Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

This EPRI sponsored report describes factors that influence the selection of drives in process industry. These factors include economics, safety aspects, speed control and the plant steam balance. Since the economics play a key-role in the decision, this report provides a quick way of estimating the economics of replacing steam turbines with electric motors. The tools to carry out economic analyses have been provided in the form of graphs and nomographs for quick estimation.

KoreaScience (Korea)

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The report addresses the application of reverse osmosis to the treatment of radioactive liquid waste, focusing on the effects of non-radioactive cations and anions, existing in radioactive waste, on the removal of radioactive nuclides. The bivalent cations are generally about ten times as high in decontamination factor as monovalent ones. In the case of anions, the factor of SO{sub 4}{sup 2-} is about ten times that of Cl{sup -} while that of NO{sub 3}{sup -} is somewhat smaller than that of Cl{sup -}. During permeation through membrane, anions tend to accompany cations, and the decontamination factor of accompanying ions is found to increase with that of the paring ions. These results indicate that if one can select components that will remain in the liquid waste, one should consider their effects on the efficiency of its treatment. Furthermore, the interaction between two anions or between two cations ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The document represents a specific type of discussion of existing methodologies for the creation and application of probabilistic safety assessment (PSA) in light of the EUR document summarizing requirements placed by Western European NPP operators on the future design of nuclear power plants. A partial goal of this discussion consists in mapping, from the PSA point of view, those selected design, operational and/or safety factors of future NPPs that may be entirely new or, at least, newly addressed. Therefore, the terms of reference for this stage were formulated as follows: Assess current level of knowledge and procedures in the analysis of factors and phenomena with a dominant influence upon operational safety of new generation reactors, especially in the following areas: (1) Phenomenology of failure types and mechanisms and reliability of conventional passive safety system components; (2) ...

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

The C1 fixation test is widely used for the study of the interaction between immunoglobulins, their fragments and the complement system. Some factors influencing the apparent extent of the C1 fixation...Full Text Available

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Environmental assessment in an arid coal mining area requires an understanding of the influences of coal mining, the arid climate and ecological remediation. To that end, we selected vegetation as the key environmental factor to observe. Remote sensing approaches to monitoring the spatio-temporal variation of vegetation caused by mining activities, the arid climate and ecological remediation in the Shengdong coal mining area are described. Over a large regional scale it was found that the vegetation was improved as a result of ecological remediation activities. At the local scale, however, the vegetation coverage and soil moisture in the mined areas were slightly lower than those in un-mined areas due to mining subsidence. These differences are partly attributed to ground fissures that inj...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Wood usage for cooking and heating is still very relevant in most developing countries especially those of sub-Saharan Africa and many parts of Asia. Therefore, sustainable means of generating it for this and other purposes are necessary bearing in mind the influence of indigenous knowledge/users perspective on any production method regarding success and sustenance. In conformity with this view, questionnaires were administered on 240 respondents in 8 rural communities of Akinyele and Ido Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Oyo State, Nigeria, to elicit information on species that can be used as fuelwood, preferred by the respondents for incorporation into and/or retention in agroforestry plots, out of which 179 (i.e. 75% of the total number of questionnaires administered) were successfully r...

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

A fluid-phase immunoradiometric assay has been developed which identifies an antigen on the Factor VIII (antihemophilic factor) procoagulant protein. This sensitive and quantitative assay is not influenced...Full Text Available

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

We evaluated whether ejaculatory dysfunction induced with a selective α1A-blocker influenced orgasm. Fifteen healthy male volunteers took silodosin or a placebo in a randomized, double-blind...Full Text Available

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

There are many factors that can influence glucose uptake by contracting skeletal muscle during exercise and although one may be intramuscular glycogen content, this relationship is at present not fully...Full Text Available

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

BackgroundPeak bone mass, attained by early adulthood, is influenced by genetic and life-style factors. Early infant feeding and duration of breastfeeding in particular, associate...Full Text Available

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Selecting the best bit for an application is a difficult task because a large number of variables can influence bit performance, therefore upon a decision to run a particular bit type based solely on the average measurements of previous bit performances can lead to a very important impact on the drilling cost. Bits are designed with different concepts and that recent technological advances allow them to be used in a wider range of applications that could improve their drilling programs. Rather than a deterministic estimate, a more mature view of a bit performance is a presentation of possible outputs (bits longevity in drilled meters, rate of penetration, bit cost and cost per meter) in recognition of the uncertainty associated with drilling wells. An evaluation of a simple model based on the drilling cost equation indicates the sensitivity of each variable - described here by its probability distribution function - on the bottom line and can ...

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

INTRODUCTION:Postprandial lipemia is characterized by an increased concentration of circulating lipids after fat intake and is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease....Full Text Available

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

... INIS-UA--158 488 p. MATERIALS SCIENCE additives aluminium oxides

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

BackgroundPerichondrium is recognized as a tissue with chondrogenic potential yielding cells which can be used for osteochondral repair. Factors which influence the proliferative...Full Text Available

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

BackgroundPolymorphisms in Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) gene may influence EGFR production and/or activity, thereby modulating susceptibility to lung...Full Text Available

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Two extruded magnesium alloys, AZ31 and AZ61 were selected to evaluate the influence of process parameters on the material forgeability. The processing parameters considered for forging magnesium alloys were: compression load in the range 55 KN to 60 KN and forging temperature, in the range of ambient temperature to 300 C. Uniaxial compression tests were conducted to establish the strain-temperature relationship. The influences of process parameters on the microstructure were also evaluated. (orig.)

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We report the influence of a small quantity of Cl[sub 2], which enhanced the selectivity of silicon-selective epitaxial growth (Si-SEG) in UHV-CVD using Si[sub 2]H[sub 6], on both the epitaxial growth rate and the B-doping properties for each Si and Si[sub 1-x]Ge[sub x] film. The small quantity of Cl[sub 2] inhibited the Si, Ge and B incorporation, while the selectivity was enhanced. However, it was found, in the case of Si[sub 1-x]Ge[sub x]-SEG using Cl[sub 2], that the reduction ratio of both the growth rate and the B incorporation were smaller than those of Si-SEG with the selectivity still more enhanced. (orig.)

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Rapid corrosion of PWR steam generator carbon steel support structures and consequential denting of steam generator tubes led to considerable investigation of the mechanism of corrosion and for palliatives. The basic mechanism is now fairly well understood. Chloride present in the boiler feedwater from condenser leakage is concentrated in the support plate crevice as a result of the superheat present. This leads to the formation of a low pH acid ferrous chloride environment either through the hydrolysis of a weak base chloride such as MgCl_2 or the combined action of a neutral chloride with an oxidizing agent. Rapid attack of the carbon steel ensues with the Fe_3O_4 corrosion product forming at the metal/oxide interface. This oxide has a volume approximately twice that of the steel consumed and thus eventually fills the crevice between the tube and the support plate. Oxide growth continues leading to compression of the Alloy 600 primary tube and to distortion and eventual fracturing of ...

Science.gov (United States)

The biological age (BA) of the majority of the liquidators of the consequences of the radiation accidents in the Navy and of the liquidators of the Chernobyl' APS accident exceeds the medium standard and the DBA (due BA). The index of the BA can be a characteristic of the influence of the social-hygienic factors on the health condition of the Special Risk Subunit--the liquidators of the consequences of the radiation accidents. It was established, that the radiation influence concerns to the factors dramatically increasing the BA and the rate of senescence of the liquidators of the consequences of the radiation accidents. PMID:21809627

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Radium is known to be taken up by aquatic animals, and tends to accumulate in bone, shell and exoskeleton. The most common approach to estimating the uptake of a radionuclide by aquatic animals for use in health and environmental risk assessments is the concentration factor method. The concentration factor method relates the concentration of a contaminant in an organism to the concentration in the surrounding water. Site specific data are not usually available, and generic, default values are often used in risk assessment studies. This paper describes the concentration factor method, summarizes some of the variables which may influence the concentration factor for radium, reviews reported concentration factors measured in marine environments and presents concentration factors derived from data collected in a study in coastal Louisiana. The ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

This paper presents case studies of economic feasibility of solar photovoltaic systems using the software AVES-F (Analysis of Economic Feasibility of Photovoltaic Systems), developed by the authors, considering cases of stand-alone and grid-connected systems. The software takes into account several factors that can influence the economic feasibility of these kind of systems, like load to be supplied, distance to the grid, the use regime of the system, applied subsidies and others. The main goal of this paper is to analyze some of these factors and to observe how they can affect the economics of PV systems for electricity generation. (authors)

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Investigation of selective emitter solar cells has been undertaken using both device fabrication and accurate two-dimensional simulation program. Our results show that selective emitter solar cells exhibit a relatively low fill factor because of minority carriers crowding at the lateral junction. It is also found that carrier recombination in the space-charge region of the lateral junction limits open-circuit voltage improvements

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

BackgroundGenetic interactions within hybrids influence their overall fitness. Understanding the details of these interactions can improve our understanding of speciation. One experimental...Full Text Available

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Despite the rapid development of literature pertaining to fundamental (1-4) studies of oxidation catalysis, a general theory of heterogeneous selective oxidation catalysis explaining the selectivity behavior of different metal oxide systems has not yet been developed. Redox mechanisms have been widely invoked in the kinetic and mechanistic descriptions of selective oxidation reactions, suggesting a dynamic behavior of hydrocarbon and oxygen interactions with the catalyst surface. Nevertheless, most of the recent theoretical approaches of this subject matter (5-7) are essentially static in nature. Correlations are made with surface structure on the basis of crystallographic considerations with selectivity being related to the nature, number, bond-strength and nearness of oxygen atoms in the neighborhood of adsorption centers. The effect of the reaction medium on the configuration of the catalyst surface, ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Life cycle oriented methods are increasingly used for environmental assessments (EAs) of the built environment. However, many assumptions are made in such assessments, potentially influencing the results and making the assessment more ambiguous. To increase the reliability of EAs, consequences of the assumptions made have to be better understood. Since energy use in the operation and maintenance phase is an important factor decisive for the overall environmental performance of a building, the purpose of this study is to investigate how the selection of heat and electricity mix affects the assessed environmental performance of buildings. It also aims to suggest how to choose heat and electricity data in EAs of the built environment in general. Applying four different modes of electricity production and two different modes of heat production in a case study of three different buildings with different technical solutions for ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Within the framework of the French inter lab SPACT project (Fuel Cell Systems for Transportation Applications), the behavior of a 5 kW PEM fuel cell stack, fed by humidified hydrogen and compressed air, is investigated in a test platform at Belfort, France. A set of polarization curves are recorded, under various conditions of stack temperature, gas pressure, and stoichiometry rates, in order to obtain a kind of cartography, representing the static stack performance. Initially, the tests are defined considering experimental design techniques. In order to study the relative impacts of the physical factors on the fuel cell voltage, some polarization curve results are selected from the static tests available applying experimental design methodology. First, several analyses are used to estimate the impact of the stack temperature, gas pressure, and stoichiometry rate on the fuel cell voltage. Statistical sensitivity analyses (ANOVA) are used to ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Certain transition metal chalcogenides are promising materials for use as cathodes in nonaqueous lithium batteries involving the intercalation into these layered compounds. The electrochemical behavior of the chalcogenides depends on various properties such as structure, stoichiometry, electrical conductivity, crystal morphology, etc. The influence of these properties and of the ultimate practical application of the battery on the selection of cathode material is discussed. Battery performance of selected cathode materials is discussed and life limitations due to the limited cycle life of lithium anodes are outlined. 15 refs.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

A semi-mechanistic model for calculating solid radionuclide release rates from bubbling pools of sodium was developed. The influence of particle spacial and size distributions on the decontamination of the releases was analysed and found significant. Decontamination factors are shown as a function of pool depth, bubbling characteristics and particle size distribution. The calculation of a decontamination factor for estimating the source term of large scale hypothetical core disruptive accidents is presented. The decontamination factor for a large scale accident was found to be two orders of magnitude greater than results obtained from small scale experiments conducted with uniform particle distributions. (orig.).

