonstration cores, including simulation of the wire activations, are being performed at Argonne National Laboratory (ANL). This paper presents the results of comparisons for 293 wires from five cores and shows that, on the average, the integrated activities agree within 6%.
The mechanisms underlying life machinery are still not completely understood. Something is known, something is ?probably? known, other things are still unknown. Scientists all over the world are working very hard to clarify the processes regulating the cell life cycle and bioinformaticians try to support them by developing specialized automated tools. Within the plethora of applications devoted to the study of life mechanisms, tools for the analysis and comparison of biological networks are catching the attention of many researchers. It is interesting to investigate why.
This report surveys the possibilities and restrictions of different construction materials for the purpose of the blades of a small stall regulated turbine. For example scaling up, material saving at decreasing of static or dynamic loads, comparisons of global costs based on prices per unit of weight, etc. For the mutual comparison of construction materials for turbine blades the starting point is a stall regulated horizontal axis turbine with a rotor diameter of 16 m and a tipvane speed of about 64 m/s. Short descriptions are given of the materials and of the applied production methods with the resulting blade geometry. The blade skins are dimensionized for storm loads after the optimalization of the blade geometry, needed for the design wind speed, is recorded. The resulting blade skins are mutually compared as for weight, mass inertia and bending stiffness. Also a comparison took place of the resulting reserve factors ...
This paper describes a 1993 field experiment entitled Marine Aerosol Properties and Thermal Imager Performance Trial (MAPTIP) conducted by NATO AC/243 Panel 04/RSG.8 and 04/RSG.5 in the Dutch coastal waters. Objectives were: to improve and validate vertical marine aerosol models by providing an extensive set of aerosol and meteorological measurements, within a coastal environment at different altitudes and for a range of meteorological conditions; make aerosol and meteorological observations in the first 10 m of the ocean surface with a view to extending existing aerosol models to incorporate near-surface effects; and to assess marine boundary layer effects on thermal Imaging systems. Aerosol and meteorological instruments, as well as thermal imagers and calibrated targets, were utilized. This network of instrumentation has provided a comprehensive database of aerosol size distribution profiles and relevant meteorological variables throughout the marine atmospheric ...
The K site near Seoul began landfilling in 1992. The landfilled wastes include municipal solid waste (66.4%), construction residues (20.4%), water and wastewater sludges (trace levels), and hazardous waste (trace levels). The water content of the municipal solid waste is very high (47.3%); as a result, the leachate level (average E.L.) of the landfill, the design value of which is 7.0 m, was measured at 10.3 m in January 1995 and is increasing. The increase of leachate level in the landfill site causes a problem with slope stability. The leachate level at each disposal stage divided by the intermediate cover layer was calculated with the HELP (Hydrologic Evaluation of Landfill Performance) model and calibrated with the data measured from February 1993 to June 1995. Also, the hydraulic conductivities of the waste layer and the intermediate cover layer in each stage were calibrated continuously with HELP model analysis. To verify these results, ...
Low resolution visual polarimetric photographic imagery of the Galveston Bay oil spill from a tanker accident on July 28, 1990 was obtained and analyzed. The low resolution imagery (30 to 100 meters) was obtained concurrently with high resolution (1 meter), and is representative of what would be seen by a polarimetric satellite. Orthogonal red-green-blue (RGB) polarimetric images obtained with color photography were digitized by KODALUX on to a CD ROM. These polarimetric images were then used to calculate the percent polarization. The positive and negative percent polarized radiation scattered by each of the sea surface waves is seen individually in high resolution imagery. (Percent polarization is defined as positive when the dominant radiation is perpendicular to the plane of incidence and negative when it is parallel). The analysis of low resolution polarimetry is approached in a different manner than high resolution; in high resolution, individual waves are imaged and the ...
A theoretical model is developed to explain variations in airborne gamma-ray measurements over a calibration range near Ottawa, Ontario. The gamma-ray flux from potassium and the thorium decay series showed an expected decrease with increasing soil moisture. However, the gamma-ray flux from the uranium decay series was highest in the spring when the ground was water-saturated and even covered with snow. These results are explained through the build-up of radon and its associated gamma-ray-emitting decay products in the clay soil of the calibration range with increasing soil moisture. Similar results were found from airborne measurements over other clay soils. However, measurements over sandy soils showed that the count rates from all three radio elements increased with decreasing soil moisture. This difference between soil types was attributed to the lower radon emanation of the more coarse-grained sandy soils compared to finer-grained clay ...