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Sixty-five patients operated with total pancreatectomy were reviewed with respect to factors influencing operative mortality and morbidity, long-term survival, and metabolic sequelae. The diagnoses...Full Text Available

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Before the influence of divergent factors on gross efficiency (GE) [the ratio of mechanical power output (PO) to metabolic power input (PI)] can be assessed, the variation in GE between days, i.e. the...Full Text Available

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

BackgroundSupport groups have proved to be effective in reducing the burden on family caregivers of dementia patients. Nevertheless, little is known about the factors that influence...Full Text Available

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Purpose: This paper reviews and reassesses the internationally accepted niches or ‘targets’ in bone marrow that are sensitive to the induction of leukaemia and primary...Full Text Available

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

The outcome of patients admitted to intensive care units is known to be influenced by such factors as age, previous health status, severity of disease, and diagnosis. To estimate the outcome of such...Full Text Available

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

BackgroundLittle is known about the acceptability of internet and telephone treatments, or what factors might influence patient interest in receiving treatments via...Full Text Available

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Typically, modern economics has steered away from the analysis of sociological and psychological factors and has focused on narrow behavioural assumptions in which expectations are formed on the basis...Full Text Available

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Tissue culture conditions and transformation have been established for both aspen and poplar. The use of previously described culture conditions resulted in shoot tip necrosis in the shoot cultures...Full Text Available

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

The occurrence of outbreaks of cholera in Africa in 1970 and in Latin America in 1991, mainly in coastal communities, and the appearance of the new serotype Vibrio cholerae O139 in...Full Text Available

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

BackgroundParents of chronically ill children are at risk for a lower Health Related Quality of Life (HRQoL). Insight in the dynamics of factors influencing parental HRQoL is necessary...Full Text Available

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Pituitary Fshb concentrations increase markedly and selectively beginning on Postnatal Day 20 in the male rat. To evaluate the factors potentially responsible for this rise...Full Text Available

Science.gov (United States)

Skip to Content Cancer Control and Population Sciences Home Applied Research Home Risk Factor Monitoring and Methods Home Diet Usual Dietary Intakes: Background The NCI Method Details of the NCI Method Food Intakes, US Population, 2001-04 Selected Intakes

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Bacterial pathogens use virulence strategies to invade epithelial barriers, but active processes of epithelial cells may also contribute to the endocytosis of microbial particles. To focus on the latter,...Full Text Available

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Sterol regulatory element-binding protein (SREBP)-1 is a key transcription factor for the regulation of lipogenic enzyme genes in the liver. Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) selectively suppress hepatic...Full Text Available

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Effect of single and chronic irradiation on factors of hamsters natural immunity such as complement, lysozyme and antibodies in norm and in the cestode invasion has been investigated. Significant phase changes in the complement activity level, lysozyme content and specific antibodies tite have been shown to occur in hamster blood under the influence of ionizing radiation. Cestode invasion in irradiated host organism increases the negative effect of ionizing radiation on the hamster immyne system.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The removal of tritiated water vapour was tested by use of a small burning apparatus and a clinoptilolite filter. It was found that decontamination factor of about 10"4 could be obtained by a clinoptilolite filter. The adsorption of HTO in the clinoptilolite is caused by the diffusion, so it is necessary that filtration velocity is maintained below 0.01 m/sec. Decontamination factor was not influence by the moisture content of a clinoptilolite and tritiated water vapour once adsorbed on a filter was hardly removed. (auth.).

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

To develop the advanced subchannel analysis code, the dominant factors that influence the boiling transitional process must be taken into account in the mechanistic constitutive equations based on the flow geometries and the fluid properties. The dominant factors that influence the boiling transitional processes are (1) the gas-liquid re-distribution by cross flow, (2) the liquid film dryout, (3) the two-phase flow regime transition, (4) the droplet deposition, and (5) the spacer-droplet interaction. At first, we indicated the strategy for the development of the constitutive equations for the five dominant factors based on the experimental database by the latest measurement technique and the latest computational fluid dynamics method. Then, the problems of the present constitutive equations and the improvement plan of the constitutive equations were indicated. Finally, the layered ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The form factor for excitation of the 1"+ state at 3.48 MeV in "8"8Sr by inelastic electron scattering has been measured for momentum transfers q = 0.24-0.62 fm"-"1. Neither its magnitude nor shape can be described employing the best available nuclear wave functions. We demonstrate with a schematic model that the observed reduction of the form factor may be understood by taking into account a renormalization of the M1-operator due to virtual #DELTA#-hole excitations. (orig.).

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

This paper presents the first report of multiple anthelmintic resistance in the gastrointestinal nematodes of goats and its possible contributory factors in an irrigated area (Pakistan). A total of 18 privately owned Beetal goat flocks were selected in order to determine the anthelmintic resistance against commonly used anthelmintics. Forty to 48 animals from each flock were selected according to their weight and egg count. The three anthelmintics viz., oxfendazole, levamisole and ivermectin, were given to three groups at manufacturer's recommended dose while one group was kept as untreated control. Anthelmintic resistance was determined through faecal egg count reduction and egg hatch tests while assessment of the contributory factors of anthelmintic resistance was measured through the ru...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

This paper proposes a novel and efficient algorithm to obtain optimal generation dispatch reflecting the operator's intention in power system rescheduling. In optimal system operation, various objectives, such as economy, quality and transmission security, need to be achieved simultaneously. However, these objectives are often contradictory and in a trade-off relationship with respect to each other thus making it difficult to handle this class of problem by conventional approaches. In the proposed algorithm, optimal generation dispatch is formulated as a multi-objective optimization problem. A fuzzy coordination technique based on fuzzy set theory is used to obtain an optimal solution. Evaluation indices composed of fuel cost, transmission line overload and AFC regulation capacity margin are measured by the membership functions, and multi-objective optimization is solved by maximizing the composite performance index, namely, the fuzzy decision-making function. This makes it ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Wood usage for cooking and heating is still very relevant in most developing countries especially those of sub-Saharan Africa and many parts of Asia. Therefore, sustainable means of generating it for this and other purposes are necessary bearing in mind the influence of indigenous knowledge/users' perspective on any production method regarding success and sustenance. In conformity with this view, questionnaires were administered on 240 respondents in 8 rural communities of Akinyele and Ido Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Oyo State, Nigeria, to elicit information on species that can be used as fuelwood, preferred by the respondents for incorporation into and/or retention in agroforestry plots, out of which 179 (i.e. 75% of the total number of questionnaires administered) were successfully retrieved for statistical analyses. Twelve woody species namely: Annona senegalensis, Anogeissus leiocarpus, Bridelia ferruginea, Daniellia oliveri, Detarium microcarpum, ...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Using an efficient criterion in selection of fuzzy conditional attributes (i.e. expanded attributes) is important for generation of fuzzy decision trees. Given a fuzzy information system (FIS), fuzzy conditional attributes play a crucial role in fuzzy decision making. Besides, different fuzzy conditional attributes have different influences on decision making, and some of them may be more important than the others. Two well-known criteria employed to select expanded attributes are fuzzy classification entropy and classification ambiguity, both of which essentially use the ratio of uncertainty to measure the significance of fuzzy conditional attributes. Based on fuzzy-rough technique, this paper proposes a new criterion, in which expanded attributes are selected by using significance of fuz...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Recently, the public has become aware of keywords like ''Quantum computer'' or ''Quantum cryptography''. Regarding their potential application in solid state based quantum information processing and their overall benefit in fundamental research quantum dots have gained more and more public interest. In this context, quantum dots are often referred to as ''artificial atoms'', a term subsuming their physical properties quite nicely and emphasizing the huge potential for further investigations. The basic mechanism to be considered is the theoretical model of a two-level system. A quantum dot itself represents this kind of system quite nicely, provided that only the presence or absence of a single exciton in the ground state of that structure is regarded. This concept can also be expanded to the presence of two excitons (bi-exciton). Transitions between the relevant levels can be ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Four subprojects were completed: development and evaluation of die coatings, accelerated die life characterization of die materials, evaluation of fluid flow and solidification modeling programs, selection and characterization of Al-based die casting alloys, and influence of die materials and coatings on die casting quality.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A non-recursive model is proposed and empirically tested with data of opponents of nuclear power. In explaining conventional and unconventional participation the theory of collective action is applied and modified in two respects: the perceived influence on the elimination of collective evils are taken into account; the selective incentives considered are non-material ones. These modifications proved to be valid: the collective good variables and non-material incentives were important determinants for the two forms of participation. Another result was that there is a reciprocal causal relationship between conventional and unconventional participation.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Cathodic reduction of non-terminal vinylaxides on Hg cathodes in the presence of electrophiles gives reasonable yields of N-acylated enamines in an electrochemically totally irreversible reaction. In the presence of added H-donors rather high selectivity for formation of saturated amides is achieveable. The influence of reaction conditions on product distribution is discussed.

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

In the field of international human resource management, studies have seldom examined organizational justice, social exchange, and psychological contract together as important factors in influencing the expatriate adjustment process. The purpose of this research is to fill the research gap by examining these factors and their relationships with expatriate adjustment. The researcher conducted a survey of Taiwanese business expatriates during the first quarter of 2007, collecting 219 valid samples for analysis. A hierarchical regression model was used to test the research framework hypotheses, which showed that expatriates' perception of organizational justice has a positive influence both on their perceptions of social exchange and on their psychological contract fulfillment. Expatriates' p...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Abstract. Objective: Lapatinib (Tykerb, GW572016), a potent inhibitor of the catalytic activities of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) (ErbB2), inhibits population growth of selected EGFR and HER2 overexpressing cell lines. Previous studies with a small number of cell lines suggest a correlation between overexpression of EGFR and/or HER2 and sensitivity to growth inhibition by lapatinib; however, the precise determinants of lapatinib selectivity for tumour and/or other cells remain unclear. Materials and methods: To clarify the determinants of its selectivity in cultured cells, lapatinib-induced cell population growth inhibition and relative EGFR and HER2 protein expression were quantified in 61 different human tumour cell lines fro...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

This is the first volume of a two-volume report. Volume 2 will be published at a later date. This report presents the results of a research project conducted by Brookhaven National Laboratory for the United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Office of Nuclear Regulatory Research. The purpose of the project was to develop a general methodology to be use in the assessment of the organizational factors which affect performance reliability (safety) in a nuclear power plant. The research described in this report includes the development of the Nuclear Organization and Management Analysis Concept (GNOMIC). This concept characterizes the organizational factors that impact safety performance in a nuclear power plant and identifies some methods for systematically measuring and analyzing the influence of these factors on safety performance. This report is divided into two parts; Part 1 presents an overview of ...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Information technology allows national and local governments to satisfy the needs of citizens in a cost effective way. Unfortunately, citizens still tend to prefer traditional, more costly channels, such as the front desk, phone and mail. Through pilot projects government agencies attempt to influence this behavior of citizens, directing them towards the online channel. With this paper we provide insight into the possibility to influence citizens' behavior in the complex landscape of multi-channel service provision. The paper systematically compares five pilot projects using a framework that is based on organizational and marketing literature. The results show that socio-psychological factors are crucial in multi-channel management, much more than the technology itself. We conclude that ci...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

When decontaminated with continuously replenished CAN-DECON reagent in a once-through system, carbon steel contaminated with "6"0Co during exposure to reducing coolant in stainless steel loops loses up to 90 percent of its radioactivity in the first few minutes. Afterwards, the rate of removal falls to much lower values which persist for many hours to the end of the experiment. The effects of flow rate, temperature and reagent concentration on the initial rates of decontamination indicate that mass transfer in the liquid is an important factor in the decontamination. The decontamination factor is influenced by the initial rate.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Scattered radiation generated in patient and imaging system has to be considered when quality-assurance tests involve dose detection or image-quality estimations. Measurement of automatic-exposure control dose can be altered by backscattering from intensifying screens of more than 10% and the equipment transmission factor can be overestimated up to a factor of 10 when only primary radiation is used. The sensitivity of intensifying screens depends on the angle of incidence of the radiation and so primary and scattered radiation are detected differently. The quality-control aspects of anti-scatter grids are discussed. (author).

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

In mobile animals, movement behavior can maximize fitness by optimizing access to critical resources and minimizing risk of predation. We sought to evaluate several hypotheses regarding the effects of landscape structure on American marten foraging path selection in a landscape experiencing forest perforation by patchcut logging. We hypothesized that in the uncut pre-treatment landscape marten would choose foraging paths to maximize access to cover types that support the highest density of prey. In contrast, in the post-treatment landscapes we hypothesized marten would choose paths primarily to avoid crossing openings, and that this would limit their ability to optimally select paths to maximize foraging success. Our limiting factor analysis shows that different resistant models may be sup...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The principal types of corrosion are presented which can occur in CANDU steam generator. There are also presented the operation conditions, the specifications referring to the water chemistry and the construction materials of Steam Generator, the factors that have a great influence on the corrosion behaviour during the whole exploitation period of this equipment. The most important elements of CANDU Steam Generator ageing management program are also discussed. (R. P.)

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A borohydride, for instance sodium borohydride, is added to the radioactive effluent, with eventually a carrier such as Cu{sup +}, to give a precipitate containing ruthenium. The processing can be combined to Sr and Cs precipitation be know processes giving barium sulfate and nickel ferrocyamide precipitates. Influence of borohydride concentration on decontamination factor is given.