A theoretical model is developed to explain variations in airborne gamma-ray measurements over a calibration range near Ottawa, Ontario. The gamma-ray flux from potassium and the thorium decay series showed an expected decrease with increasing soil moisture. However, the gamma-ray flux from the uranium decay series was highest in the spring when the ground was water-saturated and even covered with snow. These results are explained through the build-up of radon and its associated gamma-ray-emitting decay products in the clay soil of the calibration range with increasing soil moisture. Similar results were found from airborne measurements over other clay soils. However, measurements over sandy soils showed that the count rates from all three radio elements increased with decreasing soil moisture. This difference between soil types was attributed to the lower radon emanation of the more coarse-grained sandy soils compared to finer-grained clay ...
The aim of the thesis is to validate concepts used in hydrocarbon generation and migration models; the model considered is the Temispack model developed by IFP, and the validation is based on the investigation of the thermal and hydraulic evolution in various sedimentary basins. It is shown that, in general, the thermal history of sediments is influenced by external processes (sedimentation rates, lithology, climate changes, regional-scale groundwater circulations) which frequently overprint internal processes (variations of crustal/mantle heat flow). It is found that external processes can frequently explain past thermal events that were erroneously attributed to internal causes (tectonic-thermal events). The origin of over-pressures in young basins with high sedimentation rates is shown to be generally related to compaction disequilibrium. Shale permeability values calibrated against overpressure profiles are consistent with experimental constraints. Compaction ...
Continental facies of Scythian-early Anisian age (Buntsandstein) of East of the Paris Basin form the underground gas storage reservoir exploited by Gaz de France in the area of Nancy (east of France). An accurate sedimentological study and the application of Genetic Stratigraphy principles lead to the understanding of the deposition of fluvial, which form the reservoirs, and to the reconstruction of their geometries. The subsurface data are calibrated on outcrops. Three types of fluvial systems (braided, sinuous to straight and anastomosed) are defined. A special focus on anastomosed channels permits to differentiate a proximal and a distal facies. Study of laterally continuous outcrops induces recurrent cycles of thickness, velocity and time variations (few tens to hundred ka). These correspond to the highest frequence stratigraphic units, i.e. parasequences or genetic units. Maximum of channel and levee presentation occurs during base-level rise: base-level fall ...
The Materials & Fuel Complex (MFC) facilities 799 Sodium Processing Facility (a single building consisting of two areas: the Sodium Process Area (SPA) and the Carbonate Process Area (CPA), 799A Caustic Storage Area, and 770C Nuclear Calibration Laboratory have been declared excess to future Department of Energy mission requirements. Transfer of these facilities from Nuclear Energy to Environmental Management, and an associated schedule for doing so, have been agreed upon by the two offices. The prerequisites for this transfer to occur are the removal of nonexcess materials and chemical inventory, deinventory of the calibration source in MFC-770C, and the rerouting and/or isolation of utility and service systems. This report provides a description of the current physical condition and any hazards (material, chemical, nuclear or occupational) that may be associated with past operations of these facilities. This information will document ...
Values of the chemical yield, G, and of the molar extinction coefficient, epsilon, for Fricke dosimetry, have been recommended by ICRU. For epsilon, the value in ICRU Reports 17 and 21, 2205 1.mol"-"1.cm"-"1, based on an analysis of 83 reported values. It was suggested that, where neither a careful wavelength calibration nor absorbance linearity checks had been performed, a standard error of 1.5% should be assumed; otherwise 0.15% could be accepted. Alternatively, the accuracy in applying this chemical dose meter was considered improved if there was an independent determination of epsilon with the same spectrophotometer as was used for the determination of the optical density of irradiated Fricke solution. The accuracy claimed for both methods remains questionable, since no complete argumentation could be given for the differences of up to 13% in the published values. Taking into account the discussion of the sources of error by Bryant, Broszkiewicz and Ellis, we ...
Gas turbines are used where large amounts of energy is needed, typically as engines in aircraft, ferries and power plants. From an efficiency point of view it is desirable to increase the service temperature as much as possible. One of the limiting factors is then the maximum allowable metal temperatures in the turbine stages, primarily in the blades of the first stage, that are exposed to the highest gas temperatures. Specially designed materials are used to cope with these severe conditions, such as the nickel base superalloy IN792. In order to be able to design the components for higher temperatures and tighter tolerances, a detailed understanding and computationel models of the material behaviour is needed. The models presented in this work have been developed with the objective of being physically well motivated, and with the intention of avoiding excessive numbers of parameters. The influence of the parameters should also be as easy as possible to interpret. The models are to ...