Science.gov (United States)

Biofilm-specific antibiotic resistance is influenced by multiple factors. We demonstrated that Pseudomonas aeruginosa tssC1, a gene implicated in type VI secretion (T6S), is important for resistance of biofilms to a subset of antibiotics. We showed that tssC1 expression is induced in biofilms and confirmed that tssC1 is required for T6S. PMID:21784934

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Aim To better define the indications for adrenalectomy for adrenal metastasis we have analysed factors predicting survival in our institutional series. Methods A consecutive series of 30 patients undergoing adrenalectomy for metastasis (1996-2007), excluding patients with simultaneous ipsilateral renal cell carcinoma (RCC), was studied. Metastases were regarded as synchronous (6 mo), depending on the interval after primary surgery. Survival was calculated from time of adrenalectomy and factors influencing survival were identified. Results The tumour diagnoses were RCC n = 9, malignant melanoma n = 5, non-small-cell lung cancer n = 5, colorectal carcinoma n = 4, foregut carcinoid n = 2, adrenocortical carcinoma, breast cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma, urothelial c...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Keratinocyte growth factor receptor (KGFR) and fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) 2c share identical amino acid sequences, except for a 46-amino acid domain in the extracellular region. Monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) specific to KGFR have not been reported nor are commercially available. In this study, we generated murine MAbs specific to KGFR in non-obese diabetic (NOD) mice using a modified Repeated Immunizations at Multiple Sites (RIMMS) technology. Stable cell lines expressing the full-length human KGFR or FGFR2c were produced to facilitate the identification of KGFR-specific MAbs. Following the initial screening of hybridoma clones with a fluorescence-based, confocal cell detection method and ELISA, KGFR-specific MAbs were selected and confirmed by flow cytometry and Western blot ...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

We tested two approaches to forecast species distributions while balancing the impact of climate change against the inertia promoted by other influential factors that have been forecast as not changing. Given that mountain species are presumed to be more at risk due to climate warming, we selected an amphibian, a reptile, a bird, and a mammal species present in the Spanish mountains, to model their distributional response to climate change during this century. The climatic forecasts were made according to the general circulation models CGCM2 and ECHAM4 and to the A2 and B2 emission scenarios. We modelled the response of the species to spatial, topographic, human, and climatic variables separately. In our first approach, we compared each of these single-factor models using the Akaike Inform...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The theory of reliability is used to develop statistical field data on malfunctions of units of sucker rod well pumps (UShSN). The indices of reliability of the UShSN are applied for establishment of the cause-effect links between the operating factors. Dependences of operating time on the depth of suspension of the pumps, mode of pumping out, degree of flooding of the oil, and twisting of the shafts are established for conditions of specific fields. The obtained relationships can be used in selecting and optimizing the work of the UShSN.

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

The overall goal of acne management for all patients is to select treatments that effectively address as many pathogenic factors as possible while minimizing side effects. Acne therapy in darker skin...Full Text Available

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Various chemical, physical, and mechanical methods to prevent unwanted deposition of mineral scale are described. The suitability of the different methods, which largely depends on the specific features and requirements of the system involved, is discussed. Special emphasis is placed upon the threshold treatment, where the growth process is retarded by the addition of trace amounts of growth inhibitors. Growth experiments have been performed on barium sulfate and calcium sulfate dihydrate seed crystals, suspended in a supersaturated solution with and without organic bisphosphonates as inhibitors. Two methods are selected for the analysis of the growth data. A degree of inhibition is defined to obtain a quantitative description of the influence of a growth inhibitor on the growth rate of the crystals. In addition the influence of the molecular structure of various bisphosphonates with different substituents is shown. The ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The author explains current developments in high voltage cable technology and subsequently describes problems inherent in its application, from the users viewpoint, in municipal electricity supply. The planning of a high voltage cable network and the selection of a specific type of cable are not only dependent on the typical properties of various cables but to a major degree also on the feasible laying technique, the power transmitted, the costs, the stellation treatment of the high voltage network, the acceptance requirement, the inductive influence from telecommunication cable, thermal influences from the environment, eventual safeguards from mechanical and chemical damage to the network, frequency of failure and surveillance and breakdown location. In conclusion, the author portrays potential developments in the fields of high and maximum voltage cable from the perspectives of today.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The commercial detergents, which are cleansing cream, shampoo, neutral detergent, etc., were examined in order to select the body cleaners that are substitutes for the titanium dioxide paste. JNC entrusted Japan Environment Research Corporation Limited with these examinations since 1997. In 1997 and 1998, the commercial detergents were examined for Ce-144, Cs-137 and Ru-106. In 1999, 22 detergents were examined for Co-60 from the result of the past examinations. In this examination, the radioactive solution of Co-60 was dropped on the pig-skin samples. These samples were washed with each detergent after 5 minutes and 40 minutes. The decontamination factors of detergents were estimated by the radioactive ratio of the samples before and after washing. As a result of this examination, the decontamination factors for Co-60 was the same as the decontamination factors for Ce-144 and Cs-137, and 11 detergents ...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

In recent years, increased attention has been focused on the use of lasers in different fabrication steps of solar cells, in particular laser doping to form emitter and/or selective emitter. In this method the laser energy is used to melt silicon, allowing the diffusion of dopant atoms to occur in the liquid phase. The main advantage of this method is the localised nature of the laser beam, which melts and diffuses a limited area without heating the bulk, therefore reducing the possible degradation associated with high temperature processes. At the University of New South Wales a novel laser doping method was developed, which combines the formation of the selective emitter with a self-aligned metallisation pattern. Despite achieving high efficiencies, concerns arose regarding the adhesion ...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Statement of problem Titanium is the most biocompatible metal used for dental casting; however, there is concern about its marginal accuracy after porcelain application since this aspect has direct influence on marginal fit. Purpose The purpose of this study was to determine the effect that metal selection and the porcelain firing procedure have on the marginal accuracy of metal ceramic prostheses. Material and methods Cast CP Ti, milled CP Ti, cast Ti-6Al-7Nb, and cast Ni-Cr copings (n=5) were fired with compatible porcelains (Triceram for titanium-based metals and VITA VMK 95 for Ni-Cr alloy). The Ni-Cr alloy fired with its porcelain served as the control. Photographs of metal copings placed on a master die were made. Marginal discrepancy was determined on the photographs using an image ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Recently we have found that carbon nano-materials have ability to recognize softer actinides(III). In this presentation, separation of americium(III) from lanthanides(III) by chromatography with carbon nano-materials, such as carbon nano-tubes and graphite, has been investigated by batch adsorption experiments and chromatography. The separation factor (SF) between americium(III) and lanthanide(III) was about 2 in the range of pH from 1 to 4 by using carbon nano-tube, graphite and activated charcoal. The separation factor depended on the diameter of carbon nano-tubes. Smaller one, 3-20 nm diameter, showed the best selectivity for americium(III), which separation factor was about 2.0, although larger one, 40-70 nm, showed almost no selectivity. The same behavior has been observed by using graphite powder and activated charcoal although acid- or alkali pretreated activated charcoal ...

Science.gov (United States)

A plethora of experimental studies use mtDNA as a marker of demographic processes without questioning the possibility that selection may bias their interpretations. We studied four lines of Drosophila melanogaster that have a standardized nuclear DNA but variable mtDNA. We completed the sequencing of the mitochondrial genomes (excluding the A+T rich region) and compiled the differences. We then assayed male influence on oviposition, starvation resistance, lipid proportion and physical activity. We discuss these results in terms of the known differences between the lines and conclude that naturally occurring mtDNA variants in D. melanogaster are expressed at the level of the organismal phenotype. PMID:21757031

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Resistance and tolerance are two types of host defense mechanisms that increase fitness in response to fungi. Several genetic polymorphisms in pattern recognition receptors, most remarkably Toll-like receptors (TLRs), have been described to influence resistance and tolerance to aspergillosis in distinct clinical settings. TLRs on dendritic cells pivotally contribute in determining the balance between immunopathology and protective immunity to the fungus. Epithelial cells also contribute to this balance via selected TLRs converging on indoleamine-2,3-dioxygenase (IDO). Studies in experimental hematopoietic transplantation confirmed the dichotomy of pathways leading to resistance and tolerance to the fungus providing new insights on the relative contribution of the hematopoietic/nonhematopoi...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

In this work, the antibacterial effect of fluoroquinolones (FQs) upon Escherichia coli (E.coli) was measured with and without application of 40kHz ultrasound (US) stimulation. The research results demonstrated that simultaneous application of 40kHz US apparently enhanced the antibacterial effectiveness of FQs. That is, the synergistic effect was observed and the bacterial viability was reduced when FQs and US were combined. In addition, various influencing factors, such as FQs drug concentration, US irradiation time and solution temperature, on the inhibition of E.coli were also investigated. The antibacterial activity was enhanced apparently with increasing of FQs drug concentration, US irradiation time and solution temperature. Furthermore, we discussed preliminarily the mechanism of US ...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Perceptions of sensation and pain in healthy people are believed to be the net result of sensory input and descending modulation from brainstem and cortical regions depending on emotional and cognitive factors. Here, the influence of attention on neural activity in the spinal cord during thermal sensory stimulation of the hand was investigated with functional magnetic resonance imaging by systematically varying the participants' attention focus across and within repeated studies. Attention states included (1) attention to the stimulus by rating the sensation and (2) attention away from the stimulus by performing various mental tasks of watching a movie and identifying characters, detecting the direction of coherently moving dots within a randomly moving visual field and answering mentally-...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The US NRC, in its Generic Environmental Impact Statement on uranium milling has specified that the radon flux escaping a uranium mill tailings pile will be reduced to pCi/m/sup 2/ s by application of covering layers of soils and clays. These covers present a radon diffusion barrier, which sufficiently increases the time required for radon passage from the tailings to the atmosphere to allow for decay of /sup 222/Rn within the cover. The depth of cover necessary to reduce the escaping radon flux to the prescribed level is to be determined by calculation, and requires precise knowledge of the radon diffusion coefficient in the covering media. A Radon Attenuation Test Facility was developed to determine rates of radon diffusion through candidate cover materials. This paper describes this facility and its application for determining the influence of physical properties of the soil column on the radon diffusion coefficient.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The published literature is reviewed and supplemented by current information from the author's laboratory, to show the influence of various compositional, heat treatment and thermomechanical factors on the structural characteristics of Alloy 800. The features discussed include carbon, aluminium, titanium and boron, solution treatment, ageing treatments with and without applied strain, and cold working. Examples of the aspects reviewed include the effect of heat treatment and service or testing temperature on the austenite grain size, and the relative importance of M_2_3C_6 and TiC, the influence of carbon level on gamma prime, the effect of residual or steady stress combined with time at temperature on changes in carbide or gamma prime morphology, and on the appearance of sigma or other intermetallic phases. The questions posed by these features are discussed generally, in terms of their effect on the mechanical properties ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The main reasons of tube failures in steam generators (SG) are considered. 1.Stress corrosion craining which has 28% of SG (most of them have stainless steel tubes). 2. Corrosion loss of metal, which accounts for 24% of tubes (phosphate corrosion due to addition of PO into water). 3.Denting-peripheral pressing of tubes in the openings of the foundation plates by the corrosive products, which are formed on internal surface of drillings in the foundation plates made of carbon steel. 4.Separation of a plating layer on tube panels. 5.Dratting-corrosion. 6.Metal fatigue. A series of experiments were conducted to study the influence of material selection on tube reliability (stainless steel 304, inconel-600, mone-400, incalloy-800). The problem of increase of SG elements reliability is a complex one and can be solved by direct selection of material, proper control of water-chemical conditions and other measures of corrosion ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Size-selected SnO{sub 1.8}:Ag mixed nanoparticle films have been prepared using a gas phase condensation method. Transmission electron microscopy showed that the applied size-selection technique yields well-defined, monodisperse and spherical SnO{sub 1.8} and Ag nanoparticles, both with a fixed diameter of 20 nm. The technique allows an independent variation of the particle size of both materials as well as the concentration of Ag. It allows to assess the influence of these parameters on the gas-sensing properties of the films, here for ethanol vapor in synthetic air. SnO{sub 1.8}:Ag nanoparticle films show optimal values of the sensor signal and response time at a Ag nanoparticle concentration of 5%. Due to the fact that the Ag nanoparticles are clearly distinct from the SnO{sub 1.8} nanoparticles in the film, the most probable mechanism leading to improved sensor properties is chemical sensitization via a spill-over ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

When biomass is used as fuel for thermal conversion plants, minerals from the fuel can be responsible for major problems. Generally, these problems are associated with the existence and development of low melting compounds or eutectics, which form sticky layers. In a fluidised bed, this can result in bed-agglomeration and defluidisation. This causes local high temperature, which often accelerates the process. It ultimately can lead to a completely sintered bed content with a glassy phase gluing the bed particles together and shut-down of the plant. The main objective of the title project is to develop a methodology to predict ash/bed agglomeration and sintering problems, to indicate related problems and, furthermore, to identify solution methods to make different types of biomass streams more viable for energy production. Within the present study, selected fuels are subjected to different existing methods together with some new ones, in order to determine the ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

During outbreaks, Microdiprion pallipes (Fall.) is the most destructive of the pine sawflies in Sweden. Its distribution includes most provinces, but damaging outbreaks have until recently occurred only in two inland areas in northern Sweden. These areas are characterised by high elevation, a harsh climate, and slow tree growth. The four recorded outbreak periods showed a 10 year periodicity. Outside these areas, a lesser outbreak occurred in 1988 to 1990, on the east coast (province of Uppland). Outbreak patterns, life history variation, and mortality factors were studied. Factors that may explain the distribution of outbreaks and the population patterns were identified.Experimental and observational evidence on the potential of various factors to influence fecundity, dispersal, and survival was evaluated. In the outbreak areas, there were few major population factors. Parasitism ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The divertor collector plate in the INTOR reactor will be subjected to high heat, particle, and neutron fluxes, making it the most severely damaged torus component. The collector plate is composed of a protection plate, which is directly exposed to the particle flux, and a heat sink which provides support for the protection plate and carries the water coolant. The high-Z refractory metals have been considered for use as the protection plate material, and austenitic stainless steels and copper alloys have been considered as the heat sink material. Tungsten and Type 316 stainless steels have been selected for the protection plate and heat sink, respectively. The protection plate has a sputtering lifetime of 1.75 y at a 50% duty factor, while the heat sink is expected to last the lifetime of the reactor.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