The calibration of cylindrical detectors using different types of radioactive sources is a matter of routine. The most accurate method, that of experiment, is limited by several factors when the energy interval is broad, requiring a relatively large number of primary standards, implying considerable investment of money and time. Several other techniques can be used instead, including Monte Carlo simulations and semi-empirical methods. Calculations based on the first technique require good definition of the geometry and materials, including the dead layer and window thickness together with an accurate set of cross-sections. The second technique requires two different types of experimental input, the first being from use of sources emitting cascade {gamma} rays and the second from use of sources emitting isolated {gamma} rays in order to cover the wide energy range and provide coincidence-summing corrections, respectively. Here, we introduce a new theoretical ...
We investigated summer activity patterns in a panel of volunteers drawn from a population segment with potentially high exposure to ambient oxidant pollution. The subjects were 15 men and 5 women aged 19-50, all of whom worked outdoors in the Los Angeles area at least 10 hr per week. The general approach was to (i) calibrate the relationship between ventilation rate (VR) and heart rate (HR) for each subject in controlled exercise; (ii) have subjects monitor their own normal activities with diaries and electronic HR recorders; (iii) estimate VR from HR recordings; and (iv) relate VR with diary descriptions of activities. Calibration data were fit to the equation log (VR) = (intercept) + (slope x HR), intercept and slope being determined separately for each individual to provide a specific equation to predict her/his VR from measured HR. Individuals' correlation coefficients relating log (VR) with HR ranged from 0.83 to 0.95. Subjects ...
SKB is currently performing site investigations at two potential sites for a final repository for spent nuclear fuel. This report presents results of water flow and solute transport modelling of the Forsmark site. The modelling reported in this document focused on the near-surface groundwater, i.e. groundwater in Quaternary deposits and shallow rock, and surface water systems, and was performed using the MIKE SHE tool. The most recent site data used in the modelling were delivered in the Forsmark 2.3 dataset, which had its 'data freeze' on March 31, 2007. The present modelling is performed in support of the final version of the Forsmark site description that is produced during the site investigation phase. In this work, the hydrological modelling system MIKE SHE has been used to describe near-surface groundwater flow and the contact between groundwater and surface water at the Forsmark site. The surface water system at Forsmark is described with the one-dimensional ...
In nuclear fuel, in approximately one quarter of the fissions, one of the two formed fission products is gaseous. These are mainly the noble gases xenon and krypton with isotopes of xenon contributing up to 90% of the product gases. These noble fission gases do not combine with other species, and have a low solubility in the normally used uranium oxide matrix. They can be dissolved in the fuel matrix or precipitate in nanometer-sized bubbles within the fuel grain, in micrometer-sized bubbles at the grain boundaries, and a fraction also precipitates in fuel pores, coming from fuel fabrication. A fraction of the gas can also be released into the plenum of the fuel rod. With increasing fission, and therefore burn-up, the ceramic fuel material experiences a transformation of its structure in the 'cooler' rim region of the fuel. A subdivision occurs of the original fuel grains of few microns size into thousands of small grains of sub-micron sizes. Additionally, larger ...
The author compares the UHF Follow-On and MILSTAR satellite communication systems. The comparison uses an analytical hierarchy process. Although the two systems have been tasked with different missions, a comparison of cost, capability, and orbit is conducted. UFO provides many of the same capabilities as MILSTAR, but on a smaller scale. Since UFO is also a new space system acquisition, it is used to compare dollars spent to field a viable communication system. A review of frequency bands, losses, and problems is conducted to establish the relationship. Cost data is provided to establish the major difference in the systems. While MILSTAR does possess more total capability than UFO, it is 10 times more costly. Additionally, UFO is a satellite that will evolve with new technology while MILSTAR is built to full capability immediately. In the author's opinion, the incremental performance of MILSTAR does not justify its incremental cost.