This document includes the following topics: Background; Data Collection; Scope/Applicability of the Proposed Regulation; Description of the Industry; Industry Subcategorization; Pollutants of Concern for the Centralized Waste Treatment Industry; Pollutants Selected for Regulation; Wastewater Treatment Technologies; Regulatory Options Considered and Selected for Basis of Regulation; Long-Term Averages, Variability Factors, and Limitations and Standards; Cost of Treatment Technologies; Pollutant Loading and Removal Estimates; Non-Water Quality Impacts; Implementation; Analytical Methods and Baseline Values; List of Definitions; List of Acronyms; Appendix A--Pollutant Groups; Appendix B--Listing of Characerization Data From Non-Hazardous Oils Facilities; Appendix C--Listing of Daily Influent and Effluent Measuements; Appendix D--Facility-Specific Compliance Costs; Appendix E--Attachements to Chapter 10; and Appendix ...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Objectives This paper examines the determinants of the insureds decision to use their health insurance card when seeking outpatient and inpatient health care in Vietnam. Methods Uses Vietnams latest Household Living Standard Survey data and random-intercept logistic regression to assess the influence of the observed individual, household and commune/ward factors on the insureds decision to access health insurance benefits while controlling for the unobserved commune/ward-specific factors. Results Compared to the compulsory enrollees, the voluntary enrollees and the beneficiaries of the Health Care Fund for the Poor are less likely to use their card when seeking inpatient care. An individuals likelihood of accessing insurance benefits varies inversely with income and the level of education,...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Possible factors regulating phytoplankton variability in the Arabian (Persian) Gulf were analyzed on the basis of satellite observations and meteorological data (1997-2009), including remotely-sensed chlorophyll a concentration (CHL), sea surface temperature, wind, solar radiation, precipitation, and aerosols. Shallow waters of northwestern Gulf influenced by Shatt Al-Arab River discharge were more productive than open Gulf waters, although seasonal CHL patterns in this and other shallow regions looked unrealistic likely because the CHL signal was obscured by bottom reflection. Therefore our further analyses focused on the open Gulf waters, which show a subtropical seasonal CHL cycle with maximum in winter and minimum in spring-summer. This cycle, however, was decoupled from the seasonal e...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Adsorption by activated red mud (ARM) is investigated as a possible alternative to the conventional methods of Cr(VI) removal from aqueous synthetic solutions and industrial effluents. Adsorption characteristics suggest the heterogenous nature of the adsorbent surface sites with respect to the energy of adsorption. Various factors such as pH, contact time, Cr(VI) concentration, amount of adsorbent, and temperature are taken into account, and promising results are obtained. The applicability of the Langmuir as well as Freundlich adsorption isotherms for the present system is tested. The loading factor (i.e., milligrams Cr(VI) adsorbed per gram of ARM) increased with initial Cr(VI) concentration, whereas a negative trend was observed with increasing temperature. The influence of the addition of anions on the adsorption of Cr(VI) depends on the relative affinity of the anions for the surface and the relative concentrations of ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

An analysis of the passive films formed on amorphous alloys of the system Fe-10% Cr-5% Mo-P-metalloid and Fe-10% Cr-5% Mo-B-Si revealed that they are more markedly enriched with chromium in silicon-free alloys. In silicon-containing amorphous alloys the passive films were highly enriched with silicon, which occurred in these films in the form of a corrosion product close to SiO/sub 2/. As shown by the investigations of a study of the anodic behavior of Fe/sub 40/Ni/sub 40/P/sub 14/B/sub 6/ and Fe/sub 40/Ni/sub 38/Mo/sub 4/B/sub 18/, phosphorus facilitates the passivation of amorphous alloys by reducing the solution current in the active state and enriching the surface layers of the metal in the form of a black prepassivation film which also contains nickel and iron. The behavior of Fe-Ni amorphous alloys containing only boron as metalloid additive differs little from that of crystalline alloys of similar composition but without the boron. The authors note that in this survey they have ...

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In this paper, we report on a series of experiments designed to study the influence of plasma nitriding on the mechanical properties of austenitic stainless steel. Plasma nitriding experiments were conducted on AISI 304L steel in a temperature range of 375-475 C using pulsed-DC plasma with different N{sub 2}-H{sub 2} gas mixtures and treatment times. Firstly the formation and the microstructure of the modified layer will be highlighted followed by the results of hardness measurement, adhesion testing, wear resistance and fatigue life tests. The modified surface was analyzed directly after plasma nitriding as well as using a depth profiling method. The microhardness after plasma nitriding is increased up to 19 GPa, that is a factor of five higher compared to the untreated material (3.3 GPa). The adhesion is examined by Rockwell indentation and scratch test. No delamination of the treated layer could be observed. The wear rate after plasma ...

CERN Document Server

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

Science.gov (United States)

"The focus of this study was to examine the structural, social, and attitudinal factors that influence an individual?s decision to choose an IT career. The findings revealed many differences among male and female high school students? attitudes and intentions. Although many stereotypes existed among the male and female students, perceptions appeared to be similar within the population. For boys, computer and technical skills had a stronger association with attitudes toward IT than for girls. For girls, social issues showed a strong association with attitudes toward IT. Overall, the intention to pursue IT as a career was most likely to prevail within the population of the high school boys."

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Discusses Czechoslovak regulations for determining moisture content in brown coal. Standard formulae for determining total moisture content and residual water content are described. Factors that influence accuracy in determining moisture content under laboratory conditions are analyzed: brown coal type, season of the year, air humidity, method and duration of coal sample drying, number of coal samples simultaneously dried in 1 dryer, ash content of coal. On the basis of analysis recommendations for a modified method of determining moisture content in brown coal are made. 5 refs.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

An isotopic exchange method was used to label lipiodol with [sup 131]I. The labelling efficiency was > 92.5%, and the radiochemical purity of [[sup 131]I]lipiodol was above 98% as determined by ITLC. The influencing factors e.g. the heating temperature, reaction, pH and storage conditions were studied and the optimum conditions were determined. In a pilot study injecting [[sup 131]I]lipiodol for the treatment of hepatoma, about 70% of hepatoma patients had a response to the treatment with a reduction of [alpha]-fetoprotein and decrease of hepatoma sizes. The overall median survival was 9 months (range 2-17 months). (author).

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

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)

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A study is presented of the influence of ethylenediamine-tetraacetic acid (EDTAA) on the antimicrobial properties of a number of bactericidal additives for cutting fluids. During the testing both the microbiological and primary physical-chemical properties of the cutting fluids were determined. The duration of protective action of the additives vazin, vazin FD, formacide-13, kamcide-5 and furacylin was determined with and without EDTAA in Ukrinol-1 cutting fluid. Though EDTAA itself did not show great duration of antibacterial effect, when combined with the other additives it lengthened their time of protection by a factor of 2.2 to 2.7. 10 references.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The process of miniemulsification allows the generation of small, homogeneous, and stable droplets containing monomer or polymer precursors and magnetite which are then transferred by polymer reactions to the final polymer latexes, keeping their particular identity without serious exchange kinetics involved. It is shown that the miniemulsion process can excellently be used for the formulation of polymer-coated magnetic nanoparticles which can further be used for biomedical applications. The use of high shear, appropriate surfactants, and the addition of a hydrophobe in order to suppress the influence of Ostwald ripening are key factors for the formation of the small and stable droplets in miniemulsion and will be discussed. Two different approaches based on miniemulsion processes for the encapsulation of magnetite into polymer particles will be presented in detail.

Science.gov (United States)

The dynamic response characteristics of the vertical axis wind turbine (VAWT) rotor are important factors governing the safety and fatigue life of VAWT systems. The principal problems are the determination of critical rotor speeds (resonances) and the assessment of forced vibration response amplitudes. The solution to these problems is complicated by centrifugal and Coriolis effects which can have substantial influence on rotor resonant frequencies and mode shapes. The primary tools now in use for rotor analysis are described and discussed. These tools include a lumped spring mass model (VAWTDYN) and also finite-element based approaches. The accuracy and completeness of current capabilities are also discussed.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

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).

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

This work presents analsysi of the eddy current brake. It presents a new formula for the braking force when the actual width of the pole is considered. This formula is suitable for both thin and thick discs and may be employed for wide range of working speed. This force is obtained by solving a two dimensional field problem for magnetic vector potential and then by employing Lorentz force equation. A comture program is constructed to calculate the braking force and to study the effect of various factors influencing the brake performance. The results are summarised in a group of curves which may be useful for design purposes.

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Anesthetic techniques vary widely in the endovascular repair of abdominal aortic aneurysms (EVAR). Previous studies have demonstrated the feasibility of using local anesthesia. However, the ideal anesthetic technique has not been determined. This study examines whether anesthesic technique influences the outcomes of EVAR. Data regarding demographics, risk factors, procedural characteristics, recovery characteristics, treatment complications, acute ( 0.05, ANOVA). From these results we concluded that EVAR with local anesthesia is a safe and efficacious method that may reduce recovery times and postoperative medical morbidity compared to use of genera1 or spinal/epidural anesthesia.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

This paper reported on a study that evaluated the energy consumption of cotton gins used in Australia. The average electricity use is 52.3 kWh per bale. In practicality, the electricity consumption for different gins is correlated linearly with the bale numbers produced. The cost of electricity is therefore important in cotton ginning operations. The power factor in all the gins monitored in this study was greater than 0.85. The study showed that the use of gas dryers was highly influenced by the cotton moisture and regulated drying temperature. In general, electricity and gas consumption comprised 61 and 39 per cent of total energy use respectively. The study showed that 60.38 kg of carbon dioxide are emitted for ginning each bale of cotton. This paper described a newly developed method for monitoring the energy performance in cotton gins. Detailed monitoring and analysis carried out at 2 gin sites revealed that electricity consumption is not ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A method is proposed for evaluating reliability of planning and calculation of the reliability factor with current planning of open pit mining operations. For a quantitative evaluation of the reliability of fulfilling the planned assignment, laws were defined for distribution of the quality characteristics of the coal. After establishing that coal ash content follows the normal distribution law, the probability was defined that the actual output of coal is greater or equal to the planned. Calculation of the factor of reliability of the current planning of open mining operations makes it possible to determine the optimum planning for this period and the probability of fulfillment of the planned assignments. The technique of planning with regard for reliability makes it possible to select the most reliable variant of the plan within the planning period.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Knowledge is a success factor for globally acting company networks as a. o. the aim-oriented knowledge transfer between partners is an essential condition for a successful cooperation. Several network specific problems impede however an efficient and effective knowledge management; e.g. the transfer of competition relevant data is a high sensitive theme. The authors describe how a relevant method can be selected, adapted and implemented to the application-specific boundary conditions. They integrate existing attempts processes and methods to establish an effective knowledge development and an efficient knowledge transfer in the network and take into account ''hard'' (IT-technical-oriented solution approaches) as also ''soft'' factors (e.g. cultural and personal aspects). So the authors present unified instruments for an integrated knowledge management ...

CERN Document Server

We introduce a methodology for analysis of multiwavelength data from X-ray selected BL Lac (XBL) objects detected in the TeV regime. By assuming that the radio--through--X-ray flux from XBLs is nonthermal synchrotron radiation emitted by isotropically-distributed electrons in the randomly oriented magnetic field of a relativistic blazar jet, we obtain the electron spectrum. This spectrum is then used to deduce the synchrotron self-Compton (SSC) spectrum as a function of the Doppler factor, magnetic field, and variability timescale. The variability timescale is used to infer the comoving blob radius from light travel-time arguments, leaving only two parameters. With this approach, we accurately simulate the synchrotron and SSC spectrum of flaring XBLs in the Thomson through Klein-Nishina regimes. Photoabsorption by interactions with internal jet radiation and the intergalactic background light (IBL) is included. Doppler ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The large number of forms and types of pump equipment in common use have different purposes and varying application requirements. This text has been prepared to bring together necessary information for those who are required to select and apply pumps in systems for all kinds of fluids and purposes. It is not a design manual. It limits the discussion of design to those factors which are necessary for an understanding of pump operation. The book contains not only descriptive information of many types of designs, but also the effect of design variation on use, economy, and reliability. Systems, an integral part of application, are discussed, so that the user of such equipment may properly select and install machines to reliably and economically satisfy his requirements. Reading of appropriate sections of the text will indicate possible problems to be avoided, and economics to be gained. The engineering design of pumps is a ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Standard radiation monitoring has been conducted at Sendai nuclear power station for the purpose of estimation of 'source activity' during refueling outage and evaluation of countermeasures to reduce dose rate. Selected objects of the monitoring are radiation dose rate at maintenance area, radiation field at each equipment and piping, coolant chemistry and plant operation condition. Monitored data indicates that 'source activity' variation can be estimated to some extent using influential factors, and that evaluation of change of loose crud activity, which is presumed to be represented by the dose rate at letdown heat exchanger, is necessary to further explain change in radiation field at main work area. (author).

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The use of finely powdered ion exchange resins improve loading of specific ion exchange materials with better performance but as such these materials are not suitable for column operation. However, by proper selection of ion exchange support medium, it is possible to get better product. The radioactive solution can be treated by suspending this material, stirring and allowing to settle. The present method gives DF in the range of 70 - 80 even after repeated use as compared to DF in the range of 5 to 10 by single conventional chemical treatment process. (author)

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The near-term availability of domestic and selected foreign uranium resources for use by United States electric utilities is considered in light of projected geopolitical and socioeconomic considerations. No attempt is made to analyze the impact on domestic uranium supply of inflation or cost-price considerations, the introduction of the breeder reactor, limitations in enrichment capacity, or the presently expanding uranium inventory. All data are current as of mid-1980. The period with which this research is concerned is 1980-1995. It is concluded that the United States must promote responsible, environmentally acceptable uranium resource exploration and development, if this nation is to remain self sufficient in this necessary energy commodity.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The purpose of the chapter is to explain briefly the various considerations that enter into determining the general layout or arrangement of typical hydroelectric powerplants, pumping plants, and pumped-storage plants. Some of the important factors that affect or determine the location, type, and layout of the plant and the selection of the major items of equipment included in the installation are outlined in this chapter. The first consideration in the design of a powerplant, pumping plant, or pumped-storage plant is that it adequately perform its function and be structurally safe. The structure is also designed to give a pleasing architectural appearance.

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

The wind speed distribution and wind energy potential are investigated in three selected locations in Oyo state using wind speed data that span between 12 and 20 years measured at 10 m height. In addition, the performance of selected small to medium size wind turbines in these sites were examined. The annual energy output and capacity factor for these turbines were determined. It was found that the monthly mean wind speeds in Oyo state ranges from 2.85 m/s to 5.20 m/s. While the monthly mean power density varies between 27.08 W/m2 and 164.48 W/m2, while the annual mean power density is in the range of 67.28 W/m2 and 106.60 W/m2. Based on annual energy output, wind turbines with cut-in wind speed of about 2.5 m/s and moderate rated wind speeds will be best suited for all the sites.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Objectives: To minimize movement artifacts during tracer imaging studies, the animals are generally sedated. Although many reports describe the effect of barbiturates on brain function, less is published about the general impact on the extracerebral metabolism and tracer biodistribution. This report describes the influence of pentobarbital on tumor uptake of ["1"2"3I]-2-iodo-L-phenylalanine (["1"2"3I]-2I-L-PA) using dissection and nuclear imaging. Methods: R1M tumor-bearing athymic mice were divided into two populations: untreated and pentobarbital-treated. Each group was subjected to dynamic and static planar imaging and organ dissection after ["1"2"3I]-2I-L-PA injection. Two-compartment blood modeling was performed. Analysis of variance (ANOVA), t test and clustered boxplot analyses were used to compare the results between the treatment groups and between the data acquisition methods. Results: Two-compartment blood modeling demonstrated that pentobarbital ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The medical applications of radiation comprise three main fields namely: Diagnostic Radiology, Radiotherapy and Nuclear Medicine. With the new weighting factors of ICRP (IC91a) the effective dose due to medical applications can be established. I is common to separate the effective dose into the genetic part and the somatic part, SED. In dealing with gonad doses it is important to account for the age of the person at the time of exposure as this will influence the number of children still to be expected from that person. The resulting dose will then be called the genetically significant dose, GSD. In a similar fashion this age factor will be important in considering the chance of tumor induction. The age of patients differs considerably from the average age of the general population. This age difference has to be accounted for if a comparison is to be made with other sources of radiation. This justifies establishing a ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The main problems arising in decommissioning nuclear-powered submarines (NPS) relate to choosing a concept of handling reactor compartments followed by handling technology development. Reactor compartments (RC) are characterized with extremely space-saving or integral layout of large-size power equipment and systems, restricted access for dismantling, high radiation dose rates in a number of bays of RC. The above RC features pose a problem to find optimum option of RC utilization which on the one hand would be the most cost efficient, and the safest as possible on the other, i.e. dose commitments of personnel involved should be minimum, and effect on population and environment should be negligible. The main radiation factors specifying safety in RC handling at any decommissioning stage are as follows: (1) total radioactivity integrated in reactor facility (RF); (2) distribution of this radioactivity through RF equipment and structures; (3) forms the radioactivity ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The main objective of this paper is to identify conditions which affect public concern (either increase or decrease) and political acceptance for developing and implementing programmes for geologic disposal of long-lived radioactive waste. It also looks how citizens and relevant actors can be associated in the decision making process in such a way that their input is enriching the outcome towards a more socially robust and sustainable solution. Finally, it aims at learning from the interaction how to optimise risk management addressing needs and expectations of the public and of other relevant stakeholders. In order to meet these objectives, factors of relevance for societal acceptance conditions are identified, described and analysed. Subsequently these factors are looked for in the real world of nuclear waste management through cases in several countries. The analysis is conducted for six stages of a repository programme and implementation ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

This paper is a result of a research with the primary purpose of extending Probabilistic Risk Assessment (PRA) modeling frameworks to include the effects of organizational factors as the deeper, more fundamental causes of accidents and incidents. There have been significant improvements in the sophistication of quantitative methods of safety and risk assessment, but the progress on techniques most suitable for organizational safety risk frameworks has been limited. The focus of this paper is on the choice of 'representational schemes' and 'techniques.' A methodology for selecting appropriate candidate techniques and their integration in the form of a 'hybrid' approach is proposed. Then an example is given through an integration of System Dynamics (SD), Bayesian Belief Network (BBN), Event Sequence Diagram (ESD), and Fault Tree (FT) in order to demonstrate the feasibility and value of hybrid ...

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Pyrolysis of Greek fir wood samples in a fluidized bed reactor was studied. The experimental conditions selected control the yield of gaseous, liquid and solid products. The factors examined were: pyrolysis temperature, mean particle size, pressure, residence time of volatiles, lignin content of biomass and moisture content. The experiments were performed on the basis of a 12-run Plackett-Burman fractional factorial design. Statistical analysis of the data showed that the pyrolysis temperature is the main factor affecting the distribution of the yields of liquids, their phenolic fraction and gases in the range of experimental conditions tested. Empirical expressions were obtained from linear regression giving the yields of liquids, phenols and gases in terms of temperature. The maximum predicted yields were 56 and 12 wt.% on a moisture-free basis at 520 C and 545 C for liquids and phenols, respectively. The yield of gases ...

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A membrane process utilizing dialysis and selective complexation by water-soluble polymers has been developed. This process, termed affinity dialysis, has been shown to be selectively extract and concentrate both cations and anions in a manner similar to ion exchange or solvent extraction. The selective removal of calcium from sodium with selectivity of about 30, removal of chromate ion from dilute streams, and separation of transition metal ions such as Cu/Fe and Cu/Zn have all been successfully demonstrated. Effects of different polymers, polymer concentration, temperature, and flow rates have been studied. The effect of increased polymer concentration is to increase product concentration if appropriate changes in feed, polymer solution, and strip flow rates are made. A continuous polymer solution recycle and regeneration system has been constructed and operated with Cu/Zn and chromate/chloride feed ...

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An updated listing of the vascular plants of the Hanford Site is provided, along with discussions of how humans may interact with local plants and have influenced the regional flora. Based on examinations of herbarium collections at the Westinghouse Hanford Company, Pacific Northwest Laboratory, Washington State University, and Brigham Young University, 590 vascular plant species have been identified on or near the Hanford Site. This is more than twice the number of species on previously published lists of Hanford Site vascular plants. A review of the plant species that are currently listed as endangered, threatened, sensitive, or otherwise of concern to the Washington State Natural Heritage Program and the Federal Fish and Wildlife Service is included. Color photographs of selected species are included to aid identification. Lists are provided of the Hanford Site plant species that could be used as food and medicinal sources and of those ...

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Adsorption of uranium onto various solids is important from purification, environmental, and radioactive waste disposal points of view. Adsorption of uranium on activated charcoal has been studied as a function of shaking time, amount of adsorbent, pH, concentration of adsorbate, and temperature. Uranium adsorption obeys the Langmuir isotherm. {Delta}H{degrees} and {Delta}S{degrees} were calculated from the slope and intercept of plots ln K{sub D} vs 1/T. The influence of different anions and cations on uranium adsorption has been examined. The adsorption of other metal ions on activated charcoal has been studied under specified conditions to check its selectivity; consequently, uranium was removed from Cs, Ba, Zn, and Co. More than 98% adsorbed uranium on activated charcoal can be recovered with 65 ml of 3 M HNO{sub 3} solution. A wavelength dispersive x-ray fluorescence spectrometer was used for measuring uranium concentration.

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Plastic injection molds are an important economic sector due to the increasing use of injection molded plastic components. The selection of mold steel material, its processing conditions, and the way it is machined and hardened all have an impact on how it performs during use across its lifecycle for injection molding. For this study, injection molding conditions seen during high volume manufacturing were used to induce wear that would be typical during processing. A 50wt.% glass fiber reinforced Polybutylene Terephthalate (PBT) was used for the research. After 3000 injection operations, surface damage was found only on the steel used for the stationary half of the mold cavity and the corresponding surface of the molded parts. In contrast, the moving half showed no surface damage or increa...

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Stainless steels can get pitting corrosion in halide containing solution, which make them a big risk in industrial production. Many investigations were made in the past in order to understand processes involved in pitting corrosion, pit initiation and pit growth. Results about the influence of alloying elements, their contents, the state of the structure, the condition of the surface, the content of chloride, the temperature, the pH-value, the velocity of flow and of the oxidizer on the chloride induced pitting corrosion of passive stainless steels are presented. Electrochemical measurements and the application of surface analytical methods (SEM, SAM, XPS) with high lateral resolution are carried out. A part of the samples received a diffusion annealing in order to obtain reproducible results. Pitting Resistance Equivalents (PRE) - Pitting Index - with different multipliers are given and discussed critical. An electrochemical method for ...

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A kinetic study of the degradation by ozone of eight phenolic acids present in wastewaters from olive oil mills has been performed by using a competition kinetic method. The selected phenolic acids are: caffeic, p-coumaric, syringic, vanillic, 3,4,5-trimethoxybenzoic, veratric, p-hydroxy-benzoic, and protocatechuic. The influence of the operating variables (temperature, pH, and ozone partial pressure in the gas stream) is established, and the stoichiometric ratios for the individual direct reactions between ozone and each acid are determined. Once the reaction rate constants are evaluated, they are correlated as a function of temperature and pH into kinetic expressions which are provided for every phenolic acid. The global process occurs in the fast and pseudo-first-order kinetic regime of absorption, a condition required by the competition model to be used.

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Dissolved microcystins (MCs) are regularly present in water dominated by microcystin-producing, bloom-forming cyanobacteria. In vitro experiments with environmentally feasible concentrations (5 ? 10?7 M) of the three most common microcystins, MC-LR, MC-RR, and MC-YR, revealed that they influence the metabolism of different representative phytoplanktons. At light intensities that are close to the cyanobacterial bloom environment (50??mol m?2 s?1), they produce morphological and physiological changes in both microcystin-producing and -nonproducing Microcystis aeruginosa strains and also have similar effects on the green alga Scenedesmus quadricauda that is frequently present in cyanobacterial blooms. All three microcystin variants tested induce cell aggregation, increase in cell volume, and ...

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We investigate how, and to what extent, morphological complexity of the language influences text classification using support vector machines (SVM). The Croatian-English parallel corpus provides the basis for direct comparison of two languages of radically different morphological complexity. We quantified, compared, and statistically tested the effects of morphological normalisation on SVM classifier performance based on a series of parallel experiments on both languages, carried over a large scale of different feature subset sizes obtained by different feature selection methods, and applying different levels of morphological normalisation. We also quantified the trade-off between feature space size and performance for different levels of morphological normalisation, and compared the resul...

Science.gov (United States)

Phytoremediation has been identified as a potentially environmentally friendly and cost effective technique for the treatment of contaminated soil. However, phytoremediation has an unknown mechanism. In this study, we focus on the effects of the cultivation of Italian ryegrass on the soil microbes collected at oil showings, which were expected to have a variety of crude oil degradable microorganisms. We evaluated the number of crude oil degradable microorganism, microbial activity, microflora using the PCR-DGGE method and the change in the concentration of crude oil in the soil. The results indicated that the microflora was affected by the cultivation of Itarian ryegrass, and that the microbial activity and the number of crude oil degradable microorganisms were also improved by the cultivation. Moreover, the concentration of crude oil in the rhizosphere soil decreased significantly when compared to the uncultivated soil. These results suggested that cultivation could regulate ...