This paper reports on steam injection cycle which is similar to supplementary fired combined cycle, but for the utilized steam medium produced by HRSG, its temperature is higher and pressure is lower than in the combined cycle. In comparison with the thermodynamic advantage of the two cycles, a clear understanding of physical concept can be gotten simply by energy balance. The difference of total power output between them is subtraction of enthalpy difference of exhaust steam and feed water of HRSG in steam injection cycle from the rejected heat by water coolant of condenser in combined cycle, when using the identical gas turbine and the same amount of total fuel consumption. In general case, formulas and data are given to indicate this comparison by the ratio of steam mass flow supplied by HRSG of the two cycles. The analysis of Cheng Cycle Series 7 is applied as an example to give the practical result.
We report a whole-genome shotgun assembly (called WGSA) of the human genome generated at Celera in 2001. The Celera-generated shotgun data set consisted of 27 million sequencing reads organized in pairs...Full Text Available
To date few reports have provided direct comparison of psychosocial vulnerability and resources among youth with victimization and perpetration histories. Within a racially diverse, high-risk...Full Text Available
The original plan for support of research in geothermal reservoir engineering, GREMP, is reviewed and compared with accomplishments to date. A commentary on the comparison and an updated plan are presented. Also included are a justification of the updated plan and a revised management plan. (MHR)
BackgroundInferring regulatory interactions between genes from transcriptomics time-resolved data, yielding reverse engineered gene regulatory networks, is of paramount importance...Full Text Available
BackgroundHerbivore feeding elicits dramatic increases in defenses, most of which require jasmonate (JA) signaling, and against which specialist herbivores are thought to be better...Full Text Available
BackgroundIsoproterenol-induced cardiac hypertrophy in mice has been used in a number of studies to model human cardiac disease. In this study, we compared the transcriptional response...Full Text Available
The t-butyldimethylsilyl group is shown to be an ideal protecting group for the 2T-hydroxyl function of ribonucleosides during the synthesis of ribonucleotides using any of nine commonly used condensing...Full Text Available
Graphene nanosheets (GNSs) were synthesized and used as cathode active materials in a nonaqueous lithium-oxygen battery. The GNSs electrode delivered an extremely high discharge capacity in comparison to carbon powders, which is attributed to its unique morphology and structure. PMID:21779551
The disulfide-reduced form of bovine ribonuclease A (RNAse A), with the Cys thiols irreversibly blocked, was characterized by small-angle x-ray scattering (SAXS). To help resolve the conflicting...Full Text Available
Skin cancers in skin of color often present atypically or with advanced stage in comparison to Caucasian patients. Health care providers must maintain a high index of suspicion when examining...Full Text Available
The current status of cosmological observations is presented; and the light curves and radiation spectra from supernova SN1987A are used in comparison between expected and observed universal nucleosynthesis and star evolution data./aip/.
The phylogeny and taxonomy of mammalian species were originally based upon shared or derived morphological characteristics. However, genetic analyses have more recently played an increasingly important...Full Text Available
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate prospectively the efficacy of a single fraction of high-dose radiotherapy in patients with Kaposi's sarcoma. PATIENTS: Between 1994 and 2004, 47 patients with Kaposi's sarcoma...Full Text Available
1. The penicillinases formed by penicillinase-constitutive mutant strains from two closely related varieties (749 and 6346) of Bacillus licheniformis have been isolated, characterized...Full Text Available
The new percutaneous mitral valve repair techniques are at an early stage. Preliminary series show that they are feasible; however, they need to be further evaluated in comparison with contemporary...Full Text Available
Inferences concerning the lives of extinct animals are difficult to obtain from the fossil record. Here we present a novel approach to the study of extinct carnivores, using a comparison between fossil...Full Text Available
Pain and pain-related interference with physical function have not been thoroughly studied in individuals who have undergone knee-disarticulation amputations. The principal aim of this study...Full Text Available
W. Wayne Scott. ABSTRClCT. Primary proton and secondary particle doses (both .... W. Wayne Scott and R. G. Alsmiller, Jr., Comparisons of Results Ob- ...
The in vitro response of melatonin synthesis was assessed by incubation of individual whole pineal glands for 4 hr without or with different concentrations of isoproterenol in the medium. Pineals were taken either at the end of the 14-hr light phase (day)...
Comparison of gastric carcinoma and gastritis isolates showed the presence of genes, probably carcinoma associated (JHP947 and JHP940), that are situated in a Helicobacter...Full Text Available
This study deals with the torsional response of Ti-8823 and 18Ni (200) maraging steel. The effect of different heat treatments and the subsequent change in microstructure are investigated. In the case of the Ti-8823, a comparison was made between the solu...