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BACKGROUND: High levels of g-aminobutyric acid (GABA) accumulate in plant tissues under various stresses. GABA accumulation is also influenced by cultivar. This aim of this study was to select the most promising cultivar of fava bean for GABA accumulation and to optimise the culture conditions for GABA production in germinated fava beans by response surface methodology based on central composite design (CCD). RESULTS: GABA content and glutamate decarboxylase activity in germinated seeds of cultivar S2 were significantly higher than those in other cultivars (P < 0.05). A significant negative correlation (r = -0.765, P < 0.05) between germination percentage and 1000-kernel weight was observed. There was a linear relationship between GABA content and sprout length (R2 = 0.816). The regression...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Native plant individuals often persist within communities dominated by exotics but the influence of this exposure on native populations is poorly understood. Selection for traits contributing to competitive ability may lead to native plant populations that are more tolerant of the presence of exotic invaders. In this way, long-term coexistence with an exotic may confer competitive advantages to remnant (experienced) native populations and be potentially beneficial to restoration. In past studies we have documented genetic differentiation within native grass populations exposed to the exotic invader Russian knapweed (Acroptilon repens). Here, we examine populations of a cool-season grass, needle-and-thread (Hesperostipa comata [Trin. & Rupr.]) and a warm season, alkali sacaton (Sporobolus a...

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Main results are summarised for a project carried out with the aim of increasing the knowledge of relations between handling characeristics and properties such as moisture content, particle size and shape etc. Handling characteristics that were studied: angle of repose, friction between fuel and different surfaces, the fuel`s tendency to bridge across openings, and its freezing characteristics. Some forty solid biomass fuels were studied, mainly wood fuels, with particle sized from 1 to 200 mm. New methods were developed for measurement of bridging across openings and freezing characeristics. The angle of repose varied between 25 and 55 deg. The particle shape had a significant influence, a high ratio of length/thickness gave a high angle of repose. When the fuel moisture content was increased the angle of repose first increased, then decreased, and finally increased again. The particle size had no influence. The friction depended more on the ...

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LEDF (Large Equipment Dismantling Facility) will be constructed for the purpose of decontaminating the high level {alpha} solid waste generated in oarai engineering center of JNC. And, main processing process of LEDF is incineration and melting system. LEDF will be intended to reduce the secondary waste that occurs along with the operation of the off gas processing equipment of incineration and melting system. It assumed that we are able to eliminate the adsorption tower using silica gel, if the decontamination factor to volatile ruthenium is able to expect in the packed scrubber that is established to remove harmful gas. Thereupon, we carried out this tests that eliminates the adsorption tower and reduces the secondary waste. The decontamination factor (DF) to the volatile ruthenium by the water scrubber is confirmed in the established institution which is in Tokai Works. However, decontamination factor differs and depends ...

Science.gov (United States)

Background: Protein disulfide isomerase (PDI) controls platelet integrin function, tissue-factor (TF) activation, and concentrates at fibrin and thrombus formation sites of vascular injury. Objective: We investigated involvement of surface thiol isomerases and especially PDI, in thrombin-mediated thrombin amplification on human platelets. Methods/Results: Using a new developed thrombin-dependent platelet thrombin generation assay we observed that the feedback activation of thrombin generation on the platelet surface does not depend on TF, as anti-TF antibodies inhibiting TF-induced thrombin formation in platelet-depleted plasma had no effect compared to vehicle-treated controls. Feedback activation of thrombin generation in the presence of platelets was significantly diminished by membrane impermeant thiol blockers or by the thiol isomerase-inhibitors bacitracin and anti-PDI antibody RL90, respectively. Platelet thrombin formation depends on binding of coagulation ...

Science.gov (United States)

The steroidogenic factor 1 (SF-1, also known as NR5A1) is a transcription factor belonging to the nuclear receptor superfamily. Whereas most of the members of this family have been extensively characterized, the therapeutic potential and pharmacology of SF-1 still remains elusive. Described here is the identification and characterization of selective inhibitory chemical probes of SF-1 by a rational ultra-high-throughput screening (uHTS) strategy. A set of 64,908 compounds from the National Institute of Health's Molecular Libraries Small Molecule Repository was screened in a transactivation cell-based assay employing a chimeric SF-1 construct. Two analogous isoquinolinones, ethyl 2-[2-[2-(2,3-dihydro-1,4-benzodioxin-7-ylamino)-2-oxoethyl]-1-oxoisoquinolin-5-yl]oxypropanoate (SID7969543) and ethyl 2-[2-[2-(1,3-benzodioxol-5-ylmethylamino)-2-oxoethyl]-1-oxoisoquinolin-5-yl]oxypropanoate and (SID7970631), were identified as ...

Science.gov (United States)

... Title : THE INFLUENCE OF GRAIN BOUNDARY CARBIDE DENSITY ON THE BRITTLE FRACTURE OF FERRITE PEARLITE STEELS. ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Effects of ethanol in vitro on membrane vesicles were evaluated by monitoring "3"6Cl"- influx. Different assay parameters were tested to determine increased or decreased action of ethanol on GABA-activated chloride channels. The ability of 30 mM ethanol to augment "3"6Cl"- flux was seen at 0 degree C, in the absence of GABA, and at 34 degree C in the presence of GABA, using two different assay procedures. Picrotoxin blocked the direct effects of ethanol suggesting GABA_a involvement. Endogenous GABA in the medium surrounding the microsacs was assayed at different temperatures both in the presence and absence of GABA and ethanol. The direct effect of ethanol did not appear to involve the action of endogenous GABA. In addition to temperature effects on the assay, time of membrane storage also influenced ethanol action. Microsacs stored on ice for 2 hours or more lost their ability to respond to ethanol but not to GABA, pentobarbital or flunitrazepam. When these drugs ...

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An experimental rig was set up to study the performance of a thermal storage unit using stearic acid as the heat storage medium. The unit mainly consists of an electrical heating rod and an outer tube, and the space between is an annulus that is filled with stearic acid. The thermal performance of the unit is measured, and the heat transfer characteristics of the melting processes of stearic acid are studied under different heat flux conditions to determine the influence of heat flux on the melting processes. A new type of fin is designed and fixed to the electrical heating rod to enhance the thermal response of the stearic acid. The experimental results show that the fin can improve the heat transfer of the melting process of the thermal storage unit greatly. The equivalent thermal conductivity of the PCM can be augmented by a factor up to 3. The analysis of the experimental results shows that the enhancement mechanism of the fin is attributed ...

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This report aims to address the potential for solid polymer fuel cell (SPFC) systems to be successfully exploited in the combined heat and power (CHP) market. A number of market studies have been undertaken to look at the size and future potential for this CHP market as well as such issues as market forces and geographical locations. This study focuses on a different aspect, that of the technical and commercial requirement together with the development needs. In order to understand how an SPFC system will have to perform, it is first necessary to examine the criteria used to judge the commercial merits of a particular CHP scheme. Issues that must be addressed include: the investment criteria - time to pay back the investment or rate of return on the investment; the influence of external factors such as electricity cost tariffs, fuel price and regulatory requirements; the cost and performance of existing technology; and the ...

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A general method for stable-isotope labeling of large proteins is introduced and applied for studies of the E. coli GroE chaperone proteins by solution NMR. In addition to enabling the residue-specific {sup 15}N-labeling of proteins on a highly deuterated background, it is also an efficient approach for uniform labeling. The method meets the requirements of high-level deuteration, minimal cross-labeling and high protein yield, which are crucial for NMR studies of structures with sizes above 150 kDa. The results obtained with the new protocol are compared to other strategies for protein labeling, and evaluated with regard to the influence of external factors on the resulting isotope labeling patterns. Applications with the GroE system show that these strategies are efficient tools for studies of structure, dynamics and intermolecular interactions in large supramolecular complexes, when combined with TROSY- and CRINEPT-based experimental NMR ...

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Shale oil as a fuel source would need to compete with crude oil. The prospects for shale oil therefore depend upon the market outlook and likely prices for crude oil and its products. These are examined for both the world and Australia. For Australia, market prospects for shale oil are assessed in terms of maintaining a degree of self-sufficiency in petroleum fuels. Shale oil might also need to compete with other synthetic liquid fuels. The prospects for producing these in Australia are discussed. Some factors which might influence the pattern of development of a synthetic fuels industry in Australia are described and a role suggested for the federal government to ensure optimum development for national economic growth. 6 refs., 1 fig.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The Steam Generator (SG) tubing degradation caused by corrosion and other age-related mechanisms continues to be a significant safety and cost concern for many Nuclear Power Plants (NPP). The understanding of the steam generator ageing mechanisms is the key to effective management of steam generator ageing and consists of the knowledge of steam generator materials and these one properties, stressors and operating conditions, like degradation sites and wear mechanisms. The principal types of corrosion are presented which can occur in CANDU steam generator. There are also presented the operation conditions, the specifications referring to the water chemistry and the construction materials of Steam Generator, the factors that have a great influence on the corrosion behaviour during the whole exploitation period of this equipment. (R.P.)

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Discusses scaling of closed systems for cooling coal gas from black coal coking. Scaling rate and factors that influence scaling are analyzed. Physical and chemical properties of scale buildup on the inner walls of pipe cooling systems are evaluated. Water pH value and its effects on scaling and solubility of chemical compounds that form scale are discussed. Use of ammonium sulfate for scale control is analyzed. Consumption rate of ammonium sulfate depends on ambient temperature, water pH value and chloride content in return water. Formulae for calculating optimum content of ammonium sulfates for scale control are derived. 3 refs.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Based on the X-ray crystallographic data of Tc-complexes for brain imaging agents, geometry optimizations in vacuo of TcO-BAT, TcO-MAMA, TcO-L, L-ECD, TcN-BAT and TcN-L, L-ECD complexes are performed with Hartree-Fock method and LANL 2 DZ basis set of G98W program. Then solvation free energy for each Tc-complex mentioned above in water is calculated by polarizable continuum method (PCM) including models of CPCM and IEFPCM. The results show that solvation free energy of Tc-complex is not only an indicator of lipophilicity but also one of the important factors that influence the brain uptake

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Bisaminoethanethiol (BAT) ligands with various gem-dimethyl and amide groups were prepared, and the corresponding neutral Tc-99m complexes were prepared and evaluated for their relative stabilities by ligand-exchange reactions. It was demonstrated that technetium complexes containing gem-dimethyl substituents have higher lipophilicities, whereas those with an amide group possess greater stability, which enhances ligand-exchange reaction. The most interesting observation was that the brain uptake in rats is not determined only by lipophilicity. Apparently, Tc-99m complexes with an amide functional group display lower brain uptakes in rats compared to those without an amide group. The brain uptake was strongly influenced by substituents on the BAT ligand. These factors are critically important and should be taken into consideration when designing Tc-99m-labeled agents for CNS receptor imaging.

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Improved radionuclide generator include a substantially insoluble salt of a radioactive parent which may be directly packed in column for subsequent elution of the daughter radionuclide. An improved 188Re generator was prepared by reacting a radioactive tungsten (188W) as parent radionuclide incorporated with aluminum chloride to obtain an insoluble radioactive aluminum tungstate matrix. The investigated matrix was characterized on the basis of the chemical composition, IR, thermal analysis and mechanical stabilities. The factors affecting the elution performance were studied such as influence of pH, molar ratio and drying temperature. From the obtained data, the molar ratio W:Al was 1.5:1 at pH?=?4, the matrix dried at 105??C for 2 h. Chromatographic and multichannel analysis has been cur...

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Thermoluminescence of inorganic dust extract from herbs and spices has been demonstrated to be a useful method to discriminate irradiated food products as well as to estimate the total dose exposure. The time evolution of infrared stimulated luminescence has been systematically investigated in potassium feldspar and albite minerals subjected to different doses of gamma irradiation (ranging from 0 to 8 kGy). Experimental results reveal a 300-600 nm signal which is greatly intensified for irradiated samples, following the same irradiation dose dependence observed in thermoluminescence. The luminescence intensity disappears after few seconds of illumination, following a time evolution which is proportional to (1 + Bt){sup -P}. The influence of both B and P factors upon the irradiation dose has been systematically analysed. (author)

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Ozone is the most important regional-scale air pollutant causing risks for vegetation and human health in many parts of the world. Ozone impacts on yield and quality of crops and pastures depend on precursor emissions, atmospheric transport and leaf uptake and on the plant?s biochemical defence capacity, all of which are influenced by changing climatic conditions, increasing atmospheric CO2 and altered emission patterns. In this article, recent findings about ozone effects under current conditions and trends in regional ozone levels and in climatic factors affecting the plant?s sensitivity to ozone are reviewed in order to assess implications of these developments for future regional ozone risks. Based on pessimistic IPCC emission scenarios for many cropland regions elevated mean ozone lev...

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The factors influencing premixed burning and the importance of premixed burning on the exhaust emissions from a small high-speed direct-injection diesel engine were investigated. The characteristics of premixed and diffusion burning were examined using a single-zone heat-release analysis. The mass of fuel burned in premixed combustion was found to be linearly related to the product of engine speed and ignition-delay time and to be essentially independent of the total amount of fuel injected. Accordingly, the premixed-burned fraction increased with increasing engine speed, with decreasing fuel-air ratio and with retarding injection timing. The hydrocarbon emissions did not correlate well with the premixed-burned fraction. In contrast, the oxides of nitrogen emissions were found to increase with decreasing premixed-burned fraction, indicating that diffusion burning, and not premixed burning, is the primary source of oxides of nitrogen emissions.