An antiserum was raised in a rabbit against highly purified human liver dihydropteridine reductase (EC 1.6.99.7). Dihydropteridine reductase from human liver, in human cultured fibroblasts and in continuous...Full Text Available
Iron is a central element in the metabolism of normal and malignant cells. Abnormalities in iron and ferritin expression have been observed in many types of cancer. Interest in characterizing iron compounds...Full Text Available
OBJECTIVE: We studied 22 dogs to examine the effect of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) alone, in comparison with omental or muscular wrapping on airway healing in a tracheal autotransplantation...Full Text Available
... 154. By way of comparison, the aquatic weed Hygrophila polysperma (Roxb.) T. Anderson, a potential target for biological ... L. Sutton. 2000. Is the aquatic weed hygrophila, Hygrophila polysperma (Polemon...
Individuals from families recruited for the Long Life Family Study (LLFS) (n= 4559) were examined and compared to individuals from other cohorts to determine whether the recruitment targeting longevity...Full Text Available
the network were assembled of custom 450 volt Aluminum electrolytic capacitors provided by the Mallory Capacitor Company. A comparison between theoretical ...
The objective of this study was to examine the ethanol yield potential of three barley varieties (Xena, Bold, and Fibar) in comparison to two benchmarks, corn and wheat. Very high gravity (VHG; 30%...Full Text Available
In this letter we report the outcome for the microscopic approach for the semi-magic nuclei /sup 88/Sr and /sup 90/Zr. For comparison, we have also treated the semi-phenomenological version for the Migdal and SDI force.
BackgroundThe diagnosis of typhoid fever is confirmed by culture of Salmonella enterica serotype Typhi (S. typhi). However, a more rapid, simpler,...Full Text Available
The purpose of the Air Force Health Study is to determine whether those individuals involved in the spraying of herbicides in Vietnam during the Ranch Hand operation have experienced any adverse health effects as a result of their participation in that program. The study is designed to evaluate both the mortality (death) and morbidity (disease) in these individuals over a 20-year beginning in 1982. The Baseline Mortality Report was released in June 1983, the Baseline Morbidity Report in February 1984. Follow-up mortality reports were released in 1984, 1985, and 1986. This study has not demonstrated health effects which can be conclusively attributed to herbicide or dioxin exposure. This report contains analyses of cumulative deaths occurring up to 31 December 1987. The overall cumulative mortality of the Ranch Hands remains statistically indistinguishable from that of both their matched Comparisons and the entire Comparison, population, ...
Contents: Introduction; Design Criteria for a Green Building; Comparison of Energy Efficiency Measures; Whole House Energy Efficiency; Built Examples of Energy Efficient Houses; and Product Energy of Building Elements.
A comparison of chlorophyll-a fluorescence in brown algae (Macrocystis integrifolia, Fucus vesiculosis), green algae (Scenedesmus obliquus, Ulva sp.)...Full Text Available
disposal through HC, and the effects of kerbside collection (KC) of recyclable materials, by measuring ...waste equivalent to 12 % could be attributed to HC and KC.Comparisons between the residual weight data for ...Control showed that the contributions of HC and KC to the overall reduction in residual waste were
BackgroundIn sub-Saharan Africa, Plasmodium falciparum malaria in pregnancy presents an enormous diagnostic challenge. The epidemiological and clinical relevance...Full Text Available
The development of structural barriers for nuclear waste packages involves selection of candidate materials, their screening by mechanical and corrosion testing, rigorous accelerated testing, and evaluation and comparison with other package elements. This document presents results from work conducted on titanium and ferrous alloys.
PurposeWound infection after an ileostomy reversal is a common problem. To reduce wound-related complications, purse-string skin closure was introduced as an alternative to conventional...Full Text Available
ObjectiveTo evaluate the risk factors that may be responsible for the development of contralateral reherniations from ipsilateral ones after open lumbar microdiscectomy (OLM), and...Full Text Available
BackgroundPolyethyleneimine (PEI), which can interact with negatively charged DNA through electrostatic interaction to form nanocomplexes, has been widely attempted to use as a gene...Full Text Available
The possibility to transform the future linear e"+e"-colliders into the #gamma#e and #gamma##gamma# colliders with approximately the same energies and luminosities was shown earlier. Their properties are compared from the point of view of possible physical investigations on them. 10 refs.; 1 tab.
A mesophilic yeast, Candida utilis, and a psychrophilic yeast, Leucosporidium stokesii, were subjected to freeze-thaw cycling over the range 25 to -60 C. Viability...Full Text Available
Light- and CO2-saturated photosynthetic rates of the submersed aquatic plants Hydrilla verticillata, Ceratophyllum demersum, and Myriophyllum spicatum were...Full Text Available
Our understanding of the development of neurotransmitter systems in the central nervous system has increased greatly over the past three decades and it has become apparent that drug effects...Full Text Available
Antiplatelet agents are the cornerstone of treatment for patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Clopidogrel, when added to aspirin, has demonstrated...Full Text Available
BackgroundBacterial vaginosis (BV) is a common condition that is associated with preterm birth and acquisition of complex communities of vaginal bacteria that include several fastidious...Full Text Available
The procedure currently used for isolating legionellae from environmental samples recommend filtration through a 0.2-microns-pore-size polycarbonate filter. In this study we evaluated the performance...Full Text Available
BackgroundThe purpose of the study was to compare the knowledge scores of medical students in Problem-based Learning and traditional curriculum on public health topics.Full Text Available
Seventy seven patients with soft tissue shoulder lesions including adhesive capsulitis and disorders of the rotator cuff and acromioclavicular joint were admitted to a trial comparing two different...Full Text Available
BackgroundPregnancy is accompanied by several hemodynamic, biochemical and hematological changes which revert to normal values after labor. The mean values of these parameters have...Full Text Available
Rhesus monkeys were infected with strains of Schistosoma mansoni from Puerto Rico, St Lucia, Brazil, and Tanzania. Monkeys were killed 11-14 weeks after exposure to 600-650 cercariae....Full Text Available
Mice were killed 7, 11, 19, and 27 weeks after infection with strains of Schistosoma mansoni from Puerto Rico, Brazil, St Lucia, and Tanzania. The percentage recovery of adult worms...Full Text Available
BackgroundWax esters are important ingredients in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, lubricants and other chemical industries due to their excellent wetting property. Since the naturally...Full Text Available
BackgroundSelf-administered computer-assisted blood donor screening strategies may elicit more accurate responses and improve the screening process.MethodsRandomized...Full Text Available
The efficacy of beta-lactam antibiotics and amikacin alone and in various combinations against Pseudomonas aeruginosa was studied in a rabbit model simulating a closed-space infection in a locally neutropenic...Full Text Available
Johne disease, caused by Mycobacterium avium, subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP) is becoming increasingly widespread on dairy farms worldwide, due in part, to the absence...Full Text Available
A Prospective randomised controlled study was done to determine statistical difference between the standard microsurgical discotomy (MC) and a minimally invasive microscopic procedure for disc prolapse...Full Text Available
A commercial multiplex real-time PCR assay (Cepheid Xpert C. difficile assay) for the diagnosis of Clostridium difficile infection was evaluated. The sensitivity and...Full Text Available
ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to compare clinical and radiological outcomes of percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy (PELD) and open lumbar microdiscectomy (OLM) for...Full Text Available
Quantitative metallography is often used to confirm the proper processing of aerospace metallic materials. A microstructural feature of great importance for titanium alloys processed in the alpha-beta phase field is the volume fraction of primary alpha. S...
Objective:To estimate the prevalence of insulin resistant syndrome (IRS) among newly diagnosed patients with type 2 diabetes and to test their validity against two indices...Full Text Available
Elemental mercury has been imbued with magical properties for millennia, and various cultures use elemental mercury in a variety of superstitious and cultural practices, raising health concerns for...Full Text Available
In 2000 to 2001, 2003 to 2004, and 2005 to 2006, three outbreaks of Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis were linked with the consumption of raw almonds. The S....Full Text Available
We compared two insecticidal and eight noninsecticidal soil isolates of Bacillus thuringiensis with regard to the solubility of their proteinaceous crystals at alkaline pH values. The...Full Text Available
There are many methods to screen for abnormal amounts of proteinuria to identify patients at risk for progression of renal disease, but which method best predicts renal risk is unknown. Here, we analyzed...Full Text Available
We report on a high resolution, monolithic crystal PET detector design concept that provides depth of interaction (DOI) positioning within the crystal. Our design utilizes a novel sensor on...Full Text Available
PURPOSE:Two different regimens of SWL delivery for treating urinary stones were compared.METHODS:Patients with urinary stones were randomly divided...Full Text Available
The aim of the study was to determine whether children with chronic benign pain are in contact with their general practitioner (GP) more frequently than those without chronic benign pain. A random sample...Full Text Available
BACKGROUND: Accurate estimation of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) has assumed great significance in the era of automatic implantable cardioverter defibrillators (AICDs), and a low EF may...Full Text Available
To determine the N-acetyl-B-D-glucosaminidase (NAGase) and B-glucuronidase (B-Gase) activities in mastitic milk, basic enzyme assay conditions, distribution of NAGase and B-Gase, comparison of their...Full Text Available
The cell types involved in the cellular immune response were studied with the GVH in vitro as a test system. Comparison of the activities of cells of different lymphoid organs in the...Full Text Available
Prejudice against overweight people is rife. However, there is a paucity of research on the underlying reasons for it. In two studies the relationship between body image, the tendency to make physical appearance-related comparisons (PACS), and both explicit and implicit anti-fat attitudes was examined. In Study 1 (n = 227) people with a high tendency to make physical appearance-related comparisons (high PACS scorers) reported lower self-appearance evaluation, but higher appearance orientation and explicit anti-fat attitudes. The PACS fully mediated the relationship between appearance orientation and explicit anti-fat attitudes. Study 2 (n = 134) found that the PACS also mediated the relationship between appearance orientation and implicit anti-fat attitudes. Thus, individual differences in factors such as body image and the tendency to make appearance-related comparisons, appear to play a central role in both explicit and ...
The theory of zigzag persistence is a substantial extension of persistent homology, and its development has enabled the investigation of several unexplored avenues in the area of topological data analysis. In this paper, we discuss three applications of zigzag persistence: topological bootstrapping, parameter thresholding, and the comparison of witness complexes.
Distance protection, differential protection and directional comparison schemes are presently used for protecting transmission lines. Directional comparison relays are set to respond to faults in the protection zone without intentional time delay and are, therefore, used where high-speed fault clearing is needed. Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs) can handle most situations which cannot be defined sufficiently for finding a deterministic solution. The design and testing of an ANN for directional comparison protection of transmission lines are presented in this paper. Training patterns were generated using voltage and current samples for faults at various locations along a transmission line. The faults were simulated using an electromagnetic transient program and a sample three-phase power system. The performance of the proposed discriminator was checked using data simulated for testing and the fault data recorded from 240 kV ...
Arabidopsis and rice are the only two model plants whose finished phase genome sequence has been completed. Here we report the construction of an oligomer microarray based on the presently...Full Text Available
The function of the hyolingual complex in three odontocete species was investigated to compare adaptations of divergent feeding strategies, suction and ram feeding. Pygmy and dwarf sperm whales, members...Full Text Available
Six patient assessment systems that have explicit decision rules for replicating team judgments on level of care patient placement were selected for analysis. The six were selected because of their...Full Text Available
BackgroundPlotless density estimators are those that are based on distance measures rather than counts per unit area (quadrats or plots) to estimate the density of some usually stationary...Full Text Available
Previous studies have shown that iterative in-line x-ray phase retrieval algorithms may have higher precision than direct retrieval algorithms. This communication compares three iterative phase...Full Text Available
... on the presence of leukocytes in the mammary epithelial tissue [11], temporal differentiation of the epithelial cells during ... of the gland and were separated from the epithelial tissue by bundles of co...
Scheduling is a stochastic process performed by production rules. In .... activated, which causes the available goal queue size to be exceeded, then the first goal to ...... when in doubt turn toward the terminal or when in doubt go ...
To determine if medium and long chain fatty acids can be appropriately metabolized by species that normally produce 16 and 18 carbon fatty acids, homogenates of developing Cuphea wrightii, Carthamus...Full Text Available
BackgroundThis in vitro study was conducted to compare the accuracy of two digital image receptors in identifying the location of tip of a fine endodontic file and radiographic apex...Full Text Available
PURPOSETo compare hand-assisted laparoscopic donor nephrectomy and pure laparoscopic live donor nephrectomy techniques in live donor nephrectomy.METHODSIn...Full Text Available
Assessment of the regulation of plant metabolism by the calcium ion requires a knowledge of its intracellular levels and dynamics. Technical problems have prevented direct measurement of the concentration...Full Text Available