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MRI diagnosis for malignant tumors are made possible by direct comparison to the results obtained by the brain and it seems possible to differentiate malignant tumors from other benign lesions. Cystic lesions, and mycotic sinusitis sometimes resemble malignant tumors in MR Image. In the present report, we investigated the relationships between the biochemical contents of cystic lesions and NMR-parameters to clarify why some inflammatory lesions appeared similar to malignant tumors in MRI. The variation of relaxation time depends upon the amount of protein in the cystic contents and the amount of glucose affects the relaxation time. We conclude that NMR-parameters are useful for the differential diagnosis of malignant tumors, cystic lesions and mycositic sinusitis by using the multiple variation analysis.

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Fibroblast growth factor (FGF) signaling has been shown to regulate lung epithelial development but its influence on mesenchymal differentiation has been poorly investigated. To study the role of mesenchymal FGF signaling in the differentiation of the mesenchyme and its impact on epithelial morphogenesis, we took advantage of Fgfr2c+/? mice, which due to a splicing switch express Fgfr2b in mesenchymal tissues and manifest Apert syndrome-like phenotypes. Using a set of in vivo and in vitro studies, we show that an autocrine FGF10?FGFR2b signaling loop is established in the mutant lung mesenchyme, which has several consequences. It prevents the entry of the smooth muscle progenitors into the smooth muscle cell (SMC) lineage and results in reduced fibronectin and elastin deposition. Levels of...

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The influence of common welding defects such as internal under-cut, incomplete penetration of the root bead, internal concavity and hollow bead have been evaluated in a sour environment. Tests were performed on samples cut from actual pipeline welds. The individual defects were subjected to slow strain rate testing. The samples were then examined by metallography, scanning electron microscopy, and hardness testing. It was established that a threshold stress intensity exists for sulphide stress cracking. The test results were compared to those obtained from samples of the weld and pipe which did not contain any defects. This comparison indicated that the metallurgical variations associated with the presence of a weld are the main factor for sulphide stress cracking rather than any specific defects or geometry. 5 tabs., 9 figs.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Herein we present an impact of diagnosis by enhanced multidetector-row computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging for extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ECC). Although the diagnosis against the longitudinal stromal extension and surrounding tissue invasion of ECC by multi detector row CT (MDCT) and MRI was very strict, we could not detect any superficial mucosal spread (SMS). Furthermore, the diagnosis of lymphnode metastasis by MDCT/MRI was miserable. We believe that misdiagnosis of SMS is permissible since positive mucosal but not stromal surgical margin was not a significant factor influencing the postoperative prognosis. However, further advances in imaging diagnosis for ECC is needed. (author)

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The population of the hyporheic interstice and moss cushions by meso- and macroinvertebrates as found at the three measuring points along the Alte Riefensbeek and the Grosse Soese, respectively, in the period from March 1987 to May 1988 is studied and evaluated together with chemical measurements performed between 1987 and 1990. The six measuring points are positioned along an acidification gradient ranging from non-acid to severely acidified. Chemical and biological paramerters are studied with regard to their suitability as indicators of acidification. A model is presented which decribes the influence of abiotic anthropogenic and natural factors on invertebrate species diversity and populations and which can serve as a basis for the calculation of critical deposition burdens. (orig.).

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

The expression of motor activity levels in response to novel situations is under complex genetic and environmental control. Several genetic loci have been implicated in the regulation of this behavioral phenotype, but their relationship to epigenetic and epistatic interactions is relatively unknown. Here, we report on a quantitative trait locus (QTL) on mouse chromosome 1 for novelty-induced motor activity in the open field, using chromosome substitution strains derived from a high active host strain (C57BL/6J) and a low active donor strain (A/J). The QTL for open field (horizontal distance moved) peaked at the location of Kcnj9, however, QTL detection was initially masked by an interplay of both grandparent genetic origin and genetic co-factors influencing behavior on chromosome 1. Our fi...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

The environmental impact caused by local people (ecological footprint of consumption, EFc) and the actual environmental impact that the ecosystem burdens (ecological footprint of production, EFp) in West Jilin Province, Northeast China from 1986 to 2006 were evaluated by using ecological footprint (EF) method. And the major driving forces of EFc and EFp were analyzed by STIRPAT model. Both EFc and EFp showed increasing trends in 1986?2006, accompanied by decreasing ecological deficits but expanding ecological overshoots. Population (P), GDP per capita (A 1), quadratic term of GDP per capita (A 2), urbanization (T a1), and quadratic term of urbanization (T a2) were important influencing factors of EFc, among which T a2 and T a1 were the most dominate driving forces of EFc. A 1, A 2 and T a2...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

ABSTRACT This research examined whether the Internet improves life satisfaction. The study surveyed 195 college students, and a structural model was built to explain effects of the Internet on school life satisfaction using a confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). In line with social cognitive theory and literature on social effects of the Internet, current data supported the hypotheses that Internet use, perceived online social support, and online social self-efficacy had direct positive impacts on school life satisfaction. Offline extroversion, online extroversion, online social self-efficacy, and online social outcome expectations influenced school life satisfaction indirectly: offline extroversion acted through social online self-efficacy and online extroversion; online social self-effica...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Nuclear generation operators are facing a challenging business environment at the beginning of the new millennium. Evolving changes in business context, competitive commercial pressures, and changes in technology have dictated recurring evaluation of operational practices and the adequacy of supporting tools, and the pursuit of opportunities for operational improvement. A key area of utility operations that has been impacted by these changes is the nuclear plant control centre. Changes to workspace layout, equipment provisions, staffing, and work organization are examples of some of the adjustments being introduced to improve operational and safety effectiveness. This paper discusses some of the key factors influencing these changes and identifies additional design principles for CANDU control centres that will enable new control centre designs and retrofits of existing control centres to remain relevant and responsive to utility needs. ...

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An overview of climatic factors and impact relative to river ice engineering and science is presented. An explanation of the fundamentals of climatic change is followed by a review of direct and indirect climatic influences that govern river ice breakup and related trends. Known responses of river ice to climatic change and potential future changes to ice breakup processes are described along with the probable ecological and socio-economic consequences of these changes. Changes in engineering approaches to accommodate the present ice regime and predicted changes in climatic variables that affect river ice processes and reduce the vulnerability of infrastructure and ecosystems to climatic change are examined. Future research on the links between river ice and stream ecology is suggested to identify ecological concerns that may result from changes in river ice regimes induced by climatic change. 60 refs., 3 figs.

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The treatment of Be-contaminated wastewater has been paid little attention, although beryllium (Be) and its compounds are of high toxicity. In this research, aerobic granule was for the first time introduced to remove Be from aqueous solution. Influencing factors including reaction time, initial Be concentration, pH, biosorbent dosage, and coexistent metal ions (Cd, Cu, and Fe) were investigated in batch experiments. The aerobic granule, characterized by element analysis and CLSM, was abundant in carboxyl, phosphoryl, amine and hydroxyl groups. Potentiometric titration experiment demonstrated that the pH effect on biosorption depended on the surface charge of granule (pHzpc=2.4) and the species of Be (Be^2^+, Be(OH)^+, and Be(OH)2) in solution. The coexistent metal ions would either inhibi...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Calcaneus quantitative ultrasound (QUS) assessment is a safe and reliable method for evaluating skeletal status. Until now, considerable data have been accumulated on the distribution of QUS in Caucasian populations, whereas such data are still insufficient in Asian populations, especially in Chinese mainland. The present study aimed to obtain the distribution characteristic of calcaneus QUS in healthy Chinese women, and to further investigate the distribution of low bone mass by QUS stiffness index (SI). This study included 2,498 healthy Chinese females aged 10-87 yr. The QUS exhibited a characteristic mild rise and then fall pattern with increasing age. Age, body height, and weight were significant influencing factors on SI, especially age and weight. The prevalence of osteoporosis detec...

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As part of Pilot Project of KIP of CAS, a feasibility study of hydrogen production system using biomass residues is conducted. This study is based on a process of oxygen-rich air gasification of biomass in a downdraft gasifier plus CO-shift. The capacity of this system is 6.4 t biomass/d. Applying this system, it is expected that an annual production of 480 billion N m{sup 3} H{sub 2} will be generated for domestic supply in China. The capital cost of the plant used in this study is 1328/(N m{sup 3}/h) H{sub 2} out, and product supply cost is 0.15/N m{sup 3} H{sub 2}. The cost sensitivity analysis on this system tells that electricity and catalyst cost are the two most important factors to influence hydrogen production cost. (author)

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

local peanut cultivars Giza 4 and Giza 5 were exposed to different doses ( 50,100,150,200,250 and 300 Gy)to Co "6"0 gamma ray source . all irradiated materials were cultivated to give the M_1 and M_2 generation , then high yielding mutants were selected from the M_2 generation and cultivated separately to give the M_3 generation. some yield component traits were measured for the three generations (M_1,M_2 and M_3) and M_3 families.variations observed in these traits were attributed to genetic factors. the M_3 selected mutants were artificially infected by aspergillus flavus L spores (aflatoxins-B1 and B2 groups-producer strain). aflatoxin concentrations were estimated and the analysis showed that aflatoxin concentrations in seeds of the M_3 selected mutants from cultivar Giza 4 were higher than those in seeds of the M3 mutants selected from cultivar Giza 5. however, the ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The trend towards more effective use of fossil fuels and reduced environmental pollution represents a major task of improvement within the refinery processes. The highly isomerized and high octane paraffins produced from isobutane and light olefins by alkylation fulfill all the requirements for reformulated gasoline. This doctoral thesis discusses new catalyst systems because of their potential in alkylation. A slurry reactor apparatus for solid-acid catalysed isobutane/butene alkylation was developed and used to investigate the performance of various heterogeneous catalysts. The selected materials were mainly zeolite types with faujasite structures. The samples were characterized by various methods before alkylation. In general, the order of decreasing catalyst activity after 3 h of reaction at 80{sup o}C was found to be: H-EMT >> H-FAU, dealuminated H-FAU >> NS.500, TA-Y, CeY-98 > Nafion-H. The order of decreasing alkylate ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Selective alveolo-bronchography (SAB) has been routinely used to evaluate anatomical changes in the bronchiole and its distal air spaces. A narrowing of the bronchiole and abnormal pooling of contrast medium in the destroyed air space are the prime findings. Since the object of radiography is extremely thin, direct magnification radiography is mandatory to obtain radiologic details. However, the problem with this technique is that radiographic quality varies depending upon the size of the patient and the concentration of contrast medium to be introduced in the lung. This study had two goals. One was to improve the image quality of SAB by Fuji Computed Radiography (FCR). FCR provides radiographs with a good contrast and stable density throughout a wide range of exposure factors which occur in the use of SAB. The other goal was to separately evaluate morphological abnormalities in the outer and inner zones of the lung using X-ray CT. This idea ...

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Biomimetic vesicle media which can selectivity extract and concentrate heavy metals (e.g., Pb{sup 2+}) from dilute solutions of 5 ppm and less have been prepared. At a concentration of only 1% 2/v, these non-covalently assembled, unilamellar, surfactant vesicles provide approximately 1,000m{sup 2} of exposed membrane surface area per liter of suspension which gives rise to very rapid rates of metal ion extraction. To facilitate the selective transport of heavy metal ions through the ion impermeable vesicle wall, the vesicles are doped with lipophilic ionophores, both natural and synthetic. In addition, the metal chelating agent, nitrolotriacetate, is encapsulated in the aqueous vesicle core to provide the driving force for metal ion uptake and concentration. Concentration factors in excess of 1000 fold have been observed. Metal-sorbing surfactant vesicles measuring approximately 100 nm in diameter are stable and have been ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Assessments of the hardening and embrittlement of pressure vessel steels and welds as a function of neutron dose use trend curves derived from surveillance programs and accelerated irradiation data. A temperature dependent factor is incorporated for assessing vessel locations operating at different temperatures. As hardening and embrittlement arise from the sum of matrix damage and copper impurity precipitation, the influence of irradiation temperature on each process needs to be established. For irradiations performed below #approx# 300 C recent data shows that the dose-dependent growth of copper precipitates ceases at a mean diameter of about 2 nm that also corresponds to peak hardening and embrittlement by copper. For doses beyond this peak copper dose the property-dependence on irradiation temperature can be identified with that of matrix damage alone. An analysis of several experiments on plate steels, performed at differing irradiation ...

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Flue gas desulfurizing capacities of active carbon fibers (ACF) made from polyacrylonitrile (PAN-ACF) were studied, the features were clarified and at the same time the factors governing the capacities were studied to get guides for better products. Desulfurization capacities of 17 kinds of ACFs were studied. Two kinds of PAN-ACF, FE-200 and FE-300, especially the latter exhibited the higher desulfurization capacity. The capacity of FE-300 was about 20 times higher than those of fibers other than PAN systems and about 4 times higher than that of active coke for desulfurization. From the influence of reacting conditions on the desulfurizating capacity and the desorption profiles of adsorbed SO {sub 2}, it was concluded that the capacity was determined by the effective adsorption capacity of ACF and SO {sub 2} was retained on ACF as sulfuric acid. It was suggested that main factors governing the adsorption capacity were the ...

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Salamanders regenerate their appendages after amputation and nerves are required for this process. Experiments were designed to test the idea that one way nerves could affect blastema cell proliferation is by influencing the metabolism of extracellular matrix (ECM) components and to identify neurotrophic factors which promote blastema cell mitosis. Temporal and spatial differences of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) synthesis is innervated and denervated limbs were examined. Hyaluronic acid (HA) was found to be the major GAG produced during the proliferative period and chondroitin sulfate during differentiation. Denervation reduced synthesis of both these components by half. Dorsal root ganglia and fibroblast growth factor (FGF), a brain-derived mitogen, similarly doubled GAG synthesis in cultured blastemas, the FGF-effect being primarily on HA production. Histochemical and autoradiographical results confirmed the biochemical ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The ruthenium decontamination factor in Purex process falls quickly with recycles of TBP. So it is necessary to change the chemical states of RuNO complexes in order to improve DF_R_u in the uranium purification cycle. The retention of RuNO complexes in TBP-kerosenelaurohydroxamic acid is observed to be quite large in our previous work. Therefore, water-soluble short chain hydroxamic acid is used as complexing agent to decrease the distribution coefficient of Ru. Hydroxamic acid can transform RuNO complexes into in-extractable species by TBP-kerosene in certain conditions. The result of cascade experiment indicates that the ruthenium decontamination can be increased by a factor of 40-50. Acidity has more influence on the effect of pretreatment. The higher acidity is, the worse the effect will be. The pretreatment is first carried out in low acidic solution, then extractive acidity is increased. In this way, the distribution ...

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With regard to long-term high-temperature strength, molybdenum is an effective alloying element but rather expensive as well. The author describes its influence on high-temperature strength properties of CrMoV alloyed steel. Besides molybdenum, also vanadium and carbon have an increasing effect on limiting rupture stress which furthermore may be effected by heat treatment, the cooling rate being a dominating factor in this process. To guarantee optimum long-term high-temperature strength properties, a minimum of a least 0.5% Mo and 0.35% V is required. The cooling rate after austentizing must be high enough to enable transformation in the bainitic structure to take place. A two-to-three-hour tempering treatment at about 720/sup 0/C is regarded as an optimum.

Science.gov (United States)

OBJECTIVE To identify patients with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) who will need antenatal insulin treatment (AIT) by using a risk-prediction tool based on maternal clinical and biochemical characteristics at diagnosis. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS Data from 3,009 women attending the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital GDM Clinic, Australia, between 1995 and 2010 were studied. A risk engine was developed from significant factors identified for AIT using a logistic regression model. RESULTS A total of 51% of GDM patients required AIT. Ethnicity, gestation at diagnosis, HbA(1c), fasting and 60-min glucose oral glucose tolerance test, BMI, and diabetes family history were significant independent determinants of AIT. Notably, only 9% of the attributable risk for AIT can be explained by the clinical factors studied. A modeled risk-scoring system was therefore a poor predictor of AIT. CONCLUSIONS Baseline maternal characteristics including HbA(1c) alone ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Increase in power utility loads in industrialized countries, as well as developing countries, demands a higher level of transmission line voltage. Radio interference (RI) problems have been determined to be a limiting factor in selecting the size of transmission line conductors. Transmission line noise is primarily caused by corona discharges in the immediate vicinity of the conductor. It has been observed that discharges occur during both half-cycles of the applied voltage, but positive corona is usually predominant at AM radio frequencies range with practical high-voltage and extra high-voltage transmission lines. The corona radio noise effect is highly dependent upon the presence of particles on the surface of the conductor and the increase of the electrical gradient beyond the breakdown value of the air. Therefore, corona radio noise varies significantly with the weather and atmospheric conditions and generally increases by 10 to 30 dB in ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Increase in power utility loads in industrialized countries, as well as developing countries, demands a higher level of transmission line voltage. Radio interference (RI) problems have been determined to be a limiting factor in selecting the size of transmission line conductors. Transmission line noise is primarily caused by corona discharges in the immediate vicinity of the conductor. It has been observed that discharges occur during both half-cycles of the applied voltage, but positive corona is usually predominant at AM radio frequencies range with practical high-voltage and extra high-voltage transmission lines. The corona radio noise effect is highly dependent upon the presence of particles on the surface of the conductor and the increase of the electrical gradient beyond the breakdown value of the air. Therefore, corona radio noise varies significantly with the weather and atmospheric conditions and generally increases by 10 to 30 dB in ...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

A novel composite charged mosaic membrane (CCMM) was prepared via interfacial polymerization (IP) of polyamine [poly(epichlorohydrin amine)] and trimesoyl chloride (TMC) on the polyethersulfone (PES) support. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM) and water contact angle analysis were applied to characterize the resulted CCMM. The FT-IR spectrum indicates that TMC reacts sufficiently with polyamine. ESEM and AFM pictures show that the IP process produces a dense selective layer on the support membrane. The water contact angle of the CCMM is smaller than that of the substrate membrane because of the cross-linked hydrophilic polyamine network. Several factors affecting the IP reaction and the performan...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Using electrochemical techniques of pH-metry and conductimetry, the choice of a suitable complexing reagent was made amongst ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, dextrose and mannitol for cost-effective separation of isotopes of boron by ion exchange chromatography. Quantitative relationships between pH and concentration; pK_a and concentration of each of these complexing reagents were determined by least square polynomial curve fitting and an attempt was made to determine the formation constants of mannitol-borate complex. The results of experiments carried out for selection; regeneration of a resin; separation factor determinations using batch as well as column techniques and monitoring of band movements using these electrochemical techniques are discussed. (author).

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Statistically based experimental designs were applied to screen and optimize the bioleaching of spent hydrocracking catalyst by Penicillium simplicissimum. Eleven factors were examined for their significance on bioleaching using a Plackett-Burman factorial design. Four significant variables (pulp density, sucrose, NaNO"3, and yeast extract concentrations) were selected for the optimization studies. The combined effect of these variables on metal bioleaching was studied using a central composite design (CCD). Second-order polynomials were established to identify the relationship between the recovery percent of the metals and the four significant variables. The optimal values of the variables for maximum metals bioleaching were as follows: pulp density (4.0%, w/v), sucrose (90g/L), NaNO"3 (2...

Science.gov (United States)

This report is part of a four-volume study of Darrieus vertical axis wind turbine (VAWT) economics. This volume describes a computer model of VAWT cost and performance factors useful for system design and optimization. The content and limitations of the model are outlined. Output data are presented to demonstrate selection of optima and to indicate sensitivity of energy cost to design parameter variations. Optimized specifications generated by this model for six point designs are summarized. These designs subsequently receive a detailed economic analysis discussed in Volume IV. An appendix is included with a FORTRAN IV listing of the model and a description of the input/output characteristics.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Material degradation of pressure tubes, which are the most important components in CANDU fuel channel, can only be evaluated by removing and examining them(material surveillance). This study aimed at establishment of overall evaluation technology including the evaluation of the material degradation for the integrity of pressure tubes of Wolsung units. Material tests for pressure tubes were performed as follows; (1) Evaluation on life limiting factors of pressure tubes (2) Review on leak-before-break and integrity maintenance technology of pressure tubes (3) Survey on selection criteria for tubes to be inspected and on related regulations for material surveillance (4) Analysis of material surveillance test procedure (5) Basic examinations of Wolsung unit 1 pressure tube material(TEM, texture, chemical component etc) (6) Manufacture of test equipments and test (DHCV, hydriding, grip and tensile specimen etc). 23 figs, 6 tabs, 59 refs. (Author).

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In designing automatic water quality monitoring networks for a river basin, determination of measurement locations and items is critical to the effectiveness of the total system. In this paper we studied how to decide these two design factors when a monitoring network is designed for the purpose of water quality surveillance and emergency alarm. For measurement locations, candidate sites are chosen based on the intake amount for water supply and the point sources of contamination. Then, detailed locations are decided according to the contaminant flow distance. As for measurement items, characteristics and the accident history of water pollution in the basin must be taken into account. Considering economic aspects, we proposed a two-stage measurement plan: basic components for all locations and selective ones variable for different locations. Proposed methodology is demonstrated through a case study for Nak-dong River Basin. (author). 10 refs., ...

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New technologies are needed to reduce the current high rate of well abandonment. Improved sweep efficiency, reservoir conformance, and permeability modification can have a significant impact on oil recovery processes. Microorganisms can be used to selectively plug high-permeability zones to improve sweep efficiency and impart conformance control. Studies of a promising microbial system for polymer production were conducted to evaluate reservoir conditions in which this system would be effective. Factors which can affect microbial growth and polymer production include salinity, pH, temperature, divalent ions, presence of residual oil, and rock matrix. Flask tests and coreflooding experiments were conducted to optimize and evaluate the effectiveness of this system. Nuclear magnetic resonance imaging (NMRI) was used to visualize microbial polymer production in porous media. Changes in fluid distribution within the pore system of the core were ...

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Natural circulation experiments carried out in the REWET-III facility in 1985 have been used for RELAP5/MOD2 assessment. The REWET-III facility is a scaled-down model of VVER-440 type reactors. The facility consists of a pressure vessel in which the downcomer is simulated with an external pipe assembly, hot and cold legs with loop seals and a horizontal steam generator. The volume scaling factor compared to the reference reactor is 1:2333. The present paper summarizes the experiences gained in the RELAP5/MOD2 calculations of selected REWET-III single- and two-phase natural circulation experiments. The code`s ability to represent the main phenomena of experiments in both cases was satisfactory.

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Developing a test standard/protocol for solar box type cookers has drawn a considerable interest among the researchers throughout the world. Recent publications on solar cookers emphasize the need of introducing the thermal performance indicators determined through exergy analysis. In the present paper, the time variation of instantaneous exergy output and energy output as function of its temperature and also of the instantaneous ambient temperature have been reported for truncated pyramid type solar box cooker and compared with those of box type cooker. Further, variations in the exergy lost with temperature difference have been depicted for the selected water temperature range from 60 degreeC to 95 degreeC. Based on this study, quality factor, exergy temperature difference gap product, a...

Science.gov (United States)

As coal becomes more and more important as a power plant fuel in this time of energy shortage and the combustion of high-sulfur coals that would impair air quality, efforts have been made to devise efficient processes to control sulfur dioxide emission. Besides desulfurization before combustion, flue gas desulfurization is considered the most promising method that could also be applicable to all other fossil fuels. In this article, the flue gas desulfurization processes are briefly reviewed, and processes with highest use and with high potential for future use are compared from technical and economical points of view. In the selection of a desulfurization process, it is very important to consider the capacity of the plant, fuel type and fuel-to-sulfur ratio, availability and price of the reagent to be used, type, price, and market of side products, disposal problems of wastes, and environmental factors.

Science.gov (United States)

Context: The Balanced Budget Act (BBA) of 1997 allowed some rural hospitals meeting certain requirements to convert to Critical Access Hospitals (CAHs) and changed their Medicare reimbursement from prospective to cost-based. Some subsequent CAH-related laws reduced restrictions and increased payments, and the number of CAHs grew rapidly. Purpose: To examine factors related to hospitals' decisions to convert and time to CAH conversion. Methods: Eighty-nine rural hospitals in Iowa were characterized and observed from 1998 to 2005. Cox proportional hazards models were used to identify the determinants of time to CAH conversion. Findings: T-test and one-covariate Cox regression indicated that, in 1998, Iowa rural hospitals with more staffed beds, discharges, and acute inpatient days, higher operating margin, lower skilled swing bed days relative to acute days, and located in relatively high density counties were more likely to convert later or not convert before 2006. ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The performance of larger than bench scale ion exchange systems is evaluated by using solutions containing trace amounts of "1"3"7Cs, "8"5Kr, and "1"3"1I, and large amounts of either NaCl or Na_2HPO_4, H_3BO_3, and LiOH. The significant finding in this study is that the empirical rules of ionic selectivity of strong acid cation and strong base anion resins were followed by all ionic species, even though concentrations of some macrocomponents were nearly 10"6 times those of trace components. Other results of possible importance are the correlation between the instantaneous decontamination factor (DF) and the efficiency of column exchange capacity utilization, and the concept of time average decontamination factor (anti DF). The plot of anti DF vs. feed throughput will serve as a guide in determining when the feed should be discontinued in order to achieve a desired anti DF. Both of these correlations are derived from the ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The use of electricity is indispensable to modern life. As Macao Special Administrative Region becomes a gaming and tourism center in Asia, modeling the consumption of electricity is critical to Macao's economic development. The purposes of this paper are to conduct an extensive literature review on modeling of electricity consumption, and to identify key climatic, demographic, economic and/or industrial factors that may affect the electricity consumption of a country/city. It was identified that the five factors, namely temperature, population, the number of tourists, hotel room occupancy and days per month, could be used to characterize Macao's monthly electricity consumption. Three selected approaches including multiple regression, artificial neural network (ANN) and wavelet ANN were used to derive mathematical models of the electricity consumption. The accuracy of these models was assessed by using the ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